Chapter 1008: A Path to Fame

Ye Mo couldn't wait two and a half years, but how could he alert Luo Ying to his presence? South Peace State was vast; if she remained on Black Ice Mountain, how would she ever find him?

He consulted the map and decided to travel to South Peace City first. It was the largest cultivation city in South Peace State, a hub of the latest information. News, no matter how insignificant, would always reach there first. Besides, reaching Black Ice Sect required passing through South Peace City.

Ye Mo, no longer as unfamiliar with Mo Hai City as he'd been upon arrival, knew direct flight to South Peace City was prohibited. The reason, he surmised, was purely financial. Travel between the two cities was restricted to teleportation formations or large commercial ships, both exorbitantly priced.

Despite the cost, countless cultivators journeyed between South Peace and Mo Hai Cities. The area, similar to Pei Hai City, lay near the Heartless Sea, attracting those seeking fortune or cultivation resources.

South Peace State boasted numerous sects, countless below six-star. Joining a seven-star sect demanded exceptional talent, resulting in a large population of independent cultivators needing resources. The Heartless Sea, the richest source of such resources, made Mo Hai City a vital destination.

Ye Mo observed that while spirit chi was abundant in Mo Hai City, cultivators weren't wealthy. Pills and magical artifacts were prohibitively expensive, forcing most to trade spirit stones for cultivation resources.

As he prepared to use the teleportation formation, a voice halted him.

“Friend…”

“What is it?” Ye Mo eyed the cultivator cautiously. Both were at the peak of the Golden Core stage, but Ye Mo remained wary, remembering seeing this cultivator earlier in a pill shop.

The Golden Core cultivator clasped his fists. “Friend, you likely saw me at the pill shop.”

Ye Mo nodded silently.

The cultivator continued eagerly, “I overheard you wished to reach Black Ice Sect. While a nine-star sect, it's not impossible…”

“Do you have a way?” Ye Mo asked.

The cultivator’s smile broadened. “Indeed, I do. However, I need to know your friend's cultivation level.”

Ye Mo hesitated. Considering Luo Ying's talent, she should be at the Golden Core stage by now. “Probably Golden Core level,” he replied.

“Then it’s simple. If your friend is Golden Core, I have a solution. If you'd be agreeable, we could discuss it in private,” the cultivator, Fu Rong, said, clapping his hands.

Ye Mo felt no need to dissemble; this was his first time here, and he wasn't afraid of a mere peak Golden Core cultivator.

“Okay,” he agreed.

Fu Rong led Ye Mo through winding streets to a small courtyard with a simple defensive formation but no spirit-gathering array—a temporary residence.

Ye Mo discreetly scanned the area, noting two more peak Golden Core cultivators.

Before Ye Mo could speak, Fu Rong said, “Two friends are already inside; let's discuss this together.”

Ye Mo entered without hesitation. Fu Rong seemed surprised by his lack of apprehension.

The two cultivators inside rose as Ye Mo entered.

Fu Rong smiled. “Let me introduce myself. I'm Fu Rong, and these are Chen Yuli and Zheng Yidao.”

Ye Mo noted that Cheng Yuli was the shorter one and Zheng Yidao had pale skin and a feminine appearance.

“I'm Ye Mo, an independent cultivator,” he replied, bowing.

Ye Mo's focus remained on reaching Black Ice Sect.

Fu Rong, understanding his intent, gestured for them to sit. “Brother Ye likely arrived from the sea, yes? I noticed you inquiring about information and followed you.”

Ye Mo’s vigilance heightened. Fu Rong had been following him. He’d been so focused on his inquiries he hadn't noticed.

He nodded. “Yes, I’m new to this area and unfamiliar with many things. I have a friend at Black Ice Sect; I heard about it from others…”

Fu Rong paused, studying Ye Mo. “You know of the South Peace State Trial Tablets, correct?”

Ye Mo nodded. His experience at Desert Plain Herb Valley had provided this knowledge; otherwise, his unfamiliarity could have been suspicious.

Fu Rong anticipated this. He smiled. “Any South Peace State cultivator knows the Trial Tablets. Almost every Golden Core cultivator has memorized the names inscribed—constantly hoping their own name will appear. Consider this: if your friend is Golden Core and you leave your name on the Trial Tablets…”

Ye Mo understood. Luo Ying might not be as interested in the tablets as Fu Rong assumed, but it was worth a try.

Feeling a pang of regret over his earlier suspicions, he bowed. “Thank you, Brother Fu. I'll go to South Peace City and leave my name on the tablets now.”

The three exchanged shocked glances. “Do you think you can simply leave your name?” they asked incredulously.

“Isn't that how it works?” Ye Mo questioned.

The previously silent cultivator spoke. “Brother Ye, you're likely unfamiliar with the Trial Tablets. They’re in the Trial Tablet Square, but few attempt inscription yearly. Each tablet holds only 300 names. Many discover their names never appear—they're not strong enough. To be inscribed, you must rank among the top 300 cultivators of your level…”