When the two Treasure Ships reached halfway to the Hanxu Dynasty’s Royal City, ten soldiers flew towards them like arrows cutting through the heavy snowfall.
The soldiers made no attempt to hide their cultivation, their auras spreading outward like waves.
At the forefront was a burly man with body as thick as an ancient tree trunk, his face bearing several deep scars.
His cultivation was at the Early Divinity Transformation stage. The other nine soldiers behind him were at various stages of the Nascent Soul realm, forming a formidable inspection team.
As the burly man sized up both ships, he raised his hand, and immediately the team of soldiers split into teams of five, heading towards both ships simultaneously.
After half an incense stick of time later,
Confirming that both treasure ships indeed came from the two Empires under the rule of the Imperial Dynasty, they immediately led them to the north of the massive hole where an army stronghold was located.
Reaching this place, Eris and Nysa stored their treasure ships within their Space Rings.
Lucian observed with interest before him stretched a vast gathering of people. All were either coming from or going to the floating Royal City, creating a bustling scene of activity despite the heavy snow.
“Look, another treasure ship is coming,” Sylvia pointed toward the eastern sky.
“That’s the flag of the Frostcloud Empire. I recognize the ice-blue Phoenix emblem,” Iris calmly spoke.
After waiting for a while, all the young cultivators, along with the few soldiers from both Empires, stepped into a vast area after passing through several heavily guarded checkpoints.
At this moment, as they stepped inside the Transmission Array Formation, the burly general came forward.
His eyes swept over the group before he produced two jade tokens from his sleeve.
“Visit Azure Wind Pavilion and show them this token. The Dynasty has prepared the accommodation there free of cost,” There was no respect in his voice as he gave one each to Eris and Nysa.
Eris accepted the token with a slight nod, her expression remaining calm despite the general’s attitude.
The Transmission Array Formation slowly lit up, then blinding light enveloped the group.
As Lucian’s eyes fluttered open, he realized that they now stood in an open area.
Below their feet was the Transmission Array Formation, its Runes still glowing with residual Spiritual Energy from their recent teleportation.
Immediately two soldiers at the Nascent Soul cultivators approached, one heading for Nysa’s group and the other for Lucian’s group.
“Who is in charge of your group?”
Eris stepped forward, her purple hair swaying gently, “I am.”
The guard’s eyes couldn’t help but widen as he noticed her beautiful face.
But he quickly composed himself and presented a jade slip to Eris.
“There’s a map inside. You can use this to navigate the Royal City without getting lost,” The guard spoke.
He was about to turn back when a shout came from the inside, “Hey newbie, give them a brief description in case they cause any unnecessary trouble like that incident last week!”
The guard promptly bowed, letting out a sigh of frustration.
Then he began to give a brief explanation, “The Royal City is divided into three parts – outer, inner, and core. Right now, we’re in the outer area where shops, markets, inns and other commercial establishments are located. Most visitors and merchants stay here during their time in the Royal City.”
“Then there is the inner area where Higher ups of the Dynasty reside,” The guard continued, “That’s also where the Royal Academy is located.
And the 1000 km area surrounding that huge mountain in the center where the Royal Family resides. That place is a restricted area, so don’t enter without permission.”
The next moment, he didn’t wait for them to ask any questions and directly led them towards the exit of the Transmission Array Formation room.
Just as the two groups were about to leave the place, the soldier suddenly spoke up, “Oh, I completely forgot. Five days later from now, send one of the participants to the Royal Academy where your registration will be done.”
Eris nodded silently, placing the jade slip into her sleeve before following Lucian and the others out into the open air of the Royal City.
As the cold breeze hit Lucian, he was immediately greeted by the bustling scene of the Royal City’s marketplace.
Wide stone-covered streets stretched before him, lined with countless stores whose colorful banners fluttered in the wind.
At this moment, Second Prince Lin Xuandu came forward, saying, “Royal Mother, my Sect’s Elder sent me a message to join them. So I must take my leave immediately. Also I’ll enter the Tribulation Realm with my Sect’s Seniors, so there’s no need to register me under the Empire’s name.”
“I’m also going with Second Brother,” Third Prince suddenly announced.
Eris nodded, her expression remaining unchanged, as she had already anticipated this.
After giving a cold glare to Lucian, Second Prince Lin Xuandu along with Third Prince and the mysterious dark robed man left, their figures quickly disappearing into the crowded streets of the Royal City.
At this time, Nysa approached Eris and asked, “We should leave now for the Inn. Azure Wind Pavilion should be quite far from here.”
“Wait, I want to see city first!” Iris suddenly spoke up, her purple eyes gleaming with excitement as she gazed at the bustling streets.
Sylvia also joined Iris, pulling at Lucian’s robe with great excitement.
In the corner, Scholar Zhu’s eyes narrowed slightly as he observed the changes in Sylvia’s behaviour.
“I must inform the Lord without delay,” he thought to himself.
Eris looked at Lucian who smiled and said, “In that case, mother-in-law, you should go to the inn and we’ll explore the marketplace a bit. We’ll join you before nightfall.”
“Then let me come with you,” Nysa spoke up, surprising the Luoyue Empire’s cultivators!
“M-mother, w-why you…” Young Master Cheng stammered.
Nysa snorted coldly, “Sister Eris, can you look after my Empire’s people?”
Young Master Cheng’s face turned pale at being dismissed so nonchalantly. He couldn’t help but glance at Lucian. Ever since that day, his mother had changed so much that she seemed like a completely different person…
Eris smiled, “Certainly. They will be safe under my protection.”
The disciples and soldiers of the Luoyue Empire exchanged glances but they dared not ask any questions. They just bowed respectfully to Nysa before following Eris.