Chapter 791: Return to the World
Chapter 791: Return to the World
They stepped out of the imperial suite enveloped in an aura of majesty. The pavilion staff, led by the receptionist who days before had treated them with skepticism, lined up on both sides of the main lobby, bowing deeply as the couple walked past.
Upon crossing the imposing bronze gates of the Celestial Peaks Pavilion, the air of the imperial capital felt entirely different. The main avenues were no longer merely traversed by local merchants and nobles; the entire city pulsed with excitement and spiritual tension. Banners bearing the crests of various sects, independent families, and vassal kingdoms fluttered along the ramparts. The Imperial Tournament was about to begin.
"It seems things are getting quite heated out here," commented Ethan, walking calmly beside Isabella as he observed groups of cultivators marching toward the central colosseum.
"The young talents from across the empire have been training for years for this moment," explained Isabella, adjusting the clasp of her blue robe. "Securing a top spot in this tournament not only guarantees astronomical resources, but also the recognition of the grand imperial family."
Before Ethan could reply, a squad of guards clad in the silver armor of the Soaring Dragon Kingdom parted the crowd. At their head marched King Alaric himself, wearing his ceremonial crown and a golden royal mantle.
Upon spotting the couple, the monarch quickened his pace with a broad smile, though his sharp eyes immediately picked up on the radical transformation in their auras. Ethan’s presence, once sharp and wild, now felt like an fathomless ocean; meanwhile, Isabella emitted a pure, consolidated energy that far surpassed her previous level.
"I see those fifteen days were exceedingly fruitful," said King Alaric in a booming voice, giving them a knowing look before turning serious. "The Golden Sun Grand Colosseum has opened its doors. The kings of the other delegations and the patriarchs of the great families are already seated in the royal boxes. It is time for us to make our entrance."
Ethan looked over at Isabella, who met his gaze with a confident smile, before nodding toward the sovereign.
"Lead the way, Your Majesty," offered Ethan. "Let us see what the supposed geniuses of this empire are made of."
King Alaric wiped the smile from his face and lowered his voice, glancing side to side to ensure no one was eavesdropping.
"Don’t get overly confident, Ethan," warned King Alaric in a somber tone. "I heard they changed the rules at the last minute. They have yet to officially announce what the trial will consist of, but rumors are heavily circulating that the modifications were designed directly against us. All the other kingdoms complained bitterly about your true power and pressured the imperial committee to impose certain restrictions that, according to them, would ’guarantee fairness.’"
A few steps behind the king, Great General Vaelen stepped forward with heavy strides, clenching his fist around the hilt of his sword as he let out a snort loaded with contempt.
"Tch! What stupidity!" grunted Great General Vaelen harshly. "Fairness? When it comes to a battlefield or the peak of cultivation, the only fairness that exists is strength. Those bastards whining only shows how terrified they are of you, kid."
"We will be at a disadvantage if it turns into a battle of armies," interrupted Isabella with a slight furrow on her brow, analyzing the situation. "I only brought Ethan... could that be it?"
"It could be," considered King Alaric, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "It would be the only way to balance things out. Asking to allow older combatants would be completely stupid; if they can send them, so can we. Perhaps they want to win through numbers?"
"You are mistaken, my love," interjected Ethan with a cocky smirk on his face. "If it’s a war of numbers, we are not at a disadvantage. In fact, I would love for it to be an all-out battle of armies."
Great General Vaelen burst into a booming laugh that made several passersby turn their heads, landing an enthusiastic slap on Ethan’s back.
"Ethan is right!" exclaimed Great General Vaelen amidst laughter. "An army war would be the absolute best-case scenario for him!"
"We gain nothing by speculating," interrupted King Alaric, adjusting his royal mantle with a firm gesture. "We had better hurry. The imperial committee waits for no one, and the delegation entry is about to close."
The Soaring Dragon Kingdom delegation resumed its march in crisp military formation. The elite guard soldiers maintained their positions in flawless order, flanking the king, the princess, and Ethan. As they approached the colosseum’s monumental arches, the crowds lined up along both sides of the broad avenue began to cheer and whisper, pointing curiously at the young man walking alongside Isabella.
Ethan kept his gaze fixed ahead, but the rigidity of the parade and the endless eyes glued to him quickly tested his patience. He tilted his head slightly toward Isabella, his breath brushing the curve of her ear.
"I hate protocols," whispered Ethan in a low tone meant solely for her ears. "I feel like a clown parading around for a bunch of idiots."
Isabella suppressed a tiny smirk behind her fan, maintaining the poised and elegant posture expected of royalty.
"Endure it just a little longer, my love," whispered Isabella without breaking her sovereign façade. "As soon as we set foot on the arena floor, there will be no more parades or absurd speeches. Just you and your targets."
King Alaric, walking barely half a step ahead, turned his head slightly without losing his majestic posture.
"You must get used to it, Ethan," interrupted King Alaric in a calm voice. "You are part of the royal family now. Normal people long to see heroes; they need to know they can trust their rulers. The image of royalty must be upheld at all times."
Ethan let out a weary sigh, easing the tension in his shoulders as the colosseum’s massive bronze gates swung wide open before them.