The Glory of Noxus

Noxus capital.

Immortal fortress, audience hall.

The wide and bright hall can accommodate thousands of people for an audience.

After careful arrangement, the glass lamps hanging from the dome cast star-like brilliance, reflecting the different faces of the nobles at the banquet.

The soft red carpet covered the marble floor, adding a touch of warmth to the solemn place.

At this moment, the audience hall was crowded with people, wearing clothes and laughing.

These nobles who stayed in the capital were dressed in gorgeous dresses, holding wine glasses, and greeted their familiar friends with a smile.

Some sat together, telling interesting stories and rumors, and from time to time someone would join in halfway to attract attention.

In a noisy atmosphere.

At the top of the audience hall, the throne of the former emperors of Noxus was standing alone.

Countless flags were hung on the tall pillars on both sides, representing the prosperity and prosperity of the current empire.

Huo Jixing had arrived at the scene early and was sitting in the corner of the banquet. The neat table was full of food.

On his left, Annie and Heini were enjoying the food with satisfied smiles on their cheeks.

This was the favorite time for children, who could eat a variety of delicious food for free.

The snow-white Poro was lying on the corner of the table, gnawing on bacon, with a hint of laziness and satisfaction in his golden eyes.

As time went by, the atmosphere in the audience hall became more and more heated.

Many nobles turned this place into an occasion full of power and ambition, and every tiny movement and expression might hide different deep meanings.

Huo Jixing's existence gradually attracted the attention of some powerful nobles.

Their eyes swept across this area from time to time, and their eyes flashed with complex light.

In just a few years, an ordinary soldier in the North who was unknown to the public has now become a legendary strongman that they cannot look directly at.

In the Noxus Empire composed of power and strength, the appearance of a legendary strongman.

Often means more resources and greater voice.

They wanted to come over and say hello, hoping to have a conversation and make friends.

But as soon as these nobles approached, they seemed to encounter an invisible boundary, making them unable to move forward.

Then they retreated in the face of difficulties, left calmly, pretending that nothing had happened.

Those who were able to attend this banquet were originally the upper class of the imperial nobles, who were very good at concealing their emotions and intentions.

At this moment, they chose to remain silent, unwilling to expose their purpose under uncertainty.

Because they saw that some of the empire's elder nobles were in a similar situation as them.

The families behind these elder nobles were born with the empire and were usually high-ranking figures.

They were also looking for opportunities to approach Huo Jixing, but unfortunately, the ending was the same.

In the subtle atmosphere, Huo Jixing still maintained his calmness and composure, with deep and calm eyes, as if he could see through people's hearts.

He was not a native imperial noble.

But he knew that once he casually received a certain noble and opened the door, what awaited him would be a series of false smiles and pretentiousness.

The surface enthusiasm and friendliness of these nobles concealed countless calculations and interest exchanges.

Huo Jixing hated hypocritical communication, but he also knew that this was part of the rules of the game of the Noxus Empire.

Suddenly!

There was a noise in the audience hall.

Huo Jixing sensed a familiar breath entering the audience hall.

He looked up and saw a short knight who was a little sloppy, appearing at the door of the banquet.

The armor he was wearing had long lost its former luster and was covered with mottled rust.

The rusty weapon was slung across his waist, and the cracks and scratches on it were clearly visible. The red silk ribbon wrapped around his waist was as gorgeous as if it was stained with blood.

His steps were a little funny, as if his body did not match the armor, but no one dared to laugh at him at the banquet.

The furious knight, Kled!

This incarnation of the Noxian will has participated in every campaign launched by the Noxian Empire war group in history.

He has obtained every title in the army and has never retreated from any battle.

Kree looked around with some disgust in his eyes, as if he was dissatisfied with the imperial nobles.

He looked at the banquet hall where people were coming and going, but after a while, he found a familiar friend, the little guy he had saved before.

Huo Jixing stood up and waved to Kree.

He and Kree are old acquaintances. Once in the battlefield of the North, Kree and Skarr saved his life together.

"Hey, little guy, I often hear about you recently."

Kree walked over, looked up at Huo Jixing's young face, and couldn't help but sigh.

"You are amazing to be able to kill Vladimir. The Empire and the Trifalii Council should thank me for saving you at that time."

He grinned, and his sharp teeth were like a beast showing his great posture.

Krei didn't expect that he just promised Darius to assist the military operations in the North.

But it unexpectedly changed Huo Jixing's fate and had a profound impact on the empire.

Huo Jixing smiled and stretched out his hand to shake Krei's. He smelled a faint smell of blood in his nose, which had not yet completely dissipated.

"I had nothing to do recently, so I went to the Iron Thorn Mountains in the North." Krei looked at Annie and Heini and sat on the right side of Huo Jixing.

"Hey, the Winter Claw tribe and the followers of the Undying Thunder are fighting fiercely, sweeping across the southeastern region of Freljord."

"I'll get involved and kill a few tribes that are preparing to invade the northern part of the empire."

"Has the Winter Claw tribe and the Undying Thunder not yet decided?" Huo Jixing looked puzzled.

If you count carefully, a few years have passed since the end of the Northern War in the Ironthorn Mountains.

The conflict between the Winter Claw tribe and the followers of the Undying Thunder has never stopped.

Although Sejuani has the blood of ice, her strength among the extraordinary people can be called the top.

But as a god, the Undying Thunder Volibear is definitely much stronger than Sejuani.

According to common sense, their war should have been decided long ago, instead of being delayed until now.

"It was the Avarosa tribe that intervened."

Kled picked up the food on the table and enjoyed it, feasting on it without any courtesy.

"Ashe is not simple. They provide food and supplies to aid the Winter Claw tribe, and they also help in a covert or overt way."

"It makes it difficult for Sejuani and her tribal warriors to resist the counterattack of the followers of the Undying Thunder."

"But they are still struggling. According to the news, the will of the Undying Thunder is about to revive."

There is a hint of gloating in Kled's words, as if Freljord is about to usher in a more intense storm.

Huo Jixing and Kled sat in the corner, chatting with a relaxed look while observing the changes in the field.

Not long after, Draven entered the audience hall wearing a gorgeous mink coat.

Behind him were Captain Ben Faron and Wilson, the advisor of the Trifarion Legion.

Whether it was Captain Faron or Wilson, the advisor of the Legion, as Darius's subordinates, they were naturally close to Draven.

And Draven's arrival immediately attracted the attention of everyone in the field.

Many nobles and warlords of the empire came forward to greet him, trying to talk to Draven and leave an impression.

Draven is not only Darius's younger brother, but also the glorious executioner appointed by Swain.

Even though he has not yet obtained a title, his own strength and status still make him one of the top figures in the empire.

Captain Faron and Legion Advisor Wilson beside him also strengthened Draven's influence in the empire with their presence.

Draven casually exchanged greetings with the nobles and warlords who swarmed in.

His eyes swept across the venue, and after seeing Huo Jixing, he took a step without hesitation and walked directly towards Huo Jixing.

Huo Jixing stood up again, opened his arms, and hugged Draven.

Then, he nodded gently to Captain Faron and Legion Advisor Wilson and said hello.

Annie held the food and quietly guarded Huo Jixing, observing everyone with curious eyes.

Draven noticed Kled sitting next to him, and bowed slightly and saluted respectfully.

"General Kled."

Regardless of strength, Kled's seniority and qualifications are there, and he has grown up with the empire.

Before Darius and Draven were born, Kled had already fought bloody battles for the empire.

His footprints were all over every battlefield of the empire, and he made great contributions to the expansion of territory.

When everyone sat down, everyone started chatting, talking about recent events, sharing each other's encounters and feelings.

As they chatted, Huo Jixing became the center of the topic.

They talked about Shurima and the impact of Vladimir's fall.

Huo Jixing looked helpless, picked up the glass wine glass, and took a sip of red wine.

He kept observing the center of the banquet from the corner of his eyes. Many heroes in his impression did not appear in this banquet.

For example, Riven, the Exiled Blade, and Talon, the Shadow of the Blade, did not appear in the banquet.

There were quite a few wealthy merchants from Piltover who attended the banquet.

They were dressed in gorgeous clothes, holding exquisite canes in their hands, and were talking with the imperial nobles.

These wealthy merchants hoped to make friends with enough imperial nobles in order to replicate the miracle of the Midalda family.

Ding-ding-ding!

The heavy and long bell sounded in the audience hall, and the banquet that was originally filled with laughter and joy suddenly became quiet.

Many imperial nobles looked at Swain who came out of the side hall with solemn expressions.

The leader of Noxus, the long-term plan of the Trifarii Council!

Half a step behind him was the Hand of Noxus Darius in black armor.

The leader of the elite Trifarii Corps, commanding all the war groups of the empire, the physical embodiment of military power.

And the representative of the Assassin's Guild, the Faceless Man.

Even at the banquet, the Faceless Man was still wrapped in a layered, wide robe from head to toe.

Wearing a black mask with no expression, cold eyes and smooth texture, even the small holes for the eyes were covered with black silk screen.

The three of them appeared together under the throne, overlooking everyone in the banquet.

"Welcome everyone to take the time to attend this celebration banquet."

Swain stood in place, his old face looking around, and a faint majesty enveloped the banquet.

"I believe everyone has known the purpose of this banquet before coming, so I won't say too much."

Swain's voice was calm and firm, and he directly read out Katarina's merits in the northern part of Shurima and stabilized the order of the imperial port.

"Finally, after the discussion of the Trifarii Council, we will grant Katarina the position of Imperial General."

Boom!

As soon as the words fell, warm applause rang out in the main hall of the banquet. Every noble present was so graceful.

They did not hesitate to pay attention and praise, as if they had practiced many times.

Under the expectant eyes of everyone, Katarina appeared in black leather armor.

Her long crimson hair was scattered behind her, swaying with her steps.

The bloody scar across her left eye was fierce, adding a touch of coldness to Katarina's temperament.

Katarina came to Swain and stood still, with an upright posture and a firm look.

She bowed slightly and thanked every noble present.

"Thank you for your support and trust. I will continue to serve the empire. The Du Kecao family will do everything for the prosperity of the empire."

Swain, Darius, and the Faceless were the first to applaud and express their attitude.

The atmosphere of the banquet reached its peak in an instant, with applause and cheers intertwined.

The nobles present congratulated and paid tribute to Katarina, their eyes revealing their admiration for her.

When Katarina stepped down from the platform, the banquet continued, with food and wine filling the corners.

The nobles talked about politics, military affairs and culture, exchanged ideas with each other, and tried to join a higher circle.

This banquet in the audience hall was not only a simple social event, but also a contest of strength and wisdom.

Everyone present participated in the game in their own way.

And Katarina was undoubtedly the most dazzling focus of the night.

Huo Jixing looked at Katarina in the spotlight and laughed softly.

He admired Katarina's charm and confidence, and did not disturb her glorious moment.

Katarina had her own mission and responsibility tonight, and her appearance was the best blessing.

Then, Huo Jixing got up and took Annie and Heini to walk around nearby.

Draven, Kled and others had left separately when Swain and Darius stepped down from the platform.

They have their own friends, and they can take advantage of the rare banquet in front of them to exchange feelings.

The side of the audience hall.

The gorgeous stage has been built, and the actors have posed on the stage covered with black rose remnants.

The nobles passing by nearby looked at this scene curiously and stopped one after another, as if they were looking forward to the next performance.

The actors remained in a tense state of stillness, waiting for the gathered nobles to surround the bottom of the stage.

Hearing the sound of the bell, they suppressed their excitement and prepared to start performing the story of "Qian Jue Fables".

Huo Jixing and Annie and others walked over together, admiring the gorgeous stage in front of them.

"Uncle Huo Jixing, what is this?"

Annie opened her eyes wide and looked at the actors who remained still curiously.

"A stage play?" Huo Jixing answered hesitantly.

"Oh, what stage play is that?" Annie asked.

In Annie's young heart, Huo Jixing is omnipotent and omniscient.

"Uh"

Huo Jixing stroked his chin, trying to find clues from the stage scenery and the actors' costumes.

But he really couldn't tell the story that the stage play would perform.

"It's the fable of Qian Jue."

Beside Huo Jixing, Jagu, the head of the Midalda family, came over at some point and spoke softly.

When Jagu, who was far away in Piltover, received the invitation to the banquet, he immediately put down everything in his hands and rushed over.

He had received the news from Jarl and knew the relationship between Huo Jixing and Katarina.

Although the heir he chose was a little unreliable.

But he didn't expect that Jarl and Huo Jixing had a good relationship.

Jagu wore a red robe with gold edges and embroidered with complex golden patterns, which looked solemn and majestic.

"The fable of Qian Jue?"

Annie blinked in confusion, obviously not familiar with this story.

Every time before going to bed, her father and mother never told her fables in this regard.

"Qian Jue, in ancient mythology, is a pair of spirits that symbolize death."

"According to some fragmentary records, they are independent of each other, but have never been separated." Jia Gu slowly told the news he knew.

"Everyone will see the true face of death when they die."