The Spring Hunt Begins, Dark Undercurrents Surge! (Please Subscribe and Vote with Monthly Tickets)
The first ray of morning sunlight pierced the thin mist and shone upon the gate tower at the Imperial Capital's north gate, its golden radiance gleaming against the glazed roof tiles.
The soldiers on the walls and the Imperial Guards near the gate stood ramrod straight, their eyes blazing like torches!
With a clear blast of the horn, a vast procession streamed through the north gate, beginning this year's Spring Hunt.
Clad in golden dragon light armor, Li Chen rode a magnificent black horse named Dragon-Steed Black Obsidian. Possessing dragon blood, the horse was pitch-black as dark jade, tall and athletic, with bulging muscles and sleek contours brimming with explosive power.
His limbs were strong and powerful. Every step seemed capable of shaking mountains and rivers, displaying his extraordinary might.
The stronger a horse's bloodline, the harder it was to tame. Sometimes such horses even startled the emperor, so powerful members of the imperial clan generally remained nearby to keep them in check.
But Dragon-Steed Black Obsidian carried Li Chen. Sensing that vast divine might, he kept his steps perfectly steady, terrified of letting Li Chen feel even the slightest jolt.
The imperial clansmen nearby who specialized in training horses all thought that beasts were beasts: give them a powerful master, and they would submit.
Naturally, Li Chen rode at the very front. The court's Grand Generals, military officers, imperial scions, descendants of great nobles, and Imperial Relatives followed behind on their own mounts.
The imposing procession numbered several thousand.
They wore all manner of extraordinary light armor, every plate polished bright enough to reflect a person's image.
None of those permitted to attend were merely passing themselves off as qualified. They were the elite of the elite.
They sat tall and straight, exquisite bows and arrows slung across their