Liao Lands, Prosperous Capital Circuit, the Capital.
The rain that had lasted thirty days finally stopped, and the skies cleared. Yet layer upon layer of iron-gray clouds lingered, allowing little daylight to fall upon the Capital.
The gates cast from refined iron swung open with a boom and a teeth-grating creak. The guards on either side knelt in salute to welcome the carriage entering the city.
Wreathed in rosy radiance, the yellow-and-white carriage rolled slowly along the broad road, drawn by six extraordinary stallions. Its driver was a stone man, mysterious yellow in color and gleaming with divine light.
A vast procession followed the carriage, its ranks stretching like a long dragon. Banners fluttered overhead, each bearing the character for Wei.
Few mortals were seen in the city. Most of its inhabitants were nobles from the various tribes or descendants of former dynasties, and nearly all possessed cultivation. Yet now, every one of them gave the carriage a wide berth.
The carriage curtain lifted slightly, and a youth in sumptuous brown robes leaned out. His bearing was otherworldly, and he surveyed this not particularly ancient capital with a measure of scrutiny.
He sat back, let the curtain fall, and returned to his seat, a hint of displeasure in his eyes.
His aura suggested that he had only just attained a divine ability and had yet to stabilize it. Brownish-yellow Wu Earth radiance coiled around him, forming visions of imperial palaces, divine halls, immortal mountains, and Dao sanctuaries.
"A capital built here, with the sea to the north and mountains encircling the south, is indeed well placed to preserve what has already been won. But it forfeits the opportunity to advance south and lacks the spirit to unite all under heaven. What do you think, Your Majesty?"
Seated opposite him was