I See the Aura of the Great Emperor in All My Disciples

Chapter 1316: Chapter 1316: Open Conflict and Covert Fight (1/4) Chapter 1316: Chapter 1316: Open Conflict and Covert Fight (1/4) Sometimes, the murderous intent hidden in words can be more chilling than actual physical confrontation.

The conversation between the Ninth Prince, the Third Prince, and the Fifth Prince made everyone present feel a cold dread in their hearts.

At the same time, it also made them understand that the rift between these three had grown beyond reconciliation.

Even if the Ninth Prince succeeded in becoming the Crown Prince.

After all, if the Ninth Prince truly gained power, how could the Third and Fifth Princes, who had orchestrated such acts, possibly end well?

The first they would have to deal with would be them.

“Alright, us standing here is making it uncomfortable for everyone to sit. Shall we take our seats first?” the Ninth Prince said with a smile, gesturing towards the officials and prodigies who had all stood up.

The Third and Fifth Princes nodded and followed the Ninth Prince to the seats that were two steps higher than all the others.

And as they took their seats, they noticed Mu Fusheng and others seated at the lower end.

“It seems that these are the prodigy students from the Mixed Spirit Academy,” the Third Prince said with a feigned smile. “I’ve heard much about your talents from our younger brother; perhaps we can work closely together in the future.”

Ye Qiubai said with a cupped fist salute, “That will have to depend on Your Highness’s sincerity.”

The Ninth Prince gave a slight smile, not showing any anger at the Third Prince for trying to poach his allies before him.

After all, with the clear stand-off, Ye Qiubai and the others were no fools and would naturally avoid offending both sides.

The Fifth Prince also said with a smile, “Isn’t there a segment to boost morale later? I hope to see the abilities of the few of you then.”

“That’s enough chatting for now, my brothers. The next segment should commence, lest we drag on for too long,” the Ninth Prince beckoned lightly with his hand.

Seeing this, the black-robed guard by his side nodded and promptly announced in a loud voice, “Officials present their gifts!”

Instantly, maids walked out holding various treasures in their hands and came to the center of the banquet.

As they offered the gifts, they also announced the names of those presenting them.

“Prince Ming presents one Heavenly God Fire Pearl!”

“The Chief of Staff of the Ministry of Personnel presents one Qilin Lifespan Flower!”

…

Although the process seemed somewhat boring.

Yet it was a necessary part of pledging allegiance.

The Ninth Prince wore a smile, while the Third and the Fifth Princes, although still keeping their decorum with smiles, had their eyes darken gradually.

Prince Ming and the Chief of Staff were significant figures in the court. Such heavyweights typically don’t take sides easily, and now, suddenly allying with the Ninth Prince, this would greatly enhance his prestige!

It was known that the greatest weakness of the Ninth Prince was his foundation and momentum.

It seemed that this visit to Azure Dragon City had made numerous officials see the potential in the Ninth Prince…

At that moment, a maid came forward carrying a red wooden tray, on top of which, with nothing to cover it, lay a segment of bamboo engulfed in blue frost. Even without trying to feel it intentionally, everyone present could feel their entire bodies as if they had been cleansed with ice.

Mystery Ice Spirit Bamboo.

A treasure at the peak level of the Ancestor Realm.

Whether for weapon refinement, or for the cultivation of ice-elemental cultivators, such a treasure could incite a storm of blood and wind across the entire Tianji Continent.

The words of the black-robed guard that followed made all the officials and prodigies on the scene tense up.

“The Second Princess presents one Mystery Ice Spirit Bamboo!”

Such a precious treasure, and it was offered by the Princess herself.

It was well known that although the Second Princess had no interest in the royal power, her talent and profound background were such that if she wished to compete for the throne, even the Ninth Prince might not be able to contest it.

The Emperor himself had said that if the Princess ever wanted his position, he would abdicate at any time.

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The special status of the second princess within the Nine Dragon Divine Dynasty was evident.

The third and fifth princes’ expressions darkened as well, although they knew that their second royal sister seemed to take good care of the ninth, they had never supported him so openly and vigorously in public before!

For a moment, even many ministers and prodigies who had not considered taking sides stood up, hastily preparing to present their gifts…

And upon seeing this scene, Fengye couldn’t help but exclaim, “It’s a pity I’m not an ice-elemental cultivator, this gesture is a bit too grand.”

Ye Qiubai’s thoughts suddenly turned to Mu Ziqing.

Before he could think further, he was interrupted by Mu Fusheng beside him, who pleaded, “Big brother, please don’t even think about going for that Mystical Ice Rhinoceros Bamboo, I’m begging you.”

Ye Qiubai: “…”

After all, he had not yet firmly established himself in the Tianji Continent, and the Mixed Spirit Academy had that damnable Second Elder watching him like a hawk.

Getting involved with the royals, whose situation was so complicated…

That would drive Mu Fusheng insane…

The gift presentation segment lasted for a full hour before it concluded.

At this moment, the fifth prince suddenly said with a smile, “Just drinking seems a bit dull, perhaps we should add some entertainment to the mix?”

From these words, everyone understood that the third and fifth princes were about to make a move.

Having come to the ninth prince’s banquet, they could not possibly do nothing.

Otherwise, if word of this spread, it would, to a greater or lesser extent, be believed that the camps of the third and fifth princes had exhausted their tricks.

The ninth prince sipped his wine and feigned ignorance, “Oh? What does my fifth brother have in mind?”

“With so many outstanding individuals present, why not have a friendly spar? We even have the cream of the crop from Mixed Spirit Academy here, it would be a fine tale to show off the mettle of the younger generation of the Nine Dragon Divine Dynasty.”

Upon saying this, the ninth prince laughed, looking towards Mu Fusheng and others below, and smiled, “I wonder what you all think?”

Ye Qiubai, Shi Shengmu, Fang Qiong remained silent.

Fengye and Blackie, on the other hand, were eager and immediately nodded, “That’s fine.”

Well… no one was surprised by the responses of these two battle maniacs.

Seeing this, a man holding a pair of axes promptly leaped up and stood in the center of the banquet, cupping his hands and saying, “Lan Yao of the God of Slaughter Sect would like to test his strength.”

The God of Slaughter Sect, a sect within the Nine Dragon Divine Dynasty closely aligned with the fifth prince, was not to be underestimated in strength.

And Lan Yao was a prodigy of the God of Slaughter Sect, who had now reached the brink of the Ancestral Realm.

Everyone turned their glances toward Fengye and the others.

Fengye smiled and looked at Blackie, “Do you want to go first, or shall I?”

Seeing this, everyone was taken aback.

Among their group, only Fengye was on the brink of the Ancestral Realm, and Blackie at the peak of the Intermediate Stage of the Divine Emperor Realm in terms of physical strength. Was there even a need to ask if he wanted to go first?

If they let Blackie take the field, wouldn’t it be a one-sided affair?

Although it was just a friendly exchange, it still represented the face of their respective sects, didn’t it?

Blackie originally intended to let Fengye go first.

But upon hearing Lan Yao’s direct sneer, “This man’s strength is not sufficient, perhaps the fairy-like lady would come and spar with me?”

Blackie’s mouth opened, then closed again, before he grinned and said, “Since that’s the case, I’ll go first. It just so happens I feel like I’ve made quite a bit of progress these days.”

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PS: Just hung up the IV, still writing the next three chapters, haha

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