Bibi Dong sat upright on her throne. At his words, she nodded slightly, her voice calm and even yet carrying an unquestionable authority. "Su Yu is an exceptionally gifted child with a steady temperament, one of the finest of Spirit Hall's younger generation."
"Crowning him today is both recognition of his past accomplishments and an expression of hope that he will do his part for the continent's peace in the years ahead."
Bibi Dong's gaze swept past Xue Ye and settled on the handsome young man in brocade robes beside him. She spoke lightly. "I take it this is the Heaven Dou Crown Prince, Xue Qinghe."
A smile appeared on Xue Ye's face, and he raised a hand toward the young man beside him. "You have a keen eye, Your Holiness. This is indeed my son, Xue Qinghe, the Crown Prince of our Heaven Dou Empire."
Xue Qinghe stepped forward and bowed slightly to Bibi Dong, his manner proper and his voice clear. "Greetings, Your Holiness."
Bibi Dong looked at him and nodded slightly, her tone mild. "A fine-looking young man indeed, with extraordinary bearing. It is truly a blessing for the Heaven Dou Empire to have such a talent."
The third toll of the bell suddenly rang through the clouds, deep and far-reaching, instantly drowning out the murmurs on the dais.
Those who had still been conversing straightened in their seats, their gazes turning as one toward the entrance to the square.
Amid the crowd, a contingent of knights clad in dazzling golden armor advanced in perfectly synchronized steps.
Their spears angled toward the ground, they forced open a passage roughly five meters wide through the dense sea of people.
Their golden armor reflected a piercing brilliance beneath the sunlight, their presence imposing.
"**His Highness Su Yu, the Holy