Chapter Seventy-Three: City of Heaven’s Blessing

Li Xingyu stood by the roadside, watching Chen Jingrou and Qin Xiaotian walk toward Xiaoyao Peak, his mind entangled in thoughts about the grievances and entanglements between himself and the Xiaoyao Sect. Even he could not unravel the complicated relationship between them. After pondering for a while, he shook his head and resumed his journey toward the Imperial City—yet now, he no longer felt the same urgency as before.

Having mastered the method to use the teleportation array and found a way to learn the script of the cultivation world, he began to question whether there was any further need to pursue his trip to the Imperial City. Weighing the advantages and disadvantages, he decided to meet that old man after all. From his previous observations, the man’s cultivation had clearly reached the late stage of Spirit Condensation, and Li Xingyu was curious as to how he had obtained his cultivation techniques, or how he managed to reach such a high realm in a place so devoid of spiritual energy. Li Xingyu himself had only achieved his current level after acquiring a jade ginseng likely over five hundred years old, compounded by the mysterious changes brought on by the demon essence entering his body. He simply could not believe anyone else had undergone such extraordinary experiences.

More importantly, Li Xingyu knew little about Nastar Star’s position in the cultivation world and the situation of the cultivation world itself. This uncertainty made him reluctant to leave, even though he could now teleport away at will. The royal family, as the oldest and most powerful force with such formidable cultivators among them, likely preserved ancient tomes about the cultivation world. Having made up his mind—and with his greatest enemy, the formidable Elder Li of the Tianfeng Family, now dead—he felt the crisis was over. Even if the Tianfeng Family still harbored ill intentions toward him, it would not be so easy for them. Though they were reputed as the foremost family beneath the royal house, Li Xingyu doubted they had another expert as fierce as Elder Li. No longer needing to take detours or conceal his identity, Li Xingyu headed straight for the Imperial City, though his heart was not as anxious as before.

After more than ten days, Li Xingyu arrived at the outskirts of a vast and magnificent city. Upon the tall, sturdy city walls stood many armored guards wielding swords. At the center of the southern wall, a massive city gate stood wide open, with a dozen city guards inspecting those wishing to enter. Above the gate, three grand characters were carved: “Heaven’s Gift City.” This was the Imperial City of the Heavenly Gift Empire.

Li Xingyu observed the city walls, the gate, and the guards, noting that although the guards wore ordinary soldiers’ attire, their cultivation was not weak—they would be considered second or third-tier experts in the martial world. This attested to the strength of the royal family and the Heavenly Gift Empire, one of Nastar Star’s four great empires. As Li Xingyu approached the city gate, the guards clearly grew more vigilant—not because of his aura (which he had suppressed, making him appear entirely ordinary), but because he had lingered at the gate for too long, scrutinizing the walls, gate, and guards, arousing their suspicion. As Li Xingyu drew closer, a man standing behind the guards, likely their captain, stepped forward and blocked his path, saying, “Sir, entry into the Imperial City requires an official travel permit or other identification. Do you possess such documentation?”

Li Xingyu admired the guards for their professionalism. Though imposing, their speech was never overbearing but rather dignified and courteous. He was unaware that the city was home to many powerful and influential people; the guards had to tread carefully, lest they offend someone they could not afford to cross. Since the captain treated him with respect, Li Xingyu had no intention of making things difficult. He produced the token of honor bestowed upon him as an Elder Guest of the Mu Family and handed it over. He chose not to show the emperor’s token; he wanted to stroll through Heaven’s Gift City first. If he revealed the emperor’s token, the emperor would know immediately, and he would lose the leisure to explore.

The captain examined Li Xingyu’s token and was visibly astonished. He knew that if the token was genuine, the young man before him was an Elder Guest of the Mu Family, one of the four great families. Yet, the man before him seemed much too young—could it be possible? He glanced at Li Xingyu, who stood there with a relaxed smile, and carefully scrutinized the token once more. As a captain of the Imperial City’s guards, he was well-versed in the tokens and insignia of the major families, especially those of the highest-ranking members. After a thorough inspection, he confirmed its authenticity and returned the token to Li Xingyu with both hands, saying respectfully, “Sir, your identification is in order. May I ask your surname?” Though the token was genuine, he remained cautious.

“I am Li. Since my identification is valid, may I enter?” Li Xingyu replied calmly.

The captain hesitated, then suddenly recalled the renowned figure known throughout the Heavenly Gift Empire in recent years. Looking at Li Xingyu, he realized the man’s appearance and age matched the rumors exactly. Understanding at last, he spoke with a hint of trepidation, “So you are Elder Li of the Mu Family. I have long heard of your illustrious reputation; it is a great honor to meet you today. Elder Li, you are welcome to enter. Please!” With that, he respectfully stepped aside.

Li Xingyu was surprised that his reputation had grown so widespread, even to the point that a gate captain recognized him. He smiled wryly and said no more, simply walking past the captain into the Imperial City. As he entered, he overheard the captain conversing with his subordinates. “Captain, who is that young man?” one asked. “He’s a famous figure. Remember the incident at Ten-Thousand Medicine Valley a few years ago? He was one of the main participants,” the captain replied. “Ah, so he’s…” The rest of the conversation faded away as Li Xingyu, realizing there was no further useful information, quickened his pace and entered the city.

Once inside, he could see that the Imperial City was indeed vast. The broad, straight streets stretched beyond sight, flanked by neat rows of various shops with people coming and going. Along the sidewalks, many strolled, browsing the shops or occasionally entering to make a purchase. The center of the street was slightly lower, reserved for horses and carriages, and everything ran in orderly fashion.

Having entered the city on foot, Li Xingyu blended seamlessly with the crowd along the sidewalks. Since he appeared entirely ordinary, he attracted no attention. He walked along the street, occasionally visiting shops and buying things that piqued his interest. Unknowingly, half a day passed, and it was already lunchtime. By then, Li Xingyu had traversed five streets and gained a general understanding of the city’s layout. He headed toward the largest restaurant in the area. Though he could go days without eating, he often enjoyed sampling local delicacies, and restaurants were the best places to gather news.

As Li Xingyu walked, contemplating whether to visit the palace after lunch, suddenly five galloping horses appeared ahead. Leading them was a young man, urging his steed forward and shouting at the crowd to clear the way. Four guards followed, also shouting. People and carriages hurried to the sides to avoid the charging horses, their faces showing anger they dared not express—an expression that made Li Xingyu frown slightly.

As the young man approached, a carriage failed to move aside quickly enough, startling his horse, which veered onto the sidewalk. The pedestrians scattered, but a small boy, petrified, stood frozen in the path of the charging horse. Seeing that the boy was about to be trampled, Li Xingyu intervened. In an instant, he appeared beside the boy and struck the neck of the rushing horse with his palm. With a loud thud, the horse was knocked aside and landed in the middle of the street, while the young rider was thrown, crashing into the shop across the way.

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