Ten days passed in the blink of an eye, and the Engagement Ceremony that had drawn the attention of the entire Principality of Klan arrived as scheduled.
At the first light of dawn, the capital of Kelan burst into life. The celebration square outside the royal palace had been lavishly decorated, with colorful silk fluttering in the wind and glittering crystal lamps everywhere. The air was filled with the rich fragrance of flowers and the delicate scent of incense, and a festive atmosphere pervaded every corner. Every seat in the square was already occupied. Nobles and leading experts from across the Yulan Continent had taken their places, their expressions respectful as they quietly awaited the ceremony. Even the assembled monarchs dared not let their attention lapse, showing just how much importance they attached to this engagement.
Inside the royal palace, the festive atmosphere was even stronger.
Kelin Xiaoman wore a scarlet ceremonial gown embroidered all over with phoenix patterns, its hem studded with rare Light Magic Crystals that shimmered with every step, making her look like an immortal descended from the heavens. Her long black hair had been carefully pinned up and adorned with several lustrous, perfectly rounded pearls of the finest quality. Her makeup was exquisite and gentle, her eyes and brows filled with a young woman's shyness and joy. She had shed her former immaturity, displaying all the dignity and poise of the duchy's Heir Apparent. Several maids attended her, their eyes filled with envy and blessings as they gazed at the breathtakingly beautiful princess.
Shiheng, too, had set aside his usual plain training clothes that day and changed into an ink-black brocade robe subtly embroidered with patterns of the Laws of Destruction. He stood as straight as a pine, his bearing steady and profound. Four years of