The ceremony continued in an orderly fashion.
Treasures were presented.
Titles were announced.
Imperial records were read aloud with solemn clarity.
After Bai Zihan, it was mostly Great Ascension Realm cultivators who stepped forward—veteran powerhouses whose names carried weight across the empire.
Each received their due recognition before retreating calmly to their places.
Then came the Void Refinement Realm cultivators.
Their contributions were substantial, their rewards correspondingly rich.
And then—
"Bai Xueqing of the Bai Clan," the official announced.
A faint ripple stirred through the hall.
Many were surprised.
Not because Bai Xueqing was undeserving—
But because she was announced before several Spirit Severing Realm cultivators who were, on paper, stronger than her.
Yet no one truly objected.
Because everyone here knew why.
Bai Xueqing walked forward, her steps light, her expression cool and composed.
