Entering the Pass · First Arrival in Blue Territory

As the Blue Dynasty's most important border fortress in the east, Eastern Garrison Pass maintained stringent defenses and impeccable order. Though the lines of travelers were long, the clearance inspections were remarkably efficient.

The Li Family and Dongyue Family teams queued in order. Their identity documents and tournament invitations were all in order, and with the Dongyue Clan's reputation as an established power vouching for them, they passed through smoothly. The border officers were quite courteous during the inspection, especially after learning that this was the team rumored to have defeated the Mountain-Suppressing Sect. Their eyes held even more curiosity and respect.

Still, none of the required inspection procedures were omitted. Everyone's identity had to be confirmed, the authenticity of the invitations verified, basic information recorded, and temporary passage tokens issued...

The whole process took nearly two hours.

When the group finally passed through the towering, heavy gate passage and officially set foot on Blue Dynasty soil, everyone sensed a subtle difference.

The air seemed more humid, while the flow of Soul Power between heaven and earth appeared more active and orderly, carrying the faint impression of having been meticulously regulated. This was somewhat different from the comparatively natural, wild atmosphere of Soul Power in the eastern regions.

Looking around, they found that beyond the pass was not some desolate wilderness, but an enormous border city built against the fortress—Eastern Garrison City. Its streets were broad, its houses orderly, its shops numerous, and its crowds ceaseless. Its prosperity was no less than that of some great inland cities. Many of its buildings bore the unmistakable style of the Blue Dynasty—mostly built from azure-blue or gray-white stone, with eaves curving upward like crescent moons, their decorations simple yet grand.

"As expected of the Central Dynasty. Even a mighty border city possesses