Chapter 5

The city gate was completely different from what Xue Mu had imagined, not at all the stern and imposing structure he had expected. On the contrary, there wasn't even a single guard in sight. He wondered if it was because the personal combat skills in this peculiar world were so high that guarding the gate was unnecessary, or if it was because the civilization had reached a level where guarding the gate was no longer needed.

The city gate was wide open, with people coming and going. Through the gate, one could see a broad street over ten zhang wide, bustling with traffic and lively activity.

The buildings along the street had a style reminiscent of the Song Dynasty, with bustling shops and continuous cries of vendors. The crowd was diverse, each person carrying knives and swords, mostly dressed as martial artists, with no shortage of those in fine clothing. However, there was not a single scholar in Confucian attire. Overall, it still had the appearance of a civilized society rather than a barbaric one. In general, the prosperous atmosphere of ancient times depicted in films and television was no different from this, and it was quite different from the barbaric world without culture that Xue Mu had imagined.

The group slowly walked in, and Xue Mu leaned close to Yue Xiaochan, whispering, "What's going on in this city? Why do I feel so suffocated?"

Yue Xiaochan was looking around, seemingly admiring the prosperity of the capital. She answered casually, "Under the feet of the Son of Heaven... the core function of the first of the Nine World-Stabilizing Tripods, the Array of No Violation, covers the entire city, limiting martial arts and prohibiting flight. Even I can only use about half of my strength. It's quite an achievement that you can still breathe. Don't panic, you'll get used to it."

Xue Mu didn't know what the World-Stabilizing Tripods were, but he sensed they were powerful. Clearly, whatever was used to create the core array of the capital must be of high quality. He subconsciously looked at his palm again. Could this bronze piece really be related to the so-called World-Stabilizing Tripods?

It seemed even more intriguing...

However, the no-flight rule... Xue Mu sighed, "You guys can really fly..."

"When you reach the Spirit Return realm and connect with the bridge between heaven and earth, you will fly too," Yue Xiaochan said lightly, as if it were a trivial matter. However, Xue Mu clearly sensed that her mind was elsewhere. Following her gaze, he saw a side street to the right of the main street, where a crowd had gathered around a platform. A flag was planted on the platform, with the words "Martial Friendship" written on it.

Indeed, it was for martial friendship, not a martial arts contest for marriage. It seemed quite common, as many passersby didn't even bother to look, indicating that such platforms were a regular sight.

At that moment, a burly man on the platform roared and, from a distance of over ten feet, lunged forward with a straight punch. A clear shadow of a fierce tiger appeared around him, his fist aligning with the tiger's mouth, and a loud tiger roar echoed, revealing sharp fangs and a blood-stained mouth, exuding a formidable aura.

His opponent was a young man in a brocade robe, clearly unwilling to face such a powerful attack head-on. He took a half-step back, sidestepped, and formed his hands into a blade, slicing diagonally at the burly man's wrist. As he did so, a sharp whistling sound tore through the air, colliding with the tiger's roar.

The air on the platform exploded, and smoke dispersed. Soon, the young man in the brocade robe was at a disadvantage, retreating several steps, his face alternating between green and red. The burly man smiled and bowed, "Brother Jin, you have been generous."

The young man in the brocade robe reluctantly returned the bow and turned to leave, quite straightforwardly. The burly man raised his right hand on the platform, enjoying the praise from the crowd, while some were consoling the young man. It seemed that such a scene was common, and the outcome of the platform matches was very frequent.

Xue Mu and Yue Xiaochan's convoy finally moved away from the side street, no longer able to see the scene. Noticing that Yue Xiaochan still seemed distracted, Xue Mu couldn't help but ask, "What's wrong? Are they so powerful that they make you feel pressured?"

Yue Xiaochan murmured to herself, "A third-rate sect like the Fierce Tiger Sect has a disciple at the Transformation stage, and his use of power is deeply rooted in the essence of martial arts, using momentum to enhance his strength, quite skillfully."

Xue Mu, sensing the power, asked, "Are they really stronger than you?"

Yue Xiaochan seemed to come back to her senses and laughed, "Of course not, they are far inferior to me."

"Then why are you so nervous?"

"Because... if a third-rate sect can cultivate such an excellent disciple, the eight major orthodox sects must have even more talented individuals. Perhaps the so-called Ten Hidden Dragons are really stronger than me?" Yue Xiaochan said softly, "I need to work even harder."

Seeing the rare serious and worried expression on the always smiling girl, Xue Mu couldn't help but comfort her, "You're only thirteen or fourteen, why compare yourself to those already famous Ten Hidden Dragons?"

"I am Yue Xiaochan," Yue Xiaochan stopped and looked at Xue Mu's eyes seriously, "The future of the sect rests on my shoulders. Only strength is the foundation of everything. Even being a step behind them is an unforgivable sin!"

This change in demeanor made Xue Mu feel a bit uncomfortable, but he couldn't find the words to say.

This girl was not just a smiling, carefree little girl, nor was she just a heartless demon who casually gouged out eyes... At this moment, she gave him a beautiful feeling...

But how to put it, her undeveloped chest and slender shoulders, which looked like they could be crushed with a single hand, formed a stark contrast with her heavy sense of mission, making him feel a bit suffocated.

Xue Mu couldn't help but turn to look at the carriage, wondering if Xue Qingqiu had heard her disciple's words and what she thought.

She must be very pleased, right?

Xue Mu shook his head and smiled, speechless.

The conversations of the passersby on the street reached Xue Mu's ears, making him feel even more out of place in this world. Even the mindset of an observer seemed out of sync... Listen to this peculiar dialogue:

"Ah, Brother Zhang, you look so happy, did something good happen?"

"My son passed the Seven Profound Valley's examination yesterday and became an outer sect disciple!"

"Congratulations!"

"Ha, same to you."

...

"Brother Li, I have recently gained some insights into the White Cloud Rising technique. Shall we find a place tonight to exchange and refine our skills?"

"Of course, I will prepare some light wine at my place tonight. Drinking and discussing martial arts will be quite enjoyable!"

...

"Hey, Old Wang, I heard you have been in seclusion for many days, how is your practice going?"

"It's going well. Tonight, I'll show off my skills in front of Little Lotus at the Hundred Flowers Garden, and I'll make that woman swoon."

Xue Mu was speechless. Even prostitution involves showing off martial arts? The scene was too beautiful to imagine, and he was at a loss for words.

Wait... the Hundred Flowers Garden, why does it sound familiar?

He tentatively asked Yue Xiaochan, "You mentioned the Hundred Flowers Garden when you talked about gains and losses?"

"Uh-huh." Yue Xiaochan's mind had also returned from her sense of mission, and she nodded with a smile, "That's our property in the capital."

Xue Mu confirmed, "A brothel?"

Yue Xiaochan gave him a playful glance, her smile tinged with a hint of coquettishness, and her voice became sweet, "Oh, so you're interested, Master Xue? Do you want me to call a few girls to keep you company? As a reward for your good storytelling."

Xue Mu pinched his forehead, not knowing what to say.

You talk about the future of your sect and the foundation of strength, and I thought you were so high-end. It turns out you run a brothel!

So, I thought I was applying for a financial officer position in a mafia, but it turns out I'm just an accountant in a massage parlor in Dongguan?