Experts Descending Upon the Royal Palace

Experts Descending Upon the Royal Palace

Within the ancient Ye royal palace, on the Star Gathering Platform, the continuous rumbling emanating from Qin Wentian's body persisted for three days and nights. His entire being was enveloped in starlight, while his four astral novas vibrated with a ferocious intensity, absorbing the unceasing influx of astral energy.

Today, a crisp sound echoed, reminiscent of a cup brimming with water, spilling over its confines. Qin Wentian's astral novas had grown even larger and shone with an iridescent luster. Sword qi surged violently within his sword-aligned Yuanfu, as though it yearned to ascend to the heavens. Moments later, a brilliant sword beam shot forth, and the King Sword astral nova retracted, returning to its original position within his Yuanfu, stabilizing itself.

In unison, his other three astral novas mirrored the King Sword astral nova's action. The brilliant radiance in the area dimmed instantaneously as all energy was drawn back into Qin Wentian's body. When he finally opened his eyes, a radiant smile graced his features. His aura had transformed, exuding a serene and elegant presence far surpassing his previous sharpness.

This sudden change in aura occurred in the blink of an eye, like the flip of a switch controlled by his intent. One moment, he exuded a razor-sharp aura, and the next, he projected a calm and tranquil presence.

Clearly, his cultivation had advanced significantly, breaking through to the fifth level of Heavenly Dipper. With his bloodline's augmentation, his aura was now at the sixth level, giving him the power to challenge Ye Kongfan. However, he remained acutely aware that Ye Kongfan was no ordinary adversary. As a chosen from the Violet Thunder Sect, bearing the calamity lightning bloodline and heavenly lightning physique, Ye Kongfan's reputation was well-deserved. Qin Wentian couldn't afford to be complacent.

With his eyes once again closed, Qin Wentian focused on consolidating his foundation and stabilizing his newfound strength.

In the depths of the Grand Xia royal tomb, Di Tian continued his halberd practice. Though it was a monotonous and tedious endeavor, Di Tian exhibited unwavering patience. Cultivation was inherently dull, especially when it came to comprehending insights. This process couldn't be rushed, and Qin Wentian was the type who sought the pinnacle, constantly thirsting for growth. Every incremental improvement filled him with exhilaration and satisfaction, igniting his passion for cultivation.

Di Tian understood that there were two forms of comprehension. The first was enlightenment, a sudden burst of divine inspiration that led to spontaneous insights. Enlightenment was unpredictable and depended on one's luck; it couldn't be actively pursued. The second form required relentless effort, persistence, and determination. Given enough time, even a drop of water could penetrate a stone. This type of comprehension involved repetitive practice, gradual improvement, and the pursuit of perfection. Regardless of one's natural talent, cultivation inevitably relied on perseverance and hard work.

Qin Wentian also believed that even enlightenment depended on the accumulation of hard work, creating the conditions for a sudden burst of insight.

As the challenge day set a month ago approached, Di Tian had yet to reach the realm of the eighth to fourteenth sword strikes. However, his halberd skills had deepened significantly, and his power had grown. He gently set aside his ancient halberd, closed his eyes, and lay on the floor, entering a deep sleep.

Even in his dreams, Di Tian continued to practice his halberd skills, showcasing his unwavering determination.

This extended slumber lasted a full day, but when Di Tian finally awoke, a glimmer of satisfaction shone in his eyes. He recalled the green-robed senior he had encountered in the Dark Forest of Chu, who had taught him that dreams and reality could merge seamlessly.

Standing up, Di Tian resumed his practice, a perpetual smile adorning his face. If anyone witnessed his current halberd techniques, they would surely be awed by the sheer might he generated with each strike.

Di Tian eventually concluded his halberd practice, realizing that it was nearly impossible to make further improvements within the limited time frame. Therefore, he decided to shift his focus to sword practice.

......

Meanwhile, in the royal palace of Ye, tensions ran high, and an air of mutual hostility hung thick. Various kings and dukes had converged in the royal capital, holding frequent secret meetings. Even supreme clans and other ancient powers from the Royal Sacred Region had descended upon Ye.

Ever since the Human Emperor's command for Ye Lingshuang to lead troops and attack the Qi King Manor, and the subsequent news of Qin Wentian challenging the members of the Violet Thunder Sect, the people of Ye understood that in a month's time, this would not merely be a showdown between Qin Wentian and Ye Kongfan; it would be a pivotal battle for the throne itself. The Qi King's patience was remarkable. Understanding that the odds weren't a guaranteed victory, he chose to bide his time. His patience had previously allowed him to severely injure the Human Emperor, and now, an opportunity that might not come again in a million years presented itself.

Ye was an ancient country with over ten thousand years of history. Its roots ran deep, and its strength was undeniable, ranking just below the top-tier powers like the nine great sects. With Ye on the brink of change, it was only natural that the supreme and major powers of the Royal Sacred Region would keep a close watch on the situation and send representatives to witness history in the making.

In a garden within the royal capital, a row of young experts radiated an extraordinary aura. Their faces displayed pride and self-assuredness. Among them stood a particularly dazzling lady dressed in a fiery phoenix robe, exuding a heroic presence that made onlookers reluctant to meet her gaze.

This woman was none other than Li Hanyou, one of the personal disciples of the Plum Mountain Sword Sovereign. Standing beside her were members of her clan.

"Second Grandpa, why did our clan also send people to Ye?" Li Hanyou inquired, her confusion evident as she gazed at a stern middle-aged man.

"The situation in Ye is undergoing a significant change. How could we miss such a spectacle? Didn't members of your Battle Sword Sect arrive even before us? Moreover, disciples of your master, the Plum Mountain Sword Sovereign, accompanied you. It's clear that she attaches great importance to this," the middle-aged man replied with a chuckle. Despite being over a hundred years old, he appeared as vigorous as someone in their forties.

"Master did indeed dispatch a few elders. However, I still don't understand her intentions. Second Grandpa, could you enlighten me?" Li Hanyou inquired further.

"Do you truly believe that the Qi King would dare to rebel alone? Throughout history, which emperor hasn't paved their way to the throne with countless corpses? Behind every one of them lies a mountain of deceased geniuses. Only by persisting until the end can they subdue all the lesser kings and unite an ancient country. The Human Emperor of Ye, Ye Qingyun, was undoubtedly a legend in his time. Initially underestimated by all, his rise was nothing short of meteoric, illuminating the skies. He personally buried scores of geniuses from his own royal clan, including the absolute genius and Heaven Chosen, Ye Tianxiang, from the Royal Clan. Ye Qingyun anointed him as the crown prince, his designated successor. After that, even the Qi King, a genius with overwhelming talent, and the proud Su King dared not harbor thoughts of usurping the crown prince's position. This brought years of peace until Ye Qingyun ascended to become the Human Emperor of this generation."

The middle-aged man continued to speak, his voice carrying an air of deep respect. He emphasized that becoming the Human Emperor of a generation was no easy feat. The story he shared had a profound impact on Li Hanyou, and her fists clenched involuntarily as a fierce competitive spirit ignited within her. Despite her own brilliance, the Li Clan had other members who were equally outstanding.

"The Qi King has been under the thumb of the Human Emperor, Ye Qingyun, for many years. Their difference in strength was significant, and without the support of the other kings and dukes, they would never have dared to rebel. They all witnessed the iron-fisted rule of Ye Qingyun during his early years. They remembered the ruthless side of him, the one who brought his own brother's head to the previous Human Emperor to secure his position as crown prince. That gruesome scene is something the Qi King can never forget," the middle-aged man explained.

A cold chuckle escaped his lips as he continued, "However, despite Ye Qingyun's legendary status, all his heirs have proven to be utterly incapable, failing to inherit even a fraction of his abilities. Some even believe the rumors that suggest Ye Qingyun's rapid rise was due to a miraculous encounter, that his natural talent was rather unremarkable. This might explain why his descendants are so unremarkable. On the other hand, the Qi King's son, Ye Kongfan, possesses extraordinary innate talent and enjoys high regard from the Violet Thunder Sect. With the backing of one of the nine great sects, the Qi King saw an opportunity."

"Second Grandpa, are you implying that the Violet Thunder Sect is the mastermind behind this rebellion?" Li Hanyou asked, clearly surprised. For many young cultivators, their focus was primarily on their own cultivation, and such covert matters often eluded their knowledge.

"Indeed, otherwise, how could the Human Emperor be facing such dire circumstances? Furthermore, members of your Battle Sword Sect have also chosen to involve themselves in this affair. Do you truly believe that their only purpose was to ensure Ye Lingshuang's safety? If I'm correct, the events unfolding in Ye will undoubtedly implicate several major powers," the middle-aged man added with a knowing smile. Just as Li Hanyou was about to ask further questions, he continued, "Hanyou, what's most important is to understand that strength is paramount. As long as you are powerful enough, any plots and schemes laid before you will be rendered meaningless. The Human Emperor governed the Ye Country for so many years not because he was skilled in statecraft but because he possessed unparalleled strength."

"I understand, Second Grandpa," Li Hanyou replied, nodding in agreement.

The middle-aged man suddenly broke the silence with a question, directing his gaze at Li Hanyou, who was a member of the Battle Sword Sect. He inquired about her acquaintance with Qin Wentian and mentioned the audacious challenge issued by Qin Wentian to Ye Kongfan, despite having a relatively low cultivation base at the fourth level of Heavenly Dipper.

Li Hanyou paused for a moment, reminiscing about the man who had once rejected the Plum Mountain Sword Sovereign. Her brows furrowed as she remembered him, and she replied, "I don't know him well, but I've seen him before. Arrogance seems to be his middle name. As for the upcoming battle between him and Ye Kongfan, all signs point to disaster. He's surely going to meet his end at Ye Kongfan's hands."

The middle-aged man surnamed Li simply nodded in response, his gaze shifting towards the royal palace of Ye as if he could peer through the distance.

The arrival of the Li Clan's experts was not an isolated event; other formidable powers from different ancient countries were also converging on the scene. While their reasons for being present were clear to those in the know, ordinary people and the younger generation were less aware of their true intentions.

Unaware of these developments, Qin Wentian, after emerging from his seclusion, visited the Human Emperor alongside Mo Qingcheng.

The Human Emperor, feigning his injuries, remained in his bed. However, both Mo Qingcheng and Qin Wentian could discern that his injuries had nearly healed completely. The reason for maintaining this act was to draw all the scheming individuals out into the open. Just as before, he had instructed Ye Lingshuang to lead troops and support Qin Wentian, fully confident that the Qi King would not dare to wage a war.

And so, a month passed.

The morning sun ascended into the sky, casting its warm light across the vast land, signaling the start of a new day.

Outside the Human Emperor Hall, beneath the grand staircase, all heads were turned towards the rising sun, following its path across the horizon. They all understood that a storm of bloodshed was about to unfold.

"The War Country, Grand Martial King, along with their Crown Prince, pays respects to the Human Emperor of the Ye Country," a resounding voice boomed through the air, echoing throughout the royal palace. Countless onlookers raised their heads, their hearts racing in response to the thunderous voice.

The War Country, like Ye Country, boasted a history spanning ten thousand years. The Grand Martial King was known for having the greatest combat prowess in the War Country.

"Spirit Luan Country, Princess Tianluan pays her respects to the Human Emperor of the Ye Country," another voice resounded, shaking the air.

"The Li Clan pays respects to the Human Emperor of Ye Country."

"The Barbarian Clan pays respect to the Human Emperor of Ye Country."

One thunderous voice followed another, creating an increasingly intense atmosphere that left the crowd's hearts pounding with anticipation.