Capital City in Turmoil

"Announce it to the world?!"

Sha LiFei, standing nearby, was stunned, then clicked his tongue in admiration. "It has to be His Majesty. He's got guts!"

The news of the divine artifact had leaked by accident, and interested parties had fanned the flames. The Imperial Court and the streets were abuzz with discussion. Human Path reform, abnormal weather...

One thing after another came rushing in all at once.

The Book of Changes, in the Hexagram of Return, said: "Return before going far; there will be no regret."

If this continued, sooner or later, it would give rise to a great upheaval.

But they had never expected the Emperor to choose the opening ceremony of the academy to make the announcement.

That move was indeed brilliant. It focused everyone's attention on a single point and cut off the spread of rumors.

Li Yan also looked toward the depths of the academy, a faint anticipation stirring in his heart.

He knew that if the Emperor dared to reveal everything outright, the Steam Engine must have made some major breakthrough.

It might even be ready for use!

The great era had truly arrived...

Yan Jiuling had still underestimated Emperor Xiao Qixuan.

He had thought the news would remain secret for some time, but he did not know that while they were discussing the matter, an imperial edict had already left the palace and spread throughout the Three Ministries and Six Departments.

"The opening ceremony of Qiankun Academy—the divine artifact will appear!"

Those few words, strung together into a message, ignited the entire capital at an astonishing speed.

"The mysterious box," "a red radiance soaring into the sky," "heaven-sent auspicious signs"...

There had already been all sorts of abstruse rumors circulating through the streets.

Now, every guess and rumor was instantly "officially confirmed."