Undying Life

Chapter 200: The Sky City

In the Da Yu Empire, within a valley, General Iron Blood was escorting Princess Qianyou and her entourage to the capital city, Sky City. They were currently camping in the valley, taking a break before continuing their journey.

After setting up the tents, Princess Qianyou and her group rested in the central tent, while General Iron Blood stood guard outside, observing the surroundings.

Inside the tent, Gu Lin anxiously asked, "Qianyou, are we almost at Sky City?"

"We're close. This is the last rest stop. Next time, we can head straight to Sky City," Princess Qianyou nodded.

Gu Lin frowned, "But we haven't encountered any assassins as you mentioned."

"It's not that there were no assassins; they retreated upon seeing the Da Yu Empire's army," Princess Qianyou said confidently.

"Who are these people that would want to assassinate us? Shui Jing, do you know?" Gu Lin looked at Shui Jing.

"Empires hoping for a war between Da Luo and Da Yu, especially those currently at war with the Da Luo Empire. They all hope for it. And apart from them, other empires also hope for it," Shui Jing explained.

Gu Lin nodded thoughtfully.

Zhong Shan, sitting nearby, suddenly asked, "Princess, what is the status of Yi Yan in the Da Yu Empire?"

"Yi Yan? Yi Yan is the regent appointed by the previous emperor of the Da Yu Empire," Princess Qianyou replied.

"The previous emperor? Wasn't the Da Yu Empire founded by Nalan Piaoxue?" Zhong Shan asked, puzzled.

"No, the Da Yu Empire has gone through three generations. Nalan Piaoxue inherited the throne a hundred years ago. His father, Nalan Zhengde, like his grandfather, faced the end of his life unable to break through. Reluctantly, he passed the throne to Nalan Piaoxue. Despite three generations, the Da Yu Empire has steadily developed. Especially Nalan Piaoxue, who is exceptionally talented, his cultivation almost matching his father's," Princess Qianyou explained.

Zhong Shan grasped a key point in her words, "Yi Yan is the regent of the previous emperor? Does that mean Nalan Piaoxue is not as capable as the previous emperor?"

"There's always a trade-off. Although Nalan Piaoxue surpasses his predecessors in talent and cultivation, he lacks his father's experience. Perhaps in a few hundred years, he might catch up, but for now, he isn't there yet. However, his father left him the brilliant strategist Yi Yan," Princess Qianyou said.

"A brilliant strategist? I remember Yi Yan only has the cultivation of the Nascent Soul stage," Zhong Shan frowned.

"Yes, he is only at the Nascent Soul stage and is seriously ill. But his tremendous achievements can't be denied. Just like you, although only at the Golden Core stage, you have extraordinary talent," Princess Qianyou smiled.

"Princess, you overpraise me," Zhong Shan quickly replied.

Princess Qianyou glanced at Zhong Shan and continued, "A hundred years ago, when Nalan Zhengde passed away, the Da Yu Empire was in chaos. There were internal rebellions by eight princes and five noble families, and external invasions by the Da Luo Empire, Da Guang Empire, Da Yan Empire, and Da Lu Empire. The Da Yu Empire was on the brink of collapse. But before his death, Nalan Zhengde entrusted the commander's seal to Yi Yan. In just thirty-four years, Yi Yan, despite his frail health, quelled internal rebellions and defeated external threats, restoring order to the empire."

"Just him alone?" Zhong Shan took a deep breath.

"Yes, just him alone, turning the tide and stabilizing the empire. His name became renowned throughout the land. Even enemy soldiers respected him. Within the Da Yu Empire, besides Nalan Piaoxue, he holds the highest prestige," Princess Qianyou marveled.

Having rested enough, the group prepared to continue their journey to Sky City. Under General Iron Blood's escort, they embarked on the final leg of their journey towards the capital.

Listening intently to Princess Qianyou's explanation, Zhong Shan's mind kept recalling the last time he had seen Yi Yan. That frail man who looked as if a gust of wind could topple him, yet even the first regiment commander of the Da Yu Empire was willing to serve as his footstool.

"You must know, one with great achievements must be able to command respect. How does Nalan Piaoxue treat Yi Yan?" Zhong Shan asked Princess Qianyou.

Princess Qianyou nodded thoughtfully, "Indeed, sir, you see far. Nalan Piaoxue, the Emperor of the Da Yu Empire, undoubtedly holds the highest prestige. Although he still employs Yi Yan, he also uses a distant relative of the Nalan family to balance Yi Yan's power. However, Yi Yan's severe illness and presumably short lifespan mean that there isn't excessive contention. Only during policy implementation in court do differing opinions arise, rather than Yi Yan having sole say."

"The distant relative of the Nalan family, then his status in the Da Yu Empire must be quite high," Zhong Shan speculated.

"Yes, indeed. He is King Julu, whose rank surpasses even Nalan Piaoxue," Princess Qianyou confirmed.

"And what is King Julu like?" Zhong Shan asked, probing further.

"If he can be used to balance Yi Yan, what do you think of him?" Princess Qianyou responded with a question, leaving Zhong Shan to draw his own conclusions.

Zhong Shan nodded in understanding.

Three days later, Zhong Shan and his group, escorted by the army, finally arrived at the Da Yu Empire's capital, Sky City.

General Iron Blood led Zhong Shan's group in the front, with nearly eight thousand soldiers following behind. Standing on the clouds, Zhong Shan gazed at the distant Sky City, filled with awe.

Sky City stood two thousand meters high, its entire structure shimmering with a white jade-like hue. At the top of the city, a golden haze gathered, concentrating above the entire city. This was the empire's fortune, the accumulated destiny of the empire, which then flowed to the officials. The golden aura was so dense that Zhong Shan could even see a colossal creature within it.

A dragon, a gigantic golden dragon formed entirely from the empire's fortune, coiled and hovered above, its head slightly raised, its eyes half-open. It breathed lightly, absorbing the city's fortune, its two horns pointed towards the sky as if receiving a divine mandate.

This immense dragon circled above the vast Sky City.

The true dragon, the Son of Heaven? Receiving the divine mandate? Is this the aura of an emperor?

Zhong Shan took a deep breath, his eyes filled with shock. If an empire was like this, what about a heavenly dynasty? His own Da Ling Dynasty seemed like a small rural kingdom in comparison; there was still a long way to go.

In the distance, at the north gate of the Da Yu Empire's capital, the words "Sky City" were prominently displayed.

At the north gate, many soldiers were clearing the path, keeping the citizens away. Numerous officials stood outside the city, clearly there to welcome Princess Qianyou and her entourage.

Even from a distance, Zhong Shan could see the leading official clearly.

The Grand Commander, Yi Yan?

Yi Yan had come to welcome them personally? Everyone frowned at this.

The white clouds descended not far from the city gate. General Iron Blood stepped back slightly, allowing Princess Qianyou to lead the group forward.

"Envoys from the Celestial Dynasty, Yi Yan apologizes for not welcoming you sooner. Please forgive me," Yi Yan greeted with his hands in front, his long sleeves joined together in a welcoming gesture.

"Mr. Yi Yan is too modest. We have been escorted since Ba Huang City, for which we thank you," Princess Qianyou responded with a slight bow.

"Two years ago at Fangshan, the princess's elegance remained undiminished. It is an honor for Da Yu that the prince can accompany you," Yi Yan smiled warmly.

"Mr. Yi Yan is too kind. Your dedication to Da Yu is a model for us all," Princess Qianyou replied.

"And the gentleman behind the prince, is he Mr. Shui Jing?" Yi Yan asked, looking towards Shui Jing.

It was clear that Yi Yan had already seen Shui Jing's portrait and was merely asking as a formality.

"Greetings, Mr. Yi Yan," Mr. Shuijing greeted with a smile.

"Mr. Shuijing's reputation precedes him. I've long wanted to meet you. Now that you're in Da Yu, you must visit my abode for a thorough discussion," Yi Yan replied with a smile.

"Certainly," Mr. Shuijing nodded, a glint of anticipation in his eyes.

"Please, follow me," Yi Yan said with a gesture.

"Please," Princess Qianyou echoed, nodding.

An official behind Yi Yan quickly summoned a cloud to carry Yi Yan gently into the city, while Princess Qianyou and the others followed suit on their own clouds.

Entering the city, Zhong Shan looked up in awe. Sky City was far more magnificent than Wushuang City. In the distance, at the center, stood a radiant golden mountain. A series of white jade steps extended from the mountain top to the base, lined with numerous palaces. At the peak, where the palace cluster stood, was the same coiled golden dragon they had seen outside the city.

The base of the mountain was a golden expanse, obscuring any details within. Throughout Sky City, numerous floating islands were covered in red and blue light screens. The streets were wide, and the landscape featured beautiful rivers and mountains.

Under Yi Yan's guidance, they quickly arrived at a red-shrouded area in the city's west—a private and heavily guarded domain. Inside were numerous picturesque buildings, and even a floating island above.

Landing on a square atop the floating island, Yi Yan suddenly began coughing.

"Cough... cough... cough..."

A series of coughs left the officials looking worried, while Princess Qianyou and the others stood quietly until Yi Yan's coughing subsided.

Apologetically wiping his mouth with a silk handkerchief, Yi Yan said, "I apologize, my old ailment has flared up again."

"It's nothing, Mr. Yi Yan. Your dedication to Da Yu is a blessing for the empire," Princess Qianyou quickly reassured him.

"You're too kind, Princess. His Majesty is currently in seclusion, preparing for a duel with the Great Mighty Heavenly Dragon Bodhisattva eight months from now, so he couldn't personally welcome you. Also, coincidentally, Crown Prince Han Jue of the Great Light Empire arrived today, and King Julu is at the west gate to greet him. I hope you don't mind," Yi Yan explained.

"Not at all. Having you come out to welcome us is already a great honor," Princess Qianyou replied.

"Cough... cough... cough..." Yi Yan was seized by another coughing fit.

"This is the 'Western Garden Palace,' prepared especially for you. The officials from the Great Luo Heavenly Dynasty have already settled in. If you need anything, you can consult them. After your long journey, you must be tired. I won't disturb you further and will invite you and the Prince another day," Yi Yan said.

"Thank you for your consideration," Princess Qianyou responded.

Yi Yan nodded and, with the help of the officials, quickly departed on a cloud.