The morning sun rose, and as the sky filled with radiant clouds, the mist gathered overhead gradually dispersed.
The buildings below stretched and undulated as far as the eye could see, their end nowhere in sight. They resembled a colossal beast extending for hundreds or even thousands of miles, radiating a magnificent aura so overwhelming it made breathing feel difficult.
This was the Great Gan Imperial City, the most prosperous and terrifying region in the entire realm.
The depths of the palace were dim and gloomy. Golden sunlight streamed in through the gaps, only to be swallowed up by the boundless darkness in an instant.
Gazing at the palace before her, which seemed vaguely familiar, the woman hesitated for a moment before stepping over the threshold and entering.
"Bang!"
The doors suddenly slammed shut, like a colossal beast closing its bloody maw.
A frigid aura erupted and spread, making the woman's delicate body tremble slightly.
She drew a deep breath, steadied her mind, and immediately walked toward the depths.
She did not know how long she had been walking. The frigid aura grew denser and denser, as though she had entered a world of ice and snow. The bone-piercing chill pierced through her skin and flesh and seeped into her body, like countless knives stabbing their way inside.
The woman's pretty face was pale, but she still bowed respectfully toward the throne in the darkness.
"Your Majesty."
Her voice was not loud, yet it echoed throughout the entire palace.
It was like ripples spreading across a calm mirror.
In the gloom, a pair of eyes suddenly opened. Deep and radiant, they pierced through the endless darkness and fixed upon her.
"You've returned."
A trace of surprise colored the voice.
Ni Miao's heart tightened. She hurriedly bowed again and said, "Bianlin