The palace gates slowly opened.
Xue Qinghe approached from the foot of the long staircase, dressed in golden imperial robes.
The broad hem covered the stone steps behind him.
A golden crown rested on his head.
That gentle face belonging to the Heaven Dou Crown Prince betrayed no flaw.
The civil and military officials all bowed.
"Greetings, Your Highness the Crown Prince!"
Xue Qinghe ascended the long staircase.
With every step, the ceremonial bells around the square rang out.
Huo Wu looked toward that golden figure.
"How much longer does she have to keep up the disguise?"
"Until the transfer of imperial power is complete."
"And afterward?"
"Xue Qinghe dies of illness."
The red-haired woman nodded lightly.
"Then she can go back to being Qian Renxue?"
"Yes."
"What about the Imperial Throne?"
"Leave it to Spirit Hall to manage."
Huo Wu looked at Chen Jin.
"You don't want to be emperor?"
"No."
"Qian Renxue kept asking you to stay last night."
"I didn't agree."
"Why?"
"The palace isn't suited to cultivation."
The red-haired woman moved half a step closer.
"Then let's go back to Blazing Fire Academy."
"Once things here are finished."
"All right."
At the top of the long staircase.
An imperial minister emerged, holding a golden crown.
Xue Qinghe stopped before Heaven Dou's Imperial Throne.
The golden crown was slowly placed on his head.
The master of ceremonies unfurled the imperial edict.
"The late emperor has passed away."
"Crown Prince Xue Qinghe is benevolent, virtuous, and wise, with outstanding achievements."
"Today, he inherits the Imperial Throne of the Heaven Dou Empire."
"He shall rule over its kingdoms, duchies, and imperial territories."
The edict was lowered.
The civil and military officials in the square all knelt.
"Greetings, Your Majesty!"
"Long live His Majesty!"
Thousands of Imperial Guards knelt immediately