Chapter 1178: New Mo Yue City

Half an hour later, Yue Qichao suddenly rose and spat a mouthful of black blood. Before it reached the ground, he incinerated it with a burst of flame. Then, he opened his eyes. "Spirit Corroding Flower—such a potent substance!"

Shen Guanqing quickly interjected, "Luckily Ye Mo brought back an Ice Carrot; otherwise, I shudder to imagine the outcome."

Yue Qichao rose and saluted with clasped fists. "Thank you, Brother Ye Mo. I would have perished otherwise."

Ye Mo returned the gesture. "I caused you both considerable trouble. I am truly sorry."

Yue Qichao chuckled wryly. "It has nothing to do with you. Even without your involvement, the same result would have followed my ascension to eighth-level Pill King. The Infinity Sect is remarkably well-connected; they even contacted Pill City's grand city lord."

Ye Mo understood; it was undoubtedly Mo Youshen's master, Chang Shun Pill King. He decided to inquire later about Zhao Shuntian's background and his unusual benevolence toward Mo Youshen. However, he knew this was not the opportune moment. He smiled and said, "Congratulations on achieving the rank of eighth-level Pill King, Silver Moon Pill King qian bei. Your return to Pill City would make you its grand city lord."

Silver Moon Pill King smiled. "I have no desire to become city lord and will not return to Pill City. I hope City Lord Ye won't object to our remaining here."

Ye Mo knew he was correct; returning to Pill City would indeed make Yue Qichao the grand city lord, but Yue Qichao showed no interest, his disappointment palpable. He understood that Pill City's first city lord had been overly idealistic in its founding. As cultivation resources dwindled, the most powerful individual in Pill City inevitably controlled the lion's share of those resources. Even if conflict wasn't initiated directly, it was an unavoidable consequence—a matter of human nature.

Ye Mo, looking both surprised and delighted, quickly replied, "It is wan bei's great honor to have two city lords grace Mo Yue City."

Although he was now a seventh-level Pill King, his foundation was far inferior to those of Silver Moon Pill King and Guan Tian Pill King. The opportunity to further discuss pill dao with them would undoubtedly elevate his own understanding considerably.

"Your ability to procure the Ice Carrot proves our judgment sound," Silver Moon Pill King remarked, then suddenly frowned at Ye Mo. "You've already reached Body Condensation Stage, Level Two?"

Ye Mo nodded. "Yes, wan bei has experienced fortunate encounters, leading to rapid progress."

Yue Qichao nodded thoughtfully. "I know you have deep-seated animosity toward the Infinity Sect and Lightning Cloud Sect, but cultivators cannot afford an unstable foundation. No matter how quickly you advance, it is ultimately pointless without it. We are here, along with several Truth Realization Stage cultivators; you needn't fear the Infinity Sect, just cultivate."

While deeply respecting them, he chose not to mention his possession of the Time Formation Disk or the Bitter Bamboo. " Wan bei understands. I will establish several defensive formations in Mo Yue City. Even if the Infinity Sect attacks, I will not be afraid."

Yue Qichao nodded and gave Ye Mo a storage ring. "It contains several spirit ranges and some formation materials you can use. I need to discuss some matters with Guan Tian Pill King. If you require assistance with the formations, I can ask the two Truth Realization Stage friends for help."

Ye Mo breathed a sigh of relief. Silver Moon Pill King's safety was paramount. The Lightning Cloud Sect had sealed itself, and the Infinity Sect clearly dared not approach Mo Yue City. He hadn't expected the two Pill King qian bei to assist him in his revenge, but he intended to avenge Ji Ling qian bei himself.

Needing to establish city defenses, he examined the storage ring Yue Qichao provided and was stunned. It contained an enormous space, holding two middle-grade and three low-grade spirit ranges. Beyond that, various formation and forging materials were piled high like mountains—sufficient to construct eighth-level formations for several cities, let alone just one.

He had previously admired Lu Wuhu's wealth, but now he understood true opulence. Grateful to Silver Moon Pill King, Ye Mo carefully stowed the ring. As a seventh-level Formation Grand Master, he felt confident in soon reaching the eighth level with focused effort.

He focused, scanning with his spirit sense. Intending to discuss Mo Yue City's administration with Qingxue, he saw a crowd gathered in the streets. Beiwei and Qingxue were present. Ye Mo immediately rushed over.

"What's happening?" Ye Mo asked, seeing a body lying on the ground—an ordinary citizen.

"Are you City Lord Master?" a burly soldier asked incredulously.

Ye Mo nodded. The soldier was likely one of Ye Wucai's men, having seen him before.

Ning Qingxue approached swiftly. "A Foundation Establishment Stage cultivator killed him for obstructing his path. We investigated, but the witnesses claimed that immortal masters hold superior status and are absolved from killing ordinary people."

Ye Mo's face darkened. "Summon Ye Wucai immediately. His solitary cultivation is no longer necessary."

"Yes, City Lord Master," the soldier responded quickly.

Ye Wucai arrived promptly, but Ye Mo noted he was a Foundation Establishment Stage cultivator.

"Master, you're back!" Ye Wucai exclaimed joyfully.

Ye Mo's expression soured. "Who established the rule permitting cultivators to kill ordinary people in Mo Yue City? What did I instruct you before departing? In Mo Yue City, everyone is equal. What have you done?"

Ye Wucai, taken aback—unexpectedly rebuked—responded cautiously, "There were no immortal masters before, but with their arrival, I implemented that rule."

Ye Mo stated coldly, "You are no longer vice city lord. Ning Qingxue will assume that position, and you will assist her in establishing laws. If this occurs again, you will no longer be my disciple."

While Ye Mo’s words held a degree of intimidation, his anger was genuine. With Xu Changji's presence, Ye Wucai should have established equality between cultivators and ordinary citizens. However, being a cultivator himself, he had begun to discriminate against mortals.

"Yes, Master…" Ye Wucai trembled, bowing deeply before addressing Ning Qingxue, "Ye Wucai greets Vice City Lord Ning." She stood beside Ye Mo, their closeness evident.

Ye Mo nodded. "From now on, Mo Yue City will enforce the law of equality. Cultivators who dare to kill ordinary people will be dealt with as this one was."

Ye Mo then unleashed a lightning bolt, reducing the shocked Foundation Establishment cultivator to dust.

Witnessing Ye Mo's power, the streets fell silent. Several cultivators began a slow retreat, wishing to leave the city. What purpose was there in remaining in a city where cultivators and mortals held equal status? Even within cultivation cities, Chi Gathering, Foundation Establishment, and Golden Core stages held vastly different statuses.

As cultivators departed, news of the city lord's return and the establishment of the law of equality spread. Those who heard fled in terror, while the ordinary citizens rejoiced—the days of cultivator abuse were over.

Ye Wucai, observing the exodus, worriedly asked, "Master, with these cultivators gone, will this become an ordinary city again?"

Ye Mo responded calmly, "Reclaim all the land the cultivators acquired for free. If they wish to buy or rent, they will pay spirit stones. From now on, Mo Yue City land will be exceedingly expensive."

Ning Qingxue understood Ye Mo's intentions. "Beiwei and I will finalize the regulations here. You attend to your tasks. Incidentally, Sister Susu has returned to Mo Yue Lake; you can visit her later."

He recalled instructing Ye Wucai to construct Mo Yue Lake, similar to Luo Yue City's Luo Yue Lake.

Ye Wucai looked at him and quickly responded, "Yes, Master, Mo Yue Lake is complete." He finally relaxed, aware of his master's intense anger. Had Ye Mo's fury escalated further, his expulsion would have been certain.

Ye Mo felt relieved after entrusting city management to Ning Qingxue and Tang Beiwei, confident in their ability to improve governance.

He then visited Shi Tie, who was overjoyed to see him. Shi Tie had believed his life would remain stagnant, until seeing his master in the South Peace State and coming to this city. Ye Mo arranged accommodations for Shi Tie and Wen Shulei near Mo Yue Lake, bestowed upon him the complete Primordial Chaos Chant and several pills, before departing.

Finally, Ye Mo began preparing to rebuild the city's protective formations.