The main hall of the Imperial Palace.
Across the ceiling ran reliefs cast in crimson gold: Heavenly Sparrows carrying stars in their beaks, falling jujube and apricot fruits, Netting amid mist and rosy clouds. Vermilion and apricot-yellow Li Fire surged between them, drifting like vapor.
The emperor's crimson eyes brightened slightly above his vermilion throne. He spoke, his voice like a profound bell.
"Rise."
The long registers on the table rose separately into the air and hovered in the hall, each emanating a wondrous aura.
One was a dusky silver, covered in thunder marks and inscribed with [Northern Thunder Merciless]. It resonated with heaven and earth and summoned thunder, seeming to merge inseparably with everything around it.
This object happened to settle before Xu Xuan, giving him a rather familiar feeling. It seemed to be... seal script, yet differed considerably.
The strongest reaction, however, came from the Black Laws within him. They trembled incessantly, seemingly resonating with this Long Talisman, leaving Xu Xuan somewhat startled.
The other Long Talisman was blue-black, wreathed in demonic qi and inscribed with [You Dai Demon-Subduing]. Ghosts and demons manifested beside it, forever trying to drag it into the Gloomy Netherworld.
"These are Heavenly Registers, obtained from an Imperial Palace of Feng Dai. They possess the wondrous ability to exercise authority on behalf of heaven and earth and issue commands to them."
Tianchi spoke, his birdlike crimson pupils growing brighter. He said:
"Outer Dao traditions flourish throughout Northern Liao, encompassing Buddhist teachings, demons, ghosts, and gods. These two Heavenly Registers were secret treasures of the Northern Thunder Lineage, and reproduce the wondrous powers of the ancient Thunder Palace and Netherworld offices."
He paused, his gaze shifting briefly between Xu Xuan and Nangang, then said:
"These originally belonged to the ancient Thunder Palace and Netherworld. According