Zhang Liwei and Feng Hao emerged from the bustling streets of the Outer City, their journey leading them inexorably towards the heart of Celestial Bloom City. The Inner City, a realm of power and prestige, loomed ahead, separated from the commonality by a wide, picturesque canal. Their steps, a rhythm of anticipation and awe, carried them closer to the city's sacred center.
The canal was a living tapestry of aquatic splendor. Koi fish, their scales a kaleidoscope of glistening hues, darted beneath the serene surface, weaving between the shadows and sunbeams. Lotus blossoms floated gently, their delicate petals collecting dewdrops that sparkled like tiny jewels in the morning light. The scene was a tranquil contrast to the pulsating life of the city streets, a serene boundary between the known and the elite.
As Zhang Liwei and Feng Hao approached the canal, their eyes were drawn to the bridge that arched gracefully across the water. It was a masterpiece of design and craftsmanship, where elegance and durability converged in perfect harmony. The railings of the bridge were adorned with dragon motifs, exquisitely detailed and flowing seamlessly into the structure. These dragons, symbols of the revered Azure Dragon, seemed to guard the path, promising passage to those who respected the city's ancient traditions.
The entrance of the bridge was guarded by sentinels, imposing figures clad in armor that bore the insignia of the City Lord. Their stern expressions and sharp, observant gazes were unyielding, scrutinizing each individual who dared approach the gateway to the Inner City. Zhang Liwei and Feng Hao felt a weight of solemnity as they neared these guardians, sensing the air of authority that emanated from them. This was a threshold not lightly crossed, a barrier that separated the ordinary from the extraordinary.
Upon reaching the entrance of the bridge, Zhang Liwei and Feng Hao were promptly halted by the guards. The guards, firm in their duty, declared, "Only residents of the Inner City or bearers of a special token may pass."
Exchanging a glance of disappointment, Zhang Liwei stepped forward and respectfully explained, "We are cultivators seeking to undertake missions within the Inner City."
The guard, after a moment's consideration, softened his stance slightly. "Is this your first visit to the Inner City?" he asked, his tone reflecting a newfound curiosity.
"Yes, it is," Zhang Liwei replied, while Feng Hao nodded in agreement.
Understanding their intentions, the guard responded, "In that case, I shall escort you to the Hall of Missions. It's our protocol to guide unfamiliar cultivators, ensuring the safety and order of the Inner City."
Relieved, Zhang Liwei and Feng Hao expressed their gratitude. "Thank you for your understanding and guidance," Feng Hao said, his voice conveying sincere appreciation.
As they entered the Inner City, a breathtaking view unfolded. Majestic palaces, each representing a branch sect of a renowned cultivation school, lined the streets. "Look at these palaces," Zhang Liwei whispered, "each bearing the name of its main sect. The history of cultivation in this city must be as deep as the roots of these ancient buildings."
Feng Hao, equally impressed, added, "This is where our true test begins, in the heart of Celestial Bloom City."
As they continued, grand mansions came into view, the residences of the city's influential clans. These structures exuded opulence and prestige, standing tall and proud amidst the bustling cityscape. The architectural splendor of these mansions, with their intricate designs and imposing stature, spoke volumes of the power and status of those who dwelled within.
As Zhang Liwei and Feng Hao ventured deeper into the Inner City, they observed numerous guard posts strategically placed throughout. Each post was manned by formidable cultivator guards, their robust appearances symbolizing strength and vigilance. The guards, with their unwavering resolve and sharp eyes, diligently maintained order, ensuring that no disturbance went unnoticed within their domain.
The duo's gaze inevitably shifted towards the Inner City's crowning jewel—the majestic Blossom Dragon Palace. Situated atop a distant hill, its imposing structure dominated the skyline. The palace, adorned with intricate dragon motifs, exuded a commanding aura of power and authority. This was more than just a residence of the City Lord; it was a symbol of the city's might and prestige, overlooking its vast expanse with an air of undeniable sovereignty.
Surrounding the Blossom Dragon Palace, almost as if in a protective embrace, were the ethereal Floating Flower Gardens. These floating land masses defied the conventional laws of nature, presenting a spectacle that captured the imagination. Each garden was a botanical marvel, filled with an array of exotic flowers, their petals rich with magical properties. Zhang Liwei looked on in wonderment at these floating gardens, a testament to the city's advanced cultivation and mastery over the elements. The sight challenged his understanding of the natural world, where earth and sky were distinct, yet here they merged in a harmonious and surreal display.
The guard noticed Zhang Liwei's captivated expression as he gazed at the Floating Flower Gardens and let out a chuckle. "The Celestial Bloom City owes its name to these miraculous gardens," he said, his voice tinged with pride.
Intrigued, Zhang Liwei couldn't help but ask, "But how do these gardens float? What force sustains them?"
The guard shook his head slightly, "I don't know all the details, but it's the work of advanced formations, beyond ordinary understanding." His words sparked a flame of curiosity in Zhang Liwei's mind, who mentally vowed to explore the intricate world of formations.
Their journey led them to the heart of the Inner City, where the Hall of Missions stood imposingly. At the entrance, its name was etched on a large plaque. The hall was abuzz with cultivators, each person's face etched with determination and purpose.
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As they stepped closer to the Hall of Missions, they felt the pulsating energy of the place envelop them. It was more than a building; it was a gateway to new adventures and opportunities in their cultivation journey. The Hall of Missions, standing proudly before them, symbolized the beginning of another chapter in their lives.
The guard, having faithfully escorted Zhang Liwei and Feng Hao to their destination, gestured towards the grand edifice that was the Hall of Missions. "This is where I leave you," he said with a nod. The duo thanked him for his guidance and stepped through the gate, embarking on the next phase of their journey.
As they passed the gate, a path of stone tiles unfurled before them, leading towards the Hall of Missions. The grand hall stood majestically in the distance, its imposing structure a testament to the city's reverence for the cultivation arts. The path itself was an artwork, flanked on either side by intricate sculptures depicting legendary battles, mythical creatures, and scenes of historical significance in the cultivation world. Each sculpture seemed to be alive, telling a story of glory, honor, and the perpetual pursuit of enlightenment.
Upon reaching the Hall of Missions, Zhang Liwei and Feng Hao entered swiftly, their eyes widening in awe at the lavish interior. Feng Hao, despite his origins from a larger city, had never witnessed the grandeur of an inner city zone. For both, this was a moment of wonder, as they gazed around with mouths agape, absorbing the opulence and splendor that surrounded them.
A servant, noticing the duo's awestruck expressions, approached with a slight smile in his lips. To him, they appeared as naive cultivators, fresh from remote villages, unfamiliar with the grandeur of the Inner City.
"Are you here to accept missions?" the servant inquired, his tone indicating that he already knew the answer. "Is this your first visit to the Hall of Missions?" Zhang Liwei and Feng Hao nodded in affirmation, their eyes still scanning the magnificent surroundings. The servant, taking on the role of a guide, began to orient the first-timers to the hall's procedures.
He first directed their attention to a large wooden board near the entrance. "This is the mission board," he explained. The board was affixed with scrolls, each neatly labeled and ranked. The scrolls, color-coded for convenience, displayed the title, rewards, and a brief description of each mission. Green scrolls indicated novice missions, blue for intermediate, red for advanced, and gold for elite tasks. The duo listened intently, their minds already considering the possibilities.
Next, the servant gestured towards an official seated at a resplendent black table, crafted from precious wood and adorned with intricate carvings. "After you've selected a mission," the servant continued, "you must approach this official. He will review your qualifications and issue you a mission token if deemed suitable."
The mission tokens, he explained, were unique. Each was ingrained with special formations and inscribed with the details of the chosen mission, including the deadline for completion. Furthermore, these tokens had the capability to record the progress of the mission, serving as a testament to the cultivator's journey and accomplishments.
Zhang Liwei and Feng Hao absorbed this information, their minds alive with the possibilities that lay before them. The Hall of Missions was not just a place to accept tasks; it was a gateway to new challenges, experiences, and potentially, the key to advancing their cultivation journey.
The servant, with a note of caution, warned Zhang Liwei and Feng Hao about the importance of safeguarding their mission tokens. “Losing them can be costly,” he said, his tone serious. “You will be responsible for any damages.”
The servant gestured towards various groups of cultivators scattered around the hall. "Notice the groups formed here," he began. "For more perilous missions, cultivators often band together. It allows them to strategize, pool their insights, and agree on how to divide the rewards. This collaboration can make even the most daunting tasks manageable."
Zhang Liwei nodded, absorbing the information, and then asked, "And once a mission is completed, what happens?"
The servant replied, "Upon your return, present your tokens to the same official over there." He gestured towards the figure at the desk. "He will verify your accomplishment and use special ink to record your awarded contribution points on that wall." He indicated a wall adorned with shelves and display cases filled with various rewards.
The servant's eyes gleamed with a hint of excitement as he described the rewards. "Within these halls, the rewards range from Spirit Stones and rare artifacts to coveted cultivation tomes," he said, gesturing towards the display. "Each of these can be exchanged for the contribution points you earn through your missions."
He leaned in slightly, his voice taking on a tone of deep reverence. "And for those who demonstrate outstanding contributions," he whispered, "there lies the opportunity to access the Celestial Vault. It's where the most precious and rarest of items are kept, a reward for true excellence in cultivation."
As he prepared to leave, the servant bowed respectfully to Zhang Liwei and Feng Hao. "May your journey through these missions be fruitful and enlightening," he said, his voice warm with goodwill. "Good luck, and may your efforts lead you to the treasures of the Celestial Vault."
Zhang Liwei and Feng Hao bowed in return, their hearts surging with ambition and a newfound determination.
Turning towards the mission board, Zhang Liwei's eyes were wide with intrigue, and Feng Hao, unable to contain his excitement, suggested, "Let's head to the mission board right away!"
But Zhang Liwei, with a more cautious tone, proposed, "Let's first seek advice from those who have more experience." He motioned towards a nearby group of cultivators.
Feng Hao nodded in agreement, and together they approached the group, ready to gather insights before embarking on their first mission.
Zhang Liwei stepped forward, addressing the small band of three cultivators—one female and two males. “Greetings, fellow cultivators. I am Zhang Liwei, and this is my companion, Feng Hao. Might we request a moment of your time for some guidance?”
The female cultivator, exuding confidence and sharpness in her gaze, responded warmly, “Of course. I am Lin Xue, and these are my companions, Huo Jiang and Wen Yu.” The two men, one rugged in appearance and the other scholarly, nodded in greeting.
Zhang Liwei got straight to the point. “We are trying to understand the appropriate cultivation levels for each mission tier. Could you offer some insights?”
Lin Xue, sizing up their Qi aura, replied, “Certainly. Novice missions, the ones with green labels, are suited for cultivators at the Whispering Qi Initiation realm. The blue-labeled Intermediate missions are for those at the Radiant Foundation Nexus realm.” She paused, giving a careful look before adding, “Higher tiers are more demanding and might be beyond your current reach. Remember, it's not just about cultivation level, but also factors like the size and strength of your opponents, especially in elimination missions.”
“Thank you, fellow cultivators,” Zhang Liwei said gratefully. “Your advice is greatly appreciated.”
Feng Hao chimed in, “Yes, thank you. This information is invaluable to us.”
With nods of acknowledgment, the Liwei and Feng Hao returned to the mission board. The colorful scrolls now seemed less daunting, each representing a unique challenge and opportunity. Energized by their newfound understanding, Zhang Liwei and Feng Hao began to carefully consider their options, each scroll a stepping stone to further their journey in the world of cultivation.