Volume One: The Celestial Palace of Clouds Chapter Sixty-four: The Land of Sealing

Chapter Sixty-Four: The Sealed Land

Whoosh!

A golden light shot toward the volcano’s mouth, rippling across the transparent aqueous barrier. In the next instant, the two people and the turtle found themselves inside the volcano.

Before them, a colossal palace, as if forged from sapphire, appeared in its entirety. Its magnificent structure gleamed with crystalline luster, as if it were the finest work of art.

“The Crystal Palace!” The turtle, more excited than anyone, looked as if it had encountered the most exquisite beauty in the world; drool trickled from its mouth, and its eyes sparkled with ardor.

It was hard to blame it, for even Su Qing was not immune. She too gazed intently at the splendid palace, her bright eyes flickering with admiration. Clearly, she was deeply impressed by this magnificent structure.

Everyone knew that the mere mention of the Crystal Palace would inevitably evoke thoughts of the Ocean Dragon Clan, for it was the royal palace of the sea dragons—the same held true in this celestial domain.

Yun Fang had once told Zhou Hao that although the region of the Sixteen Celestial Halls belonged to the outskirts of the Sun and Moon Immortal Domain—lacking fame and the grandeur of immortals—one shouldn’t forget its proximity to the Ascension Platform. In ancient times, countless battles between immortals and demons had taken place here. Naturally, some powerful immortals who perished here left behind their abodes and treasures. Thus, there were often amusing incidents: third-rate wandering immortals would come here to “hunt for treasures.”

Thinking of this, Zhou Hao recalled the frenzied sea beasts he’d encountered on the heart-shaped island’s golden sands, and the massive “impregnable” city gate. Cold sweat broke out across his back.

Was this grand immortal abode created during the ancient war to seal a demon lord, suspended in the boundless void?

If so, would their entry now disturb the balance and break the seal? This was, after all, an immortal’s dwelling—any demon lord suppressed here would surely be of immortal rank. With their own meager abilities, wouldn’t they simply become cannon fodder?

The more Zhou Hao thought, the more anxious he became. But there was no turning back—the enormous Crystal Palace stood before them, rumored treasures within beckoning. He couldn't just turn and flee now.

He calmed his nerves and regained composure; his gaze grew resolute. Clutching the stone in his arms, he stepped forward, with Su Qing holding him from behind. Together with the turtle, they slowly descended before the palace gates.

As expected, the towering gates bore three golden words in celestial script—Crystal Palace. Beside the gates stood two pillars of white jade, intricately carved with entwined dragons, so lifelike they seemed poised to leap forth.

“Ha ha ha, this is a grand opportunity, a grand opportunity!” The turtle danced wildly on Zhou Hao’s shoulder, utterly ecstatic.

“This isn’t an immortal’s abode—it’s a Celestial King’s palace! And it belongs to the Dragon Clan’s king. Truly, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!” The turtle laughed uproariously.

“What did you say? This is a Celestial King’s abode?” Zhou Hao felt faint, not a trace of joy in his expression; instead, he looked as if struck by lightning.

“Yes! I was wondering, how could a Crystal Palace exist in an immortal’s abode? Only a Dragon King possesses such a fortress—the palace itself is the emblem of the Dragon King! Now, seeing this unique structure, I can confidently tell you: your master, elders, palace lords—they’ve all deceived you. This is a Dragon King’s domain!” The turtle declared with unshakable authority.

“Zhou Hao, you don’t look happy,” Su Qing released her grip from his waist and stood aside, concern on her face as she noticed his stricken expression.

“Things aren’t as simple as they seem,” Zhou Hao’s brows knitted, and he truly considered fleeing.

What was an immortal? With a stomp, stars would shatter. But a Celestial King was even greater: a single glance could shift the heavens, and their domain could be obliterated in an instant—no exaggeration.

Such was true power. Before a Celestial King, minor immortals like Zhou Hao were mere ants, utterly powerless.

Zhou Hao shared his worries with the turtle and Su Qing, for the situation suggested that the emergence of this abode was meant to release the sealed demon lord.

“What? You suspect this is an ancient demon lord’s sealed land?” Su Qing’s lips parted in surprise, her eyes widening further as she accepted Zhou Hao’s fears almost completely.

“Sea beasts attacked; the golden gates guarded the island; the volcano served as the array’s core; and now the Crystal Palace—all connected, it means…the demon lord is in the palace!” Zhou Hao raised his hand, pointing ahead. He was now more certain than ever.

His words struck them like thunder, shaking the turtle and Su Qing to their cores. They were no fools; recalling past events, Zhou Hao’s words seemed to thread all the beads together.

Inside the volcano, the walls were scarred with cracks of molten rock, and below raged fierce fires. The Crystal Palace hovered serenely above the flames, a scene perhaps beautiful to an outsider, but for Zhou Hao and his companions, it was more terrifying than any nightmare.

Unimaginable—if the demon lord sealed within the palace broke free, it would mean death for all in the domain. After ten thousand years of suppression, only slaughter could sate its bloodlust.

“But we can’t predict whether the demon lord can break the seal, which means we still have a chance to seize our fortune!” The turtle, though shocked by Zhou Hao’s theory, was unwilling to abandon the opportunity.

The Crystal Palace! Residence of the Sea Dragon King, surely filled with countless treasures. Any one of them could transform an unknown immortal’s mediocre fate—how could they not be tempted?

“You’re right—we can’t leave empty-handed. We’ve come all this way; there’s no reason not to enter. Let’s see what awaits us in the Crystal Palace.” Zhou Hao relaxed, thinking perhaps his worries were excessive. The demon lord had been sealed for so many years—what were the odds it would break free now?

They wasted no more time. The two people and the turtle pushed open the gates and strode inside, greeted by a breathtaking sight.

Within the dreamlike blue halls, corpses lay everywhere; murderous intent permeated the palace. Shouts and cries of battle echoed ceaselessly. Behind them, the palace gates closed automatically. When Zhou Hao turned to open them, he found it was no longer as simple as before…

Only then did he realize: while they were outside, none of the noise from within had reached them. Now, with the doors sealed, anyone unaware outside who opened the gate would step right into the trap. Was this the famed “invitation into the pot”?

It seemed the Crystal Palace might well become their tomb.