Immortality and cultivation begin with full comprehension.

Chapter 865 Different Civilizations, Comprehending the Great Dao (Seeking Monthly Tickets)
The city walls are engraved with intricate magical runes, faintly shimmering with energy.

The towering spires, like giant trees in a forest, pierce the clouds. The spires are inlaid with huge magical crystals, drawing energy from the sunlight and the magic in the air to provide energy and protection for the entire city.

The city gate was bustling with activity. Guards, dressed in gleaming enchanted armor and wielding spears that shimmered with a cold light, meticulously checked the flow of people entering the city.

Their auras were around the Foundation Establishment stage, and the guards were very disciplined.

"Your Excellency, Emerald City is just ahead."

Aaron pointed to the city ahead, his tone relaxed as if he were back in familiar surroundings, "Emerald City is an important city under the jurisdiction of the Natural Council, famous for producing high-quality magical plants and exquisite woodworking and enchanting techniques."

Li Yunjing nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over the scene at the city gate.

He noticed that the guards were not simply checking people, but were using a crystal ball similar to a low-level detection spell to scan pedestrians, seemingly to detect any evil aura or prohibited magical items.

At the same time, those entering the city need to pay a small entry tax, which is usually in the form of common gold or silver coins, or magical materials of equivalent value.

When it was their turn, Aaron stepped forward, paid the entry tax for the team members, and showed the guards his mercenary badge.

When the guards' gaze fell upon Li Yunjing, they clearly sensed his unfathomable magical fluctuations and his extraordinary star robes. Their attitude immediately became respectful, and they didn't even use the detection crystals, simply bowing slightly before letting him pass.

A "legendary mage" enjoys privileges everywhere.

Stepping into Emerald City, a bustling atmosphere, completely different from that of the cultivation city of "Tianlan Star," immediately greets you.

The streets are wide and paved with polished white flagstones. The buildings on both sides have a unique style, mostly with streamlined designs and a large amount of wood, stone and magical metal. Many of the buildings have lush green vines growing on their exterior walls and blooming with flowers that emit a faint light, which are obviously carefully cultivated by druids or nature mages.

In the air, it wasn't just cultivators flying on swords; there were also all sorts of uniquely shaped "magical vehicles" shuttling back and forth.

There are "Wind Chariots" that can be used by one person and are propelled by wind elements like a skateboard; there are "Magic Chariots" that are the size of a carriage and are pulled by several elemental phantom horses; and you can even see some powerful mages casting "flight spells" directly, surrounded by elemental auras, and leisurely passing by.

The streets are lined with shops of all kinds: "Dragon's Breath Weapon Shop" displays swords enchanted with fire, ice and other attributes; "Star Potion Shop" displays all kinds of colorful magic potions in its window; "Arcane Tome Shop" exudes the aura of ancient parchment scrolls; and "Elemental Materials Shop" openly sells monster cores, magic gems, rare metals and other items of all levels.

The pedestrians were of various races.

Besides the majority of humans, you can also see tall, slender elves with pointed ears and handsome faces; short, stocky dwarves with big beards and loud voices; and occasionally you can even see some dark elves wearing hooded robes and with a rather gloomy aura, or orcs with a burly build and some animalistic features.

They all seem to be able to coexist relatively peacefully here.

The sounds of hawking, bargaining, the hum of magical vehicles, and the mixed aromas of various magical potions, spices, and foods permeating the air create a vibrant and lively scene of an otherworldly city.

"Good guy!"

Seeing this scene of harmonious coexistence among multiple ethnic groups, Li Yunjing secretly admired it.

You must know that on "Tianlan Star", not to mention races, even people with different systems must be isolated from each other and have their own territory. They dare not easily go to other people's territories, lest they be killed by demons and monsters!

This fusion of different styles had a profound impact on Li Yunjing.

"This is the central avenue of Emerald City."

As Aaron led the way, he introduced Li Yunjing to the important locations along the way, "The tallest emerald green spire over there is a branch of the Natural Council and the location of the city's magic hub."

"That magnificent building next door is the Mercenary Guild; we'll be going there to hand over our mission later."

"If you need to purchase magical materials or books, you can go to the 'Tower of Wisdom' Merchant Guild in front of you. It's one of the largest merchant guilds in Emerald City..."

Li Yunjing observed all of this with great interest.

The "prosperity" here is completely different from the "ethereal and tranquil" cultivation city of "Tianlan Star". It is full of worldly vitality and magical wonder.

He could clearly sense that the city was laid with complex magical energy pipes underground, providing lighting, protection, and even constant temperature in some areas.

A huge, invisible magical shield covered the city, presumably for defense against external enemies and to regulate the city's climate.

"A very interesting approach to urban planning and energy utilization."

Li Yunjing thought to himself, "Although individuals may not be as deep in exploring their own power as cultivators, they seem to go to more extremes in terms of collective cooperation, utilizing external objects, and modifying the environment."

"Your Mightiness,"

Aaron's voice interrupted Li Yunjing's thoughts, "Since you're new here, you must need to find a place to stay."

"There are several nice mage inns in Emerald City. They are quiet and have basic meditation rooms and laboratories."

"If you don't mind, I can recommend one for you."

"Thank you!"

Li Yunjing's head.

He did need a temporary base to gain a deeper understanding of the world.

Aaron led Li Yunjing to an inn called "The Ring of Tranquility".

The inn is located on a relatively quiet street. The main structure is made of ancient wood that exudes a pleasant fragrance, and the exterior walls are covered with magical vines that bloom with small blue flowers.

The interior is elegantly decorated, and the air is filled with the calming scent of herbs, making it a very suitable place for a monk to live.

With Aaron's help, Li Yunjing quickly checked in and chose a suite on the top floor with a private meditation room and an observatory.

"Your Excellency, please rest first."

"We need to go to the Mercenary Guild to hand over the mission and report the unusual situation in Shadow Forest."

After Aaron paid the room fee, he said respectfully, "If you need anything, you can come to the Mercenary Guild to find us at any time, or have the innkeeper pass on a message."

"Well, thank you."

Li Yunjing said calmly.

After seeing off the Gray Eagle Squad, Li Yunjing stood on the observatory of his suite, overlooking the magical city.

The afterglow of the setting sun draped the emerald green city in a golden veil, and magical lamps lit up one after another, like stars adorning an emerald.

He did not rush to rest or go out. Instead, with a slight thought, his vast and refined divine consciousness spread outwards silently from him like an invisible tide.

The powerful divine sense of the ninth level of the Nascent Soul realm, radiating for 1,500 miles, instantly enveloped the entire "Emerald City" and the vast surrounding area.

Under his divine perception, the entire "Emerald City" seemed to have become a transparent model.

Countless life forms, like twinkling stars, varied in strength, representing the hundreds of thousands of beings of various races residing in the city.

Those powerful auras were as conspicuous as torches in the night!
Deep within the tower of the Natural Council's branch, several auras brimming with natural vitality, comparable to the early stages of the Nascent Soul realm, emanated; from the Mercenary Guild headquarters, several fiery battle qi fluctuations faintly emanated, roughly at the peak of the Golden Core realm; throughout the city, various magical fluctuations, some subtle and some overt, ranged from Foundation Establishment to Golden Core, with even two or three reaching the Nascent Soul (Legendary) level, presumably belonging to powerful figures reclusive within the city or from other forces.

All of this was within Li Yunjing's expectations.

It would be strange if such a prosperous city didn't have a high-level expert in charge.

However, when his divine sense swept across the city center, the most heavily guarded area shrouded in layers of emerald green magical barriers, the core of the City Lord's Mansion and the Natural Council branch, his gaze suddenly sharpened!
Deep beneath the city lord's mansion, inside a treasure vault tightly protected by several layers of powerful magic arrays, his divine sense penetrated the defenses that would have prevented even ordinary legendary mages from peeking in, and he clearly "saw" the scene inside the treasure vault.

The vault was piled high with gold coins, glittering magic gems of various colors, precious enchanted weapons and equipment, and a large quantity of sealed high-level magic materials...

Although these items were priceless, they did not attract much attention from Li Yunjing.

What truly stirred his heart was an item displayed alone on a crystal stand deep within the treasure vault.

It was a crystal about the size of a fist, with a deep blue-purple color throughout, as if it contained the entire starry sky.

Inside the crystal, it's not a simple flow of energy, but rather as if countless tiny lightning bolts are being created, dying, and intertwining, forming a constantly changing star map of thunder!

A pure, powerful, and destructive thunderous energy, imbued with a sense of creation and destruction, was clearly perceived by Li Yunjing, even through layers of magical seals, just like the bright moon in the night!

"This is... the crystal core of a top-tier lightning-type magical beast?"

"No, this feeling..."

Li Yunjing frowned slightly as he carefully sensed it. "The lightning laws contained within are so close to the origin!"

"It's purer and more powerful than most of the lightning-type demon cores I've seen on 'Tianlan Star'!"

"This is definitely not something that an ordinary legendary-level (Nascent Soul) magical beast could have given birth to. It is probably... left behind by a Saint-level (Deity Transformation) lightning-type supreme magical beast after its fall!"

The energy fluctuations emitted by this crystal core far exceeded those of the level-five shadow crystal core he had obtained before, and were even purer and more active than the top-grade spirit stones he possessed. Especially in terms of the lightning attribute, it had an immeasurable benefit to his cultivation of the "Nine Heavens Responding to the Origin Thunder Scripture" and the tempering of the Chaos Thunder Body!
"If I could obtain this item, it might allow me to advance further on the Path of Thunder, and even accelerate the accumulation of magical power, shortening the time it takes to break through to the Nascent Soul stage!"

This thought flashed through Li Yunjing's mind in an instant.

However, at the same time, he also sensed the strength of the magic array surrounding the treasure vault.

The layers upon layers of barriers, blending nature, elements, space, and even a hint of destiny's protection, are far more complex than usual, clearly the work of a master.

Forcibly breaking through would inevitably trigger a massive alarm, and might even attract powerful Saint-level experts from the City Lord's Mansion and the Natural Council.

"Taking it by force is not the best strategy."

Li Yunjing quickly calmed down.

As a newcomer, he did not fully understand the methods and strength of the top experts in this world, and it would be unwise to make enemies rashly.

Moreover, his purpose in this trip was to travel and gain insights, not to plunder.

"It seems we need to change our approach."

Li Yunjing withdrew his divine sense, a thoughtful glint in his eyes.

Such a precious treasure would surely be known to the City Lord's Mansion or the Natural Council, and they would never easily show it to others, let alone trade it.

He temporarily abandoned the idea of ​​taking action and his expression calmed down.

"No rush, now that we've found it, it can't escape."

A faint smile curved at the corners of Li Yunjing's lips.

The journey to the stars is long, and he has plenty of time.

The most urgent task is to better integrate into this world, understand its rules, and enhance one's "influence" and "bargaining power" in this world.

He turned and left the observatory, deciding to first visit the "Tower of Wisdom" merchant guild that Aaron had recommended.

On the one hand, I will purchase some basic magic books and common knowledge jade slips to systematically learn about this world; on the other hand, I will also see if I can find some resources that are useful to me, or inquire about the limits of power in this world.

As long as it is determined that conquest is possible, Li Yunjing does not object to a clash of civilizations!

On "Tianlan Star", he had to abide by rules that had been in place for hundreds of thousands of years. He had many concerns: his family, his brothers, his friends, and his sect!
They are hesitant and timid when doing things!
Once he reached the depths of the universe, he was just a solitary traveler, and no one knew his origins or background.

If he really starts killing, no one will have the opportunity to retaliate against those around him.

This feeling of freedom stirred a slight restlessness within him, stirring the domineering and resolute spirit of thunder within him.

After leaving the "Ring of Tranquility" inn, Li Yunjing strolled through the streets of Emerald City.

As night deepened, the city remained brightly lit under the glow of the magical lamps.

Following Aaron's directions, he quickly found the magnificent building known as the "Tower of Wisdom".

This is a seven-story white stone tower, its body engraved with countless mysterious magical runes, exuding a rich aura of knowledge and arcane power.

The people coming and going were mostly monks and scholars in robes, or some richly dressed merchants.

Li Yunjing stepped into the tower, and the interior space was much larger than it appeared from the outside, clearly due to the use of space expansion technology.

The first floor is a spacious hall, displaying various common magical materials, potions, and low-level magical items.

A huge magical water screen hangs on the wall, displaying various product information and purchase requests in a scrolling manner.

He didn't stay on the first floor, but went straight up the spiral staircase.

The second floor is the magic book section, with bookshelves reaching to the ceiling, densely packed with parchment scrolls, magic books, and even some magic crystals for recording information.

The range of books is extensive, from "An Introduction to Arcane Fundamentals" and "An Introduction to Elemental Meditation" to "An Analysis of Advanced Runes" and "An Overview of Legendary Magic."

Li Yunjing scanned the area with his divine sense and quickly identified the books he needed.

He selected several of the most basic and comprehensive overview books, including "A General History of Arcane Saint Star", "A Brief Introduction to Major Races and Factions", "An Introduction to the Magic System", "A Brief Analysis of Aura and Faith Power", and a book called "A Detailed Explanation of Common Language and Magical Script".

When he arrived at the checkout counter carrying these thick volumes, the old mage apprentice in charge of reception immediately became extremely respectful upon seeing the books he had selected, especially his unfathomable star-patterned robe.

"Your Excellency, these books will cost a total of five hundred gold coins, or equivalent magical materials."

The old apprentice spoke cautiously.

Li Yunjing's expression remained unchanged, but a thought stirred within him.

He was new to the place and had no gold coins of this world on him.

He casually took out the level 5 Shadow Crystal Core from his sleeve, intending to use it to settle the matter, but then he thought that using the crystal core would be too conspicuous and easily attract attention.

His gaze swept over the several gleaming gold coins displayed as samples on the settlement table, and he had already made up his mind.

Instead of taking the Shadow Crystal Core, he slowly raised his right hand, his five fingers slightly spread.

Under the puzzled gaze of the old mage's apprentice, a dazzling white-gold light suddenly shone in Li Yunjing's palm. The light was not magical light, but rather carried an indestructible, pure, and sharp Daoist charm!

The metallic particles in the air seemed to be summoned by a king, frantically converging towards that point of platinum light.

Furthermore, an invisible force of law, transcending the elements, was activated—the Geng Metal Great Dao originating from the very source of heaven and earth!

Under the dumbfounded gaze of the old master's apprentice, the platinum light spot in Li Yunjing's palm rapidly stretched and deformed, as if it were being forged by an invisible, skillful hand.

As the light shimmered, gold coins, identical to the sample coins and even with clearly visible subtle anti-counterfeiting features, materialized out of thin air!
They are not illusions, but real physical metals formed by the combination of pure Geng metal energy and the primordial energy of heaven and earth, and transformed by the laws of nature!
Its weight, texture, and even the slight metallic properties it contains are exactly the same as those of a real gold coin!
The entire process was silent, without any incantations or flashing magic circles, only the heart-pounding fluctuations of laws and the flow of platinum light.

In just a few breaths, a full five hundred gleaming gold coins were neatly stacked on the settlement table, radiating a metallic sheen.

Li Yunjing flicked his sleeve lightly, rolling the books into it as if he had done something insignificant, and said in a calm tone, "Five hundred gold coins, count them."

"Uh……"

The old master's apprentice was already terrified, his mouth agape, wide enough to fit a goose egg, his finger trembling as he pointed at the pile of gold coins, speechless for a long time.

He's lived to be this old and has seen mages use magic to change the form of matter, and even alchemists turn lead into gold, but that requires complicated rituals and materials!
He had never seen anyone create so many and so realistic gold coins so effortlessly, in an instant, without any medium, solely through their own power!
This was completely beyond his understanding of magic!
This isn't magic.

This is simply a miracle!

No, even the archbishops of the temple, when they use their divine magic, might not be able to do it so effortlessly!
This is the power of the Creator!

"The legendary lord is here!"

"No... I dare not! I dare not count them!"

The old master's apprentice nearly knelt down with a thud, his voice trembling with tears. He looked at Li Yunjing as if he were a god, "It's my honor to serve you! These books... take the books! The gold coins... there are too many gold coins..."

He was incoherent and dared not even touch the gold coins, for fear of offending this unfathomable being.

In his heart, he had already regarded Li Yunjing as a god who played with the world!

Li Yunjing frowned slightly. He had intended to keep a low profile, but it seemed he had gone a little too far.

He said nothing more, only glanced at the apprentice indifferently, and then turned and walked downstairs.

Only after Li Yunjing's figure disappeared at the top of the stairs did the old mage's apprentice collapse to the ground, panting heavily. Looking at the pile of glittering gold coins, he still felt like he was dreaming.

He scrambled to the chamber of commerce's deacon and stammered out a report of what had just happened.

Soon, the top management of the "Tower of Wisdom" Chamber of Commerce was alarmed.

"Creation out of thin air...and such pure metal at that...not elemental transformation, but...creation at the level of laws?"

The silver-robed deacon muttered to himself, cold sweat beading on his forehead. "This gentleman is probably no ordinary legendary mage!" "What he displayed is likely some kind of lost ancient arcane magic, or... a power that has touched upon the fundamental rules of the world!"

"Immediately classify this matter as a top secret within the Chamber of Commerce, and it must not be disclosed to outsiders!"

"At the same time, find out where this gentleman is staying, but under no circumstances should he be disturbed; he must be treated with the highest level of courtesy!"

Li Yunjing had no idea how much of a stir his casual display of the Geng Metal Law's creation technique had caused within the "Tower of Wisdom" Chamber of Commerce.

He returned to the "Ring of Tranquility" inn with the books and began to immerse himself in reading, cramming on the common knowledge of this world.

His seemingly casual action was like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, and ripples had already begun to spread.

Silent all night.

As the first rays of dawn shone through the crystal dome of the observatory and fell upon Li Yunjing, he slowly opened his eyes.

Countless tiny runes and star charts seemed to flash in his eyes before finally returning to a deep calm.

In just one night, the contents of those thick, brick-like books were completely digested and understood by his powerful divine sense.

At this moment, he had a clear understanding of the vast world beneath his feet called "Arcane Holy Star" and the sphere of influence of the Natural Council where Emerald City was located.

"A world where magic and gods coexist, multiple power systems intertwine, and countless races coexist yet are constantly at odds... Interesting."

"Gods are rare, and their level of power is uncertain. It seems I can make my move."

Li Yunjing muttered to himself, a playful smile playing on his lips.

Just then, his brow twitched slightly, and his divine sense detected the commotion outside the inn.

The usually quiet street outside the "Ring of Tranquility" inn seemed unusual at this moment.

Several ornately decorated magical carriages, each bearing a different emblem, quietly came to a stop.

The people who got off the car were all prominent figures in Emerald City.

The leader was an elderly man dressed in a magnificent emerald green robe, wearing a laurel wreath and holding a vine staff. His aura was deep and his body was filled with natural magic flowing endlessly. He was none other than Malfurion Whisperwind, the chief druid of the Natural Council stationed in Emerald City.

His cultivation level had reached what this world called the "peak of legend," equivalent to the late stage of the Nascent Soul realm.

Beside him stood a middle-aged man with a sharp, silver, enchanted armor and a longsword at his waist, exuding a capable air. He was Kelos Steelblade, the lord of Emerald City and a powerful legendary warrior.

Following closely behind were the silver-robed deacon of the "Tower of Wisdom" merchant guild, the dwarf guild master of the Emerald City branch of the "Mercenary Guild," the bishop of the "Mystra" temple, and representatives of several other prominent families in the city.

These big shots, who usually shake Emerald City with a stomp of their feet, were gathered at the entrance of this not-so-top-tier mage inn, their expressions showing an undisguised solemnity, even... awe.

The hotel owner had already received the news and waited anxiously at the door, his forehead covered in cold sweat.

"Lord Malfurion, Lord Kelos, esteemed guests, your presence is an honor to our humble establishment..."

The boss's voice trembled slightly.

"Don't panic, boss."

Malfurion waved his hand gently, his voice like a spring breeze rustling through the treetops: "We are here to visit Mr. Li Wutian, who stayed at your inn yesterday. Please inform him of our presence."

His gaze swept across the inn, and in his perception, the dwelling of that being seemed like an invisible vortex, devouring all the probing energy around it, unfathomable.

Just then, a calm voice rang out in everyone's minds, crystal clear, yet without the slightest magical fluctuation:
"Now that you have arrived, please come up and have a chat."

The voice wasn't loud, but it carried an undeniable authority, as if it resonated directly on the soul.

Malfurion and Kelos exchanged a glance, both seeing the shock in each other's eyes.

This method of transmitting sound was completely beyond their understanding of magic.

No one dared to delay, and led by the hotel owner, they arrived at the door of the top-floor suite.

The door slid open silently.

Inside the suite's living room, Li Yunjing, still wearing his star-patterned robe, stood with his hands behind his back at the entrance to the observatory, as if he had been waiting for a long time.

He didn't deliberately emit any aura, but simply by standing there, he naturally became the center of the entire space, and an invisible pressure made everyone who stepped into the room hold their breath.

"Malfurion Whisperwind, Chief of the Emerald City Council, along with his colleagues, pays his respects to His Excellency Li Wutian!"

Malfurion bowed first, adopting an extremely humble posture.

The others followed suit and bowed, even the hot-tempered dwarf guild leader restrained himself and dared not act rashly.

"No need to be polite."

Li Yunjing turned around, his gaze calmly sweeping over the crowd. "What brings you all here?"

His gaze, though seemingly casual, made everyone feel as if they could see right through him, and that their deepest secrets had nowhere to hide.

"Yesterday, Your Excellency displayed a small miracle at the 'Tower of Wisdom,' turning stone into gold and creating things with the laws of nature. This truly amazed us and made us yearn for it."

Malfurion took a deep breath, stepped forward, and said respectfully, "It is an honor for our city that you have graced the Emerald City with your presence."

"We have come here with two reasons: first, to pay our respects to Your Excellency and express the 'Emerald City's' respect; second, to inquire whether Your Excellency has any needs, and we at Emerald City will do our utmost to meet them."

His words were sincere, and his posture was extremely humble.

A powerful figure who is suspected of surpassing legends and even touching the realm of gods deserves to be treated with the highest standards by the entire "Emerald City".

If a positive connection can be established, it will be a tremendous opportunity for "Emerald City".

Lord Kelos added, "Whatever you need, whether it's magical materials, a meditation room, or special privileges within the city, we will grant it without hesitation."

The other representatives also presented gifts they had prepared beforehand, all of which were rare magical materials, high-level potions, or precious magical scrolls, priceless treasures.

Li Yunjing remained calm; he had anticipated the intentions of these people.

The power he displayed was enough to attract the utmost attention from the ruling class.

He didn't look at the gifts, his gaze returning to Malfurion and Kelos, and said calmly, "I do have a question for you."

"Please speak, sir!"

The two men perked up.

"I sensed that there is something hidden underground in the city lord's mansion that contains the purest source of lightning, which will be of some help to my cultivation."

Li Yunjing spoke calmly, as if discussing a trivial matter, "I wonder if the City Lord's Mansion would be willing to part with this item?"

The moment those words were spoken, the atmosphere in the living room froze!

Malfurion and Kelos's expressions changed simultaneously, their eyes flashing with undisguised shock and embarrassment!

They instantly understood what Li Yunjing was referring to!
That is one of Emerald City's greatest secrets and resources. Decades ago, the Natural Council and the City Lord's Mansion paid a huge price to obtain a Saint-level Thunder Core from the body of a fallen Saint-level Thunder Beast!

This item is not only priceless, but also one of the core energy sources that maintains the operation of some of the super-large magic arrays in Emerald City and enables the council to conduct certain top-level magical research!

Its strategic significance far surpasses that of ordinary wealth!
Lord Kelos's facial muscles twitched slightly as he said with difficulty, "Your Excellency... are you referring to that 'Azure Thunder Core'?"

"Maybe so."

Li Yunjing neither confirmed nor denied.

"Your Excellency has keen insight."

Malfurion took a deep breath and said with a wry smile, "To be honest, this item... is of great importance. It is one of the foundations of my Emerald City and a treasure registered with the Council of Nature."

"It's not that we are unwilling, but... we have no right to dispose of it without authorization."

His words were tactful, but his meaning was clear: this thing cannot be given away, and it involves a powerful force behind it; touching it would cause big trouble.

The atmosphere in the living room suddenly became somewhat subtle and tense.

The other representatives held their breath and dared not interrupt.

They all understood the importance of that lightning core, and for this mysterious powerhouse to ask for it so readily was simply...

Li Yunjing was not surprised by this answer.

He never expected the other party to hand it over so easily.

His face betrayed no emotion, and he simply said, "Since it is the foundation of the city, I, Li, will naturally not take it by force."

Upon hearing this, Malfurion and Kelos secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

"However, this item is in harmony with my Dao, and I am determined to obtain it."

But Li Yunjing continued, "Since it's not easy to make a deal..."

He paused slightly, his gaze sweeping over the crowd before finally settling on Malfurion and Keiros. His tone remained calm, yet carried an undeniable decisiveness:

"Then, how about we try a different approach?"

"I am new to your esteemed place and am still lacking a suitable place to stay and cultivate myself."

"I think the scenery of Emerald City is quite nice."

"From this day forward, this city will be under the protection of me, Li Wutian."

"In exchange, that lightning core is mine."

After he finished speaking, the entire living room fell into a deathly silence!

Everyone was stunned, frozen in place as if struck by lightning!
What...what did he say?
The Emerald City is under protection?
Exchange the Thunder Core?

This is hardly a discussion.

This is clearly... a declaration!
In an almost indifferent tone, the change of ownership of Emerald City was announced!
"This is outrageous robbery!"

Lord Kelos's chest heaved violently, his ashen face flushed red with rage, and the veins on his hand gripping the sword hilt bulged, the legendary warrior's powerful fighting spirit almost overflowing uncontrollably.

He had never suffered such humiliation!
Emerald City is the land that the Steelblade family has run for generations. It is an important city under the jurisdiction of the Natural Council. How can we allow an outsider of unknown origin to so casually "announce" a change of ownership?
"Your Mightiness!"

Kelos's voice was hoarse from suppressing his anger. "The ownership of Emerald City is not a trivial matter! It concerns hundreds of thousands of residents and the dignity of the Natural Council! We are sorry, but we cannot accept your demands!"

"Lord Li Wutian, your strength is awe-inspiring."

Malfurion was equally shocked and dissatisfied, but his composure as a druid kept him from losing his last shred of reason. He took a half step forward, trying to ease the tension: "But protecting a city is not something that can be decided with a single word. It requires the trust of the residents, the approval of the council, and the ability to cope with all the responsibilities and challenges that come with it."

"Perhaps we can take a longer-term approach, such as appointing you as the honorary guardian of Emerald City..."

"No need."

Li Yunjing interrupted Malfurion directly, his gaze calmly sweeping over Kelos's face contorted with anger, over Malfurion's solemn attempt to mediate, and over the fearful looks in the eyes of the other representatives.

"It seems that you all have not yet understood the current situation."

He shook his head slightly, as if sighing at their slowness.

The next moment, without him chanting any incantations or casting any spells, the entire living room space of the suite suddenly froze!

It's not a "binding spell" in magic, but a deeper and more fundamental form of suppression!
The air became like ancient ice, so heavy it was suffocating.

Everyone felt as if they were trapped in an invisible quagmire, making it incredibly difficult to even lift a finger. The magic, fighting spirit, and divine power within their bodies instantly froze, as if they were frozen!
Lord Kelos roared, and the legendary warrior's powerful body unleashed its last strength in an attempt to break free from the invisible restraints. The silver aura of battle energy flickered on his body, like a candle in the wind, unable to break through the invisible barrier.

At the tip of Malfurion's vine staff, emerald green natural magic surged wildly, attempting to communicate with the natural energy of the outside world, only to find that his connection with the surrounding forest was forcibly severed by a greater and more primal force!
The others couldn't even struggle; they could only stare in terror, feeling the tremor that originated from the depths of their souls.

This...what kind of power is this?
A magic-forbidden zone?

Do not!
Even physical actions and magical connections were completely suppressed!

This is a comprehensive suppression of the laws!

“Li is not discussing this with you.”

Li Yunjing's voice rang out again, still calm, yet it struck everyone's soul like a heavy hammer.

"I am informing you."

As he spoke, a glimmer of light appeared from his fingertips.

That was not a magical aura, but a wisp of condensed energy, seemingly containing the meaning of the creation of heaven and earth and the division of purity and turbidity!

The moment this tiny wisp of air appeared, the living room space began to emit an unbearable "humming," the light distorted, and the structure of matter seemed to become unstable.

A great terror surged in everyone's hearts, as if the slightest dissipation of that wisp of air would be enough to wipe the entire hotel, and even half the city, from the face of the earth!

"The Holy... Holy Domain?!"

"No! This aura is even stronger than that of a Saint Realm expert..."

Malfurion's pupils shrank to pinpoints. As a legendary figure at the pinnacle, he could better sense the destructive power contained within that wisp of air, a power far beyond his comprehension.

That is definitely not any kind of energy known in this world!
Li Yunjing's fingertips twitched slightly, and the wisp of chaotic energy instantly transformed into a tiny bolt of lightning. It was not blue-purple, but rather the color of chaos, and struck the open space in the center of the living room silently.

No explosion, no sound.

But the space that was hit, along with the floor below and the floors below, seemed to have been "wiped away" by an invisible hand, leaving a smooth, mirror-like, bottomless circular hole!

Through the hole, you can even see the astonished crowd looking up at the street below!

Not destruction, but annihilation!

Absolute, complete, erasure on both the material and energy levels!

At this moment, all the struggle, all the anger, all the wishful thinking vanished.

In the face of absolute power, all authority, rules, and backgrounds appear so pale and laughable.

"Pfft!"

The silver-robed deacon of the "Tower of Wisdom" was the first to succumb to the fear and pressure emanating from his very soul. His knees buckled, and he collapsed to his knees, his forehead pressed against the ground, his whole body trembling, unable to utter a single word.

Next came the dwarf guild master of the mercenary guild. Though he was of fierce temperament, he held true power in even greater reverence. He knelt on one knee, placed his right hand on his chest, and gave the highest respect a warrior could offer: "The Emerald City Mercenary Guild is willing to obey Your Majesty's will!"

The bishop of the Temple of the Goddess of Magic turned deathly pale, drew a complex symbol on his chest, and bowed deeply: "The radiance of Mystra also acknowledges the majesty of the strong..."

Representatives from other families rushed to kneel down, fearing that if they were even a step too slow, they would suffer the same fate as that annihilated space.

In the end, only Malfurion and Kelos remained.

Malfurion stared at the bottomless void, then at Li Yunjing, whose expression was as calm as still water, and the last trace of color drained from his face.

He closed his eyes bitterly, and the vine staff in his hand clattered to the ground.

Slowly, with immense heaviness and humiliation, he bent his knees and lowered his head, the symbol of the authority of the Natural Council.

"The Emerald City branch of the Council of Nature... Malfurion Whisperwind... complies with Your Majesty's decree."

All eyes instantly focused on the last figure, Lord Kelos.

The legendary warrior's face turned from green to white, then from white to red, and finally turned to ashes.

He could feel that indifferent gaze falling on him, like a towering mountain pressing down on his spine, making it creak.

(End of this chapter)