Jiangdong, Tianwu City.
This was the Dao Court's capital, where the Tian Wu Royal Family resided. Its sprawling expanse was so vast that, placed in any other region, it would nearly equal a mortal nation.
Its population exceeded one hundred million.
As far as the eye could see, layered towers, palace halls, pavilions, and jade terraces clustered around a magnificent grand hall built along the mountain's contours. Nine tiers rose in succession, piercing straight into the clouds.
Entering through Xuanwu Gate, one would find jade steps stretching a thousand fathoms upward, coiling dragons and crouching chimeras winding from beneath the red steps like the Heavenly River pouring backward, all the way to that towering hall. On either side of the red steps and beside the jade stairs stood rows of Auspicious Beasts—some raising their heads in disdain, others glaring with furious eyes. All had been exquisitely carved from black stone, weathered through wind and rain, their divine majesty still radiant.
From time to time, a few cold crows swept overhead.
Whenever the evening drum sounded, its dull waves of noise spread from the depths of the palace complex and echoed among the Jade Pavilions, lending the place an air of vast desolation and profound stillness.
Tian Wu Hall
This was the Son of Heaven's residence. At every moment, hundreds or thousands of Inner Court Guards, eunuchs, and palace maids either stood silently on watch or hurried busily about.
Suddenly, a eunuch hurried out from the crowd.
He clutched a Jade Slip in his hand and rushed into Tian Wu Hall with utmost urgency. Upon reaching the front, he dropped directly into a sliding kneel.
"His Majesty! An urgent letter has arrived from the Suppress-South King's Residence!"
After speaking, the eunuch waited respectfully for a moment. Only after a long while