In the early winter of Sea Circle Calendar year 1517, the masts of the Chang'an pierced the clouds and mist that shrouded the summit of the Red Line year-round.
"Fengxiao, it looks like your prediction was off this time. We're almost at the Red Line, and that surprise still hasn't arrived." Chen Yu teased Guo Jia with a smile.
"Perhaps your divine might frightened it off, my lord."
"Hahahahaha!"
When the enormous ship finally docked in Mary Geoise's exclusive harbor after many days at sea, even the well-traveled Guan Yu and Zhao Yun were slightly moved by the sight before them.
The harbor was not built by the sea, but inside a vast artificial cavern carved into towering red rock. Its brightly lit ceiling soared high overhead, and it could accommodate dozens of enormous warships. Murals depicting the symbolic achievements of successive generations of Celestial Dragons adorned the rock walls on either side, their lavish style carrying a cold sense of detachment. A strange mixture of smells filled the air: the briny tang unique to the deep sea was forcibly suppressed by a rich fragrance of spices. It was the incense favored by the Celestial Dragon nobility, so cloyingly sweet that it made breathing difficult.
"What a welcome display of intimidation." Guo Jia gently waved his feather fan, his gaze sweeping over the honor guard already lined up at the far end of the harbor. They wore pure white uniforms, and even their expressions seemed cast from the same mold. Uxie's Power allowed him to sense clearly that behind this seemingly solemn welcoming ceremony lay countless scrutinizing gazes concealed in the shadows, cold and calculating.
Dressed in black robes with a jade belt, Chen Yu stood at the bow. Arceus's Power flowed naturally, imperceptibly dissolving the cloying fragrance and invisible