A month later, the ninth prince stood atop a dais, holding up a jade seal with both hands.

As the proof of kingship linked with the will of the world, it descended on the dais, and a pillar of light from the heavens enveloped the ninth prince.

The ninth prince floated in mid-air. Wisps of formless energy cradled him as the jade seal radiated with light. A multicolored heart appeared in the air, releasing dazzling rays of rainbow light with every thump. It slowly descended into the ninth prince's chest, trailing rainbow skeins of light.

This was the heart of the world, which granted its bearer the authority and might of the king of the realm.

The three remaining princes stood quietly beneath the stage, not trying to prevent the ceremony.

Their eyes were ringed with a rainbow gleam; with Zhang Lie's mistmeld clam soulshard at work, they had lost all...