The Sea of Clouds unfurled, and the officials lined the path. The Ji Clan's imperial kinsmen and the civil and military officials of the outer court all stood with heads bowed. Their ceremonial welcome could not have been more deferential. Had their guest been anyone else, he ought to have accepted the courtesy at this point, allowing both sides to preserve a measure of dignity.
Unfortunately, the one they had invited today was not anyone else.
He was their ancestor.
Before the Nine Dragons Agarwood Carriage, the hanging curtain of pearls swayed slightly.
The Zhou Emperor's expression eased, and he was just about to rise.
Then Yun Huang's voice rang out again, perfectly mild, yet every word struck the bones of those from Great Zhou.
"When I said 'dispense,' I did not mean dispense with the formalities."
"I meant dispense with this hollow show of sincerity."
The Zhou Emperor's heart abruptly sank.
Boom!
Imperial might crashed down! Blazing heavenly majesty descended with a thunderous roar, as though the firmament itself had overturned.
"Since when has a mere bow counted as paying respects when you juniors of the Ji Clan stand before me?"
The Great Sun fell into the mortal world, and Heavenly Law descended to earth, majestic, tyrannical, and beyond all question.
As the pressure fell, the entire Divine Capital abruptly sank. Jade paving stones cracked, dragon patterns dimmed, and even the void gave a low groan beneath the unbearable burden.
Thud! Thud!
First came the ceremonial officials, then the Imperial Guards, then the entire civil and military court. Moments ago, the ministers had stood in immaculate attire, each wearing a different expression. Now they could not muster even the slightest struggle before that terrifying pressure, bearing down upon their bloodlines, ontological ranks, Dao lineages, and cultivation realms alike, brutally