Royal Capital

The Royal Capital of Chu Country sprawled across a staggering expanse, covering over 10 million li*, making it the grandest city in all of Chu. Its population dwarfed that of Sky Harmony City, easily surpassing it by tenfold—an utterly absurd contrast.

– Approximately 3,106,060 miles or 5,000,000 kilometers.

Amidst the towering city walls at the entrance of the Royal Capital, Qin Wentian sat atop his horse, dust clinging to his attire. He couldn't help but feel a tremor in his heart as he raised his gaze to take in the awe-inspiring fortifications.

These walls stretched over 16 meters into the sky, constructed from materials with formidable resilience. Even a cultivator at the peak of the Body Refinement Realm would find it impossible to dent them.

"Master, we've arrived. It's time to enter the city," Francis said in hushed tones. Qin Wentian nodded, and the two dismounted their horses, proceeding toward the city gates on foot. The streets within the city were paved with broad bluestones, boasting a width of over 10 meters. Even before they entered the city, the roars of beasts echoed in their ears.

"So many formidable cultivators around... and it seems their mounts include demonic beasts," Qin Wentian remarked, inhaling deeply as he scanned the surroundings. Not far away, a colossal Viridian Ape, a 4th-level demonic beast with the strength of the Arterial Circulation Realm, carried a young cultivator on its shoulders.

The sight was truly astounding—a 4th-level demonic beast serving as a mere mount.

Demonic Beasts fell into nine distinct levels. 1st-level demonic beasts possessed cultivation roughly equivalent to the 3rd level of the Body Refinement Realm, 2nd-level demonic beasts reached the 6th level, and 3rd-level demonic beasts were on par with the 9th level.

In the realm of Demonic Beasts, 9th-level creatures were truly formidable, boasting a cultivation base at the peak of the Yuanfu Realm. For those few Demonic Beasts that surpassed this level, they had the remarkable ability to shape-shift into human forms, discarding their demonic appearances.

"Junior Brother," a voice called out, prompting Qin Wentian to turn and spot two familiar silhouettes approaching. It was none other than Luo Huan and Mountain from the Emperor Star Academy.

A grin appeared on Qin Wentian's face as he asked, "What brings you guys here?"

"Well, isn't it because of our dear junior brother?" Luo Huan walked up, draping her arm around Qin Wentian's shoulders in a way that her ample figure grazed against him. It left him chuckling, his senior sister's antics...

"The Ye Clan usually keeps a few spies in this area. Naturally, our teacher had to be cautious, and because of you, your elder sister here had quite a rough time these past days," Luo Huan said, batting her eyelashes playfully and pouting.

"Thank you, Elder Apprentice Sister," Qin Wentian replied, genuinely grateful. Teacher Mustang had thoughtfully sent Qin Wentian's seniors to protect him, anticipating that the Ye Clan might send agents to ambush him here.

"Little Junior Brother is quite bashful. I won't tease you any further," Luo Huan said, noticing Qin Wentian's embarrassment. She stepped back and turned her attention to the snowy puppy in his arms. "What a cute little creature. Come here, little one."

The snowy puppy blinked and then leaped into Luo Huan's embrace. To Qin Wentian's amazement, the puppy began pawing at Luo Huan's chest. He was left utterly flabbergasted. Why did the puppy he'd just adopted turn out to be such a mischievous dog...

Luo Huan froze for a moment before bursting into laughter. Her beautiful eyes sparkled mischievously as she looked at Qin Wentian, who was now blushing profusely.

"You understand your owner's intentions quite well, and you're bolder than him," Luo Huan remarked, holding the snowy dog and causing even more exasperated lines to appear on Qin Wentian's forehead. At that moment, Luo Huan whistled, and a high-pitched eagle cry pierced the air. Soon after, a massive black eagle descended, landing behind her.

"I'm Mountain, Junior Brother Qin. Don't mind Luo Huan; she's always like this. You'll get used to it. Now, let's board the black eagle," Mountain said, offering a friendly smile. Qin Wentian nodded, inwardly resolving to bolster his willpower if he was going to spend time with Luo Huan—the temptation was too much to handle!

"The Royal Capital is vast, and without flying transportation, it would take too long to reach our destination. Let's set off while I give you a brief tour of the city," Mountain said, exuding an amiable and easygoing aura. Qin Wentian had personally witnessed Mountain's incredible power when he unleashed his Demonic Ape and Stoneman Astral Soul. He possessed formidable combat strength and a nearly impervious defense.

Qin Wentian and Francis let their horses roam freely as the four of them climbed aboard the massive black eagle. With a shrill cry, the eagle took flight, soaring through the skies, causing their robes to billow in the wind.

"Junior Brother Qin," Mountain began, his tone infused with gravitas, "even though the Royal Capital sprawls across vastness, it's a land divided by strict discipline. Our current locale, known as 'The Slums,' is a dwelling for transients and those lacking in riches or authority. It's the largest and most densely populated area, housing nearly half of the Royal Capital's entire population."

Qin Wentian's eyes widened at Mountain's words. From this vantage point, he gazed upon a bustling landscape of grandeur: towering edifices, bustling streets, and even mounts of ferocious demonic beasts. It dwarfed even the Sky Harmony City, and yet, this was merely 'The Slums.'

Mountain continued, "The Royal Capital is comprised of seven sectors:

The first sector – 'The Slums.'

The second sector – A place where chaos reigns, where saints and sinners share the same alleys.

The third sector – Home to the Nine Academies and numerous minor clans.

The fourth sector – Housing the Star River Association, Divine Weapon Stores, and the major clans.

The fifth sector – The 'Aristocratic Sector,' where nobility and powerful clans reside.

The sixth sector – The Royal Palace.

And finally, the seventh sector – The Dark Forest."

Mountain provided a layout of the Royal Capital, leading to the Dark Forest, which encircled half of the city and teemed with formidable demonic beasts. Surprisingly, this perilous forest served as a training ground for the city's inhabitants.

The Royal Capital was vast, home to countless powers, with the Nine Academies nestled at its core.

Their black eagle sped through the skies, and after four hours, it came to a halt in mid-air.

"Yiyah!"

"Roar!"

Demonic beasts' cries filled the air, and Qin Wentian marveled at the airborne demonic beast steeds and the beasts used as mounts on the streets. He couldn't help but think, 'So many cultivators, so many demonic beasts!'

"Where are we?" Qin Wentian inquired. Below him, converging main roads led to an enormous, arch-shaped gate. On the other side of the gate lay a vast expanse, bustling with people but devoid of airborne steeds.

"This," Luo Huan explained with a grin, "is the heart of the Royal Capital, the third sector, home to the Nine Academies. Here, ordinary folks can't take to the skies. Only Yuanfu Realm cultivators possess that privilege. Our destination awaits beyond that arch gate—the examination grounds for the Nine Academies' recruitment."

"Let's descend," she added as she gracefully alighted from the black eagle and joined the throngs of people heading toward the arch gate.

Spring marked the start of the academies' recruitment, a day drawing youths from all over the Royal Capital, and even from Sky Harmony City, to partake in the examination. Qin Wentian marveled at the massive crowd gathering for this momentous occasion.

"Junior apprentice brother, you needn't bother with the examination again. Just head straight to the examiner and collect your Emperor Star Jade Medallion. It's a unique possession of our Emperor Star Academy, of utmost significance. The academy only allows the designated teacher to hand it to prospective students at this time of year, which is why Teacher Mustang didn't give it to you earlier," Mountain explained as they strolled along the path.

"Got it," Qin Wentian nodded in understanding. However, at that very moment, a surge of people suddenly swept over them.

"What's happening?" Mountain furrowed his brow. In the distance, they observed the crowd parting, making way for a majestic sedan mounted on a draconic horse. Many people craned their necks, trying to catch a glimpse.

"Oh, it's that girl. No wonder it's causing such a ruckus," Luo Huan chuckled. The sedan moved forward, and through the sheer gauze covering it, two elegant and lovely figures became visible.

"Woof!" The snowy puppy in Luo Huan's arms leaped out and scampered towards the sedan, freezing Qin Wentian in his tracks.

Inside the sedan, Mo Qingcheng didn't even have time to react before a snowy white blur landed in her arms. "Little fellow, what are you doing here?"

Nolan, at her side, rolled her eyes. "This little rascal is like a stubborn ghost haunting us."

Mo Qingcheng chuckled, her melodious laughter capable of enchanting souls. As she extended her hand to pull back the sedan's curtains, most of the onlookers' attention fixated on her.

"How stunning!"

"She's the number one beauty in Chu Country—absolutely gorgeous. I wouldn't mind dying the next day if I could spend one night with her."

"What a beauty." Qin Wentian had seen plenty of stunning women—Qin Yao, Autumn Snow—they were all considered top beauties in Sky Harmony City. But compared to the lady in the sedan, even Sky Harmony City's finest lost some of their luster.

Mo Qingcheng smiled when she spotted Qin Wentian, then closed the curtains again.

"Did she just smile at me?" someone next to Qin Wentian asked in a daze.

"Smile at your head, she was definitely smiling at me."

Amidst the chatter surrounding him, Qin Wentian blinked in bewilderment. Could it be, like the others in the crowd, he had been mistaken? Just moments ago, it had felt as if the lady in the sedan had bestowed her smile upon him.

"Isn't she stunning?" a voice floated over.

"Absolutely," Qin Wentian replied naturally before his expression stiffened. He swiftly turned his head back, offering a wry smile. "Senior apprentice sister is beautiful too."

Luo Huan, however, wasn't one to fall for flattery. She stood by, gazing at Qin Wentian with a teasing grin.

"Well, based on Senior sister's charms, you'd probably win a contest for the most admirers," Qin Wentian continued, beads of sweat forming on his brow.

"You certainly have a silver tongue," Luo Huan chuckled. "But that young lady is on a level where she could conquer kingdoms. No wonder even you got distracted. If I were a man, I'd also fall for Chu Country's number one beauty."

"Hehe," Mountain, who was nearby, chuckled in agreement.

"But, when you think about it, all ten of the Royal Capital's prodigies tried to pursue her, and not one succeeded. For ordinary folks who want to woo her, I'm afraid they'd face a steep uphill battle."

"It seems you know your place," Luo Huan laughed heartily. At that moment, a white blur once again leaped into her arms.

"What a cheeky pup," she said, casting a glance at the puppy. It nestled into her bosom, refusing to budge, gazing up at her with mournful puppy eyes that could melt anyone's heart.

Inside the sedan, Nolan turned to Mo Qingcheng and asked, "Was that really him?"

"Yes, I didn't expect him to come to the Royal Capital too, and he even brought that little fellow along," Mo Qingcheng smiled lightly. "I wonder why he's here."

"What's this? Our dazzling Miss Mo concerned about some random guy she met?" Nolan teased.

"Who said that?" Mo Qingcheng shot Nolan a mock glare.

"You're right. After all, our Miss Mo saved him, and there was some close physical contact. It's perfectly normal to be curious. But it's a shame that the guy doesn't know you're his savior," Nolan continued her playful banter. Mo Qingcheng, somewhat intrigued, could only shake her head and endure Nolan's teasing.