CHAPTER 502: CHAPTER 417 GREAT HERESY_2

The altar was already laid with the three sacrificial animals, six livestock, five grains, various fruits, and other offerings.

The Emperor burned incense, prayed, and knelt in worship.

The civil and military officials, following the instructions of the Ministry of Rites officials, knelt and kowtowed in unison on the platform below the altar.

The altar was high and elevated, so others couldn’t see exactly what the Emperor was doing. They could only see the civil and military officials respectfully kneeling in prayer. The atmosphere was quite solemn.

Sun Shangdao sat below the platform. He felt something was off about the atmosphere, yet couldn’t identify exactly what it was.

Today was the Xingtian Grand Ceremony, not only were the dignitaries and powerful individuals from all sides present, but also delegations from various countries. Including Mengtu, the strongest in Meng Country, and the Eternal Blade Saint Liu Sheng Wu Jian from Yun Country.

In such a formal and grand ceremony, Zuo Bubei and his entourage wouldn’t dare to act rashly.

Sun Shangdao glanced at Qi Donglai standing beside the Emperor. This Martial Saint from the Divine Martial Sect had always been responsible for protecting the Emperor. With him and Wang Qing present, there was no fear even if Zuo Bubei and his group caused trouble.

The Emperor possessed great righteousness and commanded a million-strong army.

If Zuo Bubei and his people dared to act recklessly, an enraged Emperor would cause a bloody massacre of the Ten Directions Dao and Taiyi Dao.

Even the most powerful sect cannot confront a dynasty head-on.

Sun Shangdao looked around again. Although the Ten Directions Dao and Taiyi Dao had sent out their top experts, they hadn’t brought many people.

Sun Shangdao glanced at the adjacent empty seat and frowned, "Why hasn’t Junior Brother arrived yet?"

Ye Jinxiu awkwardly said, "He said he didn’t want to bow to the Emperor and would come after the ceremony."

"Nonsense."

Sun Shangdao felt Gao Xuan’s actions were quite childlike. Considering his status, the day he would face the Emperor was inevitable. Hiding didn’t serve any purpose.

The Emperor is the lord of all under heaven, the Venerable Emperor. Bowing to the Emperor is customary etiquette and nothing to be ashamed of.

However, Gao Xuan was already a Martial Saint. He had the privilege to act willfully. Even if he chose not to bow when meeting the Emperor, the Emperor couldn’t easily reprimand him.

After all, as a Saint among warriors, not bowing was acceptable. Nonetheless, not following etiquette would make the Emperor regard him as arrogant and disrespectful, barring him from holding any official position forever.

As Sun Shangdao was pondering, he saw the Emperor had already descended from the altar to the high platform.

Under the command of the Ministry of Rites officials, everyone knelt in unison again, chanting "Long live" thrice.

With a wave of his hand, Emperor Hong Yi had Chief Eunuch Wang Qing announce loudly, "Rise, you may stand."

Next, the Emperor sat on a specially crafted throne, surrounded by Wang Qing and other accompanying officials and attendants on both sides, encircling the Emperor heavily in the center.

After the Emperor’s offering, a variety of song and dance ceremonies prepared for the Xingtian Grand Ceremony ensued.

There would also be martial arts contests, but in front of the Emperor, they were matches arranged by the court to showcase martial prowess. Their nature was similar to song and dance performances.

As for competing against other countries, it usually wouldn’t happen on the first day. After all, the Heavenly Kingdom’s court values etiquette; there’s no sense in fighting fiercely on the first day.

The Xingtian Grand Ceremony undoubtedly had a complete arrangement under the supervision of the officiating officials.

A tune named Jun Heaven Grand Harmony played, and over a hundred armored women performed a Sword Dance on the platform.

The women’s figures were graceful yet they wore leather armor, holding longswords, displaying beauty mixed with a touch of heroic spirit. Their synchronized Sword Dance was both imposing and pleasing to the eye.

Even the delegations from various countries frequently nodded, feeling the dance was of high standard.

The peaceful song and dance also demonstrated the flourishing prosperity of the Dynasty.

"Not bad, but they wear too much."

Gao Xuan commented, "To be beautiful, show some thigh. But not too much, just a hint is the most enticing..."

Ye Jinxiu punched Gao Xuan, "The Emperor is sitting right in front, and you’re talking nonsense."

Gao Xuan casually said, "He can’t hear us. Even if he does, it doesn’t matter."

Sun Shangdao glanced at Gao Xuan. He found it inconvenient to engage in this topic, saying, "It’s good that you’re here. The atmosphere today feels a bit off."

"It’s alright."

Gao Xuan’s gaze casually swept over Mengtu and Liu Sheng Wu Jian. The aura of these two was incredibly deep, beyond his comprehension. Could they be a Martial God and a Human Immortal?

Mengtu practiced magic, and that golden staff in his hand was particularly eye-catching. Gao Xuan could vaguely sense the boundless power within it.

Over the past few days, Gao Xuan had stabilized his foundation, officially becoming a Martial God.

Upon reaching this stage, he realized the extraordinary power of a Martial God. Even ten Martial Saints grouped together would be defeated by a Martial God.

Mengtu and Liu Sheng Wu Jian both noticed Gao Xuan’s gaze and glanced at him.

Mengtu’s face was covered in thick beard, but his pair of bright emerald eyes were particularly striking. As Mengtu’s gaze met Gao Xuan’s, his emerald eyes flashed with a divine light.

He was extremely surprised that this young man in his early twenties turned out to be a Martial Saint?

Upon obtaining the Primordial Spirit Ancestor Divine Staff, he seamlessly broke through and overcame the Thunder Tribulation, becoming a Human Immortal with an immortal soul. Although it was a shortcut, his insight and discernment were those of the world’s top experts.

Even with Mengtu’s insight, he had to marvel at Gao Xuan’s Martial Saint cultivation.

Daqian truly was a land of outstanding talents. Besides having Zuo Bubei as a Martial God, this young man also had the potential to become a Martial God.

Mengtu couldn’t do anything to Zuo Bubei, but he wouldn’t allow Gao Xuan to grow unchecked. His heart harbored murderous intent but remained outwardly impassive.

Today’s grand ceremony was bound to have many unexpected events, giving him the opportunity to deal with this young man.

Gao Xuan sensed a trace of killing intent from Mengtu and couldn’t help but smile. A Human Immortal might be strong, but could he withstand a punch from him? Wanting to kill him, that old man had guts.

Liu Sheng Wu Jian was a bald middle-aged man with little hair tied into a bun at the back of his head, looking rather peculiar.

His eyebrows had almost fallen out, and his eyes were deep as a pool. Due to the lack of eyebrows, his facial features seemed less defined and more menacing.