Feng Lin pondered for a moment before asking Liang another question.

  — And what about the other factions in the city? What is their true strength?

  Liang hesitated for a moment before replying:

  — These factions are cautious. They hide their most powerful experts, making it difficult to estimate their true strength. Unlike them, the Zhao Clan made a mistake...

  Feng Lin raised an eyebrow.

  — What mistake?

  — A few years ago, their current patriarch was far too arrogant. He let slip sensitive information about the clan’s true power. Because of that, everyone now knows that they are not as formidable as they claim.

  Feng Lin nodded, understanding the situation better.

  — So, the Zhao Clan is powerful, but everyone already knows their strengths and weaknesses… while the other factions remain in the shadows.

  — Exactly, Liang confirmed. "And that makes things far more dangerous."

  Feng Lin took note of this information. A faction that exposed too much of its strength was always at risk of becoming the target of the most patient predators.

  Feng Lin slightly furrowed his brows before asking in a calm tone:

  — How many experts do these factions have? And what is their level of cultivation?

  Liang took a few moments to gather his thoughts before answering.

  — Unfortunately, most of these forces hide their true experts.

  — The Zhao Clan is currently the most influential in the city, but not necessarily the most powerful. Their current leader is only at the seventh stage of Body Refinement, which is relatively weak compared to the true elites of the city. However, they have three elders called "Venerables" who have reached the mid-stage of the Meridian Opening Realm, along with several other elders at the peak of Body Refinement.

  If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

  Feng Lin silently nodded, absorbing this information.

  — And the other factions? he asked.

  Liang took a deep breath before continuing:

  — There are several secondary families and small clans, but they are insignificant compared to the two major forces: the Zhao Clan and the Yun Estate. However, there are also shadow organizations—mercenaries, assassins, and traffickers who operate discreetly, taking advantage of the chaos and corruption plaguing the city.

  Feng Lin gave a slight smile.

  He had just returned to life, and he was already starting to piece together a clear picture.

  Feng Lin and Liang suddenly stopped as loud noises echoed through the city. Muffled screams, successive explosions… A clear state of chaos had taken over a specific area.

  Liang’s eyes widened in shock. He quickly turned to Feng Lin and said in a trembling voice:

  — That’s… that’s coming from the Zhao Clan’s direction!

  Feng Lin raised an eyebrow. He hadn’t even set foot in the city yet, and already one of its greatest forces was under attack?

  He narrowed his eyes and observed the horizon. Black smoke rose above the rooftops as silhouettes clashed in battle. Flashes of light signaled the use of martial techniques, and the sound of weapons clashing echoed in their direction.

  — Interesting… Feng Lin murmured, his gaze glinting with an unreadable light.

  Beside him, Liang looked nervous.

  — Lord Feng Lin, perhaps we should avoid that area… If the Zhao Clan is falling, it means their attackers are formidable.

  Feng Lin did not immediately respond. His mind was already racing. Who would dare attack the Zhao Clan? Was it a war between rival factions, a personal vendetta, or the rise of an unknown new force?

  Regardless, it did not change his plans. But perhaps he could take advantage of the situation…

  After all, in a world ruled by cultivators, clans, and even entire empires crumbled every day. Individual strength reigned supreme, and a single cultivator powerful enough could determine the fate of thousands.

  Feng Lin had witnessed it in his past life. Once-glorious bloodlines reduced to nothing overnight, ancient sects annihilated by a lone expert who had reached an unfathomable level… It was neither rare nor surprising.

  He watched the smoke rising in the distance, his gaze indifferent. The Zhao Clan, a pillar of this city, might be vanishing before his eyes. So what?

  Liang, on the other hand, looked worried.

  — Lord Feng Lin, such an event could disrupt the entire city… Perhaps we should…

  Feng Lin raised a hand to interrupt him.

  — No need to worry. Let’s continue.

  His tone was calm, but his eyes gleamed with a cold light. A falling clan also meant opportunities opening up…

  Feng Lin took his time before continuing. He opened his pouch, a gift from his father before his departure, and examined the number of coins he had. Inside, he mostly found copper coins, with only two or three silver ones.

  He frowned slightly. This money was enough to buy daily necessities but far too little to acquire proper cultivation resources.

  Noticing his expression, Liang took the initiative to explain:

  — Lord Feng Lin, in this empire, currency is divided into several levels. Copper coins are used by mortals for everyday purchases—food, clothing, and simple tools. Ten copper coins equal one silver coin, which can buy ordinary weapons or low-quality herbs. Gold coins are much more valuable—one gold coin is worth a hundred silver coins. They are used in cultivator affairs, such as purchasing pills or rare materials. But the most valuable currency for a cultivator is spirit crystals. A fraction of a spirit crystal can be worth hundreds of gold coins, or even more, depending on its purity.

  Feng Lin nodded, taking in the information. With his meager sum, it would be difficult to buy anything useful for his cultivation.

  — With what you have, Liang continued, you might be able to buy basic items or information, but nothing more. If you want to acquire real resources, you will either need to find another source of money or participate in auctions, but those are usually dominated by major factions.

  Feng Lin silently closed his pouch.

  — I’ll see when I get there.

  But before they could resume their journey, a sudden explosion echoed in the distance, shaking the ground slightly beneath their feet. The smoke thickened over the Zhao Clan’s district.

  Liang’s face paled slightly.

  — This is not a good sign…

  Feng Lin, however, remained impassive.

  — It doesn’t matter. Their fate doesn’t concern me. Let’s go.

  He tied his pouch back to his belt and resumed his march, his cold gaze fixed on the city ahead.