At the same time.
Within the headquarters of the Xiaoyao Pavilion.
Inside a certain palace hall.
"Ye Yunfei is really a Fourth-Grade Alchemist?!"
The Master of the Xiaoyao Pavilion's face was extremely grim.
"That is correct.
This matter was witnessed personally by Elder Jin and Elder Ding.
During the alchemy competition held by the imperial family, Ye Yunfei did indeed successfully refine a fourth-grade spiritual pill."
An elder of the Xiaoyao Pavilion reported.
"Master, perhaps in the future, we will need to adjust our stance toward Ye Yunfei.
After all, he is a Fourth Grade Alchemy Master," another elder chimed in.
"There is no need.
The enmity between our Xiaoyao Pavilion and Ye Yunfei has already formed; it is very difficult to mediate now.
Besides, while a Fourth-Grade Alchemist does carry some influence,
our Xiaoyao Pavilion has no need to fear him.
Send an immediate message to Elder Jin and Elder Ding. Have them carry out the original plan, seeking an opportunity to kill Ye Yunfei.
Or, have them capture Ye Yunfei and bring him back, forcing him to refine pills for our Xiaoyao Pavilion.
However, they must act discreetly. Outsiders must not learn of this."
The Master of the Xiaoyao Pavilion thought for a moment before speaking.
"Master, this is also the opinion of Elder Jin and Elder Ding," one elder said.
"Hmph!
So what if you are a Fourth-Grade Alchemist, Ye Yunfei!
Since you have provoked me, I will never let you go!"
The Master of the Xiaoyao Pavilion recalled the humiliation of being publicly wounded by Ye Yunfei at the Tianyuan Sect headquarters. His gaze revealed a look of deep resentment.
After all, his status as the Master of the Xiaoyao Pavilion was one of utmost nobility.
Yet, he had been severely injured by a junior in front of everyone.
No matter what, the Master of the Xiaoyao Pavilion could not let this matter rest!
"Master, good news.
Qin An has personally informed me that before entering the Tianying Small World, he plans to break through to the Late Stage of the Heaven Realm!"
An elder suddenly announced to the pavilion master.
"Late Stage Heaven Realm!
Haha, worthy of the Heavenly Spirit Body!
Excellent!
Qin An is the hope for the rise of our Xiaoyao Pavilion!
From now on, Qin An's cultivation resources are to be doubled!"
The Master of the Xiaoyao Pavilion could not help but rejoice greatly.
At the same time.
The Zhencang Sect and the Ziyang Sect also received news about Ye Yunfei.
The high-level members of both sects were naturally greatly shocked as well.
Previously, the Great Qin Empire only had two Fourth Grade Alchemy Masters, but now, one had suddenly appeared.
The impact of this matter was significant.
"If I had known earlier, I should have done my utmost to recruit Ye Yunfei while we were in Yuanyue City!
Unfortunately, it is useless to regret it now."
At the headquarters of the Zhencang Sect, Elder Zhuo was stunned for a long time after receiving the news, feeling intense regret.
At the Ziyang Sect headquarters, Elder Wu felt the same way.
"Our Ziyang Sect has missed the chance to recruit a Fourth Grade Alchemy Master!" Elder Wu lamented.
After discussion, the leadership of both the Zhencang Sect and the Ziyang Sect decided that from now on, they should treat Ye Yunfei with courtesy and respect!
The capital.
The Emperor summoned all his ministers to the Jinluan Hall and publicly announced one matter: the Third Prince was being established as the Crown Prince.
As soon as the news spread, the entire capital was in an uproar.
The five princes had been engaged in open and covert struggles for the crown prince position for many years.
Throughout, the First Prince had held the advantage.
Rumors had long circulated in the capital that the crown prince position was destined for the First Prince alone.
Who could have imagined that a result would come so suddenly?
It was actually the Third Prince who had secured the crown prince position!
The Emperor issued an imperial decree, ordering Senior Eunuch Ouyang to take the decree to the Third Prince's mansion to proclaim it.
The Third Prince personally went out to the main gate of his mansion and knelt to receive the decree.
Spectators crowded the streets and alleys around the Third Prince's residence.
Thus, the matter of the crown prince was finally settled, a done deal!
The Chancellor's Residence.
"My lord, it is almost certain. Third Young Master is deceased.
I have ascertained that Third Young Master led men to pursue and kill Ye Yunfei. As a result, he never returned and is completely gone without a trace.
All the men he took with him have also disappeared."
A steward reported to Chancellor Xiao.
"Chancellor, what I said was correct.
Ye Yunfei not only killed Young Master Wuhen but also killed Commander Leng, as well as a group of clansmen from the Li Family.
It can be said that Ye Yunfei's hands are stained with blood and heavy with blood debt."
The First Prince, who was also present at the Chancellor's Residence, spoke up.
Throughout, during the competition among the five princes for the crown prince position, Chancellor Xiao had supported the First Prince.
Therefore, it could be said that the First Prince and Chancellor Xiao were of the same faction.
"Brat Ye Yunfei!
I, Xiao Tiande, will fight you to the death!"
Chancellor Xiao slowly closed his eyes. A thick, murderous aura emanated from his body.
"However, Ye Yunfei now enjoys our imperial father's great favor. It will be very difficult for us to deal with him," the First Prince said, shaking his head.
"Your Highness, do you wish to reclaim the crown prince position?" Chancellor Xiao suddenly asked.
"Reclaim the crown prince position?
Chancellor, imperial father has already issued the decree, establishing Third Brother as Crown Prince.
This matter is settled. Everyone in the world knows it," the First Prince was taken aback before replying.
"Hmph!
We will join forces with the Li Family and the capital's garrison army, and together we will stage a coup to force the Emperor's hand!" Chancellor Xiao said coldly.
"Force a coup?!
If imperial father condemns us afterward, what are we to do..." The First Prince was frightened.
"Your Highness, this is the only way to reclaim the crown prince position.
Do you not want to become emperor?
Are you willing to let the throne fall to the Third Prince?
To achieve greatness, taking some risks is nothing." Chancellor Xiao stated.
"However, with the Chancellor's Residence, the Li Family, and the capital garrison army forcing a coup... would imperial father yield?" the First Prince asked.
"When the time comes, I will unite several other important court ministers to act together.
Moreover, in five days,
my eldest son will return."
Chancellor Xiao said.
"Is Young Master Xiao Wushang returning?!"
Hearing this, the First Prince could not help but shudder.
As everyone knew, Chancellor Xiao's eldest son, Xiao Wushang, had become a disciple of the Huangtian Sect six years prior.
The Huangtian Sect belonged to the great sects of the Eastern Region, its power exceedingly terrifying!
Within the Eastern Region, it was a super sect, a true colossus!
Compared to the Huangtian Sect, the Four Great Sects within the Great Qin Empire were merely four tiny ants, pitifully weak.
Even the Great Qin Empire's imperial family was a mere ant before the Huangtian Sect!
"Wushang has already become an Inner Disciple of the Huangtian Sect,"
Chancellor Xiao slowly revealed, his eyes filled with boundless pride.
The First Prince drew a sharp breath, extremely shocked upon hearing this.
An Inner Disciple of the Huangtian Sect—what a noble and exalted status that was!
"As long as Wushang returns, at that time, whoever becomes Crown Prince will be decided with just a word from him.
Do you think the Emperor would dare disobey Young Master Wushang?" Chancellor Xiao said slowly.
"Haha, Chancellor, you are correct.
Young Master Wushang is an Inner Disciple of the Huangtian Sect; this identity is too astonishing.
Imperial father absolutely would not dare to disobey Young Master Wushang!
The Crown Prince position is mine without a doubt!"
Finally thoroughly reassured, the First Prince burst into laughter.
"When the time comes, I will demand that the Emperor personally order Ye Yunfei's capture. Ye Yunfei will be bound outside the capital walls and subjected to all kinds of tortures, making him suffer endless torment before he dies.
Furthermore, Ye Yunfei's entire family must also be executed!
Wuhen cannot have died in vain!"
Chancellor Xiao said through gritted teeth, his tone containing boundless murderous intent.