After finishing their al, Zhao Tian set his spoon down and exhaled slowly.
He wasn't full, but he had eaten enough to regain so energy.
The other won finished their als as well, and soon, one by one, they moved to the seating area.
Zhao Tian silently walked toward the seating area, and the won followed, each settling into their usual spots.
Fei Lingxi and Xia Shenyi sat on either side of him, while Li Jia and Velnorah took the seats nearby.
Fei Ziyu, Yao Lian, and Shi Yixian sat opposite as they all looked at Zhao Tian.
For a few monts, no one spoke.
The silence was not awkward but rather filled with an understanding.
The air was heavy with everything that had happened, and yet, it was clear they were all waiting for him to say sothing.
Zhao Tian finally broke the silence "Did sothing major happen outside?"
Letting out a sigh Li Jia spoke "The other sects and nobles within the dynasty were quite restless after you declared the prince as the next Emperor."
"Others believe it's too sudden. They fear he lacks the strength to maintain control over the Dynasty. But since you declared him as Emperor, no one dared to object to that..."
"The Jade Empress and the Sect Master are doing their best to ease the tension. They've been personally handling negotiations, trying to keep the sects and nobles in check..."
"And the process of rebuilding the half destroyed Jade Eclipse Sect is also undergoing...."
"Today they are holding a mourning for the death of the Jade Emperor."
Hearing this, his gaze narrowed slightly "Then I guess I will attend the funeral..."
Hm? Xia Shenyi looked at him in concern "But Tian, you don't need to push yourself. You are still recovering, so you might need so rest..."
Shaking his head, he replied "He is my wife's father, my father-in-law. So I should be there..."
"... Alright then,"
...
The cold morning wind howled as Zhao Tian dashed through the sky, his black robes billowing behind him.
As he soared over the Jade Dynasty's capital, people below caught sight of him.
Murmurs spread like wildfire.
"Zhao Tian..."
"The Heaven sent child has arrived."
Gasps and hushed whispers followed his descent, and as he touched down near the vast funeral grounds, countless figures instinctively lowered their heads in respect.
Nobles, sect leaders, generals... whether they harbored admiration or fear, none dared et his gaze directly.
Rows of cultivators dressed in mourning white lined the ceremonial grounds.
Incense smoke curled into the air, filling the space with a solemn fragrance.
At the very front, draped in regal attire, stood the newly appointed emperor, Zhou Hein.
Zhou Hein stiffened slightly at the sight of Zhao Tian and his eyes flickered with a mix of relief and reverence.
"B-Brother..." He hurriedly approached him.
Despite now holding the title of Emperor, he still felt a deep sense of reliance on the man before him.
Looking at the prince, Zhao Tian gave a faint nod.
Seeing this, Zhou Hein imdiately bowed his head slightly as he gestured forward. "This way, Brother..."
The Jade Empress also noticed him and quickly walked to him "Zhao Tian..."
He glanced at her and gave a little nod.
Words were unnecessary between them at this mont.
With the two highest figures of the Jade Dynasty flanking him, Zhao Tian walked toward the front of the ceremonial grounds as the crowd parted before them.
Zhao Tian took a step forward as his gaze fell on the lifeless body of the Jade Emperor.
Dressed in his final imperial robes, the late ruler lay with an expression of serene dignity.
Zhao Tian exhaled slowly before lowering his head.
"This one pays his respects to the Jade Emperor..."
The mourning continued around him, the soft murmurs of prayers and the gentle weeping of those who had lost a father, a ruler.
Zhou Hein, standing beside him, took a deep breath, gathering himself before turning to address the gathered crowd.
"Today, we mourn the passing of my father, the Jade Emperor. A man of great wisdom, strength, and sacrifice."
He looked toward Zhao Tian before continuing "Though we grieve, we must also look forward—to rebuild, to honor his will, and to ensure that the Jade Dynasty does not falter."
The Jade Empress, standing slightly behind them, cast Zhao Tian a brief glance.
She had expected him to co, but witnessing his quiet acknowledgnt of the late Emperor still stirred sothing within her.
She stepped forward, "The Jade Dynasty will not fall. We will stand strong, as we always have. And for that, we must thank those who have supported us, those who have bled for us."
Her gaze swept over the mourners before briefly resting on Zhao Tian once more.
She did not need to say it outright. Everyone understood.
Zhao Tian had played an undeniable role in shaping the events that led to this mont.
He remained silent as his gaze lingered on the incense smoke drifting toward the skies.
He closed his eyes for a mont as he thought about mourning for Yao Jing's death.
But his heart still couldn't bear the thought that he lost her.
At this ti, he felt a small tug pulling him out of his thoughts.
He turned his gaze to look at Zhou Hanyue, who was standing beside him now.
To the right there is also Lan Shuqin.
"Hanyue..."
Zhou Hanyue moved closer to him and murmured "Thank you for attending the funeral. Since you were missing for two days, I thought you wouldn't co here."
Zhao Tian gave a faint nod and stayed silent.
Hm? Zhou Hanyue frowned slightly as she had never seen him like this.
Although she was not fond of him in the past, he always has that small smile on his lips.
It makes sense, maybe because he is at a funeral right now.
But even that day in the marriage hall, he felt like a different person.
What happened?
With a soft sigh, she spoke "Are you free later?"
Zhao Tian's gaze squinted and he gave a faint nod "Yeah..."
"Mhm," she humd, glancing down montarily before looking back at him "I need to speak with you."
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