Chapter 2241 Divine Light City (1)
"Unusual?" Yun Lintian was curious.
"Very much so," Huang Zheng confirmed, swirling the wine in his jar thoughtfully. "The Holy Lands normally allow only a limited number of participants to enter their domain. This year, however, they've declared an open invitation, with an unlimited number of winners."
"Unlimited?" Yun Lintian echoed, surprised. This was indeed a significant departure from the usual protocol.
Huang Zheng nodded. "Yes. This has caused quite a stir among the major factions. The Holy Lands are known for their exclusivity and strict control over who can enter. Such a radical change is unheard of."
"Why have they done this?" Yun Lintian inquired, intrigued by the sudden shift in policy. He also thought of Qing Shui's words about the conspiracy behind the Holy Lands. Perhaps there was a connection between them.
Huang Zheng shrugged. "No one knows for sure. There are many speculations, of course. Some say it's a test, a way to assess the overall strength of the younger generation across the entire Divine Realm. Others believe it's a desperate move, a sign that the Holy Lands are facing a crisis and need to replenish their ranks quickly."
He paused, taking a long sip of wine. "Whatever the reason, it presents a unique opportunity for cultivators like you, Little Brother Yun. With no limit on the number of winners, the competition will be fierce, but the rewards will be greater than ever before."
Yun Lintian pondered this for a moment, his mind racing with possibilities. This unexpected turn of events was of course a good thing for him. He didn't have to show his strength in order to win.
"It's certainly an intriguing development," he said finally. "I wonder what kind of challenges the Holy Lands have prepared for us."
"Who knows?" Huang Zheng replied with a chuckle. "Perhaps we'll find out soon enough."
He looked at Yun Lintian with a glint in his eye. "With your strength, Little Brother Yun, no one here is your opponent."
"Will they allow me to participate in the competition?" Yun Lintian asked.
"Why not? I can see that your bone age is no more than three hundred years old. You are considered extremely young here." Huang Zhen chuckled.
"Let's go down," Huang Zhen spoke.
The profound ark descended gracefully towards a designated landing area within the city walls. As Yun Lintian stepped onto the bustling streets, he was immediately struck by the vibrant energy that pulsed through Divine Light City. The air buzzed with the chatter of countless cultivators, their voices mingling with the rhythmic clang of blacksmiths' hammers and the enticing aromas wafting from street vendors.
"This city is truly a marvel," Yun Lintian remarked, his eyes taking in the vibrant tapestry of sights and sounds.
Huang Zheng chuckled. "Indeed. Divine Light City is a melting pot of cultures and traditions, a place where cultivators from all walks of life converge to trade, learn, and compete."
He gestured towards a towering structure that pierced the heavens, its golden spire shimmering in the sunlight. "That is the Divine Light Tower, the tallest building in the city and the symbol of the unity."
Yun Lintian's gaze followed Huang Zheng's finger, his eyes widening at the sight of the magnificent tower. It was a breathtaking sight, a testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the city's inhabitants.
"The tower serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for all cultivators," Huang Zheng continued. "It is said that the tower's light can guide lost souls and protect the city from harm."
He paused for a second and lowered his voice. "Of course it's not true."
Yun Lintian smiled and said nothing.
As they walked through the bustling streets, Huang Zheng pointed out various landmarks and places of interest.
He showed Yun Lintian the bustling marketplace, where exotic goods from all corners of the Divine Realm were traded, the sprawling training grounds, where cultivators honed their skills and sparred with each other, and the imposing Colosseum, where grand tournaments and battles were held.
"The Colosseum is where the competition will take place," Huang Zheng explained.
"It's truly enormous." Yun Lintian nodded with admiration. It was the first time he saw such a gigantic arena. It was as large as a medium-sized city back to his world.
"There is something you need to know about Divine Light City," Huang Zheng said, his voice turning serious. "The city is governed by a strict set of rules, enforced by the Divine Light Council. These rules are designed to maintain order and prevent chaos within the city walls."