Read Novel Full Chapter 189: Cloud Empire (10)
Chapter 189: Cloud Empire (10)
Encircling the upper belt of the mountain, just below its final peak, there was a colossal platform carved into the rock itself or built from a material the color of white marble.
It was so wide that it could house several entire cities and encircled the entire circumference of the mountain like a gigantic ring. And upon this platform, ascending in terraces, towers, and immense constructions, stood the capital of the Cloud Empire.
A city of dream and power, entirely in tones of white, silver, and light blue, its elegantly carved buildings seemed to grow naturally from the platform.
And above the city, hovering like a second sky, thousands more white clouds were sustained by formations, covering the mountain’s actual summit and creating a celestial ceiling that diffused the light into an eternal, gentle daytime twilight.
"My God...," Mei Li whispered, her voice losing its composure for a moment.
Even Bai Zhu seemed impressed, eyes wide. Li Fen grew even quieter, if that was possible, absorbing every detail of the landscape. Yan Ling looked as if she were trying to calculate the budget required to maintain such a marvel. Kai merely whistled softly, a sound of genuine respect.
Kyrian observed in silence, his crimson eyes sweeping over the monumentality of the scene. It was a demonstration of power different from that of the Blood Court.
Less somber, less overtly threatening at first glance, but no less impressive.
It was the power of wealth, of the strength of a 3° tier empire.
His examination was interrupted by movement around him. In the skies, heading toward the city, there were hundreds of flying beasts of all types and colors. Silver falcons like those of the rival group, giant birds with fiery feathers, winged serpents, and even small animated clouds carrying cultivators.
It was an aerial river of guests, all converging on the auction.
Kyrian guided Arcon to follow the flow. They approached the majestic city and then perceived another layer of defense. A huge translucent dome, almost invisible but which made the air shimmer slightly, enveloped the entire city like a protective bubble. Attempting to fly over it would be useless and, clearly, forbidden.
All the other aerial guests were descending. Kyrian followed suit, leading his group in a wide descending arc.
They passed through the edge of the dome and descended toward the external base of the gigantic platform, where vast landing fields had been carved into the rock.
Dozens, perhaps hundreds, of beasts were already there, being tended by an army of efficient Imperial servants.
They landed Arcon and the Crows in an area designated by guards in light-blue and white uniforms. The Empire’s handlers approached with reverence, offering to care for the beasts.
Kyrian exchanged a look with Arcon, running a hand along his neck.
"Stay. Behave." The black steed snorted, nodding.
Dismounted, the group of six followed the flow of other cultivators leaving the landing fields and heading on foot toward what was clearly the main point of entry.
A set of monumental gates carved into the very wall of the platform, flanked by tall towers and guarded by at least fifty guards, each emanating a solid aura, all in the Qi Liberation Realm. There are several captains in the Core Formation Realm.
The line to enter was long, but it moved efficiently. Cultivators of all appearances and affiliations were present, from young disciples like them to elders with long beards and deep auras, richly dressed merchants, and emissaries of smaller sects with anxious expressions.
Kyrian took the front of the group, his eyes sweeping over the gates, the guards, and the subtle formations interwoven into the stone.
Within that city beneath the dome and the clouds, the Centenary Auction would take place. And among those crowds of talents and powers, he would have to secure the Blood Formation for the Court.
"Let’s go," he said, his voice low but clear, and took the first step toward the line.
The line for the Gates of Heaven, as the elegantly carved signs on the towers named them, was long. Kyrian and his five companions merged into the flow, becoming just another group among dozens.
His eyes, ever analytical, scanned the surroundings.
They saw emblems embroidered on robes and stamped on tiny banners. A hammer crossed with a sword of the Earth Forge, the tree with crystal roots of the Deep Roots Sect, and the winged lion of the Southern Wind Dynasty. 4° tier forces that Kyrian now recognized after having spent days in the Blood Library.
And, in turn, they were observed as well. The crimson robes of the Blood Court were a scarlet beacon in a sea of lighter colors, blues, whites, greens, and golds.
Curious glances settled on them, especially on Kyrian, whose sharp beauty and pupil-less eyes were striking.
There were whispers. Some cultivators, recognizing the origin of the robes, moved away almost imperceptibly, creating a small space around them.
The reputation of the Blood Court, forged in ancient wars and in the fearsome figure of Dong Zhen, once known as the Blood Tyrant, still weighed heavily.
It was a respect born of fear, and Kyrian perceived it with crystalline clarity.
The line advanced in an orderly fashion. Guards in light-blue and white uniforms, impeccable and with neutral expressions, quickly inspected each group.
When their turn came, one of the guards, a man with a burn scar on his chin and assessing gray eyes, raised a hand.
"Purpose of the visit to the Cloud Empire?"
"The Centenary Auction," Kyrian replied, his voice flat and direct.
The guard noted something on a jade tablet.
"Affiliation?"
"Blood Court."
The guard’s stylus hesitated for a fraction of a second before continuing to write. He asked no further questions.
"The entry fee for the event period. Ten medium-grade spirit stones per person. There are six of you?"
Kyrian did not argue. With a thought, sixty medium-grade spirit stones, a small fortune to many, materialized in a simple leather pouch that he removed from his ring.
He handed it to the guard, who weighed it with a plate-shaped artifact that glowed faintly, confirming the quantity and quality.
"Approved," the guard said, making a gesture.
"You may pass. Remember, unauthorized violence within the city domes is punished with immediate expulsion or punished with death. The complete rules are available at any guard post. Enjoy the auction."