A gigantic yellow dome crested the horizon, looming like a second sun. It was ringed by a vast forest of dark emerald trees to the west, which only amplified its vibrant hue. Even the final hills marking the edge of the Nine-Striped Hills seemed puny compared to the monumental structure. Though still several miles away, Ishin could only stare in awe.

  People were able to build something like that?

  “I told you,” Lou Heng said with a laugh, clearly enjoying the look on Ishin’s face.

  “It’s enormous,” Ishin murmured.

  “Just wait until you see the whole city.”

  They continued onward for three more hours. As they neared, the details of Yellow Dome City gradually revealed themselves. Dark specks floated in the sky above the city—too distant to discern clearly, but clearly moving. The yellow dome itself only grew more massive with each step. It rested atop an enormous circular stone tower that spanned an area as large as Pale Fang Fortress’s inner ring.

  As the tower’s base came into view, so too did a massive city wall of dark yellow stone stretching across the horizon. Ishin estimated the walls to be a hundred feet tall. Unlike the stacked stonework of Pale Fang Fortress, these walls looked seamless—formed from a single continuous slab, curving to enclose the deep oval layout of the city. From the top of the last hill of the Nine Striped Hills, Ishin still couldn’t see the wall’s far edge.

  Inside, a dense cluster of buildings stretched far and wide. Many had tiled or wooden roofs, but some shimmered like they were built from gemstones. Several structures reached multi-story heights, and while towering by themselves, none compared to the colossus at the city’s heart. Wide roads crisscrossed the city, guiding foot traffic and carts alike. The city sloped steadily upward, culminating at the base of the massive yellow dome.

  How many people are down there? More than in all the Nine Striped Hills?

  Ishin remembered Lou Heng’s words about their homeland being a “small region” of the Heron Empire. Now, for the first time, he believed it.

  “How many people do you think live down there?” Ishin asked.

  “Hundreds of thousands at least,” Lou Heng guessed. “Maybe more.” He pointed at the golden dome above the city. “But we’ll need to wait for your mother beneath that.”

  Ishin frowned. “She didn’t mention a specific place.”

  “Then we’ll start with the central square beneath the dome. Hopefully something sticks out.” Lou Heng smiled. “Are you ready to explore the city?”

  By the time they reached the outskirts of the city wall, Ishin had a better sense of its immense scale. The main gate rose thirty feet high, made from iron-plated doors, and a line of newcomers stretched nearly a tenth of a mile. Ishin assumed they would join the end of it—until Lou Heng veered directly toward the gate.

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  “Elder Lou Heng, shouldn’t we—?”

  “There’s no need,” Lou Heng said casually. “None of them will say anything.”

  As they approached, Ishin glanced toward the waiting travelers. Most looked away immediately. One merchant even glared—then froze, paling visibly before turning his eyes to the ground.

  They’re seeing his cultivation with their third eye, Ishin realized.

  Curious, Ishin activated his own third eye. The sheer number of cultivation bases around him was overwhelming. He caught flickers of the early and mid Initial Realm from dozens of travelers. The strain forced him to shut his third eye quickly, but not before confirming his suspicions—everyone in line was much weaker than Lou Heng.

  When Ishin had once tried to observe Lou Heng directly, all he’d seen were swirling shades of red, green, and possibly black. Just like with Akira. It had been too much.

  Soon, they reached the front of the gate. The entrance itself was forty feet wide, with the stone wall around it nearly twenty-five feet thick. Six guards in dark steel armor stood watch, each bearing tall halberds and wearing yellow circular crests on their breastplates. A single white line descended from each circle—likely the symbol of Yellow Dome City.

  Two guards were speaking to a merchant and her mule-drawn cart. The remaining four stood off to the side. One of them broke from formation to intercept Lou Heng and Ishin.

  “Greetings, honored travelers,” the guard said, offering a respectful bow. “Welcome to Yellow Dome City.” His gaze flicked briefly to Ishin, and a hint of shock crossed his face—only to vanish behind practiced composure. “May I humbly ask your name?”

  Ishin studied the guard with his third eye. Fifth layer of the Initial Realm. Comparable to Daihu warriors. He saw Lou Heng’s cultivation immediately.

  “I am Lou Heng of the Anji Tribe, native of the Nine Striped Hills,” the elder said plainly.

  The guard straightened. “Have you come for the Exhibition Tournament?”

  “No. I’m here to explore your city’s art and wares.”

  “I see. I can summon a representative of the Kurai Clan to assist with lodging and—”

  “No need,” Lou Heng said. “I prefer to explore at my leisure. You may inform the Kurai Clan of my presence, but I do not require assistance.”

  The guard hesitated, then bowed. “As you wish, honored guest. There is no entrance fee. Please enjoy your stay.”

  Lou Heng gave a small nod. “Come along, Ro Ishin. Let’s not block the entrance.”

  Once inside the gate, sunlight bathed them—though tall buildings cast long shadows over parts of the street. A crowd of citizens moved through the wide road. Carts rumbled over polished stone. Spirit beasts roamed freely—one person passed riding a two-headed dog, another floated lazily by atop a green cloud.

  So many people…

  And they all looked refined. Cultivator robes of silk. Workers in pressed woolen uniforms. Ishin glanced down at his worn, dirt-stained hemp robes. Next to these people, he looked like a wildling.

  Even Lou Heng’s scarlet and alabaster cloak seemed plain compared to the city’s vibrant clothing.

  “You can get changed once we find an inn,” Lou Heng said as if reading his mind. “You have another set of robes, right?”

  “Nothing better. Just less dirty.” Ishin’s eyes caught a young man in shimmering blue-and-violet robes embroidered with clouds. He looked no older than Ishin, yet his features were soft and clean, untouched by hardship.

  So different. Not just that one man—but everyone. They moved like they belonged here. Ishin suddenly felt like a stranger from another world.

  “Welcome to the empire proper,” Lou Heng said. “Don’t worry. You’ll get used to it.” He pointed ahead. “Come. You still haven’t seen the most impressive part yet.”