There were still more than twenty days left before the deadline for the gathering period, during which Alex had to arrive at the transit border station of the Freezing Star Galaxy. Moreover, he also needed to wait for Fritz to meet him here.
With plenty of time on his hands, the first thing Alex did after leaving the dock was to head straight toward the nearest city.
Soon, Alex reached Blazing Sunfall City.
From a distance, the city appeared to be a colossal masterpiece crafted from light and flame. Towering structures soared into the sky, their surfaces crafted from radiant alloys that reflected the planet's golden atmosphere, making the entire city shimmer like a sea of molten sunlight.
There were numerous floating platforms and sky bridges crisscrossing between skyscraper-like buildings, forming a network of aerial streets.
At the heart of the city, there was a gigantic central tower shaped like a burning sun pillar, radiating overwhelming pressure. This central tower was called the Blazing Sunfall Tower.
It was said that long before the city itself was ever founded, the Blazing Sunfall Tower had already existed. The one who owned the tower later built a city around it and named the entire settlement after this structure.
From that moment on, Blazing Sunfall City became inseparable from the tower. Generation after generation, the descendants of the Blazing Sunfall Tower's master inherited both the tower and the authority over the city, each becoming the new City Lord.
As Alex passed through the grand gates of Blazing Sunfall City, a wave of heat and vitality washed over him. The streets were wide and paved with crimson-gold stone that faintly glowed underfoot.
Alex moved calmly through the bustling crowd, observing everything with quiet interest.
After a while, his eyes settled on a magnificent restaurant and lodging complex ahead. The building was shaped like a rising flame lotus. A massive sign forged from radiant crystal hovered above the entrance, slowly rotating and releasing gentle waves of spiritual energy that made people feel refreshed just by standing nearby.
After thinking for a while, Alex stepped inside.
The interior was even more extravagant. The floor was made of polished spiritual jade, reflecting the soft lights hanging from the ceiling like stars. A faint fragrance of rare spirit herbs and roasted spiritual beasts drifted through the air, instantly awakening one's appetite.
At the front desk stood a graceful receptionist with fiery-red hair tied in a neat ponytail and eyes as bright as embers. She straightened when she saw Alex approach and greeted him with a warm, professional smile.
"Welcome, honored guest. How may I assist you?"
"I'd like to book a room," Alex replied calmly.
"Of course." She waved her hand, and a light screen appeared between them. "We currently have three options available."
"First, a standard cultivation room, 1,000 UC per day."
"Second, a luxury suite with independent cultivation chambers, 4,000 UC per day."
"Third, the Presidential Suite, equipped with top formations, private training halls, and full spiritual nourishment services, at 10,000 UC per day."
Alex's gaze briefly swept over the descriptions before settling without hesitation. "The Presidential Suite. For three days."
The receptionist was momentarily surprised, but her smile grew even brighter.
"Very well, honored guest. That will be 30,000 UC in total."
Alex raised his Universe Bracelet and paid.
Beep.
The payment was completed instantly.
"Your room is reserved. Please proceed to the upper sky corridor; a guide will escort you to your suite," she said respectfully, handing him a glowing crystal token.
With everything settled, Alex turned and headed deeper into the building.
At this moment, a group of people was coming from the opposite side, talking among themselves.
"That group of people must have come to the Golden Sun World to register for the Celestial Path Assessment."
"The assessment is about to start soon. Our world is going to become lively again."
"But every Celestial Path Assessment is extremely dangerous. Most of those who come probably won't make it back alive."
"That's how it always is. Whenever the Celestial Path Assessment approaches, countless geniuses and cultivators gather from all directions. Some come chasing glory, some come seeking fortune, and some come because they have no other way forward."
"Yes, but the Celestial Path was never meant for the weak. Only those who survive it can truly step into the ranks of the universe's elites."
"Still, people keep coming every time. Because even if the survival rate is terrifyingly low, the rewards are simply too tempting. A single breakthrough, a single inheritance, or even a single treasure can change one's fate forever."
"Exactly. For many, this is the only chance to rise to the sky in one go. If they succeed, their status, power, and lifespan will all rise dramatically. If they fail, then their story ends here."
"Looks like our Golden Sun World will be crowded for a while."
Alex's steps slowed slightly when he heard those words. A faint frown appeared between his brows.
"Celestial Path Assessment?"
It was a name he had never heard before.
So, when the Celestial Path Assessment was mentioned, it immediately caught his attention. An assessment that could draw so many experts, one that could make even seasoned cultivators speak with such gravity, was clearly no ordinary test.
A trace of curiosity stirred within him.
What exactly was the Celestial Path? Why did it carry such a terrifying reputation? And what kind of rewards could make people risk their lives without hesitation?
However, Alex suppressed the urge to investigate immediately. Right now, he had just arrived, and there was no need to rush.
First, he needed to settle into his presidential suite.
Alex followed the glowing guidance lines that formed in the air, stepping into the sky corridor that led toward the upper levels of the building. The moment he entered, the noise of the bustling restaurant below faded away, replaced by a tranquil silence that felt almost sacred.
A floating platform descended silently before him.
As he stepped onto it, the formation activated, lifting him smoothly upward. The city outside unfolded beneath his feet through the transparent barrier.
Soon, the platform came to a gentle halt before an enormous door carved from crystalline gold. At the center of this door, a circular formation looked slightly different. It was actually the slot for the crystal token.
Alex placed the crystal token the receptionist had given him into the slot.
Humβ¦
The formations lit up, and the massive door slowly parted.
A vast space revealed itself beyond.
The presidential suite was nothing short of magnificent. The floor was paved with flawless spirit crystal tiles that reflected the ceiling like a mirror of stars. Spiritual energy flowed so densely that it felt like mist brushing against his skin. Elegant furniture crafted from rare Celestial Wood was arranged perfectly.
A private cultivation chamber lay to one side, its entrance sealed by a high-grade isolation formation. To the other side was a relaxation hall, complete with a small spiritual spring that released faint ripples of life energy.
Alex entered the suite and allowed the door to slide shut behind him. Without wasting a moment, he headed straight for the bathroom, intending to let the soothing warmth of the water ease his body and mind into relaxation.
