The Glory of Noxus.

The capital of Noxus.

Immortal Bastion, Audience Hall.

The spacious and bright hall can accommodate a thousand people for an audience.

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

Soft red carpets cover the marble floor, adding a touch of warmth to the solemn venue.

At this moment, the audience hall was crowded with people, wearing clothes clinging to each other's shoulders, and laughing and talking non-stop.

These nobles who stayed in the capital were dressed in gorgeous dresses, holding wine glasses, and greeting their familiar friends with smiles on their faces.

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

In a noisy atmosphere.

At the top of the audience hall, the throne belonging to the previous emperors of Noxus stood alone.

Countless flags are 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, with the neat table filled with food.

On his left, Anne and Heini were enjoying their food with satisfied smiles on their faces.

This is the children's favorite time, they can 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 have turned this place into a place full of power and ambition, where every tiny movement and expression may hide different deep meanings.

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

Their eyes swept across the area from time to time, with complex lights flashing in their eyes.

In just a few years, an ordinary and unknown soldier from the North has become a legendary warrior that they cannot look directly at.

In the Noxian Empire composed of conspiracy and power, a legendary powerful man emerged.

It 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 that made it impossible for them to move forward.

Then they gave up and left calmly, pretending nothing had happened.

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

At this moment, they chose to remain silent, unwilling to expose their purpose in the face of 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 are usually high-ranking figures.

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

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

He was not a native imperial noble.

But he knew that once he casually received a noble among them and opened the door, what would await him in the future would be a series of false smiles and pretense.

Behind the apparent enthusiasm and friendliness of these nobles lie countless calculations and exchanges of interests.

Huo Jixing hates hypocritical communication, but he also knows that this is part of the rules of the game of the Noxian Empire.

Suddenly!

There was a commotion in the audience hall.

Huo Jixing sensed a familiar breath entering the audience hall.

He looked up and saw a short, somewhat sloppy knight 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, with cracks and scratches clearly visible on it. A red ribbon was wrapped around his waist, looking as bright as if it were stained with blood.

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

Furious Knight Kled!

This embodiment of the Noxian will has participated in every campaign launched by the Noxian Empire's warbands in history.

He earned every title in the military and never backed down from a battle.

Klei glanced around with a hint of disgust in his eyes, as if he was somewhat dissatisfied with the imperial nobles.

He looked at the busy banquet hall, and after a while, he found a friend who looked vaguely familiar, the little guy he had rescued before.

Huo Jixing straightened up and waved to Klei.

He and Kled are old acquaintances. Once on the battlefield in the north, Kled and Skaarl saved his life together.

"Hey, little guy, I've been hearing a lot about you lately."

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

"You are amazing for taking down Vladimir. The Empire and the Trifarious Council should be grateful that I saved you then."

He grinned, his sharp teeth showing off his greatness like a beast.

Kled didn't realize that he had only promised Darius to assist in the military operations in the North.

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

Huo Jixing smiled, stretched out his hand and shook hands with Kelei. He smelled a faint smell of blood, which had not yet completely dissipated.

"I had nothing to do recently, so I went for a trip to the Ironthorn Mountains in the north." Klei glanced 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 joined in and massacred several tribes that were preparing to invade the northern part of the empire."

"The battle between the Winter Claw tribe and the Undying Thunder has not yet been decided?" Huo Jixing looked puzzled.

If you count carefully, several years have passed since the end of the Northern War in the Iron Thorn Mountains.

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

Although Sejuani has ice blood, her strength is among the best among the extraordinary people.

But as a god, Volibear the Immortal Thunderer is definitely much more powerful than Sejuani.

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

"It was the Avarosan tribe that intervened."

Klei picked up the food on the table and started eating it, devouring it without any hesitation.

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

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

"But they are still having a hard time. According to the news, the will of the Undying Thunder is about to revive."

There was a hint of gloating in Kled's words, as if Freljord was about to face a more severe storm.

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

Soon after, Draven entered the audience room wearing a gorgeous mink coat.

Behind him were Captain Ben Faron and Wilson, advisor to the Trifarious Corps.

Whether it is Captain Faron or Legion Advisor Wilson, as Darius's subordinates, they are naturally close to Draven.

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

Immediately, many imperial nobles and warlords came forward to greet him, trying to talk to Draven and leave an impression.

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

Even though he does not yet have a title, his 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 over.

His eyes swept across the venue, and when he saw Huo Jixing, he took a step forward without any hesitation and walked straight towards Huo Jixing.

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

Then he nodded slightly to Captain Faron and Legion Advisor Wilson as a greeting.

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

At this time, 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 along with the empire.

Kled had already fought for the Empire before Darius and Draven were even born.

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

When everyone sat down, they started chatting, talking about recent events and sharing their experiences and feelings with each other.

As the conversation went on, Huo Jixing became the center of attention.

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

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

He had been 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 at the party.

There were quite a few wealthy businessmen from Piltover who participated in the banquet.

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

These wealthy businessmen hoped to make friends with imperial nobles of sufficient importance in order to replicate the miracle of the Midalda family.

Ding-ding-ding!

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

Many imperial nobles looked solemnly at Swain who walked out of the side hall.

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

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

The leader of the elite Trifarii Legion, commanding all wargroups of the Imperium, the physical embodiment of military force.

and the Faceless Man, a representative of the Assassin's Guild.

Even at a banquet, the Faceless Men were still wrapped from head to toe in layered, wide robes.

He wore an expressionless, cold-eyed, smooth black mask; even the small holes for his eyes were covered with black mesh.

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

"Everyone is welcome to take the time to attend this celebration banquet."

Swain stood there, his old face looking around, a faint majesty hanging over the banquet.

"I believe everyone already knows the purpose of this banquet before coming here, so I won't go into too much detail."

Swain's voice was calm and firm as he read out Katarina's achievements in northern Shurima and stabilizing order in the imperial ports.

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

boom!

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

They did not hesitate to receive attention and praise, and it was as natural as if they had rehearsed it many times.

Under everyone's expectant gaze, Katarina appeared on the stage wearing black leather armor.

Her long crimson hair draped behind her, swaying with her steps.

The bloody scar across her left eye hinted at a fierceness, adding a touch of coldness to Katarina's temperament.

Katarina came and stood beside Swain, her posture straight and her eyes determined.

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 Men were the first to applaud to express their attitudes.

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

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

When Catalina stepped down from the stage, the banquet continued, with delicious food and fine wine filling every corner.

The nobles talked freely about politics, military affairs and culture, communicated with each other, and also tried to join higher circles.

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

Everyone present is participating in the game in their own way.

And Catalina is undoubtedly the most dazzling focus of the night.

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

He admired Katerina's charm and confidence, without letting the past disturb her shining moments.

Catalina has her own mission and responsibility tonight, and her appearance is the best blessing.

Afterwards, Huo Jixing got up and took Annie and Heini for a walk nearby.

Draven, Kled and others had already left when Swain and Darius walked down the platform.

They have their own friends and can take advantage of this rare banquet to communicate with each other.

The side of the audience hall.

The gorgeous stage has been set up and the actors have posed on the stage covered with black rose remains.

The nobles passing by looked at the scene curiously and stopped to watch, seemingly looking forward to the next performance.

The actors remained in a tense stillness, waiting until the gathered nobles surrounded the lower part of the stage.

When they heard the bells, they suppressed their excitement and prepared to begin performing the story of "Qian Jue's Fables".

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

"Uncle Huo Jixing, what is this?"

Anne opened her eyes wide and looked at the actor who remained still with curiosity.

"A stage play?" Huo Jixing answered hesitantly.

"Oh, what play is that?" Anne asked.

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

"Forehead"

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

But he really couldn't see the story that the play was going to tell.

"It's Kindred's fable."

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 dropped everything he was doing and rushed over.

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

Although the heir he chose is somewhat unreliable.

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

Jagu was wearing a red robe with gold edges and embroidered with intricate gold patterns, looking solemn and majestic.

"The fable of Kindred?"

Anne blinked in confusion, obviously not familiar with the story.

Before going to bed, her father and mother never told her any fables about this subject.

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

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

“Everyone will see the true face of death at the moment of their death.”