The journey to Vermillion City was quiet after the battle—too quiet. The air still carried the scent of scorched qi and blood, yet ahead, the horizon began to glow with life once more.
Xu Wen rode at the forefront, his crimson cloak fluttering behind him, while Li Shen and his team followed closely. Along the way, the captain spoke of Vermillion City—not with the pride of a mere soldier, but with reverence, as though speaking of a living being.
"It is said," Xu Wen began, voice steady and low, "that the first City Lord of Vermillion built its walls upon the veins of a slumbering fire serpent. The spirit of that beast still slumbers beneath, feeding the city's protection arrays. Each stone of the wall bears an inscription, a fragment of a grand formation designed to repel demons and temper the city's qi flow."
As they crested a hill, the city finally came into view.
Vermillion City sprawled across the plains like a sea of red and gold. Its towering walls glimmered faintly under the morning sun, each brick engraved with glowing sigils that pulsed with rhythmic qi. The air around it seemed thicker, infused with vitality and strength. High watchtowers crowned each corner of the fortress-like perimeter, and from their peaks, streams of spiritual light occasionally danced like ribbons in the wind—manifestations of the city's living array.
Even from afar, the city exuded the aura of prosperity. Smoke rose gently from tall spires, and the sound of distant bells echoed across the plains. The gates themselves were an awe-inspiring sight—thirty meters tall, reinforced by dark ironwood and inlaid with vermillion crystal veins that shimmered like fire beneath sunlight.
"The Vermillion Wall Formation," Xu Wen said, almost proudly. "One of the strongest defensive arrays in the Emerald Sky Dominion. Even a Dual Harmony expert would struggle to breach it head-on."
Li Shen silently took in the sight. The meticulous design—the overlapping layers of qi defense and the faint geomantic glow of the dragon vein beneath—it was not just a fortress. It was a breathing entity, pulsing with the energy of countless cultivators who lived and cultivated within.
As they approached the gates, the Vermillion Guards at post bowed deeply toward Xu Wen, then straightened at the sight of Li Shen and his group. Respect shimmered faintly in their eyes. Word had already spread—disciples of the Verdant Cloud Sect were not ordinary guests.
Inside, the city was a marvel of both mortal ingenuity and cultivation artifice.
Cobbled streets stretched wide, lined with merchant stalls that sold not only food and wares but also spirit-infused materials—jade talismans, spirit herbs, and cultivation elixirs sealed in shimmering bottles. Floating lanterns hung from copper hooks, powered by qi-infused fire stones that burned without smoke.
Mortals bustled alongside cultivators. Street performers danced with swords, their blades leaving trails of qi light that formed ethereal shapes in the air. At a distant square, a young cultivator performed spiritual calligraphy—each brushstroke releasing faint waves of spiritual resonance, forming protective sigils on the city's ground.
"More than a million souls live here," Xu Wen said as their convoy passed through a grand plaza. "Mortals, merchants, guards, and cultivators from minor sects alike. It is said that Vermillion City's flame never dies, for it burns with the collective qi of its people."
Li Shen nodded in quiet admiration. So this is the world of cities built by cultivators, he thought. Walls woven with arrays, homes breathing with qi… mortals protected beneath invisible strength.
They soon reached the City Lord's Manor, an expansive compound of red jade roofs and black marble courtyards. At the gate, armored guards knelt as Xu Wen presented his insignia. The grand doors opened soundlessly, as if obeying the flow of spiritual intent.
The City Lord awaited them in a great hall filled with vermillion banners and ancient paintings of soaring phoenixes. The scent of sandalwood filled the air, calming yet invigorating.
He stood tall—a man with hair the color of midnight and eyes sharp as a blade, yet with the calm of one who had seen countless storms. His robes bore no excessive ornament, only a single emblem of a flaming bird over his heart. His aura was contained, deep and fathomless. Even Li Shen, who had grown accustomed to sensing cultivation levels, could not pierce through it.
When the City Lord spoke, his voice carried quiet authority—like the steady rumble of an underground current. "So, disciples of the Verdant Cloud Sect walk my city's roads. It is an honor I did not expect."
Li Shen stepped forward, bowing deeply, and presented the letter with both hands. "From Grand Elder Zhang of Azure Veil Peak."
At the mention of the name, the City Lord's brows lifted slightly. He accepted the letter, unfolding it with care. As his eyes traced the words, a faint smile appeared.
Folding the letter, he looked toward Li Shen once more. "To receive a missive from one of the Five Grand Elders is no small matter. Be at ease. As long as you are within Vermillion City, none shall trouble you."
Li Shen bowed again. "Your generosity humbles us, City Lord."
The man waved his hand gently. "There is no need for formality. My name is Feng Yuan, City Lord of Vermillion. You and your companions are guests of this manor for as long as you require."
Though his tone was composed, every word carried the weight of a man used to commanding thousands. His qi—though hidden—felt like the steady blaze of a sealed volcano, deep and dangerous.
Xu Wen bowed low before taking his leave, his task complete. As he exited, Feng Yuan turned to a nearby attendant. "Guide them to the eastern courtyard. Let them rest and restore their strength. They have traveled far."
The group followed the servant through a winding path lined with crimson pines and spirit lotus ponds. The air grew tranquil, imbued with faint spiritual energy that eased fatigue.
The eastern courtyard was modest by noble standards, but for traveling cultivators, it was a paradise. Elegant stone pavilions surrounded a tranquil koi pond. Each room was furnished with warm incense burners and jade qi channels carved into the walls, allowing ambient spiritual energy to circulate.
Feng Yao exhaled softly, eyes gleaming. "Even their courtyards circulate qi. The air here feels… alive."
Hao Lin chuckled. "A night here might be better than a week of meditation back home."
Li Shen smiled faintly, yet his gaze lingered on the distant towers of the manor.
Li Shen turned to his companions. "Rest well. We have finished our mission, lets tour the city tomorrow"
As the evening sun dipped behind Vermillion's glowing walls, the courtyard bathed in golden-red light. The faint hum of the city's grand array resonated through the air, blending with the whispers of distant bells.
Li Shen stood by the pond, gazing at his reflection. The rippling water mirrored his calm face—but behind his eyes, questions stirred.
The koi swam beneath the surface, breaking his reflection into fragments. Above, the crimson sky deepened. The city that never slept burned quietly against the dusk—its walls pulsing like the steady heartbeat of a dragon beneath the earth.