Wang Ping stared at the four characters "Taichu Treasure Hall" on the plaque. A flash of heat passed through the depths of his eyes, one he himself had never noticed. Then, beneath Yulian's gaze, he slowly raised his right hand and gently pressed it against the tightly shut hall doors.
The touch was warm and substantial. He exerted no force; with only a slight stir of thought, the vast Wood Spirit Qi within him flowed gently into the doors like trickling streams, quietly resonating with the formation runes engraved around the hall's foundation.
"Hummm—"
A deep, ancient hum rose from within the hall, as though a colossal beast that had slumbered for countless ages was awakening. The heavy doors silently slid inward. As the air from within rushed toward them, Yulian on Wang Ping's shoulder involuntarily held her breath.
From the outside, the main hall appeared a hundred zhang high, yet within, it seemed to contain a world of its own. Its vault stretched far overhead, seemingly joined to the transparent heavens outside, directly reflecting the boundless Star Sea. The Sun True-Fire Treasure Orb hung high above, casting down its radiance and illuminating every inch of the hall with perfect clarity, yet the scene carried an unusual stillness and solemnity.
The palace was supported by twelve pure white pillars of light, endless spiritual energy slowly circulating within them. The floor was as smooth as a mirror, reflecting the starry sky overhead. Walking upon it felt like strolling through the heart of the cosmos.
Ahead of the main gate, a broad imperial path stretched straight from the entrance toward the deepest part of the main hall. After watching it for a long while, Wang Ping took his first step.
His foot landed upon the imperial path with a crisp, lonely echo