The morning of the announcement arrived with a tension so sharp it felt like it could slice the air. Today, the results for the Elite of the Elite—those worthy of guarding the sacred domains of the Heavenly Kingdom—would finally be revealed.
But strangely… that was not what stirred the crowd the most.
Another rumor, swift and consuming, spread like flames dancing through dry cotton:The last imperial decree… of the last Heavenly Emperor—the Furnace Elder—who had stepped down after the brutal war that had claimed countless lives.
The arena overflowed.Students stood shoulder to shoulder, their eyes reflecting fear or hope; parents clutched each other tightly; relatives murmured blessings or prayers. Every seat trembled under the weight of expectation.
On the grand platform, the Council of Ancients sat in solemn silence—elderly in form, yet radiating a pressure that made even the wind hesitate. Their long white sleeves draped like waterfalls of mist, and their eyes shone with wisdom sharp enough to cut stone.
Amid them stood Wu Xin, his posture straight as a divine spear. His power—recently restored—coiled around him like an unseen dragon. His jaw was set, his expression unreadable, but the strained tension in the corner of his eyes betrayed unease.
Master Li stood nearby, arms folded inside his sleeves, lips drawn into a thin line. His displeasure was barely contained, simmering like a pot on the verge of boiling over.
Master Li began the announcement.
"The results of the examination shall now be revealed."
His voice rang through the arena.
"First place: Suo."
A wave of murmurs erupted—admiration, disbelief, jealousy—only for Master Li to silence them with a raised hand.
"Suo will not attend today. He has entered long-term seclusion… to attempt Nirvana."
Shock rippled like a sudden gust.
Next:
"Second place: Yue. Guardian of the Tree of Life—Hui Lin."
A soft gasp escaped Huo Feng, a glow of happiness lighting her features. Her eyes sparkled—she had long dreamed of seeing Yue rise to such an honor.
Then—
"Third place: Mei. Assigned to govern Night and Day."
Mei's reaction was immediate.
Her fists clenched. Her brows lowered. Her eyes darkened like gathering thunderclouds.
"I wished to serve as the War Lord's assistant," she muttered, unable to hide the bitterness.
Wu Xin turned toward her, expression stern.
"When war calls, you may join my forces. Until then—your duty is Night and Day."
A muscle in Mei's jaw twitched. She bowed… but resentment flickered in her gaze like a blade half-drawn.
Master Li continued until reaching the dreaded line.
He exhaled, clearly unwilling:
"Student Huo Feng… has been disqualified in the final trial."
The arena exploded.
Some shouted in agreement, others protested fiercely.Huo Feng stood frozen, the world tilting beneath her feet. Shame pricked her skin; confusion swelled in her chest.
Before the noise could escalate further—
Wu Xin stepped forward.
The force of his presence silenced half the crowd.
"Her violations were caused by me. Therefore, she will serve as my assistant in the administration of military affairs."
Shock—then blooming joy—flashed in Huo Feng's eyes. Her heart hammered against her ribcage. Meanwhile, Mei's glare cut toward her like a poisoned arrow.
Suddenly...A hush fell.
A single figure entered the arena...The Furnace Elder.
His steps were slow, yet every movement commanded the attention of thousands. Age lined his face, but power radiated from him in steady waves—each one heavier than the last. He held in his hand a glowing golden scroll, a divine decree whose mere presence made the air tremble.
The audience rose instinctively, bowing so deeply their foreheads nearly touched the ground. The War Lord himself straightened, tension flickering in his eyes.
The Furnace Elder spoke, voice calm yet carrying the weight of a thousand storms:
"No… She will not be your assistant, Wu Xin."
The words dropped like thunder. He lifted a hand.
"Huo Feng. Come forward."
She stepped forward, breath unsteady, pulse racing. Then, unexpectedly:
"Wu Xin. You as well."
Gasps shot through the stands.
Wu Xin blinked but obeyed, stepping to the elder's right. Huo Feng stood on his left—two figures separated by a breath, yet worlds apart in shock. The Furnace Elder stood between them, his aura like an ancient mountain unmoved by time.
"I, the last Heavenly Emperor, now declare… my final imperial decree."
Time seemed to freeze. Even the wind dared not move. He slowly unfolded the radiant scroll and handed it to Wu Xin. The War Lord's fingers tightened around it, and for the first time, uncertainty flickered in his eyes.
He read aloud:
"I announce the marriage of War Lord Wu Xin… to my granddaughter, Huo Feng.The ceremony will take place seven days from today."
The arena collapsed into silence. A silence so complete it felt alive.
Fear crept into some eyes. Burning jealousy ignited in others—especially in Mei… and Master Li.And between Wu xin and Huo Feng a trembling, fragile mix of wonder… fear… and something neither could name.
The moment stretched on, endless. Then the Furnace Elder broke it, his voice deep and unyielding:
"Offer them your blessings."