Jiang Ding followed Sinking Mountain King, step by step toward the imperial palace, as though walking into the gaping maw of a primordial beast.
This imperial palace, though called a palace, was in truth an incomparably vast complex of majestic halls. Many high-ranking kings of the Flame Stone Family, as well as numerous blood relatives of the Great Emperor, lived here.
This place possessed the finest spiritual energy density in the Flame Stone Starfield and the best cultivation grounds for body refinement. Countless powerful cultivators of the Flame Stone Starfield had spent their youth here.
As for the Great Emperor, he was not here. A minor chiliocosm was far too cramped for him. Though he could endure it, it was not a suitable residence.
The Great Emperor's true residence was in the starry sky.
After walking for a while, Jiang Ding showed a hint of surprise.
"This direction does not seem to lead to the residence of Flameflow Imperial Heir, the heir apparent?"
he asked in surprise.
"Blood River King, you should address the Imperial Heir as my lord."
Demon Mountain King appeared at some unknown moment and said coldly, "The Imperial Heir does not wish to see you for now. You have been assigned to the Household Hall, where you will wait until the Imperial Heir wishes to summon you."
"As for when that will be, it depends on the Imperial Heir's mood."
"Is that so?"
Blood River King smiled.
The kings moved swiftly. Before long, they arrived at a cramped, narrow, and extremely dilapidated palace. Calling it a palace was generous—it was really just a three-story little building, shabby in every respect.
This was the Household Hall of the Flame Stone Family, an institution in charge of the fiscal and tax administration of more than ten minor chiliocosms.