Spells Grinding: From Basic Sparks to Divine Arts

Chapter 295: The Floating Giant City

Most ordinary cultivation markets enforced strict no-fly zones, but Qinghua City lacked such a rule. After all, if a cultivator did not possess a flying Magical Artifact or hadn’t reached the Foundation Establishment realm, they couldn’t even reach the city’s gates. It was entirely suspended in the high heavens.

The entry inspection was remarkably simple. Approaching the massive screen of white light, Qin Lu barely had time to react before his vision flashed. In an instant, he bypassed the barrier, appearing dozens of feet inside the city limits.

Immediately, a conspicuous, transparent screen floating in mid-air caught his eye. It read:

Welcome, Fellow Daoists, to Qinghua City. Please monitor your speed while flying within city limits. Reckless flying is prohibited to prevent chaos. Thank you! Seeing the glowing text, Qin Lu couldn’t help but exhale a breath of amusement. “Surprisingly civilized…”

“Come on, Old Qin. I’m taking you to get some decent wine. The stuff they brew here is exclusive to Qinghua City; you won’t find a drop of it anywhere else,” Liu Sangeng said, laughing as he wiggled his eyebrows.

“What kind of vintage has you acting this impatient?” Qin Lu asked, curious.

“The kind you never forget! I had a taste last time I passed through, and it’s been haunting me ever since. I’m definitely stocking up this time. Enough talking, follow me!”

The two launched into the air, soaring toward the sprawling complex of suspended megaliths. The floating islands varied wildly in shape—some were flat-topped with jagged undersides, others perfectly cubic, but most were chaotic, organic masses of rock that dazzled the eye. Yet, without exception, exquisite architecture clung to every single one.

A cursory glance revealed inns, multi-story taverns, Pill shops, and material storefronts scattered across the stones like stars. Cultivators crowded the verandas and balconies, their spirited voices carrying through the wind. Thousands more darted between the floating islands on flying Magical Artifacts, while pedestrians crowded the arched covered bridges connecting the landmasses. It was a sprawling, chaotic sea of humanity.

“Look here, Old Qin. Every stone has a specific purpose and name,” Liu Sangeng explained, pointing as they flew. “Take that one, for example—the Pengxuan Stone. It’s the primary hub for inns and hospitality. Fellow Daoists just passing through usually rent rooms there.”

He pointed to another floating mass. “And the one we’re heading to is the Baoxuan Stone. It’s dedicated entirely to breweries and taverns. The streets run thick with the scent of wine; just breathing the air is enough to get you buzzed.”

He snickered, gesturing toward a distant peak. “Oh, and see that rock way out on the edge? That’s the pleasure district, home to all the soul-stirring brothels, hehe! My favorite spot to unwind after a few jars…”

Guided by Liu Sangeng’s eager commentary, Qin Lu quickly mapped out the layout of Qinghua City. A deep sigh escaped him.

This… this is what a true cultivation metropolis looks like. They soon descended toward the Baoxuan Stone. Just as Liu Sangeng had promised, a thick, intoxicating aroma of fermented grain and spiritual energy hit them like a physical wave the moment they neared the ground.

“That is genuinely incredible,” Qin Lu admitted.

“Just wait until you taste it. Down we go!” Liu Sangeng tucked his aura and dropped smoothly to the paved streets below. Qin Lu followed right behind.

The wide avenues were packed, mostly with male cultivators. But what truly tested Qin Lu’s composure were the “corpses” littering the sides of the road. Cultivators were sprawled out in complete disarray, snoring loud enough to wake the dead, entirely blacked out from drink. He even spotted a female cultivator slumped awkwardly against a lamppost, fast asleep.

The pedestrians didn’t even bat an eye. They stepped over the sleeping drunks, continuing their lively conversations as if this were completely normal.

Qin Lu’s pragmatic instincts flared. “How can they sleep out in the open like this? Aren’t they worried about petty thieves?”

“Heh! You don’t need to worry about public order here. The Golden Core patrol teams don’t mess around!”

“Golden Core…” Qin Lu clicked his tongue, his mind reeling. Back in the Flowing Cloud Prefecture, a Golden Core cultivator was a regional overlord, revered by tens of thousands. Here? They walked the beat as glorified security guards.

Moments later, Liu Sangeng led him to the entrance of a grand tavern. A heavy, hand-carved walnut plaque hung over the entrance. It read: Three Cups Down. “‘Three Cups Down’? A bit arrogant for a tavern name, isn’t it?” Qin Lu smirked.

“Hehe, it might be a slight exaggeration, but it doesn’t take away from the quality,” Liu Sangeng chuckled.

They stepped through the threshold. The rich, heady scent of vintage wine immediately rushed Qin Lu’s senses, leaving him slightly dizzy. The establishment was spacious and deeply traditional, featuring a classic front-shop-and-back-courtyard layout. The two-story timber structure boasted exposed beams and a wide, grand hall spanning fifty feet across.

Massive clay jars of fine wine lined the long front counter, each labeled with a wooden plaque detailing its vintage. Several cultivators were scattered at heavy wooden tables throughout the room, nursing their bowls with expressions of pure bliss.

“Shopkeeper! Two jars of your ‘Immortal Brew’ to start!” Liu Sangeng bellowed cheerfully.

“Right away!” The shopkeeper hurried over, setting two heavy clay jars on their table. He deftly pulled the red cloth seals. “Enjoy your drink, Fellow Daoists.” He bowed respectfully and retreated.

Liu Sangeng gestured to the jars. “Old Qin, this is the ‘Immortal Brew.’ It’s fermented from Top Grade spirit rice and snowmelt from a spiritual spring. It’s incredibly mellow with an endless aftertaste. Try it!”

Qin Lu poured a bowl. The wine poured like liquid glass, perfectly clear and devoid of any impurities, practically glowing with a wondrous aroma. Just inhaling the vapor cleared his mind.

Clink! The two tapped their porcelain bowls together and downed the liquor in a single gulp.

The wine slid down Qin Lu’s throat like liquid silk. His eyes immediately widened, flashing with sharp clarity.

“Good wine!” he breathed out.

It was faintly sweet on the tongue, but the moment it hit his stomach, a wave of refreshing, pure spiritual energy exploded outward, warming his limbs and settling his core. It was profoundly comfortable.

Wiping his mouth, Liu Sangeng beamed with smug satisfaction. “Well? Did I lie to you? The ‘Immortal Brew’ is something else, isn’t it?”

“It’s exceptional,” Qin Lu nodded repeatedly. His practical nature returning, he quickly asked, “A brew this pure… what’s the price on a jar?”

“Hahaha, who cares about the price right now! Drink first, count the stones later!” Liu Sangeng laughed off the question, turning back toward the counter. “Shopkeeper! Bring us some paired snacks! I’m not leaving until I can’t walk straight!”

“Right away!”