Chapter 1334: Zhao Wugui

Han Li's spirits immediately lifted. "What? Is there a cultivation sanctuary with dense spiritual energy here?"

"Hehe, this city indeed has a few cultivation sanctuaries, some of which are even comparable to those in the Three Emperors' main cities. But that's just one aspect. More importantly, this city not only has an endless supply of various materials from the Three Realms and Seven Lands, but it's also the sole entrance and exit for both human and demon races to and from the Barren World. Therefore, all high-level beings entering or leaving the Barren World must pass through this city. As a result, countless rare materials are brought back from the Barren World. Most cultivators directly sell their gains here or trade them for what they need. There are even spiritual medicines that can allow one to advance overnight, though their prices are so exorbitant that they make us sigh in resignation."

At this point, the old man paused, then continued:

"Beyond that, another significant reason cultivators in this city are unwilling to leave is that every ten years, cultivators in Sky Abyss City have the opportunity to listen to an elder from the Elder Council expound on the Dao of Heaven and Earth, and they can also pose questions about their own cultivation. These elders are all Integration Stage cultivators. How could outsiders possibly have such an opportunity? Hehe, so, among all the cultivators who join this city, how many would willingly leave?"

"So many benefits! But with so many high-level cultivators stationed here, there must be some special purpose, right?" Han Li was overjoyed at first, but then his brow furrowed.

"This city, besides cultivators, also has a large number of high-level demon cultivators stationed here year-round; they occupy the other half of Sky Abyss City. In addition, there are numerous demonic beasts and body refiners. Half of these lower-level beings are cultivated by the city itself, while the other half are transferred from the Three Realms and Seven Lands. Coupled with the dozen or so Integration Stage cultivators from the Elder Council, the city possesses such astonishing power precisely to counter the foreign races and true spirit-level beings from the Barren World. The super immortal array set up by our ancestors is incredibly profound. Throughout history, whenever foreign races invaded the territories of our human and demon races, they could only attack through this single entrance in the city. If we didn't station so many forces here, wouldn't our two races be wiped out by those foreign races in an instant? I've heard that if a war with foreign races truly breaks out, it's common for a large portion of the two races in the city to be wiped out in one go."

The old man, surnamed Liu, sighed deeply.

"A large portion wiped out!" Han Li's expression subtly changed upon hearing this.

"Brother Han, there's no need to be surprised or overly worried. The intervals between foreign invasions can range from over a hundred thousand years to as short as sixty or seventy thousand years. With such long gaps, what is there to worry about? If, by chance, you do encounter a foreign invasion, then we can only fight to the death. Any Sky Abyss City guard who flees during battle will be hunted down by both races working together. Since one wishes to enjoy the city's conveniences, it's naturally reasonable to take a little risk. However, the last time Sky Abyss City was invaded by foreign races was thirty thousand years ago. Essentially, you and I don't need to worry about anything for the next ten to twenty thousand years." The old man surnamed Liu smiled slightly.

"I see. So, being brought to Sky Abyss City was actually a blessing in disguise for me," Han Li said, stroking his chin thoughtfully.

"Of course. First-generation ascended cultivators have a much higher chance of advancing to the Void Refinement Stage than descendants like us or native cultivators of the Spirit Realm. The Elder Council places great importance on every ascended cultivator and won't easily give them up. Moreover, for unknown reasons, the number of ascended cultivators accepted by the Flying Spirit Platform has decreased in recent years. I heard that several elders even went so far as to send their split souls to various lower realms to investigate the cause, but it seems they haven't succeeded. Brother Han, since you also came from a lower realm, did you ever notice anything unusual?" the old man suddenly asked.

"No, everything was normal in the Human Realm where I was," Han Li replied with a natural expression, though his heart tightened as he recalled the matter of the Ancient Devil.

"That's a pity. If Brother Han could have provided anything, you would surely have received a great reward. However, ascended cultivators in recent years also haven't provided any clues. I just heard that a few years ago, the demon race seemed to have received some information. So, the Elder Council probably won't inquire further with Brother Han." The green-faced old man didn't find anything amiss with Han Li's answer; instead, he spoke with regret.

Han Li smiled subtly upon hearing this and then asked in return, "By the way, Brother Liu, what exactly did you mean by 'Azureguard'? Are they the blue-armored fellow cultivators I saw earlier?"

"Precisely, they are the cultivators wearing Azureguard battle armor. In Sky Abyss City, Azureguards are considered mid-level existences, like myself, small leaders who can command ten Blackiron Guards. An Azureguard must be a Soul Transformation cultivator, but a Soul Transformation cultivator isn't necessarily an Azureguard. Brother Han should understand the difference here," the old man explained.

"Ah, I do understand some of that. Some Soul Transformation cultivators might not be skilled in combat or perhaps have other duties," Han Li mused to himself, understanding the implication.

"It's good that you understand. Speaking of which, the duties of our Sky Abyss City guards are divided into two types. One type involves simply completing fixed rotating duties every so often, allowing them to arrange their time freely otherwise. However, the spiritual stones distributed to these guards annually are fixed and not plentiful, so they naturally have tight budgets, but the advantage is that there's generally no danger. The other type is specifically for undertaking special tasks issued by the Elder Council. Each time a task is completed, the rewards include not only spiritual stones but also rare items like medicinal pills or treasures.

Naturally, these tasks carry extremely high risks and are mostly related to the Barren World or foreign races, requiring careful consideration before undertaking them. However, completing just one such task can exempt one from any rotating duties for decades or even a century, allowing for peaceful, long-term cultivation. What's more, these two types of duties are not fixed; they can be interchanged at any time," the old man explained clearly to Han Li.

"Thank you for the guidance, Brother Liu." Han Li's expression betrayed no outward emotion, but he thanked him aloud first.

The green-faced old man chuckled, waved his hand, and after chatting with Han Li for a little longer, finally stood up to take his leave.

After seeing the old man out and watching him depart, Han Li's smile faded, and he returned to his room, entering his private chamber to sit cross-legged.

He gently closed his eyes, as if entering a state of deep meditation.

Meanwhile, after the green-faced old man exited the corridor, several other Soul Transformation cultivators were waiting there.

As soon as they saw the old man emerge, they immediately approached him.

"How was it, Brother Liu? Did you get any information from him?"

"Information? He's very tight-lipped. Besides admitting that he is indeed an ascended cultivator from a lower realm, he didn't reveal anything else. I, on the other hand, answered some of his questions," the old man said, shaking his head with a hint of helplessness.

"Heh heh, Brother Liu, you just went straight to him. Someone new to the Spirit Realm would naturally be a bit cautious. However, we truly have no ulterior motives; we just want to befriend him. After all, ascended cultivators usually have considerable potential for advancement..."

The Soul Transformation cultivators began discussing amongst themselves, one after another, as if they genuinely bore Han Li no ill will.

The old man, surnamed Liu, however, remained silent, smiling faintly.

Early the next morning, Han Li, who had been meditating motionlessly in his private chamber, suddenly stirred and opened his eyes.

He immediately rose, exited the private chamber, and went to the living room.

Holding his restriction token, he flicked it open to unlock the main door.

Outside the door, a cultivator in white robes stood with a calm expression.

"Greetings, Senior!" Han Li dared not delay and clasped his hands in a respectful bow.

This was precisely the clean-shaven, pale-faced golden-armored cultivator from before, but he had now changed into scholar's attire. The intimidating aura about him had diminished by a third, replaced by a more ethereal quality.

"Fellow Daoist Han, there's no need to be so polite; I've just arrived myself. Brother Li has other matters to attend to, so only I have come to see you today. My name is Zhao Wugui." This Void Refinement cultivator, surnamed Zhao, had a noticeably friendlier demeanor than he did yesterday.

Han Li was slightly taken aback, but after hastily addressing him as "Senior Zhao," he invited the man into the house and sat down with him as host and guest.

"With half a day's time, you must have learned a thing or two about Sky Abyss City. I'll get straight to the point. You are an ascended cultivator, and you endured the two-colored thunder tribulation for so long, so I presume your divine abilities are not weak. Therefore, I've already applied for your Azureguard status. This is your identity token; keep it safe. When the time comes, you can directly take command of Squad Gamma 56. The four individuals you saw yesterday in the Teleportation Hall belong to this squad." As soon as Zhao Wugui settled down, he flipped his palm, revealing a green jade pendant, which he handed over.

"I've just arrived and don't quite understand everything yet. Wouldn't it be a bit rash for me to serve as an Azureguard right now?" Han Li said with a hint of hesitation, not immediately reaching for the jade pendant.

"Heh heh, Fellow Daoist Han, there's no need to be overly modest. Every ascended cultivator, upon arriving in this city, serves as an Azureguard, and most are extremely competent. As for the city's affairs, after living here for six months to a year, you'll certainly become familiar with everything," Zhao Wugui said with a smile.

"Since Senior has said so, then this junior will no longer refuse." Han Li's eyes flickered twice, and he finally took the jade pendant, glancing at it casually.

One side of the jade pendant was inscribed with silver tadpole-like characters, while the other bore several light golden characters, including "Gamma 56."

Seeing Han Li accept the jade pendant, Zhao Wugui nodded contentedly and then began explaining some common knowledge about Sky Abyss City to Han Li. Some things had been mentioned by the old man surnamed Liu yesterday, while others Han Li heard for the first time, and he naturally listened with utmost attention.

"Alright, I've said all I needed to say. This place is just a temporary gathering spot for ascended cultivators and isn't suitable for long stays. Every cultivator above the Nascent Soul stage in Sky Abyss City has their own dedicated cave dwelling. However, the quality and size of the dwelling depend on your own efforts. For specific details, you can inquire at Jade Palace on Monday. Here's a map of the city for you to examine carefully. Since you are new to the city, you don't need to report for duty immediately for the first month, but you must take up your post and receive your Azureguard armor after one month." Zhao Wugui then took out a white jade slip from his storage bracelet, handed it to Han Li, and stood up to depart.

Han Li naturally offered his respectful thanks once more and saw the man out of the room.