"Quick! Someone, come quick!" A Soul Master screamed in utter terror, his voice piercing the thick palace walls. "Your Majesty! His Majesty has come to! His Majesty has come to!!!"
The terrified cry crashed through the silent sleeping quarters like thunder on level ground, instantly spreading throughout the area and reaching Xue Ye and Xue Xing in the nearby side hall with perfect clarity.
The wild joy on Xue Xing's face froze for an instant before turning into even greater obsequiousness. He lowered his voice excitedly.
"Your Majesty! Did you hear that? Wonderful news! The greatest news!"
"Congratulations, Your Majesty. You'll soon ascend the throne!"
Xue Ye's heart pounded wildly, and overwhelming joy nearly drowned him. Fumbling, he began stripping off the Dragon Robe he wore, his voice trembling with excitement.
"Quick! Xue Xing! Inform City Defense Army Commander Ge Wuxiang immediately!"
"Tell him Father Emperor... has passed away!"
"Have him mobilize the troops at once and surround Heaven Dou Imperial Palace! Don't let even a fly escape!"
"Make sure the palace remains stable. We must prevent petty villains from taking advantage of this chaos!"
"Your younger brother obeys!" Excitement gleamed in Xue Xing's eyes as he immediately turned and shot out of the side hall like an arrow loosed from its bow.
From the shadows atop the roof, Zhao Linchuan's spiritual sense heard every word of Xue Ye's impatient orders.
He smiled silently, his expression filled with cold calculation and amusement.
"The dying old emperor clings to power and refuses to let go, while the impatient Crown Prince has secretly donned the Dragon Robe already... Tsk."
Zhao Linchuan's gaze swept across the sleeping quarters below, where the supposed "final burst of vitality" had thrown everyone into brief confusion. It then passed over Xue Ye, who was excitedly changing clothes