Xiao Jietian did not bother joining the queue. Instead, he directly approached the family that controlled this particular spatial wormhole. After casually demonstrating a fraction of his strength, he walked straight into the wormhole under their respectful — and slightly terrified — gazes.
With sufficient power, who would willingly stand in line like some suffering commoner? He wasn't the Son of Destiny with a hidden masochistic streak.
Don't like it? Then taste my fist. My fists happen to enjoy meeting arrogant faces.
…
Xiao Jietian lay sprawled on the spatial boat, his expression one of utter lifelessness, as though his soul had already left his body.
"So boring! Loneliness truly is the greatest enemy of man," he muttered, rubbing his temples helplessly.
Although most of his time was spent cultivating, he still had to remain constantly vigilant of the surrounding void.
If he grew careless and missed a sudden spatial storm or rift tearing open, it wouldn't be funny. Who knew where — or into what era — he might be flung?
After continuously transferring through multiple wormholes, Xiao Jietian finally reached the spatial exit closest to Tianbei City.
Unfortunately, Tianbei City itself had no direct wormhole connection, so he would have to cover the remaining distance personally.
He summoned the Amethyst Winged Lion King to serve as his mount. While Zi Yao flew, Xiao Jietian lay lazily on his broad back, pretending to sleep in order to recover his mental energy.
…
At dusk, the setting sun dyed the horizon in crimson and gold.
On a hillside along the southern road leading to Tianbei City's South Gate, a caravan-like procession of carriages and mounted guards had come to a halt.
From within the most luxurious carriage emerged a somewhat cold, commanding female voice:
"Han Chong, give the order. We camp here tonight."
"Yes, Miss!" The burly, slightly simple-looking middle-aged man responded immediately. He turned and began issuing commands to the team:
"Ghost Head, take people and prepare the camp. Wolf Fang, set up sentry posts. Steelback, fetch clean water for dinner. Iron Horse, you…"
Orders flowed one after another. Those whose names were called showed no trace of dissatisfaction — instead, they smiled and promptly carried out their tasks.
In less than half an hour, white tents had sprung up across the hillside, and numerous bonfires crackled to life.
Everyone moved with practiced efficiency — orderly, without the slightest chaos.
Just as the last tent was secured, a young maiden stepped gracefully down from the luxurious carriage.
She had willow-leaf brows, skin like fresh snow, a tall and slender figure, and long, perfectly straight legs.
Dressed in purple silk, the fabric clung to her curvaceous form, accentuating every line. The only thing that marred her beauty was the perpetual coldness on her exquisite face and the stern, unyielding light in her beautiful eyes.
A peak Half-Step Dou King aura emanated from her, as though she could break through to full Dou King at any moment.
The maiden descended and slowly swept her gaze across the camp. Wherever her eyes passed, every guard straightened and offered respectful looks.
From those gazes, it was clear their respect came from the heart — not mere fear of her strength or status.
Cold indifference alone could never earn such genuine loyalty from subordinates.
She walked to the largest bonfire and sat down gracefully. The others also took their seats around other fires.
She picked up a small knife, sliced thin pieces from the already-roasted spirit beast meat, and ate slowly, methodically.
The guards ate far more ravenously.
"Those on night watch tonight — no alcohol. The rest of you, drink only a little. We must stay alert in case of any sudden incidents," the maiden said indifferently. After finishing her small portion, she wiped her mouth and hands, stood up, and walked toward her private tent.
"Yes, Miss!" The guards immediately rose and responded in unison with full respect.
Their faith in their young mistress was absolute.
Not only because of her exceptional talent and strength, but even more so because of her character and conduct.
In most families, guards were treated as disposable tools — never even looked at directly.
But their young mistress was different. If any guard was severely injured or sacrificed during a mission, she ensured the family provided substantial compensation to their households, enough to guarantee their survival.
In other clans, a crippled guard was considered worthless — often abandoned outright, or even quietly eliminated.
Severance pay? Unthinkable.
…
"Master, there appear to be humans ahead — looks like a caravan," the Amethyst Winged Lion King reported in his deep, rumbling voice as he soared high above.
"No need to bother with them. We enter the city first," Xiao Jietian instructed without opening his eyes.
"Yes, Master!"
The Amethyst Winged Lion King continued flying straight toward Tianbei City.
…
"Did any of you hear that? It sounds like the flapping wings of a magical beast." Han Chong stood up from beside the bonfire, wine pot still in hand, listening intently.
At that moment, the maiden who had already entered her tent stepped back out. Her slender hand gripped a long sword tightly, her cold eyes fixed on the distant night sky.
Far away, a small purple dot was rapidly growing larger.
"Miss, it seems a flying magical beast is approaching — and its aura is very strong. We don't know if it's friend or foe," Han Chong said gravely as he moved closer to her.
"Everyone, prepare yourselves. It may just be passing by, but do not lower your guard," the maiden — Han Xue — commanded coldly.
The guards immediately drew their weapons and formed a protective ring around her.
…
As the purple dot drew nearer, the members of the caravan finally saw it clearly.
High above, the Amethyst Winged Lion King flew with powerful wingbeats, its amethyst body shimmering beautifully under the moonlight.
"Master, those humans seem extremely nervous," Zi Yao remarked.
Xiao Jietian didn't even open his eyes. "Ignore them. Keep flying."
The Amethyst Winged Lion King passed directly over the caravan. Every member below felt an overwhelming sense of oppression — as though the sky itself was pressing down upon them. This was merely the unintentional aura leaking from a Tier 6 peak magical beast.
Everyone gripped their weapons tighter, eyes fixed warily on the majestic beast overhead.
The Amethyst Winged Lion King flew past without sparing them a single glance — looking down at them as though they were a group of insignificant ants.
Only then did the caravan members clearly see the figure lying leisurely on the beast's back — a handsome young man who looked like an immortal banished from the heavens.
The Amethyst Winged Lion King continued flying away, gradually disappearing in the direction of Tianbei City.
It was at that exact moment that Xiao Jietian, as though sensing something faintly familiar, finally opened his eyes.
"Oh?"
"Master, is something wrong?" Zi Yao asked immediately upon hearing the sound.
Xiao Jietian did not reply at once.
Instead, he turned his head. His gaze seemed to pierce through layers of space, locking onto the caravan they had just passed.
He had found the source of that subtle, familiar feeling.
It was the maiden standing at the center of the protective circle of guards.
Xiao Jietian studied her carefully for several seconds. When his eyes fell upon her long hair and facial features, understanding dawned instantly.
He murmured to himself:
"No wonder it felt slightly familiar…"