"An imperial decree?"
The moment the words fell from the royal envoy's lips, the tension in the air shifted completely.
Even Subei's eyes flickered with intrigue.
The current balance of power in the Tiandou Empire was precarious. Though the royal family commanded vast lands, their authority was far from absolute. The Three Upper Sects—Clear Sky, Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon, and Seven Treasure Glazed Tile—were powers that even emperors had to treat with caution. And above them all loomed the Martial Spirit Hall, whose influence stretched across the entire continent.
The stark truth: among the Tiandou royal lineage, not a single Titled Douluo had ever emerged. In contrast, each of the great sects could boast at least one, if not more. And the Martial Spirit Hall itself was a colossus, home to over ten Titled Douluo, unrivaled and unassailable.
This decree, then, carried weight beyond simple ceremony.
Yu Yuanzhen's thick brows furrowed. Straightening from his seat, he said in a measured tone, "Since the royal family has sent their invitation, the matter of these two children can wait."
Privately, though, his thoughts churned. I haven't seen Erlong in months, yet her temper has only grown sharper. Hah, such is a mother's instinct, I suppose.
At that, Liu Erlong's fiery eyes flared. "Let me make myself clear. No one—royal decree or not—will lay a hand on my children. If anyone dares, I swear I'll fight them to the very end!"
Yu Luomian's face crumpled with hurt. "Erlong, you wound your father's heart…"
"Oh, spare me." Her lip curled. "If you truly care, then get out."
Her sharp retort cut the air.
By then, the royal envoy had already crossed the wooden bridge leading onto the island. His boots tapped against the planks before he approached with ceremonial gravitas, unrolling the scroll with his gloved hand.
His voice rang out clearly:
"By decree of His Majesty—the Crown Prince Xue Qinghe shall ascend as Heir to the throne three days hence. The whole empire shall celebrate this grand occasion. Liu Erlong, President of Lanba Academy, is hereby commanded to attend the ceremony, bringing her son with her, so that he may behold the glory of the court. In recognition, the Emperor grants seven-star mother and son ceremonial garments."
With a theatrical bow, the envoy presented two silk-wrapped parcels—luxurious ceremonial robes emanating a faint, precious glow.
Then, with a deliberate pause, his gaze fell directly upon Subei. The envoy's eyes softened, tinged with curiosity, perhaps too much. "And this handsome child… surely he must be your son, Headmaster Liu? What a rare beauty. Might I inquire his name?"
The envoy's words sent ripples across the gathering. He had spoken so warmly to Subei that he unconsciously ignored even Yu Yuanzhen and Yu Luomian—patriarch and elder of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan.
Their faces instantly darkened. For thunderous titans who were long accustomed to deference, being overlooked for a seven-year-old boy was an insult like no other.
Yu Yuanzhen's heart burned coldly. So. Even in a coronation of the empire, the royal family dares to slight us…
But Liu Erlong realized something far more unsettling. The royal court knew about Subei and Xiao Wu. She had taken pains to keep their existence hidden, hoping to avoid exactly this kind of attention. Yet it seemed the secret had already slipped out.
Her brows tightened, voice sharp. "Royal Envoy… how exactly did His Majesty learn I had children?"
The envoy smiled faintly, almost conspiratorially. He leaned closer and whispered, though clearly loud enough for those present to hear:
"Before you returned to the academy, President Liu, the Crown Prince once glimpsed your son by chance. His Highness was most struck by the boy's extraordinary appearance and has since yearned to know him better. By inviting you to this coronation, His Highness merely wishes to care for the child, to grant him prominence, and to allow him to meet the foremost powers of the empire. It is both an opportunity… and a favor."
Liu Erlong stiffened but shook her head resolutely. "I appreciate His Highness' kindness. But Bei'er is still young and dislikes strangers. I fear he would not enjoy such a formal ceremony. I must decline."
The envoy's polite mask flickered, revealing a trace of unease. For weeks, the Crown Prince had been restless, always brooding, asking again and again about the mysterious child. He had commanded, with vehemence, that Liu Erlong must bring him to the palace. The Crown Prince's words were a royal order—the envoy had no choice but to obey.
Yet here he was, already rejected. His cheeks tightened as he tried to find another angle.
"Headmaster Liu, please reconsider. The entire nobility of Tiandou City will be present. This is a chance for your son to be introduced to the world's finest. Such fortune cannot be missed."
As he faltered, however, Subei raised his young yet steady voice.
"Will the children of other great sects attend too?" His calm tone was filled with curiosity.
The envoy's chest swelled with relief. At last—the boy spoke. His immaculate face alone was enough to make the envoy understand why the Crown Prince had fallen into such fascination. With this child, he thought, even the stars seemed pale.
"Of course," the envoy said eagerly. "Every sect and family will send representatives. Though none may bring their heirs but for His Highness' invitation."
Subei exchanged a glance with Liu Erlong, then nodded slowly. "Then we shall go. It isn't wise to refuse goodwill, especially from the Crown Prince. Better we attend and see for ourselves."
The Crown Prince… Xue Qinghe.
Yet in his heart, Subei whispered the truth: Not Qinghe. Qian Renxue.
The envoy beamed, bowing deeply. "A wise decision! The Crown Prince promised top treatment for the 'young lord.' This is a blessing few receive in their lifetime." His eyes lingered almost reverently upon Subei. "Might I ask—what is your name, young master, and your age?"
"Subei," he answered plainly. "Nearly seven years old. Report that to the Prince."
"Excellent, excellent." The envoy's relief was palpable.
Yu Yuanzhen, however, had been entirely ignored this whole time, his patience fraying. His heart boiled. He was a Titled Douluo, a pillar of nobility, yet here a mere envoy dared overlook him for a child! His face flushed green with rage.
Without warning, he snapped coldly, "I want no part in this royal farce. I have long avoided court intrigue and will continue to do so. My clan will be represented by Erlong alone. As for me—I will not step foot into Tiandou Palace."
Before the envoy could stammer a reply, his figure blurred; within a heartbeat, Yu Yuanzhen vanished into the woods, his surging aura dispersing like thunderclouds.
Yu Luomian followed quickly, though his eyes betrayed a storm of worry. He gave only a final nod to Erlong before disappearing after his elder brother.
The envoy was left sweating, forcing a dry laugh. "The Jade Patriarch is famed for his blunt temper… Today, I witness it firsthand. Ha!" Without lingering another moment, he leapt into the air, body flashing with speed as he too departed into the forest.
At last, silence reclaimed the island. Only the evening breeze whispered through the lake reeds.
Liu Erlong slowly knelt down, her eyes filled with reluctance, and cupped Subei's cheek between her warm palms. "Child… do you really mean to attend? The imperial palace is a nest of schemes. Once you step inside, you may never leave untouched. Would it not be better for us to remain here—peaceful, happy, without concern for the world?"
Her voice trembled, the thought of losing him sinking like a dagger in her heart.
But Subei only looked back at her, his young face carrying a strange maturity.
Some destinies could not be avoided.