I Tame Beasts by Feeding

King Dongyou fell silent, his expression unreadable. He didn’t entirely believe what Tong Yuanzheng said, yet he couldn’t easily dismiss it. He especially agreed on one point: Tong Yuanzheng was indeed not the type to remain subordinate to anyone for long.

"What? Has even the great King Dongyou become so hesitant and timid? Fang Nian, the renowned King Dongyou who once dominated all in his path, would never be as indecisive and cowardly as you are now."

"In any case, I’ve created the opportunity for you. As per our agreement, the rest depends on whether you can seize it."

Faced with King Dongyou’s silence, Tong Yuanzheng took a deep breath to suppress his emotions. He looked at the king, a strange glint in his eyes.

After a long moment, King Dongyou’s expression softened. He looked up at Tong Yuanzheng, who appeared nonchalant, and shook his head with a faint smile.

"Since it has come to this, here’s to a successful partnership. Rest assured, as long as everything goes smoothly, I will naturally fulfill your demands."

"Yes. We are simply each taking what we need. It’s good to remain vigilant."

Tong Yuanzheng nodded, his expression softening considerably. Gazing at King Dongyou, he ran his tongue over the corner of his mouth as a hint of excitement stirred in his eyes. He shook his head and gave a soft chuckle.

The specifics of the plot between Tong Yuanzheng and King Dongyou remained unknown to outsiders. Only that, after the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, Tong Yuanzheng gave a faint smile and said a few words:

"I look forward to your good news, King Dongyou."

With that, his figure vanished once more, as if he had never been there at all.

King Dongyou watched Tong Yuanzheng’s retreating figure disappear. His eyes flickered and his brow furrowed slightly. Without another word, he was lost in thought. After a long while, he muttered to himself:

’Tong Yuanzheng... the Dark Stream, the Profound Yin Sect... I can’t fully trust him. But I can’t afford not to use him, either.’

At this thought, King Dongyou shook his head and smiled, a strange light flashing in his pale golden eyes.

’Now, with the Martial Continent beset by troubles from within and without, this is truly the best opportunity for me. I can’t let it pass...’

「 」

Time passed. After twenty days of flight, on the morning of the twenty-first day, as the eastern sky paled to a fish-belly white at the break of dawn, the Wanxiang Sect’s Spirit Ship began to slow. On the horizon, a magnificent city gradually took shape, growing ever larger as they approached.

The city walls, hundreds of feet tall, were majestic and imposing, greeting them with an air of ancient, profound history. The city stretched for a hundred li in every direction. Through the walls, one could see endless palaces and buildings soaring into the clouds. It was like a colossal dragon crouched upon the earth, its sheer scale enough to shake one’s soul.

The city gate itself was immense. On the plaque above it, the three words "Celestial Killer City" were engraved in bold, elegant calligraphy. They shimmered with a brilliant light, exuding a vibrant spiritual energy that perfectly complemented the city. The faint fluctuations of an Array enveloped the entire city. To stand beneath the gate was to feel one’s own insignificance as a subtle but immense pressure bore down.

"We’re here. Flying is forbidden above Celestial Killer City. We’ll land here and enter on foot."

As they controlled the Spirit Ship’s descent, Ruan Hao and Lu Ruikai appeared and spoke.

WHOOSH!

Just then, the wind howled as a streak of light appeared on the horizon. It descended rapidly before them, unleashing a wave of restless draconic might in all directions. Only when it drew near could they make out its form.

It was a ferocious, six-clawed black dragon, a hundred zhang long. Near its head, a massive banner fluttered in the wind, the two words "Spirit Dragon" clearly visible upon it. This was the Guardian Spirit Beast of the Spirit Dragon Sect, the Black Wind Spirit Dragon.

’The Spirit Dragon Sect? They’ve arrived too. What a coincidence.’

Standing in the crowd, Yu Changsheng’s gaze sharpened. He exchanged a look with Li Minghan and muttered to himself, closely observing the members of the Spirit Dragon Sect.

The Black Wind Spirit Dragon landed. From its broad back, a succession of figures appeared, leaping down to the ground. Yu Changsheng didn’t recognize the person leading the Spirit Dragon Sect contingent.

"Fellow Daoist Xuan Long, it’s been a long time. I trust you’ve been well."

Ruan Hao raised an eyebrow at the newcomer. He took two steps forward, clasped his hands in a salute, and spoke calmly.

"It’s actually Xuan Long True Monarch," Zhang Tianwen whispered in astonishment, leaning close to Yu Changsheng’s ear to explain. "He was the previous Sect Leader of the Spirit Dragon Sect and the master of the current one. His Cultivation has also reached the Purple Mansion realm. It seems every sect is taking this very seriously."

"Is that so?"

Yu Changsheng nodded. He didn’t rashly probe with his Divine Sense, instead fixing his gaze on the Black Wind Spirit Dragon, a thoughtful expression on his face.

The advances in his Cultivation and Divine Sense allowed him to perceive the Status of the Spirit Dragon Sect’s Guardian Spirit Beast with greater clarity.

’Tier Three Peak, just shy of reaching Tier Four... But it seems its Bloodline Origin is damaged. That must be why it’s still only Tier Three and has been unable to break through, despite having considerable potential in its bloodline...’

Yu Changsheng mulled this over, the thoughts flashing through his mind. He finally shook his head, deciding not to dwell on it.

Meanwhile, Ruan Hao clearly knew this Xuan Long. The two were from the same generation and had often clashed in their youth.

Xuan Long Daoist wore a white robe embroidered with gold thread, depicting a lifelike, six-clawed Spirit Dragon soaring through the clouds. The image seemed to writhe and leap, exuding a vast draconic might. He had white hair but a youthful complexion; only his graying beard betrayed his age, and his eyes held the weight of time. His expression, however, was quite serene. Glancing at Ruan Hao, he broke into a hearty laugh.

"Well, if it isn’t Fellow Daoist Ruan! It’s been far too long. I never thought this expedition would be enough to draw an old fossil like you out. We must find time to share a drink and catch up."

Xuan Long Daoist laughed, his tone surprisingly gentle. He proactively clapped Ruan Hao on the shoulder, and the two looked like the closest of friends, reunited after many years.

Ruan Hao smiled back and nodded at Xuan Long Daoist. After subtly removing the other man’s hand from his shoulder, he chuckled.

"This is the younger generation’s world now. I’m just taking this as a chance to get out and about while fulfilling my duties as an elder. Opportunities like this are rare."

"I expect we’ll see many familiar faces from all the sects on this trip to Celestial Killer City. We’ll certainly have to catch up properly."

As Ruan Hao spoke, he began walking toward Celestial Killer City alongside Xuan Long True Monarch. Besides Xuan Long, the other person leading the Spirit Dragon Sect group was someone Yu Changsheng recognized: Mu Yongxian. He looked far more haggard than the last time Yu Changsheng had seen him, and had an aged air about him.

After casting a cold glance in Lu Ruikai’s direction, Mu Yongxian said nothing and simply led his disciples toward the city.

Lu Ruikai just shook his head with a calm smile. He glanced back at the Wanxiang Sect disciples, put away the Spirit Ship, and led them forward toward Celestial Killer City.

As they entered the city, Lu Ruikai explained, "Celestial Killer City is the greatest city in the western Martial Continent and falls under the direct jurisdiction of the Profound Yin Sect. Countless Cultivators pass through, and the streets are lined with shops. It’s one of the best places for trade on the continent."

"It’s especially lively right now, with the Three Gates and Six Sects all gathering here. You might be able to find items that are normally quite rare. If you need anything, feel free to go and purchase it yourselves."

Lu Ruikai’s voice paused, and his expression grew much more serious.

"However, a word of caution: unless absolutely necessary, do not go looking for trouble. Although Celestial Killer City is under the direct control of the Profound Yin Sect, many other powerful factions also have outposts here."

"Of course, if someone tries to bully you, you don’t have to just take it. If anything happens, come and tell me. The sect will intervene and handle it."

As he spoke, they proceeded deeper into the city. Soon, Lu Ruikai brought the group to a halt before a massive inn.

A huge plaque bearing the name "Yuelai Inn" came into view. After confirming it was the correct place, Lu Ruikai led everyone inside.