The obscure Seventh Prince actually wields the authority of the Royal Capital's Formation Technique hub. If this news were to spread, I'm afraid the other princes would be shocked beyond measure.
But what intrigued Pei Xuanjing was how this secretive matter came to be known by the Ninth Prince, and moreover, why he was so certain, without the slightest attempt at concealment, directly and straightforwardly seeking to confess and ask for help from him.
Why was he so confident?
Every person's existence must have value, whether for oneself or others; only by having enough value can one achieve a matching status.
Pei Xuanjing actually agreed with this statement. Whether it's through formidable power or direct or indirect influence on others, unless one needs nothing and lives alone, one must demonstrate a certain value.
In this Heaven and Earth, Pei Xuanjing's identity is that of the Seventh Prince of the Great Ming Dynasty, without Martial Arts talent or powerful supporters. The reason he could live so peacefully in Taixuan Temple without being disturbed was because of his value, his talent in Taoist Skill, and the possibility of taking charge of the Royal Capital's Formation Technique hub in the future.
...
Over the years, Pei Xuanjing did nothing, accomplished no feats, yet in addition to his royal expenses for food, clothing, and other necessities, he also received a continuous stream of Cultivation resources from the Emperor. The reason was that Pei Xuanjing's talent in Taoist Skill was valuable to the Emperor.
After his capping ceremony, Pei Xuanjing naturally revealed some of his Taoist Skill talent and Cultivation Realm. Perhaps it was because the way of Taoist Skill had declined for too long in this World, or perhaps because Pei Xuanjing was of True Immortal essence; even though Pei Xuanjing believed he had only revealed an insignificant part of his Taoist Skill abilities, he still far surpassed the current Wielder of the Great Ming Royal Capital's Formation Technique hub.
This situation astonished the old Emperor of the Great Ming Dynasty, as the power of the same Formation Technique hub under Pei Xuanjing's control proved to be many times stronger than that of the original Wielder.
This was the reason why the Emperor was unwilling to let Pei Xuanjing, who should have returned to his fief after the capping ceremony, leave the Royal Capital, because with Pei Xuanjing present, activating the Royal Capital's Formation Technique hub would prevent even the Supreme Strong from the Twelve-Floor Tower from breaking the formation within several months.
And these few months would be enough for all the Powerhouses of the Great Ming Dynasty to rush from any location to protect the Emperor. Thus, Pei Xuanjing's presence was like an added trump card for the old Emperor, securing his invincible position.
Although Pei Xuanjing used his young age as a reason to express his reluctance to take charge of the Formation Technique hub too early and rejected the Emperor, he still obtained part of the royal hub authority and could intervene and take control of the royal Formation Technique hub whenever necessary.
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"With the Emperor's way of thinking, had I shown an eagerness to take control of the Formation Technique hub at that time, would the Emperor immediately switch from excitement to concern?" A mocking smile emerged at the corners of Pei Xuanjing's mouth.
Emperors are solitary figures, trusting no one completely—only themselves. Everyone else is merely a tool for them, used to balance and maintain their rule.
Indeed, Pei Xuanjing had shown extraordinary Taoist Skill talent, capable of activating the Formation Technique hub and doubling its power, which was a good thing for the entire Great Ming Dynasty and the Emperor.
But at the same time, it was also a double-edged sword. It meant that after taking control of the Formation Technique hub, Pei Xuanjing would become an invincible presence within the Royal Capital, which for the supreme Emperor, was not just about protection but also a significant threat.
So, the initial refusal by Pei Xuanjing was the most appropriate outcome, a result that was acceptable to both parties. If Pei Xuanjing had been an impetuous youth who eagerly agreed to take control of the Formation Technique hub when the Emperor offered, he would not only have lost the opportunity to take charge, but he might also have become the Emperor's greatest threat, being sent back to his fief at best and disappearing at worst.
Never overestimate the moral bottom line of an Emperor; for any Emperor, maintaining their rule is always the priority, especially for an Emperor like the old sovereign, unwilling to relinquish power.
Pei Xuanjing's choice pleased everyone. He had partial authority which he could use to protect himself when necessary, but it was not so much that it would become a threat to him. This was the most satisfying outcome for the Emperor.
"Hehe, how could a mere mortal who has never truly encountered a True Immortal possibly imagine the majesty of a True Immortal?" A faint smile emerged on Pei Xuanjing's face, and in his palm hovered a rotating seal – the very seal that could invoke the Royal Capital's Formation Technique hub.
The practice of Taoist Skill in this Heaven and Earth had declined for too long, causing the Powerhouses of this Realm to forget just how profound the Divine Abilities of Taoist Skill could be—at least their current understanding was incapable of imagining it.
The way of Formation Techniques, while not a mainstream Cultivation system in the Daming World's Cultivation World, is something most Cultivators are skilled in to some extent. They play a role whether in gathering Heaven and Earth Essence Qi, protecting oneself during Cultivation, among other things.
Although Pei Xuanjing has not been exposed to many Formation Techniques, and cannot be considered a grandmaster, or even proficient in them, at least with his True Immortal Realm, he can clearly see through the essence of most Formations Techniques and find their core.
Indeed, the Royal Capital's Formation Technique is a long-standing tradition, and Pei Xuanjing, in his current Realm, cannot replicate or fully comprehend it. However, this does not mean that after obtaining a part of the hub authority, he is unable to refine a seal to acquire control of the Formation Technique.
Therefore, in this brief period, Pei Xuanjing used his insight and Realm to erode and analyze the essence of this Formation Technique hub. Although he could not integrate it fully, refining a seal to control this hub was effortless.
"Is this Ninth Prince the one you cultivated as a counterbalance to your other two sons?" Pei Xuanjing's smile turned wry, as he reflected, "It seems, however, that he's not content with just being a counterbalance; he has his own plans."
Not only Pei Xuanjing but everyone could see that the old Emperor had promoted the rise of the Ninth Prince to balance the power of the Second and Third Princes, lest his own sons' power become too great, threatening his position.
And there was little doubt that it was the Emperor who revealed Pei Xuanjing's authority over the Formation Technique hub. However, it seems there has been an oversight, as now it appears that the Ninth Prince is unwilling to simply serve as the Emperor's pawn, just a counterbalance.
"However, as a prince who has already come this far, it would be strange if he lacked ambition," Pei Xuanjing's eyes lit up with curiosity.
From the Ninth Prince's visit to Pei Xuanjing, it was apparent that this prince was quite ambitious, having his own plans and not willing to act entirely as the old Emperor had anticipated.
To Pei Xuanjing, this was only to be expected. Whether by choice or by circumstance, the Ninth Prince had come to a point of no return. Having involved himself in the struggle for succession, regardless of his initial intentions, such was the reality.
Thus, if he could not emerge victorious, he would not fare well under the rule of either the Second or Third Prince who ascended the throne. Considering this, he might as well give it his all.
"In that case, the battle for the throne is likely to become even more thrilling," Pei Xuanjing's deep gaze betrayed no emotion.
Whether in the past or present, Pei Xuanjing had always been an observer, never involving himself in the struggle for succession because it was simply not worth his effort.
...
A mere Mortal Dynasty couldn't compare to the Great Ming Divine Dynasty, so why should Pei Xuanjing bother to contend for it? Perhaps if it were a Divine Dynasty with the heritage of a True Immortal, then it might be worthwhile for him to compete.
The Ninth Prince's visit was but a minor episode in Pei Xuanjing's life, of no concern to him, yet for the entire Royal Capital, especially for the Second and Third Princes who had thought victory was within their grasp, it certainly complicated matters.
The rise of the Ninth Prince was clearly supported by the old Emperor, a fact understood by all. The two princes also realized that the Ninth Prince's ascent was the Emperor's way of keeping them in check due to his wariness of them.
Understanding was one thing, but acceptance was another. The Second and Third Princes immediately took action to suppress the Ninth Prince, who, undaunted, struck back decisively.
The conflict between the three princes intensified by the day, eventually becoming an overt struggle for power and influence, and signs of decay began to appear in the overall situation of Dahong Dynasty.
Then came a foreign invasion. Seizing the opportunity to command the troops once more, the Ninth Prince led his forces into battle, an excellent chance to hold military power. But to the Second and Third Princes, it was also an opportunity to seize the moment and eliminate the Ninth Prince's support, for his rise had been recent and his foundations were not yet firm.
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In one year's time, having repelled the invading forces and earned considerable merits, the Ninth Prince returned to Court. Unfortunately, many of his supporters, aides, and allies in the Court were ousted during this period.
As the old Emperor's health declined, the Court fell under the control of the Second and Third Princes. One could say that now, aside from the temporary command of the army he held, there were no allies left for him in the Court.
Holding military power was only temporary. Not to mention that in Dahong, no one could command the army for a long period, and as a prince, he could not retain command upon his return to the Royal Capital.
Thus, the Ninth Prince, soon to return to the Royal Capital, knew that with his supporters drastically reduced to one-tenth and the Emperor unable to intervene, surrendering his military command upon arrival would mean his end.
The Ninth Prince did not want to die, especially not after having just ascended to high power and tasted authority. He naturally would not be willing to give up and face death.
"Given the current situation, with His Majesty critically ill and blinded by the Second and Third Princes, neglecting Court affairs, the day you return to the Royal Capital will be the day of Your Highness's death. In such a situation where the son does not know the father, and the father does not know the son, we hope Your Highness will prioritize the big picture and for the sake of Dahong's rivers and mountains, purge the Court and restore a Bright Universe to our Great Ming Divine Dynasty."
These were the exhortations of the Ninth Prince's trusted staff officers and those martial powerhouses who had pledged allegiance to him, and they also reflected their thoughts and will.
To the Ninth Prince, returning to the Royal Capital and handing over command was akin to walking into his own demise, and for these people, the situation was almost the same. Even if they survived by chance, they would lose the glory, wealth, and status they once had.
Therefore, they urged the Ninth Prince to seize the moment upon his victorious return to the Royal Capital, while the army was still in his control, and make a bold move.
The Ninth Prince agreed. In such circumstances, with no way back and no other choice, he could only instigate a military coup and seize power to gain the right to live.
Today, as it was back then, no one would have imagined that the Ninth Prince, once heralded for leading the army to quell the Fifth Prince's rebellion and thus rising to participate in the succession struggle, would today tread the same path as the Fifth Prince and conspire to rebel.
However, the situation and opportunities before the Ninth Prince were far superior to what the Fifth Prince had faced. At least the Ninth Prince, leading his army back to the Royal Capital, encountered no resistance and smoothly brought tens of thousands of elite soldiers to just outside the Royal Capital. Only one last step was needed to take control of the Royal Capital and succeed.
The key thing was the Royal Capital's Formation Technique nexus. Without control over the nexus, even if his elite troops seized critical locations within the Royal Capital, his opponents would still have the chance to turn the tables.
Therefore, at this time, the Ninth Prince risked a personal, secretive visit to the Taixuan Temple within the Royal Capital to seek Pei Xuanjing's assistance, hoping to get his support to ensure that the Royal Capital's Formation Technique nexus would not be an obstacle in his upcoming actions, and might even aid him.
"All of this has nothing to do with me. I am but a cultivator who seeks the Tao single-mindedly," Pei Xuanjing didn't directly respond to the Ninth Prince's request but expressed his neutral stance with these words.
Indeed, Pei Xuanjing maintained a neutral stance, uninvolved and equally unwilling to stop the other party, even though he had the qualifications to participate. Still, Pei Xuanjing let things take their course.
Pei Xuanjing did not care who lost or won. He had neither the obligation nor the responsibility to help either side, as he bore no relation to any of them.
As long as they did not disturb Pei Xuanjing or presumptuously attempt to command him, he would let everything take its course.
Should someone act foolishly, however, even if they emerged victorious, Pei Xuanjing had more than enough power to ensure their failure.
Having understood Pei Xuanjing's stance, the Ninth Prince promptly acted without hesitation, leading his army into the Royal Capital. Before others could react, his elite units took control of the various strategic locations within the Royal Capital.
Caught off guard by the Ninth Prince's sudden move, the Second and Third Princes rapidly allocated troops while also leading their own powerful warriors into the Imperial City, aiming to see the Emperor and request his intervention to strip the Ninth Prince of his military authority and reverse the situation.
Alas, it was too late. The Ninth Prince had already prepared for this, setting up obstacles on the essential routes into the Imperial City to intercept and eliminate both parties.