The way the seats were assigned spoke volumes. The lords occupying the most prominent positions were almost certainly where the masterminds lurked.
Which one it was—or whether there were several—he couldn't say for certain yet.
But Jiang Chen was certain that the mastermind was among the seven individuals who held the keys to the Eternal Divine Prison.
All seven were figures of great power and influence.
"His Majesty Qing Tian has arrived!" A sharp voice rang out from behind, followed by the solemn strains of celestial music. The grand procession of the Heavenly Emperor was magnificent—dragon-drawn chariots, phoenix palanquins, golden-armored warriors clearing the way, golden halberds glinting in formation, every step disciplined and imposing. The spectacle was nothing short of spectacular.
The Heavenly Emperor Qing Tian strode forward with the bearing of a dragon and tiger, ascending to the throne reserved for the Heavenly Emperor.
When he settled into that seat, Jiang Chen noticed that nearly every lord's gaze carried a complicated mixture of emotions.
Some showed envy, some disdain, some jealousy, some feigned composure, some looked away with indifference. In that single instant, every shade of human nature was on display.
"We welcome Your Majesty." All the lords bowed in salute.
Regardless of everything else, Heavenly Emperor Qing Tian was the current Heavenly Emperor. In name, he remained the sovereign of the Taiyuan Great World—even if under his rule the Taiyuan Great World was still in utter disarray.
"Heh heh, there's no need for such formality, my beloved ministers. Please, take your seats!" Heavenly Emperor Qing Tian's laughter was hearty, but within that heartiness, Jiang Chen could detect a certain lack of confidence.
"So it seems Heavenly Emperor Qing Tian can be ruled out," Jiang Chen thought, mentally crossing his name off the list.
Although the Heavenly Emperor Qing Tian also held one of the secret keys, he was almost certainly not the mastermind. This was something Jiang Chen had deduced from various details, and it was also a strong intuition he felt deep down.
"As before, before the grand assembly begins, we must verify that all seven secret keys to the Eternal Divine Prison are accounted for. Will the six ministers who hold secret keys please come forward."
The Heavenly Emperor Qing Tian spoke.
This was official business, a ceremony that every Lords' God King Assembly required. The purpose was to confirm that the keys were still in their keepers' possession, that none had been lost, and that none had been secretly used.
This matter concerned the Taiyuan Heavenly Emperor, and no one dared object.
Although the Heavenly Emperor Qing Tian was not the mastermind, he clearly had no wish for the Taiyuan Heavenly Emperor to resurface either. After all, he was the Heavenly Emperor now—who would willingly give up their own position?
Even if the Taiyuan Great World was deteriorating, growing worse with each passing day, the seat of the Heavenly Emperor still mattered more than any of that. That was the selfishness of human nature.
The Crimson Water God King rose to his feet, and five other God King lords stood as well.
These six God Kings were all seated in the most prominent section. They rose from the front rows, walked to the front, and produced their respective secret keys, placing them on the table before the Heavenly Emperor Qing Tian.
The Heavenly Emperor Qing Tian smiled faintly and produced his own key as well.
All seven secret keys were placed together—seven keys of bizarre and distinct designs, yet at this moment they drew every eye, radiating an almost irresistible allure.