The journey toward Guan Capital had finally come to an end. When the Northern Territory's selected geniuses emerged from the long road leading through the mountains, the first thing they saw was not the city itself, but the wall standing before it. Even from a great distance, the ancient walls of Guan Capital stretched across the horizon like a dark line dividing heaven and earth.
They rose higher than any structure most of the younger generation had ever seen, their enormous surfaces carrying the marks of countless years. Time had weathered the stone, yet it had failed to weaken it, while ancient formations occasionally flickered beneath the surface like veins of light sleeping within the massive walls.
For several moments, no one spoke as the road gradually descended from the mountains, allowing the full sight of the Capital to reveal itself before their eyes. Only then did Feng Xue slowly draw in a breath. Beyond the walls stood a city so vast that its borders could not be seen from where they stood. Towers rose in different directions, some constructed from dark ancient stone while others reflected the morning sunlight with faint spiritual radiance. Ancient structures stood beside newer buildings, enormous districts stretched toward distant mountains, and several peaks appeared to have become part of the city itself.
Above Guan Capital, the sky was equally alive as cultivators occasionally crossed the distance on flying swords while spirit beasts carrying people upon their backs descended toward designated areas beyond the city walls. Several enormous birds circled high above the Capital, their shadows passing silently across the ground.
Feng Xue stared ahead, her eyes unable to hide her amazement, while even some of the older cultivators accompanying the Northern Territory group showed subtle changes in their expressions. Emerald City was large, or at least it had always appeared large to them. However, standing before Guan Capital, that belief suddenly felt almost laughable. The Blue Robed Elder watched the reactions of the younger generation before smiling faintly. "You have finally arrived. This is Guan Capital, the heart of the Central Region and the place where the paths of the five regions eventually converge."
Feng Li remained silent as his eyes travelled across the distant city. He had seen great cities in his previous life, immortal cities suspended above clouds and ancient palaces that stretched across mountain ranges, places where ordinary cultivators would have been unable to take even a single step. Yet Guan Capital was different. It did not possess the magnificence of those ancient immortal cities, but it possessed something else, something that could not be created within a few generations. It possessed age.
The city carried the weight of countless generations, and Feng Li could sense that the formations embedded within its walls were ancient, some of them having been altered and reinforced repeatedly throughout history. This was not a city built by a single generation. It had been shaped by countless generations of cultivators.
The mysterious elder's voice suddenly appeared within Feng Li's mind. "At least this place is not completely embarrassing." Feng Li's expression remained unchanged as the old man continued with a faint snort. "Do not misunderstand. Compared to the places you once knew, this can barely be considered impressive. However, considering the current state of this world, it is not entirely bad." Feng Li replied mentally, "You have been silent for a long time." The mysterious elder did not respond.
The Blue Robed Elder began leading the group forward, and as they approached Guan Capital, the true scale of the city became even more apparent. The gates alone were enormous, rising hundreds of metres into the air, while several different entrances had been constructed beneath them.
One was used by ordinary travellers, another by caravans and spirit beasts, while cultivators capable of flying entered through designated areas above the walls. Yet what caught Feng Li's attention was not the gates themselves but the people guarding them. Several possessed cultivation within the Nascent Soul Realm.
Feng Xue noticed them as well, and her expression changed slightly. Back in Emerald City, a Nascent Soul Realm cultivator was an existence capable of influencing the fate of an entire family or sect, yet here they stood guarding the gates of Guan Capital. The Blue Robed Elder noticed the direction of her gaze and smiled slightly. "Do not be surprised. Guan Capital is not Emerald City. You have all been selected from the Northern Territory, and that is something worth being proud of. However, do not make the mistake of believing that being outstanding in one region means you will remain outstanding everywhere."
His gaze passed across the younger generation as they entered through the enormous gates. "In Guan Capital, you will meet people whose foundations are different from yours. Some were born into powerful families, some have cultivated within major sects since childhood, while others have received inheritances and resources that people from smaller cities might never encounter in their entire lives. That is why the Martial Intake Challenge exists. It is not simply an opportunity for sects to recruit disciples. It is also a stage where the younger generation of the five regions can see the distance between themselves and others. Sometimes that distance is smaller than expected, and sometimes it is much greater."
Once they entered Guan Capital, the difference between the Capital and every other city the younger generation had known became impossible to ignore. The streets were wide enough for several large carriages to travel beside each other, while powerful spirit beasts occasionally moved through designated paths accompanied by cultivators. Shops selling medicinal herbs stood beside establishments dealing in cultivation weapons, formations, talismans and spiritual treasures. Yet what truly caught the attention of the younger generation was the people themselves.
Soul Transformation Realm cultivators were everywhere, while Nascent Soul Realm cultivators occasionally passed through the streets without attracting the overwhelming attention they would have received in Emerald City.
At one point, Feng Xue watched an elderly man casually walk past their group. Nothing about his appearance was particularly extraordinary. He wore plain robes and carried a wooden staff, yet the moment he passed, Feng Li's eyes narrowed slightly. The old man was powerful, far beyond the Nascent Soul Realm, although Feng Li could not accurately determine his cultivation without deliberately probing him, something he had no intention of doing. The mysterious elder's voice appeared again. "At least you are capable of noticing the difference." Feng Li ignored him once more as the group continued walking.
Several of the selected geniuses from the Northern Territory had gradually become quieter. Back home, they had been praised as geniuses and some had been treated as future pillars of their families and sects. Here, Guan Capital barely seemed to care that they existed. The Blue Robed Elder eventually slowed and looked toward the younger generation. "You are probably wondering why Guan Capital became what it is today." Several of them naturally turned toward him as he pointed toward the ancient structures surrounding them. "Long before the five regions became what they are today, this place was already occupied by cultivators. Guan Capital was built around one of the largest spiritual veins in the Central Region. As generations passed, powerful clans settled here, sects established their influence, and the city gradually became a place where resources, cultivation paths and powerful inheritances converged."
They continued walking while the elder spoke, his eyes occasionally moving toward the ancient structures around them. "The city has changed many times. Families have risen and disappeared, sects have been destroyed and replaced, yet Guan Capital remained. Eventually, it became the place you see today, the strongest cultivation centre of the five regions." Feng Li quietly observed the buildings surrounding them. The history made sense. A city did not survive countless generations simply because of its walls. It survived because powerful people wanted it to survive.
As they entered a wider district, the atmosphere subtly changed. The buildings became more spacious while the ordinary shops gradually disappeared, replaced by ancient residences standing behind enormous walls. Powerful formations could occasionally be sensed surrounding the different compounds, and even the spiritual energy within the area felt richer. The Blue Robed Elder slowed once again. "This part of Guan Capital belongs to some of the families you will hear about frequently during your time here. The Ten Great Families of the Central Region."
Several of the youngsters immediately became attentive as the elder looked toward the distant direction of one particularly vast residence. "The Chen Clan. The Chen Clan is ranked first among the Ten Great Families. Their influence extends throughout the Central Region, and their history within Guan Capital is older than many of the powers you have encountered." Feng Li's thoughts briefly turned toward Chen Li'er. A fifteen-year-old at the second rank of the Nascent Soul Realm, her cultivation was already enough to distinguish her from most of the younger generation, while her family background only added another layer to her existence.
The Blue Robed Elder continued, pointing toward another enormous district. "Second is the Jiang Clan. The Jiang Clan is one of the oldest families remaining in Guan Capital. They have existed through generations of change and have remained among the strongest families of the Central Region." The elder did not explain more, and he did not need to. The existence of the Jiang Clan was enough to be remembered for now. "Third is the Xiao Clan." Several expressions changed slightly as this name was already more familiar to them. The Xiao Clan was the family of Xiao Ling and Red Blade Xiao.
The Blue Robed Elder looked toward the distant residence of the clan. "Among the younger generation currently gathering in Guan Capital, there are two members of the Xiao Clan you should remember. Xiao Ling, fourteen years old and at the first rank of the Nascent Soul Realm. She has already been accepted by the Purple Blossom Sect." The atmosphere among the Northern Territory youngsters became slightly heavier at the mention of another young Nascent Soul Realm cultivator. The elder then continued, "There is also Red Blade Xiao. Eleven years old and at the ninth rank of the Soul Transformation Realm."
Feng Li's eyes moved slightly. Eleven years old and only one rank ahead of his current cultivation. The Blue Robed Elder did not explain why the boy was called Red Blade Xiao. That information could wait until Feng Li encountered him. He continued introducing the remaining families as they moved through the district. "Fourth is the Yu Clan. Fifth, the Wang Clan. Sixth, the Li Clan. Seventh, the Zhao Clan. Eighth, the Qin Clan. Ninth, the Luo Clan. Tenth, the Sun Clan."
The names settled within the minds of the younger generation; Chen, Jiang, Xiao, Yu, Wang, Li, Zhao, Qin, Luo, and Sun. The Ten Great Families. The Blue Robed Elder eventually looked toward them and said, "Remember these names. Not because every member of these families is stronger than you. That would be foolish. A family can possess countless descendants, and talent is never distributed equally. Remember them because these families possess foundations that have survived generations. Their influence can create opportunities, but it can also create enemies."
Several of the younger cultivators understood the warning. Feng Li understood it particularly well. A powerful family could be useful, but a powerful family could also become troublesome. As they continued moving through Guan Capital, Feng Xue eventually looked toward Yun Li, who had remained with the group since their arrival while mostly allowing the Blue Robed Elder to speak. "Senior Yun Li, what about the sects?" Several of the others immediately became interested.
Yun Li smiled faintly. "The families are powerful, but Guan Capital does not belong to families alone." The Blue Robed Elder gave a faint laugh before continuing the explanation. "The major sects are different from families. A family depends upon bloodlines and generations, while a sect can gather geniuses from everywhere. The Central Region is home to some of the most powerful sects within the five regions."
"The Red Phoenix Sect," the elder continued. "Among the great sects of the Central Region, the Red Phoenix Sect has produced countless powerful cultivators. Chen Li'er of the Chen Clan has chosen to enter that sect." Feng Xue silently remembered the name. "The Purple Blossom Sect. Xiao Ling has chosen that path." Then the elder's expression changed slightly. "And above them stands the Myriad Dao Sect."
The moment the name was spoken, several people instinctively looked toward Yun Li, who merely smiled. The Blue Robed Elder's voice remained calm. "The Myriad Dao Sect is the number one sect. Throughout the five regions, countless geniuses dream of entering its gates. The sect's disciples can be found across the cultivation world, and its foundations are deeper than most people can imagine." Several eyes gradually moved toward Feng Li, whose Myriad Dao Sect insignia remained visible.
For the first time since arriving in Guan Capital, the significance of that small object became even clearer. An eleven-year-old boy from the Northern Territory was already carrying the identity of a disciple of the number one sect. Several people passing through the district had noticed it. Most continued walking, but a few did not. Feng Li sensed several curious glances, although none remained for long. Yun Li noticed but said nothing. The insignia had been given deliberately, and there was no reason to hide it.
The group eventually entered another part of Guan Capital where the buildings were more open and several large residences had clearly been prepared for visitors. The Blue Robed Elder explained that this area would temporarily house many of the participants arriving from the different regions. The Martial Intake Challenge had not yet begun, and more people were still arriving. As the Northern Territory group approached the residence prepared for them, Feng Li suddenly sensed something descending from the sky.
The shadow appeared first, causing several people to look upward. A massive white crane slowly descended toward an open area nearby, its appearance immediately attracting attention. Its feathers were so pure that they almost reflected the sunlight, while its enormous wings created powerful currents of wind that caused several robes to flutter. Upon its back sat a young boy whose hair was completely white. He appeared remarkably calm as the crane descended gracefully before landing, and when it finally touched the ground, he stepped down without displaying the slightest trace of excitement.
No one from the Northern Territory spoke immediately. The Blue Robed Elder looked toward him before quietly saying, "Western Region. White Crane Fen, eleven years old and at the eighth rank of the Soul Transformation Realm." Feng Li watched him carefully. The same age and the same cultivation realm. Feng Xue also looked toward the white-haired boy. White Crane Fen eventually turned his head, and for a brief moment, his eyes met Feng Li's. Neither of them spoke, and neither displayed hostility. After a moment, White Crane Fen calmly looked away.
The Northern Territory group continued walking, but they had not travelled far when another figure caught their attention. A young girl stood alone beside one of the courtyards. No one stood near her. Her clothing was dark, and her expression was so cold that even several nearby cultivators appeared to deliberately avoid approaching her. Feng Xue quietly looked toward the girl, and the Blue Robed Elder followed her gaze. "Miao Er. She is from the Western Region."
Several of the younger cultivators looked at the girl again as the elder continued in a noticeably more serious tone. "Fifteen years old and at the first rank of the Nascent Soul Realm." The atmosphere immediately changed, and even Wan Lin's eyes narrowed slightly. Miao Er did not appear to notice their attention, or perhaps she noticed and simply did not care. Feng Li watched her for a moment. Her aura was restrained, too restrained. She stood there quietly, yet Feng Li could sense that her body contained strength far beyond what her calm appearance suggested.
The mysterious elder suddenly spoke. "That girl has seen blood." Feng Li remained silent before replying mentally, "You can tell?" The old man snorted. "I have existed longer than your entire family line." Feng Li ignored the unnecessary arrogance. Miao Er eventually moved, simply turning and walking away without acknowledging anyone around her. No one stopped her.
The atmosphere changed again when a loud voice suddenly echoed from another courtyard. "Give me another one!" Several people looked toward the source and saw a young boy sitting at a table filled with food. His cheeks were slightly round, and despite the serious atmosphere surrounding the residences, he appeared completely focused on eating. A servant standing nearby looked uncertain before saying, "Young Master, you have already eaten enough." The boy immediately frowned. "How can you decide what is enough?"
Several people nearby became silent while Feng Xue tried not to laugh. The Blue Robed Elder's expression changed slightly before he quietly said, "Eastern Region. Fatty Chen, thirteen years old and at the ninth rank of the Soul Transformation Realm." Feng Li looked toward the boy as Fatty Chen suddenly noticed the Northern Territory group. His eyes moved across them before stopping on Feng Li, and then he grinned. "Are you here for the Martial Intake Challenge too?" Feng Li simply nodded. Fatty Chen appeared satisfied. "Good." He immediately returned to his food, apparently considering the conversation finished.
The Northern Territory group continued toward their residence, but as they approached the entrance, several people suddenly stepped aside. Feng Li noticed the change before seeing the reason. A young girl was walking through the courtyard. She did not move quickly, and there was no arrogance in her expression, yet the people around her naturally created space for her. Her presence alone was enough.
The Blue Robed Elder's voice became quieter. "Chen Li'er." Feng Xue immediately looked toward her. The young girl appeared fifteen years old, and although her cultivation was restrained, Feng Li could sense the strength hidden beneath her calm exterior. "Second rank Nascent Soul Realm," the Blue Robed Elder continued. "From the Chen Clan." The number one family.
Chen Li'er did not look toward the Northern Territory group as she passed, while several people accompanied her from a distance. They did not appear to be guards, but rather people who had simply become accustomed to following her. Feng Li watched her leave. There was nothing he could immediately determine from a brief glance, but one thing was clear. She was strong.
Before the group could enter their residence, Yun Li suddenly stopped. His gaze moved toward another part of the courtyard where a young girl stood surrounded by several people. She was younger than Chen Li'er, yet the spiritual aura surrounding her was equally impossible to ignore. "Xiao Ling," Yun Li quietly said.
Feng Li's eyes moved toward her. Fourteen years old, first rank Nascent Soul Realm, a member of the third-ranked Xiao Clan, and someone who had already chosen the Purple Blossom Sect. Xiao Ling appeared to notice Yun Li's presence, and her eyes moved toward him. She gave him a faint nod, which Yun Li returned. Her gaze then briefly travelled across the Northern Territory group, and when she noticed Feng Li's Myriad Dao Sect insignia, her eyes paused for the briefest moment before she continued walking.
Feng Li watched her disappear into the distance. The Capital was filled with people like this, powerful young cultivators who had grown up surrounded by resources and inheritances, people who had already begun walking paths that would eventually lead them far beyond the five regions. The Blue Robed Elder looked toward the Northern Territory youngsters and said, "You have now seen only a few. The Martial Intake Challenge has not even begun."
Several expressions became serious as the elder smiled faintly. "Rest while you can." Feng Xue quietly looked around the enormous Capital, and for the first time since leaving Emerald City, she seemed to fully understand what awaited them. Wan Lin remained calm, but his eyes carried a faint fighting spirit, while several of the other Northern Territory geniuses had become noticeably quieter. They had arrived as the chosen geniuses of their region, but Guan Capital had already shown them that being chosen was only the beginning.
Feng Li stood silently as the mysterious elder's voice appeared within his mind one final time. "So?" Feng Li did not answer immediately. The old man waited while Feng Li looked toward the vast city surrounding them. Finally, he replied, "It is better than Emerald City." The mysterious elder became silent for a moment before snorting. "That is the best you can say?"
Feng Li ignored him and walked toward the residence. Behind him, the younger generation of the Northern Territory followed, while ahead of them stood the Martial Intake Challenge and the gathering of the strongest geniuses from the five regions. Guan Capital had opened its gates, and for the first time, Feng Li was truly standing at the entrance of a much larger world.