The Heaven Dou Empire's imperial palace, the Imperial Study.
A middle-aged man in his fifties sat upright behind the imperial desk, reviewing the memorials piled high before him.
He was broad-shouldered, with a dignified bearing and a naturally imposing, intimidating air between his brows. He was none other than the supreme ruler of the Heaven Dou Empire, Emperor Xue Ye.
"Your Majesty, His Highness the Crown Prince requests an audience."
Outside the door, Grand Steward Li Zhong bowed as he reported, a whisk in his hands.
Emperor Xue Ye didn't even look up. He simply set down his vermilion brush. "Let him in."
Footsteps approached from afar, and a tall, youthful figure stepped into the Imperial Study.
Xue Qinghe had traded his usual crown prince's attire for a simple, moon-white robe. Yet he still carried himself with that same unhurried, gentle composure. He stopped three paces from the imperial desk and bowed slightly.
"Your son pays his respects to Father."
"Rise." Emperor Xue Ye finally looked up and scrutinized his eldest son. "What brings you here today?"
Xue Qinghe slowly straightened. After a moment's silence, under Emperor Xue Ye's assessing gaze, he raised his right hand to his chest and gently clenched his fingers.
The next instant, a vast aura from his Martial Soul suddenly filled the Imperial Study!
The aura was scorching and immense, carrying a fierce force that seemed ready to soar. The flames of the palace lanterns in the room were driven to leap wildly, as if a gale had swept through!
Emperor Xue Ye's usually relaxed posture stiffened at once.
As ruler of the empire, his cultivation was unfathomable, and his sensitivity to Soul Power auras far surpassed that of ordinary people.
The instant that aura washed over him, he sensed something strange about it. This