"Zhu Wuyuan is willing to accept defeat in a bet."
Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Zhu Wuyuan could neither deny it nor go back on his word.
His face was ashen, his fists clenched so tightly that his nails almost dug into his flesh.
But the humiliation that seeped into his very bones gnawed at his heart like a venomous snake.
"Since you've accepted your loss, then please have the Grand Council hand over the Jade Seal to help me ascend the throne."
Zhang Yu's voice was calm, yet carried an undeniable authority.
He has been dealing with Zhu Wuyuan until now, all for the sake of this jade seal of the Eastern Sheng Kingdom, which has been controlled by the cabinet for three years.
Without the Jade Seal, even with extraordinary abilities, he could not legitimately influence the National Destiny, let alone complete that grander scheme.
Why is Your Highness in such a hurry?
Zhu Wuyuan suppressed the surging hatred in his heart and forced a smile, "Even if I were to ascend the throne, I would need time to prepare, and various sacrificial rites and rituals cannot be omitted."
"Your Prime Minister is too kind."
Zhang Yu said calmly
"Now that I have exempted the world from taxes, where would I find the funds to hold any sacrificial ceremonies?"
Keep everything simple.
He had no time for pretense with Zhu Wuyuan and urged him directly.
Upon hearing this, Zhu Wuyuan's inward sneer deepened, but he feigned hesitation:
Even if it's kept simple, some basic setup is still necessary...
Tomorrow, Your Highness, Your Highness will hold your coronation ceremony tomorrow. I will bring the Jade Seal with me then.
Sima Sheng, who was standing to the side, keenly sensed that something was wrong with Zhu Wuyuan and whispered, "Your Highness, this old fox is acting strangely; he's definitely plotting something wicked."
Zhang Yu, however, didn't seem to care at all, and said calmly, "Tomorrow it is, let's go."
After saying that, he led Zhang Lingyun, Sima Sheng, and the members of the Four Great Families, including Murong Bai, straight away from the square.
Sima Sheng glanced back; the roar of "Long live the Emperor!" was still deafening, but in his eyes, there was only cold mockery.
"Ignorance is bliss."
He sneered inwardly, then got into a sedan chair and headed straight for the Prime Minister's Residence.
As soon as she entered the mansion, Wu Lingyue, whose injuries had healed, came forward to greet her and bowed respectfully.
"You may all leave."
Zhu Wuyuan dismissed the servants and led Wu Lingyue into the inner room, where she removed her outer robe, revealing the women's clothing underneath.
Wu Lingyue said anxiously:
"Miss, I also witnessed what happened today."
"Now that you cannot overthrow the Sheng Family tyranny, you cannot complete the Trial mission. What should you do?"
Zhu Wuyuan frowned slightly and said coldly:
"Sheng Yu disregards the fate of the Eastern Sheng Kingdom, attracting millions of citizens to support him with tax exemptions. I agree that we can ignore the collapse of the country and fight him to the death."
No one can stop me from completing the Trial.
"Miss, what do you want to do?"
Wu Lingyue looked at Zhu Wuyuan's ferocious face and felt somewhat afraid.
"Profits mean nothing in the face of life, death, and panic."
Zhu Wuyuan sneered, a ruthless glint flashing in his eyes:
"Send a message to my Direct Disciple, instructing him to persuade the Five Kingdoms surrounding Eastern Sheng Kingdom to march on East Sheng under the pretext of 'punishing the tyranny and annihilating the Sheng Family.'"
"Wonderful, Miss!"
Wu Lingyue suddenly realized, a hint of joy flashing in her eyes:
"Miss, first help him become emperor, and fulfill the bet."
Once the five nations, under the banner of 'eliminating the Sheng Family tyranny,' are at the city gates, with a little more maneuvering, Miss will surely be able to overthrow Sheng Yu from the Imperial Throne once again.
Thus, the young lady's Trial mission is complete.
Zhu Wuyuan nodded in satisfaction, a sinister smile curving his lips.
"Sheng Yu, do you think you've won?"
No... the game has only just begun.
In the Eastern Domain of Yuhua Prefecture, Wenhua Academy.
Surrounded by green mountains and surging clouds, the study buildings with green tiles and white walls are nestled among ancient trees, their bells ringing out in the distance, exuding a strong scholarly atmosphere.
Zhu Lunbin stood with his hands behind his back on the high platform. He was slender with slightly white hair and beard. His eyes were as calm as an ancient well, yet they revealed a wisdom that saw through the ways of the world.
He looked down at the beautiful woman below the steps and said calmly:
"Now that you have gained the approval of the Literary Dao Sacred Heart, you are qualified to enter my Jixia Academy. Come with me."
The woman was none other than Zhang Yu's third half -Third Sister, Zhang Qingyue.
A few days ago, she received an urgent summons from the Wenhua Academy, which she thought was just a routine Trial or assessment.
Unexpectedly, upon entering the mountain, she encountered the emergence of the Literary Dao Sacred Heart, and by fortuitous opportunity coincidence, she was chosen by the Sage.
However, what followed was devastating news.
Her father and clansmen were all slaughtered by Zhang Yu and Zhang Lingyun.
Zhang Lingyun's Cultivation increased dramatically after that battle, and her power became unfathomable.
She was worried, not knowing how to avenge this Sea of Blood.
Just as she was feeling lost, Zhu Lunbin descended from the heavens like a god, directly identifying her as the Master of the Literary Dao Sacred Heart and inviting her to join the Jixia Academy.
As an elite disciple of the Wenhua Academy, she was naturally aware of the prestigious reputation of the Jixia Academy.
It was the foremost of the Four Great Academies of Earth Province, its profound heritage unfathomable.
And Earth Province is an unparalleled province, ranking second among the Three Thousand Great Provinces.
Zhang Qingyue immediately knelt down, bowed gracefully, her voice choked with emotion:
"Your Honor, I am burdened with Sea of Blood. I beg you to uphold justice for me."
Zhu Lunbin frowned slightly, seemingly a little impatient.
But then he thought, since Zhang Qingyue has gained the approval of the Literary Dao Sacred Heart, she will surely Immortal in the future. If he lends her a hand, it will be equivalent to forming a good relationship.
So he patiently said:
Tell me about it.
Zhang Qingyue took a deep breath and recounted, embellishing the details, everything Zhang Yu and Zhang Lingyun had done.
It describes how Zhang Yu was cruel and ruthless, how he slaughtered innocent people, and how he seized power through treacherous schemes.
Furthermore, Zhang Lingyun is described as a ruthless and vicious witch who doesn't even spare her own relatives.
The Zhang Yu she spoke of was no longer human, but an absolute demon, a scourge that had to be eradicated.
After listening, Zhu Lunbin nodded slightly and said in a deep voice:
"Such a villain deserves to die. I will go with you."
Killing Zhang Yu and Zhang Lingyun would be effortless for someone of his Cultivation level, so he naturally wouldn't mind doing a favor for a future Immortal.
"Thank you, sir!"
Zhang Qingyue was moved to tears, and the flames of revenge in her heart burned even brighter.
"Master, my junior sister has an urgent message to send."
Just then, Zhu Lunbin's eldest disciple, Meng Hai, hurried over and whispered:
"Something has happened in the Eastern Sheng Kingdom... Junior Sister's Trial has encountered trouble."
Zhu Lunbin's gaze sharpened, and he said in a deep voice:
"Explain in detail."
Meng Hai lowered his voice and briefly recounted how Zhu Wuyuan had lost the bet and how Zhang Yu was about to ascend the throne.
Upon hearing this, Zhu Lunbin's eyes flashed with a sharp light, then he looked at Zhang Qingyue and smiled calmly:
"It seems you'll find it easier to avenge this."
He then said to Meng Haidao, "I hereby convey the decree of my Jixia Academy: the Sheng family of Dongsheng is tyrannical and immoral. Order the five surrounding countries to send troops to punish them. This order must not be broken."
"Yes, sir."
Meng Hai accepted the order and left.
Zhang Qingyue was confused and asked, "My lord, what is this...?"
Upon hearing this, Zhu Lunbin calmly replied, "Come with me to the Eastern Sheng Kingdom; your enemies are there now."