Library of Heaven's Path 2: Eternal Fate of the Heavens

Zhang Xuan looked in the direction from which the voice had come but failed to find the speaker. However, given that several attendants had silently disappeared from behind Prince Shen Ling, it appeared to be his doing.

Clearly, he was leading the narrative. As expected, even in other worlds, there were those who manipulated public opinion.

Had preparations been made in advance? If everyone were to offer up artifacts, how would the Bronze Tripod be divided?

While Zhang Xuan was puzzling over this, another voice arose from the crowd.

"Indeed, I agree with Prince Shen Ling's words, but when the Bronze Tripod descends, I hope everyone will rely on their own abilities to seize it. Whoever can Forge it, shall claim it!"

This time, as soon as the person spoke, Zhang Xuan identified the target—it was another attendant who had previously followed Shen Ling, but who had since quietly changed clothes and blended into the crowd unnoticed.

With these words, someone else piped up, "That's a good suggestion, but it isn't about seizing by one's ability but fair Forging. After all, we have contributed artifacts to aid in the soul rituals!"

"Yes, since we too have offered up artifacts, naturally we should have a chance to Forge!"

Two more attendants chimed in.

Hearing these words, the crowd erupted into murmurs of agreement, and everyone nodded in unison.

"They're right. If you want us to offer up artifacts for the soul rituals, you must give us a chance to Forge!"

"If we are unable to Forge the Bronze Tripod, it's because we lack the ability, and we won't blame others. But if we have contributed artifacts without getting a chance, then don't blame us for being impolite. Even if you are the prince of Zouyi City, we won't show deference!"

After listening to the people's comments, Shen Ling looked around and said, "I think I understand. You mean to say that whoever offers up artifacts for the soul rituals should be eligible to Forge the Bronze Tripod, right?"

"Yes!"

"We all think so. Otherwise, why would anyone be willing to contribute?"

The crowd unanimously nodded their heads.

"And what about those who haven't offered artifacts?" Shen Ling continued to inquire.

"Obviously, they have no right!"

"If they don't even want to offer artifacts, how can they have the face to Forge the Bronze Tripod?"

Someone immediately scoffed.

Shen Ling stopped asking others and turned to Shi Yunjing, Mo Baiye, and others, "What do you think?"

"I also think they make a lot of sense!"

Shi Yunjing nodded, "Whoever's artifacts are used in the offerings that summon the Bronze Tripod should be eligible. It's only fair and avoids chaos."

"I have no objections either; I think it's the best way!" Mo Baiye said.

"Since everyone agrees, then it's decided!"

Prince Shen Ling smiled faintly.

Zhang Xuan's gaze was filled with confusion.

From what he could see, among all the forces present, the royalty's power was the strongest; should the Bronze Artifact descend, if they were to forcefully be the first to Forge it, it seemed unlikely anyone would dare to compete.

Why then would he make such a suggestion, offering a share to everyone?

Zhang Xuan did not believe this man was so benevolent.

While pondering this, a flash of Spiritual Light crossed his mind, leading to a sudden epiphany. Zhang Xuan looked at the prince before him again, his face breaking into a meaningful smile, "Interesting..."

He had realized something that the others had not.

Seeing that everyone had agreed to his words, Shen Ling smiled slightly and turned to his nephew, Shen Wujun, the Seventh Prince, "Bring out the prepared artifacts, let us commence with the soul rituals now!"

"Yes!"

Shen Wujun nodded and took a few steps to the altar. With a flick of his wrist, an assortment of artifacts tumbled down, piling up densely like a small mountain.

Seeing these items, everyone was somewhat dumbfounded.

Among the treasures before their eyes were precious herbs, rare ores, invaluable pills, and various Origin Weapons...

There were items you could think of, and even those you couldn't!

Truly befitting of the royalty, they were indeed wealthy.

"No... taking out so many artifacts at once? Could it be... that Prince Shen Ling intends to perform the soul rituals by himself? Without us?" someone finally realized and tremulously spoke.

"To contribute all the offerings by oneself? If that's the case, does it mean we no longer have a chance to Forge?"

"Put in that way, did the request we just made bind us instead?"

Around them, a silence ensued, everyone looking at each other in dismay.

Zhang Xuan smiled.

Only now did they react, but it was obviously too late.

"Very clever of you. Just now you said, whoever provides the artifacts that cause the Bronze Tripod to fall has the right to Forge it, and whoever did not contribute artifacts wouldn't compete... If the artifacts I brought cause all four Bronze Tripods to fall, then this Heavenly Destiny of Ceremony is mine!"

Prince Shen Ling: "Just now you all personally agreed. You wouldn't suddenly go back on your word at this time, would you? If so, I fear you would be violating the rules of Zhilan Valley. Should punishment befall you, I would be powerless to help you."

"You... you were misleading us on purpose just now?"
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"Trapped, damn it..."

It was only now that everyone realized the situation fully, each with an ugly expression on their face.

Originally, everyone thought that by contributing artifacts, there would be a chance to Forge the Bronze Tripod and thus have a shot at the Second-level Heavenly Destiny. Now it seemed that the other side was not giving any chance at all!

You are just a retail investor, while the other party is the big player!

With just a casual contribution of artifacts, they could dominate the whole affair, regardless of your excuses!

"You few, guard the altar well and let no one approach!"

Ignoring the frustrated crowd, Prince Shen Ling smiled lightly, took two steps towards the altar and grabbed at the huge pile of artifacts in front of him, throwing them over.

Hum!

The altar was momentarily enveloped in light, and a rainbow beam descended from the sky, casting upon the artifacts as if a fishing line, lifting them all up. These artifacts transformed into pure Strength along the colorful stream, drifting towards the sky.

"This is a successful soul ritual!"

"Indeed, it's possible to perform a ritual..."

Seeing this scene, amidst their anger, everyone also heaved a sigh of relief.

Zhou Ji had not deceived them; the method of ritual was indeed viable. It was just uncertain how much it would consume in the end.

As the artifacts rose into the sky, the leftmost Bronze Tripod suddenly quivered. The rock wall emitted intense sounds of fracturing.

Suddenly, as if drawn by a force, the Bronze Tripod broke free from the rock wall and plummeted straight towards the crowd.

"Wonderful..."

With eyes lighting up, Prince Shen Ling hurriedly welcomed it.

The others saw the Bronze Tripod falling and wanted to reach out to snatch it, but in the end, they stopped.

They had already agreed just now. Even if they hadn't contributed any artifacts, not to mention the potential punishment by the rules, such immorality and disrespect meant that even if they obtained the four Bronze Tripods, they likely couldn't inherit anything!

To snatch or not to snatch, they could only watch as the Prince before them obtained the inheritance... In an instant, everyone fell into a dilemma, with Mo Baiye and Shi Yunjing being no exception.

There was one person who was different from them, namely Zhang Xuan. At this moment, he did not hold these concerns; his mind was occupied by a single doubt—where had Empyrean Kong shi gone?