Chapter 29: Zhou City

The two walked into Zhou City one after the other, arriving at the stronghold of the Great Zhou Immortal Kingdom. Both Qin Changsheng and Nangong Ruoxi were filled with deep emotion.

Since it was the first time for both of them, the sheer scale of such a massive immortal city left them deeply awestruck.

"Don't put too much pressure on yourself. A big place is just a place, after all. Practitioners are still practitioners, and people are still people. No one is inherently much stronger than anyone else. We, the geniuses from remote lands, are still geniuses here, and we have just as many opportunities."

"Besides, your Ancient Immortal Eyes are a formidable, monstrous talent even here." Fearing that Qin Changsheng might be intimidated by the grand city and have his Dao heart shaken, Nangong Ruoxi began to encourage him.

However, she soon realized her worries were misplaced. After expressing his amazement a couple of times, Qin Changsheng happily wandered about, even casting bold, appreciative glances at the beautiful immortals on the street. He looked nothing like the bumpkin she had expected.

"Very well. Let’s find a place to stay for a few days. The Academy’s entrance examination is coming up soon. If you and I want to avoid being harassed by our past enemies and factions, we must join forces that make them afraid to act rashly." Nangong Ruoxi sighed; in the end, she had to look out for her own future.

"The Great Zhou Imperial Academy? It is said to be a supreme sanctuary for cultivation, housing actual immortals. The Great Zhou’s First Sword Immortal resides there." Qin Changsheng’s eyes brightened. The First Sword Immortal, whom the robed youth most wanted to kill, was in the Academy. Moreover, this First Sword Immortal held immense prestige, with a cultivation level rumored to have reached the peak of the Immortal King realm, only a step away from becoming a true Immortal Emperor.

"I came here this time with the intention of becoming his disciple." A flicker of hope ignited in Nangong Ruoxi’s beautiful eyes. "If I can become his disciple, my path of cultivation will be smooth, and I will avoid many detours."

"You can definitely do it," Qin Changsheng comforted her. "After all, you are the Saintess of the Kaoshan Sect; your strength and talent are not lacking. There is a very high probability that you will be accepted."

"Really? You think so?" Nangong Ruoxi adopted a delicate, pitiable expression. "In truth, my current talent isn't quite enough to be his disciple. But if I can go to a certain place and obtain the item that unlocks my bloodline, it will be more than enough."

Hearing this, Qin Changsheng realized she had an ulterior motive. He looked at her with a bitter smile. "I recall you saying you wanted me to cooperate and help you. I hadn't intended to, but since we have faced life and death together, you can bring it up. If I can help, I will; if not, I will refuse."

Qin Changsheng was no fool. He knew Nangong Ruoxi hadn't stayed with him because she was brave or wanted to play hero. Clearly, she had something more important that required his assistance. When the robed youth had made his intent to hunt Qin Changsheng clear, Nangong Ruoxi could have easily fled separately. Had they split up, the robed youth would certainly have prioritized chasing him, sparing her from danger. Yet, she hadn't run; she had chosen to take the risk alongside him.

If Nangong Ruoxi had chosen to risk her life with him out of genuine loyalty, Qin Changsheng would never have believed it. Therefore, she must have had an agenda.

"My ancestors left behind a secret realm that only our Nangong lineage can open. It is filled with many dangers, so I desperately need your Immortal Eyes to help me identify the threats." Since everything was out in the open, Nangong Ruoxi stopped hiding and stated her request directly.

"So it's very dangerous in there. Saintess Nangong should know that I am quite afraid of death." Qin Changsheng laughed heartily. While he claimed to fear death, the truth was that she hadn't yet offered him any benefits.

They were both clever people and understood each other instantly. Nangong Ruoxi smiled, "Aside from the opportunity to improve my physique, which I must claim, everything else will be split fifty-fifty. Or, if the opportunity to improve my physique is more than enough for me, I can share the remainder with you. If there are no other treasures to divide, I will owe you three favors and promise you any other compensation you desire."

Nangong Ruoxi knew Qin Changsheng’s nature; he was a man who wouldn't cast his net without seeing the fish. Furthermore, the forbidden area was fraught with peril. Without the guidance of his Ancient Immortal Eyes, she would struggle to move forward and might even perish inside. This was why she had been willing to risk being killed by the robed youth just to stay by his side—she needed him to secure that opportunity.

"Those are very generous terms. However, I don't have much time. If you are in a rush to explore, it is best we do so immediately. If these next few days work, then let's do it now." Qin Changsheng agreed, partly as a return for her previous help. Moreover, he had a hunch that this secret realm might hold the opportunity for his own Foundation Establishment, or perhaps he could utilize the laws within it to forge his foundation. Thus, they were both getting what they needed.

"Then we shall rest in Zhou City for one night and head out immediately." Nangong Ruoxi’s face lit up with excitement.

"Agreed."

There were still many days until the Academy’s recruitment, and there would be plenty of chances to seek an apprenticeship with the First Sword Immortal. Thus, Nangong Ruoxi decided to secure the opportunity first to improve her aptitude before worrying about the apprenticeship.

As for Qin Changsheng, he was nearing his time for hibernation. If he could expend some of his vitality and lifespan while exploring, he could enter his slumber sooner. Given his current dangerous situation, falling into a deep sleep earlier would actually be more beneficial; his cultivation speed during hibernation was significantly faster than when he was awake. The only downside was that he wouldn't gain the top-tier opportunities he might find while awake. However, in his current weak state, encountering such opportunities was difficult, so he might as well focus on boosting his cultivation level through sleep.

The two rented a guest room. Perhaps because they had already posed as a couple and had experienced the robed youth’s pursuit together, they felt no particular awkwardness or resistance to staying in the same room.

They had just arrived in Zhou City and hadn't encountered any trouble—no pampered young masters looking for trouble, no one seeking a fight. Ultimately, in this massive city, they were still too insignificant to attract much attention. The two retreated to their room early, each finding a corner to sit cross-legged and recover.

The night deepened.

Neither Qin Changsheng nor Nangong Ruoxi could sleep. Qin Changsheng was thinking about his hibernation, while Nangong Ruoxi was contemplating her future.

Looking at Qin Changsheng, whose hair had already turned white in the moonlight, Nangong Ruoxi let out a soft, melancholy sigh. "If Brother Changsheng were willing to become my true cultivation partner, I would not object..."