Awakening The Weakest Talent: Only I Level Up Chapter 1150: 1150 Arriving at the Capital

A striking sight greeted Lu Yu as he approached. A shimmering golden portal stood grandly within a meadow filled with lush, vibrant blossoms.

Crafted from solid gold, the gate radiated an intense brilliance that seemed to bathe the entire surroundings in a soft, golden illumination.

Its surface was accented by a handle carved from translucent jade, a masterpiece of natural beauty.

With a light turn, the mechanism clicked, and the mysterious barrier creaked open, exposing a gateway swirling with an array of hypnotic, flowing colors.

The light pulsed like a vibrant rainbow, mesmerizing the observer. A powerful, concentrated energy radiated from the portal, washing over Lu Yu in waves.

“This is the authorized Royal Teleportation Gate,” Zhao Qingya said, stepping to his side. “It is a private transit point exclusively for royalty. Little wonder there are so few people using it.”

“I suppose that must be the sentry in charge of it,” Lu Yu noted, pointing toward a figure encased in polished golden plate armor.

The guard stood rigidly, gripping a silver spear with absolute conviction. His features were set in a mask of intense focus, displaying unwavering discipline.

A formidable sense of duty radiated from him, hinting at a will that could not be easily swayed.

This sentinel was a member of the imperial guard, tasked specifically with the protection of this passage.

Zhao Qingya walked toward the guard. “We are bound for the capital,” she stated clearly, “and we require clearance to use this route.”

“Naturally, Mayor Zhao, for you it is allowed,” the guard replied with a polite nod, “but your companion is barred.”

Zhao Qingya turned back, her expression clouded with bewilderment. “For what reason? He is my deputy mayor, after all.”

“His official appointment has yet to be logged by the royal record-keepers. Under current regulations, he holds no authority to pass through this gate.”

A flicker of annoyance dawned on Zhao Qingya’s face. “He must pass through today. I guarantee it!”

“Mayor Zhao,” the guard insisted calmly, “you may proceed if you wish. Perhaps you can file the paperwork for the deputy once you arrive at the capital. Once we receive the formal mandate, we will grant him entry.”

Ignoring his words, Zhao Qingya stepped forward, grabbing the guard’s spear. “Do not be absurd! We just came from Jasper City—did you hear? The city was recently under siege! And you tell me he cannot enter? He defended the city and the surrounding lands! Do you even know how many foes he wiped out?”

“Are you truly going to block his passage now?”

“Mayor Zhao, I ask you to keep your composure. You are familiar with the rules, are you not?”

“Is following protocol all you know?” she retorted, her irritation rising. “Can you not show any flexibility given the circumstances?”

The guard barely batted an eye, shaking his head. “My allegiance is bound entirely to the imperial throne. Your opinion carries no weight here.”

Despite her influence in her home city, Zhao Qingya was viewed merely as a common official by the imperial guard. Even the lowest gatekeeper held a higher pedigree in the royal chain of command.

Frustrated, Zhao Qingya threw up her hands. “I am at a loss for words! You have no clue who you are trying to stop!”

“His status is inconsequential,” the guard maintained stoically. “Unless he is of noble, imperial blood, the law applies equally to him.”

Lu Yu stepped forward and looked the guard in the eye. “And if I insist on passing through?”

A glimmer of interest ignited in the guard’s eyes. “Then perhaps you would like to test your strength in a duel?”

Lu Yu let out a dry laugh, his own expression carrying a sharp, dangerous edge. “Seems like a reasonable proposition. However, let’s skip the formalities. If I make it to the capital, I am sure a quick explanation will clear this up—surely the authorities wouldn’t punish me for a disagreement with a mere gatekeeper, would they?”

The guard’s confidence wavered. He wasn’t ignorant of Lu Yu’s reputations and knew him to be a power to be reckoned with. The imperial family prized such cultivation talent, and his own skin certainly wasn’t worth losing over a bureaucratic technicality.

He swallowed hard. Logic reminded him that a man like Lu Yu was not a threat he wanted to provoke, especially after the carnage he had inflicted on enemy troops.

Recognizing the danger of escalation, the guard sighed in resignation, “My apologies. You may pass.”

Surprised by the guard’s sudden concession, Zhao Qingya raised an eyebrow. “Well, that was surprisingly simple! I didn’t think a bit of pressure would resolve it so quickly.”

Lu Yu gave a knowing smirk. “Every person has a limit to their resolve, and the prospect of a confrontation can often convince someone to reconsider their priorities.”

With a sense of calm, Lu Yu faced the shimmering gateway. The vibrant lights swirled and coiled like living ribbons before him, creating a spellbinding display.

The energy vibrating from the gate pulsed with a magnetic pull, almost beckoning him forward.

Drawn in, Lu Yu walked into the portal without hesitation.

A surge of energy, feeling both archaic and intimately familiar, washed over his body. It was as though a dormant part of his Qi was being stirred, a spark ignited within his Dantian.

The invigorating wave enveloped him completely, guiding him with firm authority toward his distant destination.

Lu Yu could feel the invisible tether pulling him, pushing his physical body away from the current location and toward the legendary capital city.

As he traversed the void, his thoughts drifted. He pictured the immense majesty of the Imperial City—a sprawling landscape filled with endless opportunities and trials for a master of cultivation.

Bathed in the warm currents of the gate, Lu Yu’s form gradually dissolved, leaving only a fading ripple in the air.

When he finally opened his eyes, he emerged into a bustling, vast metropolis. The Imperial City, the very center of the Ten Thousand Dragon Country, hummed with activity.

Lu Yu materialized in a crowded plaza, surrounded by a sea of people. Nearby, a bustling market was alive with the sound of thousands navigating their daily lives.

Looking out, he saw an infinite expanse of tiled roofs and grand structures spreading toward the horizon.

In the far distance, a massive palace pierced the clouds, a titan of stone and magic radiating an atmosphere of absolute authority. Beside that mountain of stone, all other buildings looked like mere ornaments. This was the Imperial Palace, the seat of absolute power in the empire.

A heartbeat later, Zhao Qingya stood beside him. “The Imperial City is immense,” she observed. “Locating anyone here will be a difficult, time-consuming challenge. We should head straight for the Imperial Palace and solicit aid from the royal family.”

Without delay, Zhao Qingya took the lead, guiding them through the crowded thoroughfares toward the looming structure that dominated the city’s skyline.