The Jade Palace's Dragons. The heavenly ruling clan whose dominion ruled over all of the realms, their authority and influence unparalleled. From the merfolk with their glittering scales to the flora deities that reigned over the lands, all the way to the phoenixes wreathed in flames. All godly creatures whose numbers were as vast as the stars in the skies, did not dare question the Jade Palace's decrees. Be it a human cultivator, spiritual beast or any other divine entity, not a single soul dared to risk displaying any form of disrespect towards the supreme hegemon.
An ancient saying that had survived the long passage of time was that the Jade Palace's wrath was never to be underestimated. Ever since the primordial gods had forged the universe, the Jade Emperor's legacy had soared to the highest peak. It was also said that the reason the Emperor's rule had only prospered throughout the ages was for his great righteousness and benevolence.
Some of those tales had existed for so long, it was difficult to tell fact from fiction.
Nevertheless, it was obvious that the heavens were not as harmonious as they appeared to be on the surface. There was a struggle for power in every clan, and there was a set hierarchy which was very rarely defied.
Thick clouds embellished the resplendent Jade Palace's brilliance with an air of mystery and splendor, it was constructed with the finest marble and adorned with the brightest gems.
Though all of the structure's beauty went unnoticed by a very irritable Fox God, yet none of his true thoughts were displayed on his face.
As expected of a Sovereign Lord conducting a proper greeting, he arrived with an entourage of foxes at his beck and call, each demi-god carrying a priceless treasure in their hands while presenting all the items as gifts to the Jade Palace.
Bai Qingyue waited outside the throne room until the moment a servant had announced his presence. He marched inside the room with a confident stride. Upon reaching the throne, he bowed in a manner befitting his position, respectful but not grovelling, "Greetings to the Jade Emperor."
With his head lowered, Bai Qingyue was not provided with the opportunity to assess the surprised expression on the Emperor's face.
"Hmm," The deep voice of the Jade Emperor could be heard from above, sounding as though he was deep in thought, "Does the Fox Lord know why we have summoned you to our Jade Palace?"
Bai Qingyue's baritone voice sounded clear and without feeling, "This Lord does not know."
"Raise your face so we may gaze upon you."
It was a rather monumental development for the Fox Lord to step into the Jade Palace halls, but at that time, nobody except for the Jade Emperor knew why.
Bai Qingyue lifted his clear, cold eyes and boldly faced the supreme ruler, observing him in detail.
The Jade Emperor sat upon a large chaise, situated on a raised platform. He looked no older than an adolescent child with a pair of dragon horns adorning the edges of his forehead. His skin was bronze, not like a mortal who had been too long under the sun, but like a celestial energy that was born with rays of light shining from within it.
What was most striking about the Emperor were his crystal blue eyes which lacked pupils, a complete glossy pair of orbs that were seeing, yet lacking sight.
Bai Qingyue stood ramrod straight, his phoenix eyes devoid of light and his visage as unreadable as an expert gambler.
"Do not let my blindness fool you, Young Fox, I can see you quite clearly." The Jade Emperor laughed aloud. The childish voice seemed to carry a magical tune of joy to it, as if his laugh alone could make all living creatures feel content and at ease.