Liulan Dynasty.
Lanjing.
The Imperial Palace's main hall.
A grand court assembly was underway.
The civil and military officials all wore splendid robes, adorned themselves with fine jade, and filed into the hall in orderly ranks, their crowns and hats perfectly arranged.
Above the vermilion steps stood a throne carved with countless exquisite designs. The current ruler of the Zhong Kui Clan sat upright upon it, twelve strings of beads hanging from his crown and veiling his face. He seemed as deep as an abyss and as imposing as a mountain, radiating authority befitting one who ruled beneath the heavens.
High above the emperor's head hung an enormous Crystal Mirror. Frost and snow swirled in its depths, but it reflected not the slightest image.
Yet beneath its rippling light, the officials and ruler present all felt their hearts grow as clear as ice, their righteous spirit bright and pure.
At that moment, the emperor held a letter written in gold on blood-red paper, calmly looking down at the officials below.
Only after a Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel finished reporting on various government affairs did the emperor speak in an even tone. "Pei Ling, the Holy Son of Chongming Sect, sent someone to Lanjing a few days ago with a challenge."
"He intends to face Me at Fuye Plain."
The civil and military officials were all taken aback. Then they erupted in fury. "How brazen! He's merely a Holy Son, not even a Sect Master, yet he dares challenge His Majesty. He's simply courting humiliation!"
"Exactly! His Majesty's status and cultivation are beyond compare. Even if Chongming Sect's current Sect Master came here, he would surely leave in defeat. How dare that brat!"
"Hmph! Pei Ling made a name for himself at a young age and now thinks