"Young Master Zhen, don't get things twisted. The purpose of this Lords' Assembly is to discuss the future direction of the Glazed Glass Royal City. This is not the time for you to throw your weight around and put on airs." Canghai Great Emperor had reached the limits of his patience.
"Hmph, nonsense. You can spin whatever tall tales you like now. Without a shred of proof, who would believe you? You say the Peacock Emperor said this, so it must be true? Well, I could just as easily say the Peacock Emperor personally designated Brother Asura as his successor." Canghai Great Emperor was, after all, a master of sophistry and muddle.
"How convenient—'without a shred of proof.'" Jiang Chen sneered repeatedly. The Peacock Emperor had indeed said those words, but producing evidence was obviously impossible.
"Without proof, you lot can claim His Majesty the Peacock has perished. Without proof, you can spread rumors far and wide. Without proof, you can slander my origins. Without proof, you convene a Lords' Assembly to seize the throne…"
Jiang Chen's voice rose with righteous indignation, his tone laced with displeasure. "Let me ask one thing—what proof do any of you have for what you've done?"
The Asura Great Emperor spoke flatly. "Young Master Zhen, our actions are not without basis. I have conducted a thorough investigation. Brother Peacock's disappearance strongly suggests he has perished. Even if he has not yet fallen, the mere rumor of his death has thrown the Glazed Glass Royal City into a state of panic and uncertainty. From this perspective, the city does need a new leader. I have been honored by everyone's confidence as one of the candidates. This is perfectly legitimate—how can you call it usurpation?"
"Perfectly legitimate." Jiang Chen sneered. "If it's so perfectly legitimate, then you invited people from Pill Fire City—our mortal enemy—to attend. Isn't that right?"
The Asura Great Emperor's expression stiffened, and he glanced toward the guest section. "Young Master Zhen, don't engage in veiled accusations. Emperor Danji simply happened to be passing through our Glazed Glass Royal City. Upon hearing that we were convening a Lords' Assembly, he came to join in the excitement. All guests who arrive are welcome. We do have some disagreements with Pill Fire City, but we are not sworn enemies locked in a fight to the death. Tell me—why shouldn't people from Pill Fire City be allowed to come to the Glazed Glass Royal City? Weren't you yourself there not long ago, incognito, in their territory?"
The Asura Great Emperor certainly had a sharp tongue.
Over in the guest section, Emperor Danji chuckled. "Everyone, I have no interest in meddling in your Glazed Glass Royal City's affairs. Brother Peacock and I go back many years. He once told me that if the day came when he was no longer around, the only worthy successor would be the Asura Great Emperor. These were Brother Peacock's sincere words, and I feel it is necessary to speak a fair word for the record."
Upon hearing this, the crowd realized that Emperor Danji was indeed speaking on the Asura Great Emperor's behalf.
Standing nearby,
With the principal figures locked in a stalemate, their respective backers began to step forward.
On the Asura Great Emperor's side stood Emperor Danji of Pill Fire City.
On Young Master Zhen's side stood Han Qianzhan, Sect Master of the Heavenly Sword Sect.
In terms of standing in the wider world, Emperor Danji was probably half a tier above Han Qianzhan. But Han Qianzhan was still the master of a first-rate sect, and with more people backing him, his presence was in no way inferior to Emperor Danji's.
The Lord of the Undying Heavenly Capital was not about to be left out either. "Brother Han, I don't recall hearing anything about you and Brother Peacock being on such terms. Could it be that you fabricated this story yourself?"
One after another, voices joined the fray. Then Su Zhenhuan of the Ancient Cicada Academy spoke up coldly. "When did the Undying Heavenly Capital become so concerned with the Glazed Glass Royal City's business? As for the Peacock Emperor, none of you can claim to understand him better than I do. To my knowledge, the Peacock Emperor designated Young Master Zhen as his successor precisely so that he would take the throne. Of this, I can stake my life!"
The Undying Heavenly Capital. The Ancient Cicada Academy. Both were first-rate sects. Either one alone was a heavyweight whose name rang across the Upper Eight Regions.
And now, gathered within the Glazed Glass Royal City, they had drawn their swords in a war of words.
The Nirvana Great Emperor spoke loudly. "Everyone of the older generation knows that Principal Su and Brother Peacock once shared a special bond. The Peacock Emperor always regarded Principal Su as his confidante of the heart. Principal Su's words are far more credible than those of outsiders from Pill Fire City or the Undying Heavenly Capital!"
Indeed, Su Zhenhuan had very nearly become the Dao companion of the Peacock Emperor. Had it not been for certain unexpected circumstances, the two would have flown together as one.
Foreign supporters—for the Asura Great Emperor, there was Emperor Danji and the Lord of the Undying Heavenly Capital. For Peacock Sacred Mountain, there was the Sect Master of the Heavenly Sword Sect and the Principal of the Ancient Cicada Academy.
Once again, the scales were perfectly balanced.
Were the lords truly going to decide who controlled the Glazed Glass Royal City?
The Asura Great Emperor gazed at Jiang Chen as if issuing a challenge.
"Young Master Zhen, you are a sensible man. The sky cannot exist without the sun; a kingdom cannot exist without a ruler. Today's matter demands a resolution. If you lack the courage, you may leave now—leave the Glazed Glass Royal City. This city has no need for a coward who dares not face reality!"