Chapter 42: "Eboncrest City II"

After navigating through the bustling crowd of Eboncrest City, Ye Xiaotian and his group finally arrived at a grand three-story tavern nestled between two towering auction houses. The building radiated an air of refinement and prestige, its architecture boasting intricate carvings and an imposing structure that made it stand out even amidst the city's grandeur.

Above the entrance, a beautifully crafted golden plaque hung, glowing softly under the gentle illumination of enchanted lanterns. The bold letters inscribed on it seemed to emit an invisible pressure, evoking an instinctive sense of reverence in those who glanced at it.- "Scarlet Moon Pavilion"

Elder Liu took a moment to assess the establishment before giving a satisfied nod. "This place should be suitable," he remarked, his voice calm yet firm. "It's one of the best taverns in Eboncrest City. Although it's expensive, it guarantees absolute safety. No one dares to cause trouble here."

Turning to Ye Xiaotian, he continued, "We will stay here until the Ashen Soul Ruins open. Make sure to rest well and conserve your energy, as the days ahead will not be easy."

Without hesitation, the group stepped inside.

Upon their entrance, Ye Xiaotian immediately sensed a change in the ambiance. The tavern, though it appeared unremarkable from the outside, was surprisingly spacious. From the exterior, it looked like an ordinary inn, but upon stepping inside, one would discover a place steeped in ancient charm, evoking a sense of timeless beauty and an impression of something extraordinary.

The feng shui of the establishment was remarkable, creating an atmosphere that subtly enhanced one's spiritual flow. Despite the bustling crowd, there was a unique sense of balance, as if the very structure of the tavern was infused with some mystical power.

The hall was packed with cultivators, their voices blending into a mixture of laughter, intense discussions, and occasional whispers. Some were drinking and feasting, while others engaged in quiet yet serious conversations. The clinking of jade cups, the occasional flare of spiritual energy, and the rich aroma of rare delicacies filled the air.

Despite the presence of many powerful individuals, none caused disturbances. Strength determined status in this space, but those who sought unnecessary conflict were clearly unwelcome.

A waiter approached them, his demeanor respectful yet confident. Although he was merely serving food, Ye Xiaotian quickly noticed something unusual: this seemingly ordinary man was actually at the Core Formation Realm.

The realization made Ye Xiaotian pause. A Core Formation cultivator working as a waiter? He glanced at the woman behind the counter, who had calm, unreadable eyes. However, when he tried to sense her cultivation, he found nothing at all. It was as if she didn't exist within the flow of spiritual energy.

Elder Liu stepped forward and handed over a pouch of high-grade spirit stones. Without a word, the attendant accepted the payment and handed them five golden keys.

"You may rest in the rooms on the second floor," she said smoothly. "Should you require anything, our staff is always available."

The politeness in her tone didn't mask the underlying authority in her voice. Despite appearing like a simple receptionist, Ye Xiaotian couldn't shake the feeling that she was far more dangerous than she seemed.

The waiter led them toward the staircase, but Ye Xiaotian couldn't help but whisper, "What is the background of this tavern that has so many powerful cultivators?"

As Ye Xiaotian climbed the stairs, his golden eyes scanned the room. He immediately recognized that there wasn't a single weak person present.

The majority of the guests were at the Divine Vessel Realm, with many at the Core Formation Realm, and even a few at the Soul Awakening Realm. The fact that such powerful cultivators were gathered together without any tension was a testament to the respect and status of the Scarlet Moon Pavilion.

Ye Xiaotian felt a chill run down his spine. Although he had anticipated encountering strong cultivators near the Ashen Soul Ruins, the sheer number of them in one place was astonishing.

 Elder Fang smirked, sensing his surprise. "Are you surprised?" he asked

Ye Xiaotian nodded. "I thought only desperate and reckless people would venture near the Ashen Soul Ruins, but these individuals don't seem reckless at all."

Elder Liu chuckled. "That's where you're wrong, Xiaotian. The Ashen Soul Ruins isn't just a trial ground for young cultivators. It's a battlefield where even the strongest seek opportunities. Some come for treasures. Others come to test their limits. And some…" his expression darkened slightly, "… come to hunt."

Ye Xiaotian frowned. "Hunt?"

Elder Liu's gaze remained sharp. "Eboncrest City has no ruler and no laws. The only rule here is strength. Some of these cultivators aren't just searching for treasures inside the ruins; they are looking for prey."

His voice lowered. "They rob, enslave, or even kill other cultivators for their inheritances."

A shiver ran down Ye Xiaotian's spine, but he maintained a neutral expression. He had anticipated danger, but this revelation added another layer of risk.

The Ashen Soul Ruins were not only inhabited by beasts and perilous challenges; the true danger often came from the people nearby. 

As they arrived at the second floor, the waiter paused before a line of intricately carved doors. "These are your rooms," he said with a courteous bow. "Please enjoy your stay."

Elder Liu looked at him and said, "But you don't have to worry. As long as we are inside this tavern, no one will dare to attack us. The Scarlet Moon Pavilion guarantees the safety of its guests. Now, you should rest. We will go out at night to buy the essentials you need before entering the ruins." With that, he entered his room.

Ye Xiaotian nodded at Elder Liu's words but didn't respond. Instead, he watched as the elders entered their respective rooms before finally stepping into his own.

As soon as he closed the door behind him, a faint golden rune flickered on its surface before disappearing. This was a defensive inscription, likely placed by the Scarlet Moon Pavilion to ensure the privacy and protection of its guests.

He took a deep breath and surveyed the room. Unlike the grand atmosphere of the outer hall, the guest chambers were designed with elegance and comfort in mind.

The walls were lined with smooth ebony wood, intricately carved with golden patterns that softly glowed with a hint of spiritual energy. A large circular window on the far side allowed gentle moonlight to filter into the room, casting a tranquil glow over the polished floor.

In the center of the room, a lavish jade bed rested on a thick, woven carpet, exuding a faint, cooling aura that made the atmosphere feel pleasantly refreshing.

Beside the bed, there was a small wooden table adorned with a neatly arranged tea set, which emanated the delicate fragrance of spiritual herbs. A single crystal lantern hung from the ceiling, illuminating the chamber with a warm, golden light.

Ye Xiaotian sighed as he stepped toward the bed and collapsed onto the soft mattress. His body sank into the smooth, plush fabric, and the cool sensation of the jade beneath him helped ease the tension in his muscles. He turned his gaze toward the ceiling, his golden eyes reflecting the flickering lantern light.

Today had been an exhausting day.

From stepping into Eboncrest City to learning about the hidden dangers lurking beneath its surface, it had been one revelation after another. He had expected powerful cultivators to be drawn to the Ashen Soul Ruins, but the sheer number and strength of them gathered here… was beyond anything he had anticipated.

What unsettled him the most was not the city's warriors or the dangerous individuals lurking in the dark, it was the attendant beside the counter. Thinking back to her presence sent a cold chill down his spine.

Ye Xiaotian closed his eyes and whispered, "I couldn't even sense her power... just how strong is she?"

For the first time since arriving in Eboncrest City, he felt a strange, creeping sense of powerlessness. The gap between him and the true monsters of this world was still far too vast.

But instead of fear, what rose within him was determination.

He needed more power.

Taking a slow breath, Ye Xiaotian sat cross-legged, closed his eyes, and began to meditate. A faint golden aura flickered around his body as he circulated his spiritual energy, focusing on refining and strengthening it. Although he had long mastered the Vermillion Flame Breathing Technique, he had yet to unlock its full potential.

As he delved deeper into his meditation, the outside world faded away, leaving only the rhythmic pulse of energy flowing through his meridians. The energy moved steadily, refining itself, sharpening his control, and increasing his reserves, preparing him for the challenges that lay ahead. 

For the next few hours, he remained in this state, completely immersed in his cultivation. It was only when a soft knock sounded on his door that his golden eyes flickered open.

"Ye Xiaotian, we're heading out," Elder Liu's calm voice came from the other side. "Get ready."

Taking a deep breath to steady himself, Ye Xiaotian rose to his feet.

As the night deepened, Eboncrest City remained as lively as ever. Even from inside his room, Ye Xiaotian could hear the faint sounds of bustling crowds, the occasional clash of weapons from street duels, and the distant murmur of merchants calling out their wares.

Despite the city's chaotic energy, the Scarlet Moon Pavilion itself was eerily silent. It was as if the noise of the outside world had been completely cut off. The formation around the building was not just for protection it also isolated sound, ensuring that no disturbances reached its guests.

The moment Ye Xiaotian stepped out of his room, he found the four elders already waiting for him in the corridor.

Elder Liu glanced at him and gave a slight nod before speaking. "Let's go. Our first stop is a treasure shop. You'll need a map of the Ashen Soul Ruins to navigate properly inside."

Ye Xiaotian nodded without hesitation and followed them out of the Scarlet Moon Pavilion.

The streets of Eboncrest City remained bustling despite the late hour. The marketplace was lively, filled with cultivators of various races, each radiating their powerful auras. As Ye Xiaotian walked through the crowd, his gaze swept over the different figures moving about, many of whom weren't even human.

A massive iron golem, standing at least three meters tall, lumbered through the street, its heavy steps causing the ground to tremble slightly. Its body, made entirely of a dark metallic substance, gleamed faintly under the moonlight.

"Iron Golem…" Ye Xiaotian muttered under his breath, his golden eyes narrowing in curiosity.

He had read about such beings in the Vermillion Flame Sect's library. The Iron Golem Race was an ancient species, known for their nearly indestructible bodies and terrifying brute strength. Though they weren't particularly fast, their defense and endurance made them formidable opponents in battle.

Nearby, he also spotted an elf; her long, emerald-green hair flowed behind her as she gracefully navigated through the crowd. Her pointed ears indicated her lineage. Beside her, a member of the Butterfly Race hovered slightly above the ground, her translucent, glowing wings fluttering as she conversed with a merchant.

Despite the wide variety of races present, no one seemed particularly surprised by each other's presence. In Eboncrest City, strength determined status one's race did not matter as long as they had power.

After walking for some time, the group finally reached a street filled with high-end shops selling various rare artifacts. One particular store caught their attention.

In front of the shop, treasures were displayed behind crystal-clear glass barriers, each radiating a faint aura of power. Exquisite weapons, glowing gemstones, and spiritual medicines were arranged neatly, enticing passersby with their brilliance.

Ye Xiaotian's eyes landed on the store's name, engraved in bold golden letters on a finely crafted plaque: Mystic Reliquary Hall.

 "We should check this one out," Elder Liu suggested as he took the lead and stepped inside.

The Mystic Reliquary Hall was far more extravagant than Ye Xiaotian had expected.

Inside, jade cabinets lined the walls, each filled with meticulously stored treasures. Divine weapons, ancient scrolls, rare alchemy pills, and spiritual herbs were neatly arranged behind enchanted barriers, exuding a faint glow. Hanging from the walls were ancient paintings, some of which seemed to pulse with hidden power, their origins unknown.

It could be said that everything a cultivator could desire was here. Some treasures even emitted a brilliance so intense that it seemed to suppress the soul, causing weaker cultivators to unconsciously hold their breath.

As Ye Xiaotian and his group walked further inside, a well-dressed shopkeeper immediately approached them. Though he kept a polite smile on his face, his eyes flashed with a hint of surprise when he recognized their Vermillion Flame Sect robes.

Despite this, he kept his composure and offered a respectful bow. "Honored guests, welcome to the Mystic Reliquary Hall. How may I assist you today?"

Elder Liu stepped forward and calmly inquired, "Does your store have maps of the Ashen Soul Ruins?"

End of Chapter 42