C28 Cloud Moon Tower

"Zhuang Xing has won. Our Cloud Peak City is finally not at the bottom this time."

"Look at those people from Great Harvest City; they look completely dumbfounded. They probably never even dreamed that Ma Zhou would lose to Zhuang Xing."

"Serves them right. They were just mocking our Cloud Peak City. This is their comeuppance."

"Ha ha ha!"

The citizens of Cloud Peak City were overjoyed, feeling a sense of pride and vindication. In the previous Hidden Dragon Ranking Great Competition, Cloud Peak City had been ranked last in overall strength among the hundreds of cities in the Great Qi Country, which left them unable to hold their heads high among other cities. But now, things had changed. Zhuang Xing's victory over Ma Zhou had significantly boosted Cloud Peak City's prestige. This time, they were no longer at the bottom, and at the very least, they had outperformed Great Harvest City.

In stark contrast to the jubilation in Cloud Peak City, the atmosphere in Great Harvest City was one of despair. Everyone wore a somber expression. Ma Zhou's defeat at the hands of Zhuang Xing was a devastating blow to them, one that they found hard to accept.

The elderly man in linen and his companions were utterly astonished. They had never encountered someone so formidable. Despite being only at the Spirit Wheel Stage Level Two Heaven, Zhuang Xing possessed strength that surpassed a Spirit Wheel Stage Level Five Heaven Expert. Such talent was exceedingly rare, not just in Azure Sun City, but throughout the entire Great Qi Country. A person of his caliber, if he did not fall prematurely, was destined for achievements that would be nothing short of astounding.

"Now, I shouldn't need to prove anything else," Zhuang Xing stated coolly, turning and stepping down from the stage. He was unconcerned with how others viewed him; his focus was solely on his own path.

The elderly man in linen and his peers exchanged glances and shook their heads in resignation. It wasn't really their fault; after all, Zhuang Xing's cultivation level seemed too modest. No one could believe that he possessed the fearsome power to surpass a Spirit Wheel Stage Level Five Heaven Expert. Geniuses like Zhuang Xing were exceedingly rare.

"Father, we should go," said Zhuang Dou, still visibly shaken and struggling to snap out of his state of shock.

"Alright."

Under the astonished stares of onlookers, Zhuang Xing and Zhuang Dou turned and walked away, gradually blending into the crowd.

Once registered, Zhuang Dou was ready to return home. Their business in Azure Sun City was complete.

"Xing, what are you saying? You're not coming back to Cloud Peak City with us?" Zhuang Dou asked, stunned, thinking he might have misheard.

Zhuang Xing replied firmly, "Father, I'd like to spend some time in Azure Sun City. I'll return later."

Cloud Peak City was a small place with limited resources. Staying there wouldn't allow him to advance much further. Azure Sun City, on the other hand, was much larger and had a wealth of resources. There, he could find many things to accelerate his cultivation.

Zhuang Dou looked at his son, saying nothing. He understood his son's exceptional talent; the confines of Cloud Peak City couldn't hold him. He was destined to venture out into the world, although Zhuang Dou hadn't expected that day to come so soon.

"If that's your decision, I won't say more. Just be careful," Zhuang Dou finally said.

Zhuang Xing nodded in agreement.

"Xing, take these banknotes," Zhuang Dou said, offering 100,000 taels of silver. In Azure Sun City, Zhuang Xing would need money for accommodations, food, and cultivation. While not a fortune, this money could offer some assistance.

"No, Father, please take the banknotes back. If I need money, I'll earn it myself," Zhuang Xing insisted.

He was a Pill God; making money was easy for him. He could simply concoct some Pills and amass a considerable sum.

Zhuang Dou spoke with a firm tone, "Xing, consider this money a small gesture of my support. Please, don't refuse it."

With that, Zhuang Dou pressed the banknotes into Zhuang Xing's hands. Eventually, Zhuang Xing, unable to dissuade his father, accepted the money.

"Xing, don't forget to write home often. Your mother and I will always take pride in you."

Watching Zhuang Dou's figure recede into the distance, Zhuang Xing let out a helpless sigh. In his past life, he had never truly experienced paternal love. Now, after his soul had reincarnated, he was given the opportunity to savor it in detail.

It is often said that a father's love is as steadfast as a mountain, and indeed, there was truth to that saying.

After standing in place, lost in thought for a moment, Zhuang Xing looked up at the sky. It was getting late, so he decided to find an inn for the night and deal with other matters the next day.

He found a nearby inn, paid for half a month's stay, and settled in. He devoted the entire night to his cultivation practice.

Come morning, Zhuang Xing opened his eyes, emerging from his cultivation state. A night's worth of training had slightly increased the Spiritual Force in his dantian, bringing him a step closer to reaching the Spirit Wheel Stage Level Three Heaven.

"With this pace of cultivation, I'll be able to break through to the Spirit Wheel Stage Level Three Heaven in just a few more days."

As a Pill God, Zhuang Xing's talents were unmatched in the realm of Pills, and his cultivation aptitude was equally impressive. Otherwise, he would not have been conferred the title of God.

Yet, despite his rapid progress, he felt a sense of urgency. He was acutely aware that as he advanced, his adversaries were also making strides. Therefore, he needed to accelerate his cultivation to outpace them.

Cloud Moon Tower was one of the renowned landmarks in Azure Sun City, a must-visit for anyone passing through. Zhuang Xing was no exception.

Upon reaching Cloud Moon Tower, he took in the panoramic view. The scenery was breathtakingly expansive.

As Zhuang Xing entered, he noticed the tower was bustling with people enjoying tea, conversation, and the view.

Suddenly, a man tumbled from the upper floors, landing awkwardly on the ground and drawing the gaze of all present.

"Who's that? How did he end up in such a sorry state?"

"I think I recognize him. Isn't that Lee Dui from Cloud Peak City?"

"Spirit Wheel Stage Level One Heaven. Are the cultivators from Cloud Peak City really that weak?"

"I've come to expect it. The standard for Cloud Peak City folks is just this. It's impressive enough that they don't have any Qi Refining Stage cultivators around."

You just jogged my memory. At the previous Hidden Dragon Ranking Great Competition, Cloud Peak City was graced with the emergence of a 'Top Talent.'