Chapter 810: Chapter 13: Liyao Enters the Capital! The Great Wind Rises

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National Capital Gui Long City.

As the capital of the Daqian Kingdom, Gui Long City boasts over seven thousand years of history, undeniably the premier city of Daqian. Its immense scale and grand majesty are breathtaking.

Surrounding Gui Long City are thirty-six Guardian Cities, jointly protecting this ancient, magnificent city.

According to legend, in the past, the Founding Emperor, Emperor Ziwei Xuandu, along with the Master of the Saint Land, True Monarch Lingyun, arrived riding the clouds and encountered a Demon Emperor occupying the Spirit Vein, which they slew together.

Subsequently, Emperor Ziwei Xuandu leveled the mountains and channeled the Earth Vein to build this world’s great city at this location.

Rumor has it that deep beneath Gui Long City lies an unprecedented ancient array that can bless the Daqian Kingdom for eternity, though its truth remains unknown.

Of course, whether the rumor is true or not does not affect the city’s prosperity.

In Gui Long City, the daily flow of merchants is innumerable, and these merchants at least hail from Sixth-Grade Noble Families. Those below Sixth Grade don’t even qualify to purchase shops in Gui Long City.

Walking the streets, one frequently encounters carriages of royal relatives. Those high-ranking noble families rarely seen elsewhere appear commonplace here. Even a random pedestrian might be a branch member of a Third-Grade Noble Family or a strong expert in the Celestial Human Realm.

Truly, "No commoner in sight."

On the eastern side of Gui Long City is a luxurious grand restaurant called [White Cloud Tower].

White Cloud Tower is famous in Gui Long City for its "Three Absolutes"—unparalleled taste, music, and dance—beloved by Noble Family Descendants, wealthy merchants, and young aristocrats alike.

Decades ago, an unintentional [Big Appetite] competition further boosted White Cloud Tower’s fame, leaving behind the legend of a certain foodie and bringing enduring popularity.

White Cloud Tower seized the opportunity to promote this [Big Appetite] competition held every three years to attract people.

Now, decades have passed.

White Cloud Tower’s business is booming, the Big Appetite competition grows larger, and the prizes become increasingly grand.

Drawn by the allure of fame and fortune, not only do the young people of Gui Long City eagerly participate, but even those from the thirty-six surrounding Guardian Cities swarm to White Cloud Tower as soon as it’s time for this grand event.

This influence continues to spread, and now informed young people from places like West Sea County and Qeng’an County travel thousands of miles to compete.

Inside White Cloud Tower, the Big Appetite competition has long since begun.

On the central Cloud Platform on the first floor, rows of long tables are neatly arranged, already laden with freshly roasted Fierce Beast Flesh, with the rich aroma wafting throughout White Cloud Tower.

The contestants in the Big Appetite competition sit behind the long tables, devouring the food with great enthusiasm. Nearby, attendants are dedicated to counting and supervising.

Beneath the Cloud Platform is a place for betting on the outcome, abuzz with excitement.

The set of scattered, star-like private seats within the building is already occupied by spectators who have come early to watch the spectacle of the competition.

Top floor of White Cloud Tower.

Unlike the architecturally spaced private seats, the ones on the top floor are placed close together, with some even connected, allowing for free conversation once the soundproofing restrictions are turned off.

Beneath this top floor is an open Aerial Garden planted with Spiritual Flowers and Exotic Herbs, and Spirit Butterflies flutter about. The environment is extremely elegant and does not obstruct the view, a marvel of design.

At this moment, many guests are already seated in the top floor’s private seats, engaging in lively conversations with each other.

Suddenly, a figure appeared in the Aerial Garden, slowly ascending the steps.

It was a dignified middle-aged man, dressed in a dark purple Three-Clawed Dragon Robe, with a Dragon Scale Crown permitted only for the Royal Race, walking with composure and extraordinary bearing. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

On either side of the steps stood Fluorescent Stone Spirit Lamps carved in the shape of an Immortal Crane spreading its wings. The hazy glow accentuated his prominent facial features.

This was none other than the owner of White Cloud Tower—His Highness Prince Heng, an esteemed noble of the current dynasty.

"Good morning, Prince Heng."

"Your Highness looks well today~"

"Of course, His Highness looks well. In just a few decades, White Cloud Tower’s revenue has multiplied several times over. It seems the gains have been substantial~"

"This year’s Big Appetite competition has reached unprecedented levels of excitement. After this event, it’s feared that no other tavern in the capital can compare to White Cloud Tower. Prince Heng, you’ll have to treat us~"

Those dining on the top floor are unmistakable figures of Gui Long City’s elite circles. They are a small group of thrill-seeking aristocrats, familiar with Prince Heng, and can jest with him lightly.

Prince Heng responded with a smile, nodding and exchanging pleasantries, stopping to chat with those of similar status.

Finally, he settled in his private seat.

This position offered privacy and a broad view, allowing a Cultivator of the Purple Mansion Realm to easily observe the competition with divine thought and sight.

Soon, attendants from White Cloud Tower brought bowls of fruits and snacks, as well as Spiritual Food and Spirit Wine specially prepared for Prince Heng.

The manager of White Cloud Tower also promptly arrived upon hearing the news and stood by respectfully, personally serving wine and dishes for Prince Heng.

Prince Heng was in high spirits, exuding an air of pride in every movement. It’s no wonder; no one would be in a bad mood after gaining such wealth.