Hours passed as the star shuttle traveled through the cosmic void.

Protected by powerful runes and guided through stable star routes known only to major forces, the journey remained smooth. During that time, many disciples cultivated quietly, while others observed the passing wonders beyond the crystal viewing panels.

At last, the atmosphere inside the vessel shifted.

An elder announced that they had entered the territory of the Violet Star Realm.

Max stepped near one of the viewing panels and looked outside.

What he saw immediately drew his attention.

Before them stretched an enormous star realm filled with life and structure. Countless planets revolved through the vastness of space, each following precise celestial patterns.

Some worlds glowed with rich spiritual light. Others were wrapped in rings of mist or elemental storms. Massive floating fortresses drifted between planetary routes, while streams of star traffic moved in controlled lanes.

There were thousands of planets within the Violet Star Realm.

It was a realm far grander and more developed than many places Max had seen before.

Lucia stood beside him and spoke quietly.

"The Violet Star Palace controls all of this."

Max’s eyes narrowed slightly.

The scale alone revealed why Violet Star Palace was considered one of the strongest third-rate forces in the Divine Realm.

Then he noticed something else.

Their star shuttle was not heading toward one of the ordinary planets.

It was flying toward the largest world in the entire realm.

That planet dominated the surrounding space like a celestial king among lesser stars. Its surface shimmered with oceans, continents, mountain chains, and giant cloud formations visible even from far away. Several moons circled it, while countless smaller transport vessels moved around its orbit like insects around a giant beast.

As the Black Dragon Clan shuttle approached the planetary vicinity, a ripple suddenly formed in the void ahead.

An old man appeared in front of the vessel as though space itself had opened to release him.

He wore violet robes embroidered with stars and carried no visible weapon. Yet the moment he appeared, every disciple inside felt immense pressure descend. His aura was calm and restrained, but even the slightest trace of it made many younger cultivators tense instinctively.

The shuttle slowed immediately.

Several elders of the Black Dragon Clan stepped forward respectfully.

The old man spoke in an indifferent voice.

"What force are you from?"

Mathew Grimes answered personally.

"We are the Black Dragon Clan of the Verdant Sky Realm, invited for the Smelting Trial."

The old man’s gaze swept across the vessel for a brief moment, as though examining every person inside at once.

Then he nodded.

"The identity is confirmed."

Without another wasted word, he turned and moved forward through the void.

"Follow me."

The star shuttle resumed movement and followed behind him.

As they passed through layers of planetary defenses, Max sensed countless formations surrounding the great world. Some concealed the atmosphere, some controlled entry routes, and others radiated killing intent powerful enough to erase intruders instantly.

Soon they entered the planet itself.

The moment they crossed the atmosphere, Max’s eyes sharpened.

The scale of the world was astonishing.

This planet was vastly larger than any he had seen so far in the Divine Realm. Its mountain ranges stretched like continents of stone. Rivers looked like silver seas from above. Forests were so immense that some regions appeared as green oceans. Giant cities covered lands larger than ordinary kingdoms, linked by roads of light and flying formations.

Even the energy here was denser and purer than most planets he had visited.

The old man continued leading them across the skies.

Below, Max saw territories, ancient towers, floating islands, giant arenas, and countless cultivators moving through the air as though such scenes were everyday life.

"This is only the outer regions," Lucia said softly.

Max looked at her.

"If this is the outer region, then the core of Violet Star Palace must be absurd."

Lucia smiled faintly.

"That is why they are one of the strongest 3rd rate forces."

The star shuttle continued forward under the guidance of the old man, crossing vast distances over landscapes so immense that even with their speed, minutes passed before one region fully ended and another began.

For the first time since arriving in the Divine Realm, Max truly felt the scale of a top third-rate force. It made him think if a top third rate force had such grandeur then what about the second rate forces and the firs rate forces.

The old man continued guiding them through the vast grounds of the Violet Star Palace’s outer region, his pace steady and unhurried. The deeper they traveled, the more astonished the disciples became.

Roads made from polished violet stone stretched in every direction, lined with glowing trees whose leaves shimmered faintly beneath the evening sky. Streams of spiritual water flowed beside the pathways, carrying a refreshing aura that calmed the mind the moment one drew near.

Soon, an enormous mansion-like palace rose before them.

It stood proudly atop a raised platform of white jade, its towering walls carved with stars, moons, and ancient furnace symbols that radiated age and dignity.

Rows of elegant pillars supported grand balconies, while lanterns of violet crystal hung from every corner, casting gentle light across the surroundings. The structure looked less like a temporary residence and more like the estate of a noble force.

Yet what shocked them even more was that this was not the only one.

As they drew closer, everyone noticed that similar mansion palaces were scattered across the entire region. Some stood beside lakes, others near gardens of spiritual herbs, while a few rested upon floating platforms connected by stone bridges.

At a glance, there were dozens of such residences, each grand enough to house an entire sect delegation.

Max narrowed his eyes as he observed the scene.

This was clearly a designated guest district of the Violet Star Palace, specially prepared for outside forces attending the Smelting Trial. The scale of it alone revealed how often large events were held here and how powerful the palace truly was. Even lodging for guests carried an aura of wealth that many lesser forces could never match.