Chapter 1237: Offering Ancestral Shrine

"Boss, do you guys feel like something's off?" Big Crab, one of the Eight Gates team members, couldn't help but ask shortly after they began walking down the very wide main road.

Upon entering the protective zone, the vast outer perimeter of the Imperial City felt unusually desolate, with hardly anyone in sight.

The Prince seemed to have anticipated this question, a smile appearing on his face as he answered Big Crab's query.

"Because this is the Xuanyuan Imperial City. Those two words alone should answer your question. This is not a place where just anyone can freely enter and exit."

Soon after, a convoy of carriages and horses, numbering a few dozen people, stopped in front of the Prince and his group. What was notable about them was their attire; they weren't in military armor but rather dressed like assassins, each wearing sleek black outfits without even large weapons.

However, the aura emanating from these individuals made even Xu Yang take a second look. Undoubtedly, these few dozen people were the Imperial Guards stationed near Xuanyuan Imperial City.

Their duty was simple: 365 days a year, they constantly patrolled the Xuanyuan Imperial City, authorized to kill any suspicious approaching target on sight.

Their most terrifying power was the authority to instantly kill anyone they deemed a threat, without needing to report it or seek approval.

After eliminating a suspicious target, they also had the right to dispose of the body as they wished, whether by discarding it in the nearby wilderness or incinerating it into nothingness—the decision rested entirely with these few dozen individuals.

Each patrol team had a leader fully responsible for handling these matters.

Of course, once a month, these Imperial Guard patrol teams had to submit a personal report to Emperor Yunlong.

A list of everyone they had dealt with would be presented to Emperor Yunlong. As for what power or secret controlled these people, no one knew.

Upon seeing the Prince's group, the convoy respectfully approached Xu Yang's team. They first gave a slight nod to the Prince, then cast a sharp glance at Xu Yang and the others.

Just as the Prince was about to explain Xu Yang's identity and their purpose for entering Xuanyuan Imperial City, the black-clad leader said nothing. He simply waved his hand to those behind him, re-boarded his carriage, and continued the patrol.

They quickly vanished from sight. "What the hell? They didn't say a single word, and just let us pass? Do they think we pose absolutely no threat?"

Big Crab suddenly felt ignored, which annoyed him greatly. His words, however, made Prince Wu and the others laugh.

"It seems they've received specific orders from within the Imperial City to deliberately let us pass. I assume it's my father's instruction."

Yet, the smoother their journey, the more invisible pressure it placed on Xu Yang and his companions.

Everyone knew what kind of person Emperor Yunlong was. Yet, throughout this journey, Xu Yang's team seemed to have received special treatment or consideration more than once. Was this arrangement intentional or unintentional? No one could give a clear answer.

However, Xu Yang's principle had always been to take things as they come. Since Emperor Yunlong's side had made no specific arrangements, there was no need for his team to scare themselves.

Ultimately, they would meet the Emperor himself. Regardless of his attitude, as long as they entered Xuanyuan Imperial City, all answers would be revealed.

No further obstacles appeared until they reached the foot of Xuanyuan Imperial City. The golden-armored warriors guarding the North Gate routinely conducted an extremely strict inspection of every member of Xu Yang's team.

In particular, Arnold and the others had their artifact battle-axes confiscated one by one. Regarding the confiscation of weapons, the members of the Eight Gates team were already mentally prepared. After all, this was the Xuanyuan Dynasty. How could a top-tier cultivation team like Xu Yang's be allowed to bring their equipment for an audience?

"Prince Wu, there's an order from within the city. Today is the second day of the seventh month. Everyone entering Xuanyuan Imperial City must pass through Vermillion Bird Gate and worship the Vermillion Bird Statue before proceeding further into the city."

Hearing the general guarding the city gate, the Prince showed no surprise, seemingly having been prepared for this.

It had to be admitted that Prince Wu was always meticulous in his actions, rarely making mistakes in such minor details. He nodded with a smile.

Prince Wu had even instructed his retainers to prepare some gifts for Xu Yang for when they would worship the Vermillion Bird Statue. After the general's team thoroughly checked their belongings and confirmed there were no hidden dangers, the North Gate was finally opened.

However, the moment the massive city gate slightly opened, every member of Xu Yang's team was completely awestruck by the majestic sight of Xuanyuan Imperial City before them.

"Oh my goodness, this must be the Imperial City! This is the most magnificent place I've ever seen in all my life!" Big Crab's eyes were wide with wonder, and the other brothers in the Eight Gates team wore similar expressions.

"Under heaven, all land belongs to the King. To stand at the pinnacle of power and status, enjoying such a majestic palace—perhaps this is the life most people in this world dream of. Even if it means enduring eternal solitude, I believe it's worth it. At least for any man, having such a dream is only natural."

Old Crow, leaning on his staff, couldn't help but sigh from the bottom of his heart. Calling Xuanyuan Imperial City a fairyland might be an exaggeration, but all the architecture within conveyed an unapproachable sense of nobility.

Not to mention the passage from the North Gate leading to Vermillion Bird Gate, which was nearly a hundred meters wide horizontally.

The Prince, leading Xu Yang's team, did not hesitate further. After passing the city general's inspection, he immediately led everyone directly towards Vermillion Bird Gate, which was to their right.

After about half an hour of travel, they finally saw the outlines of some new buildings. The so-called Vermillion Bird Gate was actually a mountain path. Only after circumventing this path, entering the temple area where Vermillion Bird Gate was located, and performing worship, could one enter the interior of Xuanyuan Imperial City from the direction of the back mountain.

For some reason, as soon as Xu Yang stepped into Xuanyuan Imperial City, especially as he drew closer to the direction of the so-called Vermillion Bird Gate, a very familiar sensation emerged within his body.