Gu Xiao and Gu Zhi got word back from the city that they will only do this deal once they complete their trials.
Gu Zhi found it reasonable, the trials always lets you leave after you completed the most recent one. The more trials you complete the better the reward is at the end. The problem though is that the trials can be very dangerous and are hard to predict. One trial you might pass in a breeze, the other might cost you your life. There were usually no second chances on life, and even if there were, no one would want to test it if they could. If people felt like the next trial was dangerous they would just leave and take their rewards. For the first trial especially Gu Xiao and Gu Zhi estimated that more than half of the couples died before entering love city.
With the week spent dual cultivating and exploring the city, the one week they had before the next trial quickly came up.
"All contestants please make your way to the palace vault" A feminine voice sounded from the sky.
The residents seemed a little startled before realizing what is was, some of them even started to make their way to the palace to watch the show.
In the heart of the city covered by high walls, off access to anyone without a badge lies the palace of eternal love. Crafted out of marble it soared in the sky like a white grand castle dwarfing all who look at it. As the contestants made their way to the gates. He overheard some city officials say "We will wait for your great success in the city, do note that once inside you can't turn back until all of your trials are over" the man said as a final warning to some of the other contestants.
Once they were in the actual palace of eternal love there was no going back unless you quit, or your partner died.
This was the place where the real trials were taking place and from here on out it would be completely different story in terms of difficulty and rewards.
As Gu Zhi made his way to the gate he saw the other couples gather around it as well. Some had serious faces, some looked laid back, and others had a look of fear. He spotted some bigwigs including Ji long, and some people from major sects including the moon temple. They had a look of confidence on their face like this trial would be no big deal to them. Who knows how far they will make it compared to others.
"GATHER AROUND, GATHER AROUND. Ahem as you know we the city of love wish this years contestants with great luck."
Clapping and cheers sounded around them.
"When the palace gates open you are free to enter free to participate in the trials. We hope that you will find what you want, what you need and what you didn't even know you desire. We hope that you remember us and our hospitality and pass the word onto others. We hope that you make it out alive and well with your partner in toe. We hope that the immortal who made this place shines her favor onto you. A word of advice, trust yourself and your partner, help each other out, and make peace with the life you still have. WELCOME TO THE PALACE OF ETERNAL LOVE.... We hope that your stay, is not eternal" the city lord said.
Loud cheers were heard after his speech as a big rumbling shook the entrance to the palace. The gates opened showing the sheer opulence of the palace. A majestic courtyard awaited them as they made their way forward.
"MAKE SURE YOU HAVE YOUR BADGE. ANYONE WITHOUT A BADGE WON'T BE ABLE TO ENTER" he shouted his final words before all the contestants moved forward.
They had a cheering crowd at their backs as Gu Xiao and Gu Zhi moved forward into the palace hand in hand.
As soon as they crossed the walls immediate silence befell them, like all sound from the outside was cut off. They looked back to find nothing but a pitch black void. Looking ahead they saw the palace, it was white with accents of red. Huge silk banners with the symbols of hearts and roses covered the walls. Lush green and maintained gardens dotted the court field. Massive fountains appeared in specific places while there were giant statues and auxiliary buildings filling up the land. It looked like a palace for emperors, taking up more than half the land available inside the city.
Not knowing where the vault was, the group strode forward toward the palace until they saw a human sized statue placed right in front of them.
"Welcome to the palace of eternal love, come with me to the palace vault for your next trial".
A feminine voice was heard from the statue but its mouth didn't move. Suddenly it started to move as it turned its back toward them going toward the palace. The group reacted quickly following the statue. They knew beforehand there would be a guide to guide them. Now that they have shown themselves all they had to do was follow to make sure they were where they needed to be.
As they passed the statues depicting love and lust they made their way inside the palace. It had high ceilings with beautiful stylized designs. The walls had detailed paintings depicting certain events while the ground had beautiful embordered carpets. Pedestals displaying artwork filled some space as they walked deeper into the castle before they reached an elevator.
'I wonder how this elevator works' Gu Zhi thought to himself.
It was a massive platform that just rose or fell seemingly with no command. Once everyone was standing on it, it smoothly moved downwards without a noise or hint of friction. The elevator brought them deeper and deeper into the palace until it finally came to a stop.