Chapter 6: the beginning of the new journey.

Kai emerged from the demonic forest after two months of fighting beasts. He has gained considerable battle experience, and he is now different from who he used to be, his heart pounding with excitement and anticipation. Ahead of him was a huge city, a place where cultivators were revered and the secrets of the universe were hidden in plain sight.

As he looked out over the horizon, he saw a sprawling city stretching out before him, its walls gleaming in the sunlight. It was unlike any place he had ever seen before, with towering spires and bustling streets filled with many cultivators of all races and backgrounds.

As he approached the city gates, he was confronted by a group of stern-looking guards. "What is your business here?" One of them demanded.

"I am a lone cultivator seeking knowledge and adventure", Kai replied confidently.

The guard raised an eyebrow. "And are you prepared to pay the entrance fee?

"How much is the entrance fee? " Kai asked with a curious gaze.

"One low spiritual stone," the guard replied.

Kai knew that he had no choice but to comply. He dug into his pocket to pretend and pulled out the spiritual stone needed, but he took out the spiritual stone from his storage ring, however, he did it secretly.

After paying, he was finally allowed to enter the city. The first thing that struck Kai was the sheer size of the city. It seemed to stretch out for miles, its towering buildings and bustling streets, teeming with life and energy. He wandered through the streets, taking in the sights and sounds around him, because this was the first time he saw a city as big as this and too many people in one place.

Kai stumbled upon a restaurant unlike any he had ever seen. The building was grand and imposing, towering several stories above the rest of the buildings in the area. Its walls were adorned with intricate carvings and gilded decorations. He decided to enter this restaurant as he learned from Master Wu that the quickest way to gather information in any place in the cultivation world is in a restaurant. As he stepped inside, Kai was greeted with the scent of exotic spices and the sound of soft music playing in the background.

He saw many cultivators sitting around, some were in pairs and some were with their women, so he decided to take a seat close to the window, as he sat down a middle-aged man rushed up to him and asked what he would like to order. Kai told the middle-aged waiter to serve him the best food they have and the best wine they have. The waiter left and returned after ten minutes.

The man started serving Kai after he was done. He wanted to return to his job but Kai stopped him. "My apology sir, do you mind if I ask you for some information, as you can see I'm new to this city", kai asked the man before dipping 4 low spiritual stones into the man's hand.

The man's eyes lit up and a smile appeared on his face, "Young master, what would you like to know?". He asked Kai.

" can you tell me about this city, the power structure of this city, and any recent activities going on around here?". Kai asked.

"Okay, the name of this city is Hua-TianCity. and the Wei clan is the imperial ruler of this city, this city is just one of the many cities in the Xian-Shan continent, the king of this city is from the Wei clan and the king is the utmost ruler over the many other clans and sect in this city, the many other power in the city is the Xia clan, Ling clan, Xue clan and the celestial sect and heavenly demon sect. But lately, rumors are going around that the king will create an academy in two years and he will receive the top prodigy of the world into this academy, after this news was spread out each clan and sect in the city started accepting people but their requirement is very high". The man explained in detail toKai.

"I see it's a major matter that is about to happen in the city, and as you've said the clans and sect are going to start recruiting disciples in a week right?" Kai asked to confirm.

"Yes, young master," the man replied.

" Do you know how I can get some information about the clans and sect? Because I would like to join one so I can have the chance of entering the Imperial Academy once it's opened". Kai asked further.

"Of course, young master, I can get you all you need in a few days, but it will cost you a little". the man replied with a cunning smile of exhorting Kai.

Kai saw the man's cunning smile, but he did not mind much cause the last thing he lack right now is money as Master Wu has provided him with a lot of spiritual stones ranging from low to top grade, moreover, he can absorb this spiritual stone for his cultivation he can only use them as a form of currency he was surprised on how master Wu got this much spiritual stone, although he knows nothing about master Wu he has always had his suspicions that he is more than meet the eye.

"So he brought out fifty low grade spiritual stones before handing them to the man. " I will be renting a better courtyard in your restaurant, and make sure you give me the information in full details. Also if there is any better activity that happens around make sure you inform me immediately, if you do what I asked you diligently I have more benefit for you". Kai told the man before he focused on his food and wine, and ignored the man's presence.

the man bowed before Kai before leaving him alone, Kai savor his meal and wine after he was done he stare at the sky through the window and started thinking about his cultivation life journey, he knew he was walking a difficult path, but he wont let his believe be shaken, however it won't be easy for him as he was different from every other cultivators, he wasn't a prodigy, or heaven blessed genius he was just a random boy picked up from dirt, he has no talent for cultivation but luckily he manage to take on a different path, but this path comes with its price and responsibilities and he knew he can't give up, so he has to see this through to the end and this city is just the beginning of his journey.

After thinking for hours, Kai was invited to his new courtyard, when he arrived at the courtyard entrance he was speechless. The entrance was marked by a beautiful wooden gate with intricate carvings depicting dragons and phoenix, which opened up to a breathtaking garden.

The garden was filled with exotic plants and colorful flowers, arranged in a way that made it seem like a work of art. A small pond sat at the center of the garden. Home to a family of koi fish that swam lazily in the crystal-clear water.

The courtyard itself was nestled behind the garden and housed the main living quarters. It was a spacious room, decorated in shades of blue and green that gave off a serene and calming atmosphere. In the center of the room sat a low table, surrounded by floor cushions that invited relaxation and comfort.

The walls were lined with bookshelves filled with an impressive collection of books and scrolls. A large window overlooked the garden, allowing natural light to flood in.

At the back of the courtyard was a training ground, it was a spacious area, with various training equipment and weapons scattered around.

A wooden dummy stood at the center, perfect for practicing martial arts and combat techniques. There were also several targets set up for archery practice, along with free weights and other strength training equipment.

The training ground was surrounded by high walls, ensuring privacy and protection during intense training sessions.

Kai praised the waiter whose name was Lu continuously as he showed him around the courtyard, after they were done checking around he sent old man Lu away to go prepare what he asked of him, then he walked directly to the training ground and started practicing.

In the early mornings, before the city woke up, Kai could often be found practicing his saber art or meditation on the training ground, completely focused on his training and personal growth. It was one of the many reasons he rented a courtyard instead of just a room, the courtyard is a sanctuary where he could hone his skills and prepare for whatever challenges lay ahead of him peacefully.

This goes on for three days and all Kai do was cultivate, meditate and absorb energy to strengthen his body.