Chapter 267: Wuhun City
After their discussion, Yang Potian, Bibi Dong, and Qian Renxue agreed to visit the Rakshasa Realm the next day. Both Bibi Dong and Qian Renxue needed time to prepare, with Qian Renxue also bringing the Angelic Sacred Sword.
Yang Potian spent the afternoon wandering through Wuhun City. The streets were lively, filled with bustling crowds and a continuous chorus of vendors advertising their wares. Despite the ongoing wars, the city remained peaceful. Compared to Heaven Dou City and Star Luo City, Wuhun City seemed more prosperous. Here, people appeared happier, and there was no visible slave trade or trafficking. It was as if Wuhun City existed as a rare oasis of peace amidst the chaos of the world.
He even spotted two brothels in business. It seemed that whether one was a spirit master or a commoner, some interests were universal.
Seeing this harmonious scene, Yang Potian couldn't help but sigh. "Perhaps this is what prosperity truly looks like. No matter how fierce the battles outside, this place remains a sanctuary."
In comparing the three capitals, Heaven Dou City was sprawling and diverse, with large populations of spirit masters, nobles, and commoners. However, the stark divisions between classes often led to oppression, with slave trading and abuse by the nobility common. Star Luo City was strict and militaristic, with a rigid social hierarchy and a government that seemed to treat its citizens like soldiers.
Only in Wuhun City did the citizens seem genuinely content. There were no divisions based on class or nobility, no oppressive hierarchies. Perhaps this was why Yang Potian chose to cooperate with the Spirit Empire.
He stopped by a tavern and ordered a table of dishes with two jugs of wine, allowing himself a moment of relaxation. For some reason, Wuhun City made him feel particularly at ease, even amid looming threats.
Halfway through his meal, Yang Potian sensed three familiar presences nearby: Hu Liena, Xie Yue, and Yan, the Spirit Hall's "Golden Generation." Thanks to his heightened senses, he detected their approach even before they entered the tavern.
The three noticed him and, somewhat nervously, walked over under Hu Liena's lead, bowing respectfully.
"Greetings, Your Excellency, Qingtian Douluo," they said in unison.
Yang Potian chuckled. "Saintess, we're all around the same age. No need for such formality. Join me for a drink."
He waved his hand, and three wine jugs and cups appeared before them. The trio relaxed and sat down, especially Yan, whose casual demeanor made him seem right at home.
"Saintess," Yang Potian said, looking at Hu Liena. "What a coincidence to run into you here."
Hu Liena smiled. "We often come to this tavern, Your Excellency. The food here suits our tastes quite well."
Yang Potian thought for a moment and asked, "Saintess, if you don't mind my asking, you three are all from commoner backgrounds, correct?"
Hu Liena nodded. "Yes, my brother and I were orphaned when our village was massacred. We were the only survivors. The Spirit Hall took us in and raised us. Yan has a similar story—he's also from a commoner background and was raised by the Spirit Hall."
Yang Potian downed his drink in one gulp. "You've all had hard lives, no doubt why you consider the Spirit Hall your home."
He paused. "You were born in the Heaven Dou Empire, correct? How do you remember it?"
The trio's faces darkened. Hu Liena replied, "Yes, we're from the Heaven Dou Empire. But where was the Heaven Dou Empire when our village was slaughtered? After it happened, did they do anything to punish the killers? To them, commoners are expendable."
"It was the Spirit Hall that saved us, raised us, and trained us. The Spirit Hall is our true home."
Yang Potian nodded. "Yes, it is your home. I hope you can protect it."
Curious, Hu Liena asked, "Why are you here drinking alone, Your Excellency? Do you have something on your mind?"
Yang Potian smiled faintly. "What's there to be troubled about? I just enjoy coming to Wuhun City. This place has a special charm, though I suppose it'll never be my home."
Yan suddenly asked, "Your Excellency, could I ask… how did you become so powerful?"
Yang Potian looked at him with amusement. "Yan, what kind of person do you think I am? Don't hold back; consider it a casual chat between friends."
Yan thought for a moment before replying, "I think you're exceptionally talented. Among our peers, you're clearly unmatched—even surpassing many of the older generation. I admire your talent, your heritage, and your composure."
Yang Potian shook his head. "What you see is just the surface. Reaching this level didn't come without unimaginable sacrifices."
"Although I was born into the Yang Clan, I've had to tread carefully my whole life. I couldn't afford to offend the Spirit Hall, the three sects, or even the Heaven Dou Empire, or else my entire clan might be wiped out."
"To truly become powerful, you need more than just talent. You need courage, resilience, insight, planning, knowledge, and the determination to overcome your limits. If you have all these qualities, you'll find your own strength."
The trio listened intently, each lost in thought.
After a while, Yang Potian shared drinks with the three, chatting casually. When they finally left, he shook his head, musing to himself about the group.
"These three from the Golden Generation are interesting. Hu Liena, one of Spirit Hall's so-called 'Three Fools,' supposedly plays a major role in its downfall in the original story. Here, though, she just seems like an ordinary girl. Xie Yue is steady, almost noble in demeanor, while Yan is brash and impulsive, much like Niu Meng."
After finishing his meal, Yang Potian made his way to Chrysanthemum Douluo's residence to rest for the night.
Chrysanthemum Douluo raised a brow upon seeing him. "Didn't you go to meet the Empress? How'd you end up here instead? And with the smell of wine on you—have you been sneaking off to drink?"
"Since when did I need to sneak off to have a drink?" Yang Potian countered. "Besides, why are you home instead of out on a mission?"
Chrysanthemum Douluo looked exasperated. "Strange, I suppose. Things have been unusually calm for me lately. Oh, by the way, could you let me see that Eight-Petal Orchid of yours? You know I'm quite the fan of rare herbs."
Yang Potian handed him a jade box containing the herb and went to the sitting room, closing his eyes to rest.
Chrysanthemum Douluo took the jade box and, with an almost dazed expression, gently stroked the Eight-Petal Orchid inside. His gaze was nearly mesmerized, as if he were looking at a rare beauty.
Yang Potian shook his head in mild amusement. These Spirit Hall folks are quite entertaining, he thought. Although he hadn't developed any deep connection with Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo, they still seemed like genuine people. In the original story, the two met tragic fates—Chrysanthemum Douluo fell to Tang San's ambush, and Ghost Douluo perished in a self-sacrifice. Both had given their lives to protect Spirit Hall. Hopefully, their endings will be less tragic this time around.
After a moment's thought, Yang Potian took out another jade box and handed it to Chrysanthemum Douluo, who accepted it with surprise and delight.
"Water Fairy's Jade Essence?" Chrysanthemum Douluo exclaimed. "I didn't expect you to have something this rare! Why are you willing to part with it now?"
Yang Potian smiled slightly. "These two herbs are part of my deal with Spirit Empire. You can hold onto them for now. Once my business here is concluded, you can hand them over to Bibi Dong and Qian Daoliu."
Chrysanthemum Douluo's face was full of joy. "You're too generous, kid. Don't worry, I'm only studying these herbs; I won't actually consume them. You wouldn't want Qian Daoliu and Bibi Dong coming after me."
"You're right," Yang Potian chuckled. "The Eight-Petal Orchid is meant for the young miss, while the Water Fairy's Jade Essence has been chosen with someone else in mind."
Chrysanthemum Douluo thought for a moment, puzzled. "It wouldn't be intended for Her Majesty, would it? This herb could certainly benefit Nana quite a bit."
Yang Potian merely nodded, saying no more.
Meanwhile, in the depths of Douluo Hall, Qian Daoliu and Qian Renxue stood before a smaller angelic statue that radiated a pure, sacred light. Planted in the ground before it was a large golden sword—the core artifact of the Douluo Hall itself.
Qian Daoliu's expression was somber. "Xiaoxue, even after all you've been through, is your heart still unsettled?"
Qian Renxue closed her eyes, a faintly twisted expression appearing on her face. "Grandfather, I can't help it. I can't forget her coldness, her indifference toward me, her attitude all through my childhood. I can't forget those lonely days."
Qian Daoliu sighed deeply. "She has suffered in her own way. Perhaps this journey to the Rakshasa Realm with Yang Potian will be a good test for you—a way to find clarity."
At the same time, in Bibi Dong's private chamber lay an entrance to a hidden realm. In this secret space, a colossal demonic scythe hovered in the void. Gazing at the Rakshasa Demon Scythe, Bibi Dong's face twisted with conflicting emotions—nostalgia, agony, and even a hint of longing.
Her expressions shifted endlessly as she stared at the weapon. She seemed nothing like the regal empress who commanded the Spirit Empire. Here, she looked more like a tormented soul.
The scythe seemed to beckon her, its presence calling her toward an abyss.
Bibi Dong's expression grew increasingly contorted as she stood there, yet a faint trace of resistance emerged. She muttered to herself, almost desperately, "Xiaoxue, what am I supposed to do?"
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