Emperor Qiankun

Chapter 361 Outer City and Inner City

Inside the giant city.

Everywhere was decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers, with large red lanterns hanging high in front of every house...

Bright red "double happiness" characters, like blooming flowers, adorn every corner, covering everything and creating a strong festive atmosphere.

The street was paved with a special kind of crystal, which emitted a soft yet bright light, illuminating the entire street as if it were daytime.

Walking on it, every step feels like stepping on a sacred road to heaven, or a mysterious path to immortality, inspiring awe and longing.

Li Qingyuan followed the two white-browed old men with an air of otherworldly wisdom and grace, her steps light and unhurried.

He had a clear goal in mind: to follow the two closely and see if he could find Xue Jing's whereabouts.

He had a strong, albeit vague, suspicion that the mysterious person behind the King of Lamps was very likely Xue Jing!

However, all of this was just his speculation...

Only by finding Xue Jing can we unveil the mystery and get a definitive answer.

The two elderly men walked forward with steady and graceful steps.

Until we arrived at that towering, magnificent "Palace of Heaven"!

They slowly stopped, their eyes revealing a deep awe for the palace!

......

Then, the two bowed deeply to the palace with reverence, solemn and respectful!

As they stood up, they each slowly took out a pure white jade-like token from their sleeves.

The token was exquisitely carved, with every line revealing the craftsman's dedication and wisdom.

It is covered with ancient runes, which shimmer with a faint glow.

From Li Qingyuan's perspective, the runes seemed to coalesce into a lifelike dragon, with distinct scales and flowing whiskers.

It seemed as if it might burst out of the cardboard at any moment and soar into the heavens, a truly breathtaking sight!

"Boom——"

As the two elderly people moved, the palace seemed to be touched by an invisible force, and a tall door slowly opened.

But inside the gate, chaos reigned!

Only the swirling vortex of air constantly surges and flows, like the primordial chaos at the beginning of the universe, mysterious and unpredictable, inspiring imagination.

Just as the two were about to step inside, they suddenly heard a crisp applause coming from inside:

"Clap clap clap..."

Accompanied by a deep and magnetic voice:

"On behalf of my father, Emperor Xue Su, I respectfully welcome the two Grand Secretaries back from the ends of the earth!"

Before the words were finished, a handsome young man with a somewhat sinister look slowly stepped out.

Several graceful women followed closely behind him.

They were dressed in light gauze, tall and slender, with skin as white as snow, slender waists like willows, and full hips like the moon; every step they took exuded alluring charm...

------

However, these charming women failed to win the "favor" of the two elderly men.

Instead of admiration, their eyes revealed deep disgust and disdain;

It was as if those women were nothing but worldly vanities, unworthy of their attention!

In their eyes, these women were nothing more than pawns used by Xue Su to test them, and they naturally felt a bit disgusted.

But Xue Su seemed completely oblivious, a playful smile playing on his lips, and continued:

"My lords, my father is still in seclusion and unable to greet you in person. He has specially ordered me to entertain you on his behalf."

"This is just a small gift, nothing more."

After speaking, he gently waved his sleeve, and the two jade boxes opened with a sound, revealing countless rays of light and auspicious colors inside, clearly rare treasures.

At the same time, he gave the beauties a wink, signaling them to dance to entertain them.

But the elder man at the head of the group, the wise man respectfully addressed as Senior Brother, merely smiled calmly and waved his hand, interrupting Xue Su's words:

We appreciate Your Highness's kindness.

“However, those who cultivate themselves do not concern themselves with trivial matters, so let’s skip such formalities.”

After saying this, he walked side by side with the old man behind him and stepped into the mysterious portal.

Seeing this, Li Qingyuan quickly followed behind, preparing to enter together.

However, just as he was about to step inside, a furious shout suddenly came from behind him:

"Enough! Stop jumping!"

"Those two old geezers... are truly stubborn and incorrigible!"

"..."

His words were full of dissatisfaction and resentment.

Upon hearing this, Li Qingyuan couldn't help but chuckle, shaking his head inwardly.

No wonder those two old men said that the other princes were not up to the task; seeing them today, it is indeed true.

Xue Su's actions, ostensibly a gesture of hospitality, were in reality a test, an attempt to force the two elders to reveal their stance.

However, instead of getting what he wanted, he ended up offending the two old men, which was a great loss for him.

Moreover, to treat someone of the Grand Secretary's caliber like this, Xue Su is truly fearless and somewhat brainless...

Li Qingyuan shook her head again, already somewhat understanding Xue Su's scheme.

He stopped thinking and quickened his pace, stepping into that unknown territory.

......

The moment I stepped inside!

The scene before my eyes suddenly changed, as if I had entered another world!

The place was a tapestry of blooming flowers and lush vegetation, a scene of tranquility and serenity.

Although it is a remote place, it is full of vitality, colorful and exceptionally "vibrant".

The monks strolled around or stopped to admire the scenery, as if they were in a secluded little town!

In stark contrast to the surrounding gold and jade, it resembles the difference between the "inner city" and the "outer city," offering a unique charm.

At the end of the small town, where the "City Lord's Mansion" is located.

A palace stands majestically, shrouded in mist and filled with a sacred and solemn atmosphere;

It is like a "celestial palace" descending to earth, or a "heavenly palace" reappearing on earth, with a magnificent and awe-inspiring presence!

Even a fleeting glance was enough to evoke a sense of submission and reverence!

Even Li Qingyuan was subtly affected, which shows how imposing and terrifying his authority was.

The two elderly people seemed to have long been accustomed to this sight.

They kept their auras contained, no longer hovering in the air, but moving forward slowly and discreetly.

They would nod and greet the monks around them from time to time, their smiles warm and friendly, like kind old grandfathers next door, their benevolent demeanor evident.

The monks returned the smiles or offered quiet greetings, creating a harmonious and warm atmosphere.

......