Under the gaze of countless spectators, the group of ten arrived at the mountaintop.
The palace atop the mountain resembled an ancient temple, archaic and unadorned. It stood dozens of meters high, radiating a majestic, overwhelming grandeur. The structure bore no extravagant paint, only the pure white of polished stone and silvery-white metal sheets inlaid into its surface. Under the sunlight, it gleamed brilliantly.
The temple had no gates. Its outer perimeter was formed by rows of stone pillars. Through the gaps between them, they could clearly see that the temple itself was completely empty.
In other words, the temple was not their destination.
Then where were they going? Only when everyone looked down the road did they notice that it led to a circular platform directly before the temple.
Previously, they had vaguely seen shadowy figures ahead of the temple. Looking again now, they realized those supposed figures were giant statues holding flaming candelabras. Like devout believers, they stood on either side of the road.
The group exchanged glances, then stepped forward together onto the final stretch of road.
As they entered, the giant statues holding candelabras on both sides reacted. Whenever they passed one, the candelabra cradled in its hands burst into roaring flames. At the same time, the statue moved, lowering itself to one knee as though welcoming the arrival of heroes.
One statue after another lit up with fire and knelt upon the ground, stretching all the way to the end.
The sight was immensely stirring. Even the audience felt their blood race at the sight, while those present upon the path felt it all the more deeply.
"The sense of ceremony is overwhelming. It seems we have truly entered the ritual stage," Su Yatutai said quietly as he watched the scene before him. His tone