The Empress Dowager, accompanied by a group of concubines, took her seat.
At this time, the Eldest Prince, who was following behind, also took his seat.
Only the Emperor had yet to make an entrance.
Just then, a loud voice announced: "His Majesty arrives!"
Everyone felt a dazzling flash before them, and a golden light shimmered as it reached the central dragon throne.
The golden light dissipated, revealing a majestic middle-aged man clad in a golden Dragon Robe.
"Greetings, Your Majesty, long live Your Majesty, long live for all eternity!"
The ministers below immediately bowed in salute, and their cries of long life echoed through the skies.
"Rise, my beloved ministers!"
Mu Chengqian flicked his sleeve and settled on the dragon throne.
Soon after, the crowd resumed their seats.
"Gentlemen, it’s been many years, yet you remain as spirited as ever." Mu Chengqian looked at the Sect Leaders and God Realm experts of Heaven Sword Sect and other factions.
"Your Majesty’s presence is profound; it seems you are not far from the Emperor Sovereign Realm." Jian Chun, the Sect Leader of Heaven Sword Sect, said with a smile.
Level 9 is synonymous with the God Realm, and those who control rules beyond the God Realm enter the Emperor Sovereign Realm.
Everyone else joined in with praise.
The Heavenly Dao Continent consists of the Five Regions: East, South, West, North, and Central.
The Central Domain is surrounded by the other four and is the area richest in resources and Spiritual Energy.
Unlike the other four regions, which are occupied by multiple sects and some small countries—primarily mortal kingdoms controlled by sects—the Central Domain is solely occupied by the Da Li Dynasty.
The Da Li Dynasty can be deemed the most powerful force on the Heavenly Dao Continent; otherwise, how could it occupy the entire Central Domain single-handedly?
Thus, regardless of their sect affiliations, all Sect Leaders and Masters must show reverence to Emperor Mu Chengqian of the Da Li Dynasty.
"Haha, I hope I’m not late." From the sky came hearty laughter.
Soon, a giant Phoenix flapped its wings to approach, transforming into a man with long red hair.
Beside him was a woman with similarly long red hair.
At that moment, a dragon’s roar echoed from behind.
A massive black Jiao Long appeared from afar.
The black Jiao Long transformed into a middle-aged man clad in a black robe, accompanied by a young man in black robes.
"Jiao Long King and Feng Jiu? You have arrived a bit late, please take your seats." Mu Chengqian glanced upwards and then waved his hand, opening a gap in the formation above the Imperial Palace.
Without this, the formation’s protection would have prevented Jiao Long King and Feng Jiu from entering.
"I don’t think I’m late; you haven’t started yet." Jiao Long King descended nonchalantly, sitting in the vacant seat of honor.
Feng Jiu followed suit.
The Demon Clan had indeed sent attendees to the Empress Dowager’s birthday banquet.
Mu Rufeng’s eyes were fixed on the young man beside Jiao Long King.
That man was Jiao Ze, the legitimate son of Jiao Long King.
He was the one who led the Demon Clan army in ambushing him, annihilating his fifty-thousand-strong army, leaving him gravely injured.
Of course, Mu Rufeng had not let Jiao Ze off easily either, severing one of his arms and removing one of his forehead horns.
Jiao Ze also seemed to sense Mu Rufeng’s gaze and gave him a sinister smile.
Mu Rufeng had truly not expected Jiao Ze to be the one here.
At that moment, a torrent of anger surged in his heart, stemming from the Ninth Prince’s memories, which Mu Rufeng struggled to suppress.
However, reason ultimately triumphed over fury, and Mu Rufeng forcefully quelled his anger.
Recalling what the palace maid beside the Empress had mentioned, Mu Rufeng sneered; the opportunity would come, most certainly.
At this time, Feng Jiu looked at Feng Qianyu, who nodded slightly, then stepped forward and spoke:
"Empress Dowager, today is your eightieth birthday. This is a Feather Robe crafted from a Phoenix Feather, wearing it can prolong life and ward off the elements."
In the next moment, a scarlet embroidered robe was produced, with flames rising from it, appearing extremely intimidating.
"A robe crafted from a Phoenix Feather, enhancing fire-based Martial Arts and withstanding attacks from the Soul Refining Realm."
"Who would have thought the Feng Clan would be willing to pay such a price?"
The God Realm experts whispered among themselves, while the guests below gasped in awe.
"A kind gesture." The Empress Dowager, sitting on the left of the dragon throne, nodded slightly.
Such treasures held little interest for her; they were powerful and precious to others, but to the Empress Dowager, they were of little consequence.
The Jiao Long King then signaled to his son Mu Ze, who immediately took out a box and stepped forward, saying:
"Empress Dowager, I also have prepared a birthday gift, which I believe you will surely like."
"Oh? What is it? Let me see." The Empress Dowager spoke indifferently, her expression unchanged.
Mu Ze promptly opened the box, revealing a jade pendant: "As the most esteemed individual of the Da Li Dynasty, ordinary gifts might not appeal to the Empress Dowager."
"This jade pendant was left by the late Emperor of the Da Li Dynasty during his Ghost Cave campaign and now, it returns to its rightful owner!"
"Hmm?" Mu Chengqian’s eyes focused as he reached out, and the jade pendant instantly landed in his hand.
Mu Chengqian carefully examined the jade pendant, and for a moment, his arm trembled slightly.
"Mother, this is Father Emperor’s jade pendant." Mu Chengqian approached the Empress Dowager, handing the jade pendant to her.