Chapter 10: Before Sunshine

Qingling was alive with anticipation as prominent families from across the realm converged on the city. Each family was honored according to their status, and the heirs and heiresses of these families wandered the bustling streets, marveling at the city's splendor.

Xiao Ling, heir to the Xiao family, was tall and lean with an air of confidence befitting his noble lineage. His sharp eyes took in every detail of the vibrant surroundings. "Can you believe this city was hidden in such a remote place?"

Mei Feng, the graceful and poised heiress of the Feng family, replied with a sense of wonder in her voice, "It's incredible. The architecture, the energy... everything is so grand."

Li Qiang, the broad-shouldered and muscular heir to the Li family, mused aloud, "The Dragon Prince must be extraordinary to create such a place."

As the heirs and heiresses strolled through Qingling, the Royal Estate was a hub of activity. Emissaries from the Western Sea had already arrived, their demeanor exuding dominance.

One of the Western emissaries sneered, "Where is this so-called Dragon Prince? We've heard rumors, but no one has seen him."

The emissaries were tall and imposing, their clothes adorned with symbols of the Western Sea. Their leader, a man with piercing blue eyes and a haughty expression, stepped forward, demanding answers.

Elder Zhou, one of Dao Wei's trusted advisors, tried to maintain peace. "The Dragon Prince will arrive soon. Please be patient."

The Western Emissary's voice dripped with contempt, "Patient? We've traveled far, and yet we see nothing but empty boasts. Perhaps the dragons of the East are nothing but frauds!"

The accusation hung in the air, tension rising. Just as a fight seemed imminent, a distant roar silenced the crowd. All eyes turned skyward.

Dao Wei approached in a grand dragon cart, pulled by four Thunderclap Lions. The cart glided through the air with majestic grace, a testament to Dao Wei's power. Above, Blazing Wyvern and Crystal Wyvern roared, their fiery breath lighting up the sky. Following closely was the Void Serpent, its presence imposing and awe-inspiring.

"Is that... could it be the Dragon Prince?" someone in the crowd whispered in awe.

Whispers and speculations ran rampant as the procession approached the palace. The cart landed, and Dao Wei stepped down, his aura commanding and unyielding. The Eastern dragons immediately knelt in respect.

"Welcome, Dragon Prince!" they spoke in unison.

The Western Sea emissaries were stunned into silence. The overwhelming presence of Dao Wei, combined with the display of power from the wyverns and the Void Serpent, left them no choice but to kneel.

"Dragon Prince... we did not expect such... a display," the Western Leader grudgingly admitted.

Dao Wei's gaze swept over them, his expression unreadable. He turned to Elder Zhou. "Escort everyone who is not from Qingling to the guest estate."

Elder Zhou hesitated, aware of the potential diplomatic fallout. "But, Prince, perhaps the emissaries from the Western Sea should remain here in the Royal Estate?"

Dao Wei didn't respond, but the Crystal Wyvern landed beside him, emitting a deafening roar. The intimidation was palpable, and the crowd quickly complied with the Prince's order.

"This is outrageous!" the Western Emissary sneered, his humiliation evident.

The emissaries had no choice but to follow the Prince's decree. The news of Dao Wei's overbearing demeanor spread quickly through the guest estate, the stories of his might and authority growing with each telling.

"Did you hear? The Dragon Prince ordered the Western emissaries out without even a second thought," Xiao Ling began, his eyes gleaming with interest.

Mei Feng nodded, her admiration clear. "His power is unmatched. I can't wait to meet him."

Li Qiang added, "He will be a formidable ally. Or a fearsome enemy."

Back in the Royal Estate, Dao Wei stood tall, his presence commanding respect and fear alike. He turned to Liu Xu, who had been by his side throughout the day. "Ensure the city is well-protected. We cannot afford any disruptions."

Liu Xu nodded, her voice steady, "Yes, my Prince."

As night fell, the Royal Estate settled into a tense calm. The stories of the Dragon Prince's return and his display of power spread like wildfire, leaving no doubt in anyone's mind that Dao Wei was a force to be reckoned with.

The next morning, Qingling buzzed with activity. Merchants set up their stalls, displaying a variety of exotic goods. Performers entertained crowds with acrobatics and musical performances. The atmosphere was electric, charged with the anticipation of the upcoming coronation.

Dao Wei, dressed in his formal robes, walked through the streets accompanied by Liu Xu. Everywhere they went, people bowed in respect.

"Dragon Prince," an elderly man called out, "it is an honor to see you. Your presence brings us hope and pride."

Dao Wei smiled warmly. "Thank you. Your support strengthens us all."

As they moved through the city, they encountered the heirs and heiresses who had arrived earlier.

Xiao Ling stepped forward, bowing respectfully. "Dragon Prince, it is an honor to finally meet you. I am Xiao Ling of the Xiao family."

Dao Wei nodded, acknowledging him. "Xiao Ling, I have heard of your family's contributions. Welcome to Qingling."

Mei Feng approached next, her poise and grace evident. "Dragon Prince, I am Mei Feng of the Feng family. Your city is a marvel."

Dao Wei smiled. "Mei Feng, your reputation precedes you. I am pleased to have you here."

Finally, Li Qiang stepped forward, his presence commanding attention. "Dragon Prince, I am Li Qiang of the Li family. Your strength and leadership are truly inspiring."

Dao Wei's gaze was steady. "Li Qiang, your family's valor is well known. I look forward to working together."

The interactions were brief but meaningful, each exchange strengthening the bonds between the Dragon Prince and the prominent families of the realm.

Meanwhile, in the guest estate, the Western emissaries fumed. Their leader, still smarting from the humiliation, paced restlessly.

"How dare he treat us like this?" the Western Emissary spat. "We are not to be trifled with."

One of his subordinates spoke up, "We must find a way to regain our honor. Perhaps a challenge to his authority?"

The Western Emissary considered this, his eyes narrowing. "Yes, a challenge. Let us see if this Dragon Prince can truly live up to his reputation."

Back at the Royal Estate, Dao Wei was deep in conversation with Elder Zhou and Liu Xu.

"Elder Zhou, what is the current status of our defenses?" Dao Wei inquired.

Elder Zhou responded, "All measures are in place, my Prince. The city is secure, and our forces are on high alert."

Dao Wei nodded, satisfied. "Good."

Liu Xu added, "The people are inspired by your presence, my Prince. They believe in you."

Dao Wei looked at her, his expression softening. "Thank you, Liu Xu. Your support means everything."

Just then, a messenger arrived, bowing deeply. "My Prince, the Western emissaries request an audience. They wish to challenge your authority."

Dao Wei's eyes hardened. "Very well. Let them come."

In the grand hall of the Royal Estate, Dao Wei stood at the center, his aura calm but powerful. The Western emissaries entered, their demeanor challenging.

The Western Emissary stepped forward, his voice filled with venom. "Dragon Prince, we challenge the throne of the Dragon Prince. We don't believe such a kid is capable of taking on such a huge task."

Dao Wei's gaze was unyielding. "Very well. What do you propose?"

"A duel," the Western Emissary declared. "Your best warrior against ours. If you refuse, your claims of power are empty."

Dao Wei's lips curved into a slight smile. "I accept. But it will not be my warrior you face. It will be me."

The hall fell silent, the air thick with anticipation. The Western Emissary's eyes widened slightly but he quickly masked his surprise. "Very well, Dragon Prince. Let us see if you can back your words with action."

The duel was set for the following 2 hours. As the news spread, the city buzzed with excitement and anxiety. This duel would be a pivotal moment, not just for Dao Wei but for the entire realm.

The grand arena was filled with spectators. Nobles, commoners, and visitors from across the realm gathered to witness the duel. The atmosphere was charged, every eye focused on the center of the arena.

Dao Wei entered, his presence commanding and serene. Across from him stood the Western Dragon Leader exuding a menacing aura.

The announcer's voice echoed through the arena. "Let the battle begin!"

The Western Sea Leader charged, his movements swift and powerful. Dao Wei stood his ground, his eyes focused and calm. With a fluid motion, he deflected the emissary's attack, countering with a strike that sent the warrior sprawling.

Bang!

The crowd gasped, the sheer power of Dao Wei's counterattack evident. The Western Leader rose, his face contorted with rage. He attacked again, his strikes faster and more desperate.

Dao Wei's movements were like a dance, each step precise and deliberate. He evaded the champion's attacks effortlessly, his counters swift and decisive. With a final, powerful strike, Dao Wei performed the Iron Palm, the first level of the Heavenly Palm, his palms hardened, delivering crushing blows capable of shattering stone. He disarmed the Western Dragon Leader, sending him crashing to the ground. Dao Wei was disappointed by how feeble the Western dragon was. 

Bang! Bang! Bang!

The arena fell silent, the outcome clear. Dao Wei stood victorious, his aura radiating strength and authority.

The Western Emissary, his pride shattered, rushed to the arena. "Dragon Prince, you… you don't have to be so cruel."

Dao Wei's gaze was steady. "Let this be a lesson to all. The dragons of the East are not to be trifled with."

As the crowd erupted in cheers, Dao Wei turned to Liu Xu, who stood by his side. "The coronation will proceed as planned."

Liu Xu smiled, her admiration clear. "Yes, my Prince."

The duel had not only cemented Dao Wei's authority but also united the realm in their belief in the Dragon Prince. As the coronation approached, there was no doubt in anyone's mind that Dao Wei was destined to lead.