Chapter 197: Sky City

The teleportation array was situated in the northeastern hills of the lower city, surrounded by the manors of prominent nobles.

Compared to the densely packed buildings and shacks in the surrounding area, which could easily induce claustrophobia, this region boasted an exceptionally beautiful environment. There were meticulously landscaped groves and vast open lawns, dotted with domesticated deer. In the center of the grassland lay a large artificial lake, where many elegantly shaped waterfowl leisurely foraged.

The structure housing the teleportation array was a temple complex dedicated to Adina, the goddess of magic and wisdom. It was entirely carved from white marble, its exquisite craftsmanship surpassing any building Wu Qingsong had seen before. The temple’s grandeur also far exceeded that of the God of Death’s temple built by the Batiz people that they had previously visited. Though they might be similar in height, the sheer expanse of this temple was truly astonishing.

Tall statues lined both sides of the pathway, seemingly depicting legends of Adina. However, Wu Qingsong neither had the opportunity nor the inclination to carefully appreciate these magnificent works of art. He knew that the place he was about to reach would undoubtedly be even more breathtaking.

The half-elf steward under Marquis of Riniconia led Wu Qingsong and Xeila toward a side hall, passing through meticulously designed corridors and gardens along the way.

Wu Qingsong noticed that almost all the clergy in this temple were half-elf women. There wasn’t a single beastfolk among them. Occasionally, they would see a true elf, who, surrounded by adoring attendants, would arrogantly stride through the halls toward a certain temple. During these moments, they had to step aside, kneeling on one knee by the pathway.

The steward, who had previously received a large sum of money from Wu Qingsong, kept incessantly murmuring, likely worried he might commit some breach of etiquette. This constant chatter annoyed Wu Qingsong, but fortunately, despite the temple’s grand size, it did have an end. Just as he felt his patience wearing thin, they finally entered the side hall.

On the floor, black stones were arranged into a magical formation about ten square meters in area. It seemed incredibly intricate. Colorful gemstones were placed at several key points, presumably as the energy sources for activating the magic array. Wu Qingsong couldn’t help but compare it to the two magic arrays in the Death Temple. From his personal perspective, he found little difference between them.

Everything was naturally handled by the steward of Marquis Riniconia. Wu Qingsong and Xeila obediently waited on the side.

An elderly half-elf in a white priest robe approached to verify their identities. Xeila had to lift her veil, causing the elder to pause briefly. He glanced at Wu Qingsong, seemingly surprised that someone of his status had such a beautiful wife.

“Step into the circle,” he instructed them. “You might feel a bit dizzy, but it won’t take long.”

Wu Qingsong felt a bit nervous. Xeila extended her hand. Her palm was also sweaty. He held her hand and gave her a reassuring smile.

The surroundings began to twist and blur as if the image on a television was spinning rapidly. Xeila frowned slightly, but he didn’t feel any discomfort.

A few seconds later, he felt a slight tremor in his body, and the environment suddenly returned to normal, though it was completely different from before.

A young half-elf woman stood a short distance away, smiling at them. 

“Are you Lord and Lady Tagraedi?” she asked.

“Yes,” Wu Qingsong replied.

“Please follow me,” she said with a smile. “Marquis Riniconia has been waiting for you.”

The style of this building was entirely different from the previous temple. If the former temple complex was a blend of grandeur and elegance, then this place exemplified perfection in every detail.

At first glance, the interior and furnishings seemed similar to those they had seen on the ground, but a closer look revealed that every detail was immaculate. It was like comparing photos taken with a 3-megapixel camera and a 20-megapixel camera. The previously splendid items suddenly paled in comparison.

The half-elf girl led them out of the temple, and an endless expanse of green and a sky as blue as if freshly washed with water greeted them. A small stream flowed gently from the steps in front of the temple, its musical tinkling echoing off the stones. Before them lay a garden so perfect it seemed like something out of a fairy tale.

Sunlight shone down warmly, neither too hot nor too cold, just right. A gentle breeze carried fragrant air that made one feel as if their body was being cleansed. A flock of colorful birds chirped melodiously in a nearby tree, which hung with countless branches adorned with blue, white, and pink flowers, emitting a delightful fragrance. The ground was covered in soft, plush grass and flowers. It was a pleasure to walk on.

A herd of white unicorns grazed on the grass around the fountain. Their bodies seemingly shone even under the sunlight. Squirrels cautiously perched on the branches, observing them, while colorful butterflies danced in the sunlight, putting on a vibrant, dazzling performance.

In the distance, the blue sky, white clouds, and towering, rustic trees framed a scene of half-hidden white palaces, rivers, waterfalls, and tall aqueducts.

Floating in mid-air were islands made of white stone, resembling a string of pearls in the sky. Between them stretched white stone bridges, appearing insignificant from a distance but undoubtedly grand in reality.

Various staircases were hidden in unexpected places, with towering magical towers standing among the green trees. Above one meadow, there were layered buildings, bridges, walkways, water channels, and waterfalls. Beneath a lake, there might be nothing but empty void. Wu Qingsong even saw a small group of beautiful, large fish, resembling orcas, swimming freely and chasing smaller fish. On the lake’s surface, a large flock of white waterfowl took off in formation, constantly changing their pattern in the air.

Each small island had a completely different style, but the one common feature was the breathtaking beauty that left one in awe.

Everything seemed to blend together in apparent chaos yet maintained a perfect harmony. It felt as if they naturally belonged together and would always stay that way.

The half-elf girl gently blew a short flute hanging around her neck, and the herd of unicorns obediently ran over.

“They are very gentle,” she said, stroking the long mane on their necks, and then she turned to Wu Qingsong and Xeila. “Don’t worry. As long as you treat them as companions, they will obediently take you to your destination.”