novelraw Chapter 528 - 172: Looking Down on Others Like a Dog
Chapter 528 - 172: Looking Down on Others Like a Dog
"Linchuan Chronicles: Saint Yuan Chronicles: Tiandu"
In the center of the Linchuan Continent, there is a vast empire whose territory is endless, stretching for millions of miles. At the heart of the empire is a capital city named ’Tiandu’.
The size of Tiandu is akin to the territory of a small country.
The city has six city gates, one each in the north and south, and two each in the east and west. Straight post roads connect various parts of the country.
The city is planned in a rectangular layout, with straight lines and layers advancing progressively, bustling markets, and wealthy citizens...
"Tiandu." The solemn city wall that surpassed a hundred feet high, with a plaque outlined in gold dust, caught Mu Qingge’s interest.
She raised her chin, staring at the plaque, her eyes sweeping across the full view of the city gate.
The city wall stood about a hundred feet high, majestic and towering, solemn and heavy. Just the wall alone induced a feeling of submission and deference.
Above the city wall, buildings, and bridges were connected, flags fluttered, where soldiers in golden armor stood dignified, looking into the distance without shifting their gaze.
The city gate was also forged from incredibly solid Black Iron wood, reinforced with molten copper. The facade was colorful, and upon closer inspection, it was adorned with various high-rank beast cores, a crafting process beyond any monetary valuation.
The wealth of the Holy Yuan Empire was vividly displayed before everyone.
Zhao Nanxing rode over to Mu Qingge’s side, a hint of helplessness in his laughter: "High-rank beast cores are rare treasures, hard to find even if money can buy them in the third-class countries. Yet here in the capital of the Holy Yuan Empire, they merely serve as decorations on the city gate. This contrast is truly vexing!"
As he finished speaking, Feng Yufei also rode to the other side of Mu Qingge, glanced briefly, then turned to Mu Qingge: "Third-class countries have always been seen as beggars in the eyes of these second-class and first-class countries. Entering Tiandu this time might not go smoothly."
Their words turned a circle in Mu Qingge’s ears. She smiled slightly, her gaze dropping from the plaque to the two of them: "No worries, we won’t start trouble but we aren’t afraid of it either."
Zhao Nanxing and Feng Yufei both nodded seriously.
"Let’s go, let’s first take a look at what this largest capital of Linchuan is like!" At Mu Qingge’s command, the teams from the three countries followed closely, slowly crossing the white jade bridge over the moat, approaching the city gate.
The Qin Country, Li Country, and Yu Country are the representatives of the third-class countries this time.
This was Mu Qingge’s decision, also the most appropriate decision.
The commanders of the three countries were Mu Qingge, Zhao Nanxing, and Feng Yufei. From this alone, the issue of internal disunity was fundamentally solved.
No need to worry about working hard at the front and getting stabbed in the back.
As for Tu Country and Ba Country, the former had zero goodwill from Mu Qingge, and she wasn’t familiar with the generals of Tu Country. As for the latter, due to their complex internal relations among the tribes of Ba Country, their involvement could lead to some entanglements.
Therefore, having the Li Country and Yu Country join was the best.
As required, each country’s representatives could not exceed two thousand people. Together, the three countries had about six thousand people. This contingent, lined up outside Tiandu City, was also a sight that drew the curious gazes and discussions of the bustling passersby.
"Halt!" A stern shout came from below the city gate.
A razor-sharp, glimmering sword stopped in front of Mu Qingge, blocking her path.
Mu Qingge’s gaze lingered on that sword, with a faintly discernible sound: "Spiritual Artifact." A mere gate guard wielded a Spiritual Artifact as their weapon. Just how wealthy is this Holy Yuan Empire?
"Who dares lead an army into Tiandu?" The person blocking Mu Qingge wore golden armor, appearing to be a general responsible for city defense.
He carried a cold expression, his tone slightly disdainful.
His provoking manner made Mu Qingge’s eyes narrow slightly.
Zhao Nanxing spurred his horse forward proactively, saying: "General, we are the representatives of the third-class countries participating in the Linchuan Conference in Tiandu, please allow us to enter the city."
He came with an intention to keep the peace, but evidently, this city defense general didn’t see it that way.
Listening to Zhao Nanxing’s self-introduction, the arrogance and disdain in his expression grew even stronger. He raised his chin, looking down at them: "So, you’re from the third-class countries!"
He bit on the words ’third-class countries’ with a strange tone, inciting uproarious laughter from the onlookers and other city guards.
The uproarious laughter was not a stifled chuckle.
They unabashedly mocked the envoys from the third-class countries, this unified laughter making the thousands-strong contingent from the third-class countries flush with embarrassment.
Fortunately, they were the finest soldiers from the three countries. Even though humiliated at the city gate, they remained upright in posture, eyes staring straight ahead. However, their hands clenched tightly onto their weapons, veins bulging, joints white.
"Is this the quality of a Tiandu gate general?" A voice, cold and mocking, sounded leisurely.
Unexpectedly, it abruptly ended the laughter of those mocking.
All around, it suddenly became quiet, with all eyes instinctively drawn to the person who spoke.
"Impudent! How dare you slander this general!" The Golden Armor General’s face turned dark, his hand pointing the sharp sword even closer to Mu Qingge.
His action prompted the other city guards to all point their weapons at Mu Qingge and her group.
"Slander?" Mu Qingge’s clear eyes brushed over the sword in the general’s hand, her tone still indifferent yet teasing: "Just a watchdog, is it worth being slandered by this lord?"
"You!" The Golden Armor General’s eyes bulged with fury, a green light flashed from his sword, thrusting fiercely at Mu Qingge. "Courting death!"
This scene happened so suddenly that Zhao Nanxing and Feng Yufei, closest to Mu Qingge in the third-class contingent, widened their eyes in shock but showed no intention to act.
The surrounding imperial citizens looked at the city defense general in surprise. Their expressions seemed as if they would witness the arrogant Mu Qingge bleed on the spot, falling from her Flame Horse.
Either meet a violent end or beg for forgiveness!
The citizens of the empire thought so, and so did the Golden Armor General fantasize.
As he struck with the sword, a coldness flickered from his mouth and eyes. To him, Mu Qingge was no different from a dog.
Oh, the only difference is this dog is exceptionally beautiful; it could fetch a fortune if sold into a male brothel!
In an instant, the varied expressions.
The sharp sword tip carried with a cold gleam was already in front of Mu Qingge.
But she neither dodged nor moved, appearing frozen with fear in others’ eyes.
Crack!
A crisp, bell-like sound echoed outside the city gate.
Immediately following, they saw the formerly arrogant Golden Armor General fly backward, directly through the city gate, landing heavily on the streets within, stirring up dust, and spewing a mouthful of fresh blood with a ’wow’.
Hiss——!
What just happened?!
The citizens of the Imperial City widened their eyes, expressions uniformly in disbelief.
They froze where they stood, staring at the disheveled figure of the General lying on the ground, unresponsive.
They hadn’t clearly seen what happened, just saw the general fly out, seemingly seriously injured.
At this moment, someone noticed Mu Qingge.
She continued to sit lazily upright on her Flame Horse, expression cold. Her remarkably beautiful features, exquisite to perfection, radiated brilliant light.
Beneath her Flame Horse, a sharp sword tip lay quietly on the ground.
Seeing this scene, the citizens of the empire gasped again.
The city defense general had not only been defeated, but even his sword had been snapped?!
Yet how had all this happened?
The citizens couldn’t see clearly, nor could the soldiers outside the city gate, who appeared equally bewildered. They too failed to see what transpired, only seeing their commander flying out and spilling blood, seemingly on the brink of death.
And the person their commander intended to discipline, she sat intact on her Flame Horse, appearing as if she hadn’t moved at all.
Zhao Nanxing sighed and shook his head, speaking in a volume only three could hear: "Can’t stop someone hell-bent on dying, daring to lay hands on our young lord? It’s like an old man’s attempt at hanging himself!"
His expression seemed to sympathize with the Golden Armor General’s plight, but his tone was unmistakably schadenfreude!
Feng Yufei glanced mildly with those alluring phoenix eyes, then said to Mu Qingge, "Supposedly, officials of the Holy Yuan Empire should have been waiting here to receive us. Yet there’s still no sign of them."
Mu Qingge sneered, "They’re all just hiding in the shadows, watching the play." After speaking, she lightly squeezed the horse’s belly with her legs, and Black Flame raised its noble hooves, disdainfully swept a glance over the dumbfounded crowd, and slowly headed toward the city gates.
One person, one horse, just like that, under the watchful eyes of all, passed before the city defense soldiers and slowly entered the city.
Those soldiers, holding weapons, stared at Mu Qingge but did not dare to act rashly, only watching helplessly as she passed through the thick city walls and long gate into Tiandu.
The sound of Black Flame’s hooves was extraordinarily loud at this moment, as if heard from afar, resembling the sound of stepping on a heart.
"Pfft... cough cough..." The Golden Armor General lay sprawled on the spacious street, surrounded by a crowd of spectators on both sides, gawking at the scene, unaware of what transpired outside the city gates.
Why would the always imposing City Defense General, emblematic of the Empire’s image, be beaten to lie like a dead dog on the street?
Most importantly... who? Who dared? To assault the City Defense General is akin to slapping the Empire’s face!
Within their shock, they finally saw a person slowly approaching on horseback.
Backlit, they could not discern the appearance of the rider, but felt a formidable aura rapidly spreading, causing a shudder within.
Vaguely, they discerned the arrival’s youth, clad in red. Dazzling and eye-catching, his radiance outshone the sun in the sky.
He exuded an aura of defiance and arrogance, allowing no disregard.
As she gradually emerged from the backlight, her appearance finally came into view.
And those who saw it drew cold breaths, for her appearance was astonishingly beautiful, breathtaking enough that one dared not gaze directly.
Such a face, like a city toppling calamity, appearing on a brash youth’s visage, seemed almost divine, rendering the heavens darkened!
Just as the Empire’s populace was stunned by Mu Qingge’s beauty, she had already reached the Golden Armor General, looking down at him.
Sprawled on the ground, feeling as if his entire skeleton was shattered, the Golden Armor General sensed a shadow envelop him.
Straining to lift his head, he saw Mu Qingge’s indifferent face in the shadows.
A fear unlike any before surged through him, and he exclaimed in terror, "You... you dare to injure an Imperial soldier publicly! You..."
"I’ve just arrived today, don’t force me to kill." Her words interrupted the Golden Armor General coldly.
This strange remark seemed not directed at him.
The Golden Armor General faltered, and the intense pain made him groan in agony.
At that moment, Mu Qingge rode Black Flame past him, as if his existence was hardly worth her glance.
This sense of disregard made the Golden Armor General stiffen, as if plunged into an ice cellar.
"My, my! I only came late for a while, how did this happen?"
Just as Mu Qingge hadn’t moved far, a man in Holy Yuan Empire official attire appeared abruptly, accompanied by attendants. His shiny face plastered with a fake smile.
Bringing people with him, he approached Mu Qingge directly, not even glancing at the Golden Armor General sprawled like a dead dog on the ground, and with a smile, offered a salute, "I presume you must be the famous Lord Mu from the Third-class Country border?"
Mu Qingge’s gaze passed faintly over him, her lips closed silently.
Just that glance made the official shiver, his smile stiffened.
Zhao Nanxing and Feng Yufei exchanged glances, the former said, "Let’s go."
Feng Yufei nodded, waved his hand, and the six-thousand-strong army behind him proceeded grandly, following them directly into the city gates.
The city defense soldiers, despite their high cultivation level, were unable to move under the icy stares of six thousand people, standing rigid with their weapons silently withdrawn.
They focused on the six thousand men, hearts shocked, unconsciously repeating a question, ’Are these really soldiers from that impoverished Third-class Country?’
Zhao Nanxing and Feng Yufei led the people from the Third-class Country to the rear of Mu Qingge.
This scene made the official who came to greet them silently wipe some sweat from his forehead.
These people’s aura was too strong, contrary to his previous expectations!
’People say it’s a cushy duty to receive people from a Third-class Country. Every time such an event occurs, there’s always some profit to gain. How come this time, after being given a cold welcome, they still seem so arrogant? And these people appear different from those who previously came from Third-class Countries!’ lamented the official who came to greet them inwardly.
"Who are you?" Mu Qingge’s cool voice fell from above.
Falling into the official’s ears, it was as thunderous.
Almost instinctively, he stated his origin, "This official is Assistant Minister of the Empire’s Ministry of Rites, Qiu Gao. Ordered to receive you Third-class Country envoys and escort you to the Post House for rest."
Only after speaking did he realize, shocked.
How did he become so compliant?
"Qiu Gao?" Mu Qingge repeated his name. Before he could smile again, she coldly added, "You’re late."
A simple statement sounded like rebuke to Qiu Gao’s ears.
Originally, as an official of the Holy Yuan Empire, he need not mind Mu Qingge’s sentiments. However, inexplicably, he acted as if facing nobles of the Empire, smiling obsequiously, continually apologizing, "This official apologizes for being tardy, asking for Lord Mu’s forgiveness, forgiveness!"
Such humility surprised even him, let alone the attendants who followed him and the onlookers.
The gaze of the Empire’s populace was indeed quite passionate.
Mu Qingge also disinclined to remain on the street, serving as a spectacle for others’ eyes.
So she commanded Qiu Gao, "Lead the way."
Those simple words transformed into an irrefutable order.
Qiu Gao quickly turned to guide, leading the mighty six thousand toward the direction of the Third-class Country Post House. Not sparing a glance at the Golden Armor General lying on the ground.
Having beaten the Empire’s City Defense General, yet still able to leave unscathed, without punishment, not even reprimand.
This news soon spread throughout Tiandu.
And along with it naturally spread the story of Mu Qingge, the assailant.
Moreover, Qiu Gao’s title for him as ’Lord Mu’ was noted by the people and circulated as well.
"I heard that among those from the Third-class Country who came for the Linchuan Conference, one is a young lord, exceptionally handsome, perhaps surpassing our Tiandu’s foremost beauty. Most importantly, he seems quite formidable, having beaten the City Defense General to vomiting blood, yet faced no reprimand."
"Tsk tsk, such talent emerges from a Third-class Country?"
"True! I saw it with my own eyes, not a word of exaggeration!"
"To make the City Defense General spit blood, almost losing half a life, it appears this Lord Mu’s prowess is indeed extraordinary!"
"What’s the big deal? The City Defense General is merely a City Defense General, let him compare with our Tiandu geniuses? In alchemy, we have the Jing Family eldest young master. In cultivation, Shen Family’s third young master is said to have recently reached the Purple Realm. As for beauty... don’t talk about Tiandu’s foremost beauty, even Miss Feiyue from the Lan Family, not to mention the Hua Family’s various charming blossoms, can’t compare to him." someone argued discontentedly.
However, his words met with sneers from others.
"Why don’t you compare him to the Holy King? A family scion from a Third-class Country, no matter how capable, is still limited."
"Exactly, comparing him with our Tiandu’s geniuses really does him a disservice."
"Nonetheless, this Lord Mu from the Third-class Country, just having arrived at Tiandu, already becoming the subject of talk, is quite something."
...
In the streets and alleys of Tiandu, teahouses and taverns alike, Mu Qingge inadvertently became the buzz topic, the headlines. Discussions everywhere focused on him, filled with interest and curiosity, while also bringing up Tiandu’s gifted youths to belittle him.
This conflicting sentiment spread unceasingly within the hearts of Tiandu’s populace, even seemingly escalating.
Meanwhile, as all this unfolded, Mu Qingge had arrived at the Post House prepared by the Holy Yuan Empire for the Third-class Country.
The post house is located in the northwest corner of Tiandu, not too far from the Imperial Palace, yet not close either.
It covers a vast area, with undulating palaces and a tranquil environment. Accommodating six thousand people is more than sufficient.
"Lord Mu, this is where the third-class countries reside. If there’s anything you need, feel free to let us know. You have just arrived today, so please rest for a while. There is a welcome banquet in the palace tonight, and I will come to escort you to the palace at that time," Qiu Gao said to Mu Qingge and his two companions before leaving the post house.
His straightforward manner was sharply at odds with his usual behavior.
It wasn’t until they exited the post house that one of his subordinates exclaimed in surprise, "Sir, why were you so polite to those envoys from the third-class countries today?"
Qiu Gao walked out of the post house, his posture straighter than before.
The subordinate’s words made him angrily shake his sleeve, casting a reluctant glance back at the post house before saying, "Although that Lord Mu is from a third-class country, he gave me the impression of being someone not to be trifled with. My intuition is usually very accurate, so it’s best not to act rashly before understanding the full situation."
Qiu Gao’s comments startled his subordinate.
Having been with Qiu Gao for many years, he quite understood how Qiu Gao rose from a minor official in the Ministry of Rites to his current position as Assistant Minister. The greatest reason was his extraordinary sense, as if innately possessing the ability to avoid danger and perceive who would be beneficial, who must not be offended, and what might be harmful.
Therefore, Qiu Gao’s words made him uneasy. He couldn’t fathom why a group from the third-class country, no matter how esteemed they were there, would be significant in the Empire, worthy of Qiu Gao’s attention.
He didn’t doubt Qiu Gao’s intuition but said somewhat regretfully, "I thought they were fat sheep this time, but unexpectedly, they’re ancestors."
Qiu Gao glared at him, refusing softly, "What is more important, money or life?"
His shout made the subordinate shrink his neck, saying nothing more.
After a while, he hesitated to speak, "Should we report that Lord Mu assaulted the City Defense General at the gates?"
Qiu Gao raised his chin, "Of course, we must report it. Such a commotion, do you think it could remain hidden? I’m afraid it’s already spread throughout Tiandu."
"Then how should we report it?" The subordinate asked, eyes gleaming.
Qiu Gao glared at him, sneering coldly, "I know exactly what you’re plotting. I’ve said it, don’t act recklessly before understanding the full situation. Just report the truth, no need for embellishments."
"Yes, yes..." Qiu Gao’s subordinate nodded submissively.
Coming to the carriage, he bent to help Qiu Gao inside.
The carriage slowly moved, gradually leaving the post house’s vicinity.
After they left, Zhao Nanxing walked into the main hall of the post house and said to Mu Qingge inside, "Qingge, they’ve left."
Mu Qingge turned with his arms behind his back, hardly nodding in Zhao Nanxing and Feng Yufei’s direction, "In the eyes of those self-important people from second-class and first-class countries, we third-class countries are nothing. Today’s event at the gate was just an appetizer. Tonight’s palace banquet is likely to be the true highlight. You two, go back and get some rest, and don’t disgrace our third-class country tonight."
Zhao Nanxing and Feng Yufei nodded heavily.
With a cold, mocking laugh, Zhao Nanxing said, "This area is considered the poorest, most mixed part of Tiandu. It shows just how little regard the Holy Yuan Empire has for third-class countries by placing their post house here."
"To them, a third-class country is a barren place. The so-called unruly people emerge from bad lands. In their eyes, no matter our status, we’re just unruly people, so it’s not surprising they placed the post house here," said Feng Yufei calmly.
"We cannot just allow them to bully us." Zhao Nanxing raised an eyebrow.
Then he looked at Mu Qingge.
He prided himself on understanding Mu Qingge, knowing that with her nature, she would never let herself be wronged. Now, the entire third-class country regards her as the leader and superior.
So whether for herself or the third-class country, she would not allow others to bully them.
Just like at the gate, she could have chosen to resolve the problem peacefully, but she broke in with a firm hand instead.
She was letting the people of Tiandu, and the Holy Yuan Empire know that the third-class countries were no longer easy targets!
In fact, the various emperors had prepared treasures and money early on to grease the wheels within the Holy Yuan Empire, but Mu Qingge didn’t even intend to use them.
The two looked at Mu Qingge, and she smiled, "What are you looking at me for?"
Zhao Nanxing and Feng Yufei exchanged a look, the latter asking, "We naturally await you giving us a boundary. Tell us where the bottom line is?"
Knowing the limit would prevent passivity. It would also avoid causing an unmanageable mess and trouble for Mu Qingge.
Mu Qingge laughed, "There is no bottom line. As representatives of a third-class country, we must have our integrity. Anyone who harms our dignity, feel free to retaliate. Whatever happens, I’ll bear it!"
"Let’s share the load together. Don’t carry everything on your own." Zhao Nanxing disagreed.
He knew of Mu Qingge’s feminine identity, and his admiration for her only increased. Yet, somewhere within, there was a propensity to protect, reluctant to let her, as a woman, do everything herself. As her brother and a man himself, he shouldn’t rely on her protection.
He absolutely wouldn’t take advantage as though it were natural.
"Understood." Mu Qingge didn’t argue further.
The three discussed the Linchuan Conference briefly before each returned to their rooms to rest.
The furnishings and decor in the post house weren’t lavish but simple and elegant. Mu Qingge never fussed about such things, so a clean and tidy place was enough when temporarily residing outside.
Thus, she didn’t feel resentful about the post house’s conditions.
In truth, this visit to the Holy Yuan Empire didn’t feel unfamiliar to her. In a past life, she had once led a team to participate in a world special forces tournament.
In the eyes of soldiers from countries more developed than Huaxia, they looked down on her ’frail’ soldiers who barely reached their shoulders or ears.
However, with excellent, astounding results, she repeatedly proved her and her comrades’ strength before these foreign soldiers.
She wouldn’t forget the disdain in those soldiers’ eyes that gradually turned into surprise and finally admiration.
Therefore, the Holy Yuan Empire people looking down on third-class countries didn’t faze her.
A proper mindset ensures reason won’t be swayed by emotions, preventing erroneous judgments and decisions!
This time, her goal was to attain a place in the Ancient Ruins. That was her target; everything else was just fleeting clouds.
On this visit, among the two thousand people from Qin Country, there were three hundred Dragon Tooth Guards and three hundred selected from the Qin Country army by Qin Jinchen.
Back in her chamber, Mu Qingge lay on the bed, her mind swirling with thoughts.
This quick return to the Holy Yuan Empire was not what she had anticipated.
Nevertheless, the Holy Yuan Empire was one of her targets, so it would not be too abrupt.
"Will he show up?" she wondered eagerly.
The image of a man surfaced in her mind.
Somehow, this man’s presence made her more expectant for tonight’s banquet, yet also more anxious.
This desire to see him, mixed with the unwillingness to be seen, troubled her and kept her from resting peacefully.
This time, she had come to his side.
Meanwhile, Tianshi City lit up like day as evening fell.
The teahouses and taverns brimmed with guests, buzzing with activity, hardly resembling the night.
Mu Qingge sat in the carriage brought by Qiu Gao with Zhao Nanxing and Feng Yufei, slowly moving through Tiandu’s main street. Behind the carriage were ten trusted aides each, as the rest remained behind at the post house.
Feng Yufei lifted a corner of the curtain, admiring the night view of Tiandu, its bustling colors reflected in her phoenix eyes.
She watched for a while, then let down the curtain, blocking the vibrant colors and noise outside.
"It’s unexpected, this Tiandu, to be so uniquely vibrant at night," she said.
Mu Qingge smiled faintly, "After all, it’s the largest city on the Linchuan Continent, it has to be different after all."
Zhao Nanxing followed, "Tiandu is unlike our country’s capital; at night, a curfew is imposed. In Tiandu, there is no curfew, and these night markets can go on until dawn before closing and packing up."
Feng Yufei nodded, "Perhaps only the strength of the Holy Yuan Empire makes this possible. Its strength ensures there’s no fear of any miscreant causing trouble in the dark. They’re confident in resolving any problems."
Mu Qingge suddenly laughed.
Zhao Nanxing and Feng Yufei looked at her, curiously asking, "What are you laughing at?"
Mu Qingge flicked nonexistent dust off her sleeve, her smile undiminished, "I suddenly feel that living in this area is good; we get to experience the true charm of Tiandu."
The three chatted casually. After more than half an hour, the carriage finally stopped.
"Have we arrived?" Feng Yufei said, lifting a corner of the curtain to look outside.
After a brief look, she withdrew her gaze and turned to Mu Qingge and Zhao Nanxing, "I thought we had arrived, but we just reached the inner city’s gate."
Just as her words fell, the carriage resumed its journey.
It seemed the inspection was over.
After more shaking and jostling, the carriage stopped once more.
Zhao Nanxing smiled, lifting the curtain for a peek outside, "We should have arrived this time."
Indeed, just as he lowered the curtain, Qiu Gao’s voice came from outside the carriage.
"Lord Mu, Crown Princess, Prince, we’ve arrived outside the Imperial Palace. According to palace regulations, no one entering can carry weapons. If you have any, please hand them over; they will be returned when you leave. Also, instruct your subordinates to hand over theirs."
Mu Qingge raised an eyebrow slightly, rubbing her thumb over the finger cover on her index finger. She thought for a moment, then took it off and tossed it into her space.
Zhao Nanxing and Feng Yufei didn’t carry any weapons, so they had nothing to hand over.
After Mu Qingge nodded slightly, Zhao Nanxing said to Qiu Gao, "Understood."
Upon receiving the affirmative response, Qiu Gao turned and left.
As they entered the palace gate, the guards lifted the curtain, scrutinized the three of them inside, and then dropped the curtain back down.
Then, they heard the sound of weapons clinking gently outside the carriage.
It seemed their entourage was following orders, removing and handing over their weapons.
After that, the guards opened the path, allowing them entrance into the palace.
Connecting the gate was a long corridor, visible through the carriage window’s gaps, where the imposing Forbidden Guards of the palace stood on either side.
The surroundings were quiet, only the sound of wheels rolling and hooves clopping could be heard.
This silence imposed a psychological pressure, creating an inexplicable fear.
By the time Feng Yufei silently counted to five hundred, they felt the carriage pause, followed by the sound of another gate opening.
Once the carriage passed through the second palace gate, the invisible pressure vanished abruptly.
Feng Yufei let out a quiet breath, her palms slick with sweat.
She looked at Mu Qingge, who was feigning sleep with her eyes closed, then turned to Zhao Nanxing, whose face was slightly pale, and asked, "Are you alright?"
Zhao Nanxing pursed his lips and shook his head.
Among the three, his cultivation was the lowest, so he felt the greatest pressure. Were it not for his strong will, he might have broken under the pressure just now.
Seeing Zhao Nanxing’s complexion slowly recover, Feng Yufei half-jokingly gave a bitter smile, "Looks like this is the Holy Yuan Empire’s way of giving us a warning."
Compared to this, the buffoon at the city gate was insignificant.
Outside the carriage, a breeze stirred, lifting a corner of the curtain.
The cool wind brought in outside light, momentarily illuminating the carriage, making it fluctuate between light and shadow.
The carriage stopped again, and the curtain was lifted, revealing Qiu Gao’s face.
"Lord Mu, Crown Princess, Prince, we’ve arrived. From here, we must proceed on foot, so please disembark," Qiu Gao said.
Mu Qingge slowly opened her eyes, her clear gaze falling directly on Qiu Gao.
For no reason, Qiu Gao felt a chill in his heart, clearing his mind.
He showed no change in expression, respectfully stepping aside for the three to alight.
Mu Qingge and the others disembarked one by one, realizing they stood on a small plaza, brightly illuminated by lanterns around the perimeter.
Around the plaza, the guards of the Forbidden Guard stood, expressions cold and solemn.
"This way, please." Qiu Gao walked over and gestured for them to follow.
Mu Qingge and the two followed him towards the third palace gate, leaving behind half of their thirty men, reducing their entourage to fifteen.
The fifteen left behind were to wait here until the banquet concluded.
The fifteen allowed in were to serve them closely.
The third palace gate slowly opened, revealing another corridor. Fortunately, this corridor wasn’t too long, spanning roughly a hundred meters.
The group ventured into the corridor.
There were no Forbidden Guards on either side, only the tall palace walls.
Mu Qingge noticed many small holes in the palace walls on either side.
"What are those holes for?" Feng Yufei also noticed the small holes dotting the walls.
Zhao Nanxing explained, "It’s said that these walls have a layer within, filled with pyrolusite. If outsiders intrude, the mechanism can be triggered, causing the pyrolusite to flow out. One flaming arrow is all it takes to turn this place into a dead trap, a sea of fire to burn intruders alive."
Feng Yufei shivered inwardly.
The layers of defenses in the Holy Yuan Empire Palace were an eye-opener for her.
Walking at the forefront, Qiu Gao heard Zhao Nanxing’s words and turned to look at him with a smile, "The Prince truly possesses broad experience, seeing through the true nature of this place at a glance."
Zhao Nanxing nodded slightly, a gentle smile tugging at his lips.
Exiting the corridor, they were greeted by another small plaza.
However, this plaza wasn’t empty. Apart from palace lanterns, there was also a resting place.
This resting place was extremely simple, seemingly just a large makeshift tent.
"We’ll wait here for a while," Qiu Gao indicated the tent.
Wait here?
Mu Qingge raised an eyebrow slightly and asked, "Are we waiting for people from the Second-class Country?"
Without hesitation, Qiu Gao answered with a smile, "I am merely acting under orders, Lord Mu, I ask for your understanding."
Just as he finished speaking, the sound of carriages approached.
The group turned towards the sound, seeing four carriages pass through the third palace gate and enter the area.
Feng Yufei frowned and asked Qiu Gao, "Why were they allowed to ride their carriages in while we had to walk here?"
"Because you come from a lowly Third-class Country!"
Before Qiu Gao could respond, an arrogant voice sounded from the first carriage.
This was followed by mocking laughter from several others...