Chapter 55: The World of the Strong and the Weak

Particularly to Li Zhi, Zhang Shen provided heartfelt counsel.

“You’ve reached the Ninth Layer of the Acquired Stage, merely a step away from perfection. Don’t be in haste to break through to the Innate Stage. Perfect this last step. It might require more time, but the future rewards are immeasurable.”

Zhang Shen held high expectations for his astute disciple, and he didn’t wish for her to hastily jeopardize her foundation.

Li Zhi nodded in agreement. Although she was eager to ascend to the Innate Stage, her master’s words made her recognize the importance of patience.

With his advice given, Zhang Shen set out toward Lin Yuan City.

The journey from the Ancient Covenant headquarters to Lin Yuan City spanned tens of thousands of kilometers. Even with Zhang Shen’s swiftness, it took him over ten days.

Though he could’ve shortened the journey by flying at full throttle, he refrained.

The closer he got to Lin Yuan City, the more formidable individuals he noticed. With his status at the True Core, he felt like a minor fish in a vast ocean. Drawing too much attention might be deadly. Unwittingly passing over a cultivator at the True Core late stage or even the Law Manifestation stage could spell disaster if they were of a bad temperament.

Against such elite beings, Zhang Shen would stand no chance.

Maintaining discretion, he navigated around the domains of these powerful entities.

After an arduous journey, he reached the grand Lin Yuan, a city levitating over a vast abyss. Shimmering barriers encased the city, supported by intricate runes beneath. From the deep abyss emanated an unsettling aura, causing one’s heart to race and skin to shiver.

As Zhang Shen floated above the abyss, an intense foreboding gripped him. His instincts warned of the grave dangers below. The ominous sensation began to wane only as he approached Lin Yuan City’s gates.

Replacing it was a sensation that was simultaneously ancient and vast, yet chilling and resolute.

Zhang Shen found himself momentarily captivated.

Fortunately for Zhang Shen, he wasn’t alone in his awe. Most first-time visitors had a similar expression.

At the city gates that rose a staggering hundred feet high, Zhang Shen sensibly queued to enter, ensuring he didn’t attract unwanted attention.

The gatekeepers were formidable, their sheer presence warping the very air around them.

All of them were in the Law Manifestation stage!

This was beyond belief. If mere gatekeepers were at the Law Manifestation stage, what hope did someone of his True Core status have?

Thankfully, no impulsive young nobles tried to forcefully enter the city or use exclusive passages. Everyone maintained decorum.

Only an utter fool would dare cause a ruckus in such a place.

If someone was audacious enough, the guards probably wouldn’t even need to intervene. Acquaintances of the offender would likely suppress and reprimand him immediately.

“Name, cultivation rank, and your purpose in Lin Yuan City,” demanded Bu Shan, his stony face devoid of emotion, reminiscent of a lifeless magical artifact.

“Zhang Shen, at the first layer of the True Core stage. I’m here to register as an official member of Lin Yuan City,” answered Zhang Shen, his demeanor the very definition of courtesy, understanding, and humility.

He responded promptly, avoiding any superfluous comments.

Facing an individual who could easily obliterate him with a mere finger gesture, Zhang Shen’s deferential posture was entirely understandable.

“Registering as an official member, you say? Zhang Shen?” Bu Shan, intrigued, swiped his finger on a rectangular magical device by his side.

“Ah, the Lord of the Ancient Covenant, a True Core from the Endless Wilderness. That explains it.”

Earning an official status in Lin Yuan City wasn’t a walk in the park. Being at the initial stage of True Core barely met the requirements, possibly suitable for a provisional role. Only those with lineage tracing back to the Endless Wilderness, where generations of their family had lived, enjoyed some special privileges.

“No hesitations. He agreed right away,” Bu Shan mused, skimming the report from Li Xiao.

Instantly, his impression of Zhang Shen shifted favorably. Lin Yuan City indeed needed such dedicated young individuals.

“You’ve done well,” Bu Shan remarked, a rare compliment from him. “Proceed inside. Someone will lead you to the registration area. Stay vigilant and refrain from wandering aimlessly in the city.”

Grateful for Bu Shan’s guidance, Zhang Shen stepped through the slightly ajar grand doors behind the imposing guard.

Inside the city, the ambiance was markedly different from the outside. Both the skies and the streets were abuzz with martial artists. True Core and Law Manifestation practitioners were everywhere. In contrast, those at the Innate and Acquired stages were quite scarce, typically seen serving as attendants or aides in various shops.

The dominant aura of these powerful entities prompted Zhang Shen to maintain a discreet presence.

Luckily, upon his entrance, a guide approached to escort him to Lin Yuan City’s registration area.

Only now did Zhang Shen find a moment to contemplate the tablet-like artifact Bu Shan utilized. Although he hadn’t caught the details that flashed across its surface, it strikingly reminded him of the smartphones from his former life.

‘It makes sense,’ he reflected. ‘Given the extended lifespans and profound capabilities of martial artists, it wouldn’t be surprising if a few innovated real-time communication tools, would it?’

His thoughts shifted to communication talismans, which seemed like a more rudimentary version of the device Bu Shan wielded.

“It appears the realms of elite martial artists differ vastly from those of their junior counterparts and the commoners,” he surmised.

In no time, Zhang Shen reached the registration chamber.

An official there swiftly cross-referenced his identity. Having pre-emptively researched Zhang Shen’s history, likeness, and other particulars, the records were already at hand. A brief confirmation sufficed.

There, Zhang Shen spotted another device akin to Bu Shan’s, albeit significantly larger, resembling the size of a banana leaf.

Given that the official was only at the True Core stage, Zhang Shen felt more at ease.

“What is this device?” Zhang Shen asked with genuine curiosity.

The official responded without disdain, accustomed to such questions, “It’s a leaf harvested from the Mainframe Tree, known as the Terminal Leaf. Even in its simplest form, the Terminal Leaf is a True Core grade treasure, endowed with the ability to share information,” the verification officer began, clearly an extrovert and chatterbox, brimming with excitement as he detailed the nature of the Mainframe Tree.

“Every Mainframe Tree stands as a divine-grade artifact, designed to store vast amounts of data. Each leaf can tap into and browse this reservoir of information and also has the capability to upload new data back into the Mainframe Tree. However, data within one Mainframe Tree doesn’t sync with another. I’ve heard there’s a method to bridge this, but it entails a considerable sacrifice. Furthermore, the data capacity varies among these trees. As they mature, their storage potential expands.”

Lost in the depths of his explanation, the officer momentarily sidetracked from processing Zhang Shen’s registration. 

Yet, Zhang Shen remained patient, not wishing to cut him off. The revelations were fundamentally altering his previous perceptions of the Endless Wilderness.

It hadn’t occurred to Zhang Shen that such wondrous artifacts were nestled within the Endless Wilderness.

A Mainframe Tree of divine caliber? He pondered on the other mystical treasures this world concealed. It felt as though he had ventured into an entirely novel world.

So enthralled was Zhang Shen that he would’ve listened to the officer’s words for days.

Luckily, after speaking for a couple of hours, the officer’s sense of duty resurfaced.

Completing Zhang Shen’s registration, he presented him with an identity medallion.

“Daoist friend, your personal details have been synchronized with the Human Race’s Heavenly Wind Mainframe Tree. If ever someone asks about your identity in the days to come, this medallion holds your records. Naturally, only your medallion grants access to your personal data. Others can’t retrieve your identity from the Mainframe Tree. Rest assured, such intimate details are securely encrypted within,” he assured.

Curiosity piqued, Zhang Shen toyed with the token and channeled a sliver of his spiritual power into it, a screen surfaced, presenting various entries and even a search bar.

“Could this be a Terminal Leaf?” Zhang Shen asked, genuinely taken aback by Lin Yuan City’s generosity in distributing such valuable gadgets.

The verification officer gave him a brief, amused look. 

“This is a token modeled after the Terminal Leaf. Its functions are limited to receiving and displaying information without the capabilities of uploading or real-time messaging. However,” the officer said with a playful smirk, “if you’re interested in a genuine True Core grade Terminal Leaf, it’s not entirely off the table.”

Intrigued, Zhang Shen asked, “How’s that possible?”

Seamlessly, the officer navigated through the token’s interface, pulling up a personal profile that felt oddly familiar to Zhang Shen. Yet, he opted for discretion, feigning ignorance.

His profile unabashedly announced him as the Lord of the Endless Wilderness Ancient Covenant and ‘Official Member No. 77774 of Lin Yuan City. Notably, right below this, there was an Official Member Benefits section, still untouched and awaiting claim.

The officer explained, “This is a privilege accorded to every official member, replenished every century. Within this period, members can claim their benefits whenever they wish. Given that you’ve joined Lin Yuan City midway, and with over half a century to the next cycle, we’ve had similar instances. You’re eligible to claim, albeit proportionally reduced. Typically, members receive a substantial sum of points which they can then trade for resources.”

Post briefing, he handed the token back to Zhang Shen, who, acting on the given directions, verified the benefits. Indeed, a handsome amount of points was reserved for him.

“You’ll find the redemption point just adjacent to this place,” the officer pointed out. “However, while you possess ample points for a Terminal Leaf, I’d suggest you reconsider. Terminal Leaves may be enticing, but for us, personal prowess is most important.”

Zhang Shen nodded appreciatively. Given the staff member’s endearing chatterbox nature combined with his well-intentioned advice, he almost wanted to exchange terminal numbers with him, reminiscent of exchanging messenger IDs back in his past life.

Unfortunately, his token wasn’t a Terminal Leaf.

Zhang Shen felt a pang of regret. He’d missed the chance to befriend such a refreshingly candid individual.

Exiting the registration desk, he made a beeline for the neighboring redemption center.

The atmosphere there was distinctly different, bustling with individuals. A cursory glance was all it took for Zhang Shen to realize that the majority were at the True Core stage, with very few below his own cultivation.

Fortunately, after a brief observation period, he discerned the redemption process. One first browsed through the treasure inventory on their token or Terminal Leaf, then proceeded to the counter for actual item redemption. Efficient and straightforward.

Considering a leisurely browse directly at the counter? One True Core warrior served as a cautionary example, getting a slap from the counter attendant that shattered his teeth. The pitiful sight was enough to send shivers down one’s spine.

Zhang Shen had no intention of incurring such wrath, and he doubted he could withstand it if he did.

Having such a powerful individual manning the counter was a display of sheer dominance.

Thus, he diligently sifted through the treasure inventory, his eyes widening at the spectacular array of rare and heavenly items. He was nearly drooling with desire, wishing he could possess them all. However, the staggering points required to redeem some items swiftly cooled his enthusiasm.

“I truly am broke,” Zhang Shen murmured, his eyes glistening with tears of poverty.

Yet, thanks to his indomitable spirit, he quickly composed himself and focused on items within his budget.

“The Terminal Leaf is truly a luxury, comparable in value to a complete, top-tier True Core cultivation method,” he mused.

Shaking off his momentary dismay, Zhang Shen opted for alternatives: a mid-tier True Core martial technique named Inferno Blade Technique, a basic True Core cultivation method labeled ‘Bright Moon Nine Heavens,’ and a collection of rare resources beneficial for both pre and post-True Core stages.