The closer they drew to Star Luo Imperial City, the more Dai Mubai was plagued by a homesick timidity. His heart thumped wildly, and an indescribable emotion filled his chest, leaving him deeply stifled.
After all, he had fled the imperial city six years ago and run to the Heaven Dou Empire precisely to avoid competing with Dai Weisi. He had believed himself no match for Dai Weisi, so for the sake of his own life, he had chosen to flee. Now, he was returning to the imperial city as a successful man, wanting to tell its many residents that Dai Mubai had completed his transformation. He was certain to win under the so-called imperial family succession rules, and the position of crown prince would be his as well.
Within the Star Luo Empire's imperial palace, Emperor Dai Tianli was holding a meeting with a group of princes, nobles, and ministers. They were discussing what form the competition between Dai Mubai and Dai Weisi would take under the imperial family succession rules—whether they should follow the old rules or increase the difficulty. After all, one was about to advance to Soul Emperor, while the other was already a Soul Sage above level seventy. No matter how they competed, both had already surpassed the highest level of martial strength among past imperial family members. If the two merely fought a match, Dai Mubai would win with ease.
Those close to the eldest prince, however, brought up the fact that Dai Mubai had fled to the Heaven Dou Empire and remained there for six years. They believed he had long since forfeited his qualifications. The Star Luo Empire had no need for a cowardly prince to become crown prince and be established as the heir apparent.
As for the other ministers who