"I told you, I'm leaving this accursed place! All that's waiting for me is endless solitude. I'd rather go and explore than slumber and rot away in this damned space."
Qi Zui declared with an unbreakable stance.
He spun around abruptly and punched the void behind him.
Space instantly shattered, revealing a pitch-black rift.
"Qi Zui, wait a moment, why are you in such a hurry?"
"I'm only warning you not to reveal your identity," he replied sharply. "You know how cultivators hunt for your kind. Whoever acquires a Heavenly Dao gains control over the domain it rules."
A voice echoed through the void, and from thin air, a figure materialized beside Qi Zui.
The person's elderly face was very energetic, his snow-white beard was very thick, extending to his toes.
Right now, the person's aura was like that of a mortal, with no cultivation; not a trace of their might was felt. He looked like an ordinary farmer.
But Qi Zui knew very well who this mysteriously appearing person was.
He was the will of the Endless Domain Sea, a person countless times stronger than Qi Zui, yet constrained to the core space of the Endless Domain Sea.
Qi Zui's vision suddenly drifted back to the past, to a time countless years ago.
At the edge of breaking through to a Chaos Domain, yet confused as to why there was a power that limited his breakthrough, the Will of the Endless Domain Sea appeared before him. It spoke with a calm, resolute tone:
"Only by contracting with me, the Endless Domain Sea, can your domain ascend to a Chaos Domain. You must share life and death with me, become one with the Endless Domain Sea itself. Only then will your domain exist for eternity."
It continued, explaining that its purpose was to find a great domain capable of containing its power, a domain without malicious intent that would not attempt to destroy the Endless Domain Sea. Because the heavenly dao of that domain would have control over the Will, the Will must find a domain that harbors no ill intentions or malicious intent. By merging with such a domain, a Chaos Domain would be born. The Heavenly Dao of that great domain would gain boundless power, achieving true transcendence, while the Endless Domain Sea would gain a force capable of resisting rebellious domains and life forms that threatened all existence.
Back then, the Will of the Endless Domain Sea, though limitless in power, could not act independently outside the core space. It required a Heavenly Dao to merge with, transferring its power to the Heavenly Dao while simultaneously allowing the Heavenly Dao to summon the Will when needed. Without a suitable Heavenly Dao to contain it, the Will could not resist enemies—it was sealed in the core space until the merge was complete.
Extending his divine sense throughout the endless domain sea, Qi Zui smiled. So much had happened in the blink of an eye—from dying because of overwork on Blue Star, to transmigrating as a Heavenly Dao, and finally becoming a supreme existence.
"Everything I have achieved, up to this moment, was driven by a single purpose: to live on my own terms, and to never, ever work overtime again! I, Qi Zui, swear to live a life of leisure across the ages—savoring fine wine, living in luxury, resting in endless comfort, and indulging in whatever delights I please. No more endless toil, no more pointless obligations, no more being trapped by a damned 996 schedule! From this day forward, my domain, my power, and my time belong entirely to me. Let the Endless Domain Sea twist and turn, let other domains rise and fall—From this moment on, I, Qi Zui, vow to live free, and I will enjoy every moment of it!
...
Yuanling Domain, Northern Continent.
The streets of Fenglin City, nestled in the northern continent, felt like it rhymed with the word life. Merchants hawked their wares, children darted between stalls, and the aroma of roasted meats, fresh bread, and exotic spices filled the air.
Passing in front of vendor stalls was a young man, with eyes that looked like they just gained freedom, though most who passed would only notice his striking appearance. His features were sharp yet harmonious: high cheekbones, a straight nose, and willow-shaped eyebrows that curved elegantly above them.
Qi Zui's eyes roamed the streets in wonder. Colorful fruits gleamed from stalls, roasted meats hissed over open flames, and fragrant buns steamed in woven baskets.
Wow… my first time in a city. I've been cooped up for so long! If I'd known it was like this, I should've escaped from that damned space sooner.
He was heading toward "Golden Dragon Tavern," a renowned wine restaurant famous across Fenglin City for its rare vintages and sumptuous dishes. The aroma alone made Qi Zui's stomach rumble.
Suddenly, a shout echoed from a nearby street.
"Rong Wei! You promised me freedom after our contract! Two years, and I've been trapped under your family's rule!"
Qi Zui turned his head to see a young man man tumbling from the second-story balcony of a lavish building, landing in a heap on the cobblestones. His face was contorted with anger, his robes torn in the fall.
A figure stepped forward to loom over him. Hands tucked behind his back, chin raised arrogantly, and a faint smirk on his lips—this was Rong Wei, scion of the influential Rong Family.
"Hmph," he said coldly. "An insect dares shout at me? Guards!"
Within moments, several muscular retainers seized the young man, forcing him to his knees, head bowed.
"Foolish! it is your lifetime honor to serve the young master of the Rong Family!" one guard arrogantly declared.
The young man spat to the side. "Hmph… you actually lied to me? Despicable!"
His voice carried defiance, though he remained pinned.
From down the street, the rhythmic clatter of armored boots approached. The Fenglin City Guard Squad arrived, led by a stern, middle-aged man with sharp eyes and a commanding presence.
"Report! What's happening here?" the squad leader demanded.
Rong Wei lifted his chin defiantly. "His family sold him to us! He owes service to the Rong Family!"
The young man, chest rising and falling, finally spoke. "I may have been bound by a contract, but that does not make your deception lawful. This contract is void, and your treatment is shameful!"
Rong Wei was angered. "What contract? Your family sold you, bastard! Your only use is to be a slave for this young master!"
"Enough!"
The squad leader's eyes narrowed. "Your family's agreements cannot override city law, nor can you oppress someone unjustly. Guards, escort this man to safety. And reprimand this man for violating civic regulations."
Zhen Wei scowled but didn't dare to argue further. He could only glare at the young man fiercely. If looks could kill, the young man's limbs would've been torn apart by now.
"Guards, let's go!" Rong Wei flicked his wrist and turned abruptly.
"Hmph, that bastard actually dared to humiliate me in public! Find out a way to take him back later!"
Rong Wei's Attendant bowed: "Yes, young master. If that bastard goes out of Fenglin City, then.. hehehehe..."
"Good! Make sure he knows what happens if he offends our Rong Family! Break all his limbs one by one, then deliver him to me! Hahahaha!"
...
The City Lord's forces was composed of Soul Transformation and Nascent Soul cultivators. With Soul transformation being the peak of the domain, the city was incomparably powerful compared to medium-sized families like the Rong Family.
As Qi Zui walked through the city, observing the event from a distance, he reflected on the situation.
here, even the Rong Family, powerful as they were, could not act above the law.
No wonder the city was thriving, without having corrupt families acting above the law like in his past life, oppressing the common people.
Grinning, Qi Zui continued toward the Golden Dragon Tavern, stepping into a world filled with life, warmth, and the simple pleasures of humanity he had missed for centuries.
At the tavern, his nascent soul cultivation allowed him to access the highest VIP floor without hindrance.
He ordered the finest dishes and wine, savoring each sip and bite as though tasting life itself for the first time.
Across the room, Qi Zui's gaze observed the other customers—some laughing, some whispering in corners, while gulping down a cup of wine.
Heh, this is life! Escaping that old man was the right choice. Truly far more interesting than endless solitude.
Qi Zui leaned back in the plush chair of the VIP room, swirling the wine in his cup and savoring the aroma.
As he glanced around the room, his keen senses picked up subtle fluctuations in the energies of the patrons.
There were very few mortals, either wealthy or from rich families. Most carried the faint traces of cultivation—Qi Refining, Foundation Establishment, and even Nascent Soul.
His attention was drawn to a trio sitting at a corner table.
One was tall and broad-shouldered, with a golden circlet on his head, exuding a subtle but unmistakable Golden Core cultivation aura.
Beside him, a golden core slender figure with sharp eyes and calm posture.
While the last, a young woman with fiery red hair, seemingly ordinary at first glance—but was one of the nascent soul cultivators in this tavern.
Qi Zui smirked, swirling the wine again.. If one observed carefully, everything he's doing—looking at the trio with a arrogant gaze, his behavior, all points to someone looking for trouble.
After all, he hasn't gone out for countless years, so he's naturally eager for some "entertainment."
The broad-shouldered man noticed Qi Zui's gaze and sneered. "Why are you staring here so arrogantly?" he demanded, rising abruptly.
Without warning, he stomped over to his table and slammed his fist down, rattling the cups and plates.
Qi Zui's lips curved into a faint smile.
He extended his index finger subtly towards his chest, then exerted force equivalent to nascent soul cultivation.
Boom!
The force struck the broad-shouldered man squarely, sending him hurling backward into the tavern wall with a crack.
Pfft!
He groaned and coughed blood, clutching his chest as the floor trembled slightly beneath him.
The slender Golden Core cultivator's eyes widened in shock, his voice cold and sharp: "You… you actually dare to attack deacons of the Xuanyuan Sect?"
The red-haired woman rose gracefully, her fiery hair catching the light. She cupped her hands and greeted Qi Zui.
"Fellow Daoist, we are members of the Xuanyuan Sect, one of the Five Great Sects of the Northern Continent. Please apologize."
Qi Zui leaned back lazily, not even bothering to respond.
Swirling his wine, he watched the two approach their injured companion. They tended to him carefully, but their eyes never left Qi Zui, with fierce gazes.
"You… the Xuanyuan Sect will not let this go!" the red-haired woman warned.
Qi Zui chuckled softly to himself, then laughed heartily after gulping down a cup of fine wine.
Hah~ This is countless times better than being cooped up at that place.
He took another sip of wine calmly, like what happened just now wasn't related to him, except the disorganized plates and cups on his table was telling a different story.
...
After finishing his wine, Qi Zui rose from his seat and stretched lazily.
He stepped out of the tavern and descended the stairs into the lively street, intent on exploring more of Fenglin City.
But the moment he emerged, he saw a small group gathered outside.
The Xuanyuan Sect's Golden Core team had already arrived, surrounding the injured broad‑shouldered Golden Core deacon. They lifted him onto a stretcher talisman, spiritual energy supporting his weight as he groaned weakly.
Leading them was the red‑haired woman from earlier. Her fiery hair swayed as she turned—her gaze sharp, cold, and clearly focused on him.
As soon as Qi Zui walked out, she stepped forward and raised an arm, blocking his path.
"Stop." Her voice wasn't loud, but within seconds, the surrounding pedestrians froze and turned to look.
Then, she spoke loud enough for everyone in the street to hear:
"Fellow Daoist, you dared to injure a Xuanyuan Sect disciple without reason, and now you intend to leave as if nothing happened?"
The accusation rang sharply through the street. People started to murmur around themselves.
Qi Zui frowned slightly. "Without reason? Your companion was the one who approached me and slammed my table."
The red‑haired woman narrowed her eyes. "Regardless of the cause—you hurt someone from our sect. You will have to give a explanation today."
Qi Zui looked at her calmly, his hands clasped behind his back. He asked lazily, "And what if I don't?"
Her answer came instantly.
A Golden Core cultivator from the group behind her stepped forward and declared, voice booming with authority: "Arrogant!"
"If you dare step beyond Fenglin City, the Xuanyuan Sect will be the first to hunt you down!"
The man didn't care if he was a Nascent Soul big shot. His backing—the Xuanyuan Sect—was one of the Five Great Sects, a massive behemoth in the cultivation world.
Gasps spread through the onlookers like a ripple of wind.
The red‑haired woman gave Qi Zui one last cold glance, her eyes filled with anger.
"Hmph, you will regret his decision today. The xuanyuan sect will not forget this grudge."
With that, she ordered her group to move.
The cultivators turned, supporting the injured Golden Core disciple, and quickly departed toward the direction of the Xuanyuan Sect's regional outpost.
Qi Zui watched them leave, his expression unreadable.
Then he smirked.
"Heh… hunting me down? How interesting."