Southern Capital, Imperial Palace.
Apricot-yellow Li Fire blazed at the corners of the hall, neither growing nor diminishing, like brilliant stars. The vermilion gates of the Imperial Palace stood wide open, and light rippled outward like water, answering the Yuanluo Star above Southern Heaven.
Women in apricot-red palace gowns came and went, riding clouds and wind like sparrows. Each time they emerged from a hall, they trailed a haze of Li Radiance.
A man walked slowly along the jade steps, clad in a black robe patterned with lotuses. His face resembled cold jade, with curved brows and thin lips. Gentle light of fortune brightness fell with his footsteps, turning into scattered points of lotus radiance.
The guards on either side bowed, not daring to look directly at him.
Imperial Preceptor Huji moved swiftly, passing through hall after hall before entering the central Li Fire hall. Upon its red steps, feathered beasts of Li Fire fluttered in profusion-sparrows and pheasants that scattered at the sight of him.
A golden plaque hung above the hall, bearing the words [Heaven-Bearing].
An immense pressure issued from beyond the doors. Golden blessing qi and Li Fire radiance had fused into one. Huji seemed to ponder something, entering only after a short while.
Red jade filled the hall, and golden vessels gleamed. Maidservants played music and danced on either side, their figures moving gracefully.
A figure sat upon the imposing black-and-gold imperial throne, dressed in an apricot-yellow imperial robe. An unfathomable gleam shone in his deep vermilion eyes. Tall and slender, he seemed almost inhuman.
Tianchi.
The new sovereign of Great Li had emerged from a Grotto-Heaven, possessing a supreme Divine Ability of the Li Fire path. Since this lord had ascended the throne, the court, long inactive, had begun operating at tremendous speed.
"Your Majesty."