The Holy Emblem in Reiya's palm was the credential needed to participate in the Secret Realm Trial. Every person who applied for the Trial and was approved would receive such a Holy Emblem. Normally, they were created by the Imperial Center, but this one had been bestowed personally by the Radiant Holy Tree.
This meant that while the Radiant Holy Tree had not answered directly, it had, in fact, already replied with its actions.
Reiya could participate in the Secret Realm Trial.
After forming the Holy Emblem, the brilliant branch retracted into the Holy Tree's ethereal form.
There was no chastisement, no heavenly condemnation, no Divine Punishment. There wasn't even a proper warning. It was as if it had appeared for the sole purpose of delivering a permit.
'So that's how it is... I have a future after all...'
Reiya caressed the Holy Emblem in her hand. She had deliberately thrown Dragon Thunder at the Holy Tree's ethereal form with an outrageously disrespectful and offensive posture. It was an undeniable act of blasphemy, yet the Radiant Holy Tree hadn't enacted any punishment.
This was not how one should treat a sinner who was loathed and despised. A few theories immediately formed in Reiya's mind.
In any case, her life now had a chance to turn around, to go from a negative to a positive.
"So, it seems I can participate in the Trial after all?"
Reiya held up the Holy Emblem and gave it a little shake. Compared to a standard pass, this emblem, personally bestowed by the Divine Ancestor, was clearly resplendent, making it impossible for anyone to ignore that it represented the will of the Celestial God.
"...Of course. Since the Divine Ancestor has granted permission."
Sylvia watched Reiya with a complicated expression, her mind racing to understand the situation. What was the Radiant Holy Tree's true stance on this Dragon-blooded Hybrid who had defiled the Holy Descendants?
But for all her frantic thoughts, she couldn't be certain of what the Divine Ancestor was thinking.
Mortals cannot fathom the thoughts of a Celestial God; they can only bow their heads and obey.
The Regent King understood this principle well enough. With a wave of her hand, she had the Royal Guard stand down.
At the same time, she issued a warning to the Red-haired Prince beside her:
"Yaligong, you saw what happened. The Divine Ancestor has permitted Reiya to participate in the Trial and has not held her accountable for her insolence. You are to drop this matter as well."
When her political record and reputation were on the line, Sylvia's playful demeanor vanished. Even with her own brother, with whom she was close, she would not tolerate the slightest impertinence.
Yaligong's expression was grim. He clenched his fists, lowered his head, and answered listlessly,
"I understand, Imperial Sister. I would not dare defy a divine oracle."
The golden-haired Regent King nodded. "Good. Now go back. The Secret Realm Trial is about to begin, and I must go and preside over it."
After Sylvia turned away, Yaligong shot a venomous glare at Reiya, who stood before the Great Holy Hall. He whispered in a voice only he could hear,
"Hybrid. What are you so smug about? You're just relying on the Divine Ancestor's mercy. Fine. Just fine... In that case, I'll make you regret ever entering this Trial."
........
"See? I told you Reiya would be fine."
In the VIP box for the Branch of Prosperity, Westheid said with a smile to those beside him.
"My, my, I didn't expect that at all. Duke Qinghui, your prediction was remarkably accurate. How did you manage it?"
Luyetan's delicate eyebrows furrowed slightly, making it impossible to tell whether she was surprised or displeased.
"One need only observe closely and think carefully. In any case, I won the bet, didn't I? About that wager of three hundred thousand silver leaves..."
"Of course. A bet's a bet, and I'm not so petty as to renege. Rozana!"
Luyetan reflexively called for her trusted attendant, ready to show off her wealth by unhesitatingly paying out the enormous sum.
But the words had barely left her mouth when the elegant and magnificent Yuanxi Palace realized something was amiss:
"Wait a minute, when did we make a bet? You!"
"Haha, I'm only joking. Surely Yuanxi Palace can take a joke?"
Westheid's smile was quite charming on his handsome face, but Luyetan merely lowered her gaze and ground her teeth.
"Hmph. Duke Qinghui certainly is vengeful."
The black-haired, purple-eyed man was clearly getting back at her for her earlier teasing.
Westheid inclined his head. "Right back at you. Yuanxi Palace is quite interesting herself."
"Hmm... Might you know the inner workings of this matter?"
The Shadow Flame Duke rubbed his cane, his tone one of curiosity. "The Radiant Holy Tree is indeed magnanimous and merciful, but it has never been shy about unleashing its thunderous fury upon those who defy it. And yet, it is so remarkably lenient with that Dragon Blood Girl?"
Westheid shrugged. "Who knows? Perhaps the relationship between the Dragons and the Holy Tree isn't what mortals imagine it to be. The will of the gods is often innocent and romantic; sometimes inspiration strikes, and you seize a fleeting, ephemeral opportunity."
The Shadow Flame Duke nodded. "Indeed."
It was an accepted truth. The Dominators exist above the Mortal World, separated by an entire worldly Barrier. The will of a Celestial God, when conveyed to the mortal realm, is often unclear and difficult to decipher.
Yolanda, however, watched her brother with a peculiar gaze. She had heard a certain "hypothesis" from Westheid before.
'The Radiant Holy Tree... could it really hold Reiya in such high regard?'
Yolanda felt that she was finding it harder and harder to understand Westheid, her family's Patriarch.
While Reiya's commotion had certainly made everyone rather uncomfortable, the final outcome was shocking enough to leave them all speechless.
But since the Divine Ancestor had made its position clear, the matter was settled. To continue harping on it would be to question a divine edict, which would be highly suspect.
And so, no matter how dissatisfied they were with the "Sinful Blood Dragon Lady," the embarrassed crowd could only hold their tongues or exchange hushed whispers amongst themselves.
CLANG—
The heavy doors of the Great Holy Hall swung open. A brilliant golden light shone from the depths of the Holy Hall, accompanied by the sound of a beautiful, timeless hymn. One by one, those who were to participate in the Trial descended from the spectator stands and began to gather in the open space before the Great Holy Hall.
Westheid stretched and said,
"Alright, the Trial is about to begin. It's time for us to head down. Yolanda, come on, let's go stand with our teammate."
"Teammate... Brother, are you planning to team up with the Fourth Princess?"
Westheid replied, "Isn't it obvious? Reiya has already shown her resolve. You think I don't have the courage to fight by her side? Honestly, don't underestimate me."
"If your mind is made up..."
Yolanda knew she couldn't stop Westheid. It was useless to try now. The moment Reiya revealed her prosthetic limb, everyone knew it was a gift from Duke Qinghui.
Luyetan waved a small hand with a laugh. "May fortune favor you in the battles to come. I'll be watching for Duke Qinghui's heroic display... if he has one to show."
The proceedings of the Secret Realm Trial would be broadcast live. The Holy Emblems distributed to the Trial Takers also functioned as transmitters, allowing them to freely broadcast their own perspectives and actions.
If the Divine Ancestor found a particular stream interesting, it would be broadcast onto a massive projection screen for all to see. This act of being featured would also grant the Trial Taker a great deal of Merit.
To be noticed by the Celestial God was a manifestation of glory and Merit. Conversely, to go through the entire Trial without a single second of screen time was considered a mark of shame and mediocrity.
"Rest assured, I will be sure to put on a show that satisfies Yuanxi Palace."
Westheid replied.