The First Elder Emerges from Seclusion, Li Xinge Gifts Him a Treasure

After the angels finished reading the imperial edict and achieved their goal, they had no intention of staying in Yang Province. That afternoon, they set off for Shenjing.

The next morning, at Governor's Mansion.

The sun had just risen. Its light pierced the heavy clouds and spilled across the land.

Dozens of Snowy Guards in blood-red robes and broad-brimmed hats rode tall horses, escorting the Governor's carriage as it slowly approached.

The carriage stopped outside Governor's Mansion.

Elder Jiang, standing beside it, bent down and respectfully lifted the carriage's beaded curtain.

Li Xinge stepped out of the carriage.

Today he wore an official's cap and a red military officer's robe, with a gold seal and purple ribbon at his waist and a treasured sword hanging from his belt.

One hand gripping the hilt, he raised his head and calmly gazed at the imposing, solemn Governor's Mansion—the residence that symbolized the highest authority in Yang Province.

The armored soldiers guarding Governor's Mansion planted their swords on the ground and dropped to one knee. Their armor clanked with a metallic ring.

The heavy gates of Governor's Mansion slowly swung open from within.

Li Xinge strode forward, his steps steady as he climbed the stairs toward the vermilion gates opened for him.

Beyond the gates stretched a road paved with bluestone, running straight toward the grandest hall at its far end.

On either side of the road, an armored soldier stood at every step, clad in heavy armor and carrying a long halberd.

Their faces were stern, their bodies as motionless as statues. Only the tassels on their helmets fluttered in the morning breeze.

The moment Li Xinge stepped onto the bluestone road,

Clang!

The first soldier on the roadside slammed his right fist against his left breastplate, producing a dull, ringing crash,