Chapter 52: The Great Showdown

The entire imperial city was shrouded in a heavy atmosphere, as if a storm was about to descend upon it.

Many factions and powers were filled with anxiety, eagerly awaiting the events to unfold.

One day passed, then two, then three...

Finally, half a month had passed, and the day of the agreed-upon battle had arrived!

In the martial arts arena of the Xuantian Academy, a vast crowd had gathered. The academy students had arrived early, seemingly anticipating something significant.

In the center of the arena, two platforms had been erected, gleaming brightly in the sunlight.

Surrounding the platforms were numerous stands, already occupied by many spectators.

However, those seated in the stands were divided into two distinct groups, facing each other with undisguised hostility.

"Why is there such a grand spectacle for the expulsion of the Ye family? It's as if all the top powers of the imperial city have gathered!" remarked a puzzled student.

Chuckles emanated from a nearby student. "You seem to have limited knowledge about today's events. This battle may seem to involve only the Ye family, but in reality, it's a showdown between the two princes."

"What! A showdown between the princes!" exclaimed the bewildered students.

"Look at those stands. Why are they facing each other? It's because they represent different factions," the student explained, pointing to the stands.

In an instant, the students were filled with shock and realization. There had been rumors circulating in the imperial city, and although many had dismissed them, they now seemed all too true.

A showdown between the princes? Was the current situation about to be clarified?

"Quick, look, the Ye family has arrived!"

At that moment, a voice rang out, and the crowd turned to see a group of figures approaching. At the forefront was the patriarch of the Ye family, Ye Lingtian, accompanied by Ye Long and other senior members of the family.

However, the Third and Fourth Elders were notably absent. They, along with Li Jiangfan, had mobilized a large army and were lurking outside the imperial city, ready to strike at the Ouyang family's forces at any moment.

"General Ye is incredibly powerful, a pinnacle True Martial Realm Seventh Layer expert. There are few in the entire empire who can match him. And Ye Long's breakthrough has been rapid; he's already at the True Martial Realm Second Layer. Will he dominate an era?" whispered the spectators.

"Father and son, Ye Chen, stand no chance!" 

All eyes were on Ye Lingtian and Ye Long, murmuring their thoughts.

In the stands, many influential figures rose to their feet, acknowledging their presence.

"The Crown Prince has arrived!"

Soon after, a hearty voice echoed, and the crowd turned to see several figures striding towards them. Leading them was the Crown Prince, Li Jianghong, accompanied by numerous True Martial Realm experts.

"Your Highness!"

Ye Lingtian and others rose to their feet, paying their respects.

"Please, be seated," Li Jianghong said as he approached the stands and took a seat, not in the main position but beside Ye Lingtian.

However, keen observers noticed that the Crown Prince did not take the main seat but chose to sit beside Ye Lingtian.

"If the two factions represent the two princes' forces, then who will occupy the two main seats in the middle?" 

"If one seat is reserved for the Dean, then who will occupy the other? Could it be... the Emperor himself?"

These speculations sent shivers down everyone's spines, realizing the gravity of the situation. The Emperor's presence would surely signal bloodshed, with one faction inevitably being wiped out.

Choosing sides now required immense courage.

"The Crown Prince has the support of the Ye family and many other factions, with numerous True Martial Realm experts on his side. On the other hand, the Third Prince's forces seem to be outnumbered. It seems unlikely that the Third Prince will prevail," murmured many, observing the situation.

"The Third Prince has arrived!"

Another cheerful voice rang out, capturing everyone's attention. They turned to see the Third Prince, Li Jiangmo, accompanied by a group of warriors, entering the martial arts arena.

Li Jiangmo's demeanor was calm, a faint smile playing on his lips, exuding extraordinary confidence.

This confidence sent a chill down the spine of many.

How could Li Jiangmo be so confident of victory in this showdown?

"Your Highness."

The factions supporting Li Jiangmo stood up one after another, their expressions tinged with solemnity.

No wonder they were worried. With both sides clearly divided, the Third Prince was clearly at a significant disadvantage. To overcome the Crown Prince in this showdown would require a monumental change.

"Let's wait patiently for the show to begin," Li Jiangmo said, with a calm and confident smile.

Who was Ye Chen?

He dared to ignore the existence of the Northern Cold Palace!

Today, the fate of the empire would be decided. It was likely to defy everyone's expectations.

"Your Highness, your actions have been very secretive these years. Even I, your elder brother, didn't notice," Li Jianghong said, looking at Li Jiangmo and speaking softly.

The crowd fell silent, all eyes on the two princes. The showdown between the two had begun.

Li Jiangmo remained silent, his expression unchanged.

"In the Xuantian Empire, there are some things that cannot be obtained simply by seizing them," Li Jianghong continued confidently. "Perhaps this attempt will lead to irreversible consequences."

"Is that so?" Li Jiangmo responded calmly.

Li Jianghong's pupils constricted slightly. Li Jiangmo's calm confidence puzzled him. Did Li Jiangmo possess some hidden power that he was unaware of?

However, with the Northern Cold Palace's arrival imminent, no matter what Li Jiangmo had up his sleeve, he would not be allowed to act recklessly.

"Your pawns will be eliminated one by one, and eventually, you will be too. It's the inevitable outcome. Why do you insist on courting death, my brother?" Li Jianghong said confidently. With the Northern Cold Palace as his backing, resolving Li Jiangmo would be a simple matter.

"Pawns?" Li Jiangmo chuckled lightly, refusing to respond.

Ye Chen was not his pawn. How could Li Jianghong, with his limited power, eliminate him?

"The Dean has arrived!"

"The Emperor has arrived!"

At that moment, cheerful voices echoed throughout the arena, and all eyes turned to see Dean Li Qianzhong and Emperor Li Qianlang, surrounded by numerous powerful warriors, approaching.

The presence of the Emperor's martial attendants and the students' mentors signaled the convergence of the top powers of the empire.

With such a grand spectacle, a storm was surely brewing.