The Nine Heavens Evolving Heaven Palace.
When Minato Namikaze and Jiraiya passed through the passage and arrived there, both were stunned by the sight before them.
They had never imagined that beyond the passage lay a blessed realm, one far larger than Mount Myōboku. As for its splendor, even the Daming Palace could not compare.
"The Nine Heavens Evolving Heaven Palace."
Looking at the large characters on the stone tablet ahead, Jiraiya murmured the name.
"Master Jiraiya, what is this place?"
Minato Namikaze asked.
Even the widely traveled and knowledgeable Jiraiya shook his head.
"I don't know. I've never heard of this place. Minato, can you feel it? This entire space is filled with vibrant energy. The sheer amount is staggering."
The vibrant energy Jiraiya mentioned was natural energy, the energy he could sense when practicing Senjutsu on Mount Myōboku.
Yet here, he could sense natural energy without even quieting his mind to focus. He had never imagined such a thing possible.
Compared with Mount Myōboku, this was the true sacred land. Mount Myōboku seemed like a little mountain village beside it.
Just as the two marveled at their surroundings, a figure appeared before them.
Their initial wariness turned to astonishment. Jiraiya practically bristled in shock, pointing at the figure and shouting,
"Orochimaru! What are you doing here?"
The newcomer was indeed Orochimaru. Yechen had sent him to escort the two to the Hall of Gods.
One reason Yechen had chosen Orochimaru was that he was the only other person in the Nine Heavens Evolving Heaven Palace at the moment. Surely a Divine Lord could not be expected to welcome them in person!
That would be beneath his dignity!
Besides, Orochimaru was an old acquaintance of theirs, though he harbored some resentment toward Minato Namikaze over the contest for the