Chapter 171
The Skyreach Territory was boundless, stretching across vast lands dotted with mountains, forests, and ancient ruins.
The four major sects stood proudly as its pillars, known across the continent for their influence and prestige. Yet, hidden beneath their shadow, many lesser-known powers existed—low-key sects and aristocratic families whose true strength was not inferior to the great four.
Ethan understood this well. Even within these silent forces lay sleeping monsters—old cultivators and ancient beasts not seen in centuries.
For that very reason, he did not rashly go into Sun Moon Lake.
Caution was survival. A single misstep in unfamiliar territory could awaken powers even he would struggle to face.
So, Ethan decided to head for Sun Moon City first.
Within the hour, he reached its broad gates.
The city was immense—wide streets lined with vendors, cultivators in bright robes, and strangers of every background filled the air with lively chatter. Glittering banners fluttered above market stalls, while the smell of roasted spirit grains and crystalfruit wine wafted through the streets.
Merchants shouted their sales, spiritual beasts were tethered like ordinary horses, and rogue cultivators haggled noisily with shopkeepers.
It was a city of prosperity thriving under latent danger.
Ethan strolled along the streets, absorbing the scene. It was vibrant but tense—the kind of place where a smile could conceal a poisoned blade.
Finding a teahouse, he stepped in. The carved sign read Bright Scent Pavilion in flowing golden characters.
Inside, the establishment was elegant and refined. Every table was polished jadewood, and the waiters moved about with graceful efficiency, each exuding faint spiritual fluctuations.
Ethan chose a window seat on the second floor. The sunlight filtered through the beaded curtains, scattering on the polished floorboards like ripples.
A waiter arrived swiftly, bowing politely. "Honored guest, what will you have to drink? Our Bright Scent Pavilion serves only top-tier spiritual teas to delight everyone!"
Ethan eyed him briefly.
The young man was polite and carried the air of a cultivator. His cultivation level was only at the Core Formation Realm, but compared to the humble towns he had passed through, this was still impressive.
The fact that every server was a cultivator proved Sun Moon City's strength. It was indeed a second-rate city, one capable of rivaling small sects.
Ethan nodded thoughtfully. "Bring me a pot of your most popular tea."
"Yes, sir!" The waiter smiled brightly. "Our renowned Pandan Spirit Tea will delight you. Shall I include any sweets?"
"No need," Ethan said casually, waving his hand.
"Right away." The waiter retreated swiftly, returning minutes later with a silver tray. On it rested a delicate pot radiating faint aura light, exuding a calming fragrance.
Two cups were set before Ethan with practiced care.
"Please, noble guest, taste it."
Ethan lifted a cup. "Not bad," he murmured after taking a sip. The tea was smooth, rich, and infused with traces of spirit energy that gently nourished the meridians.
"Let me ask something," Ethan said, holding the cup loosely.
"Sun Moon City… who does it belong to?"
He asked with casual grace, though his question was sharp.
The waiter blinked, momentarily surprised. "Ah, I see! The guest must be a traveler from afar. You must not be familiar with our city, then."
Ethan caught the faint hesitation in his voice—and at that same moment, sensed killing intent flicker throughout the room.
Subtle, sharp gazes darted toward him from every direction—predators assessing potential prey.
Then, as if on cue, the tension dissolved. Those who had been watching turned away nonchalantly, sipping tea and chatting like nothing had happened.
Ethan's lips curled faintly. _Heh... interesting._
He turned back to the waiter, face calm and polite. "Why? Can't foreigners drink tea in your city?"
The waiter paled. "No, no! You misunderstand, sir. I didn't mean that at all. I merely thought, with your bearing, you must be from a powerful family here in the city." He offered a nervous laugh. "I was only surprised."
"Then answer my question."
"Ah—of course." The waiter scratched his head awkwardly.
"It's quite a long story, sir. If I had the time, I'd gladly share it with you, but if the shopkeeper sees me chatting instead of working, I'll be punished!"
Ethan's sharp eyes narrowed faintly but said nothing.
After a brief pause, the waiter leaned forward and whispered conspiratorially, "If you wish to know anything about Sun Moon City or the surrounding regions, you should visit the Pavilion of Heavenly Secrets. Their organization specializes in collecting and selling information. As long as you have money, you can learn anything."
"Pavilion of Heavenly Secrets?" Ethan echoed, intrigued. "An intelligence organization?"
The corner of his mouth lifted with curiosity. "Sounds promising."
As hyperbolic as the waiter's words sounded, it was at least worth investigating.
Ethan placed a shimmering spirit stone on the table—its glow illuminating the surroundings faintly. "This should cover it."
He stood, slipping calmly past the tables as murmurs spread behind him.
The waiter's eyes widened at the sight. "A top-grade spirit stone…!"
Whispers flitted across the room as he pocketed the payment with trembling hands. "He's rich," the waiter muttered under his breath. "Truly a man of stature."
Leaning over the railing, he called softly after the departing figure, "Sir! The Pavilion of Heavenly Secrets is the tallest building in the city—you can't miss it!"
Ethan raised a hand in acknowledgment and descended the stairs.
Yet the moment he stepped outside, several figures rose silently from their seats upstairs—shadowing him from afar.
Outside the sect, danger hid behind every corner.
Ethan smirked faintly. "Follow me if you dare," he whispered, his steps steady and confident.
_It will be your funeral._
The city's heart was dominated by a magnificent structure towering above all else. Its roof spanned nine tiers, gleaming with spiritual patterns that shimmered under sunlight. Golden characters adorned the massive plaque above the main entrance.
Pavilion of Heavenly Secrets.
A potent sword intent emanated from the carving itself—each stroke infused with overwhelming intent. It wasn't written but rather carved by sword intent of frightening sharpness.
"This sword intent… it's already at the Transforming the realm level," Ethan murmured. "It must've been carved by a Mahayana powerhouse."
He pushed open the doors and entered.
Inside was an expansive atrium constructed entirely from spiritual wood that grew richer with age instead of rotting. The atmosphere buzzed softly with flowing energy.
Three light curtains hung high above, displaying glowing inscriptions. One immediately captured his attention—Skyreach Territory Heaven's Prodigy Ranking.
Different names surfaced and shifted in order.
Ethan's eyes swept quickly across the list.
Seraphina—35th, near the bottom.
Althea—19th.
Then his gaze froze.
There—at the eleventh rank—his own name blazed clearly.
Ethan.
A/N:
Extra chapters
100 power stones - 1 Extra chapters
200 power stones - 2 Extra chapters
Capsule - 1 Extra chapters
Massage Chair - 3 Extra chapters
Luxury Car - 5 Extra Chapters
Magic Castle - 15 Extra Chapters
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