Every great emperor in Glazed Royal City had gathered within the Young Lord's residence. Today, Jiang Chen was hosting a banquet and had secretly summoned them all.
The great emperors had been somewhat surprised to learn that Young Lord Zhen had emerged from seclusion and was calling them together in such a clandestine manner. The looks they exchanged carried unspoken questions.
"Young Lord Zhen has arrived."
The assembled emperors were still seated, exchanging startled glances, when Jiang Chen strode in through the front entrance with Peerless Great Emperor and the two Jiao brothers of Mount Huai.
"Heh heh, esteemed emperors, I've troubled you all to make the journey here. My sincere apologies for the inconvenience." Jiang Chen cupped his fists in a polite salute.
The great emperors had all been sitting, but upon seeing Jiang Chen's salute, they rose one after another and returned the gesture with cupped fists of their own.
Jiang Chen gestured for everyone to sit. "Please, everyone — take your seats."
The group exchanged warm smiles, the atmosphere thoroughly amicable, and settled back into their places.
Once the banquet was underway, Jiang Chen raised his cup to the room and spoke. "Esteemed emperors, after the Battle of the Lords Conference, the grand situation of our Glazed Royal City has been largely settled. I have all of you to thank for holding me in such high regard and elevating me to the position of Young Lord. As for the Independent Cultivator Assembly, had we not all worked together with one heart, its success would have been utterly impossible. This cup of wine is my way of thanking you all for your efforts."
Everyone raised their cups, speaking in rapid agreement. "Young Lord Zhen is too modest! We are all great emperors of Glazed Royal City. Matters concerning Glazed Royal City are naturally our responsibility."
"At the Dragon-Tiger Convergence, we merely contributed some sweat and did the rough work. Without Young Lord Zhen's planning and resourcefulness, success would have been out of reach. This cup should be ours to toast to you, not the other way around."
"Indeed — Young Lord Zhen is young and accomplished, and Brother Peacock had a keen eye for talent. Truly admirable. Young Lord Zhen, please accept this cup from all of us."
One after another, the emperors raised their cups, expressing their desire to toast Jiang Chen.
Jiang Chen smiled and drained his cup.
"Esteemed emperors, I have never been one for empty words or grandiose claims. However, there are certain matters I must lay out clearly for you today — which is the reason I gathered everyone here."
Hearing this, the emperors set down their cups one by one, their expressions growing solemn as they watched Jiang Chen, waiting for him to speak.
"I'm sure you've all heard certain rumors lately — about my origins, my background, and so forth. To outsiders, I couldn't be bothered to offer any explanation. But you are all the pillars and backbone of Glazed Royal City. If I don't lay my cards on the table with you, I would not have a clear conscience."
"That's right — my real surname is not Zhen. It is Jiang. I come from the Myriad Domain. The Jiang Chen that the Eternal Celestial Capital has been hunting down these past years — that is me." Jiang Chen's gaze was open and steady. Meeting the astonished eyes of the assembled emperors, he revealed the truth forthrightly and without hesitation.
This secret would have to come out sooner or later.
The atmosphere stiffened momentarily.
Great Emperor Panlong chuckled. "Young Lord, everyone here has already prepared themselves for this. We are all of one mind — a hero need not be judged by his origins. Brother Peacock chose his successor without prejudice. The previous Young Lord Fan was not of Glazed Royal City's direct lineage either, yet he was still named Young Lord. As long as you devote yourself wholeheartedly to our Glazed Royal City, that is our fortune."
"Exactly, exactly — Glazed Royal City is not like those sectarian powers, hung up on questions of lineage and pedigree. We have always embraced talent from all walks of life. If someone is a true genius, Glazed Royal City will welcome them with open arms. Young Lord Zhen's brilliance is proof of our city's heavenly fortune, is it not?" The first to step forward and echo Great Emperor Panlong was none other than Great Emperor Canghai.
Great Emperor Canghai had pledged himself to Jiang Chen, and had already become one of his most devoted followers.
Great Emperor Jiemie pondered for a moment before speaking. "Brother Peacock has always had a natural gift for reading people. He has never been wrong about anyone. As for me, Jiemie — regardless of what others may think, I continue to support Young Lord Zhen as I always have. No — I should say, Young Lord Jiang Chen."
"Heh heh heh, I have no objections either. Glazed Royal City has never cared about matters of lineage. If Young Lord Zhen's talents were to leave Glazed Royal City, that would be our true loss." Great Emperor Zhenyue spoke with a broad smile.
Of the eight great emperors originally in Glazed Royal City, Great Emperor Peacock had gone missing and Great Emperor Shura had perished. Only six remained. Now, four had already declared their stance.
Great Emperor Nian smiled in an unhurried manner. "With Young Lord Zhen's abilities, even if he left Glazed Royal City, he would thrive wherever he went. But if Glazed Royal City lost Young Lord Zhen, the result might well be utter chaos. I'm an old man, and I simply don't have the confidence to clean up such a mess. Therefore, whether you are Young Lord Zhen or Young Lord Jiang Chen, I wholeheartedly support you."
Only Great Emperor Zhankong had yet to speak.
Great Emperor Zhankong let out a soft sigh. "I, Zhankong, am a latecomer among the great emperors. I have always considered myself a genius. But having seen Young Lord Jiang Chen, I realize how laughable my own arrogance truly was. I too support Young Lord Jiang Chen."
All six great emperors had declared their positions.
As for Peerless Great Emperor and the two Jiao brothers of Mount Huai, they were members of Peacock Sacred Mountain to begin with. There was no question of their opposing Jiang Chen.
Seeing that everyone had spoken their piece, Jiang Chen raised his cup once more. "Your support moves me deeply. From this day forward, I will spare no effort in leading Glazed Royal City to even greater glory. I will say only this: grant me your full trust, and I will repay you a hundredfold!"