Chapter 1032: Prosperous City

Ye Mo sneered, intensifying his power, this time solely directed at Qi Zaifang. Qi Zaifang, a nascent soul state level five cultivator, was merely ordinary—even elite level five cultivators might struggle against this. Qi Zaifang recoiled, staring at Ye Mo in horror. Even Ge Lian and the others were startled. Ye Mo, a nascent soul state level three cultivator, had forced back Qi Zaifang; a clear display of genius.

The emperor, spitting blood and pale-faced, sat on the ground, avoiding Ye Mo's gaze. His thoughts remained hidden.

Ge Lian, pleased by Qi Zaifang's fear, knew he had to prevent a fight. He quickly intervened, “Everyone, a misunderstanding. Let's clarify. The emperor can announce Mo Yue City's severance from the Han Liang Empire. Mo Yue City belongs solely to City Lord Ye. City Lord Ye needn't concern himself with such trivialities.”

Ye Mo, seizing the opportunity, withdrew his aura, then coldly glared at the emperor. The emperor quickly rose, "Very well, I'll announce it immediately..."

Qi Zaifang remained silent. While a fight with Ye Mo might result in victory, defeat would be humiliating. He belonged to the Qi family, a minor cultivation family with only a hollow spirit state cultivator in secluded cultivation.

With the emperor's agreement, Ye Mo nodded. "Then I'll take my leave." He departed, followed by Ge Lian and You Shanping. A humiliated Qi Zaifang, and a consoling Rong Zheng, also left.

Alone, the emperor angrily dismissed the dancers, his face green with rage. "Untamed wolves! I feed you, and you surrender my city! When my Long family elders return, you will all pay! Ye Mo, you think you deserve the city? You will pay for your arrogance!"

Ye Mo hadn't traveled far when Ge Lian called, “City Lord Ye, wait a moment.”

Ye Mo stopped. Approaching, he clasped his fists in a salute. “Brother Ge, Brother You, I apologize for my outburst in the hall.”

Ge Lian, though inwardly contemptuous—a nascent soul state cultivator unable to control his emotions? —smiled and returned the salute. “City Lord Ye likely heard from Daoist Friend You about the Green Pill Sect. I thank you in advance.”

Ye Mo nodded. “Brother Ge, it was your rightful due.”

You Shanping interjected, “City Lord Ye, Daoist Friend Ge and I thank you, and also inform you that the Truth Fall Palace opens in less than five months. Many cultivators gather in Truth Fall City beforehand. Ninety percent of nascent soul state geniuses attend. Expect dao discussions, genius battles, and rare spirit herbs and materials.”

Ge Lian added, “Daoist Friend You and I wish to attend. While we lack the standing for dao discussions, listening is beneficial. Witnessing battles between geniuses of major sects is also valuable. If City Lord Ye is free, we could attend together.”

Intrigued by the prospect of abundant cultivation resources—especially given his current need—Ye Mo readily agreed.

Their journey was harmonious. Ye Mo learned much from Ge Lian and You Shanping, including Tian Aofeng's death and Xiao Fei's performance on the Golden Core State Trial Tablet: defeated by Fang Zhongshi after a three-day battle, then subsequently by a woman, dropping him to thirteenth place.

Upon learning the woman was from the Black Ice Sect, Ye Mo inquired and learned her name: Zhao Rong, a core disciple. More surprising was that three days later, another cultivator displaced Fang Zhongshi: Mo Zhitan, a 24-year-old core disciple from the Nine-Star Sect, God Wind Valley.

Even Ye Mo acknowledged Mo Zhitan’s exceptional power; nearing nascent soul state at 24. These individuals, clearly, were making their names before the Truth Fall Palace.

Two more powerful women then appeared on the tablet: Wen Caiyi of the Infinity Sect, and Ling Xiaoshuang of the Clear Dream Mosque. Ling Xiaoshuang initially ranked twenty-third but fell to thirty-third within ten days, demonstrating the fierce competition.

Arriving at Truth Fall City, Ye Mo witnessed a bustling marketplace overflowing with people, including many golden core state, hollow spirit state, and even occasional body condensation state cultivators.

"City Lord Ye, the Green Pill Sect has arranged four rooms for us at the Sifan Hotel. Shall we go there first?” You Shanping asked before continuing, “Brother Ge and I will attend the dao discussion podium. Shall we go together?”

Ye Mo replied, "Brothers Ge and You, proceed. I’ll return tonight."

The group separated. Ye Mo, recognizing his superior cultivation efficiency and the priority of resource acquisition, prioritized the marketplace over the dao discussions, intending to visit later.

Possessing abundant spirit stones, he aimed to exchange them for needed resources, including a new armor set.

The marketplace was a sight of true prosperity. Ye Mo purchased numerous spirit herbs and materials, spending several hundred thousand top-grade spirit stones in a short time. While he didn't find exceptional items, he bought in bulk. Entering a large forgery shop, he sought a new armor, but the crowded atmosphere differed greatly from the service he received at You Dao Magic Artifacts.

Without ascending, Ye Mo was drawn to a pale blue string, a level four material, recalling the blue moon ore in his storage ring. This was perfect for necklaces for Luo Ying and the others.

“I’ll take this.”

“Show me that…” Another voice spoke simultaneously.