The Demon Dynasty had fallen a hundred years ago.
For some far-reaching, secret political reason, the Commander-in-Chief had never formally announced the Demon Emperor's abdication.
Not only that, he still allowed the fallen dynasty's last ruler to live in a side palace deep within Ziwei City and enjoy the nominal privileges of royalty.
But he was a ruler without a kingdom, a puppet living in history's shadow. Why had he appeared here today?
"Is that the Former Dynasty's last emperor?"
Standing beside Li Xiang, Qin Zhong muttered under his breath.
His eyes were round with curiosity, and there was little reverence in his voice.
Li Xiang did not answer at once. He looked toward the white jade passage. Surrounded by a dozen or so pale-faced, beardless eunuchs, a rather slight figure was walking unhurriedly toward Ziwei Hall.
He looked like a young man in his twenties. He wore a bright yellow dragon robe embroidered in gold thread with Nine Pythons and Five Claws, and a Nine-Tassel Crown rested on his head.
Twelve tassels marked the pinnacle of imperial authority. Nine tassels were themselves a symbol of sovereignty cut short.
Yet despite his awkward position as a fallen dynasty's ruler, with the new regime's wolfish soldiers all around him, the young man's steps were steady.
Each footfall carried a peculiar rhythm. He was neither servile nor arrogant; instead, an authority steeped into his very bones showed through.
Hum—
Li Xiang's vision shifted.
In his eyes, iron-blooded killing intent surged skyward above the armored soldiers' heads. Above someone like Zhang Yunqing, the harrowing specter of war circled.
But when his gaze reached the last emperor, Li Xiang's heart jolted.
Above the last emperor's head were not merely the three life flames formed from his essence, energy, and spirit, as there would be