Chapter 235: Shadows of Power in the Ice Empire

The Ice Mysterious Empire simmered with tension as princes and princesses waged open and covert battles for supremacy. Every so often, a prince or princess's estate or enterprise would mysteriously burn or explode, with no clear cause. Though everyone knew the royal siblings were behind it, none dared intervene except those already aligned with a faction.

Each royal maintained a "Hall of Talent Recruitment" in the capital, eagerly inviting heroes and geniuses with clear backgrounds to join their cause, offering lavish rewards. The balance of power was uneven, with disparities among the factions growing stark.

Emperor Bing Changkong had declared that the heir with the greatest overall strength—personal combat prowess, loyal followers, imperial enterprises, and court connections—would ascend as Crown Prince. While fratricide was forbidden on the surface, behind closed doors, the royals schemed to eliminate rivals, provided no evidence was left.

The strongest faction belonged to the Second Prince. The empire comprised countless powers, but the three dominant clans were the Wu Clan, Lin Clan, and Yang Clan. While the Wu and Yang Clans remained neutral, the Second Prince, through unknown means, secured the Lin Clan's allegiance, alongside numerous smaller factions, forming a formidable alliance. His cultivation talent was exceptional, reaching Late Void Refinement at just over 2,000 years old.

The First Prince's faction was nearly as powerful. Though less adept at rallying allies, his cultivation was unfathomable, a Peak Void Refinement expert surpassing many eighth-grade clan leaders in the Ice Sky Continent. Born when Bing Changkong was only 50, before his rise to Emperor, the First Prince was older, his strength bolstered by the empire's resources. Some claimed his talent outshone his father's, who was merely Late Void Refinement upon taking the throne. His mother, the Empress, provided a solid court backing, making him a legitimate contender despite lacking a major clan's support.

Next was the Fifth Princess, ranked 66 on the Golden Ranking with Early Void Refinement cultivation at nearly 400 years old. Skilled at creating buzz, she hosted lavish banquets for young elites, becoming the dream of many imperial prodigies. Her faction swelled with young talents and their backing factions. Her mother, the Emperor's favorite Consort, secured her abundant resources, surpassing even the First Prince's.

The fourth-ranked faction belonged to Third Princess Bing Lan Xi and Fourth Prince Bing Yong. Lacking the Second Prince's connections, the First Prince's raw power, or the Fifth Princess's charisma and resources, they relied on sibling loyalty. Bing Lan Xi, with her icy demeanor, couldn't muster the charm to host banquets like the Fifth Princess. Yet, their cultivation was solid. Bing Lan Xi, after parting with Lan An, received a Heavenly-grade martial skill from him. Her secluded training led to insights, breaking through to Mid Void Refinement. Bing Yong, ranked 59 on the Golden Ranking, was no slouch either. Their weakness was support; their mother's early death left them with few court allies, and their maternal clan was merely a seventh-grade power.

The weakest faction was the Sixth Prince's, even more isolated than Bing Lan Xi and Bing Yong. His mother also deceased, his talent was lackluster, stuck at Peak Spirit Transformation, unable to reach Void Refinement.

The Seventh Prince, Bing Ao, under 100 years old, lacked the foundation to compete. Bing Changkong exempted him from the Crown Prince contest, letting him remain a carefree genius prince.

On this day, Bing Yong played chess with Advisor Tran, his brows furrowed, lost in thought.

"Something troubles you, Your Highness?" Advisor Tran asked, his demeanor calm as flowing water.

"Reports say Second Brother gained three seventh-grade clans, First Brother recruited two Early Void Refinement rogue cultivators, and Fifth Sister attracted a suitor, the Romantic Young Master from Wu Yuan Continent, ranked 69 on the Golden Ranking," Bing Yong said, his expression darkening.

His faction had only four Void Refinement experts, stagnant for five years. Void Refinement cultivators weren't common, and even when found, their loyalty required rigorous tests to avoid spies. Maintaining their loyalty demanded high salaries, while his enterprises were constantly squeezed by the Fifth Princess, leaving him resource-strapped.

"That's enough to worry you? Stay sharp," a clear, cold voice rang out.

Bing Lan Xi descended like a celestial fairy, her beauty ethereal.

"The princess is right. We may lag behind the top three, but the Yang and Wu Clans remain neutral. Convincing one could shift the tide," Advisor Tran said, fanning himself with a feather fan.

Bing Yong frowned deeper. He'd visited both clans' patriarchs multiple times, only to be rebuffed with excuses of seclusion.

"I'm not as reckless as Second Brother, promising Lin Kun the role of Imperial Tutor if he becomes Crown Prince," Bing Yong scoffed.

The Imperial Tutor, mentor to the future Emperor, held immense status, exempt from bowing and requiring the Emperor's respect. Bing Changkong had no such tutor upon ascending, but the Second Prince's promise to Lin Kun secured the Lin Clan's support. This secret, recently uncovered by Advisor Tran, was closely guarded.

"To earn the Yang or Wu Clan's respect, you must prove your boldness and the strength of your faction," Advisor Tran said measuredly.

"My faction has nothing standout," Bing Yong sighed.

"Not yet. He has claimed the Saint Spirit Ranking's top spot. His rise is near," Advisor Tran said with conviction.

"Him?" Bing Yong gave a wry smile.

"What's that tone? Doubting him?" Bing Lan Xi snapped, pinching Bing Yong's ear, making him yelp.

Bing Yong swore he couldn't fathom why they trusted this "convenient brother-in-law" so much. Younger than a fraction of his age, despite topping the Saint Spirit Ranking, it wasn't enough.

"If he remembers the princess, he won't let Your Highness down," Advisor Tran said, smiling at Bing Lan Xi.

"Hmph, I even gave him Ling'er. Dare he forget me?" Bing Lan Xi huffed, her eyes dreamy, fingers brushing her lips, craving his kiss.

"We must buy time and monitor the Yang and Wu Clans, ensuring they don't join other factions," Advisor Tran said gravely, trusting his judgment of him.

"Your Highness, two experts seek an audience," a middle-aged Void Refinement cultivator appeared, bowing to Bing Yong.

"Let them in," Bing Yong replied, curious but composed, maintaining his princely air.

"Spies? Rogue cultivators wouldn't approach us first," Bing Lan Xi mused, tapping her lips.

"We'll know soon enough," Advisor Tran said confidently, his eyes sharp as he observed the approaching figures.

"Greetings, Princess Bing Lan Xi," the two said, ignoring Bing Yong and Advisor Tran.

"Mind showing your faces?" Bing Lan Xi demanded, noting their cloaked forms and concealed auras.

They nodded, removing their cloaks. One was a plain-looking youth, short but radiating killing intent, a veteran of bloodshed. The other, an old man, shocked them—a Mid Void Refinement cultivator, his icy aura overwhelming, though both bore signs of injury.

"Di Sha and Luo Wu?" Advisor Tran exclaimed, surprised.

"Le Wen Lian and Elder Luo?" Bing Yong frowned, skeptical. Why would cultivators with backgrounds join him? Most Void Refinement recruits were rogue cultivators seeking better techniques and resources, unlike these two.

"You only greet the princess?" Advisor Tran asked slyly, glancing at Bing Lan Xi.

Her heart raced as a thought struck. Taking a deep breath, she said confidently, "Are you here on my husband's orders?"

"Your husband?" Le Wen Lian and Luo Wu started, recalling Lan An's roguish charm, inwardly impressed.

Without further ado, they produced two Video Recording Jades.

Advisor Tran carefully handed them to Bing Lan Xi.

"Stinky woman, these are the assassin Le Wen Lian and Luo Clan Elder Luo Wu. I've claimed their Origin Souls and sent them to aid you and Bing Yong. It's a small gesture, but I miss you dearly," Lan An's charming voice echoed from the jades, his sincere gaze fixed on her.

"Hic…" Bing Lan Xi covered her mouth, tears welling, her heart overflowing with love. Her man hadn't forgotten her, sending powerful allies to support them.

"He's grown too fast. I underestimated him," Advisor Tran said, chuckling bitterly, stunned. In just over two years, Lan An had risen from Golden Core to enslaving Void Refinement cultivators—a terrifying feat.

"Congratulations, Your Highness, Princess. Two Void Refinement allies are like coal in a snowstorm!" Advisor Tran bowed to the dazed Bing Yong.

Bing Yong pinched himself, confirming reality. Seeing Bing Lan Xi's sweet expression and Lan An's charisma in the jade, he understood why she was smitten. Enslaving Void Refinement cultivators and claiming their Origin Souls? Even First Brother couldn't do that.

"Are you injured?" Advisor Tran asked Le Wen Lian and Luo Wu gently.

"By the master," they confirmed, still recovering.

Bing Yong's mouth twitched, a trace of fear for Lan An emerging.

"Rest and heal. Missions will come soon," Bing Lan Xi said, wiping her reddened eyes, smiling as she gave orders.

"Thank you, Mistress," Le Wen Lian and Luo Wu said, glancing at each other before following a Void Refinement subordinate to rest.

"Still doubting your brother-in-law?" Bing Lan Xi laughed, blooming like a hundred flowers, smugly eyeing Bing Yong.

Only the heavens knew her pride and joy.

"No doubts," Bing Yong nodded vigorously, realizing how far his judgment lagged behind his sister's and Advisor Tran's.

Advisor Tran gazed into the distance, murmuring, "Your gift is too grand, Young Master. I won't let you down."