The Holy Fire Sacrificial Ground fell into a deathly silence.

No one dared to believe that in just a few words, the old king of Trolian was about to leave, and a new king would be born.

As for the choice, it was both unexpected and expected for them.

Though Jon was far more suitable to become king than Qingyu, Qingyu had an incredibly important advantage, one that only she possessed—she was Rod’s partner.

In all of Trolian, if there was a most reliable person, it was undoubtedly the King.

If there was a second most reliable person, it would be Rod.

Since Rod entered everyone’s view, he had been involved in most of the major events in Trolian.

It could be said that Trolian’s present was inseparable from Rod, and with the King stepping down, the only successor who could reassure everyone was Rod. 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮

However, Rod was not the bearer of the "Eternal Burning Fire." He could not resonate with the Holy Fire, nor could he become its Guardian. Although the "Eternal Burning Fire" was the most unique Source Law, able to coexist with any Source Law, and though the Royal City had long mastered the Hidden Fire Rite, with great cost, he could inherit the "Eternal Burning Fire."

But mastering this power requires a long time. Rod could not immediately achieve the level of resonance with the Holy Fire, and the price to pay was too great, requiring the burning of the King’s soul and the consumption of a large amount of Pure Star Source.

Most importantly, if Rod became king, he would be forever confined around the Holy Fire, unable to move freely as before.

In contrast, if Qingyu became king, Rod could exercise king’s powers as the king’s consort.

This method was undoubtedly much better.

Thus, no one objected.

Except for Jon.

He shouted unwillingly, "King, I can also become Rod’s partner..."

Everyone’s expressions turned strange, as if they wanted to laugh but dared not. The King smiled and said, "Jon, I think Rod probably wouldn’t accept that."

Jon looked utterly dejected. He didn’t fail to understand this point; no one understood Qingyu’s unique advantage better than him. He just didn’t anticipate the King stepping down so soon. Given another twenty years, the outcome would be different, but as of now, strictly speaking, none among them were actually qualified to become the new king.

Therefore, Rod became the crucial absolute factor.

"I... I’m just not reconciled... Rod is clearly also my good brother. Can’t it be between brothers?"

Rod immediately stopped this dangerous topic: "Jon, you have to realize that the situation is different now. Internally in Trolian, there are no longer major disagreements. Most Doomsday believers and Ancient Evil Thoughts have been cleared out. We no longer need strong methods to integrate internally. For us now, enhancing combat power and resisting the impending great pollution are the most important. Even without me, Qingyu is still the most suitable person to become king."

Jon looked regretfully at his hands and sighed, "I know... but I was just half a step away from stepping into the True King Domain. Given enough time, I would prove that I’m the fastest in enhancing... But there’s no ’if.’ Qingyu indeed is the best choice. This struggle is one I lost, but I won’t give up. When I become strong enough, stronger than you and Rod, I will reclaim my throne."

Qingyu smiled and extended her hand: "I await your challenge."

The hands of the two King Candidates clasped together, and the years-long grudges were thus completely erased.

Jon smiled and said, "Qingyu, although you became king, you mustn’t be complacent. Otherwise, I will catch up with you. Rod, you wouldn’t want me to take you away, right?"

Rod’s face darkened. Although he knew it was good-natured, "Could you use more normal wording? I’m not into that."

Beside them, Xingge blinked and suddenly said, "I can also be Rod brother’s partner, can I become king then?"

Evela’s eyes lit up and hurriedly said, "Me too, me too!"

Lucky Amendo, the First Elder, promptly stopped them. Otherwise, the sacred Trolian fire transmission ritual would have turned into a contest for the king’s consort.

The King smiled and said, "Amendo, I’ll leave all matters concerning the new king’s ascension to you."

Amendo deeply bowed, his graying hair falling beside his ears. This was already his third time presiding over the fire transmission ceremony.

"Rest assured, King, I will handle everything."

The King nodded slightly and continued, "Qingyu, after becoming King, you may adhere to your name and need not be referred to solely as King, for as long as I yet draw breath, all cause and effect retribution is mine to bear, and all great powers are yours to inherit."

Qingyu softly replied, "I will become a qualified King of Trolian."

The King smiled slightly, "Then I can rest assured. Once I enter slumber, the Source Heavenly God’s throne will continue to operate, part of its power maintaining my existence, while another part merges into Trolian’s fortune. May the world be bright again when I once more return to witness the Holy Fire."

At that moment, everyone knew that the King was about to leave. A sudden fear and reluctance filled their hearts. Many felt an impulse, wanting to plead for the King to stay, no matter the cost.

Yet the King only smiled faintly, as if this was nothing more than an ordinary, brief episode.