Weeks slipped away like running water, and the days ahead held the promise of relentless downpours over the vast Eastern Continent.
In the heart of the Dragonis Kingdom, His Majesty the King prepared the grand investiture ceremony for the Twin Calamities of the Heavens—Yi Mo and Han Guan—now that the surviving Elders had fully recovered from their ordeals during the Kingdom's tournament. It was a day of unprecedented grandeur. The plazas overflowed with bustling crowds, their laughter and fanfare filling the air as they eagerly awaited the official appointment of the two legendary youths.
Exclamations echoed through the thronged streets: "My heart overflows with joy! I have waited for this day for months!" "Indeed! To tell the truth, I was simply craving the feast's roasted meats!" "Look at that maiden over there... What a devastating beauty!"
Shadows in the Royal Palace
Deep within the majestic palace, the King stood gazing out from a gilded window at the bustling avenues, a gentle smile tracing his features. Though he had lived through countless decades, his face retained the vibrant, commanding presence of a man in his thirties.
Without warning, two figures shrouded in obsidian-black cloaks materialized in the shadows behind him, their visages completely obscured in darkness.
"Serenity coats your face, Your Majesty..." one whispered in a raspy, taunting voice.
The King turned his gaze toward them, his eyes cold and unbothered, as if their sudden arrival was of no consequence.
The second figure spoke in a hushed tone: "We have received covert intelligence regarding the storm brewing ahead... You would do well to limit your public appearances. The Sovereign of the Demonic Alliance would relish a gathering such as this. He may very well come in person to sever your life and purge the remaining Elders, just as he did with those who perished recently."
The King offered a grim, strained smile. "Will your faction not extend a helping hand?"
"We shall," the first figure replied smoothly, "but not in the grand fashion your imagination conjures. After all, the ruin of this Kingdom would severely jeopardize our own division."
Before their forms dissolved into the air, a chilling warning lingered: "Until next time, Your Majesty... But remember this: should you be struck down or captured by him, we shall sense it through the very blood in your veins. And should a single word regarding our existence slip from your lips, the poison slumbering within you will instantly erupt and incinerate your corpse from the inside."
As the shadows vanished, the King clenched his fist and swore under his breath: "... Brother!"
In the Preparation Hall
Elsewhere in the palace, the preparation hall was laden with tables overflowing with exquisite delicacies and fresh pastries. The most distinguished figures and prominent authorities of the Kingdom had gathered within its walls.
The First Elder stood in stoic silence, leaning against the stone wall like an immovable peak. On the opposite side, the Second Elder showcased his eloquence, conversing gracefully with a group of noble ladies. Near the banquet tables, the Third Elder devoured meats and sweets with ravenous delight, while the Fifth Elder stood serene before a blossoming tree, meditating upon its subtle beauty.
Vice-King Yan Yue's voice boomed across the hall as he barked orders at the attendants to expedite the setup of the investiture dais, for the ceremony was set to begin in mere moments.
Yi Mo glanced at his companion, Han Guan, noting his rigid posture. "Are you alright? You look rather tense."
Han Guan replied in a low voice, "To be frank... yes. You know well how I despise places teeming with crowds."
Yi Mo tried to suppress a chuckle, but failed miserably, bursting into a loud, booming laugh. The entire hall turned to stare at them, while Han Guan glared at his friend with utter disgust and disdain.
"Curse you, you filthy blonde fool!" Han Guan spat under his breath.
Yi Mo offered an innocent smile, scratching his golden hair to brush off the awkwardness. Moving toward the food tables, he reached out for a pastry, only for his hand to bump into the Third Elder's.
"My apologies," Yi Mo said smoothly.
The Third Elder turned, his mouth stuffed with fine meat, and beamed. "Think nothing of it! Ahem... From your posture alone, you possess formidable strength, young man!"
Yi Mo grinned. "Well, that is what I am known for."
The Third Elder picked up a steaming confection and presented it to Yi Mo with great enthusiasm. "Here, try this! It is the famous 'Magma Sweet'—there is nothing quite like it across the entire Eastern Continent."
Yi Mo placed it in his mouth, savoring the rich flavor as it melted on his tongue. He could not help but mutter: "Damn...!"
Overhearing him, the Third Elder blinked in surprise. Yi Mo quickly offered an apologetic laugh. "Pardon my language! I merely meant that it tastes astonishingly good!" The Third Elder chuckled warmly in response.
Yan Yue materialized beside them, his sharp eyes flicking between the two. "It seems you two get along quite well."
"More or less," the Third Elder replied with a grin.
"The Third Elder is a man of gentle heart and sharp intellect," Yan Yue remarked to Yi Mo. "I hope you two cultivate a fine friendship... At any rate, the ceremony will be ready in ten minutes. Don your Elder robes and inform Han Guan."
The Absence of the Fourth Elder
Scanning the hall, Yan Yue noticed that the Fourth Elder, Farkan, was nowhere to be seen. After searching the adjacent chambers, he materialized before Farkan's newly appointed residence and knocked firmly on the heavy doors.
The Chief Butler opened the door and bowed deeply. "Vice-King Yan Yue... What brings your esteemed presence here?"
"Is the Fourth Elder within?" Yan Yue demanded.
"Yes, he is in his quarters. Please, step inside."
As Yan Yue walked through the grand corridor, a rich, fragrant incense filled the air. His eyes swept across the ancient paintings adorning the walls—portraits depicting legendary figures of supreme martial prowess and authority from centuries past.
Farkan emerged from his bedchamber, his hair unkempt and wearing only his trousers. He called out to a maidservant to prepare a warm bath, only to freeze as he caught sight of Yan Yue standing nearby.
"Vice-King Yan Yue?!" Farkan asked in surprise. "What business do you have in my residence?"
Yan Yue scoffed. "You seem terribly forgetful, Fourth Elder. The grand ceremony is about to commence!"
The two exchanged a sharp look. Farkan narrowed his eyes. "Watch your tongue, Vice-King. Such tone does not suit my stature."
Yan Yue replied coldly as his body began to blur, "I care little for your stature. Make haste and dress yourself; His Majesty has commanded the presence of all Elders."
The moment Yan Yue vanished, Farkan shouted, "Chief Butler! Prepare my white robes and white boots at once!"
The Grand Investiture
Fifteen minutes later, fully clad in his pristine white attire, Farkan executed a quick movement technique and materialized at the ceremony grounds.
[Hmm... They have not begun yet,] Farkan thought to himself. [That wretched Vice-King was fussing over nothing.]
Murmurs rippled through the crowd instantly: "Look! It is the Fourth Elder!" "By the gods, he looks exceptionally refined today!" "The Fourth Elder has arrived!"
The onlookers were thrilled by his presence. Respect for Farkan had soared across the kingdom, especially after his legendary duel against the Second Elder, where he claimed victory despite the gap in their official rankings. In the eyes of the realm, Farkan was no longer just the Fourth Elder; his true strength had reached the First Stage of the Fifth Rank.
Approaching the royal platform, Farkan bowed slightly. "Greetings, Your Majesty, Vice-King Yan Yue."
The King let out a hearty, booming laugh. "You are running a bit late this time, Fourth Elder! But no matter, we have yet to begin."
The Third Elder rushed over and embraced Farkan warmly. "How have you been, my friend? It has been far too long!"
Farkan laughed and assured him he was doing well. As he stepped forward, the First, Second, and Fifth Elders gathered around to exchange respectful greetings.
Suddenly, Vice-King Yan Yue clapped his hands together, his powerful aura commanding absolute silence throughout the vast plaza.
An elder with a smooth, shaved head and spotless white garments stepped onto the high altar. Unfurling an ancient scroll inscribed with the sacred laws of the Eastern Continent's realms, he began chanting the legal decrees of succession and stewardship. With a resounding voice, he summoned the Twin Calamities of the Heavens to the dais.
Yi Mo and Han Guan stepped out from the preparation hall, swathed in magnificent Elder robes. Yi Mo, distinguished by his golden blonde hair, and Han Guan, striking with his raven-black locks, radiated an air of absolute majesty.
The entire arena erupted into thunderous applause, deafening cheers, and celebratory whistles!
The bald officiant gestured to them. "Please, stand beside me and raise your voices."
He declared the ancient oath: "Do you swear before the Dragonis Kingdom to fulfill your duties with unyielding devotion, to lay down your very lives for its glory, and to shield its people from all peril?"
With voices that reverberated across the heavens, the two youths declared: "We swear upon our souls to fulfill our duties as Elders of the realm, to lay down our lives for its glory, and to protect its people!"
The vast assembly stood as one, cheering in jubilation.
The officiant proclaimed: "By the authority vested in us, we officially bestow upon you the title of Kingdom Elders! Yi Mo shall be appointed as the Sixth Elder, and Han Guan as the Seventh Elder!"
Han Guan leaned toward Yi Mo, his brow furrowed. "Why are our ranks so low among the Elders?"
Yi Mo scoffed softly. "Are you dense? The other Elders are present and hold their established seats. We were assigned the vacant positions of the Elders who died previously. Strength is the true deciding factor now; that old ranking law was changed long ago."
The King stepped forward, a satisfied expression on his face. "Congratulations to you both. You are now officially grand Elders of the Dragonis Kingdom."
Both youths bowed in gratitude. Far in the distance, the venerable old cultivator who had tested them in the abyssal cave stood watching, a broad, proud smile gracing his face.
The Western Continent: Under the Cathedral's Shadow
Halfway across the world, within the towering sanctuary of a cathedral on the Western Continent...
Ornate stone pews lined the solemn hall, bathed in the flickering glow of a thousand candles. The congregation stood clad in dark robes, their hands pressed tightly against their chests in quiet devotion.
A figure stepped forward, asking respectfully, "Father Larons, what are our next orders?"
Father Larons answered with a calm, commanding voice, "Our immediate goal is to render assistance to the Eastern Continent to turn back the tide of the Demonic Alliance. The Alliance gathers its strength to invade Dragonis; should they succeed, their darkness will inevitably sweep across the rest of the world. That is our long-term crusade. For now, we must complete our duties within our own continent."
Father Larons turned his gaze toward the tall stained-glass window, looking out into the bleak, overcast sky where white snowflakes drifted silently to the earth.
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End of Chapter.