CHAPTER 884: CHAPTER 662: DIVINE WOOD CITY

Leaving Beihuai City and heading south, the scenery of the Barbaric World underwent many changes.

Near Beihuai City, the climate was cold, and the surrounding vegetation was sparse, with rocks and large mountains everywhere, appearing somewhat desolate. However, after heading south, the climate here became significantly humid and much warmer.

The land was filled with flowers, grass, and trees, and in the ancient mountains, various mutant beasts emerged endlessly.

Even when Li Yi passed by riding the clouds, he was attacked by mutant beasts several times, but thanks to his fast flying speed and decent strength, he avoided trouble on the road.

Yet despite this, Li Yi still avoided several dangerous mountain ranges.

This was Nu Heng’s advice.

She said that some mountain ranges harbored extremely terrifying Mountain Lords, and approaching recklessly could lead to being attacked and killed by them.

The so-called Mountain Lord was actually a powerful mutant beast ruling over a mountain range. These beasts possessed intelligence no less than humans and, when strong enough, would imitate humans to establish their own forces.

"Can the Divine Blood Warrior named Da Ze fight against the Mountain Lord?" asked Li Yi.

"Da Ze can handle ordinary Mountain Lords, but if encountering a powerful one, Da Ze could be killed," Nu Heng replied. "The strength of a Mountain Lord depends on how vast their territory is."

"The larger the territory, the stronger the Mountain Lord. Our Merchant Master likes to classify these Mountain Lords based on the number of mountains to precisely distinguish their strengths; the weakest is One Mountain Master, the strongest is Hundred Mountain Master."

"Da Ze can kill at most a Ten Mountain Master."

Nu Heng shared a lot of knowledge about the Barbaric World, which greatly benefited Li Yi.

"Is there anything stronger than a Hundred Mountain Master?" Li Yi asked again.

Nu Heng laughed and replied, "Stronger than a Hundred Mountain Master is no longer a Mountain Lord but a One God. I have only heard of a One God’s existence and have never seen one. When we used to pass through a One God’s territory while doing business, we needed to offer a large amount of tribute to pass safely; otherwise, it was impossible to leave the One God’s domain."

At this moment, Li Yi also had a general understanding of the power levels in this world.

A strong practitioner in the Tri-Floral Realm here at most could become a Ten Lord, but it was unknown whether an Enlightened could compare to a Hundred Mountain Master.

As for a One God... it’s likely beyond the limits of the End of Dharma Cultivation World.

With Nu Heng leading the way, Li Yi’s journey south was relatively smooth. After avoiding major dangers, the remaining troubles were insignificant.

However, this world is vast indeed.

With Li Yi’s cloud riding speed, he flew arduously for over an hour before seeing a new grand city; in other worlds, he would have circled the globe.

The city lay against mountains and waters, majestic and vast, integrated with the towering clouds surrounding mountains nearby, and there were many ancient trees in the city, each ranging from hundreds to thousands of feet high.

In the center of this grand city stood an extraordinary Divine Wood.

Glittering with gold, constantly radiating brilliant light. This light was warm and cozy, from afar it seemed like a sun settled in this ancient city.

"Divine Wood City?"

Li Yi paused slightly, gazing at the Divine Wood, amazed by such a miraculous object.

This golden Divine Wood resembled the Fusang Tree from myth, capable of lifting the sun, bringing light and warmth to the world.

The fact that this land enjoyed perpetual springtime possibly stemmed from this Divine Tree.

Its presence altered the climate of this realm.

"It’s not just a matter of emitting light and heat; this Divine Tree is akin to a massive Miracle, emanating a vast energy field. Even from this distance, I could sense the powerful Cosmic Energy it emitted."

Li Yi couldn’t help but take a deep breath.

Although this world was rich in Cosmic Energy, compared to Divine Wood City, Beihuai City was just a backwater.

As long as this Divine Tree was here, it became a sanctuary for cultivation.

Even without understanding cultivation, merely living near it and bathing in its divine light over time would still result in immense strength, even extending longevity.

"If I had known of such a city, I shouldn’t have stayed in Beihuai City, I should have come here," Li Yi contemplated secretly.

"Da Yi, up ahead is Divine Wood City, a thriving grand city where many Merchant Masters wish to reside. It’s said residents of Divine Wood City can live long lives and may even obtain Divine Wood Leaves."

Nu Heng stood on Xiangyun, also gazing at the distant great city, a hint of ease and delight in her eyes.

Being here, there’s no worry about Beihuang Lineage’s pursuit.

Of course, that’s if you stay in Divine Wood City forever; if you leave, you still face the risk of being hunted.

"The houses here must be expensive," Li Yi, however, focused on something else.

This must be the Earth People’s trait.

"In Beihuang City, a hundred gold can buy a large mansion, but here, a thousand gold can only get you a narrow dwelling. To purchase a good residence, you need at least ten thousand gold," said Nu Heng.

"As expected," Li Yi thought to himself.

Such a valuable place is naturally worth every inch of its land, a truth that holds in any world.

They continued riding the golden Xiangyun, approaching Divine Wood City.

The closer they got, the more abundant the cosmic energy became, as they were nearing the golden tree. When they could already see the city gates, Li Yi finally descended from the sky.

He activated the Five Elements Bracelet and released everyone.

"This... Is this Divine Wood City?" Xiu Xiang asked incredulously, his eyes widening at the magnificent divine tree in the distance.

Two hours ago, he was still in a cell, his fate unknown, and now he found himself outside Divine Wood City.

Li Yi said, "Xiu Xiang, I’ve rescued you from Beihuang City. I remember you said your family is in Divine Wood City, so I’ve brought you here, hoping you can reunite with them."

"Da Yi," Xiu Xiang was deeply moved and said, "I will never forget your kindness in this life. Please, Da Yi, allow me to repay you, come to Divine Wood City with me."

"Xiu Xiang, you’re too polite. I didn’t save you for repayment but because you once helped me, so I’m willing to stand up for you now," Li Yi said. "This time, it’s Merchant Lady Nuheng who got implicated. She’s of the Beihuang lineage, but because she helped you, she’s now pursued by them for generations. If you’re willing, Xiu Xiang, please help her survive in Divine Wood City."

"Thank you, Nu Heng," said Xiu Xiang sincerely, "I owe you a great debt of gratitude."

Nu Heng smiled slightly, "No need to thank me. I didn’t save you; it was because of Da Yi that I helped. Besides, you don’t need to repay me. I have some property in Divine Wood City and can survive."

"Whether it’s Nu Heng or Da Yi, you are my benefactors, and I, Xiu Xiang, promise to repay you," Xiu Xiang solemnly pledged.

Li Yi said, "Repayment can come later. For now, we need to head to Divine Wood City; otherwise, we might trouble you again, as currently, we have no place and have to wander."

"Even if I have to give away all my belongings, I will provide for you all for life, rest assured," Xiu Xiang declared.

"No need for that," Li Yi laughed and gestured them to continue toward Divine Wood City.

"In my youth, I came to Divine Wood City, never imagined I’d return over a hundred years later," High Priest Dou Kun said, gazing at the mystical city.

"Divine Wood City? It’s even bigger than the tree in Shoushan Village," Shanguo muttered, lost in the sight of the towering city, having been to Beihuang City as the largest place in her life.

"A new city," Exotic Blood Warrior Long Yu whispered, still recovering from his injuries, but feeling good looking at the city so different.

Here, perhaps greater achievements could be attained.

Meanwhile, the large Qiu Niu felt restless, sensing the terrifying presence within Divine Wood City. Too many things within could kill it.

In Beihuang City, it could still create a ruckus, but here, a slight misstep could mean being killed even by passing experts.

As they approached Divine Wood City, at the gates, warriors of the city stood guard, stopping those entering. Each person paid a green gold as a toll.

"To enter Divine Wood City, each person must pay a green gold, set by the City Lord. It cannot be disregarded, or the warriors of Divine Wood City may expel or even kill them," Xiu Xiang explained.

"I see," Li Yi nodded, understanding the rule.

Li Yi paid the entrance fee, one green gold per person, but Qiu Niu required five. The city’s warriors explained that mutant beasts occupy more space, so the entry fee is higher.

Li Yi could only accept this.

After entering Divine Wood City, Xiu Xiang felt much better and couldn’t wait to invite Li Yi and Nu Heng to his home.

Li Yi did not refuse.

Soon after,

Xiu Xiang led Li Yi to the location of his residence in Divine Wood City.

Surprisingly, in this coveted city, Xiu Xiang owned a sizable property. In the middle of his household stood an ancient tree several dozens of meters tall, similar to the divine tree in the city center, yet lacking its mystical qualities.

Nonetheless, this ancient tree was extraordinary, emanating a faint fragrance that nourished the soul and brought comfort, coupled with the bountiful, warm energy field in Divine Wood City, making it a blessed place for cultivation.

Unfortunately, neither Xiu Xiang nor his family’s servants practiced cultivation, rendering it somewhat wasteful.

"What a wonderful place," Li Yi exclaimed.

"If Da Yi likes it, you can have it," Xiu Xiang generously offered.

Compared to his life, a residence in Divine Wood City was nothing.

Li Yi declined, "I’ve heard that people of benevolence do not take what others cherish. Do not put me in a position of unkindness, Xiu Xiang. I will stay here for a while, then look for another residence."

"Da Yi, you continue to be admirable. I sincerely hope you become a leader soon," Xiu Xiang stated, feeling that the best decision of his life was befriending and supporting Da Yi.