Chapter 3: Choosing the Son of Heaven
Shi Zhixuan didn't get offended and calmly explained, "My first choice was King of Qin. Unfortunately, although Ying Zheng is a man of great talent and bold vision, he's surrounded by countless experts from the Yin-Yang School, Daoists, and strategists. He seems to scorn our Sacred Sect."
"King of Song, Zhao Kuangyin, is also excellent, but he rose through questionable means and is full of suspicion."
"Ming King Zhu Yuanzhang is even more calculating. He's a formidable sovereign supported by numerous sects—Wudang, Yihua Palace, to name a few."
"As for the other regional princes, they all have backing from sacred lands. Only Great Zhou seems to be in decline, supported solely by the World Society. Unfortunately, Xiongba is too ambitious to ever truly submit to the imperial family of Great Zhou."
"Therefore, choosing Great Zhou is the most advantageous for me—and also the greatest challenge."
As he said this, Shi Zhixuan's eyes sparkled with pride.
"I only wonder—does the Fourth Prince dare to cooperate with me?"
Shen Hao was stunned. Yihua Palace? Wudang? Yin-Yang School? Xiongba?
Damn… isn't this a crossover martial arts world?
Relief flooded him. Until now, he had felt lost trying to understand this world—it had been a complete mystery. But now things were different. He actually knew many of the opportunities and personalities tied to the main characters in this kind of crossover Wuxia setting.
Looking at Shi Zhixuan, Shen Hao grew more confident.
This guy wasn't simple—one of the Eight Great Experts of the Demon Sect, known as the Evil King, a top-tier master feared by both the martial world and demonic factions alike.
He had a mental disorder and dual personality, and he served as head of both the Huajian Sect and the Butian Path.
He had two disciples under his command—Romantic Lord Hou Xibai and Shadow Sword Yang Xuyan.
He once used the name Pei Ju to enter officialdom, and also masqueraded as the great monk Dade. He had a daughter named Shi Qingxuan and a wife named Bi Xiuxin.
In Twin Dragons of the Tang Dynasty, Shi Zhixuan, under another alias, held an official post and managed the Western Regions for the Sui Dynasty. Within a few years, he fractured the powerful Turkic Khaganate into two parts through strategic alliances, thereby reversing the Central Plains' centuries-long inferiority since the Wei and Jin dynasties.
During this period, Shi Zhixuan developed the Undying Seal Technique, elevating it into a philosophical doctrine—and he eventually overthrew the Great Sui.
In terms of intelligence, Shi Zhixuan was undoubtedly top-tier.
Having such a figure as an open supporter gave Shen Hao considerable reassurance.
Thinking of this, Shen Hao said, "Very well, Minister Pei. I agree to cooperate with you."
Shi Zhixuan nodded in satisfaction. "Fourth Prince, today's meeting has completely overturned my previous impression of you. I greatly look forward to our collaboration."
With that, his figure vanished into thin air.
Shen Hao couldn't even tell how he left, which made him slightly envious and even more eager to learn martial arts.
Time passed quickly. A month later—
Representatives of the Eight Great Regional Princes had finally arrived, instantly igniting the atmosphere in the capital. Countless forces across the land turned their eyes toward the court.
Inside the Golden Luan Hall, the main venue for court discussions in Great Zhou—
Clearly, although the Eight Princes remained in their territories, their ties with the central ministers were still very strong.
Standing at the front were the four princes of Great Zhou, dressed in python-embroidered robes: First Prince Ji Hao, Second Prince Ji Ren, Third Prince Ji Chen, and Fourth Prince Ji Hao.
Pei Ju said coolly, "The nation cannot go a single day without a sovereign. Since the representatives of the Eight Princes are here today, it is time to confirm the new emperor."
Upon hearing this, all three princes—First Prince Ji Hao, Second Prince Ji Ren, and Third Prince Ji Chen—lit up with excitement.
Only Fourth Prince Shen Hao remained expressionless.
The Minister of Rites stepped forward and declared, "The establishment of the successor is a matter of utmost national importance—the very foundation of the state. I nominate First Prince Ji Hao. He is upright, wise, and widely respected. What's more, he is the eldest legitimate son and should, by right, inherit the throne."
In an instant, dozens of ministers stood up and shouted, "Seconded!"
"I support Second Prince Ji Ren. Just like his name suggests, he's known for his benevolence. Having him as emperor would be a great blessing for the people."
"I support Third Prince. He excels in both civil and military affairs—undoubtedly a rare candidate for the throne."
The ministers all voiced their own opinions.
In a flash, the Golden Luan Hall turned into a chaotic marketplace.
Of the four princes, only Fourth Prince Shen Hao had no one backing him.
Not only was he born of a concubine, but his maternal family had no influence. Coupled with his reputation for being dim-witted and useless, he was written off as a complete failure.
In their pursuit of the throne, ministers on all sides argued so fiercely their faces turned red, completely disregarding the dignity of the imperial court.
Meanwhile, the representatives of the Eight Great Princes—Li Shimin, Yongzheng, Zhu Di, and the others—wore mocking smirks, full of disdain.
Though the world technically belonged to the Great Zhou Dynasty, the Eight Princes were the true powerhouses. When it came to recommending the new emperor, their voices held the most weight.
Standing at the front, Minister of Personnel Pei Ju looked upon the chaos of the Golden Luan Hall—now no better than a vegetable market—with furrowed brows and a darkening expression.
Sweeping his cold gaze over the crowd, he let out a low snort.
Buzz!
All the ministers felt as if a thunderclap had exploded by their ears—their minds went completely blank.
Everyone turned to look at Pei Ju in shock, especially the representatives of the Eight Great Princes—Li Shimin, Zhu Di, and the rest. Their expressions stiffened.
None of them had expected this obscure Minister of Personnel—Pei Ju—to be such a hidden master, a revelation that completely shattered their expectations.
They instantly grew cautious, realizing that although Great Zhou had fallen on hard times, its foundation remained.
In that moment, all thoughts of underestimating the dynasty vanished.