Chapter 113: Senior Brother Enters the City

"Purple aura rises from the east, and the Western Peak quivers."

This is an ancient proverb that has long been passed down in Donglai City. It speaks of a mysterious phenomenon: when a purple aura ascends in the east, those who dwell upon the Western Peak feel as if the entire mountain gently trembles.

Ask the younger generation of locals what this means, and most would be at a loss. They have yet to witness the arrival of the purple aura from the east, and thus cannot comprehend its wonder.

The elders, however, mention it occasionally with eyes shining brightly, their expressions imbued with fervor and longing, as if the awe inspired by this event has withstood the test of many long years.

Because the top ten finalists from the last few elimination zones were not gathered in the same assembly area, Lin Zhan had no chance to learn about Qin Qingxuan’s situation.

It was Liang Siqi, a disciple of Piaoying Peak, who suggested a stroll through Donglai City. As an early disciple, she had embarked on numerous peak missions and had visited Donglai before, so she was familiar with the local geography.

Lin Zhan’s group consisted of five: Lin Zhan himself, Fang Daguang, Lian Ming, Ye Xiaoyao of Tiangang Peak, and Liang Siqi.

The other three, intent on enhancing their realms, chose to meditate and train separately at their respective assembly points and did not join the excursion.

After half a day’s journey eastward, they finally left the Western Peak’s domain and caught sight of Donglai City.

"At last, this isn’t a desolate wasteland!" Lin Zhan exclaimed joyfully.

Since entering the Blue Ice World, they had endured unending hardship, surrounded by ice and snow or prowled by wild beasts, save for the servant quarters and the secret cave of the Hero Pool. Even Fuyang City was built entirely from frigid ice.

Seeing Donglai City’s scale today felt like arriving at a truly vibrant city!

The city was encircled by walls—still constructed from millennia-old ice—but inside, the buildings were markedly different. Most combined timber and stone, far cozier than the ice huts elsewhere.

With such development, Donglai City could genuinely be called a city.

"Senior Brother One Eight Six, look! This is the busiest, most bustling street in Donglai City," Liang Siqi said excitedly, like a child on their first journey beyond home.

Lin Zhan nodded, smiling as he took in his surroundings.

The streets were neat and clean, crowded with people. On both sides, lively shops and bustling stalls lined the roads.

"Senior Sister Liang, let’s find a tavern and have a proper drink with Senior Brother One Eight Six! My treat," Ye Xiaoyao proposed, and his suggestion was met with enthusiastic agreement.

After three days of life-and-death battles, their bodies had recovered swiftly, but their spirits deserved some relaxation.

Now dressed in their robes and temporarily relieved from competition, they were naturally in high spirits.

Cultivation required balance—when it was time to fight fiercely, one must be resolute; and when there was a chance to unwind, one should drink heartily and feast freely. This was the true nature of humanity and the spirit of a genuine hero.

"Welcome, honored guests, please come in!"

Donglai Tavern was the largest tavern in the city.

Inside, a grand plaque gilded in gold hung prominently, inscribed with the words "Purple Aura Rises from the East."

The hall was nearly full, with almost every table occupied.

"Are there private rooms?" Ye Xiaoyao inquired.

As the host, he naturally did not want to lose face by arriving without a proper seat.

"Of course! Our tavern is known for its many private rooms, guaranteed to meet your needs," the clerk said with a greasy smile, leading them upstairs to a room with windows.

From there, they could survey the bustling activity of the hall below.

Though Ye Xiaoyao’s status in Tiangang Peak was not as high as Ji Mubai’s, his family background was substantial, so he generously ordered the tavern’s signature dishes. Soon, a table groaned beneath a hearty feast.

Several jars of local specialty wine, called Donglai Drunk, were also brought out.

Once the food and wine were served, everyone raised their glasses, their eyes fixed intently on Lin Zhan.

Ye Xiaoyao spoke first: "Senior Brother One Eight Six, though we come from different peaks, it was thanks to your aid that we all survived the trials and made it to the final competition. So let this first toast be a tribute to you from us all!"

Lin Zhan’s cheeks flushed, feeling somewhat embarrassed. When did he become a senior brother to these confident inner disciples?

Yet, Ye Xiaoyao’s sincerity left him with a warm impression.

"We are all from the Fiery Mountain Range; no need for formalities. Come, drink to victory!"

With this opening, the group relaxed. Being peers, they naturally found many topics of conversation.

Among them, Liang Siqi—the only woman—became another focal point of the banquet.

Well-traveled and knowledgeable, she shared many anecdotes and stories, often provoking hearty laughter.

At this time, the main hall was at its peak of liveliness, and private rooms upstairs filled with diners.

Though drinking and feasting in the room, Lin Zhan’s divine sense extended throughout the area, paying close attention to the conversations around him.

In a city of Donglai’s size, various cultivators, ordinary warriors, common folk, and even some strange beings blended in great numbers.

In a popular gathering place like Donglai Tavern, the exchanges among guests revealed many things new and intriguing to Lin Zhan.

The loudest and most boastful table was near the east window downstairs, where a group chatted merrily.

"Have you heard? This time’s Fiery Five Peaks competition even saw many servant disciples participate. Looks like the Fiery Peak has no successors," said a middle-aged man with a round, flushed face and large ears, starting a new topic.

"Too bad Old Zi isn’t from Fiery Peak, or he’d have easily passed the preliminaries," replied a thin young cultivator.

His words drew disdainful sneers. "Ha! You’re as fragile as a bamboo pole swayed by the wind. You’d probably snap before even reaching the Northern Forest elimination zone!"

They all laughed heartily at the joke.

When the laughter subsided, a young man in blue shook his head and said, "You all think too simply. Each time, the Five Peaks competition only yields one or two outstanding talents in the end. The rest are cannon fodder. People say the competition is an opportunity to shine, but it’s more like a calamity. I prefer the carefree life of a wandering recluse like myself."

True enough, the table went quiet.

At a table to the west, a few people were discussing the recent events in Fuyang City. Rumors often differed greatly from the truth.

As someone directly involved, Lin Zhan listened intently to their words.