Chapter 11: The Imperial Capital of Kunlun

At the summit of Kunlun Divine Mountain, an ancient deity with a human head, tiger’s body, and nine tails greeted the arrival of the gods from all realms. He was Lu Wu, one of the Twelve Divine Generals overseeing the Kunlun Imperial Capital.

Lu Wu courteously welcomed each arriving god, accepting their gifts before arranging for subordinate deities to escort them to the celestial court atop Kunlun Mountain.

When Mu Changge and Athena approached Lu Wu, he found himself in a quandary.

“May I ask, beautiful goddess, are you a deity from another realm?”

Athena nodded. “Yes. May I confirm that you are the ancient god Lu Wu? I have studied some of your divine feats; your duties inspire my admiration.”

Lu Wu smiled. “Such kind words from a beautiful goddess honor me greatly. May I ask your name?”

“My true name is Athena, the goddess of wisdom from Mount Olympus. This one beside me is my student, who accompanies me to broaden her horizons.”

With that, Athena presented a seedling from the olive divine tree to Lu Wu. “There is little in Olympus that would impress you, so please accept this humble gift.”

Lu Wu examined the seedling. “Goddess, do not underestimate yourself. Though this sapling may hold little significance for us gods, it is a precious treasure to mankind. However—”

Before he could finish, a transmission from Emperor Di Jun interrupted: “Lu Wu, admit the otherworldly goddess and her divine envoy.”

Lu Wu promptly amended, “Only that, beautiful goddess, once you and your envoy enter the Imperial Capital, please abide by its rules.”

Athena smiled sweetly. “Naturally. Thank you for the reminder.”

Lu Wu then assigned a subordinate deity to lead Athena and Mu Changge into the Imperial Capital.

Riding on the back of an owl, Mu Changge asked, “Teacher Athena, why did Lu Wu suddenly change his tone?”

“Likely because Emperor Di Jun noticed.”

“Does that mean we won’t be dissected?”

“Don’t overthink it. Emperor Di Jun has no reason for subterfuge. If he wished harm, even from Kunlun Imperial Capital, he could strike me down without resistance. Besides, he has no intention of initiating an interdimensional divine war.”

Mu Changge nodded, then asked, “Teacher Athena, was that an olive divine tree sapling you just showed?”

“Yes. It is a sapling of the olive divine tree, capable of ensuring peace and prosperity over a human realm for a time. In your Dragon Kingdom’s novels, it’s like a talisman that consolidates and enhances national fortune, guaranteeing peace.”

“Wow... Though limited in duration, it’s truly valuable. For fleeting dynasties in history, such a thing could have changed fate, right?”

Athena gave Mu Changge a sideways glance. “I brought the olive divine tree to the mortal world not for those reckless human emperors who court disaster.”

***

Shortly after, under Lu Wu’s subordinate’s guidance, Athena and Mu Changge arrived before a grand gate of the Kunlun Imperial Capital.

The vast Kunlun Imperial Capital floated in the heavens above Kunlun Mountain, shielded by immense transparent spherical barriers. Four white jade gates stood at the cardinal points, leading inward to palaces built from unknown divine stones. Each palace bore ancient, exquisite, and wondrous divine carvings, surrounded either by auspicious clouds or celestial rivers and divine light. The palaces were interconnected by the sinuous bodies of chilu dragons, whose serpentine forms served as bridges and passageways.

From outside, the palace complex’s arrangement seemed profoundly mystical, as if embodying infinite principles. Except for the central temple, which remained fixed, the positions of other palaces shifted over time following some hidden pattern. This was due to an invisible grand formation in operation, centered on the Heavenly Emperor’s stele within the main temple, guarding the entire Imperial Capital.

This formation was called the Nine Heavens Eight Trigrams Formation.

The towering majesty and vast scale of the palace cluster, enhanced by the grand formation, radiated the supreme authority of Emperor Di Jun.

This was the Kunlun Imperial Capital!

Lu Wu’s subordinate led Athena and Mu Changge through the jade gate directly toward the central temple.

Observing the surroundings, Mu Changge exclaimed, “So this is the Kunlun Imperial Capital? I wonder how it compares to the Heavenly Court of the Jade Emperor?”

Athena gently pressed a finger against Mu Changge’s lips. “No comparing, especially since this is Emperor Di Jun’s home turf.”

Mu Changge switched topics. “Teacher Athena, what do you think of Kunlun Imperial Capital?”

“Emperor Di Jun is a pragmatist. If I’m not mistaken, the Kunlun Imperial Capital is a massive palace complex designed for both offense and defense.”

“Offense and defense combined?”

Athena nodded. “The entire capital is operated by a grand formation that can adjust according to circumstances. Its power is formidable.”

“In other words, Emperor Di Jun designed the capital to be capable of both attack and defense. The impressive architecture is more for visual effect?”

“Exactly. Otherwise, the ever-shifting palace layout would confuse even the most navigationally skilled.”

“Such a grand design—no wonder he is the first generation Heavenly Emperor of Chinese mythology.”

“You’ll soon meet this first generation Heavenly Emperor of Chinese myth. Remember, you are my student—don’t embarrass me.”

Mu Changge smiled. “I’ll try my best. After all, I haven’t seen much of the world.”

***

Beyond the East Sea, between the sweet waters, the goddess Xi He proceeded toward the Kunlun Imperial Capital, surrounded by attendants.

Suddenly, a divine voice rang out: “Xi He! Please wait!”

Xi He raised her hand to halt the procession and turned toward the speaker.

Before her stood an immense ancient god, holding a green snake in his right hand and a yellow snake in his left. This ancient god was Kuafu, the mountain god of Chengdu Zaitian and Xi He’s childhood playmate.

“Kuafu, what is it?”

“Xi He, are you really going to marry Di Jun?”

Xi He nodded.

Kuafu grew anxious. “Xi He! Di Jun doesn’t truly love you! If he did, why would he have two wives? I’ve heard the other goddess, Chang Yi, is also famed for her beauty. Di Jun is clearly a philanderer! You won’t find happiness with him!”

Xi He remained expressionless. “Kuafu, I know about Chang Yi and have investigated. I also know Di Jun is not devoted solely to me, but after meeting him once, I am certain he is the one for me.”

“What about us? We’ve known each other so long. Am I any less than Di Jun?”

Xi He smiled bitterly, shook her head, and turned away.

“Kuafu, forget me. You deserve better.”

Watching Xi He depart, Kuafu felt a surge of frustration.

“Ah!!!”

Divine sound erupted, and space was torn apart by immense force.

From afar, Xi He ordered her attendants, “You saw nothing just now, understood?”

“Yes!” came the reply.

Childhood friends seldom withstand the arrival of imperial fate.