This small world was known as the Scarlet Water Small World.
It earned that name because of a place within it called Scarlet Water.
Scarlet Water was a body of water — a lake so vast it seemed boundless.
The lake sat at an extraordinarily high elevation. Its waters were not blue, not green, but red, which was why it was called Scarlet Water Lake. Some even referred to it as the Scarlet Water Celestial Pool.
Jiang Chen was actually quite familiar with the Scarlet Water Small World. In his previous life, he had come here with his father on a leisurely visit.
Back then, he had still been the Son of the Heavenly Emperor — a prince of the Myriad Heavens Grand World, second only to one and above ten thousand.
There were many legends surrounding Scarlet Water, but they held little appeal for Jiang Chen. His father had once told him that Scarlet Water was merely a volcanic lake.
The only difference was that cultivators who practiced fire-attribute techniques found it particularly suited to their cultivation.
Because of this, the competition over the Scarlet Water Celestial Pool in this small world had never ceased since the ancient era. In his previous life, the Ta Yuan Heavenly Emperor had mediated disputes over it countless times.
That said, as the Emperor of the Myriad Heavens, he sometimes found it difficult to intervene too heavily in the affairs of small worlds. As long as things didn't get too out of hand, he generally turned a blind eye.
Jiang Chen sat by the window of a tavern, watching the ceaseless flow of people outside. He observed cultivators of every stripe and manner, in all manner of strange attire, and couldn't help but marvel — this was, after all, a small world situated close to the Grand World.
At the very least, the diversity of races here was far richer than what the Divine Abyss Continent could offer.
All kinds of peculiar races could be found here, and between these cultivators, there was remarkably little hostility. They seemed to have long grown accustomed to coexisting in peace.
In this place, it seemed only interests sparked disputes — never race.
At the moment, Jiang Huan had gone out to gather intelligence, leaving Jiang Chen alone by the window with his wine. His thoughts, however, drifted to his father, the Heavenly Emperor.
Since the shattering of the Myriad Heavens, his father was still alive. Where could he be now? Imprisoned in a dungeon? Sealed away in some hidden location?
Never before had Jiang Chen felt so close to his father.
Lost in thought, Jiang Chen heard elegant footsteps approach, followed by a calm voice: "Excuse me, brother."
Jiang Chen snapped back to his senses and looked up at the newcomer — a young cultivator dressed in foreign attire. Judging by his features and bone structure, Jiang Chen immediately determined that this person was not of the human race.
Still, this was a place where racial distinctions mattered little. Jiang Chen nodded in acknowledgment.
"Drinking alone — isn't that rather dull? Why don't I treat you to a few cups? We could chat about the current state of affairs in the Scarlet Water Small World."
Jiang Chen smiled ruefully. This fellow certainly had grand aspirations — wanting to discuss the "state of affairs" at the drop of a hat.
Honestly, Jiang Chen knew absolutely nothing about the political landscape of the Scarlet Water Small World. He had only just arrived. How could he possibly know what the current situation looked like?
Seeing Jiang Chen's blank expression, the stranger asked curiously, "Are you an outsider? First time visiting the Scarlet Water Small World?"
Jiang Chen shook his head. "Not exactly an outsider, but it's been a very long time since I last came back. So when it comes to the current state of things here, I'm afraid I really can't claim any knowledge. I'm sorry to disappoint."
"Not at all, not at all. All the more reason someone should point you in the right direction after such a long absence. Otherwise, in the Scarlet Water Small World, say the wrong thing, align with the wrong faction, offend the wrong person — and you'd be in serious trouble." The man wore a familiar grin and, without even waiting for an invitation, pulled up a chair and seated himself right at Jiang Chen's table.