Whale clouds hung high in the sky, and moonlight shone down without obstruction.
The Cloud Giant held up the Whale Pearl as the common folk below whispered among themselves.
The Xu, Chi, and Huo families trembled with excitement. Prefect Xu Wanxing and Deputy Prefect Chou Yue were shaking all over.
The Whale Emperor of the Eastern Sea had personally extended a fin to reward the victors of the Great Hunting Assembly? A Demon Emperor—that was a legendary Furnace, a Furnace! Like the bright moon and Golden Crow in the heavens. For tiny Huang Province, it was already unbelievable that King of Huai Liang Qu had personally organized this competition. What virtue or ability did they possess to draw a Demon Emperor here to bestow rewards? The springtime of his official career had arrived?
The Cloud Giant extended the Whale Pearl in its hand.
"Ten Whale Pearls, ranging from one to thirty years in age, with effects that increase in turn. They shall be awarded respectively to the tenth through first places in the Great Hunting Assembly. What does King of Huai think?"
Liang Qu replied respectfully, "Since the Whale Emperor is in such refined spirits and wishes to add splendor to the Great Hunting Assembly, it is a blessing for the people of Huang Province and Yun Province, a blessing for the hunters, and a fortune for the celebration. We could not ask for more!"
"Good."
The Cloud Giant nodded, gazed down upon the land below, transmitted its voice to the masses, and announced the additional rewards.
One stone stirred up a thousand waves.
Knowledgeable members of the great households hurriedly asked around, "What does that mean? The clouds in the sky are the Whale Emperor?"
"Didn't the imperial court issue a notice two years ago? It said the Whale