The Star River churned, its surging waters howling. Compared to usual, the rolling river seemed even more violent, as though something were being nurtured within it, emanating an invisible pressure.
In merely seven days, the Soaring Sky Dynasty's grandest ceremony had begun.
By now, both banks of the Star River had long been covered by stringent defenses. The seven great legions representing the Soaring Sky Dynasty stood guard on either side of the river. Seven days ago, all trade had already been prohibited here, while great formations formed by gathered armies flickered indistinctly in the sky, enclosing every corner.
Upon the raging river stood an immortal artifact altar, silent and still. Extending from it was an enormous plaza, where a dense sea of Soaring Sky citizens had surged in to watch the spectacle, their boiling clamor filling the air.
This was the Dragon Soul Rite. Most young people had only heard of this greatest ceremony of the dynasty, yet had never seen it with their own eyes. Even their fathers had never had the chance to witness it.
But today, this grand ceremony would unfold before their very eyes.
These citizens who had lived in the Soaring Sky Dynasty all their lives were waiting for the dragon vein that sheltered the dynasty to bestow even greater grace upon them.
They would also witness with their own eyes how the Soaring Sky Holy Emperor, who had protected them for so many years, would see his prestige reach an unprecedented peak after this Dragon Soul Rite!
Around the altar had already become the gathering place for the Soaring Sky Dynasty's core figures.
"Boom!"
"Boom, boom!"
"Boom, boom, boom!"
The instant the deep, thunderous drums sounded, several streaks of light shot forth before the altar, finally coming to a halt before its ninety-nine