The Cloud Sky Golden Dipper Formation could not be discussed further without its set of flying swords. That would have to wait.
However, there was another formation gained from Danxiao Palace that could be studied and practiced in earnest — the Great Dream Spring and Autumn Formation. This was a static formation.
Jiang Chen had experienced the Great Dream Spring and Autumn Formation twice before, and he knew full well the power it held. What Sovereign Chongxiao had bestowed upon him was not merely the formation diagram — it also included a complete set of Dream God Wood formation flags and the foundational framework for deployment.
Dream God Wood was, without question, the premier material for setting up the Great Dream Spring and Autumn Formation.
Three more days passed…
On this day, Jiang Chen emerged from seclusion at a leisurely pace. His first act was to summon the four Great Sovereigns.
Since their last visit, the four Great Sovereigns had remained at the Peacock Sacred Mountain. The current situation in the Glazed Glass Royal City had left them feeling rather uneasy.
These four sovereigns, who had originally harbored some reservations about Jiang Chen, felt a faint stirring of excitement upon hearing that he had summoned them.
"Young Master, we've been counting the stars and watching the moon — it's about time you finally showed up." Cloud Sovereign's voice trembled with barely concealed emotion upon seeing Jiang Chen.
Jiang Chen waved his hand. "Everyone, have a seat and let's talk."
There was something infectious about Jiang Chen's composed bearing. Without a word, it seemed to settle the restlessness that had taken hold of the four sovereigns.
"I'm already broadly aware of what's happened in the Glazed Glass Royal City," Jiang Chen said without preamble. "The Asura Great Emperor's faction has finally shown its hand and declared war on our Peacock Sacred Mountain. I imagine the anxiety on your faces right now is because of this."
Cloud Sovereign nodded. "So the Young Master already knows."
He had barely finished speaking when Duomei Sovereign cut in. "Since the Young Master already knows about this and has still summoned us, you must already have some sort of countermeasure, correct?"
"If I told you I had a perfect plan, you wouldn't believe me — and it wouldn't be realistic anyway. But I can tell you this clearly: as long as our Peacock Sacred Mountain does not fall into chaos from within, no force in this world will be able to wrest control of the Glazed Glass Royal City from us."
Jiang Chen's gaze swept calmly over the four Great Sovereigns. "The reason I've summoned the four of you is simply to see just how much resolve you have to defend the honor of Peacock Sacred Mountain."
His eyes carried an appraising weight as they passed over each of them in turn.
Jiang Chen harbored no fear of the Asura Great Emperor. He was not worried that the situation in the Glazed Glass Royal City would spiral out of control. But the reality of the current crisis was this: to deal with outside threats, he first had to sort out internal affairs.
At the very least, he needed to know whether these four Great Sovereigns would fully support him — whether, at the critical moment, they might waver, whether they might hold him back.
Duomei Sovereign gave a cold snort. "We were raised by His Majesty the Great Emperor Peacock himself. Our flesh and blood, our very lives, were given to the Peacock Sacred Mountain long ago. For its honor and its standing, we would not shrink from mountains of blades or seas of fire."
"Exactly. Young Master, there is no need to test us. Our loyalty to the Peacock Sacred Mountain can stand witness from the heavens and the earth." Cloud Sovereign spoke up as well.
Jiang Chen nodded slightly, then said thoughtfully, "I have never once doubted your loyalty to the Peacock Sacred Mountain. But what I need to ask is whether you will be equally loyal to me. That is what truly matters. If even you four are going to hold me back, then whether Peacock Sacred Mountain can survive this crisis — I cannot make you any guarantees."
At this critical juncture, Jiang Chen had no interest in beating around the bush. He went straight to the heart of the matter.
The question struck home. The four Great Sovereigns exchanged glances, their expressions growing complicated. In truth, no one would ever question their loyalty to the Peacock Sacred Mountain.
But as for their loyalty to Young Master Zhen — how much did they truly have? They were interrogating themselves silently.
It was not that they outright opposed Young Master Zhen, or refused to support him. It was simply that, deep down, they had genuine doubts about whether he could command the overall situation.
No matter how brilliantly Jiang Chen had performed in the past, no matter how extraordinary he had proven himself — he was still, after all, a young genius.
In the eyes of the four Great Sovereigns, he had not yet matured to the point where he could lead the Peacock Sacred Mountain against the Asura Great Emperor.
Under the pursuit of Jiang Chen's sharp gaze, the four sovereigns began to feel distinctly uncomfortable.
"Please, speak freely." Jiang Chen's tone was mild.
Cloud Sovereign's eyes suddenly stopped evading. A flash of clarity crossed his face, and he declared in a loud voice, "Young Master Zhen, when His Majesty the Great Emperor Peacock designated you as his successor, he spoke with each of us personally. Since we have accepted you as our Young Master, we will support you with everything we have. As long as you do not retreat, we will never abandon you."
"Yes, those four words — never abandon you!" Zhensui Sovereign echoed with equal fervor.
Wild Fox Sovereign gave a brief chuckle. "At the critical moment, we have only one expectation: that Young Master Zhen will not let us down. That when danger arrives, he won't lose his nerve and flee, leaving behind nothing but a mess."
Duomei Sovereign said nothing, which was unusual for her. But the look in her eyes said everything.
Jiang Chen smiled leisurely. "In your eyes, am I the kind of person who would flee?"
"I dared to walk into the dragon's den of Fire of the Dragon Capital. Here in the Glazed Glass Royal City — on our own home ground — tell me, what possible reason would I have to retreat?"