After a moment of surprise, Qi Dao recovered and bowed. "Thank you, Your Majesty!"
Xue Ye smiled with satisfaction. "A treasure belongs with a hero. King Peerless is worthy of the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud."
With that, he raised a hand and beckoned.
A knight in golden armor immediately approached Xue Ye, holding a brocade tray in both hands.
Xue Ye took the tray from the knight, then smiled at Qi Dao. "King Peerless, step forward and receive the symbol of your status!"
Qi Dao stepped forward at once and took the tray from Xue Ye.
Xue Ye smiled. "King Peerless, besides being the Heaven Dou Empire's national treasure, the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud can, in a sense, be considered a Soul Tool. It has many remarkable uses."
"I won't go into them here. Once you take it back, you can discover them for yourself."
Qi Dao nodded and returned to his place.
Xue Ye then delivered another long speech before everyone entered Heaven Dou City, where cheers from the masses and a hero's welcome awaited them.
A palace banquet followed, with Xue Ye inviting everyone from the academies.
At the banquet, Xue Ye clearly intended to bring Qi Dao and Xue Ke together, hoping to bind Qi Dao firmly to the Heaven Dou Imperial Family.
But Dugu Bo would have none of it. He glared at Xue Ye on the spot, making him abandon the idea.
The banquet lasted until late into the night before finally drawing to a close.
The academies returned to their respective lodgings, while Qi Dao headed for the Crown Prince's Residence.
To avoid causing Qi Dao more trouble if anything happened on the road, Qi Father and Qi Mother had not accompanied them to Spirit City this time.
So as soon as the palace