Dongyang City is the largest city in the northern part of the Sun Moon Empire.
Located in the northeastern part of the Sun Moon Continent, less than a thousand kilometers to the east lies the border of the Tianhun Empire, and to the north is the Ice Sea.
Because of its strategic position, the city walls here are a full thirty zhang high, and various offensive and defensive spirit tools are deployed along them. These measures not only defend against the Tianhun Empire to the east but also protect against the Sea Spirit Beasts that lurk in the Ice Sea.
It was already approaching noon, and the city gate was at its busiest. Wang Nan slowly walked into the city with the crowd, his eyes constantly scanning the people ahead.
Before he even got close to the crowd, the Evil Breaking Dragon in Wang Nan's spiritual sea had already become active. There was no doubt that among these people, some were Evil Soul Masters.
Although the Sun Moon Empire and the Holy Spirit Cult have close ties, they always try to conceal themselves in public. If anyone else were here, they might not be able to discern the true identities of these people.
Just as Wang Nan approached the city gate, a piercing alarm suddenly blared from the city wall.
Wang Nan quickly looked up, noticing the surrounding crowd had already become chaotic. Various lights illuminated the city wall, and spirit cannons gradually adjusted their positions, aiming toward the Ice Sea.
"Quickly close the city gate! Sea Spirit Beasts are attacking the city!"
A voice, accompanied by a surge of spirit power, echoed from the city wall.
Wang Nan blended into the crowd and rushed into the city. Soon, with a loud bang, the gate of Dongyang City slammed shut.
Outside the city, the deafening roars of Spirit Beasts and the sound of crashing waves grew closer. Inside the city, teams of soldiers rushed toward the city wall.
"Everyone, move into the city! Do not gather at the city gate!"
"Repeat, do not gather at the city gate!"
Many soldiers had already arrived, each carrying one or several spirit tools. The difference in spirit tools between the Sun Moon Empire and the other Three Great Empires was obvious. Even the soldiers maintaining order here almost all had spirit tools, and the armor worn by the leader seemed to be a spirit tool as well.
Although the rank of that spirit tool was not high, it was still far ahead compared to the other Three Great Empires. Even the White Tiger Duke of the Star Luo Empire only had a Rank seven spirit tool for armor.
Wang Nan moved through the crowd and into the city.
On both sides of the street, various shops had many customers.
Outside, the sound of seawater crashing against the city wall kept coming, and from time to time, the boom of a spirit cannon could be heard, shaking the ground.
But the people in Dongyang City seemed to have long been accustomed to it. Although they would subconsciously glance toward the city's walls when the spirit cannon fired, they quickly turned their attention back and resumed their actions.
Some customers in the shops would even discuss how long this attack would last while browsing goods and chatting with those around them.
"Excuse me, sir, are you from out of town?"
A young man approached Wang Nan, wearing a thick cotton coat and a felt hat.
Due to its proximity to the Ice Sea, the temperature in Dongyang City was cold year-round, so ordinary people mostly dressed like this.
Although Wang Nan, as a Spirit Master, wasn't bothered by the cold, he didn't want to attract too much attention, so he wore a thick robe as well.
"How did you know?" Wang Nan didn't hide it.
"To be frank, I can spot people like you at a glance. I wonder why you came here, sir. Do you need me to show you around?"
Wang Nan smiled. There were many capable people among the ordinary folk, especially those who made a living this way.
"Are you here for business, sir, or planning to settle down here? If you're settling down, this isn't a good place. Not only is it freezing cold, but we also get harassed by Sea Spirit Beasts every three days."
Seeing that Wang Nan didn't speak, the man proactively continued the conversation.
"Do Sea Spirit Beast attacks like this happen often here?"
"As you know, sir, to the north of Dongyang City is the Ice Sea. In places near the ocean, where is there not harassment from Spirit Beasts?"
"It used to be better, with only occasional Spirit Beast appearances. But in recent years, I don't know why, but more and more Spirit Beasts are attacking the city. It's been even worse recently; now, it happens almost every day."
Wang Nan listened to the man's words while scanning his surroundings. The people who had entered the city with him had already dispersed, and the Evil Soul Masters he had noticed earlier were now heading toward the north of the city.
Wang Nan glanced at the man beside him. He appeared to be just an ordinary person with no spirit power fluctuations on him.
After a moment's thought, Wang Nan took out two silver coins. "I was just passing through and didn't expect to encounter a Sea Spirit Beast attack. Since I have nothing to do, tell me about Dongyang City."
The man took the silver coins, his face lighting up with joy. "Whatever you want to know, sir, I'll tell you everything I know without reservation."
"Then let's start with what's in Dongyang City. It's my first time here, so tell me all about it."
"Alright." The man put away the silver coins, rubbed his hands together, and then, feeling it might be impolite to put his hands in his pockets, he breathed into his hands and placed them in front of him.
Wang Nan glanced at him and slowly walked forward.
The man quickly followed. "You just entered from the West Gate. This area is the busiest part of Dongyang City. Although it can't compare to the large cities inland, it's still the center of the entire northern region of the Sun Moon Empire. Whatever you want to see or buy, this is the best place…"
Wang Nan walked into a restaurant and pushed the door open. There seemed to be some kind of heating spirit tool in the restaurant, and the surrounding temperature instantly rose.
"Sit down. Let's eat and talk. It's quite cold outside."
"Hehe, thank you, sir." The man chuckled and sat down somewhat cautiously.
"What's in the north of the city?"
"The north of the city? That's where Spirit Master adults often go," the man said. "Many spirit tools are stored there, and it's where Dongyang City defends against Spirit Beasts."
"And there's also a small port if you go out the North Gate. Some Spirit Master adults go out to sea through that port to obtain spirit rings and such."
Wang Nan nodded.
In his perception, the Evil Soul Masters had indeed gone to the north of the city. He had originally thought that, like in Banyue City, it would be a good idea to deal with a few Evil Soul Master strongholds before leaving.
However, now that he knew spirit tools were stored there, the guard force would certainly be formidable, so there was no need to put himself in danger.