Chapter 798

Chapter 798: Taiwu

In the depths of the cave, the bonfire blazed fiercely.

A fierce beast, stripped of its skin and fur, was skewered over the fire. The intense flames licked at its snow-white muscles, while delicate fat dripped out, sizzling and crackling.

The air was thick with the rich aroma of grilled meat.

Wang Chen turned their evening meal, using a dagger to slice off a piece of golden-brown beast meat. He dipped it in a pinch of fine salt and purple pepper before offering it to the white fox beside him.

The white fox bit into the meat, chewed a few times, and narrowed her beautiful fox eyes in delight.

So delicious!

Though Hu Jiao Jiao was of the demon clan, the celestial food she once enjoyed was not so different from what human cultivators consumed.

After descending into the Misty Mountains Realm and becoming a little fox, she had to endure the same raw diet as her kin, which was a great hardship.

But to grow stronger, she had no choice but to eat heartily.

Now, she had finally escaped that misery; following Wang Chen meant no more raw food.

Moreover, Wang Chen’s culinary skills were extraordinary. With just a simple dish of grilled beast meat and a touch of seasoning, Hu Jiao Jiao tasted pure happiness and satisfaction.

“Ying ying.”

She leaned her head against Wang Chen’s chest and nestled into his arms.

At that moment, the little fox felt nothing but joy and peace, wishing time could stand still forever.

Wang Chen sensed her affection and smiled softly, gently stroking her fluffy tail.

This elicited a soft whine from the white fox.

"I truly don’t understand you young people…"

Elder Yao’s voice intruded into his mind, rather spoiling the moment: "Enjoy yourselves, but don’t neglect your important tasks."

Wang Chen: “…”

Elder Yao continued, “If I’m not mistaken, what you’re seeking lies in Taiwu.”

Wang Chen was startled.

In the Misty Mountains Realm, the term Taiwu typically referred to Taiwu Mountain, and Taiwu City at its base was not only the first city in the realm but also a sacred place in the hearts of countless martial artists.

It was said that within Taiwu City lay the World Martial List, a mysterious ranking that automatically placed innate martial artists once their names were inscribed.

Truly enigmatic.

Half a month ago, Wang Chen had left Chibi City with Hu Jiao Jiao, guided by her to seek the Mysterious Fox Order.

The Mysterious Fox Order was a sacred relic of the Qingqiu Fox Clan. After arriving in this realm, Hu Jiao Jiao had developed a subtle connection to this treasure, allowing her to sense its location.

Previously, Hu Jiao Jiao’s strength had been insufficient, and she had lost contact with Wang Chen, so she dared not act rashly.

For the past fortnight, Wang Chen had led her over mountains and through valleys, unsure of how far they had traveled, encountering countless fierce beasts along the way.

Now, Wang Chen realized their destination was the first city of the Misty Mountains Realm.

At the very least, their path was leading them toward Taiwu Mountain!

With Elder Yao’s reminder, Wang Chen turned to the white fox in his arms and asked, “Jiao Jiao, how far do you feel we are from the Mysterious Fox Order?”

As they journeyed onward, Hu Jiao Jiao’s perception of the Mysterious Fox Order grew increasingly vivid and distinct.

Yet, the moment Wang Chen’s words ceased, Hu Jiao Jiao was struck with a sudden fright, and the grilled meat she was savoring turned tasteless!

“Ying ying ying!”

In her distress, she flailed her paws and whimpered.

Wang Chen hastened to soothe her.

Upon further discussion, he discovered that Hu Jiao Jiao could no longer sense the Mysterious Fox Order!

This revelation threw her into a state of panic.

After all, the Mysterious Fox Order was their sole beacon of hope for returning to the Haotian Realm. Losing track of it would spell dire consequences!

"Stay calm,"

Wang Chen reassured the agitated white fox while consulting Elder Yao.

This Nascent Soul true immortal, who had lived through twelve lifetimes in the Misty Mountains Realm, naturally possessed a wealth of experience and wisdom.

Elder Yao surmised, "Divine artifacts possess spirits. Since your little fox can sense this treasure, it’s probable that they are in close proximity, and the artifact may exhibit unusual signs."

"It’s likely that the artifact has been sealed!"

Though the Misty Mountains Realm is merely a small world, incomparable to the Haotian Realm, the most advanced extraordinary state practitioners here are only on par with young Qi Training cultivators from the Haotian Realm, and even then, only at the middle to lower tiers.

However, it follows that both practitioners and magical artifacts that descend to this realm are significantly constrained by its laws.

Taiwu Mountain, revered as a holy land for martial arts, is teeming with innate strong fighters; it’s not beyond reason that some extraordinary state practitioners might possess the means to temporarily seal the Mysterious Fox Order.

To navigate this predicament, Elder Yao offered Wang Chen two strategies.

The first was to bide their time within Taiwu City.

They would wait for the seal to naturally dissipate, then precisely locate the Mysterious Fox Order and claim it.

The alternative was for Hu Jiao Jiao to advance her rank; reaching the eighth or even ninth level could significantly enhance her ability to sense the Mysterious Fox Order.

Then, no seal could hold it back!

Wang Chen found both suggestions quite reasonable and relayed them to Hu Jiao Jiao.

After listening, Hu Jiao Jiao nodded weakly.

Who could have anticipated such a twist!

The following morning, Wang Chen and Hu Jiao Jiao departed from their cave, traversing the towering peaks ahead.

A majestic mountain range, undulating like a dormant dragon, unveiled itself before them!

To Wang Chen’s astonishment, the landscape before him was remarkably clear of mist, revealing vast plains beneath the mountains, crisscrossed with fields and paths, dotted with farms and cottages, resembling a paradise.

And there, nestled against the mountains, stretched a grand city for dozens of miles!

"This is Taiwu City of Taiwu Mountain."

Elder Yao’s voice resonated in Wang Chen’s mind once more, tinged with nostalgia: "Long ago, I pursued my studies and enlightenment in this city, but alas…"

What ‘alas’ referred to, Elder Yao did not elaborate.

Yet, Wang Chen could sense the complex emotions Elder Yao harbored towards Taiwu City, a mix of fondness and apprehension akin to the nervousness of returning home.

He arranged his belongings and concealed Hu Jiao Jiao within his backpack.

While the presence of Beast Tamers in this world made the domestication of animals by mortals commonplace, Hu Jiao Jiao’s current form was too conspicuous.

To sidestep unnecessary complications, it was prudent to keep her hidden.

Employing his movement techniques, Wang Chen leapt from the mountain peak, his cloak billowing like an eagle’s wings as he descended, swiftly gliding past the dense forest.

Soon, Wang Chen alighted on a path leading to Taiwu City.

After a glance at the imposing city ahead, he hastened his steps.

Emerging from the forest, he was greeted by fields and farms encircling the city, bustling with countless travelers, immersing Wang Chen in the long-missed ambiance of human life.

He observed that the inhabitants here seldom appeared in tattered clothes or malnourished; most were robust and well-dressed, their conversations and manners courteous and respectful.

Among them were numerous formidable warriors with gleaming eyes, and individuals at the stages of Blood Refinement and Marrow Refinement were ubiquitous.

Taiwu City was truly remarkable!