The city before Xiao Ye's eyes was vast and ancient, its towering walls stretching endlessly.
"What a massive city," Xiao Ye murmured, momentarily awestruck.
According to the Black Dragon Chronicles, the Black Dragon Kingdom was divided into one capital and ten prefectures. Each prefecture comprised dozens or even hundreds of cities like Wutang, while the capital governed all. Xiao Ye's hometown, Qingyang Town, was remote but fell under the jurisdiction of Dahong Prefecture.
Adjusting his mindset, Xiao Ye strode toward Wutang City. Along the road, more martial artists gathered, their eyes lingering on him—especially when they glimpsed the Flame Blade at his back. Their gazes flickered with greed.
Hmph! Xiao Ye coldly exhaled, his true Qi surging. The sudden aura left the scruffy men choking, their courage evaporating.
"Damn it—another wolf in sheep's clothing. A youth with Posterior Heaven Realm, fifth stage cultivation… Must be a noble family's prodigy," they muttered, retreating.
Xiao Ye ignored them. Wutang City… Time to find a blacksmith.
The Blade's Veil
As the crowd thickened, Xiao Ye's thoughts raced. The Flame Blade was an heirloom-level weapon—revealing it would invite disaster.
"I need a sheath," he decided. A blade without a sheath was a red flag.
Reaching Wutang City's gates, soldiers in heavy armor eyed him. "One tael per person," barked a guard.
Xiao Ye frowned. Even the guards are Posterior Heaven Realm…
Inside, the city buzzed with life—carriages, merchants, and martial artists abounded. Xiao Ye's eyes lit up at a grand shopfront: WANQI PAVILION, its characters bold and fluid.
"Any needs, young master?" The shopkeeper grinned, undeterred by Xiao Ye's plain clothes.
"I need a custom sheath."
The keeper hesitated. "Certainly. But we'll need to measure your blade."
Xiao Ye's grip tightened on the Flame Blade. If this man tries anything…
"Hurry," he growled.
The keeper measured the blade, oblivious to its true nature. "Two hundred taels," he said.
Relieved, Xiao Ye paid and turned to leave—only to be blocked by a sneering trio.
"Look at this yokel!" A gold-robed youth leered, flanked by muscle-bound thugs. "That blade's mine!"
Xiao Ye ignored them.
"Deaf? I said, mine!" The youth's lackeys lunged.
Boom!
Xiao Ye's Tiger Fist struck, sending them crumpling. The leader, Gu Yang, gaped. "How?! You're just a kid!"
"You shouldn't have tried to steal," Xiao Ye said coldly.
Gu Yang snarled, unleashing a punch. Xiao Ye caught it barehanded, flinging him aside.
"This is your last warning," Xiao Ye whispered.
The youth scrambled away, trembling. The shopkeeper's daughter stared, her eyes wide with newfound respect.