A flash of light.
A figure appeared in the courtyard.
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
Instantly, in this courtyard that had been peaceful for who knows how long, dozens of royal guards blurred into motion, surrounding the suddenly appearing youth.
"Who are you, Your Excellency? Why have you suddenly appeared here?"
Metal spears reflected a daunting light under the sun.
If someone had appeared in this courtyard without cause on a normal day, they would have been met with a violent storm of attacks from the guards.
However, this teleportation array was no ordinary one; its sudden activation must have had another reason.
"Don't worry, everyone."
"I came from Windleaf City, and Lady Sophia helped me activate the teleportation array."
Jiang Han took out a token from his inventory.
This was the proof Sophia had given him before he came, something that could prove his identity.
"A keepsake from Her Highness Sophia?" The guard captain was taken aback, then took the token to examine it.
His expression changed from vigilance to respect.
He quickly put away his weapon, and the others hurriedly followed suit.
"I apologize for my impudence. How may I address you, sir?"
"Windleaf City, Baron Nightfrost."
Jiang Han did not hide his identity, as it would save him a lot of unnecessary trouble.
"So, it's the esteemed Baron."
The guard captain became even more serious, giving a respectful salute with a solemn expression.
The others also showed respectful expressions.
Of course, as royal guards, they were all powerhouses above level eighty.
Although their status was indeed inferior to that of a baron, there was no need to be so solemn.
But the person before them was different.
As the only non-hereditary title holder in recent years, the deeds of this Lord Nightfrost had already spread throughout the capital.
He had slain three lord-level bosses alongside a god-level powerhouse from the Hall of Supreme Beings, saving Windleaf City from danger.
In addition, the gray mist that had recently appeared near Watermoon City was also dispelled by him.
Nightfrost's reputation was considerable, even in the capital.
Moreover...
Rumor had it that this baron had gained the appreciation of Her Highness Sophia, who had always kept people at arm's length.
Otherwise, even with such accomplishments, it would have been difficult to obtain a title so quickly.
Of course, many scoffed at such unfounded rumors, after all... although Her Highness Sophia had married far away to Windleaf City, anyone with a little inside knowledge knew what this nominal marriage was all about.
In the capital, Sophia's reputation was far more exaggerated than in Windleaf City.
Her portrait alone had countless young talents dreaming of her, regarding her as a goddess.
They naturally refused to believe that this noble and dignified flower would favor anyone.
But today's events made the guard captain think that the rumors were likely not unfounded.
Because only a few people could activate this teleportation array, and in Windleaf City, that was only Her Highness Sophia.
"You are too kind."
Jiang Han waved his hand calmly, "Which direction is the World Temple?"
"The World Temple? Is Your Excellency here to undergo the level 50 advancement trial?" the guard captain asked.
"Yes," Jiang Han nodded.
"This way, please." The guard captain gestured with a "please" sign.
There was only one passage to the World Temple in the capital, heavily guarded by the imperial army.
Entering it was troublesome, requiring a series of procedures.
In his previous life, Jiang Han had waited in line for several days.
But with his baronial status and the guard captain's guidance, he completed all the necessary procedures in less than an hour.
It had to be said that the class system in 'Doomsday' was too cruelly defined.
The difference in status had too great an impact.
"This barony wasn't for nothing."
Even Jiang Han himself couldn't help but sigh.
He quickly entered the teleportation passage.
"Captain, I heard that this Lord Nightfrost is a holder of the Badge of Valor. Is that true?"
As soon as Jiang Han left, a group of guards crowded around, asking curiously.
"It's true."
The guard captain nodded, "If I'm not mistaken, he will likely choose a difficulty above Purgatory for this advancement trial."
"Alone?!"
The guards' eyes were filled with surprise, "That's impossible, right?"
"Who knows? We'll just have to wait and see." The guard captain didn't believe it either, but with so many incredible achievements in front of him, he felt that even the Purgatory-level trial couldn't stop this Baron Nightfrost.
"My goodness, if he can really pass the level 50 Purgatory trial, that would be amazing."
The guards discussed among themselves; they were all above level eighty, so they naturally understood how difficult this level 50 advancement trial was.
"Gentlemen, excuse me for asking, but are you discussing that Baron Nightfrost?"
The guards' conversation quickly attracted the attention of those around them, and some nobles with considerable status came up to strike up a conversation.
"Yes."
Although these guards weren't particularly approachable, in a place like the capital, you never knew if an inconspicuous old man was a big shot from somewhere.
They weren't too arrogant and chatted with them.
And the news that Nightfrost was going to challenge the advancement trial alone spread throughout the capital.
Having solved the gray mist problem in Watermoon City, the royal family hadn't even figured out how to reward him yet, making Nightfrost the center of attention.
Adding this event on top of that, there were many people who were interested.
Soon, a large crowd of onlookers gathered outside the passage.
...
Meanwhile.
Jiang Han naturally didn't know that he had caused such a big sensation as soon as he appeared in the capital.
At this moment, he was looking up at the huge palace in front of him.
Although it wasn't his first time here, the sight of this palace floating in mid-air, so large that he couldn't see the end of it, still made him marvel.
Golden magic arrays intersected, flashing with dazzling light, making the entire palace even more solemn and majestic.
But even more shocking than this magnificent palace was the towering giant tree behind it, so tall that he couldn't see the top.
In front of this giant tree, even the World Temple seemed as small as a toy.
This giant tree, known as the "God Tree," was like a towering pillar, rooted in the void but reaching into the clouds, its branches hanging down with twinkling starlight, like stars.
Legend has it that this magical giant tree is the path to the God Realm; as long as you climb up the trunk to the top, you can gain the approval of the gods.
And the World Temple has also been infused with the power of the God Realm.
Therefore, after passing the advancement trial here, you will receive power from the God Realm, allowing the trial-taker's strength to increase dramatically in order to fight against those brutal monsters.
This is why, whether for players or NPCs, this trial is one of the most important milestones.
