C22 Azure Sun City

Two days flew by, and on the day they were set to enter the city, Zhuang Xing and Zhuang Dou rose early, finished their breakfast, and led a team of men to escort their goods directly to Azure Sun City.

Azure Sun City was a bustling metropolis, and many smaller cities nearby would bring their finest goods there to sell. The Zhuang family did the same, typically making the trip once a month to trade.

"Xing, once we're in Azure Sun City, remember to keep a low profile and avoid conflicts as much as possible. Azure Sun City is not like our Cloud Peak City. It's teeming with hidden dragons and crouching tigers," Zhuang Dou cautioned Zhuang Xing with a serious tone. Azure Sun City was filled with countless formidable experts, each with the power to obliterate the entire Zhuang family if they so wished. Despite the Zhuang family's status as the preeminent family in Cloud Peak City, they were still insignificant in the eyes of Azure Sun City's Top Level forces. For those powers, wiping out the Zhuang family would be as simple as lifting a finger.

Zhuang Xing simply shrugged. He wasn't one to seek out trouble unnecessarily. As long as no one bothered him, he had no intention of bothering anyone else.

"Azure Sun City is a melting pot of various forces, including four great powers that you must not provoke: the Lo family, the Yao family, the Myriad Gold Chamber of Commerce, and the Celestial Eagle Gang. Each of these formidable forces is protected by Spirit Sea Stage Experts, and their strength is immense. The other powers in the city, to varying degrees, depend on them for survival. Do not provoke any of their members; the consequences would be dire," Zhuang Dou continued, his voice betraying a deep sense of awe. The might of a Spirit Sea Stage Expert was beyond his wildest imagination.

Zhuang Xing looked at his father, thinking to himself. He wanted to say that the so-called four great powers of Azure Sun City were nothing but a trifle to him. After all, he was the Supreme Pill God, and he had encountered all manner of forces before.

As they raced along, the group made swift progress toward Azure Sun City. Despite their speed, by the time they reached the city, it was nearly noon.

"Xing, there lies Azure Sun City."

Zhuang Xing looked up to see a grand city rising from the earth, its presence majestic and awe-inspiring.

Undoubtedly, this was Azure Sun City.

A renowned metropolis in South County, Azure Sun City was far more famous than Cloud Peak City, where the Zhuang family resided. The latter paled in comparison, as if one was in the heavens and the other buried underground.

Even as noon approached, the roadsides bustled with activity. People streamed back and forth, a lively crowd that was just a taste of the city's outer reaches. One could only wonder at the vibrancy within the city walls—an unimaginable level of liveliness.

"Let's head into the city."

After handing over a hundred taels of silver for the entrance fee, Zhuang Dou led the group through a dimly lit city gate tunnel. They merged with the throng and made their way into Azure Sun City.

"Sugar-coated hawthorns!"

"Top-quality Earth Dragon Skin for two hundred silver!"

"Millennium ginseng, the true king of ginseng, come and choose yours!"

"Grand opening of our tavern, with special discounts on the first day!"

Upon entering Azure Sun City, they were greeted by a tapestry of bustling streets and thriving commerce. The roads teemed with people, and the clamor of vendors filled the air from the numerous shops lining the avenues.

"First, let's find an inn to grab a bite and rest a bit before we start selling our goods."

Having traveled since morning from Cloud Peak City, everyone was weary. So, Zhuang Dou and his companions sought out an inn to dine and recuperate from their journey.

"Xing, this chicken is quite good; have some more."

Throughout the meal, Zhuang Dou kept serving Zhuang Xing, his actions steeped in deep familial affection. Zhuang Xing was profoundly touched; in his past life as an orphan, he had never known his parents or experienced their love.

"Father, you don't need to keep serving me. You've barely eaten anything yourself."

Zhuang Dou chuckled, "First, we'll go sell our items. After that, I'll take you to the registration point to sign up. How does that sound?"

Zhuang Xing had no objections. He wasn't concerned with these matters in the slightest.

Soon enough, they had their fill. Following a brief rest, the group, with their merchandise in tow, made their way to the West Market.

The West Market was a thriving commercial hub, managed by the Myriad Gold Chamber of Commerce. The Zhuang family's goods were typically sold there.

"Xing, we've arrived at the West Market."

The place buzzed with activity, crowded with people and lined with shops. The air was filled with the calls of vendors hawking their wares.

"Patriarch Zhuang, it's been a month since our last meeting. I was starting to think you wouldn't show up."

A rotund middle-aged man approached Zhuang Dou and offered a respectful bow.

"Steward Zhang." Recognizing the man, Zhuang Dou quickly reciprocated the gesture.

Steward Zhang eyed the goods and inquired, "Patriarch Zhuang, may I have a look at the treasures you've brought this time?"

Zhuang Dou responded with a smile, "Steward Zhang, what kind of treasures haven't you seen? My humble offerings are hardly worthy of your attention."

Steward Zhang replied, "Let's not dwell on formalities. Business as usual, at the usual spot."

Zhuang Dou caught his drift. He promptly produced a silver note worth a thousand taels and handed it over. This part of the commercial district belonged to the Myriad Gold Chamber of Commerce. Any group or family wishing to sell their goods here had to pay a fee. Only after receiving approval could they conduct their sales. Steward Zhang was the official responsible for overseeing these transactions.

Steward Zhang's eyes gleamed at the sight of the silver note. Accepting it with a beaming smile, he said, "Patriarch Zhuang, I'll leave you to your business. Should you need anything, just send word. Farewell."

With those words, Steward Zhang departed.

"He's so greedy," Zhuang Dou muttered under his breath as he watched Steward Zhang walk away.

"When will the Zhuang family have the means to open our own commercial district in Azure Sun City?"

The market in Azure Sun City was vast, with profits significantly surpassing those in Cloud Peak City. Everyone aspired to operate there. The most lucrative and profitable ventures were the commercial districts because owning one meant a steady income from rent, even without selling a single item.

However, not just anyone could lay claim to a business district. Formidable strength and substantial capital were essential prerequisites. Those lacking in power would be ill-advised to hastily manage a business district. The four largest and most thriving business districts in Azure Sun City were each under the control of the four major powers.