World Devouring Dragon

The silence in the imperial court was deafening. Every noble, general, and sect representative stared at Ron in shock.

He refused to kneel before the Emperor?

This was an unforgivable offense in the eyes of many. Some of the older ministers clenched their fists, expecting the Emperor to issue a swift punishment.

Yet, to their astonishment…

The Emperor did not react in anger. Instead, he let out a low chuckle.

"You are an interesting young man," he said, his gaze locking onto Ron. "Few dare to speak so boldly before me."

A few officials gasped.

The Emperor leaned forward slightly. "Do you believe you are above this court?"

Ron met his gaze with confidence. "I believe in respecting only those who have earned it, Your Majesty."

Gasps filled the chamber.

The Princess, seated beside the Emperor, let out a small smile, her eyes gleaming with intrigue. Unlike the others, she seemed more amused than offended.

The Emperor remained silent for a few moments before speaking.

"Very well," he said, his voice carrying authority. "Since you are bold enough to stand before me without fear, I shall grant you a reward instead of punishment."

The nobles froze in disbelief.

"You will be allowed entry into the Imperial Spiritual Pool alongside my daughter, Princess Lingxi," the Emperor declared.

The entire hall erupted in shock.

"The Spiritual Pool?!"

"That sacred place is only for the Imperial Family and top-tier geniuses!"

"He's just a Qi Refining Realm cultivator! Why is he receiving such an honor?"

Even some sect leaders showed expressions of disbelief.

The Princess herself raised a brow, looking at her father with curiosity.

Ron, however, remained calm. "The Spiritual Pool… what's the catch?"

The Emperor smiled. "No catch. It is simply an opportunity. Whether you can withstand its energy is up to you."

Before anyone could protest further, the Princess suddenly spoke up.

"I think it's a wonderful idea," she said, standing up.

The court fell silent again.

The Princess looked directly at Ron, her gaze filled with undisguised admiration.

"In fact," she continued, smiling slightly, "I will admit something before everyone here—"

Her voice echoed in the grand hall.

"I liked him from the moment I saw him."

The court descended into chaos.

Ministers and nobles whispered furiously.

Even the sect representatives were shaken.

The Princess of the Empire… admitting her interest in a mere Qi Refining Realm cultivator?!

Ron, however, remained unmoved, his golden eyes simply watching her.

The Emperor smirked at his daughter's words but said nothing. Instead, he looked at Ron again.

"Prepare yourself," he said. "Tomorrow, you will enter the Spiritual Pool."

With that, the court session came to an end—but the storm caused by Ron's arrival and the Princess's confession was just beginning.

—To Be Continued!

Ron's Progress:

• Cultivation: Qi Refining stage 5

• Swordmanship: Sword user Peak

Scales Unlocked: 7 scales

Techniques

• Heaven crushing slash

• Phantom Moon Slash

• Dragon Emperor's wrath