Chapter 1198: No Other Choice

"Third Brother, it's actually you? What happened to you? I thought that fellow, Fifth Brother, had ambushed you!"

Upon seeing Third Brother, Sixth Brother let out a huge sigh of relief. His previous stance of adamantly clinging to Fifth Brother loosened at that moment. Little did he know, this wasn't the real Third Brother at all. It was a pre-arranged strategic move by Xu Yang and Little Flower, the Fifth Prince, before their operation.

The reason for this was to prevent all the princes from unanimously making Fifth Brother the scapegoat after Xu Yang's impressive performance in the Sword Lodge.

As expected, it must be admitted that Xu Yang was truly resourceful. Early on, he used powerful disguise techniques to transform the scout from the Eight Gates team, who had not yet appeared inside the Sword Lodge, into the likeness of the Third Prince.

The scout's appearance in the guise of the Third Prince immediately drew the unanimous attention of all the princes, and his attitude subtly held the power to determine the final configuration of power among them that day.

"Sixth Brother, you've misunderstood your Fifth Brother. If he hadn't arrived at Jinxiu Villa in time, none of you would have seen me again today! Just a month ago, when I had just received the Sword Sect's invitation..."

"A group of very powerful mysterious swordsmen broke into Jinxiu Villa and massacred my retainers and disciples. They seemed to know the villa's layout intimately, and each of them wielded a variety of sword techniques. They were also masked, so I couldn't ascertain their true identities."

"One very powerful individual even gravely wounded me. If Fifth Brother and his companions hadn't appeared in time, your Third Brother would truly never have seen you again."

Hearing his Third Brother's words, Sixth Brother was instantly enraged. He raised his hand and pointed towards the Fourth Prince, who was still spewing pompous nonsense on the high platform.

"So, all of this was your scheme! You used your mother's birthday celebration today and the Sword Sect's sword trials to invite heroes from all over the world to your Sword Sect. One, to win over people's hearts, and two, to eliminate your own kin. That's your true purpose, isn't it?!"

Clearly, Sixth Brother's words to Fourth Brother signified his early alignment. As a result, among the seven nominal princes, Sixth Brother, Seventh Brother, and the scout impersonating Third Brother, all joined the Fifth Prince's faction.

The only two who hadn't chosen a side were the First Prince and the Second Prince and their retinues. The two princes exchanged glances. Although they remained silent, their eyes revealed that they had probably already decided.

Given their current influence within the imperial dynasty, the only power that could truly make them wary was likely the Sword Sect behind the Fourth Prince.

Now, with their four other brothers uniting against the Sword Sect, their best option was undoubtedly to follow the majority and align with the Fifth Prince. This way, if they won, they could foster good relationships with their other brothers and also gain a share within the Sword Sect.

Even if the Emperor held them accountable, Fifth Brother would bear the brunt of the blame alone. For the First and Second Princes, joining the Fifth Prince's faction was undoubtedly beneficial and without harm.

Conversely, if they chose to take a risk and assist the Sword Sect against the Fifth Prince's faction, putting aside other factors, Xu Yang alone, who was currently creating a miracle above the blood pool, would be enough to deter both the First and Second Princes' factions.

So, how shrewd and calculating were these cunning individuals? In such a situation, choosing the optimal course of action was not difficult for them.

Without a doubt, the Fifth Prince was their best choice. Indeed, right after Sixth Brother declared his stance, the First Prince also let out a sigh of exasperation, feigning disappointment.

"Fourth Brother, I know you've always yearned for our Father Emperor's approval, but you didn't have to resort to such extreme measures. Today, in front of all the heroes assembled, you've completely disgraced our Central Domain Royal Family!"

"As the First Prince of the Central Domain Dynasty and your elder brother, if I were to simply watch you harbor such malicious intentions and stray down the wrong path without intervening, I would ultimately be failing in my duty as an elder brother."

Clearly, the First Prince's words made his stance undeniable. As for the Second Prince beside him, he merely snorted. Without needing to say anything, he directed his top guards to move closer to the First Prince.

As the saying goes, 'an elder brother is like a father,' and the Second Prince's best choice was naturally to follow his elder brother, which would certainly not be wrong. Thus, the Fourth Prince became the target of all criticism, and his fate was sealed.

Xu Yang and the Fifth Prince's initial plan was finally perfectly realized within the Sword Sect.

"Hahaha, Disciple, your brothers are truly cunning! My Sword Sect was founded to bring benefit to fellow cultivators across the land, yet now, through their combined schemes, my Sword Sect has become disloyal traitors colluding with you, the so-called 'rebellious prince' of the dynasty?"

"This is the greatest joke I've heard in all my years! They can turn black into white and white into black. Is this truly the capability of your imperial princes?"

Hearing Jian Yunqing's calculated words, the Fourth Prince immediately understood what to do next. He stood proudly on the high platform, momentarily ignoring Xu Yang, and swept his gaze over the heroes who had already completed their sword trials.

"Gentlemen, my Sword Sect possesses great integrity and has endured for ten thousand years. I believe you are well aware of the prestige and influence that Seven Absolute Mountain holds across the entire Yingzhou Continent."

"Unfortunately, today, due to internal strife, my princely brothers have actually united to overthrow the heritage of my Sword Sect, fearing that I threaten their power and status. I wonder if the heroes gathered here are willing to lend me a hand?"

"Hahaha, of course! Originally, as outsiders, we had no right to interfere in your family matters, much less the affairs of the royal family. However, now, right and wrong are clear, and in the eyes of us jianghu cultivators, justice will prevail."

"More importantly, we owe a debt of gratitude to you, Fourth Prince, not to any of the other princes. Whatever disputes your family has in the future are none of our concern."

"But today, we have just completed our sword trials and haven't even left the Sword Sect. If, at this very moment, the other princes intend to besiege the Fourth Prince, then we, your fellow jianghu cultivators, will absolutely not stand idly by. No matter the cost, we will certainly come to the prince's aid!"

The leader of this group was the head of a certain Sword Alliance in the Southwest region, a man of considerable standing in the realm of swordsmanship. Hearing his call, many other swordsmen nearby, clutching ancient divine weapons from the Sword Lodge, became indignant. Fueled by the powerful sword qi emanating from their ancient weapons, their fighting spirit ignited, and they each let out deafening shouts.

"Defend the honor of the Sword Sect!" These words were repeatedly shouted by the heroes throughout the Sword Sect. Unexpectedly, at that very moment, Xu Yang suddenly opened his eyes, which glowed with golden light. He remained seated cross-legged within the Sword Lodge's blood pool, but his immense influence, with every breath he took, had already enveloped every corner of the inner hall of the Sword Lodge.