Chapter 651

Chapter 651 Inside the Lei Xiaze

After traveling for several days on the riverboat, they finally docked at a large ferry terminal.

“Once we enter the ferry terminal, go east for another ten miles, and you’ll reach the ancient Lei Ze City, now known as Lei Xiaze.”

As they were about to disembark, a burly man nearby guided them on their way ahead.

“Thank you, Brother Peng. We will take our leave now.” Yu Biaochou bowed in farewell, and the white-robed young lady beside him also bowed.

“May your journey be smooth.” The member of the Tuo Shi Tang surnamed Peng also returned the bow.

Then, Lolan Hill led the small donkey behind her, following Yu Biaochou into the bustling main road. Most of these people had just disembarked from the boat and were heading towards Lei Xiaze.

“Surrounding Lei Xiaze are many lakes and rivers. In ancient times, there was a grand city called Lei Ze City. Unfortunately, with the changes of the seas and the earth, the ancient city gradually sank into the lakes and marshes. The current Lei Xiaze was later built by the lake; though not as magnificent as in ancient times, it’s still one of the few large cities among the neighboring continents.”

On the way, Yu Biaochou chatted idly to pass the time. He had been to Lei Xiaze before and wasn’t unfamiliar with it.

“After entering the city, we will first settle down. It is said that several factions nearby will soon hold a grand ceremony to recruit disciples.”

“Alright, Uncle Yu.” The young lady climbed up a small hill and looked at the long green stone wall in the distance. They were almost there.

—

Two hours later, the two of them joined the crowd at the foot of Lei Xiaze City. The high gate required looking up to see, and above it were carved deep blue words, with occasional flashes of lightning.

“Let’s go in.” After a simple check of their bags, the guards at the gate waved them through.

Compared to Qingwei City, which they had just left after Min Ze, the streets here were notably wider, easily allowing eight carriages to travel side by side. The buildings within the city were also larger, with a style that was rugged yet majestic, causing amazement.

The pedestrians’ attire varied widely, ranging from ordinary coarse cotton clothes to silk and brocade, and even extraordinary scale armor and feather robes. Some of the mounts beside the street also caught the young lady’s attention.

Some resembled black panthers, some four-horned dragons, and others winged tigers. Though these exotic beasts were rare, they were distinct from those of the Western continent.

This must be due to the presence of the dragon veins, she thought.

Due to the existence of the dragon veins, mana (essence energy) was more concentrated and dense in this world, leading to a greater number of demonic beasts (exotic creatures). Although in ancient times these exotic creatures posed threats to the East Continent, with humans slowly rising in power, these exotic creatures eventually became resources.

At the same time, the most powerful dragons gradually integrated into human life, making this nation a well-known dragon-loving country worldwide.

Between prefectures, swift flying dragons were used by messengers to convey information, exchange goods, and the dragon knights who soared through the sky ensured the integrity of the territory, preventing it from being easily divided.

The nine sons of the dragon, meaning various sub-species and descendants, gradually became part of this nation, performing various functions.

For example, the xiezhi, which could discern lies, resembling a black kirin with a single horn, sat in high halls.

The gentle qiu niu, roaming across thousands of states and counties, was often used to assist farming.

The water-dragons, capable of towing giant boats in the deep sea, sometimes stood guard at the palace sides, spewing rain to prevent fires.

The fierce shunis, often war beasts of elite armies, broke formations and slaughtered enemies.

Previously, she didn’t understand why the House of Plantagenet was called a dragon-loving country, but now, after entering the grand city, many of her former doubts were resolved.

The young lady walked on the street, her clear eyes peering curiously at this magical world beneath her veil.

“Make way, make way.” Suddenly, a voice full of panic came from behind, accompanied by a deep roar.

The young lady and Yu Biaochou turned around to see a huge elephant, several meters tall, roaring and running chaotically through the street.

Just as it was about to collide with pedestrians and goods, a streak of lightning flashed, and a long chain flew out from afar, locking onto the elephant’s leg and firmly restraining it.

The chain pulled taut, clanging loudly. Then, several tall men approached, holding the other end of the chain.

Seeing the elephant struggle, they shouted loudly. Electric currents surged along the chain, burning the spot where it touched the elephant’s leg, and the elephant collapsed, twitching on the ground.

“Good!”

“Indeed, the descendants of the Thunder God, the citizens of Lei Ze.”

Surrounding people cheered, except for the person originally riding the elephant, who wore a worried expression. This time, he would probably have to pay a lot of money in compensation.

“That’s a native of Lei Xiaze, said to be a descendant of the ancient Thunder God, skilled in lightning. Now, they are the ones maintaining order and security in Lei Xiaze,” Yu Biaochou explained briefly.

Afterward, the men retracted the chain and dragged the elephant to the side of the street, questioning its owner.

“Let’s go. That fellow will probably have to spend some money. After all, he couldn’t manage his exotic beast,” Yu Biaochou called to Lolan Hill and continued walking.

In the House of Plantagenet, various exotic beast dragons were kept in captivity, so regulations were established regarding security and laws. If an exotic beast caused an accident or damage, its owner naturally had to compensate.

After wandering the streets for a while, Yu Biaochou easily found an affordable inn, and they finally settled down.

“Now, let’s gather information about the nearby factions. We still have some time,” he said.

“Mm.” The young lady nodded, having been consolidating her new cultivation technique, the Jianmu Qinghuang Decision.

—

A month later, Lei Xiaze was bustling with people, the sound of voices reaching a fever pitch. Many young people from nearby prefectures gathered in one place.

An enormous high platform, hundreds of meters in diameter, was set up in the city center. Surrounding it were circular barriers like walls, separating the spectators outside.

At each corner of the platform stood a square tower, each decorated differently and representing the four largest factions in the seven provinces.

Xuan Yi Palace, Crimson Immortal Sect, Silver Seed Village, and Surging Lightning Prefecture. The first three were all cultivation factions within the seven provinces, while the fourth was special, representing the government in the seven provinces, specifically cultivating officials and soldiers. It was a subordinate institution under the Winter Ministry within the House of Plantagenet.

Large drums were beaten beside the platform, their thunderous sounds stirring the audience’s emotions. Then, a man in official robes announced loudly:

“The selection begins. Please welcome the talented from all directions.”

Grasslands and wilderness, crossing lakes and waves, the geniuses from the seven provinces with aspirations ascended this towering platform, revealing themselves and competing fiercely.

(The chapter ends.)