Seeing that the two women had reached the mid-Core Formation stage, they appeared well-preserved, certainly having used some sort of beauty-enhancing elixir. Both looked like young maidens in their late teens, tender as water, exceedingly pretty and charming. However, this sight was quite common in the cultivation world; many female cultivators paid particular attention to their appearance, often spending vast amounts of spirit stones merely to maintain their looks, alongside practicing specific beauty-enhancing techniques. Consequently, the vast majority of female cultivators appeared remarkably young and beautiful.

In contrast, most male cultivators were far more pragmatic. If they had spirit stones, they preferred spending them on boosting their strength rather than external appearances; if they looked presentable enough, that was simply sufficient. After all, strength was the true path. Sometimes, a minuscule difference in cultivation level or magical artifact could lead to one's demise—what a tragic waste that would be?

For someone like Lei Dong, who cultivated at an incredibly fast pace, maintaining a youthful body and appearance was unnecessary. His constant physical evolution and increasing lifespan ensured he always remained in optimal condition. In his current state, even if his cultivation stagnated in the latter half of his life, he wouldn't start showing signs of middle age until he was at least four or five hundred years old.

"Heh heh, I bet you're thinking we must have spent a fortune on spirit stones to maintain our looks," said the woman in the purple skirt, Murong Jiao, giggling incessantly, though it wasn't clear if she was the elder or younger sister. "For the honor of the Murong sisters, we must declare upfront that we have never consumed any beauty elixirs. It's purely due to our specialized cultivation methods, coupled with a reasonably fast cultivation speed, that we look so youthful. Unlike some women of advanced age who act alluringly seductive, specializing in the art of draining the yin essence of men for their own gain." As she spoke, the woman openly glanced at the enchantingly seductive woman named Li Xianxian.

"Murong Fu, you..." Li Xianxian seemed exceptionally provoked and angry, but after uttering only half a sentence, she immediately suppressed her reaction, let out a huff of indignation, and turned away, refusing to engage. Clearly, she was only at the early Core Formation stage. Meanwhile, the Murong sisters were both at the mid-Core Formation stage. No matter how much conflict arose, any engagement would only bring suffering upon Li Xianxian. Any lingering resentment had to be swallowed down. It was simple: strength dictated respect.

Subsequently, Wu Ji introduced two other men: one was a middle-aged man with a dull face and cold eyes, named Gao Fei. The other was an elder with snow-white hair and a face etched with wrinkles, named Situ Zhennan—a fine name, but perhaps the weakest among this group. And then there was the sensuous Li Xianxian.

Once introductions were concluded, some showed enthusiasm toward Lei Dong, some were aloof, while others were indifferent or openly hostile. Yet, it was precisely these varied reactions that assured Lei Dong his initial judgment was sound: this group likely harbored no malicious intent toward him. Otherwise, they would have been excessively warm and insincere.

"Brother Ding, we only have tens of thousands of li left to travel. Why don't we converse as we move along?" Wu Ji, the most bold and enthusiastic, took the lead, pulling Lei Dong as they flew forward. He spoke loudly, "Brother Ding is likely visiting Blazing City for the first time and is unfamiliar with its customs. I shall explain them to you in detail so you don't inadvertently breach any rules and cause trouble for yourself."

Since Lei Dong was currently maintaining an illusory concealment, he naturally wished to avoid trouble. He stood firmly on his giant blade, adopting a posture of earnest attention, and cupped his hands solemnly, "This is indeed my first visit. I thank Brother Wu for your guidance."

"Guidance is too strong a word. It's just that I cultivate a pure fire-elemental art, often requiring various rare fire-elemental treasures and spiritual herbs. Thus, I frequent Blazing City more often, so I happen to know a bit more," Wu Ji replied politely. "I imagine Brother Ding already understands that Blazing City is controlled by the Southwest Alliance, with representatives stationed there by several major powers within the Alliance. Firstly, they guard the passage leading to the Purgatory Domain; secondly, they have established a large market primarily dealing in fire-element materials. While the concept was sound, prolonged management has led to all sorts of issues, mostly revolving around factional interests. Consequently, the governance of Blazing City is currently chaotic, often seeing instances of thieves preying on thieves, or officials directly engaging in robbery. At the very least, solitary cultivators are constantly extorted—entry fees, city maintenance fees, guard hardship allowances, and dozens, sometimes hundreds, of other levy categories. If you don't pay, you'll be stripped bare even if you survive; if you do pay, you'll still be stripped bare. That's why, seeing Brother Ding traveling alone, I invited you to join our group, lest you find yourself cornered and bullied once inside Blazing City."

Lei Dong feigned an expression of shock mixed with gratitude, cupping his hands in the distance. "I thank Brother Wu profusely. Otherwise, traveling alone, I truly wouldn't know what to do."

"Brother Ding need not be so polite. Your willingness to join our group is a testament to your trust in me. Furthermore, Brother Ding appears quite capable; traveling as a cohesive unit will make those greedy, bullying elements in Blazing City think twice." Wu Ji laughed heartily. "So, Brother Ding's addition bolsters our team's strength. Eight Core Formation cultivators traveling together—few would dare provoke us. We only need to pay the standard taxes, which should save each of us at least hundreds of thousands of spirit stones."

"Duly noted, duly noted. There is wisdom in every corner," Lei Dong complimented with a smile. He had initially assumed this was a long-standing cooperative team, but now realized it was merely a temporary gathering for safety and mutual benefit, which explained the underlying disharmony within the group.

As the group continued flying forward, Wu Ji added, "Brother Ding, forgive my meddling, but what is your purpose in heading to Blazing City? Don't think me nosey, but since I'm familiar with the city, I might help you avoid unnecessary detours. If it’s inconvenient to share, I won't press the matter."

"My purpose is nothing to hide." Lei Dong adopted an open demeanor as well. "I am a poor rogue cultivator, quite lacking in spirit stones. I heard that the Purgatory Domain is abundant in heavenly materials and earthly treasures, so I wish to try my luck and see if I have a chance to strike it rich."

"Haha, Brother Ding speaks plainly!" Wu Ji roared with laughter, but his expression quickly turned serious. "Brother Ding, please don't fault me for being blunt. The Purgatory Domain is indeed rich in resources, and if luck is on your side, you can certainly make a fortune. However, the Purgatory Domain is one of the Six Domains, filled with countless dangers. Even Nascent Soul Old Monsters entering might not confidently claim they can return alive. For us Core Formation cultivators to seek fortune there, we must risk our lives. Statistics show that only seventy percent of Core Formation cultivators who venture into the Purgatory Domain for the first time return alive, and less than five percent of those make a massive fortune; the rest merely break even or earn a little extra. Moreover, even if you return alive, you might still face harassment from Blazing City's administrators, potentially losing both your person and your wealth."

Sensing the implication in his words, Lei Dong bowed respectfully. "In that case, I must trouble Brother Wu further for his guidance."

"Among the eight of us, only I am targeting the top-grade Fire Spirit Jade up for auction in Blazing City. The other seven, including Brother Ding, plan to try their luck in the relatively safer outskirts of the Purgatory Domain," Wu Ji stated solemnly. "In the Purgatory Domain, ferocious demonic beasts emerge endlessly, and their myriad races are often fiercely hostile. I observe that while we all have our differences, we are at least human cultivators of shared lineage, which is certainly closer than those monstrous outsiders. Furthermore, our meeting here is a form of fate. I propose we form a team to enter the Purgatory Domain, allowing us to look out for one another. Should we encounter powerful demonic beasts, joining forces might make us a match for them."

Lei Dong frowned slightly. "Brother Wu is not coming?"

"Ha! I am focused on the top-grade Fire Spirit Jade at the auction. I have prepared sufficient spirit stones and expect to secure it in one go." Wu Ji smiled confidently. "With that top-grade Fire Spirit Jade, I only need a period of secluded cultivation, and my cultivation technique will surely advance further. Therefore, please forgive my inability to accompany you. If not for this, I've visited the Purgatory Domain seven or eight times and could easily guide you all, but alas, I am constrained."

"Cultivation is paramount." Lei Dong appeared entirely understanding. "Since that is the case, I shall wish Brother Wu success in advance."

"I also wish all of you who venture into the Purgatory Domain great fortune." Wu Ji seemed very confident, smiling happily.

The others, perhaps finding Lei Dong's mid-Core Formation strength acceptable, or perhaps motivated by the prospect of traveling to the Purgatory Domain together, gradually warmed up. The two early Core Formation cultivators, excluding Li Xianxian, were particularly enthusiastic.

Chatting and laughing, in just one day, the group arrived above Blazing City. Since it was Lei Dong's first visit, he scrutinized the city carefully. Perhaps drawing inspiration from the local environment, the city walls and buildings all exhibited a scorching red hue. The architecture was often bizarre in shape, lacking the delicate grace of scenic southern cities but possessing a unique, rugged grandeur.

As in most places, flying was prohibited above and within the city. The group naturally complied with the rules, landing together at the city gate and entering through the dedicated passage for Core Formation cultivators, one by one. As expected, individual Core Formation cultivators, or even groups of Foundation Establishment cultivators, were meticulously questioned and searched, only being permitted entry after paying a considerable entrance fee. According to Wu Ji, these people would likely be harassed by various other fees after entering the city.

However, the reception for Lei Dong’s group of eight Core Formation cultivators was noticeably more courteous from the guards managing the gate—who consisted of two Core Formation cultivators and a contingent of Foundation Establishment cultivators. Each person was charged a mere one thousand spirit stones as an entry fee. Of course, this was just the entrance fee; proceeding through the guarded passage to the Purgatory Domain required paying a substantial sum.