The Heaven-Worshipping Ceremony had yet to officially begin. High in the clear sky, the blazing sun shone with dazzling light.
Almost all the distinguished members of the Royal Family had now arrived at the lowest tier of the Temple of Heaven, awaiting the start of the ceremony.
The gauze curtain of the Dragon Carriage was lifted. Xu Tianran looked out through the window, and everywhere his gaze fell, he saw densely packed crowds.
Although the Royal Family had used every means available to suppress the news and keep the scandal from the public, the truth had still slowly spread through Mingdu.
The Crown Prince's rival was neither the Third Prince nor the Fifth Prince, but a Prince Xu Sheng who had appeared out of nowhere, stirring suspicion and astonishment in everyone. The old emperor had died so suddenly, yet the Royal Family had chosen to keep his funeral simple. It simply defied reason.
Xu Tianran coldly surveyed the millions of people below the altar without a word, his profound expression concealing the turbulent emotions within.
Beside him, Ju Zi wore a sumptuous yellow palace gown. She lowered her voice and said, "Your Highness, everything is ready. We await only your command."
Xu Tianran said gravely, "Ju Zi, barring any surprises, we have two opportunities."
"The first is during the Grand Competition. If there is a combat round, I can kill that traitor on the stage with full justification."
Ju Zi said solemnly, "Your Highness, with the Northern Douluo there, I fear he will not simply stand by."
Xu Tianran said coldly, "Even if I cannot kill him on the spot, I must severely injure him. With Elder Kong present, they would never dare go back on their word before the million citizens of Mingdu."
As he spoke, he raised his