Battle Through the Heaven: Purple Heaven

Xiao Bai strode toward the city gate, the crowd thickening around him. The people here exuded a foreign aura—men, robust and bronze-skinned, radiated rugged strength; women, with wheat-hued skin reminiscent of Latinas from his past life, moved with bold confidence. Unlike the reserved elegance of the Jia Ma Empire's heartland, these women wore tight chest wraps and short skirts, accentuating their curves and showcasing toned waists and long, taut legs. Their swaying, serpentine gait carried a captivating, exotic charm.

Xiao Bai smacked his lips, a phrase popping into his mind: Exotic allure, sway supreme.

At the gate, a dusty yellow arch loomed, engraved with two bold, blood-red characters: Mo City. The lettering evoked a visceral, bloody menace. The heat was oppressive, and a dozen armored soldiers, wielding spears, barked impatiently at travelers to pay the entry tax, some shouting curses.

Joining the queue, Xiao Bai reached the gate. A soldier, about to snap, met Xiao Bai's deep, tranquil gaze. A chill ran through him, sweat beading on his back. An old veteran, his instincts screamed danger, choking his curse mid-throat.

Seeing the soldier's restraint, Xiao Bai placed ten gold coins on the table and entered the city.

The soldier exhaled shakily, wiping his brow. "Damn, why's a powerhouse like that queuing like a commoner? What kind of weird hobby is this?" In Mo City, ruled by a Dou Wang, those of that rank typically bypassed the gate. Below Dou Wang, you paid and queued—or faced the city guard, battle-hardened border troops unafraid of anyone under Dou Wang. They couldn't fly, so numbers could overwhelm. Yet this white-haired youth in black, with no aura, exuded a pressure surpassing their two-star Dou Wang city lord.

Inside, Xiao Bai expected shops brimming with herbs, cores, or weapons. Instead, snake women dominated the scene. Shackled, heads bowed, they were caged by slavers, displayed like pets for buyers to pick. Their human-like upper bodies contrasted with long serpent tails below, evoking a mythical deity from his past life.

The sight—his first of such blatant human trafficking—hit hard. Race, strength… it's all laid bare. His mood soured. He could kill, even ruthlessly if needed, but treating beings as commodities for open trade? That, he couldn't stomach. Quickening his pace, he left the street behind. Out of sight, out of mind.

"Feeling sorry for those snake women, kid?" Yao Lao asked, noting Xiao Bai's dour expression.

Xiao Bai shook his head. "War's brutal—kill or be killed, that's fair. But this trading? Kill them cleanly if you must—why humiliate them like this?"

"Profit stirs the heart," Yao Lao sighed, his voice heavy with past memories.

"Heh," Xiao Bai sneered. "Profit? It's just weakness. If I were strong enough, no matter the riches on me, who'd dare covet them?"

"Haha, you see through it, kid!" Yao Lao laughed.

Their talk led them to a shop named Gu Tu. The quaint storefront sparked a playful glint in Xiao Bai's eyes. This must be the shop of that famous 'angel investor' of the Dou Qi Continent. What a twist of fate to stumble here. Since I'm at the door, might as well meet him, right?

With anticipation, Xiao Bai entered. The shop was modest, lit brightly by moonlight stones on the walls. One side held racks of folded beast hides, the other a counter with unrolled maps. The place was quiet, devoid of customers. At a central desk, a white-haired elder meticulously crafted a map, his steady, withered hand betraying strength despite his age.

The elder didn't look up or greet Xiao Bai, focused solely on his work. Xiao Bai, intrigued, gave him a glance, a mischievous smile tugging his lips. Old guy's playing it cool. Let's see him squirm when I find that Pure Lotus Demon Fire map.

"Kid, this old man's got something to him," Yao Lao said from the ring, equally curious.

Xiao Bai, scanning the maps, nodded with a grin. "A bit, but not much."

Yao Lao rolled his eyes. He'd once bristled at Xiao Bai's cocky quips, tempted to swat him, but now he ignored them. Don't engage, and he can't show off.

"This guy's true strength is likely Dou Huang, but some strange force suppresses him to around Dou Ling's level. Your soul force is still recovering—be careful not to capsize," Yao Lao warned, sensing Xiao Bai's intent to stir trouble.

He'd seen Xiao Bai's combat style: crush weaker foes with crimson lightning; for stronger ones, stun with soul force, then crush with lightning. Few Dou Techniques, just raw, effective brutality. With Xiao Bai's soul strength, he overwhelmed those below Dou Huang, and even high-tier Dou Huangs could falter if caught off-guard. Most, untrained in soul techniques, didn't even know basic soul attacks in the Mortal Realm, like alchemists with sixth-tier soul force limited to perception.

"Don't worry, Senior. Even if I capsize, you've got my back, right?" Xiao Bai teased.

"Heh, I only promised to help with the Heavenly Flame, not this. My aid comes at a steep price," Yao Lao shot back slyly. He owed Xiao Bai a favor and hoped this might clear it—otherwise, who knew what the kid would demand?

Xiao Bai smirked, catching Yao Lao's ploy. Sly old fox. Chuckling, he resumed his map hunt.