Over on the square in front of the Heavenly Emperor’s palace, the festivities had already begun. Most guests had gathered in the city in the last one or two days and some came to take up their seats early in the morning, right after the people from the Court of Justice and the Palace of War had set everything up.

Not mentioning the three demons and the elite of the dragon realm who had been invited, most guests were obviously from the Nine Heavens. Among them were the sovereigns in charge of the other eight Heavens, the heads of the palaces over there, and some of their successors or those who were likely to hold that title in the future. In short, whoever had anything to say in the Nine Heavens was definitely in attendance.

These people all had common topics to discuss but didn’t see each other on regular days. Even if one or two of them met up, coming together with everyone in the same position as you was almost impossible. Apart from celebrating the return of the Son of Heaven, it was a great opportunity for them to exchange thoughts on other topics as well. Naturally, they wouldn’t miss this chance that was so hard to come by.

With this being the general attitude, the square was filled early and every last place was taken by the time the group from the dragon realm had arrived. Even someone covered from head to toe in a veil hardly registered among all the people present, especially since many of the people who lived in the capital city had also come to spectate from afar. To them, their crown prince going missing and not returning for so long felt much more real than it did to those living further away just by virtue of having happened so close to home and to a person they had at least seen before.

A few minutes before the auspicious time for the ceremony arrived, the Heavenly Emperor and the Heavenly Empress stepped out of the palace, both of them radiating with joy.

Rong Su was naturally happy because his precious son was back and also glad that his wife seemed to be in a better mood. At the very least, he didn’t feel like they were in a cold war any longer. This was a good sign and he wanted to use this day to make sure that things would stay this way at the very least or even get better going forward. He really didn’t want to be at odds with her. Even if he had to tolerate the people from the dragon realm today to do so, he’d make that sacrifice for her.

As for Bai Fen, well, she didn’t care about what her husband thought. Looking at all the people who had gathered and looking at the platform that had been erected in the middle of the square, she automatically smiled. This was her son’s big day. He was happy to take that step and she was happy that he was doing so. His relationship with Qiu Ling had her full blessing and she knew that he would be much happier going forward. Naturally, she was in a good mood today.

The two of them walked through the gate and to the edge of the staircase that led down to the square. From this vantage point, it was easy to see the whole square with all the people sitting and standing and they could be seen easily in turn as well so it was the perfect spot to make their announcement.

Rong Su cleared his throat and the last conversations in the square quieted down. “Thank you, everyone, for coming together today. As you all know, my precious son was abducted by a scoundrel a few weeks ago but thankfully, we were able to rescue him this past week so that he has now returned home to his family’s side. We are incredibly grateful that no further harm was done to him and want to celebrate his safe return with all of you.”

Among the guests, Lin Shi leaned closer to Ye Yang. “It sounds as if they did all of it on their own.”

Ye Yang inclined his head. “We are barely tolerated here today. Actually bringing up our role in this is a step too far. It’s not too surprising though. The Heavenly Emperor has a certain reputation anyway.” He hadn’t expected much gratitude. Just being invited was good enough for him. At least it was a step in the right direction. Plus, even if this guy didn’t care, the dragon king likely did and that was a lot more valuable in the long run.

Lin Shi gave a hum and leaned back, turning her attention to the couple at the end of the stairs.

At this moment, Bai Fen had used the opportunity to take over. “Of course, apart from his return itself, which fills us with immense gratitude, we want to celebrate his entering a new stage in life with everyone who is gathered here today.” Her smile seemed to become even brighter, truly befitting a joyous occasion.

Rong Su looked at her oddly, not entirely sure what she meant. Seeing her smile though, he also smiled happily. It seemed that this occasion was indeed a good way to get closer again.

Bai Fen continued to ignore him and simply kept addressing the crowd below. “All of you are aware that he has come of age twenty years ago. Many of you were our guests on that day as well. Before the recent tragedy struck, Jing He also finished his trial in the mortal realm. Especially the trueborn gods among you know how important of a step that is.

“That is to say that Jing He is now an adult and not held back by any major tasks left to fulfill. Naturally, after living through such an ordeal, this is the perfect opportunity to look toward his future and celebrate the next milestone of his life. One that I am especially happy to share with him as his mother and also happy to share with our friends and allies.”

Saying so, she turned to look at the platform where the God of Justice had already taken up a spot and the God of War was now joining him. Behind him … a young couple in wedding attire slowly walked up the steps, holding hands.