Bestowing the Throne, Protecting the Maternal Clan's Imperial Authority for All Ages

The setting sun sank westward, its fading rays dyeing the entire horizon red as evening clouds spread across the vast lands of the Sun-Moon Empire.

The fleet at West Lin Harbor had long vanished beyond the sea and sky. The waves still crashed against the reefs, yet they no longer carried their former majestic force.

The civil and military officials, along with the soul tool masters, had all departed and returned to their posts to safeguard the empire's foundations. Only Xu Qingxuan remained standing at the harbor, gazing into the distance for a long while. Not until twilight had deepened did he slowly withdraw his gaze.

"Set off. Return to the palace."

Xu Qingxuan spoke calmly, his tone carrying a trace of relief as well as anticipation for the future.

He knew that the two supreme treasures Qian Xunzong had left behind would become the Sun-Moon Empire's greatest reliance for the coming millennia, even tens of thousands of years—the foundation ensuring that Xu Family Imperial Authority would never decline.

The imperial carriage slowly set out, passing through the bustling streets of the imperial capital before entering the solemn Forbidden Ground of the Imperial Palace. No one spoke along the way. Before long, the carriage stopped outside a sealed palace at the very heart of the Imperial Palace.

This palace was the Forbidden Ground of the Imperial Palace. Ordinary members of the imperial clan, guards, eunuchs, and palace maids were forbidden from approaching it. Heavy troops guarded it year-round. It was tranquil and solemn, cut off from all the noise of the outside world—the purest and most sacred place in the entire Imperial Palace.

"Your Majesty, we have arrived," the captain of the guards said, bowing.

"All of you remain where you are. Without my decree, none may come within half