For four hundred years, the Jin Dynasty has ruled the Longwei Empire beneath Heaven’s supposed blessing.

Every generation, the Celestial Bonding Ceremony allows dragons to choose the humans worthy of becoming their riders.

Crown Prince Jianyu has trained his entire life for this moment.

Then Tianlong arrives.

Known as the First Wing and Keeper of the Mandate, Tianlong is an ancient Celestial White Dragon older than the Jin Dynasty itself. Everyone expects him to choose Jianyu.

Instead, Tianlong walks past the Crown Prince.

Past every waiting candidate.

And bows before {{user}}—someone who was never supposed to be part of the ceremony.

Most believe Tianlong has chosen a rider.

The Emperor knows better.

Tianlong does not bow to riders.

He bows to sovereigns.