The grand imperial hall stood suffocatingly silent beneath the weight of tension.
Golden dragon pillars towered toward the high ceiling while rows of imperial soldiers lined both sides of the hall like unmoving statues. Every single guard held their weapons tightly, eyes sharp with vigilance, bodies positioned defensively as though preparing for war rather than welcoming guests into the palace.
The atmosphere felt dangerously heavy.
At the very center of the hall, Long Mingze sat upon the elevated dragon throne, dressed in dark imperial robes embroidered with golden threads. His cold expression carried not even the slightest warmth as his fingers tapped slowly against the armrest beside him.
The soft sound echoed through the silent hall like invisible pressure crushing against everyone's nerves. His eyes remained fixed on the massive palace doors ahead.
