Ji Haodian's sudden announcement that he would establish a successor to the throne caught everyone off guard.
The reasons behind it were complicated and concerned the Great Zhou Dynasty's dignity. After all, family shame must not be aired abroad. Although Ji Yanheng's affairs were practically common knowledge already, they still could not be openly discussed.
Thus, Ji Yanheng still retained the title of Crown Prince, but everyone knew he was little different from having been deposed. That was why the other princes had dared to fight so brazenly for the throne.
Now that Ji Haodian had openly brought up the matter of choosing a successor, it was clear that he no longer intended to conceal it. The other princes were all thrilled as well. At the very least, they could now openly contend for the position of heir apparent, rather than fighting without proper grounds or justification.
The only person present whose expression darkened was Ji Yanheng. The ashen look on his face deepened, carrying a trace of despair.
Originally, Ji Yanheng could still barely use his position as Crown Prince to cover his shame. Now, even that last fig leaf had been torn away.
Ji Haodian continued, "Therefore, I have decided to open the Kunlun Secret Realm one month from now. The Human Emperor Sword, the Great Zhou Dynasty's token of inheritance, lies within. Whoever finds the Human Emperor Sword shall be qualified to inherit the position of heir apparent.
"At the same time, when the Kunlun Secret Realm opens, all martial artists below the Soul Fusion Realm may enter. Those from the Jianghu may enter as well, but they must have a prince vouch for them. Furthermore, each person may bring no more than ten Jianghu martial artists of the Spirit Transformation Realm.
"The Kunlun Secret Realm has