No one else in the hall noticed the commotion around Hua Zhen. The newly risen civilization Left Wing King Miller was discussing already posed a certain threat to Angel Civilization and had to be treated with caution, so everyone listened intently.
"This Lieyang Civilization is located in the Heavenly Dao Star System, several million light-years from the Angel Nebula. The concentration of stars there is extremely high. That is likely why they were able to develop this special Super Gene."
"And there is another point. As a newly emerged power, their ambitions are considerable. They are like rabid dogs—whenever they set their eyes on a resource, no matter who it belongs to or how strong its owner is, they seize it through war!"
Miller truly was capable. In barely a year, he had gathered so much intelligence on Lieyang Civilization. In the entire Heavenly Palace, perhaps not even Right Wing King He Zheng could compare to him.
After pondering for a moment, the Old Angel King asked, "So, a year ago, Lieyang Civilization launched its massive invasion because it had set its sights on Kunt Civilization's Dark LiuJin Ore Vein?"
The Dark LiuJin Ore Vein was a common material containing Dark Element. It looked like ordinary stone on the surface, yet possessed metallic properties. Its greatest advantage was its ability to conduct Dark Energy. The Standard Longswords used by Angel Civilization's army achieved Dark Energy transmission by incorporating this substance.
"Yes." Miller nodded. "Lieyang Civilization only recently entered the Gene Era. Due to a shortage of special resources in their star system, they could not mass-produce Dark Alloy Weapons. When they invaded Kunt Civilization, most of their flagship fleet relied on conventional warfare. Only a small number of people wielded Dark Alloy Weapons in battle, so Your Majesty's deduction is correct."
He paused. "And, Angel King, I have made another discovery!"
"Oh?" Hua Que's brows furrowed almost imperceptibly. "What is it?"
Miller narrowed his eyes. "While gathering intelligence on Lieyang Civilization, I found many traces left behind by Horton Civilization. Therefore, I suspect that Lieyang Civilization is very likely working with Horton Civilization to target us together!"
Hua Que flew into a rage. "Hmph! That sly old fox Horton! I was wondering why he had been so quiet these past few years. So he was plotting against me in secret. Does he really think joining forces with some greenhorn means he can do anything to Angel Civilization?"
"Those bastards have truly grown bold!" Hua Ye suddenly stepped out from the crowd and loudly requested, "Father, I am willing to lead troops to Kunt and wipe out those fools who dare run wild within Angel Civilization's sphere of influence!"
"First Prince, your intentions are appreciated." The Old Angel King's expression softened somewhat. "However, Kunt has always been a star region under Old Second's jurisdiction. There is no need for you to concern yourself with it."
Hua Ye sneered. "Heh, Old Second has been fighting Horton Civilization there for so many years. Ever since that incident, I have yet to see any notable achievements from him. And now there is an additional Lieyang Civilization. Can he truly handle it?"
"Horton Civilization entered the Gene Era even earlier than Angel Civilization did. Some of their research equipment is even more advanced than ours. In our past wars against them, Angel Civilization suffered more losses than victories. Only after I took over that region did the situation begin to change. If it had been you, First Prince, perhaps the entire Western Territory would have fallen long ago!"
"What did you say?!"
Hua Tuo curled his lip disdainfully and looked toward the Old Angel King. "Father, I have fought Horton Civilization for many years and thoroughly understand their methods of war. As for the newly emerged Lieyang Civilization... I will take the intelligence my teacher gathered back and study it carefully."
"Rest assured, Second Prince. I had already prepared a copy of the intelligence for you." Miller timely added.
"Since that is the case, then it is settled. Old Second, return and make some preparations. In three days, lead troops to Kunt and let those rats see what happens when they provoke Angel Civilization!" the Old Angel King declared, making the final decision.
Hua Ye spat inwardly and returned to his place unwillingly.
"Father." At that moment, Hua Zhen, who had remained silent all this time, suddenly spoke. Under everyone's puzzled gazes, he walked to Hua Tuo's side and requested, "Father, I have now come of age. By past custom, it is time for me to go out and gain experience. Since war has broken out in the Western Territory, why not let me accompany Second Brother and campaign against Horton... Lieyang Civilization?"
Whether in his previous life or this one, "war" had always been an extremely unfamiliar word to Hua Zhen. Though he had never personally experienced it, he had long witnessed its brutality through films and television dramas.
Under normal circumstances, he would never have requested permission from the Old Angel King to join a battle. But now, he had no choice, because this Lieyang Civilization was directly connected to whether he could find clues to returning home!
Hua Tuo's brows furrowed almost imperceptibly.
This brat is acting strange today. Never mind why for now—if he goes to the Western Territory and discovers some of my secrets...
Thinking this, he sternly rebuked him. "Old Third, stop fooling around! You may have come of age, and your genes may have been upgraded, but that does not mean you are qualified to participate in a high-level war. War between advanced civilizations is not as simple as you imagine!"
"Don't look down on people, Old Second..." Hua Ye's sarcastic voice drifted over. "What qualifications? If you can take part, why can't Old Third? What kind of logic is that?" As he spoke, he walked to Hua Zhen's side and patted him on the shoulder, looking every bit like an elder brother offering support.
Now that Hua Zhen's relationship with the Second Prince had grown increasingly close, he had naturally become Hua Ye's political enemy within the Heavenly Palace. Before, since Hua Zhen had not yet come of age, even when Hua Ye caused trouble, it had only been over trivial matters. But now...
The Second Prince saw through Hua Ye's intentions at a glance. How could he possibly let him have his way? He said coldly, "First Prince, put away your little schemes!"
"What schemes could I possibly have?" Hua Ye theatrically spread his hands, then provocatively said, "Old Third wants to go out and see the world. Are you going to interfere with even that? Or is it that... Old Second, you lack the confidence to protect him on the battlefield?"
Hua Zhen could not be bothered with that man full of malicious schemes. He stared unwaveringly at the Old Angel King, waiting for his response.
Hua Que calmly glanced at the First Prince before saying to Hua Zhen, "Just as your Second Brother said, this is your first time going out to gain experience. Your father cannot possibly allow you to directly participate in a war of this level!"
"Why?!" Hua Zhen took two steps forward. If he could not go to the battlefield, he could not come into contact with Lieyang Civilization. He could not help feeling anxious. "Father, are you not simply worried that I might encounter danger on the battlefield? I am already quite strong now. If you do not believe me, just find someone to test me. I guarantee—"
"This is utter nonsense!" The Old Angel King cut him off with an angry shout. His face was dark as water, his rage beyond restraint. "The purpose of sending you out to gain experience is to teach you how to plan and command from within the tent, not to turn you into some reckless brute who charges into battle! Do you understand or not?!"
The Old Angel King had suppressed his anger toward Hua Zhen for a long time. There was no other reason: over the past eight years, all four princes—even Old Fourth, the youngest—had established powers of their own. Only this worthless brat spent all day neglecting proper duties and tinkering with food, drink, and entertainment, with not the slightest intention of competing for the throne.
What angered him most was that Hua Zhen had even driven the tutor assigned to teach him the arts of kingship out of the Bedroom Palace. What exactly was going through his head?
Seeing the Old Angel King lose his temper, everyone in the hall did not even dare breathe loudly. Hua Zhen, however, was an exception. The clues to returning home were simply too tempting to him. "But, Father..."
"No buts!" The Old Angel King did not wish to hear any more and coldly interrupted him. "I called you and Old Fourth here today to discuss your respective trips outside to gain experience. Balo, tell everyone present what you previously reported to me!"
Hua Zhen was unwilling to accept this and had wanted to say more, but the Second Prince Hua Tuo grabbed his arm. Looking up and feeling the Old Angel King's icy gaze upon him, he could only sigh helplessly. After placing a hand over his chest in salute, he followed Hua Tuo back to his place.
On the other side, Hua Ye smacked his lips, clearly disappointed that the Old Angel King had rejected Hua Zhen's request. As for Fourth Prince Hua Xiong, when he saw the person stepping out from beside him, an enigmatic curve lifted at the corner of his mouth.
Before you continue