Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and Clear Sky Sect

Someone let out a low cry, and everyone's eyes turned in unison toward the palace gates.

A luxurious carriage drawn by four Unicorn Nightmare Beasts slowly entered.

The carriage came to a stop, and its door opened.

The first to step down was an elderly man with graying hair and refined features.

He wore a dark purple robe embroidered with the subtle pattern of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda. He was Ning Youcai, the current sect master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.

Immediately afterward, the young sect master, Ning Fengzhi, stepped out as well.

At his side stood a middle-aged man dressed in white as pure as snow, a longsword strapped to his back.

The man merely stood there quietly, yet an unsettlingly sharp aura faintly emanated from him.

Xue Ye had already hurried forward, his face brimming with an enthusiastic smile. "Hahaha... Uncle Ning, you've finally arrived. I've been waiting for you for so long."

Ning Youcai smiled and bowed. "Your Majesty's birthday is a celebration for all under heaven. Naturally, this old man had to come and offer his congratulations."

"A modest gift, nothing worthy of mention."

"Uncle Ning, you're far too courteous."

Xue Ye hurriedly helped him up, then turned his gaze toward Ning Fengzhi and Chen Xin, his smile widening. "Brother Fengzhi has grown ever more steady, and Sword Douluo's bearing surpasses even that of the past. Please, come in. Today, we must drink until we're thoroughly intoxicated."

After exchanging a few polite pleasantries, Ning Youcai and his party headed toward the main hall under the guidance of palace attendants.

Before long, another set of footsteps sounded outside the palace gates.

"Clear Sky Sect Master Tang Yin has arrived!"

"Clear Sky Sect Young Master Tang Xiao has arrived!"

As the announcements rang out, the crowd stirred once more.

A burly, towering man strode in, with tiger-like eyes, heavy brows, and an imposing presence even without anger.

He was Tang Yin, the current sect master of the Clear Sky Sect.

At his side was a young man who was likewise tall and broad, with resolute features. He was Tang Xiao, the eldest young master of the Clear Sky Sect.

As they walked, they carried an aura as heavy as mountains and as domineering as anything in the world, standing in stark contrast to the refined splendor of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.

Xue Ye once again went forward with a beaming smile. "Uncle Tang, Brother Xiao, you must have had a tiring journey. Please, come in!"

"Your Majesty is too courteous. On this auspicious birthday, Tang has come to trouble you with his presence."

Tang Xiao also clasped his fists in salute, neither humble nor overbearing.

Xue Ye personally led the two toward the main hall, where they happened to meet Ning Youcai's party, who were exchanging brief pleasantries outside.

"Brother Ning, I trust you've been well." Tang Yin cupped his fists toward Ning Youcai.

"Sect Master Tang, your bearing remains unchanged."

The leaders of two of the Upper Three Sects standing together naturally drew everyone's attention.

Delighted by the harmonious sight, Xue Ye laughed. "For both uncles to gather here is truly my honor, and the empire's blessing as well."

Stroking his beard, Ning Youcai smiled. "Sect Master Tang, your son, worthy nephew Xiao, is already a Soul Douluo."

"Truly, a tiger father has no dog son. The Clear Sky Sect has worthy successors."

Tang Yin waved a hand. "Brother Ning, you flatter him. This brat still has a long way to go."

"On the other hand, worthy nephew Fengzhi has been helping Brother Ning manage the affairs of such a vast sect at such a young age. He is steady in conduct and farsighted in judgment. That is what truly makes one envious."

"Unlike my two disappointing sons, who only know how to run wild outside all day."

Beside him, Tang Xiao coughed twice and nodded to Ning Fengzhi in greeting.

Ning Fengzhi returned the gesture with a smile. Although their sects stood on different sides, both were outstanding members of the younger generation, and they held a degree of mutual respect.

Xue Ye sighed at just the right moment. "Seeing the fine sons of both uncles truly makes me deeply envious."

"I wonder when my own princes will be born, to continue the imperial bloodline for the empire."

Having only recently ascended the throne, the matter of heirs was indeed a major concern weighing on his mind.

Ning Youcai immediately cupped his fists. "Your Majesty is blessed by heaven. The birth of royal heirs will surely come sooner or later."

"When that time comes, this old man will certainly present a most generous congratulatory gift."

"Hahaha, then I'll borrow Uncle Ning's auspicious words."

Just as the outwardly harmonious exchange continued, a piercing sound suddenly came from above the plaza.

Everyone instinctively looked up.

In the distant sky, a dazzling golden light was speeding toward them at an astonishing pace.

The golden radiance was so brilliant that it temporarily eclipsed the afternoon sun. Even from far away, its sacred and majestic aura made hearts tremble.

"That is... someone from Spirit Hall."

"So fast. Did they fly here?"

"This aura... could it be that the Pope has come in person?"

Cries of alarm rose one after another.

The smile on Xue Ye's face did not change, but the polite smiles on Tang Yin's and Ning Youcai's faces faded somewhat as well.

The relationship between the Clear Sky Sect and Spirit Hall had always been delicate. Though the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect cooperated with Spirit Hall, it also kept its distance.

Xue Ye reacted quickly, turning his head to whisper several words to his younger brother, Prince Xue Xing.

Prince Xue Xing understood at once and immediately stepped forward. He said politely to Ning Youcai and Tang Yin, "Both sect masters, His Majesty has prepared seats of honor for you. Please follow me into the hall to rest first."

Ning Youcai and Tang Yin also understood that Xue Ye intended to welcome the Pope of Spirit Hall separately.

The two nodded. After signaling to Xue Ye, they led their respective parties and turned toward the main hall under Prince Xue Xing's guidance.

After seeing off the two sect masters, Xue Ye adjusted his robes. The warm smile that did not diminish his imperial dignity returned to his face as he alone led several trusted ministers steadily toward the center of the plaza.

The golden stream of light faded, and six wings fluttered gently. Under countless gazes, Qian Xunji and Falling Devil Douluo descended to the ground.

Xue Ye hurried forward. "Pope, your personal presence at my humble birthday banquet truly brings great honor to this place. I am immensely honored."

Qian Xunji nodded. "Xue Ye, you are too courteous. Today is your birthday, so it is only proper that I offer my congratulations."

The two clasped hands, one radiating warmth and the other calm reserve, both wearing flawless smiles.

His grip isn't weak, young man. Though Xue Ye wasn't actually much younger than him... Tsk, that fake smile was even more practiced than the ones I used when dealing with clients back then.

I really want to finish this tedious socializing already and return to Yelin City to watch the lanterns with Dong'er...

Coming here was such a waste of time. It would be more interesting to go back and sleep, or work on my Soul Tools.

Xue Ye remained all smiles as he turned sideways to lead the way. "Pope, the banquet is about to begin. Please enter the hall and take your seat of honor. I have specially prepared the best seat for you."

"Thank you." Accompanied by Xue Ye, Qian Xunji strode toward the main banquet hall of Wanhua Hall.

Falling Devil Douluo followed closely behind.

The instant Qian Xunji entered Wanhua Hall, the guests from every faction who had already taken their seats involuntarily lowered their voices.

"Greetings, Pope."

"My respects, Pope!"

"Your bearing surpasses even that of the past, Pope!"

A string of greetings, some sincere and some fawning, rose one after another.

Qian Xunji merely nodded slightly in acknowledgment without slowing his pace, walking straight toward the seat of highest honor.