NOVEL NEXT Chapter 89: Chapter 89: Divine City of Celestia
As Xiao Tian, Yue'er, and Lian'er stepped beyond the golden gate, their eyes widened in awe. The Supreme God Realm unfolded before them like a dream. They stood atop a crystalline platform, suspended in a vast expanse of starlight. Towering spires of light stretched endlessly into the heavens, their surfaces reflecting the ethereal glow of floating celestial gardens. Rivers of molten gold cascaded through the air, forming radiant bridges between the city's countless floating islands.
"Welcome to Celestia," Yue'er whispered, her voice tinged with reverence.
Even she, a goddess in her own right, had only heard legends of this place—the sacred city where the gods themselves resided, their power as infinite as the stars surrounding them.
"Is this truly the pinnacle of the divine?" Xiao Tian murmured, his sharp eyes scanning the city. His multi-blessings system activated, displaying faint, glowing threads of divine energy crisscrossing the air.
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[System Notification]
Location: Supreme God Realm – Divine City of Celestia
Energy Density: 2000x Mortal World
Divine Authority Required for Certain Areas
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Yue'er tilted her head, sensing the subtle tension in Xiao Tian's expression. "Even among the gods, the Supreme God Realm is not without its rules. Certain areas are forbidden unless you hold the proper authority."
"Forbidden or not," Lian'er said with a faint smirk, "it's magnificent. But why do I feel like the energy here is alive, watching us?"
As if to answer her, a radiant figure descended from the skies above. It was an ethereal woman clad in flowing robes of silver and gold, her wings shimmering with countless stars. Her presence exuded calm yet undeniable authority.
"Newcomers to Celestia," the woman said, her voice melodic and powerful. "I am Erythea, Keeper of the Gates. You have passed the trials of the labyrinth and earned your place here. But this is only the beginning."
Xiao Tian stepped forward, his gaze steady. "What must we do now?"
Erythea gestured toward a colossal temple at the city's center, its spire piercing the starlit sky. "The Temple of Ascension. All who enter Celestia must present themselves before the High Council of Gods. Only they can grant you full access to the city and its secrets."
Her golden eyes flicked to Yue'er, recognition flashing in her gaze. "You are Yue'er, Goddess of Radiance. Your return is noted."
Yue'er bowed slightly, her demeanor respectful. "It's an honor to stand here once more."
"And you," Erythea said, focusing on Xiao Tian, "are... different. You carry the mark of an extraordinary system, one I have not seen in countless millennia."
Before Xiao Tian could respond, Erythea's eyes narrowed slightly, her tone turning contemplative. "Be cautious. The gods do not take kindly to threats to their authority."
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The Journey to the Temple
Under Erythea's guidance, the trio began their ascent toward the Temple of Ascension. The journey took them through the heart of Celestia, each step revealing the city's unmatched splendor.
They passed through vast plazas where celestial beings—gods, demigods, and other divine creatures—moved gracefully, their forms glowing with divine light. Markets thrived with traders offering treasures unimaginable in mortal realms: gemstones imbued with fragments of stars, weapons forged from the bones of ancient titans, and elixirs capable of rewriting one's destiny.
Xiao Tian's multi-blessings system displayed notifications almost constantly.
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[System Notification]
New Item Detected: Starlight Essence – Enhances Soul Rings by 100,000 Years
Potential Allies: Deity of Eternal Flame, Divine Artisan of Time
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"Xiao Tian," Yue'er said softly, noticing his distracted expression, "what is it?"
"The treasures here," he replied, "are beyond anything I've seen. If we had access to even a fraction of them..."
Lian'er smirked. "Let me guess, you're already planning how to acquire them?"
"Not everything needs to be acquired through force," Xiao Tian said, his lips curving into a faint smile.
Yue'er shook her head but couldn't suppress her own amusement. Despite the gravity of their mission, there was something comforting about their familiar banter.
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Encounter at the Celestial Bridge
As they approached a grand bridge made of pure starlight, a sudden gust of energy rippled through the air, halting their steps. A group of armored figures descended from above, their silver armor gleaming under the celestial light. Each of them wielded weapons imbued with divine energy, their presence radiating authority.
"Halt," the leader commanded, his voice like thunder. "State your purpose."
Erythea stepped forward, her tone firm yet respectful. "They are here under my guidance, bound for the Temple of Ascension."
The leader's gaze swept over the trio, lingering on Xiao Tian. His eyes narrowed. "That one carries an unfamiliar energy. Unregistered systems are prohibited within Celestia without prior approval."
Yue'er stepped in front of Xiao Tian, her aura flaring with divine radiance. "He is under my protection. If you question his presence, you question mine."
The tension was palpable as the two divine auras clashed. The air grew heavy, crackling with energy.
"Stand down," Erythea commanded, her voice cutting through the tension. "They are my charges. If there is an issue, it will be addressed by the High Council."
After a moment, the leader relented, stepping aside with a begrudging nod. "Proceed, but know this: the High Council tolerates no insubordination."
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The Temple of Ascension
The Temple of Ascension loomed before them, its massive doors carved from a single piece of celestial stone. As they entered, the trio was greeted by an expansive hall, its ceiling a swirling tapestry of galaxies. At the far end sat the High Council of Gods, their forms obscured by radiant light.
"Step forward," a voice boomed, filling the chamber.
Xiao Tian, Yue'er, and Lian'er obeyed, their footsteps echoing in the silence.
"You have entered Celestia, the seat of divine power," the voice continued. "Why have you come?"
Xiao Tian stepped forward, his voice steady. "I seek the truth of my blessings and the strength to protect those I hold dear."
The light around the council intensified, their energy probing him. Xiao Tian stood firm, the system's support bolstering his resolve.
After a moment, the voice spoke again, softer this time. "Your path is fraught with challenges, mortal. But perhaps you may prove worthy of the gifts you bear.