207: Imperial City Temple

Ye Kong stepped into the Imperial Palace and immediately sensed the difference between the inside and outside.

The outside world was bustling, but inside the Imperial Palace, a wave of Spiritual Qi washed over him.

He opened his eyes and saw an inner city wall within the palace gate, guarded by countless soldiers.

On the city tower, a general stood upright, one hand on the hilt of his sword and the other resting on the city wall, seemingly displaying the imperial majesty to all who approached.

Looking down slightly, a black nanmu plaque with golden threads hung above the bright red vermillion gate, neatly inscribed with three large characters: “Zhongyuan Gate.”

The main gate was tightly shut, but two smaller side gates were open.

According to etiquette, only the Emperor could pass through the main gate with carriages, horses, and attendants; everyone else had to use the side gates.

Along the path to the inner wall, two lines of soldiers stood on either side, their Killing Intent palpable, staring intently at Ye Kong.

If it were an ordinary person, seeing this formation would surely scare them witless, leaving them unable to take another step forward.

The layout of this inner wall exuded the solemn majesty of the Imperial City.

Ye Kong didn't think much of it; to him, this level of display was nothing new.

Ye Kong was calm and composed, striding forward confidently.

The soldiers did not stop Ye Kong, but all held their weapons, watching him pass.

Ye Kong walked straight through, finally reaching the inner wall and seeing the Grand Hall! Here, it was another world entirely!

The ground beneath his feet was no longer made of grey-black fired bricks but of high-quality white jade, gleaming with a gentle luster under the sunlight.

Looking ahead, a faint mist seemed to shroud distant, indistinct palaces; even with his utmost vision, Ye Kong couldn't see them clearly.

This Grand Hall was only about a hundred meters away, so he presumed there was a Dao Array set up by a God to prevent prying eyes.

Then there were the carved flying eaves made of sandalwood, adorned with Phoenixes, depicted as if spreading their wings to fly, lifelike in their detail.

Vaguely, the Great Dao of the Gods flowed, indicating that these Phoenixes were not merely decorative but possessed divine efficacy.

On the squares on either side of the Grand Hall, many powerful individuals had already gathered; some held their breath and concentrated, conserving their energy.

Others gazed at the Grand Hall, anticipating the arrival of the princes, marquises, generals, and ministers inside.

Still others focused on the newly arrived people, discussing in hushed tones.

Each area seemed to be pre-assigned; the more prestigious a person, the closer they were to the Grand Hall.

Between each area were floating windows carved from green tiles and wall panels stacked with jade, together forming the dividing lines for each different section.

At the end of the straight path in the center of the Grand Hall, the Grand Hall itself sat on a massive square, rising gradually with jade steps.

In the center of the square, there was also a huge altar, with an extraordinarily tall, straight pillar above it, carved with ferocious Dragon patterns, echoing the Phoenixes on the palace.

Ye Kong couldn't help but marvel, this Imperial City's Grand Hall was truly magnificent and solemn.

It was indeed worthy of being the Imperial City's Grand Hall!

As Ye Kong entered the Grand Hall square, he immediately drew the attention of many people.

Everyone recognized him; this person was undoubtedly the Asura Supreme, Ye Kong.

People immediately began to whisper, casting wary glances at Ye Kong.

“It's actually the Asura Supreme, Ye Kong; I wonder which Family he represents.”

“I've already checked; Ye Kong definitely doesn't come from any noble Family. Some force must have drawn him in.”

“Isn't the Ye Family trying to kill Ye Kong? Who would dare take that risk?” The Ye Family members immediately reached for the swords at their waists upon seeing Ye Kong.

Ye Yuanfeng, the Young Lord of the Ye Family, let out a cold snort and told his subordinates, “Don't be presumptuous! What did the Family Head say? Take your hands off your swords!”

The guards grumbled inwardly, but the Family Head had given orders: Ye Kong was not to be touched during this Ten Kingdoms Tournament. Whether Ye Kong could be killed depended on his performance.

Just as everyone was curious about which force Ye Kong represented, a soldier stepped forward, spoke a few words to Ye Kong, and then led Ye Kong directly towards the Grand Hall.

Everyone was stunned; the square area in front of the Grand Hall was divided according to Family background. Even a powerful God Family like the Ye Family could only occupy a middle-tier area.

Could it be that Ye Kong had found an even greater patron?

Led by the soldier, Ye Kong quickly passed through the middle area of the square and continued towards the Grand Hall.

Long Ao also found it unbelievable upon seeing Ye Kong, but when Ye Kong even surpassed his own position, it made him even more curious.

How was this possible? Could Ye Kong have found a patron even stronger than a God Family?

People were incredibly curious; the area closest to the Grand Hall in front of it was reserved for super Families, those that had not only produced more than one God but some even had two Gods alive simultaneously, powerful enough to found a nation.

The Families closer to the Grand Hall initially didn't think much of Ye Kong; he was indeed famous, but to these super Families, he was just considered decent.

From their perspective, everything was very simple.

People were divided into two types: those who had become Gods and those who were about to become Gods. Those who couldn't become Gods were merely ants.

However, when Ye Kong appeared in their area, they became interested. Which force did Ye Kong belong to?

Before they could speculate further, Ye Kong, led by the soldier, had already ascended the jade steps of the Grand Hall.

At this, everyone in the Grand Hall erupted.

Not just anyone could enter the Grand Hall!

Only the royal families of the Ten Kingdoms of the Human Race could enter the Grand Hall on the day of the Tournament.

Ye Kong had actually received an invitation from the royal family!

Long Ao clenched his fists, thinking, “What virtue or ability does Ye Kong possess?!”

Led by the soldier, Ye Kong ascended the jade steps and entered the Grand Hall.

Inside, a giant luminous pearl was embedded in the center of the dome, shining brightly like a clear moon.

The front part of the floor near the jade steps was made of a certain type of sandalwood, which made one feel light all over and refreshed.

Further inside, the floor was paved with white jade, inlaid with golden beads and jade ornaments.

Various patterns of flowers and birds were carved into the ground, each bloom appearing to have the Great Dao flowing through it, with vibrant and delicate petals, and even the stamens were finely discernible.

Ye Kong found it warm and smooth to step on, realizing it was carved from warm jade, and the Spiritual Qi in this place was abundant.

It was clearly not a blessed land, yet it was comparable to the Land of the Gods where Ye Kong had been in the royal territory.

Such a miraculous creation, Ye Kong was seeing for the first time.

“Are you the Asura Supreme, Ye Kong?”

A terrifying pressure came, almost shattering Ye Kong's heart in an instant!