In haste arises chaos; in urgency, mistakes are born!
In times of turmoil, the foremost priority is to stabilize the people's hearts. And people's trust hinges on strength—only with overwhelming strength can the common folk feel secure. Once their hearts are settled, fortune and fate will naturally gather like a rolling tide.
Currently, many villages have chosen to submit and pledge allegiance, but that is only the first step in their loyalty.
What follows is the extension of Xuanhuang City's laws and decrees, which must now reach these villages. This includes the construction of teleportation arrays and arrangements for villagers to enter the Scripture Pavilion to choose cultivation methods and combat techniques. All these things take time.
Though time is precious, there are moments when it simply cannot be rushed.
The Scripture Pavilion stood tall in the heart of Xuanhuang City.
Every citizen was entitled to travel freely to Xuanhuang City and enter the Pavilion to choose techniques. This, in itself, was an act of invisible grace—clearly telling the people: Your cultivation methods come from Xuanhuang City, from Yi Tianxing himself.
"Xinghai, has the ascension of Xuanhuang City been of benefit to you?"Yi Tianxing asked aloud.
"Yes, Father. I feel my rank has increased, and it's easier for me to operate. Wherever fortune extends, my reach can follow."Xinghai responded with confidence. In recent days, her expressions had become noticeably more vivid and human.
"That's good. In the future, we'll find a world-class treasure of perception and fuse it into the Fate Pool, so you'll be able to observe the outside world directly."Yi Tianxing said with a smile.
At present, Xinghai could only process information via the Heavenly Register Card or certain artifacts.
To put it simply—she was like a computer without a camera, incapable of viewing the external world.
However, in terms of processing and storing information, she surpassed any normal computer by countless magnitudes.
Yi Tianxing didn't linger in the core space for long.
Seeing the Fate Pool functioning normally again, continuously absorbing and condensing the power of fate, he was satisfied. The golden Dragon-Serpent of Fortune coiled lazily in the pool, looking like it had no intention of moving anytime soon.
That night, the Guiding Lights were lit, illuminating Xuanhuang City as if it were daytime. In fact, it was livelier than during the day. Due to the city's recent ascension, the populace celebrated with songs and dances. Performers filled the streets, and the night market was buzzing with excitement. Shops took advantage of the occasion, offering promotions and discounts.
A joyous uproar filled the air.
This was the aura of a grand city.
It had become a City That Never Sleeps.
In the central region, a towering Tree Palace stood tall, with the City Lord's residence perched high upon its canopy, surrounded by wisps of cloud and mist, creating the illusion of a celestial realm.
"How magnificent! To build a city lord's mansion atop a giant tree—unimaginable. Living in the clouds feels just like a dream."Said Bai Xiaoyu, wearing a brand-new outfit. Her father Bai Yang and brother Bai Lang stood beside her, both equally well-dressed—he handsome, she stunning.
The view of the City Lord's estate at night, lit up among clouds, was even more breathtaking than during the day—truly like a divine dwelling.
"Heh, girl, it's not just like a dream. The City Lord is a man like a god. Without him, I'd have been eaten by monsters long ago. Only when I see the City Lord's Mansion do I feel truly at peace."An old man nearby chuckled, pipe and kettle in hand—though he no longer smoked, the habit lingered. He had once been rescued from the underground refuge and owed his life to Yi Tianxing.
"Didn't the City Lord say tonight's banquet was for all village leaders? This tree's so tall, and there are no ladders—how are we supposed to get up there? Are we expected to climb?"Bai Lang frowned, seeing no means of ascent—no ladders, no ropes, just the towering trunk reaching toward the sky.
Fly up? That didn't seem likely...
Whoosh!
Suddenly, clouds descended from above, weaving together into a vast, spiraling Stairway of Clouds connecting sky and ground.
"Honored guests, please ascend the cloud staircase to reach the City Lord's Mansion. The banquet is prepared, and the host awaits."Cao Zhengchun stood at the base, smiling.
"We can really walk on this? We won't fall?"Bai Xiaoyu stepped forward hesitantly, bouncing slightly. It felt like stepping on a soft cushion—springy, but firm enough to support her completely.
She even jumped up and down excitedly, like discovering a new toy.
"That's enough, we're heading to a banquet. Mind your manners."Bai Yang coughed, then took the lead.
The Cloud Staircase truly was wondrous—walking on it felt like treading through mist. As they climbed higher, the entirety of Xuanhuang City came into view below—every street, every light, every person.
The perspective made one feel awe-struck, as though standing above all creation.
"So this is the City Lord's Mansion... It's massive, like a palace."Bai Xiaoyu gasped in awe. From below, it had looked huge, but standing before it now made its true grandeur evident.
Inside were numerous pavilions and gardens.
The main gates were wide open.
Attendants waited on either side—smooth-faced, clean-shaven, their eyes sharp and auras restrained. They were clearly cultivators of considerable skill.
"No facial hair—these are eunuchs. Didn't expect to find eunuchs here. But their cultivation is deep. They're no weaklings."Bai Yang glanced around warily. Even these attendants were a hidden force.
Indeed, Cao Zhengchun had gathered eunuchs from across the city—those already castrated—into the City Lord's estate, assigning them tasks while having them focus on cultivation. Each had been taught the Heavenly Gang Boy Art (天罡童子功). Over time, their power grew impressively.
"Honored guests, please follow me."One of the eunuch attendants stepped forward and led them inside.
The banquet was held in the front courtyard, a vast area with beautifully arranged round tables. Graceful maidservants fluttered between tables, setting down dish after dish.
Each table was lavishly covered, with over a dozen dishes, each sealed with a dome lid to prevent aromas from escaping.
"Please be seated freely. Each table has a fruit platter, and the rotating trays can be spun at will. If you see a dish you like, you can turn it toward yourself."The attendant explained before leaving to greet the next wave of guests.
"Even the dining tables are designed like this? Ingenious! No more awkwardly reaching across or standing up to get food during formal occasions."Bai Xiaoyu was fascinated.
And they weren't the only guests.
Wave after wave of people arrived—men, women, elders, youths—all led by their respective village leaders, often bringing close relatives or kin.
This was, after all, the most sacred place in Xuanhuang City. Very few had ever stepped foot inside.
Most guests didn't sit down immediately. Instead, they exchanged greetings and started getting to know each other.
Bai Yang, as the first village leader to pledge allegiance, was well-known. In the eyes of many, being first gave him a prestige others could not easily match.
"Brother Bai, you're early! These must be your talented children—such fine appearances, truly rare talents."Came the hearty greeting of Xiao Lie, village head of Guyuan Village, accompanied by his son, Xiao Yun.
"Oh, I just arrived too. You're too kind, Brother Xiao. Your young son is the true paragon—what an outstanding youth."Bai Yang replied warmly.
The two soon began chatting.
Xiao Yun and Bai Lang also hit it off instantly. Being of similar age, the young men found endless topics to talk about.
More young guests joined them, gradually forming a small social circle of their own.