The Asura Great Emperor was truly frustrated. He knew Young Master Zhen was somewhat difficult to deal with. But before convening the Vassal Assembly, he had run through every possible analysis and always concluded that with the Peacock Great Emperor gone, securing the position of ruler for himself would be an absolute certainty.
This mere Young Master Zhen, even if he was some heaven-defying genius, was ultimately too young, too green.
In the Asura Great Emperor's memory, even if this Young Master Zhen was somewhat more outstanding than his own direct disciple Li Jiancheng, he was still just a young genius — absolutely no qualification to be mentioned in the same breath, let alone to compete with him at this Vassal Assembly.
But the cruel reality was laid out right before his eyes.
This Young Master Zhen had held firm to the Peacock Sacred Mountain's position step by step, and had even begun to press forward against him with increasing pressure.
If he responded carelessly even once, he might truly fall short at the final hurdle!
Yet, when he reconsidered: "Could this kid really be an all-around genius? Or is he just saying these things to win over the vassals — deliberately trying to embarrass me to boost his own popularity?"
Honestly, the Asura Great Emperor was feeling quite conflicted.
Though he verbally opposed the idea, in his heart he actually knew that Young Master Zhen's proposal was the most reasonable and most popular.
Emperor Nian saw that both sides were at an impasse, so he had no choice but to step in and mediate: "If everything is left to the vassals to decide, it truly will go on without end. Let me say something impartial. If the two of you wish to determine a winner through a wager, the number of rounds must first be odd. Five rounds, seven rounds, nine rounds, eleven rounds, thirteen rounds — an odd number. Only in this way can a victor be properly determined. Of course, since you both say this contest is a test of your respective fortune and foundations, then having only the two of you compete would be inappropriate. I suggest that each of your sides send several people, competing across different areas. That way, it would better reflect your true foundations."
Emperor Nian's suggestion won the approval of the assembled vassals.
"That's right! Both sides should send more people. A duel between just two would be far too dull."
"Well said! I suggest each side send five people and compete in eleven or thirteen rounds. The more rounds, the more participants — the better it shows their true foundations!"
"Yes, exactly! The more rounds, the better!"
The vassals below all began calling out in agreement. Most of those speaking up were the neutral vassals who had previously abstained.
Naturally, on the Peacock Sacred Mountain's side as well, quite a few vassals joined in the clamor. They knew perfectly well that if it came down to a one-on-one between Young Master Zhen and the Asura Great Emperor, Young Master Zhen would be at a disadvantage due to his youth. So the more people involved and the more rounds contested, the more it would erode the Asura Great Emperor's advantage.
These vassals who supported the Peacock Sacred Mountain were genuinely looking out for its interests.
However, the Asura Great Emperor's supporters clearly did not favor this approach. They knew that the Asura Dojo's greatest advantage was the Asura Great Emperor himself.
If his advantage was weakened, then in an overall comparison between the Asura Dojo and the Peacock Sacred Mountain, they would absolutely be unable to gain the upper hand.
Yet, under these circumstances, the voices of the Asura Great Emperor's supporters were clearly being drowned out by the Peacock Sacred Mountain's faction and the neutral party.
Even among the Asura Great Emperor's own supporters, many had only been swayed by him on the spot, their heads hot with enthusiasm. Now that there was a spectacle to be had, they naturally joined in the shouting as well, supporting the idea of a grand contest. However, they couldn't very well express such thoughts openly.
But at least they didn't raise their voices in opposition to the Peacock Sacred Mountain and the neutral faction.
In this way, the mainstream sentiment at the scene grew ever stronger, leaving the Asura Great Emperor with no way to retreat. Rage burned in the Asura Great Emperor's heart.
He had never imagined the Vassal Assembly would develop to this point. What he had assumed would be an easy, guaranteed victory had encountered such unexpected complications.
For a moment, the Asura Great Emperor was thoroughly vexed.
"Asura, don't worry. If you're going to compete with them, why not add a couple more rounds in alchemy? My Dan Fire City prepared so many trump cards for you — surely you know how to use them?"
Just when the Asura Great Emperor was at his wit's end, his divine sense suddenly stirred and he heard Emperor Danji's telepathic transmission. That voice was like a flame in the darkness — the Asura Great Emperor suddenly saw light and hope, his eyes brightening on the spot.
That's right — hadn't he prepared several trump cards for himself?
The Asura Great Emperor had been reluctant to use these trump cards because he was wary of Emperor Danji. He knew deep down that inviting Emperor Danji was no different from inviting a wolf into the house, or drinking poison to quench his thirst. But he had no other options.
If he hadn't called upon Emperor Danji, he wouldn't even have been able to remove the Peacock Great Emperor, let alone seize power.
So now, even if it pained him, he had to use the trump cards that Emperor Danji had left for him. The Asura Great Emperor steeled himself: "Fine. The worst that can happen is I owe him a few more favors. Once we've grown strong enough in time, we won't have to dance to his tune anymore. On my turf in the Glazed Glass Royal City, there's ultimately nothing he can do to me. If he gets too arrogant on my territory... the worst case is I eliminate him along with everything else!"
Anger surged from the depths of the Asura Great Emperor's heart, and malice took root at his side. Anyone who had achieved the status of a Great Emperor was no pushover.
The Asura Great Emperor had deliberately used Emperor Danji, making it appear as though he was inviting a wolf into the house. In reality, he had his own plans.