Seven days after Ardyn's birth, Frostwind entered a state of celebration.
Banners covered the streets.
Golden lanterns floated in the sky.
Spirit beasts were released for blessings.
Every citizen wore smiles.
For the dynasty had gained not one—
But two divine heirs.
Imperial Square — Naming Ceremony
Hundreds of thousands gathered.
Cultivators floated in midair.
All noble families arrived.
Foreign envoys stood nervously at the edges.
At the center platform—
Arin stood in imperial dragon robes.
Elara beside him.
Seren and Mira behind.
Auren floated playfully.
Ardyn slept peacefully in Elara's arms.
The High Priest knelt.
"By heaven and blood…"
"We announce—"
"First Prince: Auren Drayke."
"Second Prince: Ardyn Drayke."
Golden light descended.
The heavens acknowledged.
[SYSTEM ALERT]
Heir Recognition Complete
Dynasty Fortune +35%
Cheers erupted.
"Long live the Emperor!"
"Long live the Princes!"
Suddenly—
The sky distorted.
Three figures descended from a void rift.
Immortal envoys.
Clad in star-patterned robes.
Pressure swept the square.
Many cultivators collapsed.
One stepped forward.
"Arin Drayke."
"By decree of the Upper Realm—"
"Your heirs must be surrendered for cultivation."
Silence.
Dead silence.
Seren's hand went to her sword.
Elara's eyes turned icy.
Mira clenched her tablet.
Arin laughed softly.
"Say that again."
The envoy frowned.
"It is an honor—"
"No."
Arin's voice hardened.
"My children are not offerings."
[SYSTEM ALERT]
Emperor's Will Activated
Golden authority erupted.
The platform cracked.
Wind screamed.
Clouds twisted.
"You want my sons?"
"Come and take them."
The envoy sneered.
"You defy Heaven?"
Arin stepped forward.
"Yes."
"I am Heaven."
Boom!!!
A dragon phantom erupted behind him.
Its roar shook reality.
Citizens fell to their knees.
The envoys staggered.
Blood leaked from their mouths.
"Return," Arin commanded.
"Tell your masters—"
"Frostwind bows to no realm."
The envoys struggled.
Then fled.
Tearing open space.
Silence returned.
Then—
Thunderous cheers.
"Emperor Arin!"
"Dragon Emperor!"
"Invincible!"
Private Garden — Night
Later.
Arin sat with Elara under moonlight.
She leaned against him.
"Was that… dangerous?"
He kissed her hair.
"Everything is dangerous."
"But losing you would be worse."
She smiled.
Seren arrived.
"You just declared war on heaven."
He shrugged. "Accidentally."
Mira added, "Probability of full-scale conflict: 89%."
He sighed. "Low enough."
They laughed.
Training Grounds — Midnight
Arin gazed at the stars.
"Come."
"I'll be ready."
Far Away — Upper Realm Throne
An ancient figure opened his eyes.
"So…"
"He chose defiance."
"Interesting."