Chapter 1615: Chapter 63: Side-by-Side King Emerges from Seclusion! (2)

Speaking up to this point, the Changning Emperor paused, then continued.

"The connections that the Dongling Marquis can currently mobilize are indeed considerable, but he carries an aura of impending doom. People like Xiao Wuque are shrewd individuals; how could they follow in his footsteps?"

"Even if he supports a prince to ascend the throne, when his life comes to an end, all efforts become futile."

The Changning Emperor sighed once more.

"Handing him the Dragon Soaring Order is both a form of protection for Shiqi and a glimmer of hope for my eighth son, Minghao. I am not truly cold and ruthless; I would not leave him without a shred of hope."

After hearing these words, the silent figure behind him no longer remained silent but instead voiced the doubt in their heart.

"Since your Majesty has determined that the Dongling Marquis cannot hold out for long, why leave the Seventeenth Princess by his side? To ensure the Seventeenth Princess’s safety, this old one can also achieve that. By leaving the Seventeenth Princess with the Dongling Marquis, aren’t you afraid of tarnishing her innocence?"

Upon hearing these words, the Changning Emperor chuckled softly twice.

Cough, cough—

Then the laughter turned into a deep cough.

Until the coughing ceased, he spoke again.

"Elder Ji, what do you perceive of the Dongling Marquis?"

"A talent of a Heavenly Person, rare throughout the ages!" replied the ancient voice behind.

"That’s right!" The Changning Emperor said calmly, "Such a naturally gifted individual, how could his descendants be inferior? Letting Shiqi stay by his side fulfills Shiqi’s wishes, and also sees if Shiqi might bear a child. If the Ji Clan truly wishes to control the world, there must emerge an invincible powerhouse within our clan, comparable to that figure."

"This world ultimately belongs to those with strength."

"In the face of absolute power, schemes and strategies appear laughable."

When speaking this last sentence, the Changning Emperor’s tone carried deep sentiment.

...

On the other side.

Jiang Ning and Ji Mingyue, along with Su Qingying, exited the Yangxin Hall.

They saw the Fifth Prince Ji Mingyuan waiting outside the hall.

"Shiqi, do you know what Father just said?" As he saw Ji Mingyue appear, Ji Mingyuan eagerly approached.

"Father didn’t say anything." Ji Mingyue shook her head.

"Shiqi, don’t fool your brother. Father specifically sent me away; surely to tell you things I shouldn’t hear," the Fifth Prince Ji Mingyuan said.

"Since you know you shouldn’t know, why ask?" Ji Mingyue replied indifferently.

Upon hearing this, Ji Mingyuan’s eyes darkened slightly, but he still maintained a gentle smile on his face: "It’s just that I’m anxious. Today you also saw how the Beicang King acted. He, at this moment, isn’t guarding the north but instead left his post to come to the Royal Capital, and obviously has intentions toward the Crown Prince competition. With his influence in the court, if he supports a brother to ascend the throne, they will merely become his puppets."

"I am worried and uneasy, thus I hoped to gain some insight about Father’s arrangements from you, to ease my heart."

Ji Mingyue shook her head.

"Since Father hasn’t told you, it indicates he doesn’t wish for you to know, so why scheme to find out?"

Ji Mingyuan’s smile slightly froze. He could see that Ji Mingyue was determined not to say more. Though he felt unwilling, he could only let it go.

He then looked at Jiang Ning, his tone carrying a hint of probing: "The Dongling Marquis extended Father’s life today; his methods truly are miraculous. But I wonder what the Marquis thinks of the situation in the Royal Capital?"

Jiang Ning met his gaze and replied calmly, "What I seek now is just to live quietly and ensure the safety of those around me. As for the power struggle in the Royal Capital, it’s beyond my control, nor do I wish to delve deeply into it."

Upon hearing these words, Ji Mingyuan realized there was no point in further questioning.

He cupped his hands: "If that’s the case, then I won’t disturb you further. Shiqi, should you need anything, feel free to come to me at any time."

"Being your brother, I will fulfill the responsibilities of a brother."

"Thank you, Fifth Brother," Ji Mingyue nodded in response.

Then, the three of them boarded the carriage and set off.

The wheels rolled over the palace road, making a rhythmic rumble.

Inside the carriage, it was tranquil. Ji Mingyue looked at the rapidly retreating palace walls and buildings outside the window, her gaze complicated.

What she saw and heard today weighed heavily on her heart.

Father’s nearing end, the Beicang King’s arrogance, the hidden motives of her brothers.

At the same time.

Jiang Ning felt slightly heavy-hearted.

The Beicang King’s arrival, his arrogance, prompted the awakened Changning Emperor to send someone to rouse the sequestered Side-by-Side King Ji Xuan.

For him, this news was undeniably bad.

The Side-by-Side King, Ji Xuan’s prowess, was widely recognized.

The pillar of the Imperial Family, one of the five tallest peaks in the world.

Any Martial Arts Grandmaster would fear him.

Facing him as an enemy, no one would be without pressure.

Though he hadn’t met Ji Xuan, they had long been adversaries.

Now that Ji Xuan was emerging from seclusion, Lin Qingyi’s matter would inevitably come to light.

Then, he would directly confront this pillar of the Great Xia Imperial Family.

In the Yangxin Hall, he didn’t encounter this prince emerging from seclusion, but knew that with the Beicang King entering the capital, the Changning Emperor dispatching Chief Manager Hai to the Prince Mansion would inevitably prompt the Side-by-Side King to emerge.

As his brow furrowed, his thoughts racing.

"Brother Jiang Ning," Ji Mingyue suddenly spoke softly, breaking the silence: "Father gave you the Dragon Soaring Order and entrusted me to you; does he really... have no hope left?"

Jiang Ning looked at her slightly reddened eyes, silent for a moment, ultimately shook his head.

"The curse’s power has eroded the five viscera and six bowels, deeply ingraining into the Divine Soul, entwined unyieldingly. What I accomplished today was simply through special means, stimulating his latent life force, barely awakening him. Such results resemble a dying flash. After one night and day, he will again succumb to the wounds to his Divine Soul and fall into slumber, likely never to awaken again."

Ji Mingyue bit her lower lip, her eyes slightly reddened.

After a moment of silence, she looked back at Jiang Ning.

"Thank you!"

Jiang Ning smiled gently, saying nothing more.

Normally, at such a time, children should remain alongside, cherishing the last moments of familial affection.

Nonetheless, the Changning Emperor clearly had many matters to address, entrusting Ji Mingyue to him for protection.

With this in mind, he reached into his arms and grasped the Dragon Soaring Order.

With this order, he could mobilize thirty percent of the Shadow Guard.

Yet the Changning Emperor hadn’t mentioned that this order conferred the presence of the Holy Emperor.

To wield this order, one’s words represented imperial edict.

Additionally, it could mobilize the Forbidden Army.

In these crucial times, the forces that this Dragon Soaring Order could leverage were substantial, capable of achieving much.

He clutched the Dragon Soaring Order, storing it within the mustard seed.

At this moment, Su Qingying glanced at Jiang Ning, then at Ji Mingyue, her demeanor serene and calm.

The carriage exited the Vermilion Bird Gate and traversed the bustling streets of the Royal Capital.

Despite it being daytime, the atmosphere on the street subtly hinted at a tension.

Passersby hurried with their steps, whispers in teahouses and taverns seemed slightly more frequent than usual.

Evidently, there are no walls in the world that the wind cannot pass through.

The recent changes within the Imperial Family had already stirred the undercurrents in the Royal Capital.

Returning to the National Master Mansion, Jiang Ning exchanged a few words with others and then proceeded directly to his courtyard.

At this point, he couldn’t afford any complacency.

Even retreating from the Royal Capital now would be futile.

Because of the Side-by-Side King, Ji Xuan emerging from seclusion.

He had plucked Ji Xuan’s fruit, and now with Ji Xuan emerging, aware of the matter, he would inevitably seek him out.

Although confident, facing Ji Xuan left him uncertain.

With these thoughts, he glanced towards Lin Qingyi’s courtyard.

Since his return to the Royal Capital, Lin Qingyi has remained in her seclusion.

He hadn’t seen Lin Qingyi since his return.

Then, looking away, he took out the wooden box bestowed by the Changning Emperor.

Opening the box revealed three pill-like gems, pristine white, faintly laced with gold filaments.

"Holy King Pill!" he murmured softly.

As the box opened, the rich aroma of the pills gently diffused, even through their wrappings.

Inhaling the scent, his stagnant Qi-Blood faintly stirred.

"Three Holy King Pills should significantly enhance my strength, also accumulating the lacking Source Points," he contemplated silently.