The Great Qin Dynasty, Qin Yang City.

After nearly ten days of travel, the colossal form of the capital finally broke the horizon.

Qin Yang City stretched across the plains like a primordial dragon, its tail vanishing into the distance. It was a sprawling beast of stone and ambition, a testament to the empire’s power.

Amidst the dense clusters of buildings, dozens of towering structures pierced the sky, their golden roofs reflecting the sunlight with blinding brilliance. That, without a doubt, was the Imperial Palace—the beating heart of the Great Qin Dynasty.

Han Lie, having spent almost his entire life secluded within the mountains of the Heavenly Void Sect, felt a genuine flicker of awe.

The Tianyuan Continent was vast, a realm of wonders that defied imagination. The corner of the world Han Lie had traversed in his one hundred and ten years was barely a speck of dust compared to this grandeur.

With Zhuo Hongyi leading the way, Han Lie, an outsider to this mortal empire, passed smoothly through the rigorous inspections at the city gates.

Walking the streets of Qin Yang City, the first thing that struck Han Lie was the order.

Unlike the chaotic energy of Qingzhou City, where hawkers cried their wares from every corner and the air smelled of sweat and street food, Qin Yang City was pristine. The streets were wide, paved with smooth stone, and meticulously clean. Every few steps, armored soldiers with long spears and stern expressions patrolled with disciplined precision.

“Young old man, this must be your first time in such a large city, right? Does it feel novel?” Zhuo Hongyi asked, a hint of local pride in her voice.

“Hmm, it certainly broadens one’s horizons,” Han Lie replied, stroking his beard with a light chuckle.

From the disciplined patrols to the clean streets, one could sense the thriving pulse of the dynasty.

Zhuo Hongyi laughed. “Actually, this is nothing much. Wait until you leave the sect to truly wander the world; that’s when your eyes will really be opened.”

Han Lie nodded noncommittally.

In truth, during the journey to Qin Yang City, he had already begun to grasp the staggering scale of this continent. If compared to a planet from his previous knowledge, the surface area of the Tianyuan Continent would likely rival that of a sun. Perhaps even larger.

Zhuo Hongyi’s home was located in the southern district. Entering from the east meant they still had a considerable distance to cover. Since flight was strictly prohibited within the capital’s airspace, they had to measure the city with their feet.

It wasn’t until evening painted the sky in shades of violet and gold that they finally arrived near the Zhuo family mansion.

“I need to go back and inform my parents first,” Zhuo Hongyi explained. “It might be tomorrow or the day after before I can formally invite you to stay at the mansion.”

“Do as you must,” Han Lie replied easily. He didn’t mind the delay.

After parting ways with Zhuo Hongyi, Han Lie found a nearby inn to serve as his temporary base.

He rested briefly, washing away the dust of the journey. by the time he emerged, night had fallen.

Qin Yang City at night was a different beast entirely. Lanterns hung like strings of glowing pearls, turning the darkness into a vibrant festival of light and shadow. The streets were bustling, filled with laughter, music, and the clatter of carriages.

Like a country bumpkin arriving in the metropolis for the first time, Han Lie had no intention of staying cooped up in his room.

He set out to explore alone.

He didn’t bother wandering aimlessly around the outer districts. In capital cities like this, the true essence—the decadence and the power—was always concentrated near the center. The “Second Ring,” as he mentally dubbed it.

His goal was clear.

Leaving the inn, he moved with purpose. Though he walked, his pace was deceptively fast, fueled by his cultivation. It took him only one shichen (two hours) to cross from the outer Fourth Ring into the prestigious Second Ring.

Sure enough, the atmosphere shifted instantly.

The streets here were wider, the buildings taller and more ornate. High-end teahouses, luxurious restaurants, spirit medicine pavilions, and exotic artifact shops lined the avenues in a dazzling array.

Even the pedestrians were different. Silk and brocade replaced coarse cloth. Jewelry glittered under the lantern light. The air smelled of expensive incense and rare teas.

Walking among them in his simple Daoist robes, Han Lie should have looked out of place. Yet, his aura—that faint, discernible scent of an immortal sage—kept any disdainful glances at bay. He moved with the confidence of a predator in a garden.

As he strolled, taking in the sights, he arrived beneath an imposing structure that dominated the street corner. It was adorned with flashy, colorful spirit lights that danced across its facade, promising unearthly delights.

At the entrance, several enchanting beauties in gorgeously embroidered dresses stood smiling, their laughter ringing like silver bells as they welcomed guests.

Such a place… Han Lie recognized its nature at a glance.

He shifted his gaze upward to the massive, gilded plaque hanging above the entrance. The characters were bold and flowing:

Gentle Fragrance Pavilion!

“Daoist Priest~ come up here and play~!”

From the second-floor balcony, a chorus of sweet, melodious voices drifted down. Several courtesans, draped in colorful sheer gauze that hinted at the curves beneath, waved their delicate, jade-like hands, beckoning him with practiced allure.

“Heh heh… nothing to do today, let’s visit the brothel and listen to some music.”

Han Lie hesitated for only a fraction of a second before making his decision.

He had traveled thousands of miles from the Heavenly Void Sect to Qin Yang City. If he didn’t experience the local culture firsthand, wouldn’t that be a wasted trip?

With a confident stride, Han Lie walked up the steps, bold and unhesitating.

“Oh my~ Daoist Priest, you finally came! We’ve been waiting for you so anxiously~ Please, come inside quickly!”

A welcoming madam, beaming radiantly, approached him with enthusiastic warmth. She linked her arm through his as if they were old friends, guiding him into the main hall. The scent of heavy perfume washed over him.

“Daoist Priest, do you have any familiar girls in mind? Or shall this old woman arrange some for you?”

The madam’s tone was intimate, her eyes sharp as she assessed his potential wealth.

Without a word, Han Lie flicked his wrist, and a pouch containing one hundred Spirit Stones landed in her hand.

“This humble Daoist is newly arrived,” he said, his tone leisurely. “Trouble Madam to arrange something suitable.”

“Aiya~”

Feeling the weight of the Spirit Stones, the madam’s smile transformed instantly. It went from professional to genuinely ecstatic.

“Daoist Priest rest assured! Just say what type you prefer, and this old woman will arrange everything perfectly!”

“We have the gentle and quiet type, the passionate and fiery type, even exotic beauties from foreign lands… In short, we have everything imaginable!”

“Although the girls’ styles differ, rest assured, they are all skilled in the four arts—qin, chess, calligraphy, and painting! If the Daoist Priest wishes to chat about the mysteries of the heavens and earth, they can accompany you in deep conversation as well!”

As she chattered, she led Han Lie toward a grand staircase on the left side of the hall.

“Young Master Mu~ you’ve arrived finally! Qian’er has been waiting a long time for you…”

Just then, a flattering voice sounded from behind them.

Catching a key phrase, Han Lie instinctively turned his head.

He saw an elegant, scholarly young master holding a folding fan, walking with an air of refined arrogance. Another madam was guiding him, but instead of the left, they were ascending a staircase on the right.

Han Lie observed for a moment. The left and right staircases led to completely separate areas, seemingly unconnected.

“Madam, why is that young master taking the other side?”

As he asked, Han Lie discreetly slipped another five hundred Spirit Stones into the madam’s hand.

Having received such generous benefits, the madam’s attitude shifted from eager to conspiratorial. She leaned in close, her voice dropping to a whisper.

“Daoist Priest is unaware perhaps, but our Gentle Fragrance Pavilion is divided into two operational zones.”

“The side I’m leading you towards specifically caters to wandering martial artists and adventurers from various parts of the continent.”

“That other side… that is the ‘Heavenly Fragrance Zone.’ It mainly caters to the dignitaries and high-ranking nobles of our very own Qin Yang City.”

She glanced toward the right staircase with a mix of envy and reverence.

“Daoist Priest shouldn’t mind it. Those girls over there basically have fixed patrons. Besides the regular dignitaries and nobles, they generally do not accept other guests.”