The ten-zhang high colossal structure stood before Jiang Baitao and the others, making them feel incredibly small. On the building were the large characters "Arena." Beside it, slightly smaller, was engraved "Multi-Purpose Hall." The shortest one, three-zhang high, was marked "Main Hall."

Baitao was excited, knowing this was the venue for the arena battles and recruitment event, but unfortunately, the gates were closed, revealing nothing inside.

Soon, I’ll have to plead with Sect Leader Senior Brother to let me see the arena matches!

At the center of these varying-height cylindrical buildings, a towering eighteen-zhang high tower rose up.

This square tower contrasted sharply with the nearby cylindrical buildings. At the top was an open tower room supported by columns, where the elite forces of the Shuangye Alliance Law Enforcement Team were stationed, echoing the watchtowers at the four corners of the marketplace.

Below the tower room, the foundation rose up twelve stories, serving as residences and offices for the Shuangye Alliance and Spirit Talisman Sect members, with some functions as warehouses.

Master Xuan Ji led the group to the base of the tower. Unlike the distant view, up close, the tower was grand and awe-inspiring. Xiaolin and Linglong looked up in astonishment, overwhelmed, and the middle-aged man was secretly stunned. Over the years, he had taken his daughter to many medium-sized marketplaces, but most were built like small towns, far less imposing than this.

Seeing the man’s surprised expression, Master Xuan Ji stroked his goatee, his face proud: "When Shuangye Square was built, our sect leader personally oversaw everything. All the architectural layouts were his work alone. Although the costs and construction time far exceeded expectations, and each sect had its criticisms at the time, everyone was amazed once it was completed."

"Once the festivities this month begin, with three grand events happening simultaneously, Shuangye Square will be bustling and vibrant beyond what any typical medium-sized marketplace could offer. Everyone will be in awe and admiration. In just a few days’ time, it’s already heard that all merchant spots are fully occupied, with existing storefronts no longer sufficient. After the festival ends, the outer walls might need to be pushed out further."

Baitao snorted lightly, if only they had pushed out the walls sooner, I’d have avoided being like a rat.

The middle-aged man, shocked, praised: "Your sect leader is forward-thinking and well-managed. I have never seen such a spectacle elsewhere. Given a century’s development, maybe it could compare with large marketplaces."

The latter part was merely courteous; large marketplaces served an entire region, with nearly ten thousand cultivators residing permanently. Importantly, they were built by several regional powers, holding a distinguished position.

Currently, thanks to the "Festival" hype, the marketplace had gathered about fifteen hundred cultivators, yet maintaining a thousand post-festival would be impressive.

Only when the Shuangye Alliance controlling Shuangye Square upgrades in status can the marketplace attract more merchants and cultivators.

However, praise is always delightful, and Master Xuan Ji and Xiaolin were very pleased with the middle-aged man’s compliments. Thus, they entered the tower, where Xiaolin exclaimed again.

There were no stairs here, only a strange circular platform against the wall. Above the platform, penetrated through many tower floors, was a hole. Two Shuangye Alliance disciples guarded the platform, saluting upon seeing Master Xuan Ji.

"Grandpa, are we flying up?" Jiang Baitao scrutinized the hole, speculating.

Master Xuan Ji laughed heartily, leading the group onto the platform, where they saw floating arrays engraved in layers. The guarding cultivators placed several Spirit Stones into the array, and with a slight operation, the platform trembled, lifting into the air, carrying everyone slowly upwards.

Though familiar with flying spiritual artifacts, slowly passing through layers of openings, glancing at the diverse decorations of each floor, and seeing cultivators with different attire, bustling around, the group found it utterly novel. Young Linglong clutched her father’s hand, giggling.

"Isn’t it fun? This is called a floating staircase, another idea of Master Lu..." Master Xuan Ji winked at Jiang Baitao, nearly blurting out in front of outsiders.

He then introduced that from the ninth to the twelfth floors were Yunshan Sect’s residence, where the sect leader was now on the twelfth floor.

As they spoke, the group had reached the twelfth floor, beneath the watchtower’s lower level.

Master Xuan Ji waved his hand, and the platform stopped. The group stepped off, seeing many rooms, with a large guest hall in the center, its doors tightly shut.

Xiaolin swallowed nervously, their previous anxiety returning. Wang Ruoyu’s face flushed crimson, Li Da’s mind raced, contemplating how to present himself, while Jiang Baitao tried to appear relaxed, though her resolute gaze said it all.

The middle-aged man felt tense and held Linglong’s hand tighter.

Master Xuan Ji knocked on the door without speaking, and it opened.

A tall youth, jade-like and nobly-tempered, stood at the entrance, smiling gently at the group.

"Xiaolinzi!" Jiang Baitao shouted, "Where’s my senior brother? My sister isn’t here, is she?"

Over two years, the once-gaunt Lin Le had grown into a graceful young man. Having long managed sect affairs and operations, upright and mature, he was deeply trusted by Lu Qian, though his cultivation was slow, remaining at Qi Cultivation stage two, truly regrettable.

Upon hearing Jiang Baitao’s yelling, Lin Le’s expression turned odd, casting Baitao an apologetic look, stepping aside, as a cold female voice sounded: "Unlucky you, I’m here."

The elegant female cultivator appeared, in lotus-pink attire, apricot blossom fragrance, wide sleeves flowing immortally, her figure graceful, having reached Late-Stage Qi Cultivation.

Yet the fairy’s face bore icy disdain as she stared at Jiang Baitao, slightly undermining her poised image.

"Sister!" Jiang Baitao feigned excitement, rushing to hug Jiang Qingfeng, "I missed you so much!"

But was held back by Jiang Qingfeng’s outstretched palm: "Enough of that, one-year confinement!"

Jiang Baitao jumped up, pushing out tears: "Sister, I really missed you, and came to Shuangye Square to find you."

While speaking, Baitao peeked inside, hoping to catch sight of the great rescuer.

Jiang Qingfeng laughed angrily: "I don’t trust your nonsense, I might as well believe Wang Ruoyu brought you out."

"Yes!" Jiang Baitao’s eyes turned, "It was Shitou who took me out to play, ask him!"

An inner voice echoed: "Senior sister, let her in first." 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞

Jiang Qingfeng stepped aside, revealing the upright figure seated at the main position.

With a commanding presence, handsome features, angular eyebrows, and bright star-like eyes, he exuded majesty with evident cultivation at Qi Cultivation Perfection!

It was indeed the Yunshan Sect Leader, Shuangye Alliance Leader, Shuangye Square’s master, and Golden Core Master’s successor, Lu Qian!