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**
One month later.
Above a vast mountain range shrouded in rolling clouds and mist, a streak of purple-black light tore across the sky.
On the head of the massive serpent, Wei Yang and his companions sat cross-legged. Looking down at the lush mountain range below, Wei Yang compared it briefly with the newly purchased map.
A smile flashed in his eyes before he put the map away and said with a grin: "Once we cross this mountain range, not far ahead lies Black Thorn City. There, we'll find the spatial wormhole that leads to Central Plains."
At his side, Qing Lin's eyes lit up with delight. "We're finally almost there."
Wei Yang chuckled softly. "What are you thinking? We're only arriving at the place with a spatial wormhole. Central Plains itself… is still far away. Even with the passage, it's a long way."
Qing Lin blinked, then muttered under her breath, sounding somewhat deflated: "Why is Central Plains so ridiculously far…"
"Haha." Wei Yang reached over and rubbed her head.
Whoosh~
Past the mountains, a vast expanse of green plains came into view, stretching endlessly toward the horizon like a giant carpet of velvet.
Half an hour later—
On the horizon, the faint silhouette of a towering black city slowly emerged. It resembled a primordial beast, lying dormant in the heart of the plains.
A great winding river, like a silver ribbon, cut straight through the city's center. Everywhere the eye could see—wide roads spread in all directions, bustling with endless streams of people and caravans.
Above, in the clear blue sky, flying magical beasts of various shapes and sizes flapped their wings, carrying passengers toward the massive city. Some of the larger ones even carried entire buildings strapped to their backs.
Ahead lay Black Thorn City.
This was also Wei Yang's group's first transfer point on their journey to Central Plains.
"Prosperous." That was the first impression Black Thorn City gave them.
Compared to this, the Jia Ma Empire's cities—or even those in the Black-Corner Region—didn't come close. Not even remotely.
With such an advantageous location, handling such massive flows of people every single day, the marketplace here wasn't just profitable… it was practically a money-printing machine.
Wei Yang couldn't help but sigh inwardly. "No matter where you are, transportation always determines prosperity. Owning a spatial wormhole… it's almost impossible to not be rich. This makes charging highway tolls look tame."
The spatial wormhole was essentially the Dou Qi Continent's version of a highway.
As they drew closer—
The immense city loomed ever larger, magnificent and imposing, emanating a faint oppressive aura.
The skies above grew increasingly crowded with flying beasts, and their speed naturally slowed.
When the riders noticed Wei Yang's group, they quickly moved aside, expressions filled with awe.
The beasts themselves trembled.
After all, Du Jiao had no wings yet could fly freely in midair—its meaning was obvious.
Even here, in a city as prosperous as Black Thorn, Dou Zong-level experts were exceedingly rare, nearly impossible to see on normal days.
Yet Wei Yang's group was using a Dou Zong magical beast as nothing more than transport.
The extravagance was staggering.
Flying forward a bit more—just as they were about to descend toward the city, a black streak shot up from below. In the blink of an eye, it revealed the figure of an elderly man in black robes.
With a deeply respectful expression, he bowed and called out: "Honored guests, may I ask what business brings you to Black Thorn City?"
Du Jiao halted midair. His massive vertical pupils locked coldly onto the black-robed elder, making the man's heart thump in his chest.
Wei Yang rose to his feet, his voice calm. "We need to pass through the spatial wormhole to Central Plains. Is there a problem with that?"
Hearing this, the black-robed elder clearly let out a sigh of relief. He quickly cupped his hands respectfully and said: "Of course, there is no problem. My lord, would you like me to guide you there?"
"Sure." Wei Yang nodded. "Lead the way."
"Yes." The elder's expression remained humble as he stepped aside, gesturing toward a certain direction in Black Thorn City. "Honored guests, please follow me."
Hiss~
Du Jiao let out a low cry, shifted its massive body, and descended slightly in altitude before flying straight over the wide city wall, entering the city's interior.
Walking through the gates?
Unnecessary.
A Dou Zong had privileges.
Once they crossed the city wall and entered inside—the noise of the bustling city instantly filled their ears.
Looking down, they saw the broad streets below, packed with endless surging crowds, a dark ocean of people stretching as far as the eye could see.
On both sides, shops and stalls were overflowing with dazzling goods: scrolls, medicinal herbs, treasures, weapons, and more.
Guided by the black-robed elder, the group flew straight toward the city's heart.
The path remained clear all the way, and before long, they arrived at the most prosperous central area of Black Thorn City.
A massive Black Stone Plaza, lively with countless people, slowly unfolded before their eyes.
"First-class spatial ship, only six more passengers and we depart immediately! High-speed fleet, discounts for group purchases!"
"Second-class spatial ship, just three more passengers, safe and reliable, prices negotiable!"
"Third-class spatial ship, equipped with private luxury cabins, young attendants providing thoughtful service, complete facilities for a worry-free journey—experience comfort like never before!"
"My lord, just ahead lies Black Thorn City's spatial wormhole. Do you wish to purchase a private spatial ship?" the black-robed elder asked respectfully, pointing to the wormhole at the plaza's center.
"Yes." Wei Yang nodded directly.
What a joke.
As a dignified Dou Zong powerhouse and senior alchemist, was he supposed to cram into public transport instead of riding in style?
The elder's face instantly blossomed into a smile. A spatial ship cost a fortune, and once sold, he would earn a hefty commission.
Immediately, he added eagerly: "This way, my lord. All spatial ships in Black Thorn City are sold exclusively by my Li Clan. Premium quality, guaranteed reliability—absolutely worth your trust."
Wei Yang stepped off Du Jiao's head, standing directly in midair.
Xian'er and the others did the same.
At the same time, Du Jiao's massive body twisted, radiating blinding light, before quickly reverting into human form.
The black-robed elder's pupils shrank sharply, shock surging in his heart.
This entire group of five… were all Dou Zong!
Below, even the clamor of the plaza quieted slightly.
Countless gazes turned upward, filled with awe, staring at the figures standing proudly in midair.
The shop selling spatial ships wasn't far from the Black Stone Plaza.
Under the elder's guidance, Wei Yang's group soon arrived before a luxuriously decorated storefront.
Above its entrance hung a plaque bearing three ancient, elegant characters: Black Thorn Pavilion.
"Honored guests, please." The elder stepped aside respectfully, bowing slightly.
Wei Yang and his companions entered.
The shop's interior was spacious, furnished with lavish décor. Rows of crystal cases lined the walls neatly, each containing a palm-sized miniature ship.
However, the number of customers inside was sparse, leaving the place feeling rather quiet. Clearly, not many could afford such a purchase.
The moment Wei Yang's group stepped inside, several faint spiritual probes discreetly brushed over them, observing from the shadows.
At the same time—
"Welcome, honored guests. May I ask what you're looking for?" A charming young attendant, with an alluring figure and a warm smile, swayed her way forward, her voice soft and inviting.
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