Chapter 279: Iceland Immortal City

Chapter 279: Iceland Immortal City

"This teleportation distance doesn't seem very close!" Chu Ning, who had long understood the power of spatial force, could sense the vast distance he had just traveled through space. It wasn't until the spatial force acting on his body completely dissipated that his long-dormant spiritual power and divine sense returned in an instant.

A slight wave of excitement washed over Chu Ning as his spiritual power and divine sense recovered. While on Wuling Island, his physical strength had been unparalleled, but his divine sense had been lacking. Now, with his divine sense restored, he could once again perceive the world around him with heightened sensitivity, filling him with a sense of security.

In the next moment, as Chu Ning's gaze swept across his surroundings, he instinctively activated his divine sense. He immediately noticed two individuals staring at him, both cultivators at the mid-Foundation Establishment stage.

The two wore identical clothing, indicating their affiliation with a particular sect. Sensing Chu Ning's early Golden Core stage cultivation base, their faces turned respectful, and they bowed simultaneously. "Greetings, Senior!"

"You're too kind, fellow daoists," Chu Ning replied calmly.

The two mid-Foundation Establishment cultivators dared to meet Chu Ning's gaze only after he had spoken. When they saw his youthful face, surprise flashed across their eyes. These two men looked to be in their forties or fifties, and given their cultivation base, their actual ages were surely much older. To see a Golden Core cultivator so much younger than themselves was indeed surprising. Moreover, they didn't recognize him at all.

As the two men stood there in astonishment, Chu Ning spoke again. "I've just arrived here, and I'm not familiar with this place. May I ask where this is?"

The two middle-aged cultivators exchanged glances, their faces betraying their confusion. While it wasn't unusual to encounter strangers here due to the unique nature of this location, they had never before met someone who didn't even know where they were. One of them, however, maintained his respectful demeanor and replied, "We are in the lower city of Iceland Immortal City, Senior."

"Iceland Immortal City," Chu Ning murmured, a mix of relief and wonder in his voice. "So I've been teleported here? No wonder it feels a bit colder."

Chu Ning quickly recalled the information he had about this place. Iceland Immortal City was located in the northern cold lands of the Tianyan Realm, nestled against the Snowpeak Mountains and facing the boundless sea. It was a renowned gathering place for loose cultivators in the Tianyan Realm.

According to the information he had, the city was home to a large number of loose cultivators. Unlike other gathering places, however, it was also the base of three Nascent Soul cultivators. These three had established a sect called the Palace of Long Skies, which governed Iceland Immortal City. While they enforced certain rules, they didn't overly restrict the cultivators who came to the city. As long as one abided by the city's rules and paid a nominal fee in spirit stones, they could settle down in the immortal city.

The resources in the surrounding areas, be it the Snowpeak Mountains or the boundless sea, were open to all cultivators to hunt and gather. Moreover, the Palace of Long Skies didn't use their Nascent Soul cultivators to bully the loose cultivators, which was why many considered this place a cultivation sanctuary.

As these thoughts flashed through Chu Ning's mind, he turned his gaze back to the middle-aged cultivator who had spoken earlier. "You two must be from the Palace of Long Skies, fellow daoists?"

The middle-aged cultivator nodded with a smile. "Indeed, Senior. We are responsible for guarding this teleportation formation."

Chu Ning nodded and asked, "Can this teleportation formation send me to the Western Alliance Continent?"

"The Western Alliance Continent?" The middle-aged man was taken aback, his surprise evident. However, he quickly shook his head and said, "I'm afraid not, Senior. This teleportation formation only covers the northern cold lands."

Chu Ning's eyebrows furrowed slightly as he pondered this new development. "It seems returning to the Jiuhua Sect immediately is out of the question. Since I've ended up in the famous Iceland Immortal City, I might as well take a look around."

As these thoughts ran through his mind, Chu Ning continued, "Fellow daoist, I intend to stay in Iceland Immortal City for a while. Are there any requirements I should know about?"

"Oh, does Senior wish to reside in Iceland Immortal City?" The middle-aged man's eyes lit up at the prospect. "I can show you around."

Chu Ning was slightly surprised by the man's enthusiasm but quickly realized that, as this place was governed by the Palace of Long Skies, having a guide who was a member of the sect would be quite convenient. "In that case, I would be imposing on you, fellow daoist."

"Not at all, Senior. My name is Wu Xqiang. May I ask for your esteemed name, Senior?" The middle-aged cultivator wore a broad smile.

He quickly handed over the responsibility of the teleportation formation to the other cultivator and then led Chu Ning out.

"Chu Ning," he replied.

"So it's Senior Chu," Wu Xqiang said. "Then, Senior Chu, allow me to introduce you to Iceland Immortal City."

"Since you've already reached the Golden Core stage, I presume you'll want to stay in the upper city?" Wu Xqiang said.

Chu Ning nodded slightly as he sensed the thin spiritual energy in the lower city, which was indeed not suitable for his cultivation.

"Yes, I'll be heading to the upper city," he agreed.

Hearing this, Wu Xqiang's smile widened.

The two had just exited the building that housed the teleportation formation when Wu Xqiang pointed towards a majestic city perched atop the distant snow-capped mountains. "That, Senior Chu, is the upper city of Iceland Immortal City."

Chu Ning raised his head, his gaze falling upon the grand city built upon the snow-capped mountains, and he couldn't help but be taken aback.

While Jiuhua Sect also had large structures on its peaks, he had never seen a city built upon such a massive mountain range.

Moreover, the city seemed to be seamlessly integrated with the mountain itself, and there appeared to be some kind of array concealing the portion of the mountain beneath it.

The spectacular aerial castle left Chu Ning thoroughly impressed.

Noticing the fleeting look of astonishment on Chu Ning's face, a hint of pride flashed in Wu Xqiang's eyes. "Iceland Immortal City was constructed by the three palace masters over the course of several hundred years. Many cultivators are left in awe the first time they lay eyes on it."

Chu Ning nodded in agreement, marveling, "It's truly a masterpiece."

Wu Xqiang smiled at the compliment and continued, "To avoid any disturbances, flying is prohibited in Iceland Immortal City. The only way to get from the lower city to the upper city is through this Ascending Platform."

He paused, then added, "Please forgive the inconvenience, Senior. Allow me to escort you there, and then I can continue showing you around Iceland Immortal City."

Chu Ning nodded; such regulations were common in many places, and he wasn't surprised. However, as he extended his spiritual sense, he noticed that aside from a few busier areas resembling markets, there weren't many people moving about in the lower city.

Puzzled, he voiced his question to Wu Xqiang.

"The lower city mainly attracts Foundation Establishment and lower-level Qi Refining cultivators, but not many stay for extended periods," Wu Xqiang explained with a smile. "Most cultivators only rent accommodations for a month or two for focused cultivation. They spend the rest of their time outside, hunting for resources."

Chu Ning's curiosity was piqued, and he asked, "How much does it cost to stay in the lower city for a month?"

"The rates vary depending on the concentration of spiritual energy," Wu Xqiang replied. "The lowest is ten low-grade spirit stones, and the higher-end rooms are sixty low-grade spirit stones. Of course, if you require something special, like a room with a particular attribute of spiritual energy or one equipped with an alchemy or artifact refining room, the price will be even higher."

Hearing this, Chu Ning finally understood why cultivators wouldn't linger in the lower city. Even the lowest-priced rooms would cost three spirit stones for just three days. For ordinary Qi Refining cultivators, such a price was not easily affordable. As for the higher-end rooms, the daily rate was two spirit stones, which was indeed expensive.

Given such rates, cultivators would naturally want to make the most of their time and focus on cultivation.

Chu Ning turned to Wu Xqiang and asked, "Then the rates in the upper city must be even higher?"

Wu Xqiang nodded. "Indeed. Even the places with the lowest concentration of spiritual energy in the upper city far surpass those in the lower city, so the prices are naturally higher. The cheaper rooms range from one to two hundred spirit stones, while the more expensive ones can go up to a thousand spirit stones or more."

Although Chu Ning had expected the upper city's rates to be high, he was still surprised by Wu Xqiang's revelation. A thousand low-grade spirit stones per month meant that a year's stay would cost over ten thousand low-grade spirit stones. Even for him, that was an exorbitant sum.

Seeming to sense Chu Ning's thoughts, Wu Xqiang smiled and said, "The places that charge a thousand spirit stones all have their unique advantages. Senior Chu, why don't you take a look for yourself? Then you'll understand why they command such prices."

Chu Ning didn't respond but followed Wu Xqiang as he led the way forward.

Soon, they arrived before a jade platform crafted from white jade. The platform was square, measuring ten feet on each side, and at each of its four corners stood a jade pillar that soared into the swirling white mist of spiritual energy above.

Flanking the platform were two cultivators, one at the mid-Foundation Establishment stage and the other at the late-Foundation Establishment stage.

"This is the Ascending Platform, used to reach the upper city," Wu Xqiang explained to Chu Ning. "Normally, cultivators are required to pay ten spirit stones to use it. This is to prevent low-level cultivators from disturbing the practice of high-level cultivators like yourself, Senior. However, if you plan to stay in the upper city for at least a month, you won't need to pay the fee."

"I'll be staying for more than a month," Chu Ning confirmed without hesitation. He had just left Wuling Island and had numerous matters to attend to, so his stay would undoubtedly extend beyond a month.

Then, the late-Foundation cultivator struck a series of incantations on one of the pillars next to the platform.

The jade platform ascended automatically.

"A cultivator world elevator?" Chu Ning thought with a hint of amusement as he stood on the platform.

After a few breaths, the platform carrying the two of them soared through the swirling white mist of spiritual energy and arrived at the upper city of Iceland Immortal City.

Chu Ning followed Wu Xqiang off the platform, through a long white jade corridor, and past a white jade door, finally stepping into the city itself.

To his surprise, the entire city's ground was paved with a type of unknown white jade.

Spiritual energy lingered in the air, and white spiritual birds circled gracefully above.

Indeed, the name 'Iceland Immortal City' was well-deserved.

As he ventured further into the city, Chu Ning realized that it was divided into several layers. The layer he and Wu Xqiang currently stood on resembled a typical mortal city, with rows of small courtyards.

The second layer, however, consisted of cave abodes, with a total of six layers.

At the very top was a gigantic palace that soared into the clouds.

That must be the Palace of Long Skies, Chu Ning thought to himself.

Wu Xqiang continued his explanation, "Senior, the outer courtyards of the upper city are the most ordinary residences, priced at one hundred spirit stones per month, excluding herb gardens, alchemy rooms, and artifact refining chambers.

If you wish to perform alchemy or artifact refining, you can go to the specialized halls in the city and pay a fee to use their facilities.

The cave abodes on the second and third layers are priced at two hundred and three hundred spirit stones per month, respectively. If these abodes include herb gardens, alchemy rooms, and artifact refining chambers, the price increases by fifty percent.

The abodes on the fourth layer and above all come with herb gardens, alchemy rooms, and artifact refining chambers as standard features, priced at five hundred spirit stones per month.

If you wish to specify a particular attribute of spiritual energy, the price increases by another fifty percent.

As for the fifth layer, the spiritual energy is even more concentrated, and the cave abodes are lined with Snow Crystal Jade, a unique mineral found in the Snowpeak Mountains.

This jade has the effect of strengthening one's divine sense. Abodes on this layer are priced at eight hundred spirit stones per month.

Again, if you wish to specify the attribute of the spiritual energy, the price increases by fifty percent."

Listening to Wu Xqiang's introduction, Chu Ning couldn't help but be amazed.

While Iceland Immortal City seemed to offer freedom to loose cultivators, it was clear that living and cultivating here comfortably was no easy feat.

Fortunately, Chu Ning still had a substantial number of spirit stones in his possession, so while he found the prices exorbitant, they didn't scare him away.

After some thought, Chu Ning said to Wu Xqiang, "Wu, my friend, let's take a look at the abodes on the fourth and fifth layers."

Hearing this, Wu Xqiang's eyes lit up, and he eagerly replied, "Of course, Senior! Please follow me."

Without hesitation, he led Chu Ning directly to the fifth layer's cave abodes.

Indeed, as Wu Xqiang had described, these abodes came fully equipped with herb gardens, alchemy rooms, and artifact refining chambers.

Chu Ning carefully sensed the spiritual energy in the area and found that it was indeed dense, almost comparable to the concentration he had experienced back in the Nineflower Sect's Tianlan Peak.

"If the spiritual energy on the fifth layer is this dense, then the sixth layer..."

Chu Ning glanced up at the grand palace on the layer above.

He marveled at the fortunate location the three Nascent Soul cultivators of the Palace of Long Skies had chosen for their sect.

Then, his gaze fell upon the translucent white jade stones that paved the floor of the cave abode's cultivation chamber.

"Is this the Snow Crystal Jade?" he asked.

Wu Xqiang nodded and proudly explained, "This Snow Crystal Jade is a unique treasure found only in Iceland Immortal City. It has the effect of strengthening one's divine sense.

If one cultivates in the presence of Snow Crystal Jade for an extended period, their divine sense will surely benefit.

Especially for a Golden Core cultivator like yourself, Senior, it is an invaluable treasure."

As he listened to Wu Xqiang's words, Chu Ning subconsciously extended his divine sense and focused it on the Snow Crystal Jade.

Indeed, he could sense a subtle essence similar to the Iron Soul Flower's essence.

Based on his experience, he surmised that cultivating in the presence of this jade would indeed enhance one's divine sense.

However, the concentration of essence in the jade was not particularly high.

Even if it could enhance his divine sense, the effect would likely be minimal.

Thus, Chu Ning's interest quickly waned.

After all, he already possessed some items that could enhance his divine sense.

Moreover, choosing to reside in the fifth layer's cave abode right after arriving in Iceland Immortal City would be a bit too ostentatious.

With that in mind, Chu Ning said to Wu Xqiang, "Let's take a look at the abodes on the fourth layer."

Wu Xqiang didn't seem surprised by Chu Ning's decision.

While the fifth layer's abodes were excellent, even a typical Golden Core cultivator would find the prices hard to bear.

So, he led Chu Ning down to the fourth layer.

They entered an unoccupied cave abode, and Chu Ning took a quick tour. He found that the spiritual energy here was only slightly less dense than on the fifth layer, lacking only the presence of Snow Crystal Jade. Nonetheless, it included a herb garden, alchemy room, and artifact refining chamber.

Highly satisfied, Chu Ning turned to Wu Xqiang and said, "This will do. I'll take this abode."

Hearing that Chu Ning genuinely intended to rent an abode on the fourth layer, a broad smile spread across Wu Xqiang's face.

Wu Xqiang quickly replied, "Rest assured, Senior. You will only be charged for the actual duration of your stay, with excess spirit stones refunded and any shortfall payable."

"I see," Chu Ning said. After sensing the contents of his storage bag once more, he continued, "In that case, I'll rent it for ten years, then."

"Ten years?" Wu Xqiang was slightly taken aback by Chu Ning's words but quickly broke into a delighted smile. "Of course, Senior! I'll have someone from the Long Sky Pavilion come over immediately to help you with the formalities."

At this moment, Chu Ning vaguely realized that his rental of the cave abode would likely bring some benefit to Wu Xqiang. The more spirit stones he spent, the greater the benefit Wu Xqiang would receive, explaining his enthusiasm and delight.

After Wu Xqiang sent a message, another person wearing the Long Sky Pavilion uniform soon appeared. He handed a jade token to Chu Ning and completed the identity confirmation process.

Chu Ning then took out a bag of medium-grade spirit stones from his storage bag. He had quite a collection of spirit stones, having acquired a substantial amount during the trading conference before entering the Spirit Domain. Later, he had also obtained the storage bags of You Jing, Ao Langtian, the old man with the surname Zou, and Tie Shi, all of whom were Golden Core cultivators. Each bag contained a significant number of spirit stones, making him quite wealthy.

"I plan to seclude myself for a period of time," Chu Ning said. "I won't be disturbed, will I?"

The two members of the Long Sky Pavilion laughed and assured him, "Rest assured, Senior. You can cultivate in peace without any disturbances. Fighting and trespassing into cave abodes are strictly prohibited in Iceland Immortal City. Anyone who violates these rules will be hunted down by our late-stage Golden Core cultivators."

Hearing this, Chu Ning handed over the medium-grade spirit stones, equivalent to fifty-four thousand low-grade spirit stones, to the beaming Wu Xqiang.

Just as he was about to enter the cave abode, Chu Ning suddenly remembered something. Turning to Wu Xqiang, he asked, "Does the Long Sky Pavilion have any information about the surrounding areas, including the Boundless Sea nearby?"

Hearing this, Wu Xqiang immediately took out a jade slip from his storage bag and gave it to Chu Ning. "Of course. Even if you hadn't asked, I was planning to give this to you since you're new here. This jade slip contains an introduction to the entire Northern Cold Lands, as well as some powerful demons and cultivators in the area. It also has a map. Take a look and see if it satisfies your needs."

Chu Ning took the jade slip and scanned it with his divine sense. He found that the contents were quite comprehensive and nodded in satisfaction.

Then, he entered the cave abode and used the jade token to activate the restrictions, lifting the formation that protected the entire abode. He appeared ready to begin his seclusion.

Seeing this, Wu Xqiang and the other Long Sky Pavilion cultivator exchanged a glance and left without lingering.

After they had walked away for quite some time, Wu Xqiang couldn't help but sigh, "It seems that this Senior is also a reclusive cultivator. He came to Iceland Immortal City and immediately wanted to seclude himself, and he even rented the cave abode for ten years."

The other cultivator smiled and said, "Old Wu, you really have good luck. You were just guarding the teleportation formation, and you ended up with such a big deal. But this Senior sure is young. I wonder about his background. Is he naturally young, or did he consume some kind of special spirit pill or elixir?"

Wu Xqiang recalled how Chu Ning had asked about teleporting to the Western Alliance Continent earlier, and a vague guess formed in his mind. However, he knew that these Golden Core cultivators didn't like others gossiping about them, so he didn't share his speculation with his companion. Instead, he said, "These Seniors are all extraordinary individuals with incredible abilities. It's not for us to speculate."

"Indeed!" The other cultivator agreed, and the two continued chatting as they walked away.

At that moment, Chu Ning, having entered the cave abode, breathed in the familiar spiritual energy with a deep inhalation. "The feeling of spiritual energy... it's been a long time!"

Speaking softly, Chu Ning released his divine sense to carefully inspect the cave abode. He didn't detect anything unusual about the formation or restrictions and didn't sense anything monitoring him.

Chu Ning then took out a variety of items from his storage bag. Most of these items were obtained from the Spirit Domain, including a large number of mature spirit plants that could be used for medicine, as well as some young spirit plant seedlings. Fortunately, they had been stored in his storage bag and special jade boxes, so even after six years, the seedlings were still alive.

He planted the seedlings, released Ling Xiaobai, and let out the two Golden Thunder Eagles. The three little guys were thrilled to be surrounded by spiritual energy again after such a long time.

At this moment, Chu Ning sensed his physical condition, and his attention fell on his dantian. There, in addition to the golden core that had remained unchanged for six years, was a golden seed emitting six strands of golden spiritual aura.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end