The requirements for becoming Path of the Emperor are extremely stringent.
First and foremost, talent is indispensable; there's no doubt about that.
Without talent, no matter how hard you try, it's all in vain. Those with average talent who ultimately become the best are simply victims of survivorship bias.
Moreover, even if someone's talent is average, they will always have some special qualities.
Ultimately, talent is the foundation that determines everything; without talent... you are nothing.
Secondly, it requires sitting on the throne for a long time, while also constantly expanding the territory and strengthening the empire.
This is one of the conditions for cultivating the Imperial Intent.
Finally, there is the Emperor's Heart.
Without the Emperor's Heart, even with talent and the ability to lead the empire to continuous growth, one cannot go far on the Path of the Emperor.
While possessing great talent, at best one might achieve success in other fields.
But becoming an emperor is impossible.
All three conditions are indispensable.
Coincidentally, Hong Ying possessed all three conditions.
When Hong Ying expressed her opinion on the Emperor's Heart, the old man's previously serious expression changed, he withdrew his oppressive aura, and burst into laughter.
"After waiting for so many years, although you are the first group of young people to arrive here, the emergence of such talent is truly unexpected."
Someone as determined as Hong Ying on her Path of the Emperor, and who has cultivated such a powerful Imperial Intent at such a young age, is someone few could achieve even in High Antiquity times.
Or rather... no one can surpass Hong Ying's current record at all.
Without the intimidating pressure, Mu Fusheng, Ai Xue, and the taciturn man stood up. Ai Xue looked at Hong Ying with a serious expression.
Although they didn't need to seize the inheritance themselves, it was still hard for her, as a prodigy of the Supervisory Sacred Hall, to accept that others had obtained it while she had no chance at all.
After all, she had always been someone who crushed her peers since she was a child.
It's really hard to get used to being crushed by others these days.
Hong Ying's complexion improved slightly, and she met the old man's gaze with determination. Then, she said neither humbly nor arrogantly, "Senior is too kind. My journey is still long. However, I am quite confident in myself."
"That's exactly how it should be!" The old man was overjoyed and laughed loudly, "As an emperor, how can you be overly humble? To look down upon all living beings is the mark of a ruler of a nation. To surpass all others is the mark of a true emperor!"
"In that case, what are your thoughts on what I just said?"
The old man meant to ask Hong Ying if she had any thoughts about inheriting the Imperial Heaven Court.
The old man then explained the will of their Imperial Heaven Court, which was actually very similar to that of the Heaven-Shaking Court. The only difference was the training method.
After hearing about the past deeds of the Azure Firmament Academy, everyone was somewhat shocked.
Unexpectedly, the Mortal Realm was so powerful at that time.
After Hong Ying, Hongying chuckled and said, "Then what reason do I have to refuse?"
"After all, my goal is to bring the Cloud Phoenix Empire to the pinnacle of the Mortal Realm! However..."
Upon hearing the first part of Hong Ying's words, the old man nodded in satisfaction. However, when he heard the word "however" at the end, he was taken aback.
"But what?"
Hong Ying's lips curled up slightly, her expression filled with arrogance and confidence, and her eyes brimming with an emotion called ambition!
"However, this is only the first step. There are always mountains beyond mountains. If we are to continue down the Path of the Emperor, then the Cloud Phoenix Empire must also become that mountain beyond mountains! We must climb to the summit of that mountain!"
"Good! Good! Good!"
Upon hearing this, the old man suddenly stood up, and his immense Emperor Qi erupted like a raging storm!
It was as if long-suppressed emotions had finally erupted at this moment.
"What a magnificent feat to reach the summit of mountains beyond mountains! I don't know if I can succeed, but if someone can do it, then I believe that person will definitely be you!"
The old man spoke with fervor and brimming with pride, "With such a figure appearing in our Mortal Realm, how can we not prosper?!"
At this point, the old man's eyes shone with boundless light. He looked down at Hong Ying and said earnestly, "I am not as good as you."
That's all I have to say.
Mu Fusheng smiled softly.
Ai Xue's expression changed drastically.
A serious expression unconsciously crept into the depths of the taciturn man's eyes.
This is far too high a rating.
What kind of power is Azure Firmament Academy?
The first academy in High Antiquity times! Revered by thousands.
At the same time, it also led the Mortal Realm to surpass other great realms, making it second only to the Divine Realm!
The Imperial Heaven Court is one of the two most important factions within the Azure Firmament Academy.
Since the old man is the dean of the Imperial Heaven Court, what level of strength has he reached?
There is only one answer... the Human Ancestor.
For a Human Ancestor to utter such words, Hong Ying's future is limitless.
In other words, as long as one doesn't die along the way, one will inevitably reach the level of the Human Ancestor.
However, Hong Ying didn't feign modesty; instead, she smiled broadly and said, "I think so too."
Emperors have no need for humility.
The old man also appreciated this about Hong Ying.
Without an unwavering sense of self-importance, how could one possibly choose... or rather, embark on this Path of the Emperor?
"Alright, that's enough. I hope you can carry on the will of the Imperial Heaven Court. When the time is right, establish another academy, whether in the name of Azure Firmament or something else, as long as you can lead the Mortal Realm back to its former glory."
Hong Ying nodded.
At this point, the old man laughed loudly and said, "This Imperial Divine Throne is yours!"
After speaking, the old man waved his hand, and the Imperial Divine Throne behind him floated into the air and flew towards Hong Ying's direction.
Seeing this, Hong Ying simultaneously activated the Law of Dao Law of Samsara and the Imperial Intent, and after taking it, the Imperial Divine Throne began to shrink, then transformed into a necklace that hung around Hong Ying's neck.
However, when Hong Ying released this aura...
The old man was slightly taken aback, then smiled knowingly and said, "If he is that young man's disciple, then everything makes sense."
Hong Ying was taken aback, and Mu Fusheng, who was standing beside her, was also taken aback.
Both Ai Xue and the taciturn man frowned slightly.
Hong Ying hurriedly asked, "Senior, do you know Master?"
The old man smiled and nodded, "If I'm not mistaken, we should have met once."
"My name is Huang Tian. Your master should have seen me before, but whether he knows my name is unknown."
"Alright, now that I've handed it over to that person's disciple, I can finally rest easy."
At this point, accompanied by loud laughter, the old man's body gradually dissipated within the hall.
It seems that only a wisp of thought remains.
Hong Ying and Mu Fusheng exchanged a glance, both able to see the confusion in each other's eyes.
Hong Ying transmitted her voice, "Should we ask Master?"
Mu Fusheng nodded. "Ask Master."
At that very moment, the earth began to shake!
Hong Ying Mu Fusheng and Ai Xue ran out at the same time, looking at the shaking world! A huge ancient aura rose into the sky from where their eyes were!
Seeing this, Ai Xue and the taciturn man exchanged a glance, then Ai Xue was about to rush in that direction!
Seeing this, Hong Ying and Mu Fusheng looked at each other and nodded.
If you follow them, you should find out their purpose.