Chapter 51: The Eve of the Storm

The hall fell into a dead silence.

Everyone was shocked by Ye Chen's aura, staring at him in disbelief.

"This news could cost you your lives. In half a month, the royal family will be destroyed, and the academy will cease to exist," Ye Chen said coldly, his killing intent palpable.

Ever since he suspected the truth upon seeing Ye Shuixian's true physique, he had guessed it when facing Li Qianzhong two months ago. Li Qianzhong had revealed the secret of her physique, and Ye Chen had been attacked almost immediately afterward. At that moment, he hadn't harbored murderous intent.

But now, knowing the truth, he realized that everything they had done for Ye Shuixian was merely a ploy.

Anyone who dared to covet his family would surely meet their end.

"Ah!"

Li Jiangmo and Ouyang Qingyun gasped in shock.

Ye Chen's determination to overthrow the royal family and the academy, both backed by the Northern Cold Palace, was unprecedented.

Could Ye Chen really defy the Northern Cold Palace?

At this moment, Li Jiangmo felt a glimmer of hope. If Ye Chen could truly defy the Northern Cold Palace, then he would have to reconsider his stance. Simply trying to please him wouldn't be enough; he would have to lower his attitude.

The Xuantian Empire's foundation lay in the Northern Cold Palace. If Ye Chen's foundation was stronger than theirs, then their future prospects would be much brighter.

Moreover, as Li Jiangmo had mentioned earlier, this was their only chance. If they hesitated, they might never have another opportunity to turn the tide.

"Perhaps we should inform the Danqi Hall as well," Li Jiangmo added.

"Understood," Ouyang Qingyun said, his eyes shining with determination as he quickly left.

Meanwhile, Li Jiangmo headed towards the palace, gathering all the forces he had secretly cultivated over the years.

...

As Li Jiangmo made preparations, the Crown Prince, Li Jianghong, also received news.

"Li Jiangmo went to the academy, then gathered the Ouyang family and mobilized all their forces. Could it be that he plans to forcibly take Ye Shuixian and offer her to the Northern Cold Palace before anyone else?" Li Jianghong sneered.

Did they really think they could win the favor of the Northern Cold Palace by offering Ye Shuixian, her closest relative?

Had they forgotten that they had interacted with the Northern Cold Palace countless times? Did they truly believe that the Northern Cold Palace would recognize Li Jiangmo?

Moreover, the Xuantian Empire was not under Li Jiangmo's control. Did they think the Northern Cold Palace would acknowledge him?

Such wishful thinking!

Just then, footsteps approached from deep within the palace, causing Li Jianghong's expression to change abruptly. Li Jiangfan and Li Jiangxue, who were beside him, also looked towards the source of the sound.

"Grrr!"

A stone door suddenly swung open, and a slightly stooped figure emerged from the hidden chamber.

"Greetings, Father!" Li Jianghong immediately bowed, while Li Jiangfan and Li Jiangxue knelt.

Li Qianlang, the ruler of the empire, a pinnacle martial artist who had been in seclusion for years and still couldn't break through the barrier.

"Have the people from the Northern Cold Palace arrived?" Li Qianlang asked.

With his stature, the only thing he cared about was the Royal Martial Realm, and only the Northern Cold Palace could help him break through to that realm.

"Father, they will arrive in no more than half a month," Li Jianghong replied.

Li Qianlang nodded gently and asked, "Did you just say that Li Jiangmo intends to take Ye Shuixian and offer her to the Northern Cold Palace?"

Li Jianghong then recounted everything that had happened recently.

As Li Jianghong spoke, Li Qianlang's usually aged face gradually grew colder.

"Hmph, in the Xuantian Empire, no one can seize power or opportunities without my permission!" Li Qianlang's voice was icy as he looked at Li Jianghong. "Deal with this matter, and I don't want any accidents before the Northern Cold Palace arrives. If there are any, show no mercy!"

"As you command!" Li Jianghong accepted the order, his expression determined.

Li Jiangfan and Li Jiangxue trembled inwardly.

In their father's eyes, no one, not even his own son, could stand in his way. Anyone who dared to oppose him, even his own flesh and blood, would face death.

At this moment, Li Jiangfan understood one thing: even if he were to ascend to the throne after this incident, he would only be a puppet. If he dared to defy his elder brother and father, his fate would be the same as Li Jiangmo's.

"Jiangfan, Jiangxue, go to the Ye Residence and instruct Ye Lingtian to mobilize the left army and station them outside the imperial city. If the Ouyang family makes a move, apprehend them directly," Li Jianghong ordered.

"Yes, Elder Brother," Li Jiangfan acknowledged, realizing that there was no turning back now.

"Li Jiangmo, let's see how you plan to snatch her away!" Li Jianghong muttered coldly.

No one dared to stand in their way. Even their own siblings would meet a grim fate if they dared to oppose them.

...

In an instant, a heavy atmosphere enveloped the entire imperial city.

All the major families and forces sensed the actions of the two princes, feeling the oppressive aura shrouding the city.

Everyone knew:

The battle of the Ye Family in half a month would likely determine the future of the empire.

At this moment, no one dared to easily pick a side.

As the storm loomed, hearts trembled in fear!