The instant the rune fused with the defensive formation, the entire city shuddered violently.

The cultivators in dark robes turned pale as paper. One after another, they were flung back, coughing up blood.

“My name is Jared. I came here out of respect to speak with your city lord. If anyone tries to stop me, don’t blame me for getting rough!”

Jared’s voice echoed like thunder across the city. The sound waves seemed to tear open cracks in the clouds above.

Reluctantly, the black-robed cultivators stepped aside, their expressions full of resentment.

As Jared and his companions passed through the final gate, they could already see the eaves of the city lord mansion looming ahead.

The scarlet doors slowly swung open, revealing a middle-aged man standing with his hands clasped behind his back. Dressed in a python-patterned robe threaded with gold, was none other than Jovan, the city lord of Winged Tiger City.