LGHTNOVELBOOK Chapter 35 - Xia Tian's Calculations and the Emperor’s Impending Demise
Chapter 35: Xia Tian’s Calculations and the Emperor’s Impending Demise
Hidden within a rift in the void, Xia Tian observed the events unfolding in the Imperial Palace. The sight of the blood pool before the emperor, filled with refined essence from his own progeny, left Xia Tian both disgusted and resolute. The emperor’s desperation for immortality had driven him to unforgivable extremes, sacrificing his children for fleeting vitality.
“Since he has chosen ruthlessness, he shouldn’t expect mercy,” Xia Tian thought coldly, his eyes narrowing.
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Even as Xia Tian processed the emperor’s actions, his keen senses drew his attention to a clandestine meeting nearby. In the mansion of Wu Kaisheng, the Prime Minister of Great Xia and head of the influential Wu Clan, a sinister conversation unfolded.
Wu Kaisheng’s guest was none other than the black-robed man who had just reported to the emperor. With a sly smile, the man revealed, “I’ve added poison to the emperor’s blood essence. While he believes his health is improving, he will perish within a year.”
Wu Kaisheng nodded in satisfaction. “Once the emperor is gone, we’ll install the ninth prince as a puppet ruler. At that point, the empire will be ours to control.”
The two shared a laugh, envisioning a future where Wu Kaisheng would wield unchecked power as the de facto ruler of Great Xia.
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From his vantage point, Xia Tian observed the conspiracy with disdain. “A puppet emperor? What fools,” he thought. “Even without my interference, these men would fail. The Martial God, Xia Chenxian, still guards the empire. Do they think they can act with impunity?”
Despite their machinations, Xia Tian refrained from intervening directly. Instead, he set his own plans in motion. A casual wave of his hand caused the emperor to collapse into unconsciousness, halting the immediate threat to his life. Xia Tian disappeared, confident that his strategy would yield results.
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As dawn broke, the streets of Great Xia’s capital came alive with activity. Merchants shouted their wares, carts rumbled along cobblestone roads, and the city hummed with energy. Yet beneath this façade of normalcy, the Imperial Palace was in chaos.
A breathless messenger burst into Xia Tian’s estate. “Your Highness, the emperor has fallen gravely ill! It’s feared he may soon pass.”
Feigning shock, Xia Tian’s expression shifted to one of grave concern. “How could this happen? I must go to the palace at once,” he declared, rushing toward the Imperial Palace.
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By the time Xia Tian arrived, the palace was in disarray. Courtiers, guards, and physicians filled the corridors, their faces pale with tension. Outside the emperor’s bedchamber, over a dozen princes and two princesses stood in anxious clusters. Despite their solemn expressions, many eyes gleamed with ambition.
As the chamber doors creaked open, a figure emerged. Clad in grey robes, with a weathered face and commanding presence, Xia Chenxian, the Martial God of Great Xia, stepped forward. His aura exuded unshakable strength, silencing the restless crowd.
As Xia Tian watched the unfolding drama, his mind worked rapidly. The emperor’s impending death presented both an opportunity and a challenge. The power vacuum would inevitably spark a fierce struggle for the throne. Xia Tian, however, was determined to rise above the fray.
His strategy was clear:
Leverage Public Perception: Xia Tian’s timely arrival and composed demeanour would position him as a stabilising force during the crisis.
Utilise Xia Chenxian’s Influence: The Martial God’s support was crucial. Xia Tian planned to align with him, ensuring both military and moral backing.
Neutralise Rivals: The scheming Wu Kaisheng and his puppet prince, the ninth, would be dealt with decisively.
Claim the Throne: By presenting himself as the only viable leader, Xia Tian would secure his position as emperor and lay the groundwork for his larger ambitions.