In the following period, Chen Junting and the other three remained in the Great Star Dou Forest. After all, the Lake of Life was a sacred cultivation ground, and with Di Tian's guidance available here, why would they be in a hurry to leave?
Because no matter what, strength was the true king.
Even half a month later, Chen Junting and Gu Tianchen returned to the sect once, bringing Huo Yuhao and the others along.
For this purpose, Myriad Demon King, Xiong Jun (Bear Lord), Scarlet King, and other fierce beasts or hundred-thousand-year spirit beasts were not idle either—they were invited out one by one.
Tempering, tempering, and more tempering!
After this round of tempering, how much their cultivation had risen was temporarily put aside, but their respective combat power was climbing step by step.
Ji Juechen's sword contended with Xiong Jun's Dark Gold Terror Claw; Huo Yuhao's ice suppressed Scarlet King's fire; Ye Guyi's angelic light illuminated Zi Ji's dark abyss; Xiao Xiao's cauldron constantly trembled under the attacks of hundred-thousand-year spirit beasts...
Thus, two months passed quietly.
Chen Junting and the others, living in the primitive forest of the Great Star Dou Forest, had no idea what changes had occurred in the outside world during these two months.
First and foremost was the Dou Ling Empire.
...
Ling Dou City.
As the capital of the Dou Ling Empire, everywhere the eye could see was a scene of prosperity. Yet for some unknown reason, this prosperity was like the calm before a storm, about to be overturned.
"Your Highness! Your Highness!"
At Prince Xue Feng's residence, an urgent cry rolled in like thunder from afar, carrying panic and anxiety that interrupted all of Prince Xue Feng's thoughts, forcing him to come back to his senses.
Prince Xue Feng—the younger brother of the current Dou Ling Emperor.
The second son of the previous old emperor of the Dou Ling Empire, and also one of only two children born to the previous empress of the Dou Ling Empire.
At this moment, Xue Feng had been concentrating on reading a book, but was interrupted by this sudden arrival who had not even announced himself. His brows furrowed slightly, displeasure showing on his face.
"What are you panicking about!"
The aura of one long in a high position instantly brought the already flustered guard back to his senses. What followed was the fear on his face.
If the previous panic was due to the message the guard had to deliver, then this current fear belonged solely to Xue Feng.
The guard's silence satisfied Xue Feng, who put down his book.
A gentle breeze blew through the window, constantly stirring the pages until the cover closed, revealing the three large characters "Strategies of Governance" printed upon it.
At this moment, Xue Feng spoke, "Speak. What happened to make you so panicked? Has the sky fallen?"
He slowly rose, tidying his desk.
But what the guard didn't see was the trace of hope revealed in Xue Feng's lowered eyes, as if he were expecting something.
And the uninformed guard, upon hearing Prince Xue Feng's words, immediately showed an expression uglier than crying. "Your Highness, the sky truly has fallen! Word came from the palace—His Majesty has passed away!"
"What!?"
Xue Feng suddenly raised his head, his face full of disbelief.
At this moment, he seemed to have heard the most absurd tale.
"You dare deceive this Prince, and curse His Majesty! Someone come!"
Thud—
The moment Xue Feng shouted, the guard abruptly knelt down.
He kowtowed desperately, indicating that his words were true, willing to guarantee his words with his life, which finally made Xue Feng stop his call for others.
"Speak. This Prince gives you one chance."
The guard took a deep breath, trying to calm himself: "Your Highness, you know that our people have eyes and ears in the palace. This news came from the brothers there—it is absolutely true."
"You also know that recently, for some unknown reason, His Majesty's health has been declining, and there were rumors circulating back then."
"Now the palace is under martial law, with imperial guards patrolling everywhere and a tense atmosphere! If His Majesty passed suddenly, that would certainly make sense. And now the Empress has temporarily controlled the situation, but for some reason, has strictly ordered that the death not be announced."
As the guard spoke, he glanced at Xue Feng without showing it.
As Xue Feng's confidant, he naturally knew that the Prince had his eyes on the imperial throne—he simply never had the right opportunity.
Otherwise, he wouldn't be reading "Strategies of Governance."
After all, to prevent the situation of the Tian Hun Empire from happening again, the first emperor of the Dou Ling Empire had issued many ancestral teachings. And among them was one regarding the various princes.
All princes must guard the borders.
Although this was to prevent foreign nobles from usurping power from happening again, from another perspective, governance methods belonging to the emperor were also beyond the reach of the various princes.
As for why Xue Feng, who should have been guarding the borders, was still in Ling Dou City... it could only be said that this was the grace of the current Dou Ling Emperor, allowing him to control an army in Ling Dou City to guard the capital.
Unfortunately, the Dou Ling Emperor had misjudged.
His death also represented that Xue Feng's opportunity had arrived.
"My sister-in-law is guarding against this Prince."
A cold smile appeared at the corner of Xue Feng's mouth.
He had long anticipated this situation.
And facts proved that his sister-in-law had not misjudged him.
Back then, he and his brother were born of the same mother, even twins. One was Yun (Cloud), one was Feng (Peak). But those few seconds difference in birth changed the fate of the brothers.
Xue Yun was the elder, the legitimate eldest son, and had received the support of their father and the ministers all the way, going from Crown Prince to Emperor.
And what about him?
Like his brother's shadow, always living behind him.
But whether in talent, effort, or even ambition, he surpassed his weak brother! He received education, read all books, and understood only one truth!
Strive to become Emperor!
Unfortunately, his father had always suppressed him, not allowing him to handle any military affairs. Even that brother of his only let him command the Ling Dou City garrison—this was also suppression.
All along, he had been like a hunter hidden in the shadows, patiently waiting for the right moment, waiting until his strength was sufficient to become the next emperor of the Dou Ling Empire and lead the Dou Ling Empire to greatness again. Unfortunately... he previously had no opportunity.
But now it was different!
His emperor brother had suddenly died!
He was in his prime, while those nephews were nothing to speak of. Only his sister-in-law had some means, but what of it?
As for those old fellows in the Worship Hall...
Xue Feng slowly rose, his gaze becoming profound. No matter what, nothing could block his ambition to contend for the Dou Ling imperial throne.
"Your Highness, then shall we?"
A trace of fervor flashed in the guard's eyes.
If Prince Your Highness could truly seize the great treasure, then they, these confidant meritorious officials, would undoubtedly have the achievement of supporting the dragon.
"Don't be hasty yet."
A trace of resolution flashed in Xue Feng's eyes. "Go summon Mr. Wu and General Ge, saying I have important matters to discuss with them."
"Yes."
The guard bowed respectfully, then turned and quickly withdrew.
Now only Xue Feng remained in the room.
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