Just as Ye Chui took down the snake-haired Yuren with two punches and won the martial trial, the empire’s nobles, the various princes, and the Name’s Whatever Magic Guild left the dragon’s lair mountain and arrived at the Red Fort’s council hall.
The Phase King heir Posri had originally wanted to follow along to the council hall as well, but she was unceremoniously refused by the old emperor.
“The council hall is a place in the Stellar Empire for discussing confidential matters. Outsiders have no right to enter!” The old emperor rebuffed Posri in such a domineering manner. Although he appeared elderly and fat, he was still a very dignified emperor. When speaking, he directly ignored the Black Phase Servant’s gaze that seemed as if it could kill.
Posri left with the Black Phase Servant, her face full of anger.
Inside the council hall, the old emperor sat in the central position. The finance minister was trembling as he pleaded something in his ear, but in the end, the old emperor directly waved his hand to interrupt him. After giving Prince Geller a signal, Prince Geller immediately had someone take the finance minister away.
“Go to his home and search it for me. Not a single coin of the gambling debt he owes can be overlooked.” Prince Geller instructed. This was essentially equivalent to raiding his house.
This grand gamble was bound to cause some shifts in the imperial capital’s power structures. Ordinary civilians had placed many bets, but most were insignificant. However, those great families had all placed heavy bets, often tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of gold coins. Placing such large bets could only mean that Ye Chui had offended far too many people on his journey from Windrock City to the imperial capital. Everyone had desperately hoped to see him meet his end quickly…
Now, it had instead benefited Ye Chui and the Anduin family.
A family that had originally fallen into near extinction was now suddenly stepping back into the forefront of imperial families. Even when Ye Chui and the others were summoned into the council hall, the Anduin family head Hoyn was brought along as well. He was now trembling in his boots as he huddled in the corner with his daughter Dani and Jacob. He should get used to such occasions, because the Anduin family would undoubtedly face scenes like this gathering of nobles frequently in the future.
After sending away the finance minister, Prince Geller smiled, his eyes looking towards Ye Chui. He said with a laugh in his mouth: “We truly appreciated a wonderful duel just now. Ye Chui, you did not disappoint me. I will now…”
As he said this, he reached his hand deep into his sleeve. There was the information scroll from the Mercenary Guild, which was a surprise.
But at that moment, the third prince, who had a gloomy face, suddenly stood up: “Seventh grandfather, please wait a moment!”
Everyone looked towards the third prince.
“Although Ye Chui won the martial trial and cleared the charge of killing the ninth prince, during the martial trial just now, he destroyed the Dragon Soul Array and even let his summoned giant dragon devour the dragon soul. The Dragon Soul Array is a confidential site of the Stellar Empire. This account must be settled with him properly!” The third prince said coldly. His words immediately received agreement from the other princes, such as the eldest prince, the fourth prince, and the tenth prince.
Destroying the Dragon Soul Array and devouring the dragon soul was indeed somewhat excessive.
“Third, if you had not mentioned this matter, it would have been fine. Since you did, I must ask you…” Prince Geller’s face also turned cold. “Why did you privately activate the Dragon Soul Array? Ye Chui and the others merely acted in legitimate self-defence. I think the main responsibility lies with you, right?”
“Seventh grandfather, the Dragon Soul Array was accidentally activated by my subordinates.” The third prince had long prepared an excuse to shift blame. He said indifferently: “As punishment, I have already killed them!”
Everyone’s bodies trembled slightly. Anyone could see that the third prince had deliberately activated the Dragon Soul Array at the time to make things difficult for Ye Chui. Afterwards, he had decisively killed his several subordinates and pushed the responsibility onto them… The name of the cold-hearted prince was indeed well-deserved.
Prince Geller was also slightly stunned. What he disliked most was the third prince’s temperament like this. Seeing that the third prince still wanted to say something, Prince Geller snorted coldly: “The destruction of the Dragon Soul Array is indeed regrettable. However, when I instructed Ye Chui and the others to leave Windrock City, I assigned them a seven-star mercenary mission. Because the mission was special, I told them they could do anything they wanted. Even if they committed unpardonable crimes, they would receive amnesty from the imperial royal family. Now that this mission is complete, the punishment for destroying the Dragon Soul Array will naturally also be amnestied!”
This was the truth. Ye Chui had originally considered using Prince Geller’s promise to offset the charge of killing the ninth prince. However, the charge was fabricated to begin with, and Ye Chui did not want to take advantage of it, so he chose the martial trial instead. If you want to frame me, you had better see if you have the ability.
Hearing Prince Geller’s words, everyone present except those in the know was stunned. Ye Chui and the others had been carrying out a seven-star mercenary mission?
The eldest prince stood up in surprise and asked: “Seventh royal uncle, what seven-star mission were they doing?”
Prince Geller did not answer but looked towards Ye Chui instead.
Ye Chui smiled, took out a mission scroll, walked over, and handed it to Prince Geller.
Prince Geller opened the scroll and easily recited the information on it:
“In the next half month, under the identity of a royal illegitimate son, divert the attention of the imperial royal family, bear their assassinations, attacks, and assaults. During this period, in the name of the empire’s emperor, I grant amnesty to all your actions. You may do anything you wish. Even if you commit unpardonable crimes, you will receive amnesty from the imperial royal family!”
Everyone present was dumbfounded.
What shocked them most was the phrase “under the identity of a royal illegitimate son”? This statement…
“Ye Chui is not an illegitimate son. His identity disguise was precisely part of his mission.” Prince Geller swept his gaze over the crowd, seeming to very much enjoy the surprised expressions on their faces. “And Ye Chui and the others completed their mission very well. The original half-month period, yet they persisted for three months!”
“Seventh royal uncle, what was the purpose of this mission?” The eldest prince asked in surprise.
“This is confidential. You do not need to know. You only need to know that fourth brother was also aware of this matter.” After Prince Geller finished speaking, he looked towards the old emperor. The old emperor nodded, confirming Prince Geller’s words.
“Now the Name’s Whatever Magic Guild has perfectly completed this mission.” Prince Geller said loudly. “Just this morning, I have already confirmed it at the Mercenary Guild. This is a seven-star mission, and it indeed deserves the seven-star level. After certification by the guild chairman, the Name’s Whatever Magic Guild now formally obtains the five-star title!”
Prince Geller continued smiling as he said this. He handed the information scroll he had already taken out earlier to Ye Chui: “Congratulations. Your magic guild has now become a five-star magic guild! You are also the first magic guild to rise so quickly!”
Ye Chui, Debbie, Green, Theresa, Guni, and also Jacob and Dani all showed expressions of delight.
When they left Stan Town back then, they were still a three-star guild. After completing the six-star mission of helping Kas rob a bride, they obtained four-star certification. Now, completing this seven-star mission, their star level rose once again. A five-star guild, this was already a large guild sufficient to become famous throughout the entire empire!
Ordinary magic guilds mostly took missions corresponding to their own guild star level. Three-star guilds would choose missions not exceeding three stars, and four-star guilds would also choose those not exceeding four stars. Usually, it took completing three or four missions of the same star level as the guild to gain enough qualification for an upgrade. Where was it like Ye Chui’s guild, taking missions above their level, and each time not just one level higher… Only they dared to play like this!
Amid Ye Chui and the others’ ecstatic expressions, those people who stood in opposition to Ye Chui all showed extremely bitter expressions. They felt very complicated. The fellow they had always regarded as a formidable rival turned out to be a knockoff. Now he had even become a five-star guild in one go…
What worried them even more was what Prince Geller had just said about the purpose of having Ye Chui impersonate an illegitimate son. What exactly was it?
That was definitely related to the battle for the throne…
A feeling called utter defeat suddenly surged into the hearts of several princes present.
At that moment, an elderly voice suddenly transmitted from outside the council hall.
“Ye Chui is not an illegitimate son… How is that possible? Could it be that Your Majesty Charles III is deliberately lying to protect this boy?”
Hearing this voice, everyone was startled. What person would suddenly appear at the council hall and say such rude words?
Ye Chui noticed that the old emperor’s and Prince Geller’s expressions suddenly became extremely grave.
The door to the council hall was pushed open, and an old man wearing a blood-red long robe, leaning on a cane, walked in. His steps were somewhat staggering, his face full of wrinkles, yet he had no beard. His sparse hair was neatly combed, and his age appeared to be at least eighty or ninety years old, even older than the old emperor and Prince Geller.
At his side was a girl supporting his arm. After the girl walked into the council hall, she even opened her big eyes and looked towards Ye Chui, her eyes full of smugness: You would not let me in, so I insist on coming in here!
It was precisely the Phase King heir Posri!
Earlier, when they arrived at the council hall, Posri had been stopped outside. She seemed somewhat unconvinced and went to call this old man, having the old man bring her in!
Who was this red-robed old man?
“Ilyssa Red-Clad Archbishop, it has been a long time since I last saw you.” The old emperor said loudly at this time. The other people sitting in their seats all stood up, but he remained seated in the central position.
Ye Chui finally knew that this old man was a red-clad archbishop!
That was a believer one level higher than a grand bishop. The old man before his eyes could be said to be the Church’s leader in the Stellar Empire! He also had the right to enter the Privy Council and could move freely within the Red Fort!
“Lately, I have always been listening to the teachings of the gods and have little interest in external affairs. Hehe, if not for this little one insisting on dragging me here, I probably would not have left the grand cathedral.” The old man’s elderly voice said. The little one he mentioned naturally referred to Posri.
After finishing his words, the red-clad archbishop’s gaze suddenly turned towards Ye Chui.
His eyes were turbid and appeared to lack any vitality, but when Ye Chui received his gaze, cold sweat instantly broke out on his forehead. It made him deeply feel the terror and horror of this old man. Theresa standing beside him even subconsciously moved closer to Ye Chui’s side. Ye Chui could feel her body constantly trembling… As a believer who had abandoned the Church, the red-clad old man’s deterrence was even more fatal to Theresa!
“You are actually not the old emperor’s illegitimate son? How can I not believe that?” The red-clad old man looked at Ye Chui and said with a smile. His smile was like the kindly smile of an ordinary old man, but it could make one sense the killing intent hidden within that smile.
“Lord Ilyssa, Ye Chui’s illegitimate son identity was arranged by me. Of course it is fake. The Mercenary Guild’s commission scroll can serve as proof.” Prince Geller said solemnly. Ilyssa’s status was truly respected. Even though Prince Geller did not like him, he still had to address him as lord.
“Commission scrolls can also be faked.” The red-clad old man said faintly, however.
He seemed convinced that Ye Chui was truly the illegitimate son.
The several princes also seemed to suddenly realise: The old emperor and Prince Geller denying Ye Chui’s illegitimate son status might have some other scheme.
Because of the Church’s interference with the princes, the old emperor was not too satisfied with the current twelve princes. If he insisted on passing the throne to the illegitimate son Ye Chui, who had a poor relationship with the Church, then to protect Ye Chui, he might deny Ye Chui’s illegitimate son status and formally confirm it at an appropriate time later… This was not impossible!
“But bloodline cannot be faked.” The red-clad old man continued smiling as he said this. His somewhat trembling hand reached into his sleeve and took out a jade-green stone. “Please, Your Majesty Charles III, use the bloodline stone to test Ye Chui’s bloodline.”
“Bloodline stone?” It was Ye Chui’s first time hearing of such a thing.
Theresa, Debbie, and the others also showed puzzled expressions.
Posri took the stone. Hearing Ye Chui’s words, she smiled and explained: “The bloodline stone can detect connections between bloodlines. This is a treasure.” She walked towards the old emperor. “Your Majesty Charles III, please drip your blood onto the bloodline stone. That way, when the bloodline stone, under the urging of magic power, approaches the side of a blood descendant, it will glow.”
The old emperor’s face showed anger, and he made no response.
Posri continued smiling: “Your Majesty, you do not want your illegitimate son’s identity to remain unclear, do you? If Ye Chui truly is not the illegitimate son, this can also dispel the concerns of the other princes. What do you say?”
“Hmph!” The old emperor snorted coldly and then looked towards Prince Geller. They were the ones who knew best. Ye Chui was not the illegitimate son. Just as Posri said, using the bloodline stone to confirm Ye Chui’s identity could also make the other princes stop viewing Ye Chui as an enemy. This was not unacceptable.
Thus, the old emperor took out a short sword, cut his finger, and dripped a drop of blood into the bloodline stone.
The blood fell into the bloodline stone and quickly merged into it.
Posri placed the bloodline stone in her palm. She first brought the bloodline stone close to the eldest prince, second prince, and others, urging her magic power. Although she had not yet awakened her magic guide book, she had been trained as a magic child from a young age and possessed the ability to control magic power. When the bloodline stone just approached the eldest prince and the others, it immediately lit up brightly.
When approaching Prince Geller, however, it did not glow. The bloodline stone only glowed for descendant bloodlines; it had no effect between brothers.
After confirming the bloodline stone’s function, Posri walked towards Ye Chui. On that face of hers, which was actually very cute and pretty, she showed a somewhat sly smile, as if waiting to see Ye Chui’s pretence exposed.
Ye Chui remained calm and composed. Whether he was the illegitimate son or not, he naturally knew in his heart!
Then, when the bloodline stone came sufficiently close to Ye Chui, it suddenly emitted a faint glimmer!
Ye Chui’s eyes suddenly widened.
The glow of the bloodline stone gradually grew brighter.
Ye Chui’s expression was completely shocked.
Debbie, Green, Theresa, and the others also showed surprised expressions beyond expectation.
What the hell, no way?
Ye Chui turned his head and glanced at Debbie and the others. The illegitimate son was not Ricken? How, how could this be? Could Ye Chui be the true illegitimate son!? Ye Chui subconsciously looked towards Prince Geller. Had this old fox concealed the truth?
However, he discovered that Prince Geller also wore an expression of “I have seen a ghost”!
The light on the bloodline stone grew even more vigorous.
The smile on Posri’s face also gradually widened. She made a face at Ye Chui: Who are you trying to fool? You are indeed the illegitimate son!
Finally, Posri placed the hand holding the bloodline stone against Ye Chui’s chest.
But just at that moment, causing everyone to simultaneously let out an “Eh” of exclamation, the glow on that bloodline stone suddenly began to flicker on and off, flashing incessantly. In Ye Chui’s perception, it was just like a light bulb with a bad connection.
“What is going on?” Posri said somewhat puzzled. Her magic power urging had no issue. Why had the bloodline stone started flickering? Could this thing be broken? The other people in the council hall also gathered over curiously.
At this moment, Ye Chui’s heart was even more surprised.
Could it be… because of his transmigrator identity?
Posri shook the bloodline stone, but the light on the bloodline stone continued to flicker incessantly. She wanted to seek help by looking at Ilyssa, but the bloodline stone accidentally slipped from her palm, rolling to the ground, gurgle gurgle, and just happened to roll in front of Jacob, who was standing at Ye Chui’s side. Jacob had originally been standing in the corner, but when Posri took out the bloodline stone, out of curiosity, he had approached Ye Chui’s side along with Dani.
When Posri bent down to pick it up, Jacob hurriedly took a step ahead and picked up the bloodline stone. He was about to hand it back to Posri when his palm suddenly stiffened in mid-air, and the expression on his face completely froze as well.
The bloodline stone still retained Posri’s magic power, and now, in Jacob’s hand, it was emitting a steady bright light.
That light was very stable, with the same brightness as when approaching the eldest prince, second prince, and the others.
The council hall suddenly fell quiet.
Everyone looked towards Jacob.
Looked towards the bloodline stone in Jacob’s hand.
“What the f***—” After a moment, Ye Chui came back to his senses and could not help but exclaim in shock.
Just now, the bloodline stone in Posri’s hand had flickered uncertainly in front of him not because of his soul transmigration issue, but because the bloodline the bloodline stone had detected was not his at all, but Jacob’s. It was just that Jacob was standing beside him, so the signal was perhaps not very stable, causing this flickering situation…
In other words, Jacob was the illegitimate son left by the old emperor in Windrock City all those years ago!
