After returning to Zhentian City, Lord Liu promptly ignored Wu Yuqi and brought Fang Hao to his personal quarters to heal his injuries. Once finished, he took out a storage ring and handed it to Fang Hao. "Inside are some healing pills and other resources. Take them." Fang Hao immediately waved his hands, declining. "City Lord, I really can't accept this. You've already done more than enough for me." He understood very clearly: the more you take, the more you owe. Right now, with his cultivation still low and his foundation unstable, he didn't want too many entanglements with Immortal Realm figures. Though Lord Liu made it sound casual, Fang Hao knew this ring probably held more than just basic resources—it was bound to be highly valuable. And besides, he had no plans to return to Qilan City unless absolutely necessary. Taking Lord Liu's favor, knowing he couldn't repay it, made him feel uneasy. Lord Liu could tell what Fang Hao was thinking and chuckled. "You don't need to overthink it. You're someone from Qilan City. It's only right that I give you this." "More importantly, this stuff means nothing to me. I don't expect you to owe me anything. I simply want to plant a good seed for the future." "Who knows? Maybe someday we'll work together again, or run into each other somewhere. Just take this as a gesture of goodwill." Hearing this, Fang Hao suddenly realized—his thinking had been too narrow. ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ novelFirｅ.net Though Lord Liu was only the city lord of a small place like Qilan City, he was still someone who held Emperor-level cultivation. What he considered a minor gift, to Fang Hao, was a small fortune. He wasn't trying to buy favor—just build a connection. Fang Hao finally accepted it, bowing his head with sincerity. "I will never forget the City Lord's kindness." "That's all I need to hear." Lord Liu smiled. Then he changed the subject: "Will you be returning to Qilan City?" "I plan to stay in Zhentian City for a while to recover," Fang Hao replied. In truth, he had no intention of going back. Large cities held greater opportunities. He was just being polite. Lord Liu guessed as much but didn't press. Instead, he brought up something new: "If you're still set on earning a spot in the Ancient Battlefield, there's one more chance." Fang Hao's eyes lit up. "What kind of chance?" "There are still more than ten years before the Ancient Battlefield opens," Lord Liu said as he walked to the window and pointed east. "In eastern Zhentian City, there's a place called the Trial Tower. It belongs to the imperial family and is open to everyone. If you can clear the final floor, you'll receive a special qualification to enter the battlefield." "But be warned—very few people in history have reached that final floor. This path is no easier than making the top ten in the Hundred City War." Fang Hao committed the location to memory, excitement building inside him. "I understand. Thank you, City Lord." "Think nothing of it," Liu waved it off. "You'll hear about this sort of thing naturally as you spend time here." After a bit more small talk, Fang Hao excused himself. As he was leaving, Lord Liu added: "I'll take care of the Guan Clan. If you have time in the future, you can return to Qilan City for a visit." "Understood." Fang Hao nodded thoughtfully. Clearly, Lord Liu knew about Fang Hao's conflict with the Guans—and was offering to settle it for him. Another move to maintain goodwill. Lord Liu didn't know Fang Hao's true talent, but his experience told him this young man—who'd made such waves in the Hundred City War—had a high chance of rising far in the future. After all, cultivation wasn't just about battle. Connections mattered. Friendships mattered. One more friend, one more path forward. Back in his rented courtyard, Fang Hao finally opened the storage ring. As expected, what Lord Liu considered "not much" was a treasure trove to Fang Hao. Aside from pills and spirit stones, there was a Saint-grade herb… and even a Saint-grade weapon. This was the wealth of someone at Emperor Realm—generous and overwhelming. Just as Fang Hao sat down to rest, Jin Tianlu showed up—loud as ever. "Brother, you're incredible! Who would've thought a Manifestation cultivator could shine so bright in the Hundred City War!" Fang Hao smiled helplessly. "Shine? I just climbed a mountain." "Tch! What a profound statement!" Jin Tianlu chuckled, shaking his head with admiration—and gave a thumbs-up. Fang Hao asked curiously: "But how do you already know all this?" "It's not that I'm well-connected," Jin explained. "It's just that everyone is watching the Hundred City War. Anything that happens spreads instantly. You collapsing on the treasure ship? It was dramatic—it spread like wildfire." Fang Hao nodded. That made sense. The Hundred City War happened only once a millennium and involved over 300 cities. Naturally, the attention it drew was immense. "And it's not just the other prodigies," Jin added. "Some of the local powers here in Zhentian City will be looking to recruit you too." Fang Hao was a perfect recruitment target—a rogue cultivator with no ties, plenty of potential, and a growing reputation. "I still prefer staying independent," Fang Hao replied confidently. If he had truly been a wandering cultivator, he might have considered joining a major power for protection. But his circumstances were too complex. He didn't want to be tied down. For now, he wanted to explore the Immortal Realm, seek opportunities and fortune, and grow stronger—for both himself and the Fang Clan. "Makes sense," Jin nodded. "Nothing big. I'm going to stay in Zhentian City to train… and try the Trial Tower." There were too many opportunities here, and Fang Hao couldn't wait to chase them down. Jin's expression shifted slightly. "You're still aiming for the Ancient Battlefield?" Clearly, he already knew about the Trial Tower's hidden reward. "That's right," Fang Hao answered firmly. The Ancient Battlefield was the closest thing to an immortal relic he could currently reach. That alone made it worth the attempt. "Well, there's still time before it opens. Might as well try," Jin Tianlu agreed. "You know where the Trial Tower is? I'd like to take a look now," Fang Hao asked. Though he hadn't fully recovered, he could at least scope out the challenge ahead. "Of course. Let's go." Together, the two left the courtyard and headed east. Soon, Fang Hao saw it—a towering, ancient pagoda that pierced the clouds, emanating mystery and timelessness. "No one knows how long this Trial Tower has existed," Jin explained. "Some say it was built by the very first Immortal Emperor of the dynasty." "It was meant to temper his descendants—and select true geniuses." "Nowadays, it's open to everyone. Just one mid-grade spirit stone gets you inside." "What's it like inside?" Jin Tianlu slowly explained: "On the first floor, you face a cultivator of the same realm as yourself. You win? You go up. Second floor: two enemies. Third floor: three. So on and so forth." "By the tenth floor, you'll fight ten at once." "Then, starting at the eleventh floor, the enemies are one realm higher than you." "Twentieth floor—ten enemies, each one realm higher." "Thirty-first floor, now they're two realms higher. Then three, four... all the way up." "The ninety-ninth floor pits you against ten opponents, each nine realms higher." "Lose a fight, and you're ejected. No injury, just defeat." By then, they had arrived at the foot of the tower. Jin paused and added: "If you want to get that special entry into the Ancient Battlefield, you have to reach the ninety-ninth floor." Fang Hao asked seriously: "Do I have to actually beat the ninety-ninth floor? Or just reach it?" "Bro… how about you make it that far first?" The Trial Tower had stood for countless millennia. Those who'd reached the ninety-ninth floor could be counted on one hand. Beating it? That was almost legendary. "You really dare to dream, huh?"