Through a conversation with the young girl, Ling Xiao gained a rough understanding of matters concerning the Demon Fortress.
The girl’s name was Tu Jiao Jiao, and her father was called Tu Yan.
This name, to Ling Xiao, was once as resounding as thunder.
Back when he was just an insignificant disciple of the Ling family, he often heard people speak of a powerful figure in the Northern Han Kingdom named Tu Yan, whose strength rivalled Lin Ze. He was a close friend of Lin Ze and had assisted him multiple times in battles against the Ninja Clan and the Blue-Eyed Clan.
Back then, this name, like Lin Ze’s, was a myth in his heart.
Yet, to his surprise, today he met Tu Yan, only to find him in such a dire state, reduced to being enslaved and driven by others.
Ling Xiao didn’t say much, but in his heart, he had already resolved to rescue Tu Yan from the Demon Fortress.
Of course, he would act within his means and not attempt what was clearly beyond his ability.
The ship cut through the waves and soon arrived at the Demon Fortress port.
What astonished Ling Xiao was that this Demon Fortress was not built above the sea but beneath it.
When the ship reached a certain area, it entered a completely enclosed massive metal sphere, which then sank to reach the Demon Fortress.
Such a thing was entirely new to Ling Xiao, truly an eye-opening experience.
As the ship steadied and the metal sphere slowly opened, Ling Xiao saw a city built on the seabed.
The enormous city was enveloped in something resembling a soap bubble, allowing even ordinary humans to enter easily without being crushed by the immense pressure or suffocating.
Outside the metal sphere, numerous ships of varying sizes were docked. The people on board, mostly humans, wore expressionless faces, clearly living less-than-satisfactory lives.
This was hardly surprising; it would be odd for slaves to be happy.
Inside the massive soap bubble, it was surprisingly bright, which puzzled Ling Xiao, as this was hundreds of metres beneath the sea.
Tu Jiao Jiao explained that among the Sea Clan, there were highly skilled formation masters who created a massive light-absorbing array, allowing the seabed city to have day and night, just like the surface.
According to the Sea Clan, this was to adapt to life on land, so they wouldn’t struggle if they ever conquered the Heavenly Dragon Continent.
“Young friend, this is Demon Fortress City. You’ve reached your destination, and we must part ways,” Tu Yan said, looking at Ling Xiao. “But I’ll warn you: Demon Fortress City is no kind place. Don’t act recklessly, or you’ll die without knowing how.”
“Father, this young brother seems nice. Why don’t you tell him the rules of Demon Fortress City, so he doesn’t accidentally step on someone’s blade?” Tu Jiao Jiao said.
She had a good impression of Ling Xiao. This young brother was not only generous but also witty and humorous, sharing many interesting stories with her.
“Very well, young friend. This Demon Fortress City is the Sea Clan’s stronghold, so the greatest rule is to absolutely avoid provoking the Sea Clan, no matter what they do!” Tu Yan said to Ling Xiao. “As long as you don’t break this cardinal rule, the rest is manageable. Let me briefly explain the other rules.”
“Thank you, Senior!”
Though Ling Xiao was now far stronger than Tu Yan, in his heart, Tu Yan remained the invincible hero of his past, deserving of respect.
“No need for thanks. Let me tell you, the most terrifying figures in Demon Fortress City are the three Fortress Masters, all Sea Clan members. They spend most of their time cultivating and rarely manage city affairs, which are handled by humans who’ve pledged allegiance,” Tu Yan continued. “Below the three Fortress Masters are the Seven Demon Generals, Thirteen Elders, and Seventy-Two Deacons. Only one of the Demon Generals is from the Sea Clan; the other six are humans. The Thirteen Elders and Seventy-Two Deacons are all humans.”
“Quite complex,” Ling Xiao remarked.
“When the Yin-Yang Demon King was here, it was even more complicated. Now that he’s gone and taken many experts with him, it’s still a formidable place. The Seven Demon Generals are all above the Seventh Mortal Realm, and the three Fortress Masters are Half-Step Heavenly Venerables!” Tu Yan added.
“I see. That does sound tricky,” Ling Xiao said, stroking his chin. Though he confirmed there were no Heavenly Realm experts here, facing three Half-Step Heavenly Venerables would be tough without unleashing his Nine-Tailed Demon Fox. But he was reluctant to use that card within the Mortal Realm.
“Don’t be afraid. Entering Demon Fortress City isn’t terrifying as long as you follow the rules. I suggest you register at the slave registry. Once you bear the slave mark, you won’t be hunted down,” Tu Yan advised.
“Register as a slave? I’d rather die!”
The idea of bearing the shameful mark of a slave was unthinkable to Ling Xiao, even when he was a beggar. He certainly wouldn’t consider it now.
“Isn’t there another way?” Ling Xiao asked, frowning.
“There is. Though the Sea Clan controls Demon Fortress City, if you have enough resources to bribe a Deacon for a proper identity, it’s quite simple,” Tu Yan nodded.
“How many resources would that take?”
Resources were no issue for Ling Xiao, so he wasn’t worried about this.
“Though it’s not explicitly stated, everyone knows that a Martial Vein Realm martial artist must pay at least thirty thousand low-grade spirit stones at once to avoid the slave mark. For those below the Seventh Mortal Realm, it’s ten thousand, and for those above, it’s five thousand low-grade spirit stones,” Tu Yan explained. “The stronger you are, the less you pay. Even in Demon Fortress City, the Sea Clan needs humans to manage things. They turn a blind eye to such matters. As long as powerful martial artists submit to them, a slave mark isn’t necessary, since it can’t control them anyway.”
“Got it,” Ling Xiao nodded. He wanted neither the slave mark nor to cause chaos upon arrival, so this unspoken rule was his best option.
“Alright, once we reach Demon Fortress City, I’ll guide you and introduce you to a Deacon. But after that, you’re on your own. Don’t cause trouble. Even a Half-Step Heavenly Venerable would need to tread carefully here. I know you’re strong, but don’t be careless.”
Ling Xiao was currently using a Fifth Mortal Realm template, so Tu Yan couldn’t discern his true cultivation.
A Fifth Mortal Realm cultivation was neither too low nor too high, perfect for investigating matters.
He hadn’t forgotten his mission: to gather information, not to fight.
Of course, if push came to shove, he wouldn’t hesitate to use his full strength.
