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Chapter 445: Unexpected Changes
Chapter 445: Unexpected Changes
"What is your opinion on the successor to the throne?"
The discussion about the Heaven Earth Cauldron and the Heaven Earth Abyss Formation was brief, and soon the focus returned to the main topic. Someone turned to Zhao Lie, the Chief of the Inspection Bureau, and asked in a low voice.
Zhao Lie gazed towards the direction of the White Jade Plaza, taking in the figures of the Duke of Jin, Duke of Chu, and the other six princes, before shaking his head slightly and saying, "The Imperial Family's matters are for them to decide. As subjects, we should not interfere."
In the Great Xuanyan world, where martial prowess was revered, the succession of the Xuanyan Emperors had never been based on primogeniture. Instead, the most virtuous and capable heir was chosen from among all eligible imperial princes, with the final decision resting with the Xuanyan Emperor himself.
However, in this generation, the Xuanyan Emperor, Ji Yong Zhao, had gone missing. The decision for the successor now lacked a leader, and among the Eight Princes, it was difficult to discern who was the most capable and virtuous.
In terms of martial arts, all eight princes were grandmasters, but none had reached the Blood Transformation Realm. Each of them had the potential to challenge the Life and Death Threshold, and although there were varying degrees of strength, even the weakest was still a top-tier grandmaster, making the differences relatively insignificant.
When considering influence, the Duke of Jin was undoubtedly the most powerful. The Duke of Chu was not far behind, and with the alliance between the Princes of Han and Liang, they could also challenge the Duke of Jin. The other princes also had their own plans in place.
"The selection of the new emperor is an internal matter of the Imperial Family. We should wait and see the outcome."
Shangguan Nan spoke with a calm expression.
Hearing this, the others exchanged glances and remained silent, standing without further comment.
Given the current situation, it was indeed inappropriate for them to voice their opinions. As a significant faction within the Great Xuanyan court, their united stance carried considerable weight, even the Xuanyan Emperor, Ji Yong Zhao, had to consider them. From the start, they had never interfered in the conflicts among the Eight Princes, and now, at this critical juncture, it was even more unsuitable for them to get involved.
However, if they were to speak their minds, each had their own thoughts, and most of them favored the Duke of Jin for a simple reason—his formidable influence! It wasn't that they feared him.
Having reached the pinnacle of the Body Tempering Realm and the Blood Transformation Realm, their martial prowess was unmatched. Their influence was such that they either held crucial positions in the court or commanded entire armies. In the imperial court, they had the privilege of entering without bowing and were exempt from the requirement to pay respects. Even if the Duke of Jin were to become the emperor, they would not submit to imperial authority.
The reason many favored the Duke of Jin was that his succession would cause the least upheaval in the court. If the Heaven Earth Cauldron recognized the Duke of Jin as the successor, he would immediately gain the support of the entire royal family, the Ji Clan. With his existing influence and the backing of these important court officials, the other seven princes would find it difficult to challenge him, and the court would stabilize in the shortest time possible.
They had never cared about which of the Eight Princes ascended the throne; their concern was minimizing turmoil within the court. With the current chaos in the world, continued infighting would only lead to further fragmentation.
Under the watchful eyes of Shangguan Nan and the other senior officials...
The Duke of Jin, the Duke of Chu, and the other princes walked towards the White Jade Plaza, eventually reaching the massive Heaven Earth Cauldron. They looked up at the gray-robed figures surrounding the cauldron, seated in meditation.
"Xuan Chu pays his respects to the esteemed uncles."
The Duke of Jin, with a calm and composed demeanor, took the lead in bowing to the group of gray-robed individuals.
The Heaven Earth Cauldron was a symbol of the royal family and the most important heritage of the empire. Those qualified to guard the cauldron were typically the most senior and respected members of the Ji Clan, tasked with its protection and the safeguarding of the imperial court, but they did not interfere in court politics.
The fundamental requirement for guarding the Heaven Earth Cauldron was to possess the bloodline of the royal family, the Ji Clan, whether from a collateral or direct line. The second requirement was to have cultivated the Body Tempering Martial Art to the Blood Transformation Realm.
Upon reaching the Blood Transformation Realm and possessing royal blood, one's status in the imperial court became supremely revered. Not only would their branch of the clan be granted hereditary noble titles, but they could also choose to reside in the imperial court, guarding the Heaven Earth Cauldron or overseeing other crucial aspects of the royal heritage. Even the reigning Xuanyan Emperor would show them respect.
Almost simultaneously with the Duke of Jin's bow...
The Duke of Chu, the Prince of Han, the Prince of Liang, and the other princes also bowed in respect.
Currently, none of them had reached the Blood Transformation Realm, and if they ascended the throne, they could treat these elders of the Ji Clan as equals. However, in their current positions as princes, they dared not show any disrespect.
"They're here."
Among the gray-robed figures, several continued to meditate around the cauldron, unperturbed by the princes' arrival. Others turned their gaze towards the princes, examining them. The one seated at the easternmost position stood up and spoke calmly.
"Duke of Dongping, Ji Yongheng."
Yang Qingshan respectfully acknowledged the gray-clad figure with a nod.
Ji Yongheng, the Duke of Dongping.
Although he was of the same generation as Emperor Xuan Ji Yongzhao, he was not the direct heir but a branch of the Ji Clan. By Yongheng's generation, he was no longer among the ranks of the Dukes, and his father was merely a Viscount. However, Yongheng possessed exceptional talent, and his martial arts prowess had reached the Blood Transformation Realm. He had regained the title of Duke and later entered the Imperial Court, guarding and comprehending the mysteries of the Heaven Earth Cauldron.
"According to the rules, we shouldn't interfere in court affairs. But the Emperor once entrusted me with a task. If, one day, he suddenly goes missing without a trace and remains unaccounted for after half a year, and you all continue to be at odds with each other, then I will take charge. Using the judgment of the Heaven Earth Cauldron's spiritual discernment, I will choose one among you to be the new ruler."
As Yongheng's gaze swept over Yang Qingshan and the others, he slowly spoke, shaking his head inwardly.
He was slightly younger than Emperor Yongzhao, but even if they were of the same generation, both born into the direct line of the Imperial Family, Yongheng knew he had no right to compete with Yongzhao for the throne. After reaching the Blood Transformation Realm, he had sparred with Yongzhao several times, always coming out defeated.
Compared to Yongzhao, Yang Qingshan, Chu Wang, and the other seven princes were far inferior. By Yongzhao's age, he had already entered the Blood Transformation Realm, not lingering in the Bone Marrow Washing Realm, daring not to attempt the life-and-death threshold of Blood Transformation.
Among the Eight Princes, if any one of them stepped into Blood Transformation, there would be no need for the Heaven Earth Cauldron to choose a new ruler. The one who achieved Blood Transformation would hold an absolute advantage, and even the elders of the Ji Clan would support them, leaving no doubt about the succession.
As for Yongzhao...
Although Yongzhao had kept some things hidden from Yongheng, he knew a little about his situation.
"In the end, he couldn't achieve success, it seems."
Yongheng sighed softly in his heart. Such a method was indeed a defiance of heaven, and failure was not surprising. Even reaching the Blood Transformation Realm, one was still bound by the constraints of the mortal body, and the pursuit of immortality remained a distant dream.
Of course, Yongheng didn't voice these thoughts. After all, his understanding was limited, and much of what he knew was based on speculation. He didn't even know when Yongzhao had disappeared from the court, and after half a year of his disappearance, it was possible that his attempt at immortality had failed, and he had perished.
Now, with Yongzhao's whereabouts unknown and his fate uncertain, even if Yang Qingshan and the other princes were unremarkable, there was no choice but to choose one among them.
Seeing the solemn expressions on Yang Qingshan, Chu Wang, and the others, Yongheng finally spoke, "Alright, all of you, guide your inner energy and connect with the Heaven Earth Cauldron. Let's see who can gain its spiritual discernment and approval."
As his words fell, Yang Qingshan, Chu Wang, Han Wang, and the others exchanged glances, each with different thoughts.
Among them, Yang Qingshan's demeanor was the most composed. As the eldest of the Eight Princes, he hadn't entered the Blood Transformation Realm, but in terms of martial arts cultivation and strength, he believed he was stronger than the other seven princes. Before Chen Mu's sudden rise, he had even topped the Daxuan Grandmaster Rankings for many years.
In terms of bloodline purity, his was the most impeccable.
His support base was the most extensive, and even among the Ji Clan elders guarding the Heaven Earth Cauldron, some leaned towards him. He occupied an all-around advantage, standing on unshakable ground.
The position of the new ruler of Daxuan was his for the taking, and the Heaven Earth Cauldron wouldn't choose anyone else.
Once he gained the Cauldron's approval, the other seven princes would have no chance to compete with him. Even if they united, he had the confidence to handle them calmly, using various means to pacify them.
In contrast, Chu Wang's gaze was deep and profound, and his thoughts differed from Yang Qingshan's. If he could gain the Cauldron's support, it would be the best outcome. With the shift in offensive and defensive positions, even Yang Qingshan would find it difficult to stop him from ascending the throne.
However, if he didn't receive the Cauldron's support, he must ensure Yang Qingshan didn't get it either. If any of the other princes were chosen, he would still have a chance to compete, but if Yang Qingshan gained the Cauldron's approval, there would be no opportunity left for him.
As for Han Wang and Liang Wang, ranked lower, their focus was on giving it their all, exerting every effort to gain the Cauldron's approval. Their foundation was already shaky due to Chen Mu's rise, and getting the Cauldron's endorsement was their only chance to reverse the situation!
(End)
Duke of Dongping, Ji Yongheng, takes a step forward and lightly waves his right hand. The Heaven Earth Cauldron atop the green jade platform immediately ripples, and its surface shimmers with the light of the Eight Aspects of Heaven and Earth.
At this very moment, the princes' gazes sharpen. They each unleash their unique energies, creating eight colored beams in the void, all aimed at the Heaven Earth Cauldron's surface.
Among them, Prince Jin releases a beam of intertwining Yin and Yang light, while Prince Chu emits a swirling energy of the Five Elements. The other princes also display various techniques, showcasing the pinnacle of their grandmaster abilities.
A deep hum resonates as the Cauldron's Heavenly Divination light comes into contact with the princes' energies. It begins to ripple and flow, like a spirit pondering its choice.
The other elders of the Ji family, guarding the Cauldron, open their eyes. Some stand, while others remain seated, all directing their gazes towards the princes.
Duke Yongheng's eyes scan the eight beams in the void, carefully observing before settling on Prince Jin, the most outstanding in Yin and Yang cultivation and the most senior among the princes.
Although this generation of princes falls short of their father, Emperor Yongzhao, in Yongheng's view, Jin stands tall among them. Choosing Jin would likely cause the least upheaval in the court, allowing for stability in the shortest time.
The Cauldron, too, seems to be considering this choice.
However, just as Yongheng thinks this, the least remarkable among the princes, Prince Han, Ji Xuanfei, emits a subtle glow from his eyes. His energy ripples with an unusual disturbance.
The Cauldron's light, which had been hovering indecisively, was about to settle on Prince Jin's energy. But suddenly, it flickers violently and transforms, merging with Prince Han's light.
A deep hum reverberates, and Prince Han's energy surges. No longer needing his inner energy to attract the Cauldron's light, the Cauldron's spirit now envelops him.
"Impossible!" Prince Jin's face pales.
"What's happening?" Prince Zhao's expression changes.
"What did you do?!" Duke Yan confronts Prince Han, his eyes sharp.
In the distance, the Blood Transformation Realm experts, who had been quietly observing, now show signs of surprise.
The Cauldron's light had lingered longer over Prince Chu and Prince Jin, as if deciding between them. But why did it suddenly change and choose Prince Han?
"What's going on?"
"Why Prince Han?"
"Among the princes, he's the least remarkable. Why did the Cauldron choose him?"
Many experts furrow their brows, their faces grim.
Only one person, the Mystic Pavilion Master who accompanied Prince Han, shows a glimmer of understanding. His Mystic Mirror's divination had revealed the true Heavenly Providence, and their choice of Prince Han was not wrong.
At this moment, only Prince Han knows what has happened. This is his destiny. By chance, he had obtained a secret art from the Great Wilderness, not of Daxuan, which could interfere with the 'spirituality' of spirit armaments to a certain extent.
This secret art was not considered significant, as true spiritual armaments were incredibly rare, with no more than a handful in the entire realm. Moreover, only the most elite experts could wield such armaments, many of which were already in the possession of the royal family. But unexpectedly, this secret art, when used to attract the Cauldron's spirit, produced an incredible effect!
No one had anticipated that Emperor Xuan, Ji Yongzhao, would disappear, leaving the Cauldron to decide the next ruler instead of his personal choice.
"Cough, cough... As expected, as expected, this is fate, it is fate..." The Mystic Pavilion Master coughs, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth, unnoticed by him as he mutters, his eyes gleaming.
(End of Chapter)
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