Chapter 15 - Journey to the Celestial City

A month had passed since the competition events in Moon Cloud City, and the situation had finally started to calm down. The Lu Clan had emerged as the dominant force, taking over many businesses of the Huang and Li clans. The businesses that couldn't be managed were sold off, while the rest brought in significant wealth to the Lu clan.

Even the Mountainous Wild Beast Forest, a key part of the Lu Clan's operations, was thriving. It generated significant income and served as a training ground for the young masters and ladies of the clan. Recognizing its value as a strategic preparation for next year’s upcoming competition, a number of members from the Lu clan went there to train.

The highly anticipated battle of the Qi Fusion masters, which had taken place in the week after the Qi Gathering competition, had concluded. Several new elders had been appointed in the Lu Clan, including Lu Chenfeng's son, who had come in first during the competition.

This earned him a coveted position as an elder in charge of a new auction house. Remarkably, he had also successfully reached the Foundation Establishment realm just four days ago, further cementing his rising status within the clan.

Two other individuals had also achieved breakthroughs to the Foundation Establishment realm, though they had not participated in the competition due to their advanced age. Nevertheless, their progress was considered remarkable, and the news was greeted with excitement in the Lu Clan.

Lu Chenyang's son participated in the clan competition and secured a fifth place ranking. Thanks to his father's influence within the clan, he also managed to secure a seat in the elders council, although some members viewed it as a token gesture. He was currently following in Lu Chenyang's footsteps, taking over various businesses and gradually establishing his own reputation within the clan as his business started becoming successful.

Lu Ran, on the other hand, had been diligently training whenever he had the chance over the past month, despite his mediocre talent which made progress slow. Nonetheless, his efforts to improve the clan are gradually bearing fruit.

In addition to his cultivation, Lu Ran had also been busy making plans to travel to the royal palace to meet his friend Xi Chaohan and discuss a request. Now that the situation had stabilized after the competition events, Lu Ran saw an opportunity to take the position of royal teacher at the palace, which would allow him to reunite more frequently with his youth friend, Xi Chaohan.

In the past Lu Ran had defied the conventional belief that Core Formation could only be achieved under the age of 250-280 years, and had successfully reached the Core Formation realm despite being past the lifespan of a Foundation Establishment cultivator.

Afterwards, he found himself in a private conversation with the crown prince, Xi Yuan, who congratulated him on his achievement and sought his assistance. Xi Yuan revealed that the emperor wished to hire Lu Ran as the official royal teacher, with the primary responsibility of taking the third prince, Xi Chaohan, as his disciple. Xi Yuan and his second brother had already received basic teachings, but due to their father's numerous responsibilities and the absence of the kingdom's Grand Protector, they were also seeking Lu Ran's guidance as the royal teacher.

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Xi Yuan further enticed Lu Ran by offering the Lu Clan a safe trade route to a neighboring kingdom as a reward for his services. However, Lu Ran was not easily swayed and requested to personally discuss the matter further with the emperor when the situation in the royal palace was stable, expressing his desire to meet his old friend Xi Chaohan as well.

With his mind made up, Lu Ran decided to set out for the royal palace the next day. He made the necessary preparations and bid farewell to both of his sons before embarking on the journey. He placed Lu Chenfeng temporarily in charge while he’s gone.

The road to the royal palace is a long and arduous one, but Lu Ran is determined to see Xi Chaohan and discuss his request in person. Although the Lu clan is off better then before they still have a lot of opportunities to improve further.

After a month of traveling, during which Lu Ran would occasionally stop at neighboring cities to rest and indulge in some tea, despite his ability to fly as a Core Formation cultivator which could have significantly shortened his travel time, he finally arrived at the royal palace.

The city where the royal palace was located was known as Celestial City, a sprawling metropolis that exuded an air of grandeur and opulence. Its streets were lined with magnificent palaces, adorned with intricate carvings and embellishments, and bustling with people from all walks of life.

The city's architecture was a blend of ancient and modern, with towering pagodas and majestic gates that harkened back to its rich history, while also boasting modern amenities and conveniences. The city was a hub of culture, commerce, and cultivation, with markets filled with rare treasures and exotic goods from across the kingdom. Even items and other peculiarities from the neighboring kingdoms made their way here.

In addition to the royal palace, Celestial City was also home to the renowned Scented Flower Tower, the main branch of the Alchemist Guild. The tower stood tall with its distinctive pink walls, adorned with golden inscriptions that glimmered in the sunlight. Its doors were intricately carved with floral motifs, adding to its allure. Inside, the tower was a treasure trove of alchemical knowledge, with countless shelves filled with rare herbs, elixirs, and alchemical tools.

The alchemists who resided in the Scented Flower Tower were known for their expertise and skill in their craft. They were clad in robes of varying colors, indicating their different ranks and specializations. Some were busy concocting potions in cauldrons, while others were carefully measuring ingredients with precision scales. The air was filled with the fragrant aroma of herbs and elixirs, creating an otherworldly atmosphere.

Among the alchemists, Qi Yaoting, the current guild master, was a respected figure. As a Core Formation cultivator, he possessed immense knowledge and skill in alchemy, and his reputation extended far beyond Celestial City. He often oversaw the operations of the guild from the Scented Flower Tower, providing guidance and mentorship to the aspiring alchemists who sought to learn from him. His presence in the tower added to its prestige and made it a hub of alchemical excellence in the region.

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