Chapter 365: Drawing Grand Plans

Hunyuan Immortal City sat at the heart of Lichen Island, one of the five most renowned cities on the floating continent. Nearly every major faction had an outpost here, and the streets bustled with an endless array of beings from all corners of the realm.

The skies above were equally lively. Shadowy silhouettes of floating islands drifted amidst the clouds, their towering edifices hinting at their status as the bases of Lichen’s native powerhouses. Access to these airborne fortresses was strictly controlled, and few dared approach uninvited.

Rules in Hunyuan Immortal City were rigidly enforced. Even the most formidable cultivators tread cautiously here. Deity Transformation Stage enforcers maintained order, ensuring peace and discipline.

Violators were not reasoned with—they were “cleansed” as harbingers of chaos.

The city had a dark history to prove it. Once, a single rogue cultivator’s transgression led to an alliance of local factions and the arrival of South Yu Continent’s mightiest. The resulting conflict shook the entire Mengmu Sea Domain.

The message was clear: certain lines could not be crossed.

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Unlike many other cities, Hunyuan’s main roads were expansive boulevards, free of stalls or street vendors. Instead, towering nine-tiered pavilions dominated the landscape. Their ancient architecture, adorned with intricate eaves and mythical beast carvings, radiated an air of solemnity.

The pavilions, separated by verdant gardens and wide pathways, exuded tranquility. While the city lacked the hustle of bazaars, it offered a refined serenity that captivated the soul.

<hr>

Walking down the wide avenue, Chen Xun’s group attracted little attention despite their spirited demeanor. They were engrossed in the wonders around them.

“Wow,” Chen Xun murmured, consulting his map while stealing glances at the towering structures. “So many spirit trees—almost like the ones back home.”

“Moo!” Brother Ox wandered to greet other spiritual beasts, his tone friendly and warm.

Sister Crane’s head swiveled constantly, taking in the grandeur. “The buildings here are amazing!” she exclaimed, hopping excitedly as she studied the distant floating platforms.

Xiao Chi, on the other hand, kept his head low, wary of the powerful auras radiating from passersby. “I’m just a Foundation Establishment cultivator,” he muttered to himself, carefully avoiding eye contact with anyone who seemed too strong.

Trailing behind, Mo Fuyang’s gaze was melancholic. The bustling city reminded him of his humble beginnings, working as a servant in a grand pavilion. Here, he was once again reminded of his insignificance.

<hr>

“Little Friend.”

Chen Xun slowed his pace, gesturing for Mo Fuyang to catch up.

“Yes, Senior?” Mo Fuyang responded promptly, falling in step just half a stride behind Chen Xun.

“This map is quite detailed,” Chen Xun observed, pointing to a section labeled “Spiritual Treasure Pavilion.” “It’s highly recommended—seems like a good place to sell our materials.”

“As you command, Senior.”

“Moo!”

“Big Brother, wait for us!” Sister Crane called, scampering to catch up.

“Slow down, Brother Xun!” Xiao Chi added, his claws clicking against the smooth stone.

The group’s camaraderie was evident as they moved together. Meanwhile, Chen Xun and Mo Fuyang discussed their next steps in hushed tones.

<hr>

Chen Xun’s Plan:

Sell Materials:

Begin by liquidating their collected resources at the Spiritual Treasure Pavilion.

Obtain a Spirit Mark:

Visit the Myriad Worlds Bank to secure this essential financial tool.

Acquire Property:

Purchase a protected plot of land to establish a teleportation array—laying the foundation for their planned “Garbage Recovery Facility.”

Explore the Market:

Visit various pavilions to acquire essential items such as the Nine Heavens Celestial Sound Disk and other daily tools.

Invest in Cultivation:

Procure Void Refinement Stage manuals and materials for Brother Ox’s formations.

Care for Family:

Treat Sister Crane and Xiao Chi to items of their choosing, ensuring their happiness and growth.

Additionally, Chen Xun contemplated Sister Crane’s future.

“A little girl shouldn’t spend her days scavenging,” he thought. Sending her to an esteemed Dao Academy, once their operations were stable, seemed prudent. But he resolved to wait until their “family business” could support her properly.

<hr>

Half a Day Later:

The group arrived at their destination—the towering Spiritual Treasure Pavilion.

Situated on an expansive, open plain, the pavilion loomed grandly. Dozens of enormous statues of mythical beasts surrounded the structure, their varied sizes and placements creating an awe-inspiring atmosphere.

The pavilion’s intricate design highlighted the skill of its creators. Every detail, from the smooth curves of its buttresses to the shining spires above, screamed opulence and craftsmanship. It was a marvel of architecture, befitting its reputation as a trade hub.

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Chen Xun and Brother Ox stood momentarily stunned, their gazes fixed on the statues.

“Old Ox, the materials on these statues alone are worth a fortune,” Chen Xun murmured. “Think about it—each one is more valuable than our Boundary-Breaking Ship.”

Brother Ox snorted in agreement, his eyes narrowing as he analyzed the craftsmanship.

“Perhaps one day we’ll commission something like this for our headquarters,” Chen Xun said wistfully.

“Really, Big Brother?” Sister Crane’s eyes widened with excitement.

“Brother Xun, you’re dreaming big!” Xiao Chi exclaimed, his tail swishing nervously. “Are we sure we’ll ever have that many spirit stones?”

Mo Fuyang bowed slightly. “Senior, you have remarkable vision. Such ambition could inspire anyone.”

<hr>

Chen Xun turned, his expression serene yet resolute.

“We’ve spent too long drifting, but it’s time to change that,” he declared. “Our Garbage Recovery Facility will be more than a business—it will be a legacy. One day, our name will be known across the Three Thousand Great Worlds.”

His companions stared in stunned silence, their emotions ranging from awe to disbelief.

“Big Brother... the Three Thousand Great Worlds?” Sister Crane whispered.

Xiao Chi swallowed hard. “Brother Xun, isn’t that... a bit ambitious?”

Mo Fuyang looked visibly shaken.

Only Brother Ox snorted confidently, his gaze unwavering. “Moo!” he bellowed, his faith in Chen Xun absolute.

<hr>

After this rallying speech, the group approached the pavilion’s entrance—only to realize they had mistakenly walked to a private side entrance reserved for distinguished guests.

“Big Brother, that’s not the main entrance,” Sister Crane said, pointing to a distant crowd.

“Ah...” Chen Xun coughed awkwardly, adjusting his sleeves. “Let’s try the other side.”

Their moment of grandeur faded into an amusing retreat as they made their way to the proper entrance, chuckling softly at their misstep.