Chapter 1212: Taking Down the Sixth Prince

"There's something I want you to understand. Even though you're only using Qingcheng's physical form, if you ever need anything in the future, just ask. I will certainly do it for you, even if it means facing immense danger. Don't misunderstand; this isn't for you personally, but rather something I'll do for the current body you inhabit."

Xiao Hua smiled and nodded, agreeing to the Sixth Prince's small request. At the same time, she accepted the precious jade, which contained his pure bloodline.

"I'm leaving now; take care. Remember our agreement: no matter when or for what reason, if you ever need me, just say the word, and I'll immediately appear before you."

As she watched the Sixth Prince's affectionate yet solitary figure gradually disappear from her sight, a sudden heaviness settled in Xiao Hua's heart. She finally realized how fortunate she was to be able to follow Xu Yang, the person she loved, as she did now.

In contrast, someone like the Sixth Prince, who had lost his beloved but couldn't let go of that love, was left only with endless sorrow and memories. "What is love that it should bind people to life and death?" To grow old together, youth transforming into white hair, was undoubtedly the most beautiful sight in this world.

The carriages moved forward. Xu Yang and the Prince, along with their Eight Gates team, finally embarked on their journey to Xuanyuan City, the Imperial Capital. Inside the carriage, Xu Yang received the Sixth Prince's bloodline essence, which Xiao Hua had secured for him.

The Fifth Prince, sitting beside him, was also surprised. "It seems our sixth brother still hasn't escaped the emotions of that year. He's completely captivated just by seeing your physical form."

Hearing the Prince's words, a hint of admiration entered Xiao Hua's eyes. "Regardless, in my opinion, the Sixth Prince is a respectable person and a friend worth cherishing. At the very least, the sincerity he shows towards those he cares about is rare in this world. Furthermore, he's from the imperial family, destined to be drawn into this vortex of conflict. Is someone who can abandon a kingdom and forsake the world for the sake of love not worthy of respect?"

Xu Yang strongly agreed with Xiao Hua's statement, nodding with a serious expression. "I support your view. Thanks to you, obtaining the Sixth Prince's bloodline was much easier. We now possess the bloodlines of four of the seven great princes. As for the Seventh Prince, with my brother and his daughter's relationship, securing his will be easy sooner or later. From a strategic standpoint, the Seventh Prince will certainly align with us. After this journey to the Seven Absolute Mountains, the Seventh Prince should clearly understand that he no longer qualifies to contend for the throne. Currently, the closest contenders to the throne, besides you, Fifth Prince, are only the First Prince."

However, the Fifth Prince shook his head at that moment. "That may be true, but I always feel that things aren't so simple with my second brother. Don't be fooled by how he seems to follow our elder brother's will in everything. The more someone appears that way, the more cautious one should be. It's highly probable that someone like my second brother will deliver the fatal blow to our elder brother at the most critical moment. He will never openly display his ambition. Even from childhood, since I became aware, all decisions my second brother made seemed to defer to our elder brother's will. Many outsiders even believe he's merely our elder brother's puppet. Over the years, my second brother has never claimed credit, never overshadowed our elder brother, and never made a single mistake. More importantly, during my travels, I even uncovered some weaknesses concerning our elder brother. Yet, everything about my second brother seems non-existent, impossible to trace. Don't you think such a person is the most terrifying?"

Xu Yang merely offered a calm smile. "Such a person is indeed formidable, but they will never threaten us. Because if the Second Prince truly harbored an obsession to seize the throne, he would reserve his most powerful strike for the First Prince, not you."

Upon hearing Xu Yang's words, the Fifth Prince immediately understood. "So your idea is to use our second brother to eliminate our elder brother?" Xu Yang nodded slightly. "Precisely. Your elder brother will only direct all his aggression towards us. So, we'll become his overt opponents and continuously create more opportunities for your second brother. Because after the Battle of Seven Absolute Mountains, your elder brother will be full of hostility towards us. If we directly confront him, he'll fully leverage the advantages of the imperial foundation, using your father's power to suppress us. At that point, we'd be completely on the defensive, and the outcome would be a mutual loss for both sides. While it would be easy for me to kill your elder brother, if it means opposing your father and the entire Central Domain Dynasty, do you think you could accept such a result?"

The Fifth Prince listened to Xu Yang's analysis and nodded repeatedly in agreement. "Alright, then let's proceed with your plan. Using our second brother to eliminate our elder brother... Perhaps only then will we see the Second Prince's true colors, what he's truly like hidden in the shadows. I'm actually looking forward to it."

"It seems this trip to Xuanyuan Main City will definitely bring me some unexpected surprises and enjoyment." Xu Yang gently raised his hand, lightly clinking his teacup against the Fifth Prince's. Xiao Hua poured tea for the two. Unbeknownst to these three, they were already beings capable of determining the future fate of the entire Yingzhou Continent.

As all the princes embarked on their journey to Xuanyuan Main City, in the majestic imperial palace, Emperor Yun Long, seated in the Golden Dragon Hall, already held a secret report that had arrived in advance. The report contained all the details of Xu Yang's pacification of the Sword Sect on Seven Absolute Mountain. With this intelligence in hand, Emperor Yun Long, the true ruler of the Yingzhou Continent, couldn't help but pay more attention to the name Xu Yang.

"It seems I have indeed been too lenient in allowing the development of the other major domains in recent years, which allowed this Xu Yang to rise to prominence. Unknowingly, I let him accumulate such immense power and influence in those other regions. Now, in the Battle of Seven Absolute Mountains, he single-handedly destroyed the Sword Sect and eliminated the Fourth Prince's chance to contend for the heir apparent position. It appears this fellow has become a threat to the very foundation of my dynasty. I'm rather impatient to see who exactly this Xu Yang is."

"Azure Dragon!" Emperor Yun Long suddenly called out softly. A male figure with a purplish-blue back abruptly appeared before him without warning, almost teleporting into the Golden Dragon Hall. "Your Majesty, what are your commands?"

"Find a few capable subordinates and send them in the direction the Fifth Prince and his group are coming from. Have them investigate those individuals. Remember, under no circumstances should you alert them or reveal your identity; otherwise, you needn't return. You must have heard of the man named Xu Yang accompanying the Fifth Prince. His power is such that he single-handedly annihilated the Sword Sect, a tradition of ten thousand years. He is certainly no ordinary person. Do not make any mistakes in his presence. That is my sole requirement for this mission."

Azure Dragon revealed a slight smile, cupping his hands in a respectful salute towards Emperor Yun Long while holding a folding fan in the other. As one of the Emperor's powerful and trusted aides, and a disciple he had raised since childhood, he was not required to kneel before the Emperor. In the next instant, Azure Dragon vanished from the room, leaving no trace.