The Central Region, a wilderness.
Li Xuan stepped out of the passage and glanced back, finding the giant stone had vanished. Even more bizarre, Li Xuan could clearly see everything behind where the stone had been. In that moment, Li Xuan understood why people from the Central and later regions could enter the Front Region so freely.
It was like a pathfinder; once the road was found, returning was simple. But the process of finding it was arduous.
Li Xuan withdrew his gaze and looked ahead. He then recalled the map presented by Yang Diao. After discerning the direction, Li Xuan immediately moved towards the southwest.
The Central Region was not vast, only half the size of a single continent of the Vast Continent. However, the experts within it were immensely powerful. After all, as Luo Xuan had previously stated, those at the peak of the Sovereign realm could shatter this three-dimensional space and ascend to the fourth dimension. One could only imagine the significance of a Sovereign realm expert.
"Young Master, where are you headed?" The voice of the Heavenly Dao Pen echoed in Li Xuan's mind.
Li Xuan replied, "To the southwest lies a city called Dou Cheng. As the name suggests, it is a place for spirit masters to battle. It's said there are no rules within, only life and death. Only by fighting these experts can my sword intent grow stronger."
"Young Master, you are not yet at the Sovereign realm. Have you forgotten He Fengting's words?" the Heavenly Dao Pen interjected.
Li Xuan chuckled and responded, "Though that is true, do you believe anyone at the same level of the Samsara realm has been my opponent thus far?"
The Heavenly Dao Pen fell silent for a moment before saying, "It does seem to be the case."
Li Xuan smiled slightly and continued, "While I would like to find ordinary opponents, my strength does not permit it. Since that is the case, why should I dwell on it? It's like fights among mortals; some are stronger than others. One cannot demand everyone be equal; that would be true injustice."
With that, Li Xuan accelerated his movement, vanishing instantly into the vast wilderness.
The Heavenly Dao Pen, privy to some heavenly secrets, remained silent for a moment before inwardly sighing, "In this world, there truly is no absolute fairness."
Dou Cheng.
On a colossal arena, two figures were engaged in a fierce battle. The spectators numbered no less than a thousand, yet they appeared sparse on the expansive viewing platforms. Li Xuan was among them.
Li Xuan had arrived at Dou Cheng two days prior. During these two days, aside from familiarizing himself with the city, Li Xuan had spent most of his time observing the duels. It could be said that the arena saw battles between experts almost constantly. For Li Xuan, this was an unparalleled opportunity to broaden his perspective.
Soon, the duel reached its conclusion. The defeated party met their end on the spot. On this arena, there was no draw, only life and death.
Dou Cheng had only one rule: no fighting within the city. Any conflict was to be resolved through duels in the arena. The arena was circular, with tiered seating rising around it, catering to all viewers.
Perhaps because Dou Cheng was situated in the Central Region, where the experts were inherently strong, a massive barrier was activated in the lower circular center whenever a duel commenced.
Li Xuan observed that even the full force of two early-stage Sovereign realm experts would not be able to inflict any damage on it. The strength of those who set up such a safeguard was evident.
As the duel ended, the crowd began to disperse. Li Xuan glanced at the man below before rising to leave.
"Young Master, it seems the duels in Dou Cheng are always between people with grievances," the Heavenly Dao Pen's voice sounded in Li Xuan's mind.
Li Xuan nodded slightly and replied, "Indeed. After all, without grievances, who would choose to duel to the death in the arena? Survival is the foundation of becoming stronger."
"But if that's the case, how will you, Young Master, find opponents to duel and improve yourself?" the Heavenly Dao Pen retorted.
Li Xuan pondered for a moment and said, "Haven't you noticed? As long as you appear to be someone who can be bullied, someone will inevitably seek you out. And in this Dou Cheng, it seems my strength is the weakest. I suspect opponents will soon come knocking."
The Heavenly Dao Pen fell silent for a moment before asking, "Young Master, are you planning to play the pig to eat the tiger?"
Li Xuan smiled and replied, "Where there are people, there is a Jianghu. Little Pen, you still have much to learn."
The Heavenly Dao Pen: "..."
The next day, at the Scenic Garden Tea House.
Li Xuan ordered a pot of spirit tea and then watched several beautiful women performing songs and dances on a nearby stage. In the Scenic Garden Tea House, there were over a dozen other men like Li Xuan, each sitting at their own table, exuding an air of peace.
To Li Xuan's surprise, a woman in opulent attire strode directly towards him.
"May I sit here?" the woman asked Li Xuan, blinking her beautiful eyelashes.
Li Xuan nodded slightly and continued to watch the performances.
Qing Ruo Yi looked at Li Xuan and then sat down, her gaze also turning towards the stage. Just then, several male figures entered.
The man in the lead surveyed the surroundings before his gaze settled on Qing Ruo Yi. However, upon seeing Li Xuan sitting opposite her, his initially pleased expression turned icy.
"Ruo Yi, you're here," the man said, approaching Li Xuan's table with a genial smile directed at Qing Ruo Yi.
Upon seeing the man, a flicker of disgust crossed Qing Ruo Yi's eyes, but she merely nodded slightly without speaking.
"This gentleman, would you mind making way?" the man then said, shifting his gaze to Li Xuan.
Li Xuan looked at the man and shook his head slightly, replying, "This position offers a perfect view of the entire stage. If I were to move, the scenery wouldn't be as good. So, I apologize."
The man's face darkened completely. However, constrained by Qing Ruo Yi's presence, he took a deep breath and forced a strained smile, saying, "My friend, convenience for others is convenience for oneself. I believe you wouldn't wish to stir up trouble in Dou Cheng, would you?"
Li Xuan chuckled slightly and looked at the man, "What, are you planning to use force?"
Listening to their exchange, Qing Ruo Yi also turned her attention to the man.
The man looked deeply at Li Xuan before smiling and saying, "My friend, you misunderstand. How could I? Since you are unwilling to switch, so be it."
Li Xuan curled his lips and replied, "In that case, you may leave. You are blocking my view of the performance."
The man's face turned ashen as he turned and left, moving to a table behind Li Xuan. Soon after, the person who had been there also rose and departed.
Li Xuan had taken note of the man's expression. The man was accompanied by three Sovereign realm experts, indicating a significant status within Dou Cheng.
Heavenly Dao Pen: "Young Master, you are intentionally provoking that fellow to confront you."
Li Xuan smiled, picked up his teacup, and took a sip, continuing his observation.
If nothing unexpected happens, something unexpected will occur.