Chapter 423: Shocking Change

Chapter 423: Chapter 320: Shocking Change

When evening came, Han Yuan headed to the Great Li Imperial Palace on time for the banquet.

This was, in fact, his first time visiting the Imperial Palace of this world.

From the outside, the Great Li Imperial Palace looked magnificent and resplendent.

Most of the buildings were constructed from fiery red stone, their surfaces carved with all sorts of exquisite murals.

The pavilions, towers, and grand halls each had a unique style, all clearly the products of exquisite design.

As night fell and thousands of lanterns were lit, the buildings seemed to burst into flame. The central tower, carved with a Fire Phoenix, now bloomed with a dazzling red light. It looked as if it were being reborn from fire, creating an unparalleled sensory experience.

Even Han Yuan couldn’t help but stop to admire the splendid beauty before him.

‘The Great Li Imperial Palace really is quite beautiful.’

Han Yuan mused.

After admiring the view in silence for a while, Han Yuan walked toward the Great Li Imperial Palace.

The Great Li Imperial Palace was heavily guarded. Members of the Divine Fire Forbidden Army, clad in Crimson Armor and holding long spears, stood watch before the entrance.

After Han Yuan presented his invitation, a little eunuch led him into a garden.

The Great Li Imperial Palace was divided into two sections: inner and outer.

The Inner Imperial Palace was where the Emperor and his Consorts resided.

The Outer Imperial Palace, on the other hand, was where ministers conducted business and various banquets and events were held.

The banquet that evening was held in a place called the Fire Tree Garden.

When Han Yuan entered the Fire Tree Garden, he saw that both sides were lined with numerous fiery red trees, which faintly emitted a red glow.

Even though it was autumn and the weather was growing cold, a pleasant warmth filled the air upon stepping into the Fire Tree Garden.

“What kind of trees are these?” Han Yuan asked curiously.

“My lord, these are called Fire Jade Trees,” the little eunuch said softly. “They are grown only here in the Great Li Imperial Palace; you won’t find them anywhere else.”

“Is that so…”

Han Yuan studied them for a moment and nodded lightly.

「Soon.」

They arrived deep within the Fire Tree Garden.

The area was festooned with lanterns and colorful decorations. A dozen or so tables had been set up, most of which were already occupied.

After all, everyone qualified to attend this banquet was a Divine Sea Expert, and they were all chatting in small groups.

Not knowing anyone, Han Yuan simply found an empty seat and sat down.

“Friend, why are you sitting here all alone?”

An imposing-looking man in a purple robe sat down next to Han Yuan and asked with a smile.

Han Yuan gave the man a cool glance and said softly, “I am naturally withdrawn and do not enjoy socializing.”

“No wonder.” The man seemed to be a natural at making friends. Instead of leaving, he picked up the wine jug and poured a cup for both himself and Han Yuan.

“I am Zhou Mingwu.”

The man raised his cup and introduced himself.

“Han Yuan.”

Han Yuan replied.

“So, you’re the Master of the Great Demon Palace. A truly heaven-sent talent.”

“Well, I won’t disturb you any further.”

Zhou Mingwu smiled faintly, drained his cup, and then rose to leave.

Han Yuan watched him leave with a thoughtful gaze.

Even though he didn’t know much about the Great Li Imperial Family, he did know their family name was Zhou.

‘And his presence here means he must be a Prince or something of the sort.’

However, Han Yuan paid it no mind.

After a while, his table also filled up.

Some were Divine Sea Experts like himself, invited by the Celestial Net Department, while others were Divine Sea Experts from the National Capital Noble Families. All of them were chatting casually.

Han Yuan remained silent.

There were a few others like him who kept to themselves, and everyone was used to it.

Experts were bound to have their eccentricities.

A short while later, Palace Maids began to serve the dishes, and song and dance performances started.

“I wonder if the National Preceptor will be able to divine the whereabouts of the Immortal Sect Organization,” a Divine Sea Expert commented.

“He should be able to. The National Preceptor is the Abnormal Person with the highest Cultivation in our Great Li Kingdom. If even he can’t find them, we’re in real trouble.”

“Those bastards from the Immortal Sect Organization only know how to hide in the gutters…”

“Exactly… Don’t tell me they’re too scared to show their faces in the end!”

“Hmph! If the National Preceptor finds their location this time, I’ll lead my men to tear their headquarters down myself!”

Clearly, the Immortal Sect Organization’s continued absence was causing some to lose their patience.

Of course, it was also making others uneasy.

After all, the Immortal Sect Organization was like a ticking time bomb, and no one knew when it might explode.

An hour later, the banquet finally ended.

Han Yuan and the others were led to a viewing platform.

Before them lay a wide, open expanse with a massive Magic Altar at its center.

Four crimson pillars stood at each corner of the Magic Altar, emitting an intense red glow.

Han Yuan squinted toward the Magic Altar and saw a Daoist with elegant features. Despite his white hair, he had the face of a youth and wore a Magical Crown.

‘So this is Ling Yunzi?’

Han Yuan mused.

‘This Primordial Spirit Abnormal Person seems far from simple.’

‘But he’s still making preparations. I’ll have to wait until he finishes the ritual before I can find a chance to introduce myself.’

Like Han Yuan, the others remained silent, their eyes fixed on the Magic Altar.

About half an hour later, Ling Yunzi finally rose to his feet.

He glanced at the heavens, apparently deciding the time was right, then took a Peach Wood Sword and began to dance.

‘This must be some ancient and mysterious ritual.’

Han Yuan could feel a mysterious and vast power gathering above the Great Li Imperial Palace.

Ling Yunzi soon stopped his movements. He bit his fingertip and, on a blank Spirit Talisman, swiftly drew a mystical blood sigil before tossing it high into the air.