Han Xiao and Song Ke walked side by side, making their way to the centermost region of the Outer Court. Their destination loomed ahead: The Zhou Palace’s Special Cultivation Hall. The hall was a grand structure, its tall walls imposing and covered in intricate carvings. The entrance was heavily guarded by Zhou military soldiers, their armor gleaming in the sunlight, swords and spears at the ready. Their presence exuded a sense of authority and protection, a reminder of the strict rules and high stakes within these walls.

As they approached, Song Ke clapped Han Xiao on the back. “Well, Brother Han, this is where I leave you. I've got my own training to attend to. Good luck in there.”

Han Xiao nodded, appreciating the camaraderie they had shared. “Thanks, Song Ke. I’ll see you around.”

Song Ke grinned and turned to leave, his confident stride carrying him away from the hall. Han Xiao took a deep breath, squaring his shoulders before stepping forward to address the guards. This was his chance to prove himself, and he wasn’t going to let it slip away.

As Han Xiao approached the imposing iron gate, a soldier stepped forward and barked, “Halt! Only Outer Court elders are permitted beyond this point.”

The soldier's gaze lingered on Han Xiao with a mix of disdain and suspicion. The sight of this disheveled youth, coupled with the rancid odor of dried blood, conjured memories of wartime horrors and fallen comrades.

Recognizing the futility of arguing, Han Xiao reached into his shirt, retrieved the golden card given to him by Tang Chen, and tossed it to the guard.

“What’s this?” the guard grumbled as he caught the card. His eyes widened as he read the inscription aloud, “Special Access Card issued by order of Zhou King Ji Chang!”

Among the guards, an elderly officer of evidently higher rank stepped forward. "Guard No. 125, that's enough," he commanded with authority. "Apologize to this young master and return the Identity Token at once. It is not for us to handle it so frivolously. By touching and reading His Majesty's signature aloud, you have already transgressed several military protocols."

Guard No. 125, recognizing his misstep, bowed deeply and returned the card to Han Xiao.

“There’s no need for apologies,” Han Xiao responded with measured calm. “I merely wish to enter the hall and complete my business.” With that, he strode past the guards, his demeanor resolute and unyielding.

With a deft hand gesture from the venerable guard, the iron gate ascended, emitting a resonant clang as metal scraped against gears.

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"Please, wait a moment, young master," the elder guard intoned, halting Han Xiao. "I do not wish to pry into your affairs, but it appears this might be your first visit to the Zhou Palace’s Cultivation Hall."

Han Xiao, appreciating the guard's well-meaning offer, responded with a measured nod. "Indeed, I might easily lose my way within this vast edifice. Would you be so kind as to guide me?" His voice exuded a subtle yet palpable confidence, buoyed by the thought of brandishing the token as a symbol of his newfound status, as Senior Brother Tang Chen had advised.

"It would be my honor," the guard replied, his tone imbued with deference.

The journey through the sprawling expanse of the Zhou Palace’s Cultivation Hall was smooth, punctuated by the old guard's adept use of conversational skill, subtly probing to discern the young man’s identity. The revelation that the youth was none other than the infamous "trash prince" of Han, forsaken by his father and relegated to the Outer Court to carve out his destiny, was a jolt to the guard's expectations.

However, as the interaction unfolded, the guard’s perception underwent a profound shift. The confident, composed, and affable demeanor of Han Xiao starkly contrasted with the derogatory label attached to him.

'If this poised and assured lad is the so-called trash they speak of, then the very definition of the term demands re-evaluation,' the guard pondered. His astonishment deepened as he discerned Han Xiao’s cultivation level, recognizing it as the 7th Level of the Pulsating Condensation Realm. In muted awe, he murmured to himself, "Merely 13 years old. Remarkable."

The old guard led Han Xiao into the main building, a seven-story structure resembling a leaning pagoda. At its apex, the flag of Zhou billowed proudly under the azure sky. The guard departed when a striking woman approached, her face adorned with bold makeup, clad in a form-fitting silk traditional Chinese robe that accentuated her long legs. She moved with feline grace, her eyes appraising the young man in the unkempt shirt. She knew that anyone escorted by the head guard was significant, despite their humble appearance. Yet, there was something oddly attractive about him, she pondered.

Of course, the other female receptionists avoided approaching him, but this lady had keen eyes.

"Young Master, I'm Ji Ying, your receptionist and guide here. You can call me Sister Ying," the female receptionist introduced with a rare professional smile.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Sister Ying. I'm Han Xiao, the Seventh Prince of the Han Kingdom and currently a disciple of the Outer Court," he said, offering a respectful palm cup.

The name carried a weight that overshadowed the person before her, causing Ji Ying to curl her lips as she tried to reconcile the rumors with the guy standing in front of her. She thought, ‘No, this youth is completely different. His devilishly charming face would make any girl swoon. The way he speaks and the aura he unconsciously exudes bears a striking resemblance to that old fart who forced me to be here.’

"Little Han, what brings you here?" she asked bluntly.

Han Xiao answered calmly, "I'm here to practice my Weapon Crafting skill. And I want the best room this place can offer."

"Huh! The best room?!" This time, Ji Ying was shocked. His ability to enter this secluded place was already a big achievement, but his words made her reassess her opinion about this youth. It was as if he was someone who wanted something that was beyond his reach. "Little Han, don't rush. The best room is quite expensive. Plus, you need to make extraordinary contributions to the Zhou Kingdom to gain access to that room. No one other than the Head Master of the Outer Court has access to the room on the Seventh Floor."