The Great Martial Saint!

Chapter 990 The Palace Coup, The Manipulator Behind the Scenes

"Your Highness—!"

Inside the palace, the crowd cried out in alarm, their expressions filled with panic, unable to believe what they were witnessing.

The Prince of Bi Cang was ashen-faced, his body decayed, and deathly aura emanated from him.

These signs undoubtedly point to poisoning.

With the power of the Prince of Bi Cang, a great cultivator of the Celestial Realm, even under normal circumstances, it would be difficult for him to exert any effect when faced with a deadly poison.

But now.

He only drank a spoonful of the medicine and ended up in this state.

this.

Inside the palace, everyone was shocked and terrified. Almost at the same moment, some people turned their attention to Ji Shulan, who was serving medicine and carrying a cup.

From beginning to end, only Ji Shulan had contact with Prince Bicang; no one else did.

Do not!

There's one more person!

Princess Bi Cang, Ji Qingyu.

No! That's not all!

If we trace back further, there are other people involved!

Who is it?!

Countless conflicting emotions could not mask the panic and unease that gripped the palace.

The experts, including Elder Dou and Elder Zong, who had been waiting inside the building, now surrounded the bed. Even though it was against etiquette, it was perfectly reasonable in such an emergency.

"Your Highness—!"

Old Dou was filled with sorrow, never expecting such an outcome, which caught everyone off guard.

Everything had been settled and things were looking good. We only needed to wait a few more hours to determine the successor to the throne and establish a firm footing. But unexpectedly, this unexpected turn of events occurred.

With the fate of Prince Bicang still unknown, the absence of his personal endorsement would inevitably give rise to criticism, no matter how certain the successor to the throne may be.

If that's the case, how should we proceed with the path that the Prince had previously laid out?

Besides

Old Dou was in a daze, and countless lights and shadows flashed by like a revolving lantern.

Just as he was about to reach the bed, a chill ran down his spine, and a sense of alarm suddenly arose in his heart. He subconsciously shifted his body, twisting it into an unbelievable angle. His mind and spirit trembled, and spiritual light converged to protect his body.

However, although his reaction was extremely fast, the attack from behind was even faster. Caught off guard, the spiritual light around him had just begun to flare up when it completely dimmed and dissipated.

call out!

A thin, hair-like blue needle pierced straight through his body. Although the wound was small, the chilling aura that burst forth at that moment made him freeze.

Sensing danger, the feather fan that had been swelling in the wind momentarily stopped, and the pure and powerful divine soul energy briefly went out of control.

In that brief moment, a divine soul erupted from behind, striking down with a fierce attack. Old Master Dou was sent crashing down like a piece of shattered stone, hurtling towards the side of the palace building.

"Zong Heng!"

Old Dou's eyes were bulging with rage, and even as the stone-like impact struck, he clearly saw the figure of the person who had made the move.

Ji Zongheng, the clan elder of the Bicang Prince's Mansion!

How could this be?!

He never expected that the person who launched the sneak attack would be Ji Zongheng!

Unlike his clear stance, Ji Zongheng was more neutral on the selection of the crown prince. No matter who became the crown prince, it would not affect Ji Zongheng's status in the Bicang County Prince's Mansion.

My presence here at this moment is due to the lingering influence of the Prince and the grand bloodline ceremony.

Why would someone like that launch a sneak attack on him at this crucial moment?

Ji Zongheng

Picture what?

And on what grounds?!

Rumble~

The palace building trembled and exploded with a deafening roar.

Although there are restrictions and protections inside and outside the palace, its size is not as large as the main hall of the previous imperial palace.

The intense bombardment at that moment made the palace tower extremely vulnerable.

"Old Dou!"

"Mr. Dou!"

"."

The sudden turn of events threw everyone present into chaos.

No one expected that Elder Zong would suddenly make a move.

"puff!"

Old Master Dou lay amidst the ruins of the wall, his clothes soaked with blood, his breathing unsteady, a far cry from his previous air of elegance and refinement.

Sensing the faint, unstable energy within his body, Old Master Dou's expression turned grim, realizing that things were spiraling out of control.

Under normal circumstances, his strength and that of Elder Zong are roughly equal, and even if he were to launch a sneak attack, he would never have achieved such a result.

but.

Old Master Dou was in a state of utter confusion.

In the previous battle at the palace hall, he unleashed a powerful attack to stop Ji Xuanmo, sustaining serious injuries. Now, with the Prince poisoned and his fate uncertain, he is even more unsettled. Under such circumstances, when his opponent suddenly attacks, he is caught off guard and finds it difficult to defend himself.

Is it

Was everything planned out back then?

Old Master Dou's spirit was boiling, and he wanted to fight back, but his spirit, which was originally as responsive as an arm, was now like being pricked by needles. As soon as it was stimulated, he felt numb and sluggish.

"The needle is poisoned!"

Old Dou's heart sank to the bottom.

What could limit his combat power was definitely not an ordinary poison. He had already been seriously injured before, and now, after being ambushed and poisoned with a strange poison, half of his combat power had already been lost.

If the remaining combat force can still perform steadily, that would already be an excellent result.

"Elder Zong!"

Ji Qingyu exclaimed in surprise. She never expected that her usually respected elder would launch a sneak attack.

He ambushed Mr. Dou, a trusted confidant of the Prince.

Whoosh!

Elder Yi moved with the speed of a phantom, instantly shielding Ji Qingyu as the unexpected happened. His expression was solemn, and his eyes were filled with apprehension as he looked at Elder Zong.

Amidst gasps of surprise, Elder Zong's aura deepened, and numerous precious treasures appeared around him, intertwining to create a terrifying aura.

Ignoring the shouts and curses around him, his gaze fell upon Ji Shulan, who was kneeling respectfully before the bed.

At this moment, Ji Shulan held a celadon jade bowl in her hands, blowing on the soup spoon as she poured the medicine, her face meticulous. She knelt on the ground, her cloud-blue dress flowing like a misty blue flower spreading across the ground, just as she had before.

"Your Highness Shulan, I hope you will not forget what you promised me."

what?

Upon hearing Elder Zong's words, everyone in the palace felt dizzy and as if they had been struck by a heavy blow.

"Sister Shulan, you—"

Ji Qingyu stared at Ji Shulan with disbelief, her rosy eyes filled with astonishment.

She never imagined that this matter would have anything to do with Sister Shulan.

Sister Shulan has the utmost respect for Grandfather, the Prince. How could she do such a thing?

Even now, with the facts laid bare before her, she still harbors a sliver of hope, believing that Elder Zong is merely spouting nonsense and that such actions are nothing more than a distraction.

But clearly, reality shattered her sliver of hope.

Ji Shulan carefully blew on the medicinal soup in the spoon, her expression even revealing a hint of caution.

She ignored Elder Zong and simply blew on the medicinal soup to dissipate its residual heat and reduce its intense heat.

She blew for a few breaths, then slowly raised her face to look at the Prince of Bi Cang, whose life and death were uncertain and who lay on the bed, enveloped in a deathly aura.

She suddenly smiled and said, "Great Ancestor, you've grown old. Shulan is here for you."

Providing for the elderly and seeing them off in their final days.

Ji Shulan had jet-black eyelashes and fair, translucent skin. Her smile amplified her girlish charm, just like a dutiful granddaughter serving her elders.

Ji Shulan slowly rose, her skirt swaying like a flower, and gracefully bowed to Prince Bi Cang.

Then the smile on her face vanished, replaced by a heroic and indifferent demeanor. She no longer possessed any girlish coquettishness, but instead exuded an awe-inspiring aura of ruling over the vast land.

"I will always keep my word. After today, Elder Zong's request will be fulfilled."

"Thank you, Your Highness Shulan." A smile appeared on Elder Zong's slightly aged face, and the precious treasures appeared one by one, already radiating a divine light.

Having gambled for most of his life, it's finally time for him to experience the feeling of winning every bet. Many years ago, various factions began to curry favor with him, their words and interactions mostly aimed at winning him over.

In earlier years, when the Prince was critically ill, the attempts by various parties to win him over became even more frequent.

Ji Dongqing and Ji Xuanmo were key figures in his efforts to win him over, and they had put a lot of effort into him, making countless promises, both overt and covert.

But he hasn't responded yet. How could he not be cautious about betting his entire fortune?

And now.

He made the right bet.

Previously, when Ji Xuanmo made his move in the main hall of the palace, he had intended to take advantage of the chaos, but since the situation was unclear, he ultimately chose to play it safe.

Fortunately, the situation of Prince Bicang was much better than he had imagined.

The case of Ji Xuanmo is clear proof. It proves that even an elderly cultivator nearing the end of his lifespan, no matter how old, requires absolute reverence, rational thinking, and restraint.

His restraint and silence have led to the current situation.

His Highness Shulan possesses extraordinary skills, talent, temperament, and courage—he has it all.

He is the one destined for the position of Prince of Bicang, the hope for the future of the Prince of Bicang's mansion, and is destined to lead the mansion to greater heights and a wider world.

now

Both inside and outside the palace, there were people from Prince Shulan. The fate of Prince Bicang was unknown, Elder Dou was seriously injured, and Elder Yi was too busy to take care of himself.

Overall situation

It's settled!

"Why!?" Ji Qingyu's eyes reddened, her voice trembled slightly, and she stared blankly at Ji Shulan.

Even now, she still finds it hard to accept this reality.

She couldn't accept that the person who poisoned her was her always kind and friendly sister, Shulan.

"Why?" Ji Shulan smiled softly, her smile silent. "Ji Qingyu, don't you understand yet? The Emperor's heart has always belonged to you!"

Om-!

Ji Qingyu's mind went blank, as if struck by lightning.

"Are you giving it to me yourself, or am I coming to pick it up myself?"

Ji Shulan's expression was cold, and her eyes were devoid of any warmth.

"what?"

Ji Qingyu responded instinctively.

"A token of bloodline! Didn't our great-grandfather give it to you?"

"Your Highness Qingyu, hand it over. You have a close relationship with His Highness, and His Highness will not make things difficult for you."

Elder Zong was surrounded by a dazzling aura, displaying the overwhelming power of a half-step Grand Cultivator. At this moment, within the palace, he commanded respect and was difficult to look away from.

Now, with the Prince's confidant, Old Master Dou, seriously injured, he can no longer pose a threat to him.

But with Elder Yi still around, even with Prince Shulan present, it would be difficult to reverse the tide. However, if the other party persists in this course of action, it might create a lot of unnecessary trouble.

If it can be handled simply, then it is naturally better to handle it simply.

"I do not have."

Ji Qingyu shook her head, her eyes reddening but unable to hide her determination.

"Is it that you don't have it? Or that you don't want to?" Elder Zong's expression turned cold.

"I told you, I didn't." Ji Qingyu raised her eyes, her tone firm, and looked at Ji Shulan: "I never thought about the position of Prince. I have always believed that you are the most suitable to inherit the position of Prince, but you should never have poisoned my grandfather, the Prince!"

"A disrespectful and unfilial descendant has no right to inherit the throne!"

Ji Shulan's expression remained unchanged. She didn't speak, she just stared at Ji Qingyu.

"If you won't listen to reason, you'll have to suffer the consequences!"

There was no turning back now. Elder Zong sneered and made his move.

boom!

An object resembling a jade seal emanated from his body and slammed fiercely towards Ji Qingyu.

The jade seal swelled in the wind, and before it was even half full, it was already the size of a house. If it weren't for the grandeur of the palace, it would probably have already burst open by now.

"How dare you—"

Master Yi's expression was solemn, his eyes deep. He raised his hand, and a light screen formed, pressing the jade seal against the outside.

Even so, after neutralizing the opponent's attack, his expression remained completely focused.

Given the current situation, he is all alone and I'm afraid he can't hold on by himself.

Although Elder Dou is seriously injured and still has some fighting ability, he is of little use in the current situation.

"Hmph!" Elder Zong snorted coldly: "It is said that Elder Yi is proficient in shield defense techniques. I would like to come and learn from his superior skills."

call!

A huge black horn appeared in his hand. As soon as he thought about it, an invisible shockwave and rumble arose, and ripples of sound waves quietly emerged.

Master Yi's expression changed; he hadn't expected his opponent to have such reserves. He himself was unharmed by this type of area-of-effect sonic attack, but in a one-on-one battle, he might not be able to protect the young princess.

Just as he was concentrating and his expression changed, an aged voice suddenly rang out.

"You really think I'm dead!"

On the bed, Prince Bi Cang suddenly opened his eyes, the turbidity in his eyes completely gone, and now they appeared perfectly clear.

"what?"

Elder Zong's expression changed drastically, and his heart trembled. The invisible sound wave was momentarily stunned and stopped in mid-air.

"Your Highness!" Inside the ruins of the wall, Old Dou, who had just finished regulating his breathing and stimulating his soul, was overjoyed.

hum~

A vibrant green light flowed around the Prince of Bicang, whose decaying body, like withered skin, slowly stretched out and filled up like an air bag.

Surrounded by azure waters, Prince Bi Cang stood up, exuding an imposing aura, his sharp eyes radiating a powerful presence.

He swept his gaze across the room with an air of authority, finally settling on Ji Shulan.

"I never imagined that I would witness such a wonderful show on my deathbed."

You all have truly surprised me!

"You must have put in a lot of effort to prepare for this. You even know the properties of the secret medicine I take perfectly. By using the Azure Powder as a base, you've enhanced its effects, unleashing a potent toxicity to deliver a fatal blow to my decaying body."

As he spoke, a complex expression appeared between the brows of the Prince of Bi Cang: "Of all my bloodline descendants, you are the one I value and rely on the most. I never expected..."

You are the one who disappoints me the most.

"What do you value most?"

Ji Shulan smiled, her expression silent, showing no surprise or astonishment even at this moment.

"If he valued me the most, why didn't Emperor Gaozu pass the throne to me? Since he relied on me the most, why didn't he hand over the Prince's Mansion to me?"

With my abilities, I can bring the Bicang Prince's Mansion to new heights in less than a century.

"Could it be just because I'm a woman?" Ji Shulan slowly turned her eyes, a slight fluctuation appearing in her expression. It came suddenly and was particularly strong. She stretched out her hand and pointed sharply.

"But what about her? She's a woman too!? Why are you willing to believe her and not me!? Entrusting such a vast Prince's mansion to her, to someone who isn't even a celestial being?"

Do you know that when I learned that you intended to pass the throne to her, all I felt for you was hatred?

I would rather you favor Ji Dongqing or Ji Xuanmo than her!

Ji Shulan's hair was as black as ink, her skin was crystal clear and radiant, and her gaze beneath her eyelashes was sharp as a knife, burning with an almost insane light.

"You told me that women are not necessarily inferior to men. But in the end, is she the only one in your heart?"

In terms of bloodline, I am closer than her, being your great-great-granddaughter. In terms of cultivation, I have reached the Second Realm of Rainbow Crossing, achieving perfection, and am only one step away from major cultivation! In terms of ability, over the years, your praise has often echoed in my ears. In terms of talent, I am proficient in divination, having cultivated multiple skills.

In every way, I'm better than her, so why is it that you never see me? And why is it that you ultimately choose me?

Ji Shulan made her accusations.

"You said that if you want something, you have to earn it yourself. There's nothing in this world that you can get without working for it. But why is it that she can enjoy everything without doing anything, just telling you and you give her everything! Including this..."

The throne of the Prince!

She did nothing, and you gave it to her! All the effort you put in is a joke in her eyes.

As she spoke, Ji Shulan's voice suddenly rose in pitch.

"You said that if you want something, you have to fight for it yourself, and right now, Shulan is doing what you instructed, and Shulan is fighting for what she wants!"

Inside the palace, Ji Shulan's sobs rang out one after another. Prince Bi Cang listened quietly until the commotion subsided, at which point he sighed softly.

"Is there anything else you'd like to say?"

"That's all." Ji Shulan shook her head, her expression turning utterly cold, completely devoid of her previous demeanor.

"Then it's time to end this."

hum~ hum~ hum~

Emerald green light surged, and the aura emanating from the Azure Prince continued to rise, quickly climbing to the level of a half-step Grand Cultivator.

then

The energy level rises again, marking the threshold for major repairs.

Although it is not as prosperous as in its heyday, it is more than capable of cleaning up the mess and settling the current affairs.

Under the force of the waves, Elder Zong's expression changed drastically, and he became fearful and uneasy.

But Ji Shulan's expression became particularly calm, and she smiled gently.

"Yes, it's time to end it."

Wow~

Outside the palace, on the horizon, yellow sand filled the sky, obscuring the sun. Before long, it reached all four sides of the palace, and playful whispers arose from the swirling sand.

"Fellow Daoist Shulan, I certainly enjoyed a good show today!" (End of Chapter)