A majestic ship without sails flew high in the sky, tearing through the clouds as sunlight spilled across its deck.
Fang Ryuu stood at the prow, hands clasped behind his back.
"Husband, we're nearing Unbound Heaven City," Lin Yanran said as she approached from behind.
"Mm… We'll stay there while I re-cultivate according to this world's laws."
It had been two weeks since they had thwarted the ambush. With Lin Yanran's location exposed, remaining in one place was no longer an option.
Now they traveled aboard Fang Ryuu's vessel, heading toward the safest cultivation city on the continent — Unbound Heaven City.
Fate… do you have any suggestions on how to remove this seal?
Silence.
Fang Ryuu had long since accepted that Fate had stopped responding to him.
…
They lowered the ship some distance from the city and traveled the rest of the way on flying swords, descending before the towering city gates.
"Entry fee: one hundred drops of liquid Qi per person," the guard stated flatly.
Lin Yanran reached into her spatial ring and took out a small bottle. Inside, a white liquid shimmered faintly, radiating a pure and gentle aura.
"Ten drops of Virtuous Qi," she said calmly, handing it over. "This should cover both of us."
The guard took the bottle — and froze. His eyes widened.
"Y-yes, ma'am. Please enter. Welcome to Unbound Heaven City."
Fang Ryuu and Lin Yanran stepped through the gates side by side.
Inside, the city stretched endlessly. Buildings carved from White Star Jade gleamed under the sunlight, their structures reinforced with dark veins of Starforged Steel. The streets were broad and immaculate, bustling with cultivators — some walking, others riding spirit beasts that moved with quiet discipline.
They asked around before finally finding a place to stay — a modest courtyard house fitted with a Qi-gathering array, a protective formation, and several smaller arrays for daily convenience. The rent, however, was outrageous: ten Solid Qi Pills per month.
Fortunately, Lin Yanran was wealthy. Fang Ryuu's spirit stones, on the other hand, were worthless in this world.
After settling into their new residence, they shared a proper meal for the first time in days. Steam rose from the dishes, rich with aroma, making Fang Ryuu realize just how long it had been since he'd eaten something warm.
Then—
He took out the Black Catastrophe Pill Method and began studying it under Lin Yanran's guidance.
Sitting cross-legged, Fang Ryuu focused and drew in the surrounding Qi. His monstrous talent revealed itself almost immediately. Soon, he could feel energy flowing through his meridians, gathering near his heart, pulsing in rhythm with each beat.
The Qi remained gaseous — the sign of a beginner.
He had officially stepped into the first stage of Attil's cultivation system: the Pill Elixir Stage.
From here, he would need to refine this wild Qi using the Pill Method until he could condense it into true Elixir Drops of his own.
Fang Ryuu cultivated through the entire night.
Lin Yanran remained by his side the whole time — quiet, watchful, and ready to help.
...
Fang Ryuu walked through the city streets, his weakened spirit sense spread thin as he listened to the murmurs of passing cultivators, gathering any scraps of useful information.
"Did you hear? A cultivator named Lin Feng is being hunted by the Devil's Den. Rumor says he obtained the Flame of Oblivion."
"With the Devil's Den after him? That Lin Feng won't live long."
Thud.
Fang Ryuu's wandering focus snapped back as someone bumped into him.
"Sorry," a youthful voice said from beneath a hooded robe.
Fang Ryuu studied the figure with mild curiosity. For a fleeting moment, an odd feeling stirred in him — a strange familiarity, followed by an equally inexplicable trace of aversion.
"It's fine, fellow daoist," Fang Ryuu said lightly. "Since fate has brought us together, how about a cup of tea? Consider it my way of accepting your apology."
"I would, but I'm in a hurry," the hooded cultivator replied, already stepping back. "Another time, perhaps."
The figure disappeared into the crowd.
Fang Ryuu watched him leave, eyes narrowing slightly.
Weird…
Brushing it off, he turned his attention back to the two cultivators from earlier, only to find they had already gone. He spread his spirit sense once more, gathered what he needed, then retracted it.
After confirming the information through a few inquiries, he hired a carriage.
The driver gave him a short tour of the city before stopping in front of a grand structure.
The building was constructed from Whitegold and Everfrost Jade, radiating an imposing aura. Yet even with his cultivation reduced to the Golden Core Realm, Fang Ryuu felt little awe.
Inside, a vast hall opened before him, supported by illusory pillars while stars shimmered across the ceiling like a captured night sky.
"Welcome to the Enchanted Gold Auction House," a receptionist greeted with a warm smile. "How may I assist you? We deal in all kinds of treasures."
"I'm here for the Grand Auction," Fang Ryuu replied with an easy smile.
"Y-yes, sir. However, an entry deposit of one hundred Solid Qi Pills is required."
Fang Ryuu handed over a pouch. Inside were one hundred perfectly formed Qi pills, each shimmering with a standard blue hue.
"This will suffice," she said, eyes shining. "The auction begins in two hours. If you'd like, I can accompany you to the arena for some entertainment in the meantime."
Fang Ryuu glanced at her. She was indeed beautiful, and he was about to agree—
A chilling aura brushed past him.
"No, he already has a lovely wife who is very willing to accompany him."
A soft yet dangerous voice sounded behind him.
Lin Yanran stepped to his side, linking her arm tightly with his.
"Right, husband?"