Chapter 1185: Four Princes Gather

"Excellent. Since you already have a clear plan, there's no need for me to do much more. From now on, you will be my guide. I'll strike wherever you point; together, we are sure to achieve our goals."

Xu Yang's reply naturally won over the Fifth Prince's heart, offering him a sense of reassurance. With Xu Yang's commitment, the prince no longer seemed like the travel-worn, martial arts wanderer he once was when overseeing escorts. Instead, he exuded the regal bearing unique to a high-ranking imperial prince.

Originally, the Fifth Prince was considered the least promising among the seven great noble princes of the Central Region's imperial family, spending his days roaming the martial arts world and rarely participating actively in anything related to the royal family. However, after years of concealing his true abilities, the Fifth Prince had finally changed his demeanor and revealed his true self.

When a lion that has slept for too long reclaims the spirit of the king of beasts, it signifies the resurgence of both its ambition and its power. With the support of a god-like figure like Xu Yang, the Fifth Prince finally took the first step in his grand quest for dominance.

"The blueprint is complete. What should our first step be? We need an entry point to advance the whole plan!"

As soon as Xu Yang finished speaking, the Fifth Prince smiled and slowly turned his head.

"Our first step is planned for the auspicious second day of next month: the Sword Forge of Seven Absolute Mountains! That day happens to be the birthday of the Fourth Prince's birth mother, Consort Yun Chen, and, more importantly, it's also the founding ceremony of the Seven Absolute Mountain Sword Sect! Every forty-nine years, the Sword Sect of Seven Absolute Mountains holds a founding ceremony for the entire Yingzhou Continent. This ceremony invites top cultivators to enter the sect and forge their own peerless divine weapons. Conveniently, the Sword Sect's master is the Fourth Prince's own master. In truth, this Sword Sect is the Fourth Prince's biggest backer and his most crucial trump card. The Sword Sect stands in the southwestern region of the Yingzhou Continent, like a divine weapon aiding the Fourth Prince in his pursuit of imperial power, and no one can challenge its authority."

Hearing the Fifth Prince's explanation, a thought became clearer in Xu Yang's mind. "I see. You intend to use that day to go to the Sword Forge and meet with the heroes of the world?"

The Fifth Prince chuckled softly. "It's not quite that sophisticated. However, in my view, with the seven great princes stirring, the Fourth Prince will surely use this opportunity to achieve two goals. First, he'll naturally want to demonstrate his influence and foundation. You must understand that more than eighty percent of all prominent swordsmen across the Yingzhou Continent wield weapons forged at the Sword Forge. This alone shows the irreplaceable status of the Sword Sect lineage in the entire cultivation world, and everyone knows the Sword Sect is the Fourth Prince's greatest reliance. As for the second objective, I suspect that by setting his mother's birthday as the founding ceremony day, my Fourth Brother has a true purpose that others cannot imagine." Xu Yang frowned upon hearing this. "Are you saying your Fourth Brother intends to use the Sword Sect's founding ceremony as an opportunity to set traps for you and your other brothers?"

The Fifth Prince nodded gravely. "Precisely. On the day of the Sword Sect's founding ceremony, everyone must enter the Sword Forge to witness the magnificent awakening of thousands of divine weapons. Naturally, this process carries inherent dangers. Therefore, those with low cultivation levels are never qualified to enter when the Sword Forge opens each year."

Xu Yang immediately understood the Fourth Prince's true motive.

"I see. If I were him, I would also try to get as many guests hostile to my faction into the Sword Forge as possible, and then deliberately cause some 'accidents.' That way, the Emperor would surely not blame him. It seems this Sword Sect is poised to become the tomb of countless powerful figures from across the Yingzhou Continent. Coincidentally, I have quite an accomplishment in the way of the sword. Perhaps I should take this opportunity to see the true extent of the Yingzhou Continent's sword dao heritage?"

The Fifth Prince shook his head with a smile. "Compared to you, these so-called swordsmen are utterly insignificant. When the time comes, disguise yourself as someone else and accompany me to the event."

After settling these matters, the two returned to the main hall. It was clear that the members of the Eight Gates team were unusually tense. They had feared that Xu Yang had been lured into a secret room by the Fifth Prince and subjected to foul play, worrying about his safety.

Only when they saw the Fifth Prince and Xu Yang re-enter the hall, both beaming, did they finally relax, letting out collective sighs of relief. "Boss, if you hadn't come out, we probably would have charged in!" exclaimed Crab.

Hearing Crab's complaint, Xu Yang smiled and shook his head, then made an announcement that stunned everyone. "Listen closely, everyone. From now on, the Fifth Prince is our ally and an honorary member of our team. You are not to harbor any resentment or suspicion towards him. Furthermore, he has promised me that he will soon clear the name of the Deike clan and proclaim to the world the restoration and bestowal of the glory that rightfully belongs to your clan."

True to form, Xu Yang clearly understood what mattered most to the members of the Eight Gates team. He had initially worried that the Fifth Prince's sudden inclusion would create disharmony within the group. However, as soon as his words were spoken, all their previous concerns vanished, replaced by immense excitement.

"Hahaha, this is truly a case of 'a flood washing away the Dragon King's temple' – our own people fighting our own! I thought you, Fifth Prince, truly intended to wipe us out. Who would have thought that after all this trouble, we'd end up as teammates?"

With the bearing of a superior, the Fifth Prince, hands clasped behind his back, smiled and nodded. "In this world, there is no eternal hatred or slaughter. As long as we share a common goal, even past misunderstandings can be easily resolved. I hope that during our cooperation, everyone will have a bright future and achieve their personal aspirations."

That evening, the Fifth Prince hosted a grand banquet at Splendid Mountain Villa to welcome the Eight Gates team. Only Xiao Hua, without needing further explanation, clearly discerned the Fifth Prince's true intentions and understood the nature of the cooperation forged between Boss Xu Yang and the Fifth Prince.

As night fell, Xu Yang strolled in his private pavilion. Soon, he spotted Xiao Hua around the corner, seemingly having waited for him for a long time. The two exchanged smiles, and Xu Yang gently walked over to him, as if it had been too long since they had been this close.