Dawn had barely broken when Star Luo City's West City Gate opened wide. Countless ceremonial guards stood before it, lining a long passage. Every guard stood straight, chest out and head high, ready to welcome the guests arriving from afar.
News that the Sun Moon Diplomatic Mission would arrive today had already spread throughout Star Luo City. Countless citizens gathered on either side of the road, hoping to see it for themselves.
It was not as though they had never seen people from Sun Moon. During the Soul Master Tournament five years ago, plenty of people from the Sun Moon Empire had flocked to Star Luo Empire, and its citizens had witnessed the spectacular performances of the Hongchen Siblings, the Sun Moon Empire's gifted Soul Masters.
But an official diplomatic mission dispatched by the Sun Moon Emperor carried special political significance.
The officer guarding the West Gate directed his soldiers to maintain order and clear the main road, waiting for the Sun Moon Diplomatic Mission, which could arrive at any moment.
Time slowly passed. They waited from sunrise until sunset, and the ceremonial guards had changed shifts twice before a procession finally appeared outside the western side of the city.
Standing high atop the gate tower, the officer had begun to lose patience. His spirits instantly lifted, and he shouted, "Welcome the Sun Moon Diplomatic Mission!"
At his command, the ceremonial guards before the gate struck up their music together. Festive, cheerful melodies drifted far through the air over the Western Suburbs.
The officer hurried down from the tower and stepped forward with a smile. "Honored Sun Moon Envoys, Your Grace, you have traveled far and endured a tiring journey. Thank you for your efforts."
"His Majesty has already prepared a banquet in the palace and awaits your arrival. Please