At the old site of Unshuang City, a few corners were still somewhat dilapidated, but prosperity already filled the city. People crowded shoulder to shoulder and heel to heel, their figures everywhere.
In the Palace City, three hundred Temple Army soldiers stood in formation beneath the walls, clad in black armor, bows and arrows on their backs and sharp blades at their waists, exuding a chilling killing intent.
Luo Jialan stood at the highest point of the palace. Below him lay several dozen steps and three terraces, each occupied by a group of Western Regions nobles.
He held a divine scepter, its many damaged sections filled with gold, gemstones, and jade. It was called the "Myriad Treasures Divine Scepter."
He wore a red phoenix robe, the phoenix's head spreading across his chest. Gold thread edged the cuffs and collar like the brilliant ring around a darkened sun.
Zhao Yingluo stood beside Luo Jialan.
She wore crimson ceremonial robes embroidered with the sun, moon, mountains, and rivers. Every stitch was fine and meticulous, the work of the finest embroideresses in the Western Regions.
A magnificent crown.
It was cast from dazzling gold, studded with gemstones of every color, with lustrous jade adorning its pointed tips. In her hand she held a piece of snowy-white jade carved into the shape of a seal.
Slaughter, war, and journeys across thousands of miles had left calluses on her hands, but had never worn away her beauty. Divine radiance shimmered in her glances, and her cheeks were as hard as those of a divine statue cast from jade.
Husband and wife stood at the very top, looking down upon all the nobles of the Western Regions. Among them were old royal clans with centuries of heritage, new nobles who had risen over the past few