Chapter 816: Rewards of Glory

Chapter 816: Chapter 816: Rewards of Glory

The atmosphere atop the Golden Sun Grand Colosseum’s central platform was suffocating. Before the survivors, seated upon a raised throne carved from jade and bathed in gold, the Emperor’s figure emanated a majestic aura that made the air tremble.

Ethan took his seat in the central chair of honor, keeping Isabella by his side. The frost princess, the blind monk, and the other prominent cultivators occupied their respective spots, straightening their attire with respect.

The imperial crier stepped forward three paces and unrolled a scroll embroidered in silk, pitching his voice in a ceremonious tone that echoed throughout the colosseum.

"On this memorable day, beneath the august gaze of our Great Emperor, we recognize the valor, strength, and cunning of those who have prevailed over death," proclaimed the crier. "First place in this grand trial belongs, without objection, to the young hero Ethan and the Soaring Dragon faction."

A roar of cheers and drums echoed from the stands, causing the imperial banners to flutter.

"As a reward for their feat," the crier continued, "the Empire grants the victorious faction access to the Imperial Treasure Pavilion for three full days, ten Healing-grade Spiritual Cleansing Pills, three veins of Stellar Iron ore for forging celestial weapons, and the title of Lord Protector of the Eastern Domain."

Isabella opened her eyes slightly, surprised by the magnitude of the resources granted. Gaining access to the Imperial Treasure Pavilion wasn’t just an honor; it was the opportunity to acquire elixirs, ancient manuals, and relics that most clans would never lay eyes on in several lifetimes.

Ethan, however, maintained a calm smile, barely bowing his head in a polite gesture toward the throne.

The Emperor, his deep gaze fixed on Ethan, raised his hand, causing the crowd’s uproar to cease.

"Young Ethan," the Emperor’s voice echoed with a mystic resonance that vibrated in the chests of everyone present. "Your performance in the domain has not only been overwhelming; it has proven that you carry a heritage transcending the ordinary limits of this Middle Earth. The Empire rewards the strong, but it also knows how to observe those who carry the weight of destiny."

Ethan met the monarch’s gaze without a blink, sensing the Emperor’s aura attempting to probe his strength. However, before that energy could scratch his surface, the latent presence of the Black Chaos Sword and the protection within his spiritual sea repelled the probe, leaving behind no trace at all.

The Emperor narrowed his eyes by a fraction, forming an enigmatic smile.

"Tomorrow at dawn, the gates of the Treasure Pavilion shall open," concluded the Emperor. "Make good use of your reward... for the heavens never remain calm for long."

Ethan offered a bow with clasped hands, thanking the monarch before straightening up once more.

The Emperor, resting his elbows on the arms of his jade throne, narrowed his eyes with genuine interest and spoke in a commanding voice that echoed throughout the colosseum.

"Now then... regarding the special reward promised to you. What is your desire? Ask for whatever you wish, young man."

Ethan had patiently waited for this moment—a free wish granted by the empire’s supreme authority. To one side of the throne, the imperial princess adjusted her robes and stood up straighter, accentuating her curves and showing off her bust to catch the young hero’s attention. However, Ethan remained unfazed, ignoring the view before speaking in a firm voice.

"My family disappeared when we arrived in this empire from a remote island," said Ethan, locking eyes with the monarch. "I would like Your Excellency’s assistance in issuing an imperial search order across every corner of the territory."

Upon hearing his words, a deathly silence fell over the crowd before erupting into a deafening roar of whispers. Everyone present was left utterly speechless! Was he truly throwing away a direct favor from the Emperor on something so insignificant?

With such a request, Ethan could have asked for his own kingdom to rule, raised his status to rival the ancient ancestral families, demanded indefinite access to the imperial treasury, received personal guidance from the empire’s supreme instructors, or even asked for the princess’s hand in marriage to join the imperial bloodline. There was virtually nothing the Emperor would have refused in this moment of glory. Yet he was using that once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to request a simple search warrant?

The Emperor himself was taken aback. Accustomed to the greed and thirst for power of young geniuses, he never anticipated Ethan asking for something like this. For a few seconds, the supreme ruler of the empire was at a loss for how to react.

The Emperor cleared his throat, regaining his posture atop the jade throne before speaking in a thunderous tone.

"Of course," said the Emperor. "Since you have requested it, I shall issue an imperial edict immediately. If your family is within the boundaries of this empire, they will be found. Furthermore, I shall decree a hunting order: if anyone has dared to lay a finger on your family, I shall eradicate eighteen generations of their bloodline in retribution."

At that moment, the monarch paused deliberately, sweeping a cold, threatening glare across all the elders, patriarchs, and sect leaders seated in the stands.

"If I catch anyone present here attempting something amusing...", added the Emperor in a glacial voice, "you will not be an exception."

A chill ran down the spines of many influential leaders, who instantly lowered their heads, not daring to meet the sovereign’s gaze.

Ethan maintained a faint smirk. Far from being an imprudent move, Ethan knew exactly what he was doing. If any of his enemies were to learn about his family’s existence, they would become his Achilles’ heel. By raising the matter publicly in this venue, he not only secured the crown’s vast search network, but also the sovereign’s absolute protection: any attempt against his family would now be treated as a direct insult to the dignity of the Empire itself.

Thus, even if his family happened to be in one of the surrounding empires, enemy factions and neighboring realms would have to think ten times over before daring to pull any underhanded moves against them.