In order to enter Holy City, one must first pass through another place!
Tranquil Mountain City!
Tranquil Mountain City's position in the Banished Lands was second to that of Holy City but not because of its power. Instead, this was because the governor's daughter had in-laws with a collateral relative of a son of the Ye family! Even though that son was merely a collateral relative, he holds a relatively high position in the Ye family. Since the governor's daughter was able to land this son, naturally, no one would dare to provoke this heiress.
As such, the heiress had taken the opportunity long ago to rule as a despot!
She had implemented a rule for Tranquil Mountain City - anyone who wishes to pass must fork out a hundred thousand gold pieces! If one does not have the money, one could use other items to barter as well. Tranquil Mountain City was her territory after all so if one wished to pass through her territory, one would have to pay the toll!
"Tranquil Mountain City"... Doesn't really sound so tranquil really.