Tang Lan: "I'm Willing to Lead the Tang Sect and Pledge Allegiance to Alliance Leader Zhao!"

With Zilan Pavilion fanning the flames, news of the Clear Sky Sect's destruction spread through Heaven Dou City as if it had grown wings.

Teahouses and taverns, streets and alleyways—everywhere, people were talking about it.

Some said Zhao Linchuan was a god descended from heaven, that with a single palm strike he had reduced the Clear Sky Sect to ashes.

Some said he was the heir entrusted by the late Crown Prince Xue Qinghe, destined to save the Heaven Dou Empire from peril.

Others said he was Heaven's chosen one, the hope of the Heaven Dou Empire's revival.

Whatever the story, they all reached the same conclusion: Zhao Linchuan was an undisputed hero.

Soul Masters and commoners living throughout Heaven Dou City called on Zhao Linchuan to ascend the throne.

The petitioners' lines stretched from one end of the streets to the other, from the east of the city to the west. Some even set up incense tables outside their homes, burning incense and praying day and night, begging "Alliance Leader Zhao" to heed the will of the people and take the throne.

Seven days later, at the Heaven Dou Imperial Palace, in the Golden Hall.

Morning light streamed through the high windows, bathing the entire hall in golden splendor.

The dragons carved into the pillars seemed to come alive in the shifting light, winding through the clouds.

People filled both sides of the hall.

Among them were Soul Masters who had rendered outstanding service in resisting the Star Luo Empire's iron cavalry, representatives from Heaven Dou City's academies, envoys from various powers who had hurried here upon hearing the news, and common heroes who had stood up amid the chaos of war.

Zhao Linchuan stood atop the imperial steps. Qian Renxue stood one step behind him, dressed today in