Heaven Refining physique Chapter 224: Emerald Leaf Pavilion

"You have arrived at a location where the Heavens can exert influence within specific confines to target you. Circumstances will periodically arise, compelling you to expend all your might merely to stay alive.

Utilizing your ring for teleportation might prove futile, as you could find yourself in an even more perilous situation than the one you were facing."

Yao Ying smirked, observing the gathered beasts, and continued, "For this particular encounter, you need not be overly concerned, as this is certainly not a trial designed for you."

The majority of your tribulations will manifest in ways that affect only you, not others, unless the Heavens truly intend to punish all those in your vicinity as well. While such a scenario is not impossible, it is exceedingly rare.

Furthermore, do not fret excessively; these events occur sporadically, with intervals spanning many years, not continuously."

Jiang Hao let out a sigh. He had no doubt that the esteemed Senior Yao would not intervene in matters he could resolve himself. Indeed, he had been traveling alone until this point, with people able to perceive her but paying her no mind. It was as if she existed yet was unseen. Was this an application of the law of fate? He genuinely couldn't comprehend it.

However, since this was not his concern, he simply observed. Just as others had discussed, four cultivators at the peak stage of the Void Reversion Realm and two from the Heavenly King Realm emerged from all the vessels. They consisted of four men and two women.

They didn't even wait for the beasts to initiate their attack before the two cultivators in the Heavenly King Realm struck at the peak stage Grade 6 Stormfin Pike. The ensuing battle presented no significant challenge for them. Although the beasts were numerous, it posed no issue for the Heavenly King Realm cultivators, as no single beast reached Grade 7.

As anticipated, the confrontation concluded with relative ease. Following the retrieval of the blood cores, they returned, appearing pleased rather than annoyed by the preceding events.

"Sigh, how formidable are the cultivators of the Heavenly King Realm? I wonder if I shall ever attain that stage," a middle-aged cultivator lamented.

"With your innate talent, you ought to celebrate merely reaching the Void Reversion Realm. Aspiring to the Heavenly King Realm? You truly harbor excessive ambitions for yourself."

"Why are you lecturing me on this matter? Your own talent is even more lacking than mine."

"And so what? Unlike you, I harbor no such aspirations in the first place."

Overhearing their exchanges, Jiang Hao shook his head and settled down, leaning his back against the boat. He closed his eyes, awaiting their arrival at their destination.

.....

Three days later, Jiang Hao finally perceived land once more. It was none other than the coveted Central Region, a place where all aspired to reside.

The Central Region is immense, eclipsing all other regions combined in size. Spirit veins are plentiful here, with the majority possessing a quality far superior to those found elsewhere. Jiang Hao could already sense the abundant spirit Qi from his current vantage point—at least three times more potent than in the Eastern Region—and he held no doubt that the deeper one ventured, the greater the concentration would become.

The advantages of a higher spirit Qi concentration extend beyond mere cultivation speed; they also enhance the prevalence of resources and treasures discoverable within the area. This is the fundamental reason why the Central Region boasts significantly more resources than any other region.

Jiang Hao observed the city, which grew increasingly distinct as their vessel drew nearer. It was colossal, dwarfing any city he had previously encountered in the Eastern Region.

The boats moored at their designated berths, and the cultivators began disembarking, though none took to the air. This was a regulation he had learned from the cultivator he had unceremoniously tossed into the sea. None were permitted to fly except for cultivators affiliated with the branch sects present in this locale. Essentially, all rules were instituted to benefit the branch sects of the Central Region.

He paid it no mind, as he had no intention of lingering in the city for an extended period. However, he would adhere to the rules for the time being, driven by his desire to devise a method for dismantling the teleportation arrays of the Azure Sky Sect and the Ethereal Cloud Sanctuary. If feasible, he would target both, but if not, he was resolute in destroying at least one.

The feasibility would depend on the proximity of these two branches to each other. Given that both sects perpetually vied for the most prominent positions, they would undoubtedly be situated close by.

They disembarked from the boat. The area was clearly constructed for the docking of vessels. Numerous smaller boats dotted the sea, likely utilized for specific missions.

After a period of walking, they reached the city's streets. The city teemed with a bustling crowd, yet not a single mortal was in sight. Even the vendors were cultivators, and by no means were they weak; most were at the Core Formation Realm.

Their journey led them toward the city's core. Jiang Hao's gaze swept over numerous structures, including the familiar Misty Pavilion. As they drew nearer to the heart of the metropolis, the imposing Alchemy Hall materialized, and shortly thereafter, his eyes fell upon two grand pavilions situated at the absolute center.

These magnificent structures belonged to the branch sects of the Azure Sky Sect and the Ethereal Cloud Sanctuary, allies by design, which simplified matters considerably. Furthermore, the Golden Lotus Pavilion's branch was also conveniently located in close proximity.

While they hadn't been a primary consideration initially, their presence within easy reach presented an added advantage.

"Senior, would you care for some tea?"

Although he anticipated the affirmative, Jiang Hao voiced the question. As predicted, Yao Ying offered a nod in assent.

A tea pavilion stood adjacent to the Alchemy Hall. Its prime location near the city's center suggested it was a highly esteemed establishment, known as the Emerald Leaf Pavilion.

Prior to their arrival, Jiang Hao subtly elevated his cultivation to the Soul Sea Realm, a precaution intended to preempt any bothersome disturbances that might interrupt their plans.

Upon reaching the entrance, the guards offered no resistance, facilitating their seamless entry. Gazing upon the pavilion's interior, Jiang Hao himself was taken aback by its breathtaking aesthetic.

An intricate network of interconnected small ponds graced the premises, each enveloped in a delicate haze of verdant mist. Exquisite emerald lotuses flourished within every pond, the source of the ambient mist clearly emanating from these Grade 5 spirit herbs.

The pavilion itself occupied the central position, sculpted in the form of a pristine green lotus, similarly adorned with an ethereal mist. The entirety of the scene exuded a captivating, almost dreamlike quality.

As they proceeded towards the pavilion, one of the attending maids emerged to extend a welcoming greeting.