The procession passed through the outskirts of Qingzhou City, the clatter of hooves sounding somewhat hollow on the broad stone-paved road.
The buildings here were already far taller than those in Suining Prefectural City, but the farther east they went, the more intense the prosperity and oppressive atmosphere became.
When He Ming reined in his horse and pointed toward a sprawling complex ahead, the Pacification Guards behind Yi Yang, along with the men from the Evil Punishment Office under Meng Kuo, all stopped breathing for half a beat.
That was no cluster of buildings.
It was a mountain.
A black mountain made of palaces, standing in the East District.
At its base lay an enormous plaza, spacious enough for a thousand men to drill. At the far end of the plaza was a stairway leading to the summit.
Dark and heavy, it stretched beyond sight.
Ninety-nine steps.
Every step had been cast from black iron and engraved with intricate Demon-Sealing Sigils. After a hundred years of wind and rain, their edges remained as sharp as new.
Beyond the steps stood the Ninefold Palace, its tiers rising one above another, each palace taller and more magnificent than the last.
Beneath sweeping eaves and interlocking brackets, glazed tiles reflected a cold light in the sun.
An invisible aura shrouded the entire complex, stern and murderous, making everyone who approached instinctively soften their footsteps.
This was the headquarters of the Qing Province Heaven Patrol Office.
"Lord Yi, Lord Meng, this is as far as we can escort you."
He Ming and Banner Commander He dismounted and cupped their fists toward the two men.
"Someone will come to receive you from here."
Yi Yang nodded and returned the salute.
He Ming departed with the Windbreath Cavalry, while Meng Kuo impatiently led his men toward