"The cause of this incident is something everyone is already aware of. Had the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect and the Clear Sky Sect not attacked Mr. Wu Tong first, he likely wouldn't have paid them any mind."
"This also proves that no matter how powerful Mr. Wu Tong is, as long as we do not provoke him, we need not worry about him posing a threat to us."
Hearing this, everyone's expressions twisted slightly. While the statement wasn't wrong, who would willingly place their lives and safety in the hands of another's goodwill?
Dai Weis' words might as well have been meaningless.
Wasn't this all just empty talk?
Glancing at Dai Weis, who continued speaking with confidence, the crowd's eyes darkened with unspoken thoughts.
Ah, so this was his game—angling for personal gain.
"Enough nonsense. Get to the point. If your plan is viable, I can personally ensure your position as Crown Prince is solidified," interjected the Star Luo Ancestor, his tone weary but decisive.
As the eldest and most revered figure in the Star Luo Empire, his words carried immense weight. Moreover, as a Titled Douluo, his influence was undeniable.
Generations ago, a former emperor had gifted him a blank imperial decree to secure his loyalty—a decree that functioned as a posthumous edict. Even the current Star Luo Emperor could not oppose it.
The empire's traditions, unchanged since its founding, reflected its deep reverence for ancestors. Fortunately, the Star Luo Ancestor had always been principled and had never abused this privilege.
But today seemed to be an exception…
"Ancestor, this cannot be! The laws of our forebears must not be altered—"
"How can national policy be changed so rashly?"
"The victor of the imperial succession battle ascends the throne—this is an unbreakable tradition of Star Luo!"
The moment the Star Luo Ancestor spoke, the room erupted in protests. Many had bet on other princes and feared losing their footing if Dai Weis became Crown Prince.
Yet, in their haste to oppose, they failed to notice the chilling depth in Dai Weis' eyes—a darkness akin to a black hole, ready to devour everything.
So these were the ones who had always stood in his way? How convenient that they'd exposed themselves now…
As Dai Weis contemplated how to eliminate them without a trace, the Star Luo Ancestor's expression turned thunderous. An oppressive aura radiated from his aged frame, silencing the room.
"Enough!" the Ancestor snapped, his voice laced with disappointment. "The laws of our forebears must not be altered—then propose a better solution yourselves! Well? Cat got your tongues?"
"If any of you can offer a viable alternative, I'll retract my words. But here we are, facing the empire's survival, and all you care about is jostling for power!"
"Will clinging to tradition ensure Star Luo's future? If Weis can safeguard the empire, his merits alone justify the title of Crown Prince."
The crowd fell silent. The Ancestor was right—the empire's survival took precedence. All else could be adjusted.
Yet, the matter of the Crown Prince…
Sidelong glances darted toward the Star Luo Emperor, awaiting his response.
"I concur with the Ancestor," the Emperor said dryly, exasperated by their scrutiny. "The empire's continuity comes first. If the Crown Prince's plan succeeds, I will declare him the sole heir."
What did they expect him to do? He wasn't a fool.
The Star Luo Ancestor beamed like a blossoming chrysanthemum. "Weis, present your plan."
Dai Weis bowed slightly. "Then I'll oblige."
"Some days ago, I visited Mr. Wu Tong. At the time, he had only recently advanced to Titled Douluo."
"While his prior progress was meteoric, everyone knows that advancement at this level requires not just Spirit Power, but enlightenment. Thus, even a Divine Trial Taker like him couldn't achieve godhood so quickly."
"Therefore, the recent attack must have been orchestrated by the deity backing him. But we have no way of knowing if Mr. Wu Tong can summon such power again. Until he ascends to godhood, we must still treat him with utmost caution."
"Even without that power, a Titled Douluo undergoing divine trials is someone we must strive to befriend."
Nods of agreement rippled through the room.
Pleased, Dai Weis continued, "The simplest way to win his favor is to cater to his interests."
"We're aware of that," someone interjected, frustration evident. "But the entire continent knows Mr. Wu Tong only values rare ancient texts. With access to the Heaven Dou Empire's archives and the volumes he's acquired through trades, he's nearly amassed every surviving text. We can't possibly offer anything he doesn't already possess!"
Dai Weis rolled his eyes. "If you'd let me finish—"
He smirked. "I wasn't referring to texts. I meant beauties."
"But… according to our intelligence, Mr. Wu Tong has never shown interest in women. Rumor has it the maids he purchased remain untouched to this day."
"Isn't that perfect?" Dai Weis countered, his confidence unshaken.
...
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(End of Chapter.)