The leaders of various forces presently made a tacit agreement to stay silent, allowing Pei Xuanjing to proceed with his speech, watching how the imperial court of Great Ming would handle the situation.
Even though for now, all the powers who are able to attend the ceremony are rulers of their own regions, akin to local emperors.
But nonetheless, when confronting the imperial court of the Great Ming, they can only bow their heads in subservience, not daring to oppose it blatantly.
The reason for this is simple: the legitimacy rests in the rightful naming.
The imperial court of the Great Ming, after all, is the ruler of this land. Unless they intend to start a rebellion, their resistance can only be limited to passive-aggressive actions.
However, now that Pei Xuanjing has stepped forward, his words have undeniably brought to the attention of various forces a point they had been overlooking: they too possess a share in the Great Ming dynasty.
Hence, they wish to wait for Great Ming's response.
Should there be a chance, they would not mind taking advantage of the situation to regain what they believe to be their interests.
Pei Xuanjing understood the reactions of various leaders quite well; their reactions were anticipated and part of their initial plan.
For now, their silence alone indicates their stance, inadvertently creating pressure on the imperial family of Great Ming, further isolating them.
Allowing the Ming imperial family to understand that although only Pei Xuanjing is speaking, he does not stand alone.
Naturally, Pei Xuanjing and his allies have made all these efforts not merely to benefit others. There will be more moves to follow in the future.
"The ancestral teachings of the founding emperor of the Great Ming, of course, matter!"
The voice arrives before the person.
A domineering voice resounds, followed by a stalwart middle-aged man in a python robe emerging from the back palace gate, his chest held high, strides like a dragon or a tiger, and an extraordinary demeanor.
"Greetings, Your Highness, the Prince of Xiang!"
Seeing this man appear, the royal family members smile as if they saw a lifesaver , and they bow to him respectfully.
Even the Dowager Empress, who has been sitting behind the screen for a long time, can't help but say, "Prince Xiang has come out!"
Zhu Yousong, the Prince of Xiang, the uncle of the recently deceased Emperor, had a chance to ascend to the throne. However, his heart yearned for Martial Arts and he never coveted the throne. Instead, he maintained a close relationship with the royal family at that time.
This Prince of Xiang is regarded by Bai Xiaosheng as one of the strongest of the royal family, who could rank at the pinnacle of the Martial Arts world. It is because of his presence that many with ulterior motives are held at bay.
He has cultivated his Martial Arts to an unfathomable level. Even during the turmoil in Tiandu, he was able to confront the Maitreya Sect Leader Zhao Baiyang and the Vajra Sect Leader without being at a disadvantage.
Although he was injured due to being besieged by them, he did not falter. Instead, he injured the Vajra Sect Leader, whose physical body had reached perfection through cultivation, demonstrating his extraordinary prowess.
He has been recuperating since then, holed up in a secret location within the Imperial City, where no one dares to interrupt him. It was unexpected for him to appear now.
"The Empress Dowager has been bothered. My injury has healed, " he replied to the Empress Dowager.
"Moreover, how could I not appear at such a critical moment?"
In fact, his injury has almost healed over this period, the only reason he hasn't appeared yet is because he had some insights during the battle with two powerful opponents in the previous Tiandu chaos and was organizing what he had learned.
But his cultivation was inevitably affected by the altercation between Pei Xuanjing and Blood Demon Yang Tinghe. He changed his complexion with the violent fluctuations.
Such fierce fluctuations reminded Zhu Yousong of the chaos in Tiandu, suspecting that some audacious villain must have invaded the Imperial City, causing such turmoil.
However, as soon as he left the place of seclusion and before he arrived, he realized that the violent fluctuations had vanished without a trace.
He assumed someone had repelled the invader, or the battlefield had been relocated. When he was about to ask someone about the ins and outs of the matter, Pei Xuanjing's resonant words reached his ears.
It then led to the Prince of Xiang's response.
"The Long Life Son of the Shenxiao Sect pays his respects to Your Highness, the Prince of Xiang." Pei Xuanjing spoke indifferently, his expression still calm, undisturbed by the other's appearance.
As for the existence of the Prince of Xiang, he had long known from Bai Xiaosheng. This man's appearance was within his expectations, or rather, whether he appeared or not, it would not affect Pei Xuanjing.
Pei Xuanjing was also clear that there were not just one strongman in the imperial city, at least in the Life Simulation, another powerful Old Eunuch had appeared.
But so what?
Now, Pei Xuanjing wasn't afraid of anyone. If he wished, no one could stop his sword.
However, others did not know how confident Pei Xuanjing was.
The various major forces remained silent, just letting events run their course, wanting to see if the Prince Xiang could stop Pei Xuanjing.
As for the royal family, they regained smiles on their faces at this moment. The appearance of the Prince of Xiang undoubtedly boosted their confidence.
"Pei Xuanjing! I've heard of your name," the Prince of Xiang spoke loudly from behind his folded arms.
Perhaps due to his long-standing high position, the disdain in his tone is visible, and there is no attempt to hide it, or perhaps he simply felt no need to.
"So I am honored to hear such words from your highness?" said Pei Xuanjing in a playful tone.
While the sentence seems modest, the derision in his tone was apparent to all.
If someone else dared to talk to him in such a way, Zhu Yousong would have killed them long ago. But, a strong vendor like Pei Xuanjing could not be compared to ordinary people.
The Prince of Xiang, who was devoted to the martial arts, although he lived in Tiandu for a long time, he knew how fearful Pei Xuanjing•s record was and how many powerful people fell at his hands.
Zhu Yousong turned a deaf ear to the ridicule in the words and stared coldly at Pei Xuanjing.
Pei Xuanjing, however, completely ignored this, turned to Zhu Yousong and asked: "According to your highness' words, the ancestral teachings of the founding emperor of the Great Ming matter. If that's the case, I wonder what share belongs to my Shenxiao Sect…"
Before Pei Xuanjing finished his sentence, Zhu Yousong interrupted him, saying coldly: "However, your Shenxiao Sect once harbored ill intentions and has been destroyed. You have no standing!" With a calm face, Pei Xuanjing spoke again: "I, the Long Life Son of the Shenxiao Sect."
He merely repeated his identity, but everyone understood his meaning.
Zhu Yousong said in a deep voice: "Pei Xuanjing, what your Shenxiao Sect wanted to do, you probably know better than this prince. Respected Mr. Wang has already agreed to your demands, giving you a way out. Don't push your luck."
Although Zhu Yousong's surface was calm, he was somewhat angry internally, thinking that Pei Xuanjing was getting carried away..
Would Shenxiao Sect's former shenanigans be unknown to others, but not him?
In Zhu Yousong's view, the ambitious Shenxiao Sect was bound for destruction. If not, where would the majesty of the royal family lie?
Pei Xuanjing's appearance today, and Wang Qiong's acquiescence to his demands, were simply because Pei Xuanjing had already gained enough strength. If the two parties continued to tussle, it was likely to result in mutual losses.
Therefore, it was better to find a reason in the future to allow him to reestablish the Shenxiao Sect, preserving face for all. However, Pei Xuanjing's aggressive demeanor was excessive.
"Sigh!" Pei Xuanjing shook his head and sighed lightly, "It seems the Great Ming royal family is preparing to renege on their promise."
Zhu Yousong's face also sank, rage brewing in his heart. Even though he feared Pei Xuanjing's strength, he was not someone to be slaughtered at will.
With so many onlookers, if word of today's events spread, how would people view their Great Ming royal family?
"Does the Prince of Xiang intend to make a move against me?" Pei Xuanjing's gaze gradually cooled.
Zhu Yousong fell silent, calculating in the depths of his heart as he was fully aware of the consequences of making a move.
If he won, nothing more needed to be said. But if he lost, it would be hard to find a good ending today.
Pei Xuanjing was also silent, his momentum slowly rising, as if he would strike the moment a word was uttered.
Seeing Pei Xuanjing in this way, Zhu Yousong, as a pillar of the Great Ming royal family, knew that he absolutely couldn't falter and prepared to make his move.
The atmosphere on the field tightened again. Everyone knew that if these two battled, one of them was definitely going to fall.
"Both of you, cease."
Just as the battle was about to erupt, a peaceful voice rang out, like a spring breeze sweeping across the face, temporarily suppressing the tense situation.
Everyone turned to the source of the voice and found it to be Master Qingxu, the leader of the True Martial Sect.
A well-known strong man on the Supreme Rankings of the Martial World, he had been extremely low-key today in the Imperial City. No matter what happened in the field, he responded only with silence, as if oblivious.
But no one found it strange when this Taoist suddenly stepped forward at this time. Instead, they thought it was reasonable.
After all, over the centuries, the True Martial Sect had been the closest martial arts force to the Great Ming royal family. In the eyes of many, the relationship between the two was very close.
Pei Xuanjing and Zhu Yousong looked at each other, slowly dissipating their True Qi, and addressed Master Qingxu.
"Master, it'S been a long time." Zhu Yousong greeted Master Qingxu with a smile.
As one of the few strong men in the Great Ming royal family, his relationship with Qingxu was pretty good, with occasional letters exchanged.
"I greet Your Highness, the Prince of Xiang." Master Qingxu nodded with a smile.
Regarding the relationship between Pei Xuanjing and Qingxu, actually no one knew. Many speculated that Pei Xuanjing might be related to Dragon Tiger Mountain or closely connected with Baiyun Temple.
But this Remnant of Shenxiao, wanted by the imperial court, and the True Martial Sect, seemed to have no connection. Their only link was Master Qingxu's junior fellow Qingyang Zi, who was the Deputy Dean of the Martial Academy when Pei Xuanjing was there.
Of course, this did not include Wang Boan, who still clearly remembered that when he was settling the Ning King's rebellion, Qingxu Taoist had come to him, urging him not to attack Pei Xuanjing.
If Qingxu had remained silent before, he might have been skeptical of a possible collaboration between the two sides. But now that Qingxu Taoist suddenly stepped in, he saw it as almost confirming the connection between the two.
"No wonder, no wonder they are so confident." Wang Boan mused to himself.
Without realizing it, they had gathered an overwhelming force around them, which was suffocating.
Pei Xuanjing was unaware of Wang Boan's revelation of their plans, but he wouldn't care even if he knew.
Pretending not to recognize the other party, he addressed Qingxu Taoist with icy words. "I wonder what Master intends to do?"
Master Qingxu chuckled. "Both of you are renowned masters in the world. I just can't bear to see you at odds with each other. It would be a loss for Great Ming if anyone were to be harmed."
His words conveyed his neutrality. However, many others on the side viewed this as favoring Zhu Yousong, the Prince of Xiang.
Given the terrifying strength Pei Xuanjing had just exhibited, if the two were to fight, Zhu Yousong's chances of winning weren't great.
Before Pei Xuanjing could speak, Zhu Yousong turned to Master Qingxu and said, "Master…"
Though the words hadn't fully left his mouth, his expression of gratitude could hardly be concealed.
The strong wins in the storm, and the loyal serves in chaos.
Indeed, the True Martial Sect was an indispensable ally to the Great Ming royal family. Today, based solely on Master Qingxu's words, regardless of the outcome, it doesn't shame the great rewards offered by numerous emperors of the Great Ming royal family over the past six hundred years.
Compare this to the onlookers on the side. They have been supporting talents for six hundred years, yet never expected to breed a group of ambitious wolves. Did they think their ambition was not clear?
Pei Xuanjing's words interrupted Zhu Yousong's thoughts. "I don't usually prefer slaughter, but today's matter requires a resolution. If not…"
"Or what!" Zhu Yousong retorted fiercely.
Pei Xuanjing sneered, "Or I will personally take back what belongs to me."
"Why don't you try?"
"Hmm." Pei Xuanjing scoffed, with True Qi circulating and his momentum slowly rising again, showing signs of making another move.
In an instant, everyone felt a horrifying aura, as if even breathing became a bit difficult.
Zhu Yousong kept his bravery and was also ready to make a move.
"Both of you!" Master Qingxu shouted, his booming voice rang out, "Why don't you both listen to what I have to say, okay?"
He first asked Zhu Yousong:
"Your Highness, could you answer me, is the ancestral injunction left by the founding emperor still valid
"Of course!" Zhu Yousong responded definitively.
This was something that absolutely could not be denied.
"Good!" Master Qingxu nodded, and asked Pei Xuanjing again, "Taoist friend, what do you wish to achieve?"
"I want back that part of my Shenxiao Sect!" Pei Xuanjing calmly stated. Master Qingxu nodded and asked Zhu Yousong, "What does Your Highness think?"
At this time, almost all eyes are on him, anticipating his answer.
Of course, royal relatives, officials, or those in charge of major forces, different people had different emotions,
"Absolutely impossible!" The Prince of Xiang decisively refused.
He couldn't agree to this. Because if he agreed to this, what he would do when someone continued to ask for the same thing?
Pei Xuanjing remained calm, his face filled with confidence.
Master Qingxu then asked him, "So Taoist friend, are you insisting on your goal today?"
Hu hu…
Taoist Qingxu also fell into silence. It was clear what the two of them disagreed on, and neither was willing to back down.
But then, Pei Xuanjing spoke with a clear voice, "From a nameless nobody, I, Pei, have made a name for myself today. Along this journey, I've witnessed countless happenings and come to understand a few things."
All eyes turned to Pei Xuanjing, interested to hear what this formidable martial artist, regarded as potentially the strongest in the world, had to say.
"Regardless of right or wrong in this world, everything boils down to this: The law of the jungle." The law of the jungle!
These four words represent the most underlying principle of this world. Everything else is illusory, only the strong have the right to speak
Just like now, if Pei Xuanjing did not have the power, no one would pay him any attention today. Regardless of whether the label of a Remnant of Shenxiao on his back was false or not, nobody would care, they would merely seek to eradicate him.
However, even though Pei Xuanjing is a wanted man by the imperial court, they haven't tried to execute him. Instead, they're choosing to negotiate with him.
Because Pei Xuanjing's power frightens them. They understand that he possesses the power capable of destroying them.
The outcry of the weak falls on deaf ears, but the murmur of the strong is heard by all.
Everyone fell silent. No one could deny this truth.
No matter how much they adorn and embellish their daily lives, it cannot cover up their true nature.
Pei Xuanjing glanced at Zhu Yousong with a light smile, "I originally thought to solve this matter by exterminating the powerful ones of the royal family. Then no one would be able to object."
Although his words sounded calm, they were filled with an intense killing intent, making countless people gasp.
No one doubted whether Pei Xuanjing would do so.
Even though Pei Xuanjing claimed that he disliked bloodshed, nobody believed him.
After all, along the path of his rise to power, countless people have died beneath his feet.
One could say that Pei Xuanjing's ascendance was forged on the bones of countless powerful martial artists.
"You dare!" Zhu Yousong roared in anger.
For being insulted in such a way, he couldn't help but feel furious.
However, Pei Xuanjing ignored his anger, and continued calmly, "But today, I decided to give Taoist
Qingxu some face and choose a different method?"
Taoist Qingxu timely asked, "Please proceed, Taoist friend."
With a swish of his robe, Pei Xuanjing proposed loudly, "Since both parties are adamant, why not go for the simplest solution — to settle the dispute through a martial arts competition."
"Hehe, Taoist friend, your strength is immense. Even with my abilities, I'm afraid I'm no match for you. This seems a bit…" Taoist Qingxu left his sentence hanging, but his meaning was clear.
Given the strength that Pei Xuanjing had displayed, not just the imperial court of the Great Ming, but even the entire world, would lack confidence to defeat him.
Or in other words, if the imperial court of the Great Ming had someone who was confident about besting Pei Xuanjing, would they still be negotiating with him here?
However, when many heard Taoist Qingxu admit that even he couldn't defeat Pei Xuanjing, they were stunned. Despite having suspected as much, hearing it confirmed by Qingxu still left them astonished.
'Hehe.' Pei Xuanjing laughed lightly, "I haven't finished my thoughts, if today, anyone can withstand three of my moves, then let's leave today's matter aside. I shall turn around and leave without another word. How about it?"
If someone can withstand three of his moves, then they win?
Whoosh!
There was an uproar. Nobody expected Pei Xuanjing to be so arrogant.
Indeed, arrogant!
Even if they admitted that Pei Xuanjing is rightfully the strongest man in the world, such an attitude was disrespectful.
Leaving all else aside, the Prince of Xiang, Zhu Yousong, was close to being the supreme martial artist in the world. It'S only that Bai Xiaosheng hadn't ranked him so.
No one doubted that Pei Xuanjing could defeat him, but claiming that Zhu Yousong wouldn't even last three moves against him was excessively arrogant.
Many who originally planned to take advantage of Pei Xuanjing's power secretly frowned. They speculated whether Pei Xuanjing was worried about Taoist Qingxu and Zhu Yousong joining forces. It seemed he might be finding an opportunity to retreat.
Pei Xuanjing looked at Zhu Yousong with an inscrutable smile, "Your Highness, you can't even muster such courage?"
"Pei Xuanjing, how dare you insult me!" Zhu Yousong glared in anger.
He knew that Pei Xuanjing was trying to provoke him, but he accepted the challenge nonetheless.
Because at this point, there was no room for retreat. This proposition of Eng Xuanjing was an open scheme, they didn't have the option to refuse.
If they chose to refuse under such circumstances, the dignity of the Great Ming royal family would be swept away. In the future, how could the Zhu family have the face to rule this world and qualify to possess this vast and prosperous land.
Pei Xuanjing nodded in satisfaction, asking, "If Your Highness can withstand my three moves, the matter of today will be dropped. I will no longer bring it up and I will leave immediately. What if Your Highness is unable to do so?"
Zhu Yousong declared solemnly, "If today, this prince is unable to withstand your three moves, then, from today on, you, Pei Xuanjing, and the Zhu household shall share this Great Ming world!"
As his words echoed, a deathly silence fell.
"Deal!" A satisfied smile appeared on Pei Xuanjing's face.
He turned to Taoist Qingxu and said, "Would the Sect Leader kindly be our witness?"
"Agreed!" Taoist Qingxu nodded solemnly.
Having said that, he moved several feet away, leaving enough space for the two of them to duel.
In the middle of the square, the two stood facing each other.
Zhu Yousong, the Prince of Xiang, was dressed in a python robe with both hands behind his back, his expression solemn as he gazed at Pei Xuanjing.
Facing such an unprecedented opponent, he didn't dare to relax even if there were only three moves.
Because as a martial artist, he knew that if Pei Xuanjing dared to say so, he must have had enough confidence. Otherwise, it would simply be a humiliation to himself
So, these three moves he was about to face would definitely be the strongest of Pei Xuanjing's.
In other words, this could be even more dangerous than when he was under siege by Maitreya Sect Leader Zhao Baiyang and the Diamond Sect's Master. "Your Highness, are you ready?" Pei Xuanjing smiled.
"Make your move!"
As he spoke, Zhu Yousong's True Qi circulated within his body; Imperial Realm Worldly Skill was activated and a faint golden glow slowly emanated from his skin.
In an instant, he was entirely enveloped in golden Aura. With his hands slowly coming down from behind his back, and fingers clenched into fists, he was prepared to make his move.
"Good!" Pei Xuanjing grinned mildly. With a flick of his wrist, the Blood God Blade which he was toying with vanished, disappearing somewhere..