The broad steps stretched upward, tranquil yet solemn, as though brushed by a gentle breeze.
You climbed step by step toward the Heavenly Emperor's residence known as Tranquil Heart Temple.
The three forces that had faintly been at daggers drawn—Dao Dominion Sect, Yin-Worshiping Sect, and Divine Mechanism Sect—had all restrained their auras and watched warily.
After each had encountered danger within the Heavenly Emperor's Traveling Palace, no one dared underestimate the perils here any longer.
Even Cao An of the Dao Dominion Sect, who had harbored resentment, had no choice but to focus intently, not daring to be the slightest bit careless.
Had the restrictions of Tranquil Heart Temple not opened ahead of time, he had intended to wait for Senior Brother Wuji and come together with him.
But now, fearing the other sects would beat him to the prize, he could only enter first.
You looked as far as your eyes could reach and saw no fewer than a thousand steps. Every one of them was exceedingly broad, easily wide enough to hold a hundred people.
Below the hall at the top of the stairs, those heavy doors were slowly opening. Within lay dim light and unfathomable depths.
Even with your eyesight, you could not make out the scene inside.
For some reason, a thread of ominous foreboding quietly swept through your heart.
Your steps paused slightly, and you quietly slowed down, falling a little behind your former position.
Jade Terrace Fairy Zhuang Xiuyin noticed your brief hesitation. Her eyes shifted as she too looked toward Tranquil Heart Temple.
Everyone ascended the steps, none rushing ahead. Only an oppressive silence remained.
When they reached the eight-hundredth step, everyone halted at once.
An invisible pressure suddenly descended, as if a slab of stone had been laid across their shoulders. Yet