Elder Yi had expected some mishap when he reached for the magical artifact, so he had been exceedingly cautious. Yet unexpectedly, the thing showed no reaction at all and came off with ease.
He examined it in his hand. It resembled a sphere formed from several dozen long rings joined together, like an instrument for calculating the stars. The rings shifted from time to time, yet even with his eyesight, he could not make out exactly how many comprised it.
As he truly could not determine what it was, he did not attempt to use it. He cautiously stowed it in his sleeve. It was enough to prevent the enemy from making use of it; he could investigate the rest after returning.
After dealing with the object, he stepped up the stairs and came before the hall doors. Once he had steadied himself, he observed them for a while, then raised the great seal and channeled his magical power into it.
A soft radiance bloomed from the great seal and shone upon the doors of the hall ahead. Amid rumbling sounds, the ground beneath his feet trembled, and the doors opened inward of their own accord.
He cautiously glanced inside. Rows of great bronze-gold pillars coiled with dragons stood within, while clouds and mist curled through the hall and auspicious light gleamed everywhere, presenting a full immortal air.
He did not choose to fly. Instead, he stepped inside, and the first thing he did upon entering was raise the great seal once more and close the palace doors behind him.
With a barrier at his back, he felt somewhat more at ease.
He had already taken note earlier that when the golden-bodied Daoist had approached from behind, he had clearly broken through by force rather than relying on his original