After a few days of endless hustling and bustling, the Ximen Clan finally started their grand centennial celebration. Thousands of guests noisily gathered, their chitchats filled with excitement.
The square where the ceremony was held was extremely packed and all kinds of performances were ongoing. At the front of the square was a platform paved with red carpet which was specially built for the honorable attendees. Bryant, his granddaughter, Shirley, and the elders of the Ximen Clan were sitting on the platform. They were accepting blessings and gifts from various clans and major forces, the royal family, several civil and military officials, and other guests.
Time flew by without anyone noticing due to the euphoric atmosphere brought about by the celebration. Two hours into the celebration, a disciple of the Ximen Clan came up on the platform and announced with a bow, "My Chief, the emperor is at the gate!"
However, instead of waiting at the gate for the Ximan Clan to properly welcome him, Alston had come inside and walked along the main road leading to the square. He was escorted by two masters of the Divine Stage, another nine masters of the Supernal Stage and some twenty spirit manipulators of the Heavenly Stage.
Bryant stood up at once. He lifted his elegant robe and ran down the platform to welcome Alston. He was followed by Shirley, the seniors, and the elders.
When everyone saw that Bryant was in a hurry, they realized that Alston was here. No other person in this world could arouse such a whirlwind of chaos. The noisy square quieted down immediately. The crowd parted automatically to make a path for Alston. Everyone echoed greetings of respect towards the acting emperor.
"Greetings, Your Majesty!" The whole square was suddenly filled with everyone's greetings.
Alston, on the other hand, marched on with ease. He wore a wide smile across his face as he waved his hand towards the crowd. For the people who knew him little, he was as common as an old shoe, but not the insidious, despicable and ruthless monster who tried to murder his own brother for the throne and who used every way possible to get rid of those who disobeyed him.
As Alston pressed forward towards the platform, Bryant and Shirley met him at the middle of the square, as well as all other seniors and elders from the Ximen Clan.
"Your Majesty!" Bryant stopped in front of Alston and respectfully bowed.
"Nice to meet you, Chief Bryant, Miss Shirley and all the elders! Please do not be nervous. I am here today to congratulate your clan on your centennial celebration. There's no need to make such a scene," Alston said with a gentle smile, instructing Bryant to stand straight.
"Your Majesty, please follow me this way!" Bryant led Alston to the front of the square and up on the platform.
After Alston and Bryant took their seats, the people from the Ximen Clan and Alston's escorts stood on the opposite sides on the stand.
"Today marks the centennial celebration of the Ximen Clan. I prepared some special gifts for you. Please kindly accept them!" Alston said and nodded to the guards who were standing on the sides.
A guard went down, and a moment later, more than a dozen guards carried several big boxes up on the platform. The boxes were immediately opened to unravel heaps of gold, silver and jewelries inside. Alston had heavily spent on these gifts.
"I am extremely flattered, Your Majesty! This is so generous of you! But please forgive me. I cannot accept these extravagant gifts!" Bryant immediately stood up and cupped his hands to refuse Alston's expensive presents.
"It's truly kind of you to say so. Please accept it, these are just some small gifts to show my great respect to you and your clan! Might I add that I've also prepared several special gifts for Miss Shirley," Alston said as he glanced towards Shirley who was standing on the opposite side of the platform.
"Come here, Shirley." At once, Bryant nodded at Shirley when Alston mentioned her name.
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