Before the Heavenly Edict Hall of the Great Xia Imperial Palace, a thousand tiers of stone steps rose straight to the emperor's ear—the pinnacle of mortal imperial power, overlooking the entire imperial city.
At the foot of the thousand stone steps, a figure in plain robes approached, climbing one step at a time toward their end.
Before long, Ning Chen appeared outside the Heavenly Edict Hall, his white hair flying wildly, striking to the eye.
Inside the Heavenly Edict Hall, Xia Chi's body jolted when he saw the arrival, and he could no longer keep his expression calm.
"Master."
At that long-unspoken address, tears welled in Xia Chi's eyes.
In that moment, all imperial majesty ceased to exist.
His most vivid childhood memory was of his master's lean yet upright figure, one man holding up a stretch of sky for Great Xia.
"Do you see only your master?"
Qing Ling stepped in from outside the hall, smiling.
"Aunt Qing."
The smile on Xia Chi's face grew ever brighter as he spoke, unable to conceal his excitement.
Looking at Xia Chi, who could now stand on his own, Qing Ling's face flashed with emotion.
Time had passed far too quickly.
The little Xia Chi who had once been chased all around the courtyard had now become the Great Xia Emperor, receiving tribute from all directions.
"It's the Marquis of Knowing Fate!"
News of the Marquis of Knowing Fate of Great Xia's return swept through the entire imperial city like a surging flood.
Aside from the common folk, nearly every top power had learned the news.
Shock and astonishment filled the air.
All factions fell silent; the name Marquis of Knowing Fate of Great Xia placed far too much pressure on people, even more than the Great Xia Emperor.
This was a