Shen Tang asked, "When does the trial begin?"

Speaking of this matter, Sky King’s expression also turned solemn, glancing at Tian Xi not far away, who was talking with Lu Xiao.

His youngest daughter had a lively and outgoing personality, able to build good relationships with anyone. She also got along well with her two brothers and was very warm towards this rarely seen elder brother.

The two seemed to be getting along harmoniously and affectionately, no different from ordinary siblings.

Sky King’s expression relaxed a bit, but when thinking about the position of the Crown Prince, he sighed with a headache, "It’s my fault for spoiling them too much since they were young, letting them indulge in fun and neglect their training. Now that both Tian Xi and Tian Chen have come of age, according to tradition, they qualify to become the Crown Prince once they can awaken their bloodline powers. However, there are no signs of awakening in them right now."

"I plan to put some pressure on them. Three days from now, there will be a written test lasting half a month."

"If neither of them can awaken, I will choose a non-blood heir."

As he spoke, Sky King looked at Shen Tang again and lowered his voice, "In the Yunding Empire, the Three Kings stand together, and selecting a successor for each Feudal Lord is a national event... When this happens, the other two kings usually attend in person with their families."

"By then, Rift Sky King should be present, and you should have a chance to speak with her."

Shen Tang understood, "I understand. Thank you, Mother!"

Sky King’s smile grew gentler, looking at her with love and approval.

Truth be told, she really liked Shen Tang.

A young, gentle, yet determined female.

It would be wonderful if she were her biological child.

As she looked Shen Tang over, Sky King couldn’t help but sigh internally. After not seeing her for a while, she felt Shen Tang’s aura had become even more unfathomable, so much so that she couldn’t discern her current realm.

The most likely situation was that the other’s power was already not weaker than hers, or perhaps even surpassed her!

Ah, truly the new generation surpasses the old.

However, with such outstanding successors, she felt at ease.

She also sighed to herself, her eldest son truly married well.

She could already foresee that the future Night Glow Empire will be no less than the Yunding Empire!

Currently, the relations between the two countries were amicable and stable, which made her very gratified.

In the following days, Shen Tang stayed in the Royal Palace, occasionally going for a walk in the city.

Since the announcement of the heir selection news by Sky King, the city had been abuzz with discussions. Along the way, she overheard many citizens’ opinions on the competition.

Most people believed that the Second Prince was the most promising candidate to inherit the throne.

Even though the Third Princess had excellent talent and was a more precious female, she unfortunately was always playing around, neglecting her duties. Before she even came of age, she had already caused several romantic scandals, flirting with good families’ males, showing no potential as a successor!

In terms of backing power, the Second Prince was the strongest, besides the Eldest Prince.

The Third Princess’s biological father was merely a common servant in the Royal Palace, favored by the King momentarily for his outstanding looks and gentle nature, with no family power to support her.

The Third Princess’s situation was naturally predictable.

Thus, over the years, it was mainly the Eldest Prince and the Second Prince contending openly and secretly, trying to weaken each other’s power.

And this Third Princess seemed more like she was out of the power struggle, viewed by everyone as a beautiful but harmless figurehead, not taken seriously by anyone.

The Empire always followed order of seniority, moreover, the Second Prince was already an Eighth Rank Beastman, while the Third Princess was only Seventh Rank.

From every angle, she seemed to have no competitiveness.

A while back, the high-profile suitor Xing Ye’s courtship was well-known in the city. Although Sky King didn’t want to marry the Third Princess off and had been dragging without agreeing, people speculated, once the heir was determined, it was likely that the Third Princess, destined to be a runner-up, would have to be married off.

In fact, marrying off wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. Although it might not look good on the surface, it could practically bring the two vassal states closer.

The Third Princess had always remained silent on this, seemingly indifferent, letting her mother decide.

As for what this "poor" princess’s ultimate fate would be, opinions varied.

Of course, that’s a matter for later.

For now, everyone was more concerned about the upcoming heir competition.

Almost everyone believed that the Second Prince becoming the heir was a sure thing.

On the eve of the test, rumors suddenly spread in the city that the Second Prince had begun openly building power, drinking and having fun with his retainers and ministers, boasting that the Eldest Prince was already a cripple, and that he was destined to be the next Crown Prince!

This news quickly reached the ears of the Eldest Prince Tian Lin.

Tian Lin, in his fury, smashed everything in the hall, leaving a group of attendants kneeling on the floor, trembling and not daring to make a sound.

Although the Eldest Prince’s biological father Bi Yu was executed for treason, implicating their maternal family, the best thing he did was sever all ties with his son.

In addition, after all, Sky King had invested many years in this eldest son. Ultimately, her heartache overcame her anger, sparing him.

On the surface, Tian Lin hadn’t suffered any punishment, but he had always been under house arrest at his residence, with all real power stripped away. Now, apart from having an empty Prince title, he was a cripple both physically and politically, with little hope of rising again in this lifetime.

Thinking about how he had fallen to such disgrace, with countless others outside watching his disgrace, Tian Lin was so furious that his lungs were about to explode, his face dark and brooding enough to drip water.

That second prince actually dared to mock him in public! If it weren’t for him becoming a cripple, how would that throne have been his to sit on!?

Clearly, he was the rightful heir!

Both Tian Chen and Lu Xiao, those two bastards, deserve to die!

The ministers secretly loyal to the Eldest Prince were burning with anxiety, unsure of what to do.

Although Tian Lin had fallen to this state, they had step by step supported him, following him for the Eldest Prince’s grand ambitions, opposing the Second Prince for many years. They had long been resented by him, and now it’s too late to turn and rely on him.

If the Second Prince rises to power, he will surely eliminate them first!

United in glory, united in disgrace!

They absolutely cannot allow the Second Prince to ascend smoothly!

A strategist lowered his voice, saying, "Tomorrow when the competition begins, the Second Prince, Third Princess, and several young beastmen who have won the clan election will enter the clan’s Trial Ground. That would be a good opportunity to strike."

Immediately someone countered, "Have you forgotten how we ended up in this state? If we’re discovered, we’re all doomed! Are you trying to kill His Highness?"

"But you all know the Second Prince’s temperament; he won’t tolerate any impurity. Once he ascends, and starts digging up old scores, none of us will be able to escape."

Moreover, with the Eldest Prince being a cripple, no matter how much they struggle, what can they change? The outcome is already destined.

Tian Lin is doomed to have no connection with the throne.

If the Eldest Prince were healthy, they wouldn’t be so conflicted and might even be willing to rebel with him!

Tian Lin suddenly crushed the dagger in his hand, his face becoming more unpleasant, sinking into deep silence.

At this moment, an announcement came from outside, "Eldest Prince, someone seeks an audience."

"Who?" Tian Lin’s brows furrowed tightly; anyone coming to see him at this time must surely be looking to kick him when he’s down?

A beastman whispered in his ear, "The person claims to be a friend of your father, saying they’re here to help you, able to fulfill your wish." 𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶

Tian Lin’s breath caught. A friend of his father? How come he had never heard of this?

"Quickly, let them in."

Soon, a beastman draped in a gray cloak walked in.

He looked at Tian Lin, who was slumped half over in a wheelchair, with a tone tinged with ruthlessness, "The proud Eldest Prince has fallen to such a crippled state; it’s truly a pity."

Indeed, since that battle years ago, Tian Lin not only lost his superpower, but half his body was also paralyzed. Even with timely treatment, residual effects remained, leaving one leg unable to stand, almost a complete cripple.

Tian Lin was furious upon hearing this, yet lacked the strength to act, "Aren’t you afraid I’ll kill you!"

Despite his fall, he was still a proud prince, not someone an unknown individual could casually mock!

The visitor confidently smiled, "If I were to die, the Eldest Prince will never stand up again."

Tian Lin was taken aback, "What do you mean?"

The person simply said, "There are things I wish to discuss with Your Highness alone, could others please leave."

Tian Lin’s expression grew increasingly heavy; in his semi-crippled state, if he let the guards leave and the other turned out to be an assassin, he would have no means to resist.

But... who would come to assassinate a "living, yet dead" cripple?

The Eldest Prince Tian Lin clenched his fists, thoughts racing through his mind, guessing the identity of the person before him, yet he couldn’t grasp anything.

Finally, he waved off those around him, speaking in a deep voice, "Speak then, why have you come."

The figure in dark clothes took out a vial and handed it to him, "I’ve come for Your Highness’s unfulfilled ambition! Just inject this vial, and Your Highness can be restored to your former self, and even... gain greater power, returning to your peak!"

Tian Lin stared at the dark red vial in his hand, pale face showing fear and hesitation, fingertips trembling slightly, "What, what is this thing? You... who are you, exactly?"

"Your Highness doesn’t need to know too much, just know that your father was on our side, this is his dying wish for us to assist you."

"Father?" Tian Lin stared at the mysterious outsider before him, brows tightly knit, "How could father know you? Why should I trust someone of unknown origin?"

The figure in dark clothing chuckled twice, "Your Highness need not doubt me, because you and I are the same kind."

Tian Lin grew furious, "You dare say I am the same kind as you? Are you worthy!"

The visitor remained unruffled, slowly stating, "If I say one thing, Your Highness will surely believe—the moment you were born—"

"It was to join us!"

——

Tasty Little Animals Episode 4: The Honest Little Fat Fluff!

The eagle’s illustration is here, with a chibi adorable look, feels more like he’s just hatched haha, a cute little chick~