Whoosh!
Suddenly, the atmosphere shifted.
The wind howled unnaturally, as if bowing in submission.
The sky darkened for a moment, casting long shadows over the thousands of cultivators gathered.
Then, as if on cue, divine light split the clouds—four dazzling beams tearing down from the heavens like spears of judgment.
The Royal Family had arrived!
But of course… they didn't come together.
No, that would be too naive.
Each beam marked the descent of a different prince or princess, all backed by their own faction—cultivators, elders, spirit beasts, personal armies.
Every heir was surrounded by their own little kingdom.
And every single one of them wanted the same thing: the throne.
After all, it was already declared—
"Whoever obtains the inheritance in the Ancient Ruins shall be crowned the next Emperor."
So forget teamwork. This was war in the guise of exploration.
