Supreme Ultimate Hall.
Dawn was just breaking.
The morning light passed through the glazed roof tiles, casting dappled light and shadows inside the hall.
Rumble-
With a thunderous rumble, four golden-armored guards on either side pushed hard against Supreme Ultimate Hall's heavy, closed doors, slowly swinging them open with a deep groan.
"Civil and military officials, please enter the hall!" A powerful, resonant voice rang out from within Supreme Ultimate Hall.
As the command rang out.
Outside, in Supreme Ultimate Plaza.
The assembled civil and military officials straightened their attire before slowly entering Supreme Ultimate Hall with steady steps.
Meanwhile.
Elsewhere.
Behind the screen inside Supreme Ultimate Hall.
Ji Minghao listened to the report from the man bowing beside him, his gaze sharpening slightly and his brows faintly furrowed.
"The Luo River King has not entered the palace yet?"
"Your Majesty, according to the reports, the Luo River King has yet to be seen!" the imperial guard replied with a bow.
At that, Ji Minghao's expression darkened slightly.
He fell silent for several breaths.
Then he swept his long sleeve aside. "Begin court!"
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
At the same time.
Inside Supreme Ultimate Hall.
Candles burned brightly, and wisps of blue smoke curled from the incense burners. A faint scent of sandalwood drifted through the air, lending the atmosphere an added solemnity.
The civil and military officials had already arranged themselves on either side according to rank.
The hall was utterly silent.
Just then.
An attendant announced loudly, "His Majesty arrives!"
As his voice faded.
Ji Minghao emerged from behind the screen above the nine steps.
Dressed in a black ceremonial robe and wearing a crown with twelve strands of beads, he walked slowly toward the dragon throne.
"Greetings, Your Majesty!"
"Greetings, Your Majesty!"
"5
For a moment, all the