Is There Such a Thing as a Crown Prince for Forty Years?

"Does Your Highness truly intend to bind yourself so deeply to the Gu God Sect? We already paid a great enough price when we helped Ma Jiuxian deal with Granny Dragon Ghost."

Xue Ju silently wiped down the Soul-Severing Spear in his hand, though he coughed softly from time to time.

Zhao Jingyuan said in a deep voice, "Only with the Gu God Sect still standing can I obtain life-extending Gu insects from Ma Jiuxian. If Ma Jiuxian returns and finds the Gu God Sect crippled by the Myriad Gu Alliance, given his temperament, he will most likely go back on his word. He will also demand that we help him deal with the Myriad Gu Alliance.

"Since we will have to act sooner or later, we might as well do so sooner. At the very least, we can earn Ma Jiuxian's goodwill.

"The Central Plains martial world has actually underestimated the Miao Borderlands. A top-tier Gu Master like Ma Jiuxian possesses strength comparable to the early Ninth-Realm Heavenly Profound stage. Winning his favor will give us another ally in the future."

"Your Highness, forgive my bluntness, but even if you find a Gu insect capable of extending His Majesty's lifespan, His Majesty will not favor you because of it.

"I have served His Majesty for many years. I understand him even better than you, his own son.

"His Majesty is cold by nature and exceedingly skilled in wielding power. Replacing the crown prince concerns the stability of the court and could easily cause upheaval. No matter how much you please His Majesty, at most he will praise you a few times and reward you with some treasures. He will never favor you in the matter of the crown prince position."

Xue Ju sighed. What he said was somewhat taboo.