This novel has been finished on Patreon! Thank you to all my Patrons for the support over this and the other novels <3
------------------------------------------------------
With the support of the common people secured, the Tang Sect and the Dragon Halberd Sect quickly expressed their firm backing for Dai Mubai.
For a time, the topic of conversation shifted from the continent's wars to the succession battle for the throne of the Star Luo Empire.
Half a month later.
Seeing that Dai Mubai's reappearance was gaining positive attention across the continent, many nobles secretly sent messengers to the Tang Sect.
First, they wanted to confirm whether Dai Mubai had truly been castrated, as the rumors claimed.
If that turned out to be false, they would assess his strength to ensure he had the ability to defeat Dai Weisi. Once confident in his capabilities, these nobles would switch their allegiance to Dai Mubai.
The nobles who actively reached out to Dai Mubai were originally neutral. Later, when Dai Weisi gained power, they were forced to publicly declare their support for him.
After all, "a new king brings new ministers." With Dai Tianfeng nearing the end of his century-long reign, Dai Weisi was set to inherit the throne. If they didn't support Dai Weisi beforehand, their wealth and status would have been jeopardized.
However, it's easy to add flowers to brocade but hard to bring coal in the snow.
Dai Weisi already had countless supporters surrounding him, and all available positions and benefits had long been distributed among them.
Even if these latecomers joined now, at best they'd avoid being purged—but they wouldn't gain any real advantages.
Now, with Dai Mubai suddenly emerging, this presented an opportunity to "bring coal in the snow." (Means to provide help in the most urgent time)
If Dai Mubai ascended the throne, they stood to gain untold riches and prestige.
These nobles weren't fools—they thrived in the imperial court because of their cunning. If Dai Mubai lacked strength and capability and only spouted empty slogans, they wouldn't support him.
Fortunately, after being trained by Tang San and Tang Xiao, Dai Mubai was no longer the same man he once was.
Facing the probing inquiries of these noble representatives, he remained composed and confidently demonstrated his strength. Soon, several influential nobles openly joined his camp.
As his momentum grew, three months later, Dai Mubai returned to the Star Luo Imperial City.
According to the rules of the Star Luo royal family, only the strongest direct descendant had the right to inherit the throne.
Dai Weisi currently possessed the strength of a high-level Soul Emperor, while Dai Mubai was a Soul Sage. Dai Tianfeng, who previously paid little attention to the latter, now had no choice but to change his stance.
The competition between the heirs to the throne wasn't something that could begin immediately—it required extensive preparation in terms of etiquette.
Thus, Dai Tianfeng announced that one year later, under the witness of multiple factions, Dai Mubai would face off against Dai Weisi.
Since Zhu Zhuqing had left Dai Mubai, for fairness, Zhu Zhuyun was barred from participating in this contest. Moreover, whoever won would make Zhu Zhuyun their empress.
Zhu Zhuyun herself felt no affection for Dai Mubai and naturally opposed this arrangement.
However, this decision aligned with the interests of the Zhu family.
How could an individual resist the will of the family? Despite her reluctance, Zhu Zhuyun had no choice but to accept it.
…
Within the Tianjian Sect.
Ning Tianchen was in seclusion, absorbing divine-bestowed soul rings. However, every day, someone would place the latest news from the continent outside his seclusion chamber door.
He wasn't surprised by Dai Mubai's high-profile reappearance.
With the Dragon Halberd Sect pushing things behind the scenes, progress was bound to accelerate.
After all, Dai Tianfeng had sat on the throne for decades. In terms of political acumen, few could match him.
And Dai Weisi, having been tempered through years of court intrigue, was also highly capable.
On the other hand, Dai Mubai had spent his days indulging in debauchery after leaving the Star Luo Imperial City. Due to his physical condition, he had fallen into despair for several years.
Even with Tang Xiao and others cramming knowledge of the imperial court into him, he couldn't possibly master it in such a short time.
Besides, Tang Xiao and the others had never entered the imperial court—what could they teach him? Even if some powerful nobles tried to tutor him, the principles of ruling as an emperor were fundamentally opposed to those of serving as a minister.
If Dai Mubai truly ascended the throne, the Star Luo Empire would undoubtedly become a toothless tiger, posing no real threat.
After six months of seclusion, Ning Tianchen's second martial soul had acquired eight hundred-thousand-year soul rings.
His soul power had broken through to Level 99, making him the first Limit Douluo of the new generation.
During his seclusion, Qian Renxue had sent him a letter.
The letter expressed gratitude for Ning Tianchen killing Tang Hao and mentioned their plans.
Qian Renxue had begun plotting the unification of the entire continent. It seemed her divine trial was in its final stages, and she might soon complete the ultimate inheritance.
However, Ning Tianchen didn't rush the process of his eighth trial just because her progress surpassed his own.
If Tang Chen were that easy to deal with, would the Asura God have placed him in the eighth trial?
After all, the later stages of the trials became increasingly difficult.
Some trials might seem simple, but only because Ning Tianchen was cautious and avoided the greatest risks inherent in them.
That day, as he was about to suppress his aura and conclude his seclusion, Dugu Bo's knock suddenly came from outside the door.
"Kid, Zhu Zhuyun has come on behalf of Dai Weisi. The matter she seeks is of great importance. This old man and the elders can't decide what to do—perhaps you should handle it personally?"
Those in seclusion often experience weakened perception of the outside world.
Dugu Bo was merely asking as a formality. If Ning Tianchen didn't respond, he would directly turn the visitor away.
Ning Tianchen was somewhat surprised by Zhu Zhuyun's arrival.
But since she had come, there was no reason not to meet her. He also wanted to learn about Dai Mubai's progress in the succession battle.
Just as Dugu Bo was about to leave, a voice came from the secret chamber.
"Take her to the side hall—I'll be there shortly."
Dugu Bo nodded without responding and quickly went to prepare.
…
Over the past six months, Ning Rongrong had completed her trial, and Zhu Zhuqing had returned to the sect with her.
Upon hearing of Zhu Zhuyun's arrival, she immediately rushed to the side hall.
In the side hall, Zhu Zhuyun sat restlessly.
Seeing Zhu Zhuqing, her expression softened slightly.
There was no direct conflict of interest between the two sisters, especially since Zhu Zhuqing had already left the Zhu family.
She asked, "Zhuqing, how have you been all these years?"
"The teacher and everyone else have treated me very well."
After exchanging pleasantries, the two sisters began discussing their recent experiences.
Because Dai Mubai hadn't been given much attention, Zhu Zhuqing was similarly overlooked by the Zhu family.
For years, she hadn't returned home, yet the family hadn't thought to recall her or expel her from the clan.
Recently, Dai Mubai's rising prominence in the Star Luo Empire caused some members of the Zhu family to suggest bringing Zhu Zhuqing back. However, Dai Tianfeng's arrangements made them abandon the idea.
For the Zhu family, Zhu Zhuyun was the eldest legitimate daughter. In terms of status and experience, she far surpassed Zhu Zhuqing.
Since Zhu Zhuyun's position as empress was practically guaranteed, the Zhu family decided not to meddle further in the crown prince's affairs.
Zhu Zhuyun herself was unwilling, and Dai Weisi had been caught off guard by Tang Xiao's sudden moves, prompting him to send Zhu Zhuyun out to seek assistance.
The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect had long desired to open up the Star Luo Empire market, and Dai Weisi instinctively wanted to win them over.
Later, Zhu Zhuyun suggested reaching out to Ning Tianchen.
Ning Tianchen was not only the leader of the Tianjian Sect but also had intricate ties with the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. Winning over Ning Tianchen meant securing the support of both sects.
Moreover, Ning Fengzhi was getting old. Once he stepped down as sect leader, the next head of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect might not cooperate with them.
Dai Tianfeng was still in his prime, and the crown prince's position might remain unresolved for a long time. Ning Tianchen, being young, would ensure stability for decades to come if they gained his support.
Regarding the matter of cooperation, Zhu Zhuqing couldn't make any promises.
She wasn't involved in the sect's management and had no authority to make decisions on Ning Tianchen's behalf.
As the sisters chatted, Ning Tianchen changed his clothes and arrived at the side hall.
"Oh, you're all here." Ning Tianchen casually remarked.
Zhu Zhuqing stood up. "You two talk; I'll leave first."
Ning Tianchen grabbed her arm. "No need. You stay as well."
Since it concerned matters of the Star Luo Empire, Zhu Zhuqing, as a member of the Zhu family, naturally had a clearer understanding of the empire's situation.
Zhu Zhuqing nodded and took a seat to the side.
Zhu Zhuyun looked at Ning Tianchen and said with a bitter smile, "Never would I have imagined that after the soul master tournament, our next meeting would be under such circumstances."
Ning Tianchen teased, "Who could've guessed that you'd be named the next empress of the Star Luo Empire?"
Zhu Zhuyun shook her head and waved dismissively. "Anyone can see that in terms of strength, Dai Weisi has already fallen behind Dai Mubai."
According to the rules, if Dai Mubai won, she would inevitably have to marry him.
Though Dai Weisi was a high-level Soul Emperor, he wouldn't have time to cultivate over the next year.
Dai Mubai's sudden emergence had shaken his foundation. To stabilize his supporters, Dai Weisi would have to expend significant effort.
Dai Mubai had been silent on the continent for so long—who could have foreseen his sudden reappearance?
Caught unprepared, Dai Weisi had been taken by surprise.
Moreover, the gap in their strength had widened, making it difficult to bridge the difference now.
Ning Tianchen shrugged. "I can't fight in place of Dai Weisi. What use is there in coming to me? Instead of running around outside, you might as well spend more time cultivating and break through to become a Soul Sage as soon as possible."
"Of course, don't expect me to help him improve his strength. There are no shortcuts in soul power cultivation—it must be done step by step."
Zhu Zhuyun shook her head and hastily added, "It's not like that. We need your support. If the Tianjian Sect explicitly backs Dai Weisi, we'll gain more leverage in the imperial court."
"Dai Weisi has been operating in the court for so long. As long as his momentum isn't weaker than Dai Mubai's, he has ways to influence His Majesty's decision."
The couple's idea was to rely on the Tianjian Sect to overshadow the Tang Sect and the Dragon Halberd Sect, securing some breathing room.
Dai Weisi had been deeply involved in court affairs for years and had assisted Dai Tianfeng in handling numerous state matters—he had put in the hard work even if he hadn't achieved great merit.
If Dai Tianfeng relented and allowed both him and Zhu Zhuyun to face off against Dai Mubai together, even if Zhu Zhuqing returned, the lack of synergy between them would make their spirit fusion techniques inferior to those of Dai Weisi and Zhu Zhuyun.
Zhu Zhuyun added, "As long as the Tianjian Sect helps us this once, when Dai Weisi takes power, he will permanently open the empire's market to the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect and the Tianjian Sect, along with granting five years of tax benefits."
The offer was tempting, but the uncertainty surrounding whether Dai Weisi could ascend to power—and when—was too great.
Moreover, Ning Tianchen was already planning for the unification of the entire continent. After the continent was unified, where couldn't the Tianjian Sect do business?
Such a long-term investment, coupled with high risks, wasn't worth taking.
Besides, Ning Tianchen had already decided to "support" Dai Mubai's ascension—there was no need to flirt with Dai Weisi anymore.
Otherwise, wouldn't he just be inviting trouble for himself?
A clueless Dai Mubai was far easier to deal with than a cunning Dai Weisi.
"Sorry, your idea is too idealistic—I'm not going to take the risk," Ning Tianchen said as he stood up. "Consider today's conversation never happened. Best of luck to you."
Zhu Zhuqing wasn't surprised by his decision.
After all, she had also detected the uncertainty in Zhu Zhuyun's words.
The Tianjian Sect had only just gotten on track—it wasn't worth offending a behemoth like the Star Luo Empire recklessly.
Zhu Zhuyun anxiously urged, "Won't you reconsider? We can negotiate the tax policy further."
Ning Tianchen shook his head. "The risks are too high, and the timeline is too long—that's why I refuse. Besides, you don't need to go to the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect; Uncle Ning wouldn't agree either."
"Unless... Dai Tianfeng becomes incapable of handling state affairs. In that case, I might consider helping you eliminate Dai Mubai directly."
"But realistically speaking, Dai Tianfeng is a Title Douluo with a long lifespan. He could easily live another forty years without issue."
This statement was, in fact, a subtle hint.
Only with Dai Tianfeng dead would there be no resistance to the war for the continent's unification.
As for whether Zhu Zhuyun would act on it, who knew?
In any case, if they didn't act, Dai Mubai certainly would.
Tang Xiao and Tang San weren't patient individuals. Once Dai Mubai was ready to inherit the throne, they would definitely eliminate Dai Tianfeng.
After Ning Tianchen left, Zhu Zhuqing comforted Zhu Zhuyun by holding her arm. "Tianchen has to consider the entire sect—he can't act recklessly. Sister Zhuyun, you..."
Zhu Zhuyun gently patted her hand. "Zhuqing, I understand. I don't blame anyone."
Ning Tianchen had actually given her a good idea: eliminate Dai Tianfeng and have the Zhu family patriarch assist Dai Weisi in ascending to power—the empire wouldn't fall into chaos.
After receiving this "hint," she abandoned any thoughts of changing Dai Tianfeng's mind. Relatively speaking, eliminating Dai Tianfeng seemed easier.
As for how to eliminate Dai Tianfeng, she needed to hurry back and discuss it with Dai Weisi.
…
Ning Tianchen briefly checked on the sect's affairs before becoming a hands-off leader once again.
Having emerged from seclusion and feeling in excellent condition, he decided to challenge Tang Chen.
With his Level 99 strength, once he completed the eighth trial, he could proceed directly to the ninth—no need to delay any further.
The entrance to the Slaughter City wasn't limited to one location, so Ning Tianchen found the nearest entry point.
As the Killing God, he could freely enter and exit the Slaughter City.
Arriving at the tavern in the Killing Town, many burly men inside eyed him menacingly.
"Hey, look who showed up—a brat to liven things up for the brothers!"
At this, everyone in the tavern burst into laughter.
On the other hand, the server approached Ning Tianchen humbly. "Welcome back, Killing God."
Ning Tianchen had only become the Killing God a few years ago, but the server hadn't forgotten his face.
Ning Tianchen scanned the crowd in the tavern and said indifferently, "I want to see the Slaughter King. Open the passage."
At this moment, a burly man stood up and shouted, "Just because you say so? I still want to sleep with your mother!"
This time, the others didn't dare respond.
The waiters in the Killing Tavern were messengers of the Slaughter King. The fact that even she treated Ning Tianchen with such respect indicated that he was someone they couldn't afford to offend.
Now that this guy had stepped forward, there was bound to be a show.
------------------------------------------------------
40+ Chapters Ahead: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow
There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)