Lin Wujiu, the Jade-Faced Asura

Stepping through the city gate, Li Guanqi froze in his tracks. The massive dome and walls at the entrance were carved entirely from ten-thousand-year cold jade, inscribed with intricate patterns and obscure, profound runes. Walking past the gate, which spanned over a hundred feet, he saw four large characters etched into the wall. ‘Biluo Heavenly Gate!’ Li Guanqi took a deep breath, looked back toward the gate, and murmured softly, "Truly rolling in wealth..." If not for the overwhelming number of city guards on duty, he would have genuinely tried to gouge out a few pieces of cold jade. Stepping into Yuxu City, the bluestone beneath his feet was so clean not a speck of dust could be seen. Looking closer, he realized it was paved entirely with massive slabs of immortal crystals! Inside, these crystals were completely hollow, drained of every drop of spiritual qi. Even so, Li Guanqi could not help feeling deeply stunned. Towering ancient trees lined both sides of the street, their branches hung with an array of resplendent lanterns. The buildings on either side were magnificent and exquisitely decorated. As it was only afternoon, the streets were not overly crowded, though quite a few cultivators browsed the shops. With just a cursory scan of his senses, Li Guanqi detected several cultivators in the Mystic Immortal realm, while the rest were mostly in the Body Integration Realm and the Mahayana realm. Taking in his surroundings, Li Guanqi quietly pondered, *It seems not everyone in the Immortal Realm is a Mystic Immortal after all.* However... in his view, cultivation was likely even harsher for low-level cultivators here. The lion's share of resources was monopolized by higher immortals, leaving lesser cultivators with only meager scraps. Hunting demonic beasts had become far more perilous as well; within any mountain range lurked ranked great demons. The slightest misstep meant death and the end of one's cultivation path. As Li Guanqi wandered down the street, the usually tranquil gates of Yuxu City suddenly swung wide open! Rumble! The enormous commotion caused Li Guanqi to frown slightly and look back. A grand, imposing procession filed slowly through the entrance. At the head of the column were two cold-faced, middle-aged twin men. Clad in azure robes and gripping swords in hand, their gazes were as sharp as blades. Sensing their aura alone, Li Guanqi promptly stepped to the side. *Third layer of Mystic Immortal?* Six tall steeds whose hooves tread on flames came into view. Behind them, they pulled a luxurious golden carriage, guarded from the rear by two more middle-aged men. The horses whinnied, galloping toward the heart of Yuxu City. The curtain of the carriage fluttered slightly in the breeze, revealing a handsome, fair-skinned youth. His features were sharply defined, and his eyes were a pale blue, lending him an eerie, otherworldly air. He wore a crown of azure jade and rested his chin on his hand, looking out with an aloof expression. Five antique gilded rings adorned his fair hand. Yet as the carriage swept past Li Guanqi, the youth seemed to sense something. He turned and cast a downcast glance in Li Guanqi's direction before looking away, paying him no further heed. The party galloped past as cultivators along the street cleared a path. Li Guanqi clicked his tongue in wonder. "Tsk, what an entourage. Who is that?" While his thoughts drifted, several cultivators pointed and whispered, their hushed discussions drifting into his ears. "Hiss... Lin Wujiu, the Jade-Faced Asura! What brings him to Yuxu City?" "It really is him! I heard that not long ago, he killed a seventh-layer Mystic Immortal cultivator. Who knows if it's true, though." "Bah, of course it's true!" "Word has it that the one he killed was the Sixth Elder of the Heaven Breaking Sect. Lin Wujiu is only at the third layer of Mystic Immortal, yet his strength is terrifying!" "Anyone who can fight across realms like that is an unmatched prodigy." "Is something major about to happen recently?" "Who knows? I haven't heard anything..." Li Guanqi pursed his lips and muttered under his breath, "A third layer killing a seventh layer—now that is impressive!" Even now, dealing with a cultivator at the third layer of Mystic Immortal would be an uphill struggle for him. The gap in immortal primal energy reserves and other factors was simply too vast. If this Lin Wujiu truly possessed the strength to strike down an immortal four realms higher in head-on combat, his power was unfathomable. Still, Li Guanqi did not linger on the matter. Selecting a nearby tavern, he walked inside. A waiter clad in a navy-blue robe welcomed him with a warm smile and showed him into the establishment. Seated at an elegant table, Li Guanqi casually ordered several side dishes and some wine. Sitting beside the window, he gazed at the bustling crowds below, his fingers tapping rhythmically against the wooden table. *Tap, tap, tap.* Spreading his divine sense slightly, he listened in on the conversations of surrounding cultivators, filtering for useful information. Before long, the dishes and wine were served. These delicacies were far more exquisite than anything found in the taverns of the lower realms. Li Guanqi looked in mild surprise at a dish of meat carved into delicate flower petals. The slices were translucent pink, arranged artfully on the plate and shimmering with a faint spiritual light. He lifted a slice with his chopsticks and placed it into his mouth; fragrance lingered on his palate, and a subtle trickle of spiritual power nourished his body. Li Guanqi gave a wry smile. "Turns out that in this world, money really buys luxury..." He picked up the flagon and poured a cup, but the wine fell short of his expectations. Rather than anything remarkable, it tasted bland as water, like an insipid floral brew. Li Guanqi smacked his lips and muttered, "Tasteless." With a flick of his sleeve, he took out the Red Dust Brew he had brought along from the lower realm. Taking a swig of the potent liquor, it felt like a fiery dragon surging down into his belly. Li Guanqi exhaled deeply; the tight tension in his mind eased slightly from that single gulp of strong wine. However, the aroma of Red Dust Brew was exceptionally heady, instantly drawing several curious glances his way. But upon sensing his Mystic Immortal aura and taking in his plain black robes, no one dared stir up trouble. In the Immortal Realm, strength was the ultimate law. Right then, a white-robed youth walking down the stairs came to an abrupt halt. Closing his eyes, he twitched his nose lightly. He opened his eyes and directed his gaze straight at Li Guanqi. After a moment's hesitation, he made his way over. Along the way, several cultivators inside the tavern stood and bowed respectfully. "Greetings, Master Mobai." "Has Master Mobai also come for a drink today?" "Greetings, Master Mobai." The youth kept a solemn face, paying no heed to their salutations as he walked directly up to Li Guanqi. Coming to a stop, he glanced at the jug in Li Guanqi's hand, hesitated, and spoke softly. "I am Qi Mobai. Fellow Daoist, is this wine of yours for sale?" With just that single sentence, the youth's palms broke into a sweat. One hand clutched his sleeve, and his gaze darted away nervously. Li Guanqi was baffled. How could a cultivator at the second layer of Mystic Immortal grow so flustered just speaking to a stranger? How introverted could one person be? Li Guanqi raised his head slowly and deliberately lowered his voice. "Not for sale." Hearing that, Qi Mobai spun around to leave, looking as though he wanted nothing more than to flee on the spot. But after taking only two steps, perhaps unable to resist the alluring aroma of Li Guanqi's wine, he gritted his teeth. His features were refined, like those of a scholar. With his ears burning bright red, he turned back and asked, "Then... could Fellow Daoist tell me where such wine might be bought?"