Chapter 23: Keeping the Appointment, the Divine Palace Under the Moon

The Moon-Under Temple is located on the northern side of Junyang City.

The top of the hill is wreathed in clouds and mist, with a long flight of white stone steps leading directly to the summit. Every so often, the tolling of an ancient bell echoes through the air. As the wind blows and leaves flutter down, the sound of the bell startles a flock of birds into flight. It is a scene starkly different from the bustling, modern cityscape of Junyang.

The Moon-Under Temple is the oldest faction in Junyang City, holding a position of supreme transcendence. Rumor has it that the Temple controls the majority of the intelligence network within the Eastern Huang Kingdom.

Mi Chen walked up the stairs. It took a long time before he finally reached the top. Before his eyes lay a square paved with white oak stone, and in its center stood a massive altar inlaid with a colossal moonstone. The stone reflected a soft, mystical radiance, dreamlike and ethereal.

"Are you Mr. Mi Chen?"

A young woman with short hair, wearing a black uniform and possessing a beautiful face, appeared beside him. She kept her head bowed, her demeanor respectful. Mi Chen sensed the magic power emanating from her and couldn't help but be startled. She was a 2-star hunter?

"Greetings, Mr. Mi Chen. My name is Uzuki, and I will be your guide from here on out. Please, this way."

Uzuki walked in front. The white oak stones beneath their feet suddenly turned transparent, like glass. They walked along the edge of the square for about twenty paces, then Uzuki tapped her toe on the ground twice. Immediately, the stone slab in front of them rose, forming a stone box akin to an elevator.

"Please."

The two stepped into the stone box, and it began to descend into the heart of the mountain. Through the transparent walls, a palace suddenly appeared before them. Built against the rock face, it was structured in layers, resembling a blossoming lotus. The light within the mountain was provided entirely by the moonstone at the very top, its silvery glow piercing through the thin mist like fine threads and spilling onto the glazed roof tiles.

The stone box soon reached the bottom. Mi Chen and Uzuki traversed a winding stone path and entered a palace nearby. Although the palace looked antique, it was equipped with all modern amenities—iris scanners, surveillance cameras, and more.

Uzuki opened the heavy doors of the palace. "The Master is inside," she said, standing at the entrance.

It was Mi Chen’s first time encountering such a spectacle. He felt a tinge of regret for not going home to change into a cleaner set of clothes. He tugged at his collar, checked himself over to ensure there was no dirt, and then, pulling himself together, walked inside. As he walked, he wondered which great figure he was about to meet.

The route through the palace was carefully designed. By following the path, one would reach the destination; this was partly to prevent guests from getting lost, and partly so that if enemies were to attack, the internal space could be utilized to surround and strike them.

Soon, Mi Chen arrived at a doorway. As he approached, the door opened automatically—not because it had motion sensors, but because there were surveillance cameras everywhere overhead.

He entered the room. To his surprise, the decor was exceptionally minimalist. An entire wall consisted of floor-to-ceiling windows, offering a view of the garden pond outside. Moonlight danced upon the ripples of the water, surrounded by lush bamboo and flowers. A young girl stood before the window.

"Master, he has arrived," a woman who looked almost identical to Uzuki whispered. She wore the same short hair, the only difference being an eye patch over her right eye.

The girl turned slowly. She looked to be about thirteen years old. Her long black hair cascaded like a waterfall, and her face was exquisitely beautiful, her eyes revealing a composure and wisdom