"Welcome to the Blue Mist Island Domain, friend."
The moment
It was clear these were well-trained elite martial artists. Though they were all merely at the Emperor realm, their spirits and bearing were remarkably vibrant — the mark of warriors who belonged to a tightly organized outfit and felt a genuine sense of belonging to this place. Without that, they simply could not have radiated such vigorous energy.
Jiang Chen offered a faint smile and gave a nod of acknowledgment but said nothing.
"First time visiting the Blue Mist Island Domain?" a square-jawed enforcer asked, his tone polite and measured.
Jiang Chen did not deny it. "That's right. First time here. I hope you'll look after me."
The enforcer nodded. "We welcome cultivators from all walks of life. That said, the Blue Mist Island Domain has its own rules. As long as our friends abide by them, you're sure to have a pleasant stay on Blue Flame Island."
Jiang Chen was satisfied with the level of service and replied in kind. "Don't worry — as long as there are rules, I'll follow them. I'm not here to stir up trouble."
Seeing that Jiang Chen was an easy-going sort, the enforcer waved a hand. "In that case, please head inside. There's an administrative hall where you can register and pay a nominal fee in Ling Shi. After that, you'll be free to move about the Blue Mist Island Domain. As for the various rules and taboos, a written guide will be handed to you."
Jiang Chen followed the enforcer's directions to the administrative hall.
The registration process went exceptionally smoothly, and the service was excellent. The processing fee was indeed only a token amount.
This earned the Blue Mist Island Domain a measure of goodwill from Jiang Chen.
*Maybe Xing Hui and his daughter, along with Yong Peng's family, would find a better home here,* he thought briefly.
But the thought passed as quickly as it had come.
With his pass in hand and all formalities complete, someone escorted him onward, explaining, "The Blue Mist Island Domain has eighteen outer islands. You can process entry and exit at any of them. The registration you completed here is valid everywhere, so you won't need to repeat it at other outer islands. One thing you must remember: study the guide thoroughly. It contains all our rules and taboos — under no circumstances should you violate them."
Clear signage marked every route, and guides were available at every turn.
The Blue Mist Island Domain genuinely left one feeling refreshed, as if bathed in a spring breeze.
"I never expected the service here to be so thorough. I'd assumed every corner of the Myriad Abyss Island was as harsh as Winterend Island."
He had to admit, arriving at Winterend Island as his first stop in the Myriad Abyss Island had soured his entire impression of the archipelago. But now, experiencing the Blue Mist Island Domain's customs and culture firsthand, he realized that a place like Winterend Island was far from representative.
After passing through the outer islands, Jiang Chen set foot on the mainland. The mainland's area was likely no smaller than the Human Domain.
According to the rules, flying by airship was strictly forbidden over the Blue Mist Island Domain's mainland. Jiang Chen could only ride the Vermilion Bird divine beast at a low altitude, gliding forward at a leisurely pace.
After traveling for a stretch, he spotted a valley up ahead that was surprisingly bustling. There were buildings scattered along the valley in a pleasing, orderly arrangement.
Jiang Chen was just debating whether to land and check out the activity — perhaps gather some intelligence — when a figure materialized from the void before him.
The figure grinned and drifted toward him. "Welcome to the Blue Mist Island Domain, friend! This is Oriole Valley. You're here for the Oriole Valley Trading Fair, aren't you?"
"A trading fair?"
Jiang Chen blinked. He genuinely hadn't come for any such thing.
"You're just passing through?" The man looked surprised, then broke into an ingratiating smile. "All the more reason to take a look — see the sights, broaden your horizons! The Oriole Valley Trading Fair has all sorts of rare treasures, precious Spiritual Medicine, and plenty of Blue Face Ancient Jade that you can only find in the Blue Mist Island Domain…"
Jiang Chen really had no interest in a trading fair.
Still, he saw no reason to refuse. With a smile, he said, "Sure, I'll take a look."
He descended outside the valley and surveyed the scene. Row upon row of stalls lined the area, every space packed with vendors. In the center stood an enormous trading platform — clearly the fair's main hub.
By now, Oriole Valley was packed with people, heads bobbing and shoulders jostling in a vibrant commotion.
As Jiang Chen was walking through, a figure suddenly darted out from the crowd. It was a thin, gaunt youth whose face and hair were somewhat grimy — the kind of look that suggested he hadn't washed in days.
At first glance, he looked more like a little beggar.
"Brother, brother — greetings!" The ragged youth seemed to enjoy mimicking adult etiquette, cupping his fists in an exaggeratedly dignified salute.
Jiang Chen smiled faintly and returned the cupped-fist gesture. He was not the sort to look down on someone for being dirty and disheveled. Since ancient times, never underestimate a poor young man — that much wisdom Jiang Chen possessed.
The youth's eyes lit up when he saw Jiang Chen treat him with courtesy, a flicker of delight crossing his face. His voice carried a note of barely contained excitement. "Brother, let me introduce myself — my name is