Chapter 411 – Four People from Tianyuan City

The distance between Boulder City and Tianze Lake Main City was considerable, separated by continuous mountain ranges and vast rivers and lakes.

However, this was already within Taixuan Territory, where at least one settlement—be it a village, town, or city—could be found every few dozen to a hundred kilometers. There were inhabitants and signs of life.

In such regions, not even a Monster Overlord could be found, let alone large monster Tribes. At most, some monster Camps or small Tribes sprouted like stains in remote, seldom-visited areas.

High-tier monsters were extremely rare.

Occasionally, Third or Fourth-Order flying monsters might pass through.

For ordinary merchant caravans, traversing these roads still required vigilance and caution. However, for the steel train armed to the teeth and guarded by many Fourth-Order Experts, the wilderness of Taixuan Territory was a safe passage where they could travel unimpeded.

Even during the early and middle stages of the Crimson Mist disaster, the steel train could tear through monster tides and reach the foremost defensive strongholds, let alone during this peaceful period.

As the train sped along, though Lord Mu was not physically present, he could roughly envision the majestic landscapes of Taixuan through Ailin and others’ descriptions.

It was a pity he couldn’t see it with his own eyes.

But he would witness it sooner or later; there was no need to rush.

The steel train departing from Boulder City passed through several official cities along the way, some of which were also Level 7 major cities. However, the term “official major city” referred to regional administrative and military hubs, with only Tianze, Boulder, and Red Maple qualifying as such.

Among them, Boulder City had the poorest economic development. After all, its initial purpose was to monitor the Goblin Kingdom located in the Gloomy Dark Forest.

Yet, even though Boulder City lagged economically among the three, it was far more prosperous than the other official major cities.

These were official major cities, naturally equipped with various administrative agencies, which inherently attracted numerous professionals. Compared to cities managed by individuals or corporations, they held significant advantages.

He had heard that some Great Lords’ main cities were fortified like impenetrable fortresses in terms of defense, but when it came to prosperity… these cities were far from bustling.

“When it comes to development, it has to be the Taixuan officials.”

“What a shame. The Mental Link network currently only allows ultra-long-distance conversations and voice transmission. If it could send images or support video chats, that would be even more wonderful.”

Mu Yuan thought somewhat greedily.

After less than a day of travel, the steel train slowly pulled into the platform at Tianze City’s North Station. Travelers from all over the Twilight Great Domain disembarked.

Some of them effortlessly lifted or carried packages larger than themselves, striding steadily toward the station exit.

Others had empty hands but wore armor or robes that were clearly extraordinary, shimmering faintly with the glow of Treasures.

There were also those accompanied by a dozen or even several dozen elite soldiers, uniformly equipped and clad in fine gear. Surrounded by these guards, they walked out with remarkable ease.

The sight left many onlookers envious.The current North Station of Tianze City presented a stark contrast—some people still wore ordinary clothing with distinct Blue Star Xuan Nation styles, while others were clad in leather armor, plate armor, or mage robes. The two groups appeared fundamentally mismatched.

This disparity extended from their attire to their demeanor and overall aura.

The overwhelming majority of the former were ordinary citizens of Xuan Nation who had only been integrated into the Eternal World for just over four months.

Four months was actually not a short period.

Countless “closed beta” Lords had become thoroughly imbued with the formidable aura of the Eternal World in less than two months—and this was despite using computer interfaces during the first month; otherwise, one month would have sufficed.

However, the vast majority of these newbie professionals, who emerged after the world fusion, lived within the defensive perimeter of Tianze Lake Main City.

Many had never even encountered monsters, let alone killed a chicken. At most, they had seen some bizarre-looking military units, which had greatly broadened their horizons.

“We’ve finally arrived at Tianze City. We’ll be studying here for two years, right?”

A young man in ordinary clothing spoke with brimming excitement.

“Yes, I’ve heard that Tianze City’s academies have the finest faculty in the entire Great Domain. How fortunate we are to study here!”

“What do you mean ‘fortunate’? Isn’t this due to our exceptional talent? Getting into Tianze Academy and Taihu Academy is extremely difficult. Our presence here is entirely due to hard work and diligence—it can’t simply be dismissed as ‘luck’!”

“Well, having money and connections works too… Uh, why has everyone gone silent? Am I wrong?”

“Let’s talk about something else. Look at those people escorted by a dozen warriors—are they the legendary Miracle Lords? If we’re talking about luck, those selected early to enter the Eternal Continent are the truly fortunate ones. I’d love to be a Lord too, recruiting three or five Fox Women or elf maids.”

“You’re overthinking it. From what I understand, most Lords command either short, ugly goblins or ordinary Lancers and shield soldiers. Beautiful elves are hardly common. But we shouldn’t underestimate ourselves either—we’re the first batch of students at Tianze Academy, the chosen ones. It’s not impossible for us to establish territories and command armies in the future.”

“Besides, compared to being a minor lord in some backward village, I’d much rather make my mark in a major city. Isn’t that far better than being a village chief?”

…

Tianze Lake Main City had three Advanced academies: Tianze Academy, Taihu Academy, and Tianhua Academy.

The first two were public institutions that had existed prior to the current era. However, this year, responding to the Alliance’s call, both academies had expanded severalfold, adding multiple new campuses and Miracle Buildings, while also establishing affiliated Elementary academies like Tianze Lake Affiliated No. 1.

Over the past month, Tianze Academy had welcomed an increasing influx of people.

Among them were talented “newbie professionals” from various regions; professionals seeking to participate in the independent enrollment exams held by Tianze Academy and Taihu Academy; and students sent by various Lords for advanced training and cultivation.

Then there was a group distinct from the first three—individuals with formidable Auras and extraordinary appearances, each clearly an expert.

These were powerful figures from various territories and cities, coming to apply for instructor positions at Tianze Lake Academy.

The treatment for instructors here was first-class.

The Alliance government offered excellent benefits to attract powerful individuals dispatched by Lords, and the Tianze City authorities had further enhanced these incentives.Because of this, strong individuals applying to Tianze Lake Academy came in an endless stream.

In the past half month, the numbers had reached their peak.

“It’s said that the Crimson Mist tide in the southern surge has begun to recede, and the frontline battles have basically ended. Powerful subordinates from various lords can now spare the time to come here to apply for instructor positions and pursue cultivation,” Ailin explained.

As Sophia’s close friend, she naturally had access to more non-confidential information.

Red Robe waved her hand, indicating she didn’t care about these details. She was only concerned about when the recruitment exam would begin – the sooner she could get through it, the sooner she could rest.

“It’s tomorrow,” Ailin said. “Previously, Tianze Academy’s instructor recruitment exams were held every seven days. With the recent influx of applicants, they’re now held every three days. Since I have time today, I’ll take the others to the elementary academy to complete registration procedures first.”

Red Robe: “Whatever, whatever.”

…

Red Robe and Ailin’s group numbered several dozen people, though the vast majority were ordinary students who had come here to study and advance their training.

They were talented, quick-witted individuals selected by Lord Mu from Tianyuan City’s residents – people with outstanding past performances and diligent work ethics.

Such ‘study abroad’ opportunities were quite rare.

Upon completing their studies and returning, they would become Tianyuan City’s first batch of core technical experts.

Those actually preparing to apply for instructor positions were only four: Ailin, Red Robe, Zhou Yi, and Soul Loss.

Ailin needed no introduction – though not particularly skilled in practical combat, she was at least stronger than Daisy. Moreover, Ailin possessed exceptionally rich theoretical knowledge, and as a Fourth Order Peak, Epic One Star rank powerhouse, she wasn’t exactly weak.

Red Robe was the strongest among the four, merely half a step away from the Legendary Realm.

In fact, having come here, Red Robe planned to breakthrough to the Legendary Realm in Tianze City.

Tianze City’s ritual grounds were extremely advanced, even rumored to have Epic-level cultivation buildings. Most importantly, instructors at Tianze Advanced Academy could freely use Legendary breakthrough sites and purchase materials at highly discounted prices.

This was Tianze City’s method of attracting powerful individuals.

For Red Robe to breakthrough to the Legendary Realm here would be effortless. Where she broke through didn’t matter much anyway? Evolutionary advancement required careful consideration, but Red Robe, having already reached Epic Three Star level, couldn’t evolve further in the short term.

Zhou Yi was the second strongest among the Polar Star Archers, at Fourth Order Late Stage with Epic Two Star grade.

He didn’t possess Seventeen’s strong mental talents, but his archery skills surpassed even Seventeen’s.

Soul Loss was a powerhouse from the Ghost General series with Epic One Star grade, though the path he walked differed greatly from both Rakshasa and Red Robe.

Soul Loss excelled neither in malevolent energy nor illusion techniques.

During his evil spirit and ghost general days, he had been rather ordinary, at most slightly outstanding. Later, Soul Loss obtained his own Opportunity and underwent mutation during evolution.

He remained a Ghost General, but possessed a special Epic Skill.

「Shared Fate」

「Description: Soul Loss can lock onto and connect with a specific individual, returning several times the damage he receives back to the target.」

But Shared Fate wasn’t limited to synchronizing damage – it could also synchronize some profound experiences.Through this, Soul Loss gained a rather impressive learning ability, and he has now become a powerful figure among the Ghost Generals, ranking as the third ghost (self-proclaimed) after only Elder Brother Rakshasa and Elder Sister Red Robe.

…

The next day.

Ailin, Red Robe, and the other two arrived at Tianze Academy and, led by staff, went straight to the recruitment assessment venue—an outstanding-grade Miracle Building.

The place was already crowded with many people.

There were academy instructors who had already passed the assessment; experts recruited with high salaries; candidates preparing for the assessment; and even idle onlookers.

But those who could manage to enter Tianze Academy as onlookers were at least individuals with connections or influence.

In the distance, a Peak Fourth-Order Expert was announcing the rules.

“The rules for the instructor assessment are simple.”

“First, experts listed on the Dragon Gate List are unconditionally hired by our Tianze Academy without any assessment. The higher their ranking on the list, the more benefits and privileges they can enjoy.”

“Second, they must last at least 60 seconds within our Tianze Academy’s self-developed ‘Water Dragon’s Wail Illusion-Kill Array.'”

“Third, they must possess an Alliance-certified expert-level skill certificate.”

Of course, Red Robe and the other three had none of these.

Skill certificates required testing, and besides, Tianyuan City was most lacking in technical talent. Their main purpose in coming here was to freeload on technical expertise.

Similarly, none of the four had their names on the Dragon Gate List.

Only top-tier experts who had fought in public arenas could possibly have their names recorded on the Dragon Gate List.

They were merely nobodies and had to dutifully go through the motions.

Red Robe thought.

The next moment.

Within the vast Miracle Building venue, an ice-blue grand formation with a diameter of over a thousand meters slowly materialized.

Inside, one lifelike and majestic water dragon after another roared as it surged up from beneath the formation’s surface, only to dive back down in the distance, repeating the cycle endlessly.

This was the Water Dragon’s Wail Illusion-Kill Array, and it was also one of Tianze Academy’s important training facilities.

“Next, we will invite the academy’s special-grade instructor, Your Excellency Red Shadow, to demonstrate for everyone,” the Peak Fourth-Order Expert in the distance announced.

Soon, a man clad in armor with spiky red hair slowly entered the Water Dragon’s Song Formation.

As the formation activated, a water curtain sealed off the interior space, and the water dragons roared with increasing ferocity.

Waves surged.

Storms raged.

These water dragons unmistakably emanated genuine aura pressure.

Some were Third Order, others Fourth Order, numbering over a hundred in total.

“Of course, this Water Dragon’s Wail is an illusion-kill array. Out of these hundred-plus water dragons, perhaps only twenty are real. But even so, stepping inside is like facing multiple Fourth-Order Experts in a coordinated attack. The slightest misstep could lead to defeat, let alone lasting 60 seconds,” remarked a local expert with an air of experience.

Seeing this, Soul Loss approached and offered a cigarette. “Brother, you’re familiar with this place?”

“Of course,” the young man replied. “My Lord and I have been in Tianze City for seven or eight years now. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve visited this old campus of Tianze Academy—I know it like the back of my hand.”

“Your Lord?”

Soul Loss was puzzled.

The young man chuckled. “Hey, this is pretty normal in Tianze Lake Main City. There are at least a hundred or two hundred Lords who’ve settled here long-term. Isn’t living in the city much more comfortable than staying in some rural territory?””Just like my Lord, who has handed over the management of his Sixth Order territory to the corporation and might not return even once a year.”

“What about you, brother? You’re not from the Tianze City area, are you?”

“That’s right, we came from very far away, from a small Fifth Order city. This is my first time traveling to a big city.”

Soul Loss, who was only a year old, said shyly.

At that moment, exclamations of surprise came from the distance. It turned out that the powerhouse named Red Shadow had already sliced through the Water Dragon’s Song Formation with swift and decisive force.

Not just enduring it, but cutting straight through.

The young man wasn’t surprised. “Perfectly normal, perfectly normal. You probably don’t follow the news much, right, brother?”

He didn’t find it strange.

People living in small cities often knew very little about the outside world, aside from the Lord and the officers in charge of intelligence.

Even when it came to the renowned Dragon Gate List.

He said, “Ranked twelfth on the Dragon Gate List—Crimson Shadow Skywolf, that’s him. He’s a top-tier powerhouse at the forefront of the Dragon Gate List, so slicing through the formation is only natural.”

The young man went on to describe Crimson Shadow Skywolf’s various past achievements.

What rank he held when he first made the list.

How rapidly he climbed afterward.

“Not long ago, Lord Red Shadow was still ranked 19th, trailing behind Lord One-Punch Martial Maniac. But now, since Lord One-Punch Martial Maniac hasn’t had any public achievements for too long, he’s already fallen off the list, while Lord Crimson Shadow Skywolf has surged ahead. Right now, he’s probably not far from the Legendary Realm.”

Soul Loss: “…”

Why does the title “One-Punch Martial Maniac” sound somewhat familiar?

Oh, it seems to be Senior Uta’s honorable title.

It was the renowned name Senior Uta earned when he was at the peak of the Third Order or the Fourth Order.

So who said Soul Loss had never heard of the Dragon Gate List?

(End of Chapter)