He could do nothing. He needed to witness the methods of the Demon Race firsthand; if he could return to the Human Race in one piece, he would have to make preparations early.
"Very well! Please, Senior Brother!"
Mu Qingfeng did not refuse, though there was a clear hesitation in his voice.
"Dragon City? I’m quite familiar with it myself. Junior Brother, here, take my token. If you haven't finished your family matters, go ahead and handle them. I’ll take over the duty of escorting Senior Brother Fu Yao around the city!"
Looking at the blood-red jade token in his hand, Mu Qingfeng was overwhelmed with emotion and moved to thank them, but was stopped by a subtle look from Hua Ling.
"Many thanks to you, Senior Sister, and to you, Senior Brother. There is indeed one more small matter to attend to!"
With matters settled to this point, Lin Feng maintained his composure. "Junior Brother, go and see to it. I will be staying at the Little Dragon Pool for quite some time!"
Mu Qingfeng, filled with gratitude, hurried away.
"Senior Brother can only walk now; strolling through the city will be very tiring!"
Hua Ling also appeared quite interested. Though she helped manage this massive city, she spent her days flying high above it all. She had never actually had the chance to walk through her own city properly or observe the people under her rule.
"Hahaha, with you accompanying me, what is there to fear? Come, walk with me, let's have a look!"
Filled with a sudden sense of boldness, Lin Feng, who had never known what he could do for the Human Race, finally found a small goal within his heart.
Feng Ling loved hearing this, her eyes curving into crescent moons. She took Lin Feng’s arm and they walked openly through the streets.
Entering the city, Lin Feng was once again stunned.
The roar of the crowds washed over him. While it was a confluence of various noises, to his ears, it held a different significance. He felt this might be the very "phenomenon" that the fortune-tellers on the path of cultivation loved to discuss, and he couldn't help but look up.
Walking the streets and gazing at the towering buildings, he felt as if he were in a mountain forest.
The lives of the people here followed a rigid order. Between building and building, between high floors and low, there was a strict hierarchy. It appeared cold and unfeeling, yet they were unified within the architecture of the city.
From small to large, from points to a whole, the entire Dragon City was connected by countless structures.
He closed his eyes slightly, immersing himself in the myriad aspects of the city. Feng Ling brushed her face, covering it with a thin red veil.
*In our eighteen human continents, is there truly such a peaceful place?*
Lin Feng did not know the answer to that question. As for the Qingluan Continent, certainly not. As for the others, he could not say.
The sudden appearance and disappearance of Yizhihua had left a deep impression on Lin Feng. He was merely a mortal, dragged here as a scapegoat, and it was only by a stroke of luck that he possessed even a faint amount of cultivation. There was little he could do, but in Dragon City, he felt a strong impulse—a sense of mission as a human.
The stories he had heard since childhood and the hatred nurtured within him finally found a clear direction.
*If my Qingluan Continent also possessed such a massive city, with all its varied life, its recurring cycles, and the support of all its people, how could the mountains and rivers be so shattered?*
He bowed his head, opened his eyes, and looked at the humans living their normal lives in Dragon City. He felt neither love nor hate.
*Phenomena, fate, energy... Shen Xuanyue, did you calculate that I would come here, too?*
In his heart, ever since he confirmed that Shen Xuanyue's natal flying sword would assist him, he had been absolutely certain that she was still alive. He even speculated that everything he had experienced was merely one of her arrangements.
*Late-stage Taixu Realm, infinitely close to being an Immortal, yet you deliberately dropped your defenses to let others attack you. What exactly are you doing, and what do you want me to do?*
This "convenient wife" had terrifyingly high cultivation, and her "convenient brother" had become an Immortal. Lin Feng reflected that, aside from his stubborn, chaotic Consciousness Sea, there was truly nothing about him that Shen Xuanyue would value. Even that Consciousness Sea was only deemed a waste, its chaotic nature merely resembling the phenomenon of a Sacred Body. She was merely creating a facade to ensure the safety of the "real" Lin Feng.
*Is it the bloodline of the Heavenly Emperor?*
*I would be more than happy to contribute my own body, but what are you doing now, after our marriage?*
Dragon City gave Lin Feng too much to process. Stepping onto the path of cultivation was his dream, but the entire process had been manipulated by others.
He was now certain of what Yizhihua had said about an existence above the myriad races.
Even when Shen Xuanyue was in his arms, her Daoist aura could only influence him for a brief moment in the heat of battle. Yet that mysterious human senior, with just a few words, had made him willingly infiltrate the Heavenly Demon Palace. If he hadn't heard that Turandot had been captured midway, he might never have come to the Little Dragon Pool.
"Truly legendary!"
Reflecting on his experiences in such a short time, even if he were faking it, or if it were merely a series of bizarre coincidences, for someone of his cultivation to have reached this point was too legendary.
He couldn't help but sigh. When one is immersed in such deep contemplation, being disturbed is the greatest taboo, so Hua Ling subconsciously used a spell to divert the passing crowds away from Lin Feng.
Hearing this sigh, Hua Ling simply took it as a compliment.
"Hee hee, Senior Brother, are you praising my sister and me?"
It was the truth—Dragon City was run with impeccable order; it could indeed be called legendary!
*Why was I so careless and relaxed in my thoughts at such a time to say something so reckless?*
Chiding himself internally, Lin Feng replied cheerfully, "Of course. Everyone in the city has their place, the streets are orderly, and a hundred races live together. You are truly amazing, Junior Sister!"
Whether he was playing along or offering sincere praise, Lin Feng spoke with genuine feeling.
"Hee hee, that’s mostly thanks to my sister. I just slack off and look around."
*What is going on? Why does this Hua Ling also give me such a feeling of closeness?* Just then, another figure approached gracefully, her face covered by a red veil—naturally, it was Feng Ling.
The same feeling he had with Hua Ling was present with Feng Ling. Lin Feng was taken aback, never realizing that it was precisely because he had let his guard down and rambled in front of Hua Ling that the two of them felt no true defenses against him at this moment.
"Senior Brother Fu Yao, why... why have we only met twice, yet I feel such closeness to you?"
Hua Ling appeared carefree and spoke her mind. Ling Yun'er was also likely curious, finally daring to poke her head out from Lin Feng's arms, as if waiting for the answer.
Having no excuse, Lin Feng’s mind raced and he blurted out, "The world is as vast as an ocean of people, yet I could meet you two Junior Sisters. I can only say, this is fate!"
Cultivators loved such mysterious concepts.
"Fate, is it?"
Hua Ling repeated it softly, and soon began to smile, very satisfied with the explanation.
"I also believe it is fate. Senior Brother Fu Yao, here!"
Feng Ling lifted her hands, and a set of luxurious robes appeared. Lin Feng was stunned.
"Hee hee, Senior Brother, why? You came wearing those tattered clothes; you must have been trying to remind us not to forget the grace of the Spirit Rhinoceros Birds, hee hee..." This joke was well-timed; Hua Ling was full of mischief, and Lin Feng could not refuse, so he slapped his forehead in vexation.
"Ah, I forgot to mind my appearance."
"This set of clothes is also condensed from the essence of plants and trees; it will not fray or tangle, it is very delicate!"
Lin Feng's heart skipped a beat. He was truly afraid the two would realize the clothes came from Turandot. As Feng Ling spoke, Hua Ling also leaned in to look closely.
"It’s true! Hmph, how could a man be this clever with his hands? Senior Brother, tell me, did you provoke some fairy?"
Despite all his precautions, Lin Feng never expected Hua Ling’s spoiled, teasing words to catch him off guard.
"Uh, this? To be honest with you two, I did meet someone on the road. Seeing my clothes were tattered, she took pity on me and gave me this set."
He had heard from Tianchi and Fuqu that although Turandot had little cultivation, her talent for concealment was formidable. She had been intercepted by the two sisters, and even they spoke highly of the sisters' abilities. Lin Feng dared not lie, but he didn't dare recall Turandot. However, he told the truth about why she gave him the clothes.
The two had already lowered their guard and respected him, no longer testing him, so his caution was entirely a struggle with himself.
"Hmph, I said so! Senior Brother is a man of talent; it’s only right someone would be moved by him!" Hua Ling was happy for Lin Feng, but suddenly became unhappy.
"Ah, and my sister spent so much effort refining these clothes with water-spells—doesn't that make her a bit late? Hmph, we should have met you first!"
For a moment, Lin Feng couldn't tell if the mercurial Hua Ling was jealous or probing. Fearing she would continue to dwell on whom he had met, he had to go with the flow.
"Eh, it's just a set of clothes. Out with the old, in with the new. Since Junior Sister has such intentions, how could Fu Yao be so ungrateful!"
He reached out to take the clothes, then thanked Feng Ling. "Many thanks, Junior Sister!"
The fabric was as light as nothing in his hand. Lin Feng subconsciously raised his hand, accidentally brushing against the back of Feng Ling's hand before she could pull it away.
"Oh!"
Hua Ling happened to witness this and stared at them with exaggerated drama.
It was nothing, but Lin Feng feared she would see something in it. He blushed, quickly using his cultivation to dispel the awkwardness, and raised his hand as if to strike her playfully. To his surprise, Hua Ling narrowed her eyes like crescent moons, as if they were speaking.
*Hit me, Senior Brother, hit me!*
"You dead girl!"
Lin Feng eased the tension. Feng Ling stomped her foot, feeling genuinely embarrassed, and cursed Hua Ling under her breath. She looked at Lin Feng.
"Clouds, mist, rain, and dew—the Five Elements remain unified. Senior Brother, try them on; see if they fit?"
Clouds swirled around him, blocking sight and senses. Lin Feng had no room to refuse; he had to change.
"Shameless! There are children here!"
Ling Yun'er kicked her legs and jumped out of the mist, only to be grabbed by Hua Ling, who held Ling Yun'er in one arm and Bi Ling'er in the other, mischievously pressing their paws together.
The clouds and mist clung to Lin Feng's original clothes, merging with the new set to form several wisps of clouds as accents. Bamboo, orchids, and fragrant grasses appeared on the hem, sparse and elegant.
Lin Feng, who was already handsome to begin with, was set off by this outfit, gaining an extra air of radiance.
*Back then, fixing this one flute nearly cost me my life. High cultivation is truly something!*
He was very satisfied. As the clouds dissipated, both sisters looked on in surprise.
Clothes make the man. This set of water-cloud patterned robes seemed custom-made for Lin Feng.
"This, this, this... this is too good-looking! Sister, did you secretly measure Senior Brother in private?"
The reckless joke went too far, and Feng Ling reached out to grab her ear.
"Ow, ow, ow! I was just saying, just saying!"
Hua Ling quickly apologized. Bi Ling'er and Ling Yun'er escaped her grasp and jumped onto Lin Feng.
Just then, thunder rolled across the sky. A large number of humans were being delivered into the city from the air, some in prisoner carts, others bound in ropes.
Lin Feng looked once and closed his eyes.
*Tragic!*
He could not describe the misery he saw. A sense of sorrow rose in his heart, and he shook his head.
"The city is peaceful and harmonious. Is such a sight meant as a warning?"
He voiced his guess, but shook his head.
"Hmph, we must let them know that a peaceful life is not easily won, otherwise they won't cherish it!" Hua Ling waved her small fist. To Lin Feng, it was clear: in her eyes, there seemed to be no difference between humans and demons.
"Senior Brother thinks it's inappropriate?" Feng Ling asked more seriously.
"It is inappropriate. If the Demon King intends for a long-term plan, he should truly treat the humans as his own subjects. Such warnings might deter them, yes, but if one encounters someone of strong will, it only serves to remind them of their plight. It is inappropriate, highly inappropriate."
On the ground, people looked up, their expressions normal. They were used to it. Hua Ling smiled.
"Senior Brother, look at them. They don't look like what you said!"
Lin Feng steeled his heart and replied, "If it were me, I would have grown used to it too!"
The two sisters didn't think anything was wrong at first, but then they both paused.
Because this time, the number of humans being brought into the city was exceptionally high, causing many in the city to come out and look up from the streets.
"Too many people!"
Intending to drive the point home, Lin Feng added this flatly.
He indeed lacked experience. Seeing the normal expressions on the people's faces, he felt a mix of anger at their submission and hatred. Even if they had shown a shred of pity, he would have felt better. When the stories he had heard were reenacted before his eyes, he could not turn a blind eye.
"There are too many people."
This time, it was Feng Ling repeating his words.
In her view, these people taking to the streets felt completely different from what Lin Feng thought.
The reason the Human Race was difficult to defeat was precisely because there were too many of them. Some chose to collude with the demons, others split themselves off to rule their own lands; yet, as long as a portion of them remained devoted to the Human Race, they would pose a huge threat to the demons.
Now, there were indeed too many humans in Dragon City—so many that as they walked the streets and looked up, doing nothing else, Feng Ling immediately felt the weight of it.
She knew very well that the harmony of Dragon City was not a mutual prosperity of all races as it had been before order collapsed, but rather a rigid hierarchy enforced by the powerful laws of the demons.
Not to mention the schemers among the humans, the sheer number of people alone would make it difficult to handle should trouble erupt in Dragon City.
"It seems we still haven't killed enough. Sister, these people are easy to handle; just give half to the Great Dragon King."
Feng Ling was still thinking, but Hua Ling provided a solution directly.
The young man sensed his own mistake. In his momentary indignation, he might have caused the deaths of many. Lin Feng did not interrupt; how Feng Ling handled it was her business.
"Let it be. Other cities aren't as charitable as ours. As long as the Little Dragon Pool is safe, Dragon City will have no worries."
In this dialogue, Lin Feng actually felt that Hua Ling, who seemed ignorant of the value of human life, had no special intent to kill humans. Her starting point was entirely from the perspective of the Little Dragon Pool; perhaps when the time came to act, she would not be soft-hearted. Feng Ling, however, was the other side of the coin: she was thorough, and she might eliminate the hidden dangers humans posed in many places long before they could manifest. She would strike first.
Largely believing Hua Ling's words—that she was just slacking off and patrolling the city—Lin Feng now hoped more than ever that he truly were the demon genius carrying the Heavenly Demon Seal in their eyes.
He desperately needed cultivation to accomplish something!
The further they went, the more he felt the prosperity. The winding water paths in the city were broad and stable, with boats weaving across them. Even though it was daytime, he could already imagine the brilliance of the night.
*As the true master of Dragon City, what benefits would the Little Dragon King gain from such a phenomenon?*
This question could not be pondered too deeply. He looked back at Feng Ling, measuring her from head to toe. The action was slightly rude, but the two did not mind.
"Senior Brother, is there something wrong with my sister?" Hua Ling, always the talkative one, looked on curiously.
"The phenomenon of Dragon City is astonishing. Even in my current state, I can clearly feel it. If you manage Dragon City, would it not be a pity not to reap the benefits?"
This might have been the most dangerous thing Lin Feng had said since meeting the demons.
Their relationship had advanced significantly, thanks to Hua Ling's words and actions. Lin Feng spoke with full sincerity.
Feng Ling's expression became serious as she looked at the water with him.
"My sister and I are bodies of Blood Spirits. The purer we remain, the faster we cultivate. If we draw in karma unnecessarily, our aura becomes impure, and the burden on us would be unknown."
With that, Lin Feng understood.
The benefits of the city must be divided by the Little Dragon King and other superiors of the Little Dragon Pool. As demon beings, they were used to slaughter from a young age. The Little Dragon King likely needed to carefully select these complex auras, while for other cultivators needing to strengthen their power, absorbing them at will depended on individual ability—how much could be transformed into personal strength.
*Carp leaping over the Dragon Gate—the barriers are difficult, but there is a chance. The Little Dragon King is doing this as a flood dragon leaping the gate; there is likely much more to it. If aided by the phenomenon of the entire city's living beings, the odds...*
Even as an enemy, Lin Feng had to admire it. If it were truly as he imagined, after the Little Dragon King ascended to become an Immortal, his strength would be truly terrifying.
He understood her words, but he pretended to shift the focus, sighing, "That is true. You two Junior Sisters have skin like ice and bones like jade, with natural wisdom. Ordinary bodies cannot contain the Divine Soul. Although the Human Race possesses the innate Dao-body, their seven emotions and six desires are deeply rooted and difficult to remove. Only by reaching the state of Immortal can one live up to the body of a Blood Spirit."
Unexpectedly, Lin Feng had such an understanding of the Blood Dao, and could see at a glance the greatest obstacle on their path of cultivation. Feng Ling looked at Hua Ling, and the two bowed gracefully.
"Senior Brother is learned and well-read; please, grant us your instruction!"
The two were interested, but Lin Feng deliberately stopped.
"There are too many people here, Junior Sisters. I was just rambling."
As he said this, he looked left and right, leaving only the obvious unsaid. *I am not unwilling to speak; I am afraid others will hear your secrets.*
Fully understanding, Feng Ling unhooked an exquisite pendant from her waist.
"Senior Brother, this is the key to my cave dwelling among the clouds. For now, my father has given orders, so I must excuse myself. Tonight, I hope you will honor the appointment."
By the end, her tone was somewhat suggestive. Lin Feng felt overwhelmed and quickly took the pendant, turning his head away.
"Ahem, ahem, Junior Sister, do not disturb my Dao heart!"
The usually dignified Feng Ling suddenly had a hint of charm. The lethality of that contrast was far greater than Hua Ling's carefree nature. Lin Feng simply couldn't handle it.
Though he said, *don't disturb my Dao heart*, he couldn't help but steal one more glance.
Feng Ling left with a smile, leaving only the sound of silver bells flowing in his ears. Lin Feng scratched his head awkwardly and looked at Hua Ling, who was still there.
"Uh, Junior Sister, did the Demon King not call for you?"
"Hmph, so Senior Brother prefers those who are dignified! I shall learn to be that way too!"
Feigning grievance, Hua Ling mimicked Feng Ling's demeanor. If she had truly wanted to disguise herself, she could have done so perfectly, but she was just doing it for fun, acting coy.
"Enough, enough, let's continue our tour!"
Just as Lin Feng finished speaking, Hua Ling’s expression also shifted.
"Ah, Senior Brother, there’s an urgent matter on that side of the city. Wait for me for a moment."
*What a coincidence!*
Watching her leave as well, Lin Feng didn't think much of it. He patted Ling Yun'er and the Azure Water Beast. "There, they’ve both gone; no need to be afraid!"
*Roar!*
The Azure Water Beast revealed its true form and squatted down, signaling Lin Feng to sit on its back.
The city looked orderly, but Lin Feng dared not gamble. With all sorts of people gathered here, his own life was more important, so he jumped on.
Clearly, the people in Dragon City were not very familiar with the Azure Water Beast. Its intimidating presence had diminished greatly; a demon beast not even at the Divine Wandering realm, no matter how high its intelligence, didn't scare anyone.
Ling Yun'er was like a cloud of fire, hiding on the top of Bi Ling'er's large head, looking left and right at the streets, full of spirit.
They relaxed, and Lin Feng felt much more at ease.
Here, hierarchy and suppression were visible everywhere. He looked deep into the high towers.