In the tallest and most magnificent Royal Palace at the center of the city, there was a straight, wide stone staircase leading upward.
Thick dust had accumulated on the steps, but clear footprints could still be seen—marks that bore witness to countless glorious moments.
At this moment, the huge and solemn black castle gate stood wide open, revealing a pitch-black interior, like a ferocious beast ready to devour all who entered.
Qi Lin stepped inside without fear.
However, the instant she crossed the threshold, the space around her suddenly shifted.
In the blink of an eye, she realized she was standing in a vast and spacious hall.
Before her was a gigantic Round Table.
Aside from a magnificent Throne at the head, twelve finely crafted chairs encircled the table.
Ancient oil lamps rested atop the table, their faint, yellowish glow barely illuminating the dark and shadowy hall.
A few people were already seated at the table, including the familiar Yuzhu and the Yuni whom she had just encountered moments ago.
The role Qi Lin now played was Yuyang, and her designated seat was the eighth chair.
She quietly walked over and sat down, just one seat away from Yuni.
Looking around, she searched carefully for any sign of Yulong but found nothing.
Not only that, even Yuhu seemed absent.
For most of the other Yu generals, they had only heard these two names; some had never even laid eyes on these legendary figures.
At this moment, a suffocating silence filled the grand hall.
Everyone sat quietly in their chairs, waiting silently, with no exchange between them.
Time ticked by.
Soon, several unfamiliar Yu generals arrived one after another.
To her, these were entirely unknown faces—among them Yuniu, Yutu, and Yushe.
What surprised her was that all these Yu generals appeared in human form.
Except for their signature masks, they were no different from ordinary people.
From what Qi Lin understood, not all races possessed the ability to transform into human form.
Special clans like the Dragon and Demon races aside, it made sense if all the Yu generals present belonged to such races.
She steadied herself.
The problem must lie with these masks—they probably granted these beings the ability to take on human form.
As all the Yu generals gathered—save for Yulong and Yuhu—a sense of unease grew among some in the hall.
Unconsciously, they turned their gazes toward Yuzhu, hoping for some instruction or explanation.
Yet, under the scrutiny of so many eyes, Yuzhu remained silent, giving no response.
Suddenly, heavy and oppressive footsteps echoed through the silent hall, like war drums shaking the air.
Startled, everyone’s gaze snapped toward the depths of the castle.
Two dark figures slowly emerged from the shadows, one leading, one following—ghostly and imposing.
The first figure’s face was hidden behind the image of a mighty, twisting dragon, while the one behind wore the mask of a ferocious tiger.
All eyes locked on the leading figure—Yulong—the strongest on the border, whose name struck fear across the land.
No one knew the true extent of his power, nor could they measure the gap between themselves and him.
His eyes were cold as ice, sharp as arrows, reminiscent of an eagle’s fierce gaze as it swooped upon its prey.
His gaze swept across the hall, filling those present with both dread and awe, as if he were the supreme ruler of this world.
With every step he took, an overwhelming aura surged like a tidal wave.
His voice was deep and resonant, every word powerful and clear, echoing like thunder in the void:
“This world will be forever changed by us!”
“Welcome, everyone, to the Border Royal City!”
Yet, to everyone’s surprise, this formidable king did not take the Throne at the head of the table.
Instead, like the other Yu generals, he sat calmly in his own seat—the fifth chair.
Now, everyone was present.
After sitting, he turned to scan those around him, his gaze lingering a second longer on Qi Lin.
Yuni, one seat away, sneered.
With such weak strength, she’s unworthy of being a Yu general.
But from the depth of his eyes, Qi Lin sensed he had guessed her true race.
After all, if all the masks were created by him, they would never fool him.
“Whatever grudges or interests you held in the past, I will overlook them; now, I hope you can unite, gather strength, and join me in retaking the Mainland.”
Yulong spoke calmly.
His voice was neither loud nor commanding, yet none of the Yu generals dared to argue.
With his awakening, they understood what it meant.
Now that none were absent, accepting Yulong as their leader was only natural.
Seeing everyone remain silent, he spoke again.
“Good. I trust none of you wish to live in this wasteland.”
Then, he revealed his plan.
Currently, the border forces were too weak.
It was nearly impossible to grow stronger under the watchful eyes of the Nine Clans.
Moreover, their own growth did not mean the enemy would stand still.
Without the leadership of the Border King, even combined, the border forces ranked only mid-to-low among the Nine Clans.
To attack the Mainland rashly would be to invite destruction.
The border would face defeat again.
Yulong paused.
The other Yu generals understood.
If the border was to succeed, they needed external help.
But which outside force would dare support them?
Or even dare to try?
“Affiliated Mainland.”
Yulong uttered these four words slowly.
The hall erupted in shock.
“They’re so weak. How could they help us? Even the weakest Yuyang here could slaughter them single-handedly!”
Yuni retorted, unable to understand Yulong’s reasoning.
Yuni, one seat away, sneered again.
With such weak strength, she’s unworthy of being a Yu general.