The Inner Gate of the Divine Star Gate is located amidst a cluster of buildings on the mountainside, where various celestial palaces rise majestically, enveloped in ethereal energy, presenting a breathtaking spectacle.
Ye Tian, Yun Shui Yao, Meng Shi Yun, and the other top ten contestants, along with the unfortunate Wu Ding and Bai Yun Fei, who have reached the Martial Spirit realm, formed a total of twelve individuals. Under the guidance of a black-robed elder, they soared toward the resplendent and magnificent palace complex nestled in the mountainside.
This architectural ensemble is truly awe-inspiring, with golden palaces towering high, constructed against the mountain, resembling a string of golden pearls adorning the majestic peak.
As Ye Tian and his companions approached this golden cluster of buildings, an overwhelming surge of spiritual energy enveloped them, invigorating everyone's spirits.
"What an abundance of spiritual energy! It surpasses that of the outer disciples' quarters by far."
"One resides in a courtyard, while the other dwells in palaces; the disparity between outer and inner disciples is astonishing."
"Now I understand why those outer disciples strive so desperately to enter the inner sanctum. Compared to those courtyards, this place is nothing short of a royal palace."
…
Upon entering the Inner Gate, Ye Tian and the others were left utterly speechless, awestruck by the scene before them.
The spiritual energy within the Inner Gate was so dense that it coalesced into mist, floating in the air like celestial vapor, accentuating the beauty and grandeur of the golden palace complex, resembling a fairyland.
"Elder, where will our palace be?" one disciple asked excitedly, addressing the black-robed elder leading the way.
Ye Tian and the others wore expressions of eager anticipation; residing in such a place would be a true delight.
"We have over three thousand inner disciples in the Divine Star Gate, yet there are only one thousand palaces in total. If you wish to reside in a palace, you must rely on your own strength to seize the right from other inner disciples; otherwise, you'll have to settle for any available spot."
However, the elder's words fell upon them like a bucket of cold water, dousing their enthusiasm.
Ye Tian and the others were momentarily taken aback!
"What!"
"You expect us to sleep in the streets?"
"This isn't just sleeping in the streets; aside from the palaces, all that remains are thickets and woods. Are you suggesting we return to a primitive existence?"
…
Upon hearing the elder's words, several young disciples voiced their discontent. Having emerged from five thousand outer disciples, they were all prodigies, naturally brimming with pride. Now, being told to sleep outdoors was a blow more painful than death.
"Why all the commotion? This is a rule established over thousands of years within our Divine Star Gate; it is not directed solely at you. If you wish to dwell comfortably in a palace, then defeat those inner disciples who possess them and seize their rights. Complaining here is the mark of a coward!" the black-robed elder retorted coldly.
The previously disgruntled disciples immediately lowered their heads, not daring to utter a word.
As for seizing the palaces from those inner disciples, they, including Ye Tian, were well aware of the futility. They had just entered the Divine Star Gate, and their strength was among the weakest in the Martial Spirit realm; how could they possibly contend with those who had been part of the Divine Star Gate for over a decade, or even several decades?
After a moment of silence, the black-robed elder, realizing he could not overly discourage these newcomers, squinted his eyes and spoke with a hint of temptation in his voice, "I forgot to mention an important piece of information: these palaces are equipped with spirit gathering formations. Practicing within them for a day is equivalent to ten days of practice outside."
In an instant, all eyes, including Ye Tian's, gleamed with fervor.
The spiritual energy within the Inner Gate was already formidable, yet the energy within those palaces was tenfold that of the outside!
Ye Tian's gaze blazed with intensity, and his breath quickened; he felt the blood within him boiling.
"With my azure martial soul talent, combined with the Blood Demon Transformation, just a year of cultivation in these palaces would elevate me several levels."
Gazing at the palaces in the distance, Ye Tian's eyes burned with determination, filled with the spirit of battle.
The black-robed elder, sensing the shift in their emotions, continued, "There's one more thing I neglected to tell you: as the top ten of this tournament, you will temporarily hold the right to reside in a palace for one month."
"Hmm?" Ye Tian's eyes brightened instantly.
Meng Shi Yun, Yun Shui Yao, and Prince Thirteen also wore expressions of exhilaration.
Meanwhile, Wu Ding, Bai Yun Fei, and Lin Fei were filled with envy and resentment.
"Don't celebrate too soon; a month from now, other inner disciples will surely challenge you. If you win, you may continue to reside for another month; if you lose, pack your bags and leave," the black-robed elder stated coldly.
Ye Tian and the others fell silent; it seemed they would only have one month of residency. However, even that brief period would be sufficient for significant improvement in their cultivation.
"Now, the ten palaces ahead are yours. Work hard. Since you have just entered the Divine Star Gate, you are exempt from any tasks for a year."
"I hope that after a year, one of you will truly earn a palace through your own strength."
Shortly thereafter, the black-robed elder led Ye Tian and his companions to the ten palaces, offered a few parting words, and then departed into the air.
The young disciples, upon seeing the palaces, could hardly contain their excitement as they rushed inside.
Wu Ding and Bai Yun Fei stood to the side, their faces etched with resentment; one harbored hatred for Ye Tian, while the other resented Prince Seven.
"Lin Fei, what will you do?" Prince Thirteen asked sympathetically, glancing at Lin Fei, who stood apart.
Ye Tian, Yun Shui Yao, Meng Shi Yun, and Prince Thirteen all had palaces, while Lin Fei, like Wu Ding, had fallen short of the top ten.
"I refuse to accept this!" Lin Fei sighed dramatically, lamenting his failure to make the top ten, if not for encountering Yun Shui Yao.
"Hmph!"
From a distance, the disdainful snorts of Wu Ding and Bai Yun Fei echoed; they were equally unwilling to accept their circumstances.
"Hehe, according to the rules, I can allow you to sleep at the entrance of the palace," Yun Shui Yao said playfully.
"Are you going to guard the door for me?" Lin Fei rolled his eyes, filled with frustration.
"Let's make do for now; the energy at the palace entrance is still denser than outside, and at least it offers shelter from the wind and rain," Prince Thirteen chuckled.
"Sigh!"
Lin Fei let out a long sigh, his face etched with a bitter smile. What else could he do?
Ye Tian placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
"Ye Tian, once I comprehend even a fraction of the essence of my spear technique, I will undoubtedly defeat you!" The icy voice of Prince Seven echoed, as he cast a lingering glance at Ye Tian before striding toward one of the palaces.
This defeat had struck him deeply, as it marked the first time he had been bested by a peer, profoundly shaking his convictions.
Prince Seven was eager to elevate his strength, yearning to surpass Ye Tian and restore his confidence.
In response to his challenge, Ye Tian merely shook his head, uninterested in engaging. Not only was grasping even a fraction of spear intent no easy feat, but even if Prince Seven did manage to achieve it, he would still not be a match for Ye Tian.
"Alright, let us enter as well. We have but a month; we must seize this time and strive to enhance our abilities," Ye Tian stated solemnly.
Yun Shui Yao, Meng Shi Yun, and Prince Thirteen all wore expressions of gravity.
Within the Inner Gate of the Divine Star Gate, the competition was fierce; should they lack sufficient strength, life here would be exceedingly arduous.
Especially for the two young women, Yun Shui Yao and Meng Shi Yun, the prospect of enduring hardship would drive them to madness.
"Tsk tsk! You are the newcomers of this generation?"
"And there are two lovely ladies among you!"
"Hey, newcomers, make sure to savor this singular month, heh heh!"
Suddenly, as Ye Tian and the others prepared to enter the palace, dozens of figures surged forth from the nearby thicket, materializing at the palace's entrance.
All were clad in identical blue celestial robes, clearly the inner disciples of the Divine Star Gate, a mix of men and women, each casting scornful glances at Ye Tian and his companions.
"It's those inner disciples!"
Ye Tian's pupils constricted slightly; he sensed the high cultivation levels among them and immediately deduced their identities.
"Kid, I heard you claimed first place in the recent tournament? Just a first-level Martial Spirit? Not impressive at all. Come a month from now, you'd best vacate the palace!" A man wielding a massive blade sneered at Ye Tian, his face a mask of disdain.
"Kuang Dao, since you've taken an interest in this brat, I'll seek other amusements," a young man beside him remarked with a grin.
The inner disciples regarded Ye Tian and his companions as prey, their faces betraying their contempt.
"Let's go; ignore them. For the next month, they won't dare to intrude!" Ye Tian shot a cold glance at the man called "Kuang Dao," then strode into the palace, shutting the door firmly behind him.
Yun Shui Yao, Meng Shi Yun, and Prince Thirteen followed suit, entering the palace.
The dejected Lin Fei approached the entrance of Prince Thirteen's palace, settling down cross-legged to commence his cultivation.
Each palace was surrounded by a protective barrier; without the owner's permission, no one was allowed to enter—this was a strict rule of the Divine Star Gate, with severe consequences for violators.
Boom!
As the palace door closed, Ye Tian began to survey his surroundings. It was a simple palace, featuring only a spacious hall. At its center lay a spirit gathering formation, drawing in the spiritual energy from all directions, saturating the hall with an intense concentration of energy.
"Evidently, this place is designed solely for the disciples' cultivation, not for habitation," Ye Tian mused internally. He then took his seat at the center of the spirit gathering formation, crossing his legs to initiate the Blood Demon Transformation.
Instantly, an overwhelming tide of spiritual energy surged toward Ye Tian.
Within him, ten blood pills radiated a blinding light, akin to black holes, voraciously devouring the frenzied influx of spiritual energy.