The silver light shuttle transformed into an inconspicuous streak of light, weaving through the clouds. Fang Hao sat cross-legged inside, controlling the shuttle with one hand while looking down at the gradually changing scenery below.

As he ventured deeper into the heart of Qingzhou, the desolate mountain ranges and Gobi deserts were gradually replaced by lush plains and winding rivers. The Spiritual Qi also became richer and more peaceful, far from the violent nature of the western border. In the sky, various types of flying Magical Artifacts and Spirit Beast mounts gradually increased, showcasing the prosperity of this place.

Several days later, on the distant horizon, the silhouette of a magnificent giant city slowly emerged.

It was a city of majestic Aura, built against mountains and near water. The city walls towered into the clouds, constructed entirely of giant stones shimmering with green light, stretching for thousands of miles without an end in sight. Runes flowed upon the walls, faintly forming a massive Formation light shield that covered the entire city, emitting a heart-palpitating pressure. Countless streaks of light, like a meteor shower, flew in and out of specific flight paths above the city in an orderly manner.

In the center of the city, a cluster of towering and magnificent palaces could be seen, their glazed tiles shining with golden brilliance under the sun. That was the core of power in Qingzhou—the residence of the Seventh Prince, Seventh Prince.

"Tianqing City... as expected of the main city of Qingzhou!" Fang Hao was shocked. Compared to Black Rock City, Tianqing City was like a giant elephant compared to an ant; its scale, Aura, and Spiritual Qi concentration far exceeded his imagination. This was the true atmosphere of a great city!

He brought down the silver light shuttle at an officially designated landing platform dozens of miles away from the city. Many Cultivators were already lining up on the platform to enter the city, with cultivation levels ranging from Qi Refining to Golden Core, and he even occasionally felt the obscure and powerful Aura of a Nascent Soul Cultivator flash by.

Fang Hao restrained his Aura, maintaining his cultivation at the Late Foundation Establishment Stage. Mingling with the crowd, he paid the entry fee and stepped into Tianqing City through a massive gate.

Upon entering the city, a bustling and prosperous atmosphere rushed toward him. The streets, wide enough for ten carriages to pass side-by-side, were lined with shops and fluttering banners. Shops selling Medicinal Pills, Magical Artifacts, Talismans, and spiritual materials were everywhere, filled with customers. The streets were packed with people; Cultivators and Mortals rubbed shoulders, and Cultivators in various exotic clothes and from different races could be seen everywhere, highlighting the city’s inclusivity and vitality.

The Spiritual Qi in the air was so thick it was almost palpable, making one feel refreshed. Fang Hao could even feel that Cultivating here might be several times faster than in the outside world.

He did not rush to inquire about the Seventh Prince’s recruitment order. Instead, he first found an upper-middle-class inn called "Cloud Arrival Inn" to stay in. After requesting a superior room with a simple protective Formation, Fang Hao closed the door tightly and set up his own early-warning Restriction.

As a newcomer, his primary task was to understand the situation rather than act rashly.

For the next two days, Fang Hao acted like an ordinary Loose Cultivator, frequenting the major teahouses, wine shops, and markets of Tianqing City. He discreetly listened to the conversations of other Cultivators and purchased the latest Jade Slips of the "Qingzhou Gazetteer" and "Tianqing City Guide," gaining a preliminary understanding of the city and the current situation.

Tianqing City consisted of an inner city and an outer city. The outer city was a commercial area and the residential area for most Cultivators and Mortals, a place of mixed quality. The inner city was where the Prince’s Mansion, government offices, and the strongholds of various top Sects and Families in Tianqing City were located; it was heavily guarded and difficult for ordinary Cultivators to enter.

The "recruitment order" issued by Seventh Prince Seventh Prince was indeed one of the hottest topics in Qingzhou recently. The Recruitment Hall was located at the edge of the inner city, specifically responsible for receiving and assessing talents from all sides. The assessment was not a simple martial contest but a specialized test based on the "specialty" declared by the applicant, such as Alchemy, Artifact Refining, Formations, Talisman-making, Spirit Planting, Beast Taming, or even Qimen Dunjia, astronomy, and geography—the scope was extremely broad.

Once the assessment was passed, depending on their ability, they would be granted different Ranks of Guest Elder status, enjoy corresponding salaries and resources, and receive a certain amount of protection from the Prince’s Mansion. Of course, they would also need to serve the Mansion and complete designated tasks.

"It seems this recruitment order isn’t entirely a front," Fang Hao mused. This was indeed a good place to temporarily settle down. With his displayed Late Foundation Establishment Stage cultivation, if he could show high-level attainment in Formations or Alchemy, obtaining a Guest Elder status shouldn’t be difficult. At that time, the Gongming Family’s pursuit order would surely lose much of its effect under the Seventh Prince’s deterrence.

But risks also existed. Once he joined the Prince’s Mansion, he would be branded by the Seventh Prince and inevitably be drawn into the power struggles of the Empire’s high-level officials. Furthermore, the Mansion was bound to be full of talented people with fierce competition; he would have to proceed step by step.

"I must pass the assessment first to gain an identity, then plan for what follows," Fang Hao decided. Currently, this seemed to be the best way to resolve the immediate crisis.

He decided to apply as a "Formation Master." Although his Alchemy was also excellent, with the chaos pill cauldron and his Seven Spiritual Roots characteristics, it would be easy to expose his special traits. His Formation attainment, however, came from the Tiangong Sect Legacy and his own hard work; his Foundation was solid enough to handle the assessment and was relatively less likely to attract excessive attention.

On the morning of the third day, Fang Hao straightened his clothes, stabilized his cultivation Aura at the Late Foundation Establishment Stage, and walked toward the Recruitment Hall at the edge of the inner city.

The Recruitment Hall was a magnificent palace with heavy traffic at the door. Cultivators applying for recruitment formed a long line, ranging from the Qi Refinement Stage to the Golden Core Stage, each with eyes full of hope and nervousness.

Fang Hao waited quietly in line, observing the situation ahead. The assessment seemed very efficient; people constantly came out looking dejected, while occasionally someone with a joyful expression was led into the inner hall.

After waiting for about an hour, it was finally Fang Hao’s turn.

Entering the hall, a Foundation Establishment Cultivator who looked like a Prince’s Mansion steward sat behind a desk and asked without looking up, "Name, cultivation, and what skill are you proficient in?"

"Fang Hao, Late Foundation Establishment Stage, proficient in Formations," Fang Hao replied calmly.

Only then did the steward look up at Fang Hao and hand over a Jade Slip. "Record your insights into Formations or the principles of your most prized Formation into this. An examiner will judge it. If you pass the initial stage, you may proceed to the practical assessment."

Fang Hao took the Jade Slip and immersed his Divine Sense into it. After a brief thought, he recorded a subtle principle of variation for the "Lesser Five Elements Cycle Formation" from the Myriad Manifestations Array Interpretation in a clear and concise manner. It demonstrated his skill without being too shocking.

After finishing the recording, he returned the Jade Slip. The steward placed the Jade Slip onto a transmission Formation Plate; with a flash of light, the Jade Slip disappeared.

A moment later, the Formation Plate lit up again, and a new Jade Slip appeared. After checking it, a hint of surprise appeared on the steward’s face, and his gaze toward Fang Hao became a bit more solemn. "Fellow Daoist Ning, congratulations on passing the initial evaluation. Please follow me for the practical assessment."

Fang Hao’s heart steadied, knowing the first step was successful. He took a deep breath and followed the steward toward the depths of the Recruitment Hall. A new challenge was about to begin. And his fate might henceforth intersect with this majestic city and that unfathomable Seventh Prince.