Early spring in March, where grass thrives, and orioles flit. The best time of the year.
However, in this splendid season, the entire territory of the Great Ming Empire doesn't exhibit any hint of early spring, and instead, there's an overbearing atmosphere.
All because of one thing. That is, half a month ago, the imperial court finally released the news: The emperor passed away in his palace.
The news shook the world when it was released.
The death of the emperor results in rivers of blood and tens of thousands of corpses. The world mourns.
No matter how many people think the emperor absurd and incompetent, without a doubt, he is the lord of this vast Great Ming Empire, the ruler of the countless miles of its dominion, the sovereign of billions of subjects.
Therefore, even during the season of growth and regeneration, the world grieves. The people in the various states, counties, and cities all wear solemn faces, daring not to raise their voices or laugh, to avoid troubles.
The recent turmoil in Tiandu is known to all.
Regarding this Dragon-slaying Plan, although it was kept a secret except to those with insider information like Bai Xiaosheng before its implementation, no information leaked out.
But after the disorder in Tiandu, even though major factions like the Mire Sect were heavily attacked by the imperial court, Zhao Baiyang has surprisingly circulated this plan throughout the world."
Aside from promoting the power of his Mire Sect, it's also to win people's hearts.
However, even though the Mire Sect and other forces have been ardently declaring they killed the emperor, as long as the Great Ming imperial court denies it, no one dared to raise any objections.
But now, when the Great Ming imperial court confirms this news, it strikes many people with unimaginable surprise, they are almost speechless.
Who would have thought, the Mire Sect actually did it!
The emperor of the Great Ming Empire was killed.
This incident undeniably challenges the authority of the Great Ming Empire, making some people realize, the current Great Ming Empire is not the empire that once suppressed the world.
Especially now, the Mire Sect and others have not been captured and killed by the Great Ming imperial court.
It can be said that, the royal authority is virtually gone.
The only powerful figure who died in the Tiandu rebellion was the Ghost Emperor of Fengdu, who was killed by Pei Xuanjing, a powerful individual with a grievance against the Great Ming imperial court.
Of course, according to the explanation given by the Great Ming imperial court, the emperor was not assassinated by the Mire Sect.
During the turmoil in Tiandu, the emperor only suffered minor injuries and was not seriously hurt.
The real cause of his death, was that he accidentally fell into the river during a boat trip, caught a cold, which triggered his previous illness, and then, he passed away.
Death by drowning!
The reason was met with great disdain by almost everyone.
Not to mention that the emperor himself was a third-grade martial artist, how could he possibly fall into the water so easily?
Even if we consider that he accidentally fell into the water, but how could a third-grade martial artist die from a previous disease triggered by this incident?
This is simply fooling people!
No one believes this explanation.
Almost everyone is convinced that the emperor was a casualty of the Tiandu disorder.
The news of the emperor's demise stirred the attention of many.
Regardless of how much doubt and conjecture this news has, no one dares to question the cause of the emperor's death given by the Great Ming imperial court. It can only be circulated in private.
What's more bizarre is that, even after the emperor's death, the selection of the heir, which should have been announced to reassure people, has not been announced yet.
As the emperor didn't leave an heir, they should have moved quickly to settle on a new emperor to avoid further upheaval.
But even after the news of the emperor's death has been around for more than half a month, the choice of a new emperor has not yet been announced.
The various forces in the Jianghu, at this crucial moment, are uncharacteristically low-key. Even several major forces have postponed the marriage of their disciples.
"Master."
"Teacher."
Yu Zhenzi and Pang Hong came forward to greet Pei Xuanjing as he emerged from his seclusion.
Pang Hong might be too weak to notice, but when Yu Zhenzi saw Pei Xuanjing again, he couldn't help but contract his pupils, forming a thought in his mind.
He has become stronger again!
Yu Zhenzi could clearly feel that there was a near-revolutionary change in Pei Xuanjing's temperament.
If previously, after defeating numerous opponents and fighting the old
Celestial Master, and then killing the Ghost Emperor of Fengdu and the Seven Kills Sword Master, Pei Xuanjing seemed to have a condescending air of domination, appearing like an extremely sharp divine sword.
The current Pei Xuanjing, however, appears as if all his sharpness has been retracted, giving an impression of returning to simplicity.
Yu Zhenzi was shocked beyond words. Just a few months have passed, and Pei Xuanjing has made impressive progress in his cultivation.
Pei Xuanjing allowed the two to sit, listening to Yu Zhenzi and Pang Hong narrate the recent events.
During the time Pei Xuanjing was in seclusion, both the Chunyang Sect and Baiyun Temple have sent important figures to Dragon Tiger Mountain in a low-key manner.
This time, even Bai Xiaosheng didn't deliberately avoid arousing suspicion and proactively sent a trusted aide as his representative.
Dragon Tiger, Zhenwu, God Xiao, Baiyun, Chunyang, and Bai Xiaosheng, any of these six factions could cause storms in the world. These powerful forces furtively started a secret talk on Dragon Tiger Mountain.
At first, when people from the Chunyang Sect and Baiyun Temple heard the plans of these four parties, they were also shocked.
After listening to the detailed explanations of the four parties, they could not help being tempted by the huge benefits contained therein.
After all, given the current situation, whether or not they join, these four parties will not stop with their plans.
However, refusing could mean being excluded from the alliance. If these four parties fail in the future, that's fine. But if they succeed, their regret would come too late.
Moreover, given the current state of the various forces in the world, if they indeed need to seek allies before the major changes befall Heaven and Earth, without a doubt, these four parties are the most suitable allies.
Therefore, after wavering for a few days, these two parties finally agreed to the plan. The six parties formally formed an alliance.
Normally, according to the scale of these six parties, any two factions forming an alliance would require considerable negotiation and discussion.
Never mind other things, deciding who is the leader amongst these parties could be a matter of endless argument.
However, right now, time is of the essence. They simply didn't have much time to waste.
Therefore, in the end, the six parties followed the proposal left by Pei Xuanjing. Temporarily, there will be no leader in the alliance. Each party respects each other. They will not interfere with each other's internal affairs and each party will appoint a representative to contact the other parties to establish an offensive and defensive alliance.
Once the six parties established the alliance, next comes the specific discussion.
After all, what they plan to do next is momentous, and the benefits are enormous.
In order not to cause any dissatisfaction among any party due to uneven distribution of benefits after the fact, which could ultimately lead to conflicts and cause the alliance to fall apart, they need to agree on terms beforehand..
In the next half month, many sides fiercely competed, arguing vehemently without breaking the alliance. They used every possible strategy, making alliances and forging connections.
Even the slick Yu Zhenzi couldn't help feeling utterly exhausted after such an intense half month.
Regardless, Yu Zhenzi had no regrets about his efforts. After all, even a minuscule concession in such a profitable matter could greatly affect future earnings.
"You've worked hard this time," Pei Xuanjing praised Yu Zhenzi.
"It'S my duty. There's no need for such praises," Yu Zhenzi shook his head, not considering his deeds of merit.
Pei Xuanjing chuckled and remembered Yu Zhenzi's merits, planning to reward him later, then continued listening to Yu Zhenzi's report.
After half a month, the six sides finally settled all matters, with everyone fairly satisfied. At least none felt they were at a loss.
While deciding on the allocation, each side also re-plotted their original plans, covering possible loopholes and making contingency plans.
Each of the six parties allocated their respective duties and agreed on methods of communication, ready to respond at any time if needed.
At this point, most of their people had left Dragon Tiger Mountain. Apart from Yu Zhenzi and Pang Hong still here waiting for Pei Xuanjing, the others of the Shenxiao Sect had already started preparing under the leadership of Deng Zhong and others.
Pei Xuanjing nodded in satisfaction, appreciative of Yu Zhenzi's arrangements. He was pleased that Yu Zhenzi managed everything without needing his direct involvement.
Yu Zhenzi said, "There's still one thing that requires your personal decision."
Pei Xuanjing asked, "What is it?"
He was puzzled but heard Yu Zhenzi say, "Given your current prestige, the Shenxiao Sect should be officially established. Without it, we lack legitimacy."
Although Pei Xuanjing and his group have been operating under the name of the Shenxiao Sect, nobody has questioned it.
However, after all, the Shenxiao Sect had been extinguished for over two hundred years. To truly re-establish itself in the martial world, it was not enough for Pei Xuanjing to simply exhibit personal strength and influence.
He must follow some procedures to declare to the world that the Shenxiao Sect is reinstated. Only then will it be officially recognized.
Not just the other forces, even Yu Zhenzi shared this view.
Pei Xuanjing pondered a moment, then shook his head, "The time is not right."
Regarding the idea of re-establishing the Shenxiao Sect's main gate, he had indeed considered it.
At first, Pei Xuanjing thought he could reinstate the Shenxiao Sect after the battle at Dragon Tiger Mountain and announce it to the world.
However, not long ago, especially after Gathering his Soul, his view suddenly changed.
Looking at the confused Yu Zhenzi and Pang Hong, Pei Xuanjing calmly said, "The fallen Shenxiao
Sect was after all, just a Martial Arts School. Since it's gone, let it be!"
"The Shenxiao Sect I want to rebuild will become the world's first immortal sect."
The first immortal sect in the world!
Boom!
That sentence exploded like thunder in their ears.
The two were shocked, their eyes filled with disbelief as they looked at Pei Xuanjing.
"Master, could you possibly have discovered the method of ascension?"
"Teacher, could it be…"
Pei Xuanjing nodded without denial, "Yes, while I haven't broken through yet, I have realized the method. Given some time, I should be able to fully comprehend it."
Seeing their surprised and excited faces, Pei Xuanjing privately added in his heart: Perhaps just another simulation, and I will be able to break into the Spirit Realm.
This was also why he temporarily dropped the idea of rebuilding the Shenxiao Sect.
He didn't want to re-establish the old Shenxiao Sect but wanted to create his own Shenxiao Immortal Gate.
Yu Zhenzi and Pang Hong wanted to ask more, but Pei Xuanjing declined further discussion.
Nevertheless, they were stunned and exhilarated by Pei Xuanjing's grand vision, feeling honored to be a part of it.
Perhaps, I, Yu Zhenzi, might one day ascend.
Yu Zhenzi harbored this daring thought in his heart.
He forcibly suppressed his thoughts and continued narrating recent events.
"So up until now, a new king hasn't been decided upon?" On hearing Yu Zhenzi mention the succession, Pei Xuanjing frowned slightly.
Based on his previous life simulations, the determination of the new king did not seem to be this hesitant.
Or had he missed something?
Pei Xuanjing was slightly unsure and asked, "What does Bai Xiaosheng say?"
The information he had was limited. Perhaps Bai Xiaosheng in the capital city would have a clearer idea.
Yu Zhenzi answered, "According to the news from Bai Xiaosheng, the candidate may already have been chosen, but some reasons keep it from being leaked."
Upon hearing this analysis, an understanding light flickered within Pei Xuanjing's eyes. He thought about his several experiences in life simulations and became certain.
Just as Bai Xiaosheng suggested, perhaps the choice of the successor had already been made. Even if it was not completely finalized, there were probably some candidates.
The reason for not revealing it was likely because the candidates were not currently in the capital city. Revealing the information would attract potential assassins.
Royal blood is thin, and the examples of fathers and sons killing each other and brothers turning on each other for the supreme position are numerous throughout history. Any method is plausible for that position.
Those who know about his life simulations would know that King Xing had encountered many assassins on his way from the fiefdom to the capital city. Even Pei Xuanjing himself had died several times in life simulations due to these assassinations.
If this was truly the case, it could explain why the Great Ming imperial court was following such a procedure.
He asked Yu Zhenzi, "Did anyone from the royal family rush back to the capital recently?"
Yu Zhenzi pondered, "With the emperor's death, according to the protocol, even if the vassal kings from all regions could not personally go to the capital, they should at least send their heirs to pay respects. So, quite a few members of the royal family have rushed back to the capital."
Upon saying this, he also realized Pei Xuanjing's intention, adding: "You mean, the successor may be among these people."
"Exactly," Pei Xuanjing nodded, realizing his own query was a bit one-sided. He pondered briefly and said, "You send people to investigate, find out which vassal kings or heirs who've returned to the capital recently are closest in kinship to the emperor, and give me a list."
The emperor's choice would always favor the closest bloodline.
Once there's a speculation, it would be easy to find the right person from it. It would just take some effort.
Yu Zhenzi nodded and said, "Alright!"
"Find it for me as soon as possible, before I leave," Pei Xuanjing told him, and before Yu Zhenzi could ask, he preemptively said, "Not just me, but all of you will be leaving with me."
"Teacher, are we going to Tiandu?" Pang Hong ventured a guess.
Pei Xuanjing nodded with a smile: "Correct!"
Tiandu! Pang Hong's eyes filled with nostalgia about his past when he thought about his birthplace.
Meanwhile, in the city of Tiandu, at the Shangshu Mansion of the Ministry of War.
In the study were still Wang Qiong, Wang Boan, and Gu Ji.
Just returned from court, Wang Qiong seemed calm, but both Wang Boan and Gu Ji knew that the old man was seething with anger.
Only Yang Tinghe, the leading official of the Cabinet, could possibly arouse such anger from the old man.
Yang Tinghe feasted at the age of nineteen, joined the Imperial Academy, and later became a lecturer in the East palace when the late emperor was still the crown prince. He only entered the Cabinet after the late emperor ascended to the throne. Considered close to the late emperor, he was viewed by many as fortunate.
In contrast, Wang Qiong did not feast until he was twenty-five, a few years later than Yang Tinghe. He, however, worked his way through the Ministry of Works, the Household Department, the Ministry of War, and the Ministry of Personnel, stepping up in rank on his merits.
The two men's career paths were totally different. Coupled with the position rivalry, these two men were seen as water and fire in court, and each regarded the other as a great foe.
"Hmph!" Wang Qiong sneered, and angrily said: "Yang Tinghe is power-hungry and now he proposes to have the Empress Dowager listen to politics behind the curtain, he truly has no shame."
To date, there has still been no definitive consensus between the two parties regarding the succession of the new monarch. The final decision would only be made after many members of the royal family arrive in the capital city.
It can be said at this point, both sides' struggle has reached the final stage, and the victory is about to be decided.
But for Yang Tinghe to propose that the Empress Dowager reign behind the curtain in order to win, this is undoubtedly to dilute power to resist Wang Qiong, how could this not infuriate him.
"What did Jiang Bin say?" Wang Qiong asked Gu Ji.
At the moment, the commander of the Brocade Guards holds a significant power within Tiandu, especially with Lawlessness injured, the power of the Brocade Guards and the two factories are growing stronger.
The attitude of this commander towards who should ascend the throne is also very important.
Hence, even Wang Qiong had to butter up to him.
Gu Ji shook his head slightly, "The other party's attitude is ambiguous and does not want to make a firm decision."
Originally, he and Jiang Bin did not intersect, but when Pei Xuanjing was in Tiandu, and they often met with the Brocade Guards Qianhu Lin Qingyi while they were in the Martial Academy. It was through this chance that he met with Jiang Bin.
Jiang Bin's attitude towards Wang Qiong's overture was ambiguous, and there was no clear refusal, but neither did he agree, obviously he was determined to stay out of it.
"Hmph, fools!" Wang Qiong sneered, not saying more.
He said to Wang Boan, "Bo'an, Lawless is not fully recovered yet, and there's something you need to do yourself…"
At Baiyun Temple in the suburbs, Bai Xiaosheng and Daoist Xuanming were sitting facing each other with a pot of old wine warming on the table.
Xuanming Daoist poured the wine and handed it to Bai Xiaosheng, he began lightly, "I wonder how the layman views the current situation in Tiandu?"
Ever since the formation of their collaborative alliance, Bai Xiaosheng often came to Baiyun Temple to drink tea and wine with Daoist Xuanming.
When Pei Xuanjing suggested that the imperial court had not yet announced the heir, Bai Xiaosheng and his group had also reached the same conclusion.
This led to Xuanming Daoist's questioning.
Bai Xiaosheng held the wine cup in his hand and said casually: "Does the Master want to test me? Daoist Xuanming laughed and said: "I am all ears for the layman's insight."
"Hehe." Bai Xiaosheng finished the wine in one gulp, put down the wine cup, laughed and said, "The night is long, and there's nothing to do. Since the Taoist priest is interested, then I will regale you once."
"Please!" Daoist Xuanming topped up the wine cup.
Bai Xiaosheng picked up the wine cup and began slowly: "In my opinion, among the many royal family members returning to Tiandu, the rest need not be considered. There are only two people we really need to care about."
"One is King Xing! And the other, the grandson of Anshan King!"
These two, King Xing is fifteen years old. The grandson of Anshan King, is nothing more than a five-year-old child.
"In the layman's view, who out of the two is more fitting?" Daoist Xuanming asked curiously.
"This question makes no sense?"
After leaving Dragon Tiger Mountain, Pei Xuanjing and others headed for Tiandu at a steady pace.
"Who does the real person think is more suitable?" Yu Zhenzi slowly asked while riding a horse at Pei Xuanjing's side.
Sometimes, your view can be obstructed because you're too close to the situation.
After Pei Xuanjing enlightened him, even without Pei Xuanjing's analysis, with Yu Zhenzi's wisdom, he naturally deduced who amongst the royals returning to Tiandu was most likely to be the heir.
Pei Xuanjing was holding the reins of the horse, looking around at the lush greenery on both sides of the road, epitomizing the vitality of spring.
Without turning his head, he gave a response that was almost identical to Bai Xiaosheng's, "Does it matter who is the most suitable?"
"That's also true. I was just not thinking clearly." Yu Zhenzi was startled, and then he seemed to understand.
Pei Xuanjing looked at Yu Zhenzi, who had just realized the truth, and smiled silently. He asked Pang Hong, who was on his other side: "Pang Hong, do you know why?"
At Pei Xuanjing's question, Pang Hong fell into deep thought and did not immediately answer.
Yu Zhenzi understood that Pei Xuanjing was testing and training Pang Hong, and he too was curious to see how Pang Hong would answer.
Seeing Pang Hong deep in thought, Yu Zhenzi couldn't help but hint, "Do you know what we are going to do?"
What are we going to do?
Pang Hong's eyes lit up, and he seemed to understand.
He tentatively asked, "Does the teacher mean that no matter who is most suitable, it doesn't matter. The person who will ascend to the throne must earn our approval. If they don't have our approval, even if they are suitable, they can;'t ascend to the throne!"
If they are about to seize control of the throne, then the heir to the throne must meet their interests and need the approval of their group.
Under this premise, it doesn't matter whether or not the other party is suitable or not.
As long as they don't approve, even if the other party is fitting, they can't ascend to the throne.
And as long as they approve, even if the other party is unsuitable, they can still ascend to the throne with their support.
Yu Zhenzi also praised from the side: "Like teacher, like student."
Pei Xuanjing nodded slightly: "Not bad!"
Pang Hong had a smile on his face, but there was no trace of pride or complacency.
This is how they began their unhurried journey to Tiandu..