Chapter Nine: The Tribe of Violet Flames
The imperial city of the Tianqin Empire was immense, divided into several distinct districts. At its heart lay the palace, surrounded by an elite sector where many prestigious establishments operated. The imperial arena was also located there. Beyond the elite sector was the bustling market district, where their carriage now passed.
Most shops lacking the status to open in the elite area were found here, along with roadside vendors whose goods were largely exaggerated by grandiose claims.
“Diamond Gourd, a treasure of the Sage rank—come and see, don’t miss out!”
“Nine Dragons Sky-Pride Technique, a cultivation method leading straight to the Great Sage realm—yours for just three spirit stones!”
“...”
“Thunderfire Red Mane!”
Someone by the roadside recognized the exotic beast pulling the carriage and exclaimed in surprise.
“That’s a beast of the Three Treasures realm! With a little training, it could become a monster of the Dharma Manifestation level. Who could afford such extravagance?”
“Keep your voice down…” Another tugged at his sleeve, whispering,
“Don’t you see the purple dragon emblem on the carriage? This is the carriage of the Duke of Qin’s residence—and it’s someone important. People like that… are best not provoked.”
Voices drifted in from outside the carriage. Zhou Tian frowned slightly and spoke in a low tone,
“Activate the sound-proofing array. Also, engage the reflection array.”
“Yes!”
The voice of the servant in gray came from outside. Golden arrays flashed across the carriage walls, isolating the noise. The walls gradually turned transparent, allowing a clear view of the scene outside.
The imperial city’s roads were broad, spanning more than ten meters in width, paved with gray luminous stones of remarkable strength. These roads were not designed solely for humans; many powerful non-human races were common in the imperial city.
Zhou Tian feigned indifference, pointing to a creature not far off whose appearance was quite different from that of humans.
“Do you see that? That’s a member of the Violet Flame Clan. They’re rarely seen in the imperial city, so it’s surprising to encounter one now!”
Tian Ling looked in the direction Zhou Tian indicated.
It was a figure standing three meters tall, clad in specially made attire, though much of its skin remained exposed. Muscles jutted like stone blocks, the body covered in violet markings. Its face resembled a human’s, with similar features, but atop its head rose two curved, purple horns adorned with spiral patterns, not sprouting from the sides but extending from the forehead, lending a fierce aspect.
“Don’t they live near the Muzu Volcano in the west? Why are they here in the imperial city?”
Tian Ling’s eyes gleamed with curiosity. She had read about the Violet Flame Clan in the tomes of the Haotian Sect. Their ancestors were the Crimson Flame Clan, a race born with mastery over fire. Over generations, their bloodline mutated—the crimson flame markings turned violet, and their innate fire powers grew stronger. By tapping into their bloodline, they reached the Three Treasures realm at adulthood, and with a little growth could contend with Dharma Manifestation experts. Some elders even challenged Sages, making them a formidable race.
What she had read in books could not compare to seeing one in person. Tian Ling stared intently at the member of the Violet Flame Clan, murmuring,
“The markings on his body suggest he’s not yet an adult…”
With age, the markings would gradually cover their entire body; the creature’s head was not yet fully marked, signifying youth.
Zhou Tian observed Tian Ling’s delicate profile, searched his memory, and fortunately recalled details about this particular member. He organized his thoughts and explained,
“General Gu Feng, the great western defender, is close friends with the Violet Flame Clan’s chief. This time, the chief’s son accompanied General Gu in returning to the capital to broaden his horizons. That young man is the chief’s son.”
The carriage drew closer to the Violet Flame clansman; both traveled along the center of the road. The clansman saw the approaching carriage and, recognizing its emblem, quietly moved aside to make way.
Uncle Gu had told him: anything bearing that emblem was not to be trifled with.
Tian Ling withdrew her gaze at the sight, turned to Zhou Tian, and remarked,
“The Duke of Qin’s residence holds quite a high status…”
Zhou Tian nodded,
“Yes, our residence is highly esteemed in the imperial city. My father is the emperor’s own brother, born of the same mother. Unlike the other princes, their relationship is very close.”
He shared more about the imperial city with Tian Ling, and after glimpsing several non-human races, the carriage finally arrived at the Imperial Arena.
The Imperial Arena was a cylindrical structure, towering ten thousand meters high. Do not be awed by its height—the Treasure Pavilion opposite was about the same, and the neighboring Dance Pavilion only slightly shorter.
Its exterior was a pale gray, adorned with carvings of various exotic beasts. At the top was a massive golden dragon motif—the royal totem. Beneath it, five blood-red characters spelled out: Imperial Arena!