Chapter 1025 - 1025: The Racing Horse Ritual and the King's Farewell
The names of previous Kai family lineage were being taken down. The new names and King family record was being painted at Royal Hall.
All the new ministers, elders and administrators were working on rearranging names and raising new terms.
History was being written and the rule of the King dynasty was set in motion.
The new banners bearing the golden lion sigil fluttered in the breeze, casting long shadows across the castle’s ancient stone walls.
The air was thick with anticipation and festivity. Inside the grand palace, messengers and servants moved with urgency, for the announcement made by Mohan, known now as Kent King, had stirred not only the court but the entire kingdom.
Earlier that afternoon, Kent had stood atop the great balcony overlooking the plaza, where thousands of citizens had gathered. Dressed in his ceremonial robes of black and gold, his voice had rung with authority and purpose.
“To mark the consolidation of the Red Silk Kingdom under the rule of the King Family, the sacred tradition of the Racing Horse Ritual shall be revived!” he declared.
The people had erupted in cheers. It was an ancient rite, forgotten for over a century, once used to symbolize the unity of the realm under a single will. A mighty warhorse, chosen from the imperial stables, would roam freely across the land. Whosoever dared to stop it, delay it, or hinder its path in any way would be declaring rebellion against the crown.
Now, as night fell, the ritual was in motion.
A towering white stallion, bred from a bloodline of wind-chasing beasts, galloped across the countryside. Its mane shimmered silver under moonlight, hooves thundering like drums of war.
At its side rode none other than the former Emperor Kai—now stripped of his crown, serving as the ceremonial guardian of the ritual, carrying the royal scroll declaring Daku King as the true heir of the heavens.
Villages and towns lit torches and watched in silence as the imperial horse passed. No one stopped it. Not a single man, not even the stubborn northern clans, dared challenge the symbol of the new order. The King Family had already made their power known.
–
Back at the palace, within the sprawling banquet hall, the King Family gathered in celebration. Grand tapestries adorned the walls, the long tables were crowded with steaming dishes and rare wines, and the sounds of music and laughter echoed from every corner.
At the head of the feast sat two figures: Daku King, now crowned as the new patriarch and emperor of the King Dynasty, and beside him, the storm bearer himself—Kent King.
His robes now replaced by a simple, elegant black tunic with golden embroidery of lightning serpents curling around his sleeves. His expression was calm, but his aura pulsed with strength—like a slumbering storm.
Family elders, generals, and high-ranking members of the court raised their cups in turn.
“To the hero who rewrote fate!” shouted Uncle Varun, voice booming across the hall.
“To the one who tamed emperors and dragons alike!” came another cheer.
“To the heart of the storm—Kent King!”
Kent lifted his cup and nodded humbly. “Thank you, family. But remember—we only succeeded because we stood together. Let us continue this unity and make the King Dynasty immortal.”
The crowd erupted in applause.
As the clamor died down, Kent rose to his feet once more, this time with a calm solemnity.
Holding a jade wine cup filled with spirit wine, he raised it toward the sky. “This is not only a celebration,” he said. “This is a farewell.”
The hall grew silent.
“I will depart by tomorrow evening,” Kent continued. “Once the Racing Horse Ritual completes its sacred path across the land, my duty here ends. I must travel to the Central Realms which might be unknown to you all and I need to participate in the Golden Heir Tournament.”
A murmur spread across the room. Many stood in shock.
Elder Saam stood up, voice shaking, “Kent… stay a few-more-months. Let the people rejoice, let the kingdom breathe under your presence.”
“I wish I could,” Kent said, a faint smile touching his lips. “But I do not have that luxury. The tournament is more than a test of power. It is a beacon for the next generation of rulers. If I do not compete… I will lose more than a title—I will lose my-chance to forward.”
Before anyone could respond, Amelia, wearing her signature red battle robes, stood tall.
“Then we go with you,” she said. “All of us. We’ve followed you through fire and blood. This time is no-different.”
Lily, Serena, Sophia, and even shy Mona stood one by one behind her.
“We’re not staying behind,” Lily said firmly.
Kent looked at them and chuckled. “Stubborn women.”
“You chose us,” Serena said sweetly, “now suffer the consequences.”
Everyone laughed.
Just before the servants began to serve the main course, Kent turned to the side where an old velvet box was placed. He stood again and brought it to the center.
Inside it lay the King Family’s ancestral sword—a majestic blade, forged in the celestial flames of the Sun Forge. Its hilt bore the crest of the lion, and its body shimmered with a low golden pulse.
Kent walked over to Daku King and gently placed the sword on the elder’s lap.
“The King Sword belongs to the King Family,” Kent said. “I have no right to carry it anymore. I have my own path now. My own legacy. My blade shall be the Heavenly Storm Sword.”
Daku King’s eyes moistened. He shook his head. “You have earned the right, my son. You have earned everything.”
“But a family sword must stay with the family patriarch,” Kent insisted.
After a long pause, Daku King relented and held the blade close to his chest.
“Very well. But it shall be kept safe for your return. The day you ascend beyond the heavens, this sword shall be offered to your heir.”
Kent smiled.
The feast resumed with renewed spirit. Dances began, laughter rang, and even old Emperor Kai, still under poison’s leash, was made to pour wine for guests under Amelia’s watchful eye.
Outside, the imperial horse thundered toward the final borders of the kingdom.
As the moon climbed high above the Red Silk Kingdom, Kent King stepped out to the balcony one last time, gazing at the stars.