Ye Yun, stepping into the entrance of the Divine City, felt as if he had entered a new world.
Everything before him was hazy, infinite light filling his vision, a sacred aura enveloping him.
He felt as if he were walking through a passage bathed in holy light, step by step approaching its other end, until the dazzling radiance finally dissipated.
"This is... the Divine City?"
As the white holy light receded, everything within his sight became clear.
What met his eyes was an aerial city, just like the heaven imagined, adorned with gold and sacred white.
At this moment, Ye Yun stood at the grand entrance of this city, gazing at the magnificent and spectacular scene before him.
Looking directly ahead, in the central area of the city, a colossal palace resided.
Just then, streaks of golden light flew from afar, transforming into human figures in an instant, landing beside Ye Yun.
"Welcome back to the Divine City, Lord City Master!"
Ye Yun stared blankly at the more than ten people before him. Among them were men and women, all dressed in noble and luxurious attire, their auras each unfathomably deep.
His intuition told him that any one of them, if placed outside, would likely be more powerful than Xiao Meng.
As for their salutation, Ye Yun was both surprised and not entirely astonished. After all, he had witnessed the scene with the Goddess of Xuanhai and had vaguely guessed some things.
Just then, a figure flew in. This time, it was a familiar face – the mysterious woman who had saved him last time.
It was she who had given the initial prophecy of the Divine City's descent and the key to opening its gates.
"Master, welcome back."
Compared to her usual aloofness, the mysterious woman's attitude was now considerably more respectful.
She bowed slightly upon arriving before Ye Yun, while the others instinctively stepped back slightly, as if showing deep reverence for this mysterious woman.
However, Ye Yun frowned, looking around, his gaze finally settling on the mysterious woman.
"Now that things have come to this, can you finally explain to me what is going on?"
It was clear that everyone here knew the cause and effect, and this mysterious woman seemed to be their leader.
Upon hearing his words, the mysterious woman nodded slightly and began to speak slowly.
"My name is Xiao Lingluo, and I am the temporary acting City Master here."
"Acting City Master..."
Ye Yun paused, then pointed to himself.
"And me? According to you, I am the City Master here?"
"That's right, you indeed were the Lord of the Divine City in the past."
Xiao Lingluo nodded silently.
But her words still left Ye Yun utterly bewildered.
"But I remember nothing. What does this mean?"
"It's alright. In a little while, you will know what happened in the past."
Xiao Lingluo said slowly, introducing him as she spoke.
"Your original identity was meant to be the Lord of the Divine City, the master who governed all gods and myriad worlds. This Divine City itself was a treasure you forged with your own hands."
"Good heavens..."
Being praised in such a manner, Ye Yun felt a bit embarrassed.
He sighed and said helplessly,
"If that's the case, then what happened back then? Can't you tell me now?"
"You cannot."
Xiao Lingluo shook her head and turned her gaze towards the most revered palace in the Divine City.
"All of this is part of a plan."
"What plan?"
Ye Yun was puzzled, but unfortunately, he received no answer.
Xiao Lingluo replied in a low voice.
"It cannot be spoken. You will know soon. As things stand, I do not wish for any unforeseen accidents."
In her heart, having already expended so much effort and finally reaching this point, following the plan precisely was the safest course of action.
Upon hearing this, Ye Yun could only nod.
"Alright, I'll listen to you. Where should I go now?"
Since he would know soon, he wasn't anxious about a few minutes' delay.
Then, Xiao Lingluo raised her hand and pointed to the towering palace in the distance.
"All the truth lies there. Master, please follow me."
"Mm."
Ye Yun responded and then, together with her, flew towards the palace.
The gods behind them watched them leave and respectfully said,
"Farewell, City Master and Deputy City Master..."
As they flew, he caught a glimpse of the entire Divine City, which was far more awe-inspiring than viewing it from the ground.
The only regret was that although there were many buildings in the Divine City, most of them were uninhabited. This made Ye Yun recall the disaster from the past...
Thinking that it might have been his own decision, he couldn't help but sigh.
Xiao Lingluo, noticing his change in demeanor, could roughly guess what he was worried about but said nothing.
After a moment, she spoke slowly.
"We've arrived. This is the main hall of the Divine City, and also where your former sleeping quarters were. It is now the City Lord's mansion."
She led Ye Yun down, and standing within the palace was far more majestic and spectacular than seeing it from afar.
The two landed before the grand entrance. It was still deserted outside. As they approached, the gates opened on their own.
"Master, please come this way."
Xiao Lingluo continued to guide him, and before long, they arrived in a large hall deep within the palace.
Ye Yun looked around and noticed that this hall was different from other places. In the center sat a massive golden stone tablet.
Beside the stone tablet sat two women, one in a golden dress and the other with flowing blue hair. Both were indescribably beautiful.
They seemed to be guarding the golden stone tablet, sitting there motionless.
Finally, Xiao Lingluo broke the silence.
"Two, the City Master has returned."
Upon hearing this, they slowly opened their eyes as if waking from a deep slumber.
The woman in the golden dress's gaze sharpened upon seeing Ye Yun.
However, she then said with great dignity and a cold tone,
"Sister Lingluo, I have said it many times. I will not acknowledge his status as City Master."
Xiao Lingluo looked at her and said calmly, "But he is the City Master. They are the same person."
"That's just your assumption! I will never accept a City Master like him!"
With that, she stood up.
Her eyes fixed on Ye Yun with a chilling gaze, her voice filled with coldness.
"Now that he has arrived, my guard duty is over."
As her words fell, the woman in the golden dress turned away and left indifferently, without looking back.
This action left Ye Yun completely bewildered. From her gaze and tone, he could feel the palpable hostility, even anger.
Ye Yun turned to look at Xiao Lingluo and asked in confusion,
"That queen-like woman, have I offended her in any way?"