A Royal Tour of Anchan City

“Get on the carriage.” Beishan Bawei pulled Ji Ning by the arm and led him toward the vehicle.

The carriage was roughly five or six zhang wide, making the interior quite spacious. Once Beishan Bawei and Ji Ning entered, Beishan Bawei immediately said, “Sit, sit.”

“This carriage really is comfortable.” Ji Ning couldn’t help but sigh with admiration. Twelve seats were arranged inside the carriage, each covered with incredibly soft fur. Sitting on them was indeed extremely comfortable. “Brother Bawei, that flame on the carriage…?” He hadn’t felt any power from the flame earlier.

“It’s an external manifestation of Yuan power,” Beishan Bawei said with a smile, then called out to the outside, “To the Carefree Grotto.”

“Yes, young master.” The woman outside immediately acknowledged respectfully.

Whoosh.

The blazing chariot quickly began to move forward.

“Did you notice? My maidservant and the carriage are both golems,” Beishan Bawei said proudly.

“Ah.” Ji Ning was astonished. “They’re both golems?”

He truly hadn’t noticed. After all, this was the heavily guarded headquarters of the Beishan clan; he wouldn’t casually release his divine sense to examine things.

“Right.” Beishan Bawei said smugly, “The maidservant is a golem my father gave me. She can unleash the combat power of a peak Wanxiang Adept. She feels no fear and is the best type of guard.”

Ji Ning nodded.

“As for the carriage, it is called the Nine Astral Immortal Chariot.” A look of deep satisfaction appeared on Beishan Bawei’s face. “Once it begins flying, even a Primal Daoist can’t catch up to it. Moreover, it contains ‘Nine Astral Heavenly Fire.’ When that fire is released, it can incinerate everything… and it can even burn some of the weaker Primal Daoists to death!”

“What?” Ji Ning was shocked.

Nine Astral Heavenly Fire?

It could burn Primal Daoists to death? Even if only weaker ones, that was still an astonishing feat. After all, it was merely a golem treasure.

“Haha.” Beishan Bawei quickly added, “The female guard was a gift from my father, but this Nine Astral Immortal Chariot is something I’ve only borrowed for now. It’s my father’s personal vehicle. If I sold off all my treasures, I couldn’t afford even a tiny piece of it. I’m only allowed to use it temporarily here in Anchan City.”

Ji Ning understood. So it was the personal vehicle of that ‘Beishan Blacktiger.’ This made him marvel at the profound reserves of the Anchan Beishan clan. Even a single member like Beishan Blacktiger could own such an astonishing vehicle.

“A golem treasure of the Nine Astral Immortal Chariot’s level already possesses intelligence.” Beishan Bawei stroked the armrest, clearly fond of the chariot. “Just now, when I said to go to the Carefree Grotto, I was actually speaking to the chariot. The Nine Astral Immortal Chariot will take us there automatically.”

Ji Ning had to admit it.

This was truly impressive!

Riding out in an immortal chariot capable of fighting a Primal Daoist was certainly a display of status. It gave Ji Ning a glimpse into the extravagant lifestyle of the Anchan Beishan clan.

“Look outside.” Beishan Bawei pointed out the window.

Ji Ning looked through the window as well. The Nine Astral Immortal Chariot was moving very fast, and the streets of Anchan City were incredibly wide. The scenery outside flashed by in a blur.

“The most mysterious part of all Anchan City is the West City.” Beishan Bawei pointed outside. “When you entered Anchan City, you should have received a booklet describing the city. Although it marks the names of many estates, what can you tell from those names?”

“Beishan Blacktiger’s estate is quite large,” Ji Ning said with a laugh.

“Haha.” Beishan Bawei laughed. “There are over a thousand estates with the ‘Beishan’ prefix. They all belong to the more distinguished young disciples of my Anchan Beishan clan. These estates come in three sizes: ten li in circumference, one li in circumference, and a hundred zhang in circumference.” He then smiled. “If you think that these are the estates of the truly powerful figures in my Beishan clan, you’d be sorely mistaken.”

“Oh?” Ji Ning was puzzled.

“The booklet should also list many other estates, giving only their names, like ‘Shanshui Estate’ or ‘Qianguang Estate’…” Beishan Bawei looked at Ji Ning.

Ji Ning nodded. There were indeed such estates listed, and he hadn’t known what they were for.

“These include the private estates of Primal Daoists, and even the estates of Immortals.” Beishan Bawei looked at Ji Ning. “Some of the Immortals in my Beishan clan have such long lifespans that they don’t put the ‘Beishan’ prefix on their estates. This way, outsiders can’t easily discern how many Loose Immortals and Earth Immortals my Anchan Beishan clan truly has.”

Ji Ning was secretly startled.

“Many of these estates are empty.” Beishan Bawei enthusiastically revealed these secrets. “Across the endless lands of the Grand Xia Dynasty, if some of the most supreme figures come to Anchan City, my Anchan Beishan clan will gift them a private estate. Although they might only visit once in a while, these estates must still be maintained.”

“So…”

“The West City of Anchan City is a true melting pot of dragons and snakes. You must never offend anyone living in an estate of unknown origin.” Beishan Bawei continued, “As for the North City of Anchan, over half of it is occupied by the Yinglong Guard.”

“The Yinglong Guard?” Ji Ning was surprised. “I heard that the Yinglong Guard’s branch in Anchan Commandery is located on a towering mountain.”

“Right, it’s not far from here, called the Crimson Dragon Mountain Range.” Beishan Bawei shook his head with a smile. “The members of the Yinglong Guard are free spirits. Who would want to stay on that desolate mountain? Anchan City is bustling and lively, and being here also allows the Yinglong Guard to monitor the major powers of the city. Naturally, they have large residential areas here.”

Ji Ning nodded.

“The North City is mostly occupied by the Yinglong Guard.”

“The South City is mostly occupied by the cultivator armies of my Anchan Beishan clan.” Beishan Bawei smiled. “This is already an open secret. Of course, the simple booklet given to those entering the city won’t mention it.”

“Only the East City is where the great merchants, wealthy traders, and rogue cultivators gather.”

… During the journey, Beishan Bawei told Ji Ning about many things that, while somewhat secret, would be known to anyone who reached a certain level. It opened Ji Ning’s eyes.

The West City also contained many places of pleasure.

The most famous among them was the Heavenly Treasure Mountain.

“The Heavenly Treasure Mountain takes up six hundred li of land. It is a mountain within the city, and the entire mountain is hollowed out. Inside, there are countless treasures, spirit beasts for sale, slaves, all sorts of gambling fights… in short, any kind of pleasure you can imagine can be found in the Heavenly Treasure Mountain.” Beishan Bawei shook his head helplessly. “But this Heavenly Treasure Mountain is backed by the imperial clan of the Grand Xia Dynasty! In every commandery city across the endless lands, there is a Heavenly Treasure Mountain. I have no idea how much immense wealth it rakes in for the Grand Xia Dynasty.”

“The place I’m taking you to today is the Carefree Grotto.” Beishan Bawei winked at Ji Ning. “The top-tier places of pleasure in all of Anchan City are the Heavenly Treasure Mountain and the Carefree Grotto.”

“The Heavenly Treasure Mountain is found everywhere in the Grand Xia Dynasty.”

“The Carefree Grotto, however, is unique to Anchan City. It was opened by three Celestial Fox Immortals.” Beishan Bawei grinned. “Of course, it also has the support of my Anchan Beishan clan. After all, they can’t let the Heavenly Treasure Mountain take all the wealth.”

Ji Ning laughed as well.

“Young master, we’ve arrived.” A voice came from outside.

The Nine Astral Immortal Chariot slowed down and quickly came to a stop.

Beishan Bawei led Ji Ning off the chariot and pointed at the massive building before them. “This is the Carefree Grotto.”

Ji Ning was momentarily stunned. In the distance was an enormous, magnificent building in the shape of a gigantic fox. It was a fox-shaped structure hundreds of li long. The entrance was at the mouth of the fox’s lowered head. The dense, rich natural energy of heaven and earth in the surroundings made Ji Ning feel incredibly comfortable.

Whitewater Hound also jumped off the chariot, standing beside Ji Ning as he looked at the scene, a look of amazement in his eyes.

“Young Master Bawei, please, please come in!” A tall, sturdy bull-horned giant immediately ran over. The surging aura emanating from him startled Ji Ning. This monster wasn’t restraining his aura at all, allowing Ji Ning to confirm that he was likely at the Wanxiang Adept level.

“Mm.” Beishan Bawei nodded casually.

“And this is?” The great monster looked at Ji Ning.

“He is my good friend, Young Master Ji Ning,” Beishan Bawei said directly.

The great monster quickly nodded. “It’s Young Master Ji Ning’s first time here!” He was very courteous, taking the lead to guide them.

Ji Ning swept his gaze around and quickly noticed that many people were entering the Carefree Grotto to enjoy themselves. However, most of them did not have attendants greeting them. Even when a few had attendants, they were at the Xiantian or Zifu level at most.

Only Beishan Bawei received a Wanxiang-level great monster coming out personally to welcome him.

Ji Ning, Whitewater Hound, and the golem maidservant followed Beishan Bawei as they walked inside.

They followed a wide, magnificent corridor and soon arrived at a great hall. On the left side of the hall stood a row of beautiful women—some monsters, some cultivators. On the right side stood a row of men, also a mix of monsters and cultivators.

“Welcome, Young Master Beishan, Young Master Ji!”

In unison, they all bowed respectfully, their sleeves touching the floor.

Being greeted so respectfully by this many monsters and cultivators, all shouting in unison, even Ji Ning was momentarily stunned. Fortunately, his soul was strong, and he quickly regained his composure.

“What a display. No wonder it’s the Carefree Grotto, set up by the three Celestial Fox Immortals and the Marquis of Anchan’s estate.” Ji Ning marveled.

In the great hall sat many patrons.

Among them were four people Ji Ning recognized.

… Meng Jun, Meng Yan, and Meng Xin were being led through the Carefree Grotto by their tribal uncle. The balding middle-aged man said, “The Carefree Grotto is a premier place of pleasure. When it comes to pure enjoyment, it’s even better than Heavenly Treasure Mountain. The food here is beyond anything you could imagine back in the tribe. Since you’ll be entering a sect soon, I wanted you to experience it today.”

“This is the silverfish from the Extreme Min Region?” Meng Jun ate while praising it incessantly. Meng Xin and Meng Yan were also clearly eating with great joy and excitement.

Nearby, some beautiful monster girls who had reached Xiantian were dancing gracefully. Human Xiantian girls were playing the zither…

“Hmm?” The balding middle-aged uncle suddenly turned his head.

In the distance, from another corridor in the great hall, a large group of beautiful women quickly emerged. They gave off various auras, both monstrous and human-cultivator alike. An equally large group of men appeared as well. They neatly formed two rows, as if waiting for someone.

“An important figure has arrived.” The balding uncle quickly said.

“What’s wrong?” Meng Yan looked over, puzzled.

“Each of their auras is fully released. They all seem to be Zifu-level great monsters and Zifu cultivators,” Meng Xin said in awe.

“Wow, just what kind of big shot are they welcoming?” Meng Jun’s eyes were shining. If he could get on the good side of such an important figure, wouldn’t his future be set?

Suddenly—

The two rows of stunning women and men, stretching deep into the corridor, all respectfully said in unison, “Welcome, Young Master Beishan, Young Master Ji.” Their voices echoed throughout the great hall.

“Young Master Beishan?” The balding uncle said in a low voice, “It’s a member of the Beishan clan of the Marquis of Anchan’s estate. Definitely a direct descendant, and one of high status. Otherwise, the Carefree Grotto wouldn’t make such a fuss. But who is this ‘Young Master Ji’?”

“Let’s get a look at the big shots of Anchan City.” Meng Jun stared intently.

Many people in the great hall were all looking toward the distant corridor entrance.

A black-robed, high-crowned young man walked in. Walking side-by-side with him was a youth dressed in animal pelts. Behind them followed a whitewater hound godbeast and a maidservant.

“Brother Ji Ning?” Meng Jun, Meng Xin, and Meng Yan were all stunned.