Early the next morning, Huo Yuhao set off directly for Heaven Dou City.
Xue Heng had said that the date of the investiture ceremony was entirely up to Huo Yuhao, and every official in Heaven Dou City would await his arrival.
But Huo Yuhao could hardly leave Heaven Dou City waiting too long.
Having a talk with Huo Yun'er was a tacit understanding between Xue Heng and Huo Yuhao.
A son who had reached the highest rank a subject could attain ought to spend a proper evening with his mother.
When Huo Yuhao arrived in Heaven Dou City, Xue Heng first held a grand victory banquet for him, with the whole city joining in the celebration.
The investiture ceremony three days later drew everyone out onto the streets.
From the towering city gates to the nine tiers of white jade steps before the Imperial Palace's main hall, solemn imperial honor guards and fervent crowds had long since filled every space.
The golden flags of the Heaven Dou Empire and the azure dragon banners representing Huo Yuhao shone against one another, nearly blotting out the sky.
"Azure Dragon King Huo Yuhao possesses heaven-bestowed genius and martial prowess unrivaled in the world!"
"In the eastern campaign, he recovered our ancestral lands, cowed mighty foes, and opened our maritime frontiers, achieving an extraordinary feat unseen in a thousand years!"
"Today, by special decree, Huo Yuhao is hereby invested as-Protectorate Dragon King!"
"He shall receive an azure-gold python robe, a nine-dragon crown, and the Protectorate Dragon Seal! His rank shall stand above princes, his honor equal to the state preceptor's! He need not bow before the emperor and may enter the throne hall bearing his sword and wearing his shoes!"
"May the Huo name shine forever, sharing the nation's enduring glory!"
This was the