A Father-Son Talk, Dai Yutian's Unconventional Investment (Seeking Readership)

Dai Yichen watched his nominal father unexpectedly reveal the smile of an old fox, and he no longer had the strength to complain internally. Was this the mindset of an emperor?

No, this was a classic case of shifting responsibility. He was all too familiar with it.

Dai Yichen sighed softly to himself. He had no intention of dragging things out with his Father Emperor either. He had never been particularly satisfied with this system of competition to begin with, and had planned to bring it up once he became stronger in the future.

Still, he had to put on an act. Dai Yichen immediately put on a bitter expression and looked at Dai Yutian. "Father Emperor, I'm just a child who has only recently awakened his Martial Soul. Can you really bear to treat me like this? Whatever you say goes. If you want to reform the competition system, then as your son, I'll support you one hundred percent!"

Seeing Dai Yichen looking ready to throw a tantrum, Zhu Ming's heart pounded wildly. He felt as though his clothes had already been soaked through with cold sweat.

Dai Yutian chuckled as he watched his fourth son perform before him. As his Father Emperor, he knew exactly what kind of person he was!

Ever since he could remember, the boy had spent every spare moment immersed in the library. He had also shown exceptional intelligence, making him the cleverest of his four sons. That was why Dai Yutian had made an exception and allowed him some contact with the Zhu Family's third daughter. Then, the courage he had displayed yesterday had pleased him even more, prompting him to make another exception and summon him here to hear his thoughts.

Dai Yutian said calmly, "Enough. Today is just a father-son talk, so you don't need to be so nervous. I watched you grow up. Do you think I don't know what you're like? Tell me what you think. This is your only chance today. Once today passes, it won't be so easy to change the imperial family's rules of competition!"

Zhu Ming's eyes nearly popped out at those words. Was this the value of Innate Full Soul Power talent?

Even Dai Weisi, the First Prince, was always thoroughly respectful before Dai Yutian. He would never dare make jokes like this.

He had known Dai Yutian for so long, yet this was the first time he had heard the words "father-son talk." Was it somewhat inappropriate for him to remain here? Was he supposed to count as the father or the son?

Since his Father Emperor had said as much, Dai Yichen could only put away the fake bitter smile on his face and regain his composure. "Father Emperor, since you've asked me to speak, then I'll offer my humble opinion, for your reference only!"

"Hurry up. Cut the nonsense!"

Dai Yichen said, "Father Emperor, I believe the overall framework doesn't need to change. We only need to add a little humanity to it. Those who lose the competition don't actually need to have their cultivation crippled or be put to death. As for the matches between both sides, those capable of using the Hell White Tiger can fight in pairs. Those who cannot use the Hell White Tiger, such as Third Brother and me, can fight Eldest Brother one-on-one once we reach the proper age."

Dai Yutian shook his head. "That would be too lenient. You should know the state of the Heaven Dou Empire's imperial family, right? Of their four princes, two died from poisoning. The Fourth Prince is extravagant, debauched, and utterly useless. Although the First Prince, Xue Qinghe, has achieved decent political results, he is also useless in terms of strength. If this continues, they will inevitably perish even without our intervention."

It had to be said that, as an emperor who had fought his way out of mountains of corpses and seas of blood, Dai Yutian possessed considerable foresight.

Ten thousand years later, the Heaven Dou Empire indeed no longer existed. However, the Star Luo Empire did not fare much better; even its imperial family had been replaced.

"Father Emperor, I understand that as well. But our imperial family cannot keep relying on the so-called Martial Soul Fusion Skill. The Hell White Tiger may be powerful, but its drawbacks are also enormous. Father Emperor, you should know that too, right?"

Dai Yutian nodded. Of course he knew. The Hell White Tiger, passed down through generations of the Star Luo Empire, was renowned across the continent. Its strengths and weaknesses had likely long been thoroughly studied by every major sect and Spirit Hall.

Dai Yichen continued, "And the main reason Father Emperor summoned me today was because you value my potential and want me to break this deadlock, right? It may sound a little narcissistic, but I have a very good chance of becoming the first person in our imperial family to reach the rank of Titled Douluo. And given the uniqueness of my Martial Soul, my upper limit definitely won't be low!"

Having had his thoughts exposed, Dai Yutian looked at Dai Yichen's irritating grin and felt inexplicably displeased. "Oh? You really are confident. How about this? When you are twelve, you can fight your Eldest Brother. If you win, I'll agree to your proposal. What do you think? This matter is of great importance, after all. If you don't produce some results, I won't be able to implement it."

In the end, Dai Yichen and Dai Yutian discussed the matter in the study for a long time. Naturally, he accepted Dai Yutian's proposal.

As for his Second Brother and the Zhu Family's second daughter three years later, Dai Yutian also stated that even if they lost, their cultivation would not be crippled. Instead, they would be secretly sent to the borders of the Star Luo Empire for training. However, both of them would have to wear masks and could not use their Martial Soul Fusion Skill.

With Dai Yutian's assurance, Dai Yichen naturally had nothing to worry about.

As for whether the identities of his Second Brother and the Zhu Family's second daughter would be exposed because of their Martial Souls, that was naturally impossible. After all, they were not the only two people in the army who possessed the White Tiger Martial Soul and Netherworld Spirit Cat Martial Soul.

For the next few years, Dai Yutian promised not to restrict his movements. That was the most crucial part. Once his strength grew even a little, he would have to make a trip into the Heaven Dou Empire!

Inside the study.

Dai Yutian said expressionlessly, "Zhu Ming, do you think I made the right decision this time?"

Zhu Ming knew full well that Dai Yutian was not actually asking for his opinion, so he replied, "Every decision Your Majesty makes is correct. It was not easy for the imperial family to produce a prince with Innate Full Soul Power. If he were crippled because of this imperial family competition rule, that would truly be a pity."

Dai Yutian chuckled. "Old man, don't think I don't know what you're thinking. You're feeling sorry for your family's three daughters, aren't you?"

At those words, cold sweat immediately poured down Zhu Ming's back, and he directly dropped to his knees. "I wouldn't dare! I wouldn't dare! It is their blessing to be able to share the imperial family's burdens!"

No matter what, he had to say the right things.

Dai Yutian laughed loudly. "Hahaha! You don't need to be so nervous. If Yichen's strength truly grows to the point where he can suppress the Hell White Tiger in the future, then so be it if this rule is abolished!"

Dai Yutian glanced out the window, hoping that his decision had not been wrong.

At first, when he learned that Dai Yichen possessed Innate Full Soul Power, a thought had actually crossed his mind. Perhaps he could train him into a royal guardian, someone who would assist the future emperor and empress—Dai Weisi and Zhu Zhuyun.

Because barring any surprises, Dai Weisi and Zhu Zhuqing would ultimately emerge victorious due to their advantage in age.