Chang'an City, Taiji Palace.
Located at the heart of the city, Taiji Palace had been built only four years ago. Whether in foundation or reputation, it could not compare with Azure Cloud Palace atop Azure Cloud Peak.
Yet the vitality and vigor this Daoist palace had displayed in rising from nothing were beyond Azure Cloud Palace's reach.
The latter was like an old man in his twilight years. Though it possessed deep reserves and great power, its limbs were rigid and its mind muddled. Its hierarchy was strict and its rules numerous, like a swamp-like prison—once trapped within, it was difficult to break free.
Taiji Palace, on the other hand, embraced an exceptionally open spirit. Apart from the most basic rules, it imposed no rigid restrictions, thus drawing in great numbers of cultivators to exchange knowledge and learn.
Quite a few cultivators found their own place within this Daoist palace and developed a sense of belonging toward Chang'an City.
But the one who truly united people's hearts was the Lord of Chang'an who presided over Taiji Palace—the Sage Master Wang Chen!
Not only was Wang Chen's strength unfathomable, he was also willing to pass on his knowledge and teach the Dao. No matter who sought his guidance, they would receive a satisfactory answer.
When Taiji Palace had first been established, Wang Chen would publicly expound the Dao at the training grounds every so often. The cultivators who came to listen grew from two or three at the beginning to hundreds later on.
Some cultivators training in Taiwu Mountain even disguised themselves and secretly came to attend his lectures!
Over the years, Sage Master Wang Chen's prestige among cultivators had risen day by day, while Azure Cloud Palace, which had deep grievances against him, had been utterly powerless to restrain it.