Chapter 185: White Dragon City

Chapter 185: White Dragon City

The two black-clad figures were both martial experts of the highest caliber, belonging to the pinnacle of martial prowess. After exchanging two moves with the portly black-clad figure, Ning Xiaochuan could sense that this man was even stronger than Ming Yang.

These two individuals were anything but ordinary.

Who exactly were they?

Ning Xiaochuan and Yu Ningsheng chased them out of the Jade Viewing Tower, pursuing them relentlessly through the Inner City, the Outer City, across the moat, and into the chaotic Border Market.

Clatter! Clatter!

Two red-scaled tigers, their bodies covered in gleaming scales, burst forth from the riverside. Their roars shook the air, their massive frames five times larger than ordinary tigers, their crimson hides striking against the thick iron chains coiled around their necks.

The two black-clad figures leaped onto the backs of the red-scaled tigers, gripping the chains tightly as they charged southward at breakneck speed.

Ning Xiaochuan retrieved the Mystic Beast Manual and summoned the Double-headed Stone Beast.

Though the Tai Sui Cub was formidable, its speed on the surface couldn’t match that of the Double-headed Stone Beast. If they were to catch up to those two black-robed individuals, the Double-headed Stone Beast was their best bet.

"You should head back. Leave those two to me," Ning Xiaochuan said, lightly stepping onto the back of the Double-headed Stone Beast as he addressed Yu Ningsheng.

Yu Ningsheng stood beneath the beast, her slender figure draped in white robes, her long hair as dark and lustrous as if bathed in milk. Her eyes sparkled like stars, flawless and mesmerizing. "Their martial prowess is extraordinary. You might not be able to handle them alone. Let me go with you."

Ning Xiaochuan gave her a deep look before extending his hand.

Yu Ningsheng placed her jade-like hand in his palm, borrowing his strength to gracefully mount the Double-headed Stone Beast, leaning slightly against his back.

Her hands were undoubtedly the most beautiful in the world—slender, delicate fingers, skin as white and smooth as jade, soft and boneless. Her figure was equally exquisite, flawless in every way. Even with a veil obscuring her breathtaking beauty, the aura she exuded was enough to make any man’s heart race.

Ning Xiaochuan withdrew his hand and steadied his mind, immediately urging the Double-headed Stone Beast to pursue the two black-clad figures.

After a night of relentless pursuit, they had traveled far from the Imperial City, entering the territory of the Soul Domain.

The Yulan Empire’s vast lands were divided into sixty-three domains, each further segmented into plains, prefectures, counties, towns, and villages.

The Soul Domain was the closest to the Imperial City and ranked among the most prosperous of the sixty-three domains.

Located deep within the Yulan Empire’s heartland, the Soul Domain had long been spared the ravages of war, allowing numerous prestigious families to flourish. Some of these clans wielded influence rivaling even the noble houses of the Imperial City.

By dawn the next day, Ning Xiaochuan and Yu Ningsheng had reached Jianglin Prefecture in the Soul Domain, now 3,000 kilometers from the Imperial City.

Ning Xiaochuan dismounted the Double-headed Stone Beast, examining the hoofprints of the red-scaled tigers on the ground. "They’ve split up. One went south along the Jianglin River, while the other detoured toward Huaiyin Mountain. But both paths lead to the Soul Domain’s capital—White Dragon City. I suspect they’ll regroup there."

Yu Ningsheng sat atop the Double-headed Stone Beast, her delicate features exuding an ethereal aura. She said, "This is your first time leaving the Imperial City, right? How are you so familiar with the terrain of the Soul Domain?"

Ning Xiaochuan replied, "I have an eidetic memory. I’ve once studied all the geographical records and maps of the Yulan Empire and committed them to heart. As long as the records aren’t wrong, I won’t be mistaken."

The mountain air was fresh, filled with birdsong and the fragrance of flowers, but Ning Xiaochuan and Yu Ningsheng fell into silence once more.

Ning Xiaochuan spoke first, "I had already planned to leave the Imperial City to investigate the past case, so chasing them out of the city was just a detour. But you’re different from me. Maybe… you should go back first?"

"I don’t want to go back," Yu Ningsheng murmured softly.

Ning Xiaochuan was slightly taken aback and was about to say something when she continued, "Don’t misunderstand. I’m not foolish enough to think I can oppose the entire Jade Viewing Tower or the imperial court alone. What I mean is, I was also a victim in that past case. I have the right to investigate it too. Once the truth is uncovered, I’ll still have to return."

She hated staying in the Jade Viewing Tower, longing to escape that gilded cage that seemed so splendid on the surface.

But the Jade Viewing Tower wielded immense influence, and the imperial court’s power was even greater—so vast that no one could defy it. She could never truly escape. In the end, she would have to go back.

Just being able to leave for a little while was enough.

Ning Xiaochuan understood her feelings well. After a pause, he said, "Alright then, let’s head to White Dragon City first."

He glanced at her but ultimately chose not to ride the Double-headed Stone Beast with her again. Instead, he summoned the Tai Sui Cub and rode it onward.

Meanwhile, the events of the previous night had caused a massive uproar in the Imperial City.

"Ning Xiaochuan and Yu Ningsheng have eloped!"

"Ning Xiaochuan forcibly took Yu Ningsheng away! Witnesses saw them fleeing the Imperial City last night!"

"Ning Xiaochuan and Yu Ningsheng are going on the run, abandoning his title as the young Marquis of the Jian Pavilion Marquis House!"

Rumors of all kinds spread like wildfire through the streets and alleys, becoming the hottest topic of gossip by morning.

What had happened seemed unexpected, yet somehow inevitable.

Ever since Ning Xiaochuan had openly questioned imperial authority and attempted to forcibly redeem Yu Ningsheng, the Martial Artists of the Imperial City had already branded him as rebellious.

Many were saying, "It’s no surprise Ning Xiaochuan did something like this. Still, he’s got guts—no wonder he’s called the Greatest Love-Obsessed Fool in the World."

"I knew this day would come. Just wait and see—there’s going to be quite a show!"

That same day, the city gates were anything but peaceful. Nearly every half hour, a large group of riders would pass through, kicking up clouds of dust before vanishing beyond the horizon.

The gatekeepers, covered in dust, watched yet another group depart and sighed deeply. "Ning Xiaochuan really knows how to stir up trouble. This time, forces from all sides have mobilized. They’ll definitely catch him."

Ning Xiaochuan, of course, had no idea what was happening in the Imperial City, but he could guess a little. After all, he and Yu Ningsheng had left in a hurry—it was only natural that people would speculate wildly.

Ning Xiaochuan wasn’t afraid of being speculated about, but he was wary of unwanted individuals showing up.

White Dragon City was the capital of the Soul Domain. Though not as grand and majestic as the Imperial City, it was still bustling and prosperous, teeming with martial artists, making it one of the largest cities in the Yulan Empire.

Walking into the ancient city, one could see buildings constructed from white stone everywhere, with streets paved in marble.

Through mental transmission, Ning Xiaochuan quickly spotted the red-scaled tiger he had been tracking, tethered to a tree by an iron chain around its neck beneath a towering wooden structure. However, the black-robed figure who had been riding it was nowhere to be seen.

As Ning Xiaochuan and Yu Ningsheng stepped through the entrance of the tall building, they immediately drew the attention of everyone inside. Their attire was far too luxurious, and Yu Ningsheng’s elegant, ethereal beauty made it impossible for them to go unnoticed.

"Esteemed guests, are you from the Imperial City?" The innkeeper squinted with a smile, his gaze fixed on Ning Xiaochuan.

"Hmm." Ning Xiaochuan responded softly, scanning the room but failing to spot the black-robed figure.

This was indeed a headache. Since Ning Xiaochuan had never seen their faces, if they removed their black robes, finding them again would be as difficult as reaching the heavens.

The innkeeper’s expression turned grave. "White Dragon City has been quite unsettled lately. When night falls, it’s utter chaos. It’s best if you two don’t wander around after dark. Why not stay here for the night?"

Ning Xiaochuan had initially responded casually, but now his interest was piqued. "Is White Dragon City dangerous right now?"

"Absolutely. Recently, many Demon Sect members have gathered here—leaders from various regional branches have arrived in White Dragon City, stirring up constant turmoil. No one knows what they’re fighting over. But by dawn, the streets are often stained with blood, and it takes half the morning just to wash it all away."

This was a modest-sized inn, frequented by travelers from all directions, making it a hub for information.

Ning Xiaochuan’s expression shifted. The two black-clad figures had chosen White Dragon City as their rendezvous point—it couldn’t be a coincidence. Could it be related to the recent chaos within the Demon Sect?

Were they also Demon Sect members?

Ning Xiaochuan had originally planned to head to the Demon Sect’s stronghold, Nine Death Cliff. Since Demon Sect members were gathering in White Dragon City, it couldn’t be a trivial matter. Staying to investigate might be worthwhile.

Thus, Ning Xiaochuan and Yu Ningsheng decided to lodge at the inn temporarily.

"Are you both from the Imperial City?"

A young man in his twenties approached Ning Xiaochuan and Yu Ningsheng’s table without hesitation, sitting down with a friendly smile.

Ning Xiaochuan gave the young man a wary glance before nodding.

The young man was quite handsome, with a fair complexion, no beard, and dark eyebrows. He grinned. "I spent some time in the Imperial City before, though that was five years ago. Forgot to introduce myself—Ji Yifan."

"Brother Ji, is there something you’d like to discuss?" Ning Xiaochuan couldn’t shake the feeling that this man seemed familiar—his build was strikingly similar to the black-robed figure from the previous night.

However, the cultivation level of the man before him was surprisingly low, only at the Seventh Level of Profound Qi, which immediately puzzled Ning Xiaochuan.

Ji Yifan smiled and said, "Brother, if you don't have urgent business, it's best not to stay in White Dragon City. Recently, the Demon Sect members have been causing extraordinary chaos here. The number of people dying daily could pile up into a small hill."

"Brother Ji, you seem to know some inside information?" Ning Xiaochuan asked.

Ji Yifan lowered his voice and said, "Have you heard of the Six Great Dao Lords of the Demon Sect?"

Ning Xiaochuan's mind stirred—of course, he had heard of the fearsome reputation of the Six Great Dao Lords. They were the six most senior, powerful, and terrifying Martial Artists under Demon Emperor Duanmu Han, figures who struck fear into the hearts of warriors across the land.

"The Dao Lord of the Heavenly Annihilation Dao, Shang Pojun, from the Six Great Dao Lords of the Demon Sect, died suddenly four days ago. This incident has caused a huge uproar within the Demon Sect," Ji Yifan said with a solemn expression.

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