Truth be told, Jiang Chen truly had no idea what Divine King Chishui wanted with him. Was it really just to chat about trivial matters?
Surely the Divine King couldn't be that idle, could he?
"I am evaluating you — evaluating whether you are qualified to become my successor."
Those words struck like thunder, crashing into Jiang Chen's ears.
Successor?
He had absolutely no prior connection with Divine King Chishui. Becoming his successor — where had that come from?
For a moment, Jiang Chen stammered, "Your Majesty, this junior has never had any direct dealings with Your Majesty. I would think that in Your Majesty's mind, I leave no impression whatsoever. Your words are truly beyond this junior's understanding!"
"Heh heh, there is something called affinity. Some people, you could look at them your entire life and never feel any connection. Others, you see them once and feel an immediate bond. Elder Zhen, when you reach the Divine King realm, your way of thinking and your approach to things become… rather special."
That was the honest truth. Jiang Chen thought about it and had to admit it made sense.
Seeing that Jiang Chen said nothing, Divine King Chishui smiled. "What's this? Elder Zhen hears such shocking news and has no particular reaction?"
Jiang Chen smiled wryly. "What reaction would Your Majesty like to hear?"
"I simply want to hear your thoughts."
Jiang Chen shrugged and countered, "Your Majesty is in the prime of life, and the Chishui Minor World enjoys favorable weather and peaceful prosperity. Finding a successor now seems rather premature, doesn't it?"
"Who knows?" Divine King Chishui chuckled. "Perhaps after the Divine King's Assembly, the landscape of the Taichuan Grand World will look entirely different. It never hurts to prepare for rain before the storm."
"Your Majesty worries too much," Jiang Chen said with a smile.
"It's not overthinking. At this Assembly of Lords, it's said that a certain force will push to change the name of the Taichuan Grand World. Once that is set in motion, there are only two possibilities — either the era is renewed, or everything perishes."
"Change the name?" Jiang Chen had actually known about this for some time, but he still wore a look of shock. "Changing the name — wouldn't that mean altering the very fate and fortune of the world? Aren't they afraid the Heavenly Dao will reject it and trigger a catastrophe?"
"Yes, some people are just that crazy," Divine King Chishui sighed. "Now, Elder Zhen, do you understand why I am looking for a successor?"
Jiang Chen smiled bitterly. "If the name really is changed, and Your Majesty chooses me as your successor, wouldn't you simply be dumping all that pressure on me?"
"Exactly so. That is why I need to see whether you have the resolve and the courage for it." Divine King Chishui gave a faint smile.
Jiang Chen neither confirmed nor denied.
Setting aside whether he had such courage, he wasn't particularly interested in becoming the Divine King of a minor world. Besides, he had his own goals.
The position of Lord of the Chishui Minor World held no meaning for him whatsoever.
Seeing Jiang Chen's hesitation, Divine King Chishui seemed to have found his answer. He sighed, "I never imagined that these days, even a lordly seat in a minor world would hold no appeal. It seems this world has truly decayed beyond saving."
"I originally thought that the older generation had lost the courage to change and the drive to push forward, and that perhaps hope lay with the younger generation. But now it seems the younger generation lacks that same courage and sense of responsibility as well. Has our Taichuan Grand World truly reached the end of its fate?"