Su Ji Is on His Way by Sword Flight

As the City Lord's voice faded, the crisp chiming of jade pendants rang out from behind the main dais.

A dozen dancers clad in colorful raiment, silver anklets adorning their feet, glided forth with lotus-light steps, filing out one by one.

Their figures were lithe and graceful, their long sleeves trailing elegantly. Every smile, every glance, exuded a perfect, captivating charm.

Melodious music filled the air.

The dancers twirled across the expansive stage, their colorful skirts blooming like flowers.

The commoners below erupted in cheers, the atmosphere reaching a fever pitch.

When did they ever get the chance to witness such a spectacle in their daily lives?

And the best part was, it was completely free!

On the secondary platform, the gentry and wealthy merchants held their teacups, watching with smiles. Occasionally, they whispered to their companions, critiquing the dancers' movements.

The City Lord of Anyang sat in the seat of honor, one hand gently stroking the warm jade at his waist, the other holding his tea. He wore a gentle smile, quietly enjoying the scene of peace and prosperity before him.

Everything seemed so harmonious, so wonderful.

As the music ended, the dancers bowed gracefully and retreated amidst thunderous applause.

The City Lord of Anyang slowly rose from his seat and walked to the front of the stage once more.

The cheers from the square grew even louder than before.

"Everyone, silence."

The City Lord raised his hand. As the crowd quieted, the smile on his face faded slightly, replaced by a look of complex melancholy.

"I am already fifty years old this year."

His voice was calm, as if chatting with an old friend.

"A mortal's life is so fleeting."

"I will not see another fifty years."

"And I am... unwilling to accept that."

The commoners below looked at each other in confusion, unsure why the City Lord had suddenly brought up such a topic.

"As you can all see, under my governance, Anyang City has flourished, and its people live and work in peace."

"On this matter, I can ask my conscience and feel no shame."

The crowd immediately voiced their agreement.

"The City Lord speaks the truth!"

"Without the City Lord, Anyang City would not be what it is today!"

The City Lord waved his hand, signaling for silence.

"To be honest with you all..."

His tone shifted, his voice growing heavy.

"In recent years, there have been some unsettling rumors regarding Anyang City."

"Today, I wish to clarify them."

"They are not rumors..."

"They are true."

"Ghostly spirits and monsters do indeed haunt Anyang City at night..."

"That is why I forbade any discussion of these matters... I feared it would lead to panic and make life unbearable for the people."

These words caused an uproar throughout the square!

The smiles on the faces of the previously joyous crowd froze instantly, replaced by sheer terror.

"That is why... over the past year, I have lived in seclusion, rarely appearing before you."

"It was not because I was neglecting my duties, but rather..."

He took a deep breath, a look of compassion for the suffering of the world appearing on his face.

"I once sought help from the Immortal Elders of the three nearby sects, but they..."

"Sigh... let us not speak of such vexing past events."

"The only one who answered me was myself."

"How could those high and mighty Immortals care about the lives and deaths of us mortals?"

These words instantly united the crowd in shared indignation.

"Exactly! Those Immortals accept our offerings on normal days, but when it matters, we can't count on a single one of them!"

"Only the City Lord truly cares about us common folk!"

The City Lord of Anyang looked at the agitated crowd, a gleam of imperceptible satisfaction flashing in his eyes.

"Therefore, I have decided to seek the supreme path of Immortality myself!"

"I will personally exterminate these demons and monsters, and restore peace and clarity to my Anyang City!"

His voice suddenly rose to a crescendo.

"As the saying goes, 'When one person achieves the Dao, their chickens and dogs ascend to Heaven!'"

"If I become an Immortal... all of you here in Anyang shall share in the blessings! You shall live long lives, free from all disease!"

These words were like a massive boulder crashing into a calm lake, stirring up a thousand giant waves.

Longevity! Immunity to all diseases!

What tempting words these were!

The breathing of every commoner below quickened; the fear in their eyes was replaced by a fanatical yearning.

The City Lord of Anyang took in their reactions, the smile on his face growing increasingly eerie.

"However... the path to Immortality is not easily trodden."

"I wonder if the elders and folks present..."

His voice took on a bewitching, magical quality.

"Would be willing to offer a meager contribution... to aid in my ascension?"

The moment his words fell, the clear sky suddenly darkened.

The midday sun was completely blotted out by a mass of dark clouds that appeared from nowhere.

The entire city of Anyang was instantly plunged into gloom.

The fanaticism on the faces of the commoners turned to shock and confusion.

They looked up at the sky, unable to comprehend what was happening.

Just then.

A streak of azure light tore through the murky sky.

This was the moment Su Ji had been waiting for.

He was speeding towards them at an unimaginable velocity.