My Celestial Ascension Chapter 897: Eternal Demon City

Yuan and his companions refrained from requesting any items from the attendants. Rather, they stayed seated in the reception hall, patiently awaiting the Duke's return in silence.

Nearly two hours later, the Duke returned after completing all the essential preparations. He displayed obvious surprise at the sight of Yuan and the group still positioned on the couch, waiting steadily for his arrival.

'What an unusual bunch... it's tough to fathom they just sat there for close to two hours without any activity,' Cedric pondered, evidently unprepared for such patience from them.

"I’ve completed all the preparations needed for our journey. We can set off right away if that's agreeable to you," he stated in a composed manner.

"I understand... we're fine with departing now. Actually, that suits us even better," Yuan responded steadily as he rose from the couch.

"Very well, come with me. We'll leave without delay."

"Perfect... however, before we go, wouldn't it be wise to let your family know about your leaving?"

Cedric let out a light laugh and answered, "No need to concern yourself with my kin. I've already notified them beforehand."

"Alright then, why delay further?" Cedric motioned with his arm and led them to the waiting vehicles.

Beyond the estate, four coaches stood in orderly fashion, flanked by over twenty escorts tasked with their protection.

Every escort bore superior equipment to safeguard them, their steadfast stance reflecting total devotion to the Duke.

The Demonic Continent harbored some of the fiercest beasts in the realm. With no hint of Mana present here, each creature surpassed those from distant territories in might.

All such beasts qualified as spiritual entities, matching the power of a cultivator at the Peak Spirit Master realm.

"Is all set?" Cedric inquired of the escorts positioned near the coaches, casting a quick look around.

"All is prepared, Sir. We're set to proceed," the lead escort affirmed promptly in a resolute tone.

"Fine," Cedric approved with a nod. "Direct the group to enter the coaches. We're heading out."

"Yes, Sir!" the leader acknowledged swiftly before calling out in a booming voice.

"All personnel, prepare yourselves! We're on the move!"

"Affirmative, Leader!"

Yuan and his group entered the coaches. The sole challenge was dividing into two parties, since one vehicle couldn't accommodate them all.

Cedric extended an invitation for Yuan to join him, eager to pose numerous queries. Regrettably, Yuan declined outright.

This stung Cedric sharply. Yet, he held back any complaint, considering the enigmatic backgrounds of Yuan and his allies.

Moments later, the coaches started advancing, steadily gaining pace as they departed the estate.

In that manner, four days elapsed, bringing them near the Eternal City of the Demonic Empire—the central hub housing the Demon Emperor.

Yuan and his companions detected the metropolis ahead via their Divine Sense, its scale dwarfing any prior demon settlements they'd encountered.

Majestic peaks encircled the city, creating an impregnable shield against external assaults.

Beyond that, immense barriers fortified every flank, with watchful sentries marching ceaselessly atop them.

These barriers formed a gigantic bastion, manned by countless troops ever on alert. Sneaking inside undetected by the vigilant patrols proved utterly unfeasible.

Though the trek stretched on, tedium never struck, thanks to frequent clashes with formidable creatures en route.

They also collected assorted rare resources and spirit plants. Though not matching the treasures of the Earth Immortal Sect, these held substantial worth.

"We're nearing the city now. Soon, we'll cross the gates," the lead escort announced loudly, alerting all to their imminent entry into the capital.

Shortly thereafter, the coaches cleared the gates following a standard check by the sentries. Duke Cedric's status expedited the procedure considerably.

Duke Cedric enjoyed widespread renown across the Demonic Continent, stemming from his role as a top general in the grand conflict.

He had clashed with the Holy Church's champions, earning profound admiration from demons—many viewing him as an exemplar.

Despite the First Demon Emperor's demise to the Hero of Light's sacred blade in that strife, the Demonic Empire endured.

The realm persisted and mended its war-torn state over time. Still, the conflict etched lasting pain into its inhabitants' souls.

Thus, countless demons nursed intense grudges against humans and fiercer loathing for the Holy Church.

"Look! That's Duke Vaen's insignia!"

"True enough. It's been five years since I spotted him here in the capital."

"He must be visiting for crucial matters... maybe tied to those circulating tales?"

"Ah? You mean the undead stirring near our frontiers?"

"Partly... but there's this odd gossip making rounds recently. Word is, some peculiar folks have appeared openly."

"That's news to me... probably just baseless chatter."

Once the Vaen household's coaches rolled into view, murmurs rippled along the avenues. Certain utterances rang clear enough for Yuan and his group to catch.

Ere long, the coach reached the Eternal Palace—the Demon Empire's grand seat. Demons revered this site as sacred, home to their sovereign.

Differing from humans and fellow races, the Demon folk displayed unyielding allegiance to their ruler.

The palace evoked wonder, its lofty barriers etched with elaborate motifs. The designs appeared timeless, spanning over a millennium.

Furthermore, a subtle yet potent archaic essence cloaked the grounds—discernible to cultivators such as Yuan and his companions.

Myriad sentries patrolled the palace perimeter, and Yuan with his wives sensed their formidable presence distinctly.

"These sentries possess real strength... on par with peak Spirit Warriors. Fitting for the Demon Emperor's elite protectors," Valeria whispered softly, her keen gaze surveying the area.

"True. From their aura, it's clear each boasts veteran combat prowess and vast fighting know-how," Yuan concurred with a nod.

"Behold the Eternal Palace—the Demonic Empire's crowning glory. And there stand our Lord's Royal Guards," Cedric declared upon alighting from the coach.

With a brief laugh, he added, "Don't liken them to common troops. One alone could vanquish a hundred battle-hardened foes."

"They intervene only in dire need... their purpose is solely to defend the palace and shield the Emperor."

"I understand... they truly stand out," Yuan affirmed steadily, betraying no unease.

'How laughable... you suppose mere mortals could daunt me? What a letdown,' Yuan mused silently, his face impassive.

Noting Yuan's utter composure amid the Royal Guards' display, Cedric exhaled and stated, "Now, let us proceed within. Our Lord awaits in the Imperial Hall. He's aware of our safe entry into the city."

'Intriguing... he shows no hint of anxiety or dread. Is he masking it?' Cedric reflected as he ushered the group through the palace.

'No matter. My task is merely to present them to our Lord. The rest falls to him,' he thought with a resigned breath.

Their footfalls resounded along the extended passage as they trailed Cedric wordlessly, scrutinizing the palace's depths.

A grand portal loomed at the corridor's close, flanked by two sentinels in heavy plate, weapons ready and senses sharp.

"His Majesty awaits you in the Imperial Hall, Lord Cedric," one sentinel intoned with a modest incline before swinging the vast door wide.

Duke Cedric inclined his head and advanced inside.

As Yuan and his companions filed through the threshold sequentially, the sentinels' piercing stares raked over them, brimming with wariness as they probed for perils to their ruler.

Yuan cast a backward glance—not aggressive, but one that jolted the sentinels' pulses. Cedric overlooked this fleeting moment.

'That youth... he radiates grave peril...' the sentinels reckoned, chills beading on their brows as their limbs grew unsteady.

At the chamber's distant end, a lone seat rose on an elevated dais, exuding a daunting majesty that demanded awe.

The vast hall drowned in profound quiet. Not a whisper of insect life pierced the air—pure hush prevailed.

A silhouette occupied the splendid throne, emanating a crushing presence of dominance and eminence, his eyes surveying all beneath.

Yuan and his companions shadowed Cedric mutely, speaking not a syllable. Meanwhile, their gazes held zero alarm.

'So these represent the humans and demi-humans Duke Hexryn mentioned... wanderers alien to our Demonic Continent... truly captivating,' a subtle smirk played on the Demon Emperor's lips as he observed Yuan and the group trailing Cedric.

"This lowly servant pays homage to His Majesty," Cedric dropped to one knee before the Demon Emperor, his tone rich with profound deference.

"In obedience to your command, I present the outsiders from past our Continent to your exalted self," Cedric continued, lifting his gaze to meet the Emperor's.

"You served admirably, my loyal one," the Demon Emperor intoned, his words infused with vast command and might. "For your diligence, I offer one boon. Name your wish, and it shall be granted."

"I am grateful for His Majesty's bountiful honor. Yet, I only followed your directive," Cedric responded, a slight grin tugging at his mouth.

The Emperor merely nodded, his features neutral, then turned his attention squarely to Yuan and the others.

"Thus, these are the voyagers hailing from realms beyond our Continent—breaching the enigmatic tempest veil and accomplishing what none prior dared. Most noteworthy," the Demon Emperor remarked with a grin, his stare brimming with sharp curiosity as he regarded them.