31: Zhongzhou!

The intense spatial fluctuations gradually subsided, and the sensation of weightlessness faded away.

Lin Hao, Ye Chen, and Lin Yun steadied themselves and looked up; even though they had been mentally prepared, they were deeply shocked by the scene before them.

They stood on an incomparably huge plaza of white marble, and at the end of the plaza lay a continuous, towering complex of palaces that seemed to touch the sky, with glazed golden tiles and carved beams, exuding an ancient, majestic, and vast aura.

In the sky, it was not just a simple expanse of blue sky and white clouds; instead, seven-colored rays of light flowed, auspicious cranes flew to and fro, and occasionally, one could even see luxurious chariots pulled by massive Spirit Beasts rolling across the clouds.

The Spiritual Qi in the air was so dense it had almost materialized; taking a deep breath, one could feel every pore in their body relax, and their cultivation even faintly improved a little.

It was far beyond comparison to anywhere in Qingzhou.

This was the center of the Nine Provinces, the Imperial Dynasty Capital of Central State!

The plaza was already packed with people.

Cultivators from all over the Nine Provinces, of various races and dressed in strange and varied attire, gathered here; the chaotic and powerful auras were staggering.

Tongtian Realm Cultivators were as numerous as ox hairs, Life Soul Realm Cultivators could be seen everywhere, and even the auras of Heavenly Soul Realm Cultivators swept past from time to time.

Many Cultivators bore distinct features of alien races or the aura of ancient Bloodlines, clearly coming from other major provinces.

Compared to this place, the Heavenly Dome Grand Gathering in Qingzhou was simply like a country fair.

So this is Central State...

Lin Yun muttered to himself, his Starry Sky Annihilation Pupil activating subconsciously as he tried to observe his surroundings, but he was forced to squint slightly by the countless tyrannical auras and the brilliance of the Formations, so he quickly withdrew it.

Heh, this is really something!

Feeling the surging energy in the air, Ye Chen excitedly clenched his fists, his internal blood and Qi roaring slightly, causing several nearby Body Cultivators to look over in surprise.

Lin Hao swept his sharp gaze over the crowd, lingering especially on those Sword Cultivators who carried long swords and possessed sharp auras, his eyes revealing a hint of Battle Intent.

Acting Clan Head Lin Xuan and Elder Lin Tian also wore serious expressions, vigilantly guarding the three of them.

In such a place where dragons and snakes were mixed, one could attract trouble if not careful.

The Lin Family of Qingzhou? Please, this way.

A Cultivator wearing the official uniform of the Central State Imperial Dynasty and possessing a capable aura stepped forward, verified their tokens, and led them toward the arranged lodging.

Along the way, everything they saw and heard highlighted the prosperity and power of Central State.

The streets were wide enough to accommodate giant beasts walking side by side, and shops lined both sides; everything sold was a treasure, and many were even rare items unheard of in Qingzhou.

The Cultivators coming and going generally had extremely high cultivation levels; one could even see that some shopkeepers possessed Tongtian Realm or even Life Soul Realm cultivation.

Their arrival also attracted some attention.

After all, the name Lin Family of Qingzhou, with the spread of the news about the Heavenly Dome Grand Gathering and Lin Dao Undergoing Tribulation, had gained some renown among the upper echelons of the Nine Provinces.

Look, is that the newly risen Lin Family from Qingzhou?

Three Tongtian Realm brats? They are the ones who swept the top three in the Spirit Sea Realm in Qingzhou? They don't look like anything special.

Shh! Keep your voice down! Don't you see the two Heavenly Soul Realm Elders following behind? I heard this Lin Family has an Old Ancestor in the Spirit Tribulation Realm; they are not to be trifled with.

Amidst the discussions, there was a mix of curiosity, inquiry, disdain, and apprehension.

Upon arriving at the lodging, which was a complex of palaces specially designated to receive participating forces from various provinces, they found the environment quiet and full of dense Spiritual Qi.

After their accommodations were settled, Acting Clan Head Lin Xuan solemnly instructed the three of them:

Within the Imperial Capital, hidden dragons and crouching tigers abound, and the rules are strict; avoid causing trouble proactively. But if someone provokes you, there is no need to shrink back; the Lin Family will take responsibility for everything!

Yes, Elder!

Over the next few days, the Lin Family group kept a low profile, only occasionally moving within the designated areas of the Imperial Capital to familiarize themselves with the environment while also gathering information about geniuses from other provinces.

The more they learned, the more shocked they became.

The vastness of the Nine Provinces and the number of geniuses far exceeded their imagination.

There were young girls from Yan Province who naturally controlled flames and were said to possess the Bloodline of the Vermilion Bird;

There were barbarian youths from Huang Province with peerless Physical Bodies who could fight against archaic remnants;

There were spellcasters from Ling Province who were proficient in all kinds of strange curses and could kill without leaving a trace;

There were Daoist scions from Tian Province who were said to possess the Innate Dao Body and whose cultivation speed advanced by leaps and bounds daily;

There were even Prodigies from non-human races such as Hai Province, the Demon Domain, and the Demon Domain, each with terrifying auras and unfathomable means.

Among these geniuses, the lowest cultivation was at the Middle Stage of the Tongtian Realm, and Late Stage or Peak Stage Cultivators were everywhere; there was even no lack of those in the Life Soul Realm!

To reach the Life Soul Realm at such a young age, their talent and potential could well be imagined.

Lin Hao and his companions' cultivation, among this group of Prodigies, actually seemed somewhat ordinary.

Truly, there is always a heaven beyond heaven.

Lin Hao took a deep breath; instead of being discouraged, his Battle Intent burned even brighter in his eyes.

The Life Soul Realm, huh... that's enough to make a fight exciting!

Ye Chen licked his lips; his Ancient Desolate Sacred Body felt the pressure and became slightly excited instead.

Lin Yun silently recorded various intelligence, analyzing the abilities of potential opponents, his brows slightly furrowed, clearly feeling immense pressure.

However, the tree wanted to be still, but the wind would not cease.

One day, while the three were browsing classics at the Ten Thousand Dharma Pavilion near the lodging, a group of young Cultivators dressed in luxurious clothing with arrogant auras blocked their path.

The leader, dressed in brocade and jade belts with an arrogant expression, had a cultivation that had reached the eighth level of the Tongtian Realm, and the few people following behind him were all experts in the Middle or Late Stages of the Tongtian Realm.

Are you guys from that upstart Lin Family in Qingzhou?

The young man in brocade pointed his folding fan at the three, his tone contemptuous. I heard you guys act like kings in that backwater place called Qingzhou? In Central State, dragons must coil, and tigers must crouch! Understand?

Ye Chen frowned, about to lash out, but was held back by Lin Hao.

Lin Hao stepped forward, his expression calm. And you are?

Hmph, listen well! This Young Master is Zhao Kuo from the Marquis of Zhenhai residence in Central State!

The young man in brocade lifted his chin. Seeing how pitiful you bumpkins are, I'll give you a chance: hand over that rubbing of the Vast Sea Formation Diagram on the third floor of this Ten Thousand Dharma Pavilion to this Young Master, and pay ten or twenty thousand Spirit Crystals as a disturbance fee, and this Young Master will be magnanimous and not hold your offense against me.

He had clearly taken a liking to the ancient Formation book Lin Yun had just set his sights on and was intentionally picking a fight.

Many people gathered around to watch the excitement, and quite a few wore expressions of schadenfreude.

The Marquis of Zhenhai's residence had significant power in Central State, and this Zhao Kuo was a notorious playboy who loved to bully Cultivators from other regions.

And if we don't? Lin Hao's tone remained flat.

You won't? Zhao Kuo sneered, closing his folding fan. Then we'll follow the rules of the Imperial Capital! Let's have a sparring match! The loser gets out of the Ten Thousand Dharma Pavilion and kneels down to kowtow three times!

The few companions behind him immediately stepped forward, their auras locking onto the three, clearly intending to bully them with numbers.

Elder Lin Tian was about to step forward, but was stopped by a look from Acting Clan Head Lin Xuan.

If Elders intervened in a conflict between juniors, it would be beneath them; this was a good opportunity to see how the three would handle it.

Lin Hao swept his gaze over the others and nodded slightly. Fine.

Brother Hao, let me handle this!

Ye Chen, who had long been unable to restrain himself, stepped out, causing the ground to tremble slightly. The terrifying power of his blood and Qi erupted from his body like a burning furnace, forcing the people behind Zhao Kuo to change their expressions slightly and subconsciously take half a step back.

Tongtian Realm, third level? And you dare to stand out?

Zhao Kuo sensed Ye Chen's cultivation and sneered. He said to a tall, thin youth with a sinister gaze behind him, Wang Meng, you go, finish him within ten moves!

The youth named Wang Meng had a cultivation at the fifth level of the Tongtian Realm. Upon hearing this, he grinned ferociously, his figure flickering like a ghost as he approached Ye Chen. His five fingers formed claws, striking directly at Ye Chen's heart; the claw wind was sharp and carried a fishy, foul smell, clearly some kind of poison skill!

Get lost!

Ye Chen did not dodge or avoid it, instead throwing a punch directly! There was no flair, just pure power!

The fist and claws collided!

Crack!

A teeth-grinding sound of bones cracking rang out!

The ferocious grin on Wang Meng's face instantly turned into horror and pain; he felt as if his claw had grabbed onto divine gold, and his finger bones shattered instantly!

A terrifying, irresistible force surged up his arm!

Pfft!

He spat out a mouthful of blood, his whole body flying backward like a kite with a broken string, slamming heavily into the wall in the distance before sliding down limply, unconscious.

One punch! Defeated the enemy!

The whole scene was instantly silent!

Everyone looked at Ye Chen in disbelief. Tongtian Realm, third level, killing a Tongtian Realm, fifth level, in one punch?!

What kind of terrifying Physical Body strength was this?!

The smile on Zhao Kuo's face froze, turning into shock and anger. Trash! All of you, attack together! Cripple him for me!

The remaining three Tongtian Realm Cultivators behind him lunged forward simultaneously, swords and blades drawn, spells flashing, showing no mercy!

Lin Hao's eyes turned cold. His long sword remained sheathed, but he tapped with the scabbard, his body moving with the sword, instantly inserting himself into the battle. He accurately parried a blade aimed at the back of Ye Chen's head and simultaneously kicked another Cultivator, who was attempting to cast a binding spell, flying.

Lin Yun stood still, but the light of stars flickered slightly in his eyes. The last Cultivator rushing toward Ye Chen suddenly stiffened, his eyes dazed, as if he had fallen into an illusion, and his attack instantly stalled.

Ye Chen seized the opportunity, like a tiger entering a flock of sheep, throwing both fists out!

Boom! Boom!

With two more muffled sounds, those two Cultivators who had been interfered with by Lin Hao and Lin Yun were blasted away without any power to resist, following in Wang Meng's footsteps.

In the blink of an eye, the four guards brought by Zhao Kuo were all lying on the ground, unconscious!

The whole process was as fast as lightning, with perfect coordination!

Zhao Kuo was completely dumbfounded, his face pale, and the hand holding the folding fan trembled slightly.

He hadn't expected these three bumpkins to be so ferocious! Especially that big guy; his strength was simply inhuman!

You... you dare... he pointed at the three, his tone fierce but weak.

Ye Chen clenched his fists and walked toward him step by step, grinning with a kind smile: Now, it's your turn. Are you going to get out on your own, or should I help you?

Zhao Kuo was so scared he backed away repeatedly, slipped, and sat down on the ground, looking disheveled. A burst of suppressed laughter erupted around them.

Stop!

Just then, a cold shout came. A middle-aged man wearing the uniform of the Imperial Capital's Law Enforcement Team and possessing a dignified aura walked over quickly with a squad of guards.

Private fighting is prohibited in front of the Ten Thousand Dharma Pavilion! Who are you to dare cause trouble here? The captain of the law enforcement team swept his gaze over the scene and finally landed on Lin Hao and the others, with scrutiny.

Zhao Kuo, as if seeing a savior, scrambled up and pointed at the three, shouting, Captain Liu! It's them! They were the ones who started the fight! Arrest them quickly!

Lin Hao stepped forward and calmly and unhurriedly explained the sequence of events, then showed the Lin Family token.

Captain Liu looked at the Lin Family token, then at the panicked Zhao Kuo and the expressions of the surrounding crowd, and understood everything in his heart.

He knew all too well what kind of character this Young Master of the Marquis of Zhenhai's residence had.

He pondered for a moment and said coldly to Zhao Kuo, Young Master Zhao, I will investigate the cause of this matter myself. If you continue to act unreasonably, don't blame me for being heartless.

Zhao Kuo's face turned green and white. He glared fiercely at the three and left a threat: Just you wait!, before taking his unconscious guards and running away in a disheveled manner.

Captain Liu then said to the three, Although the other party provoked you first, you did strike back. Considering you are new to the Imperial Capital, this time will not be pursued, but let this be a warning.

Many thanks, Captain. Lin Hao cupped his hands.

After this commotion, the way the surrounding people looked at the three from the Lin Family changed instantly. The contempt and disdain were gone, replaced by surprise, apprehension, and curiosity.

The Lin Family of Qingzhou... they really have something.

That big guy's strength is too terrifying! I'm afraid he has some special Physique!

The one who uses the sword and the small one didn't even make a move; they don't look simple either...

Lin Hao and the others ignored the surrounding discussions, took the rubbing of the Vast Sea Formation Diagram, and left the Ten Thousand Dharma Pavilion.

Returning to the lodging, Acting Clan Head Lin Xuan listened to the events and nodded slightly. You handled it well. Within the Imperial Capital, it is not advisable to make deep enmities, but we cannot weaken our Lin Family's prestige either. After this incident, it should save us a lot of trouble.

However, Lin Hao frowned slightly and said, Acting Clan Head Lin Xuan, I always feel that Zhao Kuo's arrival was a bit strange. The Marquis of Zhenhai's residence's intelligence shouldn't be so blocked; knowing we have Elders accompanying us, would they really send a playboy to intentionally provoke us?

Hearing this, Acting Clan Head Lin Xuan's eyes narrowed slightly.

Lin Yun also said softly, I felt a trace of an extremely subtle... sense of disharmony on that person, very much like... very much like the feeling when we were trapped in the Thousand Illusion Mirror Realm before, but weaker.

Ye Chen scratched his head. Forget it, when soldiers come, block them; when water comes, cover it with earth! Just fight!

Acting Clan Head Lin Xuan and Elder Lin Tian looked at each other, their expressions becoming more serious.

It seems there are indeed small-minded people who don't want our Lin Family to participate in the Grand Gathering peacefully, Acting Clan Head Lin Xuan said in a deep voice. You three should try not to go out alone in the coming days. Everything will be decided after the Grand Gathering officially begins.

The three nodded in agreement.

Lin Hao returned to his room, stroking the Vast Sea Formation Diagram in his hand, but his eyes looked out the window at the endlessly prosperous Imperial Capital of Central State.

A storm seemed to have already begun to brew.

Meanwhile, far away in the Quiet Room of the Lin Family in Qingzhou, Lin Dao also slowly opened his eyes. The light of Chaos swirled in his pupils, as if piercing through endless space, seeing the faint, grayish-black aura of calamity entangled with the Luck of Lin Hao and the others above the Imperial Capital of Central State; it seemed... to have become more active.

Has it already begun... he muttered to himself, a wisp of Chaos Qi slowly swirling around his fingertips.

Very well, let this Nine Provinces Asking Dao Grand Gathering become your whetstone and... your burial ground!