"What an outrage!"
In the night sky, a line of immortal script abruptly emerged. Crafted with iron hooks and silver strokes, vigorous and forceful, every slash and stroke descended as though blades were resonating, humming through the air.
Instantly, those who had cordoned off the massive ship—no matter how deep their backgrounds or how exalted their status—froze. Then, like a receding tide, they hastily withdrew.
"Enter the city." This time, only two characters surfaced, succinct and commanding. Even those illiterate in this immortal script could comprehend their meaning through the resonance of Daoist charm.
Everyone knew this was the radiance of the Golden Roster's power.
It was stiff, somber, and downright harsh. It observed only rules, granting no quarter, and certain figures in the heavens had already suffered at its hands.
Qin Ming seized the chance to slip away from the crowd, letting out a sigh of relief. Those enthusiastic senior brothers and prospective fathers-in-law had looked for all the world like an organized ring of swindlers.
Nor was he alone. Standouts hailing from the Night Province, Taixu, and the Eastern Lands had all endured the same scene; it was practically a mob trying to snatch sons-in-law beneath the roster.
Around some individuals, the crowds had been even larger than around Qin Ming.
Tang Yushang, for instance. As a direct descendant of Taixu and rumored to possess the divine blood of the Lord of Yujing, she had drawn swarms from Heavenly God Ridge, Zixiao Cave, Star Mountain, and various other factions.
Circling her were numerous handsome, jade-faced "talents."
After breaking free from the throngs, Tang Yushang wore a face as dark as thunder.
Bai Meng was thoroughly indignant, saying, "These heavenly moths and wild bees—what outrageous gall! Do they honestly think they can seduce my sister?"
Tang Yushang glared daggers at him. What nonsense was he spouting? It practically screamed attracting bees and butterflies. She snapped, "Shut up!"
Moreover, the descendant of the Demon Sovereign had also been packed in tightly.
Word had it that a supreme scripture of the demon race had reappeared in the world. Nine fated individuals with lucent spirits had gazed across the void and jointly beheld that ancient tome.
Li Shi'an had not only obtained the secret transmission; according to another rumor, the demon race's supreme treasure had already emerged into the world and had purportedly formed a preliminary bond with him.
This inevitably drew eyes, for that special weapon of the demon race remained undamaged. Having survived the great wars of antiquity, it was still intact and whole, making it well worth the attention of every faction.
In this era, even fragmented remnants of a special weapon were priceless, to say nothing of an intact, authentic clan-anchoring heirloom.
Thus, Li Shi'an was watched closely by all sides.
"So this is Sky City?" Qin Ming gazed ahead.
A colossal city loomed before them. Its lofty walls undulated endlessly like mountain ranges, radiating an oppressive weight. Its scale was immense, both magnificently grandiose and solemn with gravitas.
Qin Ming had heard its name long ago; the earthen city on the Kunling grounds below was governed by this very Sky City.
Behind everyone, the Sea of Night Mist surged endlessly, vast and boundless, resembling a true ocean churning with waves. Several great ships were moored at the shore.
Amid the boundless night, Sky City rested upon the sea.
The towering city gates stood wide open, like the portal of an entire world leading into the distance.
In truth, this city was a grotto-heaven suspended high above the nine heavens. Another legend claimed it was the Golden Palace, the dwelling of the Heavenly Gods.
Yet in this age, Heavenly Gods were thoroughly decayed and no longer walked the world, while grotto-heavens like this had their own flaws, either fractured or leaking.
Seen from afar, the city was as striking as a lighthouse over the Sea of Night Mist. But upon stepping inside, the sight before their eyes was completely different from what they had imagined.
Inside, brilliance still reigned. Yet most of the expanse was not bustling streets, but renowned mountains, grand rivers, and primordial forests. It was practically a whole new world, rich with super fire springs that dispelled all the black mist.
Urban districts did exist, and bustling ones at that, scattered in multiple clusters across this magnificent landscape.
"What is a grotto-heaven? It was originally a real world of its own," someone explained.
This realm had once existed on the ground as well, and was formerly even more famous and flourishing than the Night Province. Later, that civilization was recruited by Yujing, lifting its grotto-heaven into the skies.
Naturally, the entire territory could not have been relocated wholesale, but its essence was concentrated here.
"So the heavenly folk also came from the ground?"
"You could understand it that way."
In the past, across this Sea of Night Mist, there were at least dozens of grotto-heaven metropolises, all of which had produced Heavenly Gods. But as ages passed, they were buried in the dust of time.
Many ancient cities had disintegrated and plunged into the pitch-black abyss.
Now, above the nine heavens, only nine "old mountain strongholds" remained—including Star Mountain, the Sword Court, Thunder Marsh Palace, Heavenly God Ridge, and Zixiao Cave—all former subordinates of Yujing.
"Yujing itself faced formidable enemies and once collapsed. Did you expect dozens of divisions to survive? That was never realistic."
Sky City was naturally one of these old mountain strongholds as well.
The Golden Roster had gathered the drafted experts from all lands here for good reason: primarily, this was the "most loosely knit" place.
At the other old mountain strongholds, their names said it all—each was governed by a single supreme power.
Sky City was co-ruled by multiple factions coexisting together. It housed the Immortal Palace, the Cicada Court, the Feng family, the Su family, the Gao family, and more; none could reign supreme over all the other major organizations.
In short, this was a relatively decentralized territory, not an airtight monolith.
Yet in terms of overall strength, Sky City was actually formidable.
After Qin Ming and the others entered the city, they settled in quickly.
They pitched camp at the edge of a primordial forest, less than five hundred li from the bustling district.
That same day, the forces of the other eight divisions—such as Misty Peak and Thunder Marsh Palace—also arrived without exception. It was said that even those old monsters had accepted the draft, emerging despite their ailments.
Qin Ming had already learned that an expedition was imminent, its goal being the recapture of a legendary lost territory.
When many heard this news, they were puzzled. Why choose this particular moment in time?
"It is an enclave, far from the traditional domain governed by Yujing. Early on, it was not fully occupied by that other supreme civilization; at first, the other side only made constant small incursions."
Now circumstances had changed; that land had completely changed hands.
"Is that territory that special and important?" someone asked.
For a mere enclave, the Golden Roster had summoned every powerhouse from heaven and earth on an unprecedented scale. There had to be more to this than met the eye.
"Yes, it is immensely important. It ties into where Yujing went after it vanished, and concerns an escape route for all living beings in our realm."
When this news came out, an uproar broke out.
Could they be facing a grand migration one day?
The reasons and process behind it made hearts shudder, even sending chills down spines; its scope and impact would be staggeringly vast.
Moving a nation's capital could determine its rise or fall, let alone a grand migration of this scale. If one pondered the hidden implications, it was terrifying.
Qin Ming asked, "Ordinary mortals... likely won't have the chance to travel that far, will they?"
After a brief silence, the other party replied with a single word: "Correct."
Moments later, a line of immortal script manifested: "Nothing is yet certain. In all likelihood, there will be no need to journey far."
Yet Yujing had already vanished.
Why had things come to this? Was a great catastrophe impending? Unfortunately, no answer to this question came from the Golden Roster.
The next day, the intensive training commenced.
Everyone was issued standard-issue armor forged with secret gold. Some gleamed crystalline blue, some were deep black as an abyss, some blazed fiery crimson, and some billowed with golden glow.
The armor was extraordinarily sturdy and resistant to damage, inscribed with multiple Dao runes. It could protect the body, augment sensory perception, conceal a wearer's presence, elevate maximum speed, and even unleash a portion of power beyond their physical limits.
"What marvelous battle armor!"
Of course, the most crucial aspect of this standard-issue armor lay in coordinated combat: wearers belonging to the same faction could communicate over long distances in real time.
Furthermore, the runes inside these suits resonated with one another, mutually reinforcing their power.
When everyone fought in concert, the resulting might would be terrifying.
"This time, we will surely be deployed into a super battle array, slaying enemies as a single collective whole."
"It makes sense why so many masters were drafted. In a grand battle array, the more participants there are and the more seamless their coordination, the more dreadful the destructive power they can muster."
In the distant sky, a host of old monsters appeared, including patriarchs and Earth Immortal-level figures.
They did not mingle with the youths, but instead walked toward the horizon along roads paved with golden light; evidently, they had a different destination.
"Hiss!" This sent shivers down spines. Even senior figures in the Seventh Realm received no special treatment; they had genuinely been drafted and seemed bound for "special training" as well.
This was truly absurd!
"This old man is advanced in years. I fear before I even set foot on the battlefield, my lifespan will run out," an emaciated Earth Immortal with a hunched back seemed to argue from within the Sea of Night Mist.
Yet soon, many watched as a dense beam of golden light bore down on him, bending his waist until he was pressed nearly flat against the ground.
The Golden Roster was exceedingly forceful, rigid and harsh, granting no face even to a dying Earth Immortal.
Seeing this, the young and middle-aged cultivators near the primordial forest—even the most wild and unruly—quieted down and behaved themselves meekly.
As for Qin Ming, he was never one to court trouble. Taking things step by step, he trained diligently, familiarizing himself with his black-gold armor and exploring the special powers of its various engraved runes.
It had to be said that the Golden Roster held exceptionally high standards. It drove everyone ruthlessly, shooting forth rays of golden mist that materialized into stern elders in various sectors to supervise and instruct on site.
No matter how esteemed the youths were, a deep background proved useless. Even disciples of Earth Immortals or granddaughters of seven-day stackers were drilled without leniency.
Some even took lashes from flowing-light whips that bypassed their standard armor to strike the flesh beneath, flaying them bloody.
"If your talent is lacking, I can tolerate it. But if your attitude is careless and self-important, there is nothing more to say—take ten lashes first."
The elder was not harsh with everyone, however. For instance, the Demon Sovereign's descendant received praise from him.
Additionally, Qian Cheng earned an approving nod and a smile.
Qin Ming was surprised to see that his fellow townsman had been drafted as well. He had certainly not boarded the same large ship, so Qin Ming had not noticed him earlier.
Qian Cheng possessed extraordinary natural talent. Even after several years, he remembered Qin Ming and gave him a nod.
Qin Ming immediately smiled in return. After all, having both weathered lightning strikes in the Gold Refining Hall and studied the Script of the Primal Myriad Thunderbolts, he held a good impression of the man so far.
At the same time, he harbored high hopes for Qian Cheng, hoping he would make further breakthroughs in the lightning path.
Of course, Qian Cheng was also exceedingly dangerous, so Qin Ming would not approach him carelessly.
When the elder formed by the Golden Roster walked over to Qin Ming, he paused briefly. Though he said nothing, all the sternness faded from his eyes.
Over the next two days, everyone grew accustomed to the rhythm.
The Golden Roster did not intend for them to grind themselves to exhaustion; it prioritized efficiency. Once evening fell, training concluded, and they could spend their remaining time as they wished.
"Can we visit the bustling district five hundred li away?" someone asked.
"As you wish." The Golden Roster replied with just three words.
Starting on the fourth day, in addition to collaborative maneuvers requiring all armor to resonate, the trainees faced an additional trial: entering a special consciousness space to battle. One could challenge acquaintances or let the Golden Roster arrange matches.
Qin Ming sat cross-legged and motionless, sending his spirit outward. The moment he stepped into this special consciousness space for the first time, Tang Yushang sought him out to challenge him.
"I decline!"
"Are you afraid?"
Qin Ming replied, "I just don't want to kick you again."
"You...!" Tang Yushang insisted on the challenge, but to no avail. Without Qin Ming's consent, she could not set foot into the golden consciousness space where he was located.
The Golden Roster reminded them: "A challenge may be refused at most five times. After five days, a match between both parties will be arranged automatically."
Tang Yushang flashed a brazen smile. Her red dress whipped around her, her dark hair fluttered, and she even lifted her snow-white chin, her autumn-pool eyes slanting down at her rival.
Rubbing her palms and rolling up her sleeves, her slender, fair fingers glowed, as if poised to give Qin Ming a thrashing.
Qin Ming was speechless. He stared at her for a long moment before saying, "I treated you with pure goodwill; why aren't you grateful?"
"In five days, you won't be able to run." Tang Yushang brimmed with confidence. The corner of her glistening red lips curled up slightly, ready to hold him completely in the palm of her hand five days from now.
Qin Ming cast a glance over her astonishingly curvaceous figure and said, "They say things shouldn't happen more than three times, but it seems I'll have to make an exception."
"Just you wait!" Tang Yushang decisively withdrew from the golden consciousness space.
In this realm, Qin Ming encountered numerous monsters as well as humans who devoured raw meat and drank blood. They were quite primitive, yet each possessed unique abilities and formidable strength.
"Could this be the embryonic stage of primeval deities?" Qin Ming treated this with utmost seriousness. The Golden Roster surely had a purpose for such arrangements. He engaged his foes earnestly, studying every opponent with care.
On the evening of the fourth day, after training concluded, a messenger arrived inviting Qin Ming out for tea.
"Meeting in that bustling district?" He refused on the spot.
Who would travel five hundred li just to drink tea? Did they think he had nothing better to do?
"Do you really think it's just about tea? There are benefits, and it'd be a waste not to take them," Pei Shuyan said, having been the one to deliver the message.
Qin Ming replied, "All benefits come at a cost. I don't want to get involved with them."
Just then, the Golden Roster shone, rippling with Dao resonance to issue a warning to the various old mountain strongholds in the heavens: they were permitted to make contact with heaven-blessed prodigies, but intimidation and coercion were strictly forbidden; any violators would be severely punished!
"The Golden Roster has endorsed this and guaranteed our safety. Doesn't that mean we should assess the situation, claim the benefits, and not be afraid?" That was Pei Shuyan's interpretation.
Evidently, different people reached different conclusions.
Many began to scheme and stir, feeling that with the Golden Roster's guarantee, they at least had no need to fear for their personal safety and could stroll over to the bustling district for a look.
Qin Ming nodded as well. Since the Golden Roster had issued a warning, there was nothing to worry about. He also wished to tour the core region of Sky City.
After all, this was a legendary grotto-heaven. Since he had already arrived, how could he remain completely in the dark without understanding it?
Outside the primordial forest, several treasure ships waited to receive them.
Qin Ming noticed that aside from him and Pei Shuyan, many acquaintances—such as Cheng Sheng and Zhuo Qingming—were departing by ship. Even Bai Meng had come along, and Qian Cheng was also seen leaving into the distance.
"Brother Ming, where are you going? I'm coming with you!" Bai Meng called out.
From time to time, treasure ships set sail, streaking across the night sky like shooting stars.
A distance of less than five hundred li was but a fleeting voyage for such divine vessels, and they soon arrived at their destination.
"Is Sky City truly so down-to-earth?" Pei Shuyan asked in surprise. The moment they entered this radiant district, they were greeted by an entire street resonant with the melodic strains of strings and flutes.
Across this sector, graceful zither music and sweet songs rose and fell in turn. Floating "firebugs" drifted like lanterns, hazily bobbing up and down, while brightly colored pleasure boats swayed gracefully in the night sky.
Qin Ming remarked, "So those in the heavens yearn to taste earthly mortal life, while those on earth long to transcend the mundane and draw close to the firmament. Do both simply want to live like the other? What they cannot see, they emulate according to their imaginations."
"Brother Qin, this way, please." Someone had already been waiting for a long time. As the treasure ship landed in the bustling city district, a man immediately strode forward to greet them.
"Just for a cup of tea, one has to travel five hundred li. Are you treating my Brother Ming to Great Dao Immortal Tea?" Bai Meng served as Qin Ming's mouthpiece.
"The tea... is indeed quite fine," the greeter replied with a smiling nod.
Just then, another treasure ship descended in the distance, and four figures emerged one after another: Wu Qingyuan, Wen Dao, Xie Xiyan, and Wei Shouzhen.
Even from afar, many people looked over in astonishment.
"It's actually them! Four of the five who received supreme inheritances have arrived."
In the immediate vicinity, many passersby stopped and stared, never expecting these four saints to travel together in company.
The middle-aged man who had waited to greet Qin Ming also looked over and remarked, "The bearing of true gods, promising candidates for Heavenly Gods, and grandmaster-level strength—truly extraordinary."
Afterward, he withdrew his gaze, smiled, and said, "In truth, I also think very highly of Brother Qin. With backing from our side, there's no reason you couldn't reach their heights in the future."
"Who are they anyway? Can they even be compared to my Brother Ming?" Bai Meng chimed in, indicating he had never seen those four figures before.
The middle-aged man said, "Young brother, they are the representative figures of Yujing's domain. The title of youngest grandmaster will likely be born from among their ranks."
"I don't agree," Bai Meng shook his head.
Then he quickly added—this time not dragging Qin Ming into it, but bringing up another person's name: "And Yun Jianyue wouldn't agree either."
Chapter 528