Ji Xian and Xia Lihua stood comfortably on the flying boat making their way to the island. As the gap between them close, it became more apparent just how large and majestic the island looked. A clear golden dome covered the entire island deterring anyone who wants to enter by air. The only entry to the city is the gates that stand almost two stories high.

As the duo approach the island, they, or rather Xia Lihua, attracted the eyes of countless cultivators who were also traveling to the island. Her appearance caused men and women alike to do double takes and sneak glances at her face. Some people wanted to approach her but were put off by her extraordinary aura. A few people also looked at Ji Xian, but they didn’t pay any attention to him since his face was hidden. A few people even inwardly cursed him for trying to act mysterious.

Ji Xian and Xia Lihua were aware of all this but didn’t pay any mind. They're currently having a conversation using their spiritual sense.

“We’re quite lucky to have come to a world where there are humans.” Said Xia Lihua.

She took a glance at Ji Xian. His long black hair was slicked back with a few strands out of place hanging over his eyes. His face was hidden by a white cloth which made it hard for her to read his expression. Only a pair of his eyes can be seen. At a glance, they appear ordinary.

“Did you already come to this world before?” She asked.

“No, this is my first time here.”

Xia Lihua didn't fully believe him and quietly smacked her lips, clearly annoyed.

Ji Xian laughed upon seeing her straightforward display of emotions.

“You of all people should know how hard it is to travel between Worlds. The cultivation limit for the Lower World is the Holy realm, but this realm does not allow for travel in space. Unless someone is as lucky as us to come across a spatial teleportation formation, then they can only remain in their home world forever. I’ve discovered the formation for many years, but I have never used it.” He explained.

“Why is that? I've done a little investigation on you. Whether it is the Southern Continent or Northern Continent, no one seems to be aware of your existence, that is, until the arrival of the Celestials. With the strength you have displayed and the fact that you have zero connections in the Mortal Haven World, nothing is stopping you from leaving.” 

Ji Xian can sense the agitation in Xia Lihua’s voice. He said calmly, “Because there was still more to learn.”

Xia Lihua shuddered. She stopped the flying boat. Her action drew a couple of odd gazes from people passing by.

“So there's no more reason for you to stay in Mortal Haven now?” She said dejectedly. Inwardly, she was afraid Ji Xian may not want to go back anymore.

Ji Xian, who was a head taller than Xia Lihua, looked down at her while brushing back her silky hair.

The bystanders saw this intimate scene and their hearts burned with jealousy.

He ignored them and said, “I told you before not to fall for me too hard. Do you regret it?” 

Xia Lihua took a deep breath. She closed her eyes and when she opened them, she exudes an unmatched confidence.

"No. You're returning to Mortal Haven with me after this is over," she said as a matter of fact.

Ji Xian chuckled. This was the Xia Lihua he knew. He signaled her to control the flying boat.

They continued onwards to the island that was still a small distance away. As she controlled the flying boat, Ji Xian’s voice entered her ears.

"You're wrong, there are still things I need to do back home so you don't need to worry about me not going back. Also... I've met an interesting person recently, and she is enough reason for me to stay.”

Xia Lihua was momentarily dazed before she broke out into the sweetest smile, attracting looks from men and women alike.

The flying boat sped up and within minutes they reached the island.

The two hopped off the flying boat and stood in line to get to the city. Xia Lihua's face was slightly blushed, but from her expression, it was evident she was in a good mood. Ji Xian stood beside her, silently spreading his spiritual sense to listen in on the surrounding conversations.

“Look at how long this line is! It's even longer than last time! How long would we even have to wait before we can go inside Solitude City."

“What did you expect? It’s the All Desolate Competition! This determines the ranking of all the factions in the Mortal Desolate World.”

“Do you think the Grand Sword Sect will win again this year?”

“I heard the Arcane Mountain will participate in this year's All Desolate Competition! They will definitely win first place!”

“The Arcane Mountain rarely participates, but when they do, no one else stands a chance at taking first. I bet all these people are here because of them.”

“I wonder which one of their Saints is coming.”

“Hopefully it’s the Dragon Saintess! I hear her beauty is unmatched!”

Ji Xian closed his eyes as he take in all the information. After a while, his eyes opened and a weird expression appeared on his face.

Mortal Desolate World? This sounds a little too similar to Mortal Haven World. Is this a coincidence? What is the relation between these two Worlds? Not just the name, but now that I think about it, the architecture of this city is similar to the ones back in Mortal Haven. Am I stumbling upon an end-game plot?

Dragon Saintess…

Ji Xian glanced at Xia Lihua, who was still beaming from ear to ear. He inwardly shook his head and stopped thinking.

They wait in line silently while occasionally exchanging spiritual sense messages. Their aura was reined in and other than Xia Lihua’s appearance which attracted attention, they were able to get to the front of the line without any trouble.

For Ji Xian, this was quite disappointing. Where were all the arrogant young masters!? I'm trying to look for opportunities here. This goes to show not everything you read is reliable.

Of course, the main reason is that no one wants to offend the Island Lord. The last time a faction caused trouble, they were banned from entering the island for ten years and lost their qualification to compete in the All Desolate Competition.

As they stepped forward, one of the two cultivators guarding the gate stopped them and reached out his hand

“Invitation!”

Ji Xian and Xia Lihua weren’t surprised by his actions since they had seen the process from the people that were in front of them. Only those with an invitation can enter. Those without can only wait until the gates are opened to the public three days later.

Ji Xian’s eyes sparkled mysteriously and just when he was about to make a move, a commotion broke out.