Time passed slowly.
Saint Kings from the Imperial Capital arrived one after another at White Emperor Manor, bearing precious gifts for the banquet.
The long banquet tables, empty at first, soon filled every seat.
The Imperial Capital's Great Clans, powerful Rogue Cultivators from all quarters, and veteran Saint Kings of the Star Domain had all gathered.
Voices surged, celestial music drifted, and spiritual mist billowed. The entire manor was alive with celebration.
At last, the guest of honor—the Saint Emperor's son, Saint Emperor Ruiyun—emerged from the Main Hall beneath the expectant gazes of the assembled Saint Kings.
The heavy doors of the Main Hall slowly swung inward.
A young man in splendid brocade robes stepped out first, his face fair as polished jade.
He stood tall, surrounded by pure Dao Resonance. His Imperial Dao Pressure was gentle and restrained, yet he carried an inborn air of nobility. He seemed less like a Saint Emperor than a young nobleman born to stand above everyone else.
He was Saint Emperor Ruiyun, the host of today's birthday banquet!
Saint Emperor Seal Heaven followed close behind in his solemn imperial robes. He kept his Saint Emperor pressure contained, plainly unwilling to steal Saint Emperor Ruiyun's spotlight on such an important occasion. Thirteen Saint Emperors of the Through-Ancient Dynasty's Imperial Clan followed him in formation, their bearing deferential and eager to please.
At the rear came a dozen or so Saint Emperors from Great Black Heaven and the Blood God Cult, their auras sinister and their killing intent ice-cold.
They looked languid and indifferent, as though merely attending a banquet, but the wickedness on their faces made them unpleasant to behold.
More than thirty Saint Emperors appeared in succession, spanning the manor's raised platform.
Layer upon layer of Saint Emperor pressure descended, making every Saint