Chapter 1383: Five Kings Compete for the Throne

"Very well, you brothers are sensible. As members of the Imperial Guard, your primary duty is to protect the Emperor's safety. After this battle, the throne will naturally be inherited by me. At that point, you will either be rewarded for your merits or punished according to your actions. Think carefully about it."

As expected, the Fifth Prince's strategy was highly effective. His words caused the Imperial Guard soldiers, who had initially been loyal to the First Prince, to waver in their resolve to fight.

They, too, wished to be pardoned before the war's end, like the soldiers under the Second Prince. Unfortunately, their leader, the First Prince, seemed to have no intention of giving up. His obsession was too deep; he believed that if he couldn't have the throne, he might as well fall in battle.

Little did he know that while the Fifth Prince was still roaming the martial world, the First Prince had already meticulously planned out his future opportunities over the years.

It could be said that he had lived most of his life for the throne. If he didn't ultimately gain that position, he wouldn't even find meaning in his continued existence.

Ultimately, the fundamental reason for the First Prince's tragic life was that he valued the throne too highly.

In any case, there would be no turning back in today's battle. Xu Yang slowly raised his Jade Bone Divine Sword once more. As the blade pointed, an incredibly powerful mental pressure emanated, causing all the warriors in the Imperial City who intended to resist to instantly kneel to the ground.

"Long live the Fifth Prince! We are willing to pledge allegiance to the Fifth Prince!"

With the appearance of Xu Yang's immense aura, none of the Imperial Guard soldiers wanted to continue the battle.

They clearly understood that Xu Yang's god-like strength was far beyond their ability to contend with. Continuing to be meaningless cannon fodder did not align with the Imperial Guard soldiers' true desires. Thus, the First Prince ultimately lost control over them.

The First Prince had not anticipated such a turn of events. He glared fiercely at Xu Yang, but there was nothing he could do, as Xu Yang's power could crush him with a single finger.

"We spent so many years, and I can't believe it was all ruined by you alone in the end. I absolutely won't allow this to happen! Even if I can't win this battle today, I will drag you down to hell with me!"

As the First Prince spoke, he directly locked his aura onto Xu Yang's main body. Little did he know, this was not Xu Yang's true physical form. His mental power was simply too immense, and the divine projection he released prevented the First Prince from discerning its true nature.

Xiao Hua, standing nearby, shook her head helplessly upon seeing this.

She understood the First Prince's near-breakdown state because she had also experienced a similar darkness for a time when she ultimately failed to reach the miraculous realm in the Great World.

The difference was that she did not give up. Instead, after realizing the truth of the Dragon Clan's control over the laws of heaven and earth in the Great World, she decisively altered her cultivation path. Later, encountering Xu Yang changed her destiny once more, ultimately leading her to her current position as leader of the Angelic Race.

Regrettably, the First Prince did not share Xiao Hua's initial destiny and fortune; his end was already predetermined.

As the First Prince began to howl wildly, Xiao Hua instinctively stepped back. She knew Xu Yang well enough to understand that he would not resist this round of attack.

Only by doing so could Xu Yang, using his illusory body, legitimately clear the obstacles for the Fifth Prince. Seeing his elder brother recklessly charge at Xu Yang, intending to perish with him, the Prince was not indifferent. He dismounted without hesitation, intending to fight alongside Xu Yang, but was promptly stopped by Xiao Hua.

"It seems A-Yang chose you not because you're about to gain the throne, but because you wouldn't abandon a companion to whom you've sworn an oath. With the realm of Yingzhou Continent in your hands, A-Yang can rest assured, and so can I."

The Fifth Prince was momentarily stunned by Xiao Hua's words. At that very moment, Xu Yang's illusory body and the First Prince completely vanished into the void.

Xiao Hua displayed a knowing smile.

"You don't need to be nervous. A-Yang and I merely projected two illusory clones to help you overcome this crisis. After this battle, you will not only gain the title of Emperor of the Yingzhou Continent's original dynasty but also the opportunity to embark on the Path to Heaven. All of this is what you deserve.

It is precisely because of your existence that the Yingzhou Continent can truly avoid a chaotic war that would devastate the entire land, and the internal situation of the Central Imperial Dynasty has been stabilized in time. Such a contribution is enough to qualify you for the Path to Heaven."

Upon hearing Xiao Hua's explanation, the Prince finally understood, realizing why Xu Yang had not intervened moments ago and grasping Xu Yang's intention to pave the way for him.

"My greatest fortune in this life was not becoming the Fifth Prince of the imperial dynasty, but rather befriending someone like Xu Yang, and naturally, you as well.

Without the help of both of you, I wouldn't be where I am today."

Xiao Hua did not intend to take credit; she simply smiled and shook her head.

"It's simply that circumstances create heroes. You were destined for this fortune. We would not forcefully alter the Yingzhou Continent. It was indeed a wise choice by Xu Yang to entrust you with the task of revitalizing this ravaged land. This mission is now yours. After the journey on the Path to Heaven concludes, A-Yang and I will inevitably leave the Yingzhou Continent and return to the Greater World system.

Therefore, you need not harbor your father's previous concerns. Once we depart, the concept of 'gods' will cease to exist on the Yingzhou Continent.

I believe Xu Yang will also inform the strongest forces in the other four domains, urging them to work together to serve your Central Imperial Dynasty and usher the Yingzhou Continent into a new era."

Hearing Xiao Hua's earnest words, the Fifth Prince quickly realized that the burden on his shoulders seemed heavier than before, but he was willing to bear this responsibility and guide the development of the Yingzhou Continent back onto its proper course.

After conveying everything Xu Yang wished to say to the Fifth Prince, Xiao Hua ascended into the air without hesitation.

A dark golden light quickly condensed in her palm. With the descent of this Angelic Light law, all warriors in the dream who still harbored rebellious thoughts had their souls instantly vaporized.

The remaining individuals became the Prince's most loyal followers, serving as the foundational strength for his future efforts to rebuild Yingzhou Continent's new civilized order.

With the conclusion of the Light law, the Fifth Prince had definitively won the struggle for the throne within Xuanyuan Imperial City. All the warriors on the battlefield cheered "Long live!" and bowed in reverence to the Fifth Prince.

As this scene unfolded, a brilliant starlight began to form around him, signifying that the Prince had also gained the opportunity to embark on the Path to Heaven. His main body, along with Xiao Hua's clone, vanished from this battlefield dream in Xuanyuan Imperial City.