FIMA Ch128: Verbal Battle

Such a mysterious and grand entrance was destined to draw the gazes of everyone present, making them all hold their breath in unison.

The white silk retracted, and her dainty feet landed gracefully on the roof of the centermost ancient pavilion.

The cliff wind, carrying a hint of moisture, brushed past, causing her pristine white dress to dance along with it. This scene made her look exactly like a fairy descended from the Nine Heavens into the mortal realm—ethereal, transcendent, and forbidding any profanation.

And this woman in white was, naturally, Xiao Hanxin, whom Gu Siyuan and Xie Chenyun had briefly encountered at the Xie Family Manor in Jinling.

However, compared to her fleeting appearance in simple, unadorned clothing that day, today’s attire and entrance were clearly meticulously designed. Her beauty and bearing were several notches higher, making her unforgettable and utterly captivating.

Seeing Tang Sheng’s eyes widen as he stared at this woman foolishly, Wu Man’er instantly pouted in displeasure: “Big Brother Tang!”

Xie Chenyun glanced at Gu Siyuan. Remembering this guy’s past style and reputation for lusting after beauty, he asked deliberately: “Is she pretty?”

“Not bad,” Gu Siyuan nodded frankly.

Xie Chenyun was just about to flare up.

But the next moment, he heard the person beside him continue: “Judging by her entrance just now, this woman’s cultivation is indeed quite good. Even Zhao Tianzong, the number one young master of the current generation who just showed off his might, would probably not be her match.”

Gu Siyuan looked at Xie Chenyun and said apathetically: “Do you think you could beat her?”

“…” Xie Chenyun.

Xie Chenyun didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, but ultimately, his heart was filled with joy.

He nodded, answering very honestly: “I’m about evenly matched with Zhao Tianzong, so I’m afraid I wouldn’t be her match either. But I’ve only been cultivating the Nirvana Holy Canon for a little over three months. Give me another three months, and it’ll be hard to say.”

Gu Siyuan looked at him and nodded: “It is good that you know to strive for progress.”

“…” Xie Chenyun.

With that attitude, anyone would think you could beat her yourself.

But right at this moment, Gu Siyuan cast a sidelong glance at him and said apathetically: “Not as pretty as you.”

Xie Chenyun was momentarily dazed: “Ah…”

Where did that come from?

However, Gu Siyuan had already turned his head away. Looking at his back, he even seemed a bit flustered.

Resting his chin in his hand, Xie Chenyun blinked, and then blinked again.

Then, a crimson flush slowly crept up his cheeks and behind his ears. He finally realized what Gu Siyuan’s sudden words meant.

This foolish ruler… truly, even though he loves to put on an act, how is he so good at coaxing people?!

Meanwhile, on the other side.

Xiao Hanxin had already begun to speak.

Looking down at the crowd from the roof of the ancient pavilion, she spoke slowly in a voice as soft and pleasant as spring water: “Hanxin is unworthy, but as the current successor of the Outer Heaven Pavilion, I am honored to host this martial arts assembly and witness the many heroes and outstanding figures of the world…”

“Aiya, there’s no need to spout so much nonsense! What martial arts assembly are you blabbering about? Who here doesn’t know what everyone else is here for? Everyone knows the people present today came entirely for the Imperial Seal of the Realm! I wonder if Miss Hanxin brought it with her?”

Right at this moment, a discordant voice directly cut her off.

The gazes of everyone in the venue swept toward the speaker. In their hearts, they both felt the person was right—hurry up and take out the Imperial Seal—and felt that this person truly had no manners.

As a martial arts holy land, the Outer Heaven Pavilion was revered by everyone. Furthermore, with a beauty like Xiao Hanxin present, how could one be so rash and disrespectful?

But upon seeing clearly that the speaker was a burly man clutching a wine jug, sitting squarely in the area belonging to the Bathing Fire Cult and the Song Clan… everyone helplessly withdrew their gazes.

Not to mention how illustrious the aristocratic Song Clan was in the Great Zhou dynasty; just Song Wudi, the leader of the Bathing Fire Cult and one of the three great Innate Grandmasters in the world, was an existence none of them could afford to offend.

Being interrupted so abruptly, Xiao Hanxin’s mood was naturally not very good.

However, she was no ordinary woman. After a moment of silence, the corners of her mouth curled up slightly, her voice clear and resonant: “Hanxin has just stepped into the mortal realm and found it novel for a moment. Seeing so many heroes and outstanding figures, I wished to offer my greetings and express my reverence. However, since this hero is already so impatient, how could Hanxin say more?”

As soon as these words came out, the crowd’s knife-like gazes swept straight toward the burly, wine-drinking man, severely condemning him for being so abrupt with a beauty.

However, since this person could drink in public without caring the slightest bit about his image, he naturally didn’t care about anything else either.

Acting as if he hadn’t noticed the glares, he continued to speak loudly and carelessly: “It is naturally for the best that Miss Hanxin understands reason. Then let’s speak directly! Who exactly is this Imperial Seal going to, and how will it be given? Hurry up and bring out a set of rules! Everyone present here is a person of status and face. We came early today and have been waiting here for the better half of the day; we certainly didn’t come specifically to watch you put on that acrobatic show just now.”

If his previous words could still be excused as having a straightforward personality, then these words were a blatant, direct attack.

The figures present here were all old foxes who had lived long enough to become spirits. They immediately determined that this burly man likely had a deep grudge against the Outer Heaven Pavilion and Xiao Hanxin.

Could it be that the people of the Bathing Fire Cult and the Song Clan actually didn’t want the Imperial Seal of the Realm?

It had long been heard that among the four great aristocratic clans, the Song Clan was the most loyal to the Great Zhou imperial court. Thinking of it this way… could they have specifically come here today to cause trouble?

The faces of the four black-clad maidens holding the zithers and flutes had already darkened.

Xiao Hanxin didn’t make any sudden moves. She merely cast a gentle glance toward the burly, wine-drinking man who had spoken. Under the sunlight, her clear, beautiful eyes looked like falling stars, hazy and illusory.

The burly man, however, suddenly couldn’t help but shudder all over. It felt as if an invisible, massive hammer had smashed into his mind, his face turning deathly pale.

Seeing his state, the people of the Bathing Fire Cult beside him immediately rushed over, hovering around him with extreme anxiety.

But right at this moment, the crisp sound of a musical note rang out, nimble and pleasing to the ear.

Although it was faint, it seemed to come from the heavens, clear enough to cleanse the soul and soothe away pain.

The middle-aged burly man immediately felt much more comfortable and quickly regained his senses. Although a fine layer of sweat had broken out on his forehead, he was ultimately safe and sound, letting out a massive sigh of relief.

Xiao Hanxin furrowed her brow slightly, looking toward the source of the music.

It was actually an acquaintance.

She narrowed her beautiful eyes, sweeping a glance over.

Gu Siyuan’s perception was exceptionally strong, and he raised an eyebrow slightly.

Trying to use the same trick on me?

Xiao Hanxin’s technique was likely a bizarre, secret eye-technique that affected the mind. It operated on roughly the same principle as the so-called ‘Sound Killing Arts’ rumored in the jianghu.

Over the years, the Outer Heaven Pavilion had been able to remain mysterious, unfathomable, and aloof. This cultivation method had likely provided no small amount of assistance.

However, Gu Siyuan’s mental fortitude was naturally superior to anyone else in the world.

His posture remained as upright as ever, his gaze not evading or yielding in the slightest. The evergreen leaf remained pressed against his lips. As his mouth and fingers continuously moved, a distinctively fresh, leisurely, rustic countryside tune gradually took shape under this immense pressure.

Although it wasn’t as exaggerated as the four black-clad women playing zithers and flutes earlier, in terms of pure performance skill, it was actually a notch higher.

Hearing such a wonderful melody, many people present even began tapping along to the beat.

Xiao Hanxin, however, felt her mind violently jolt. She closed her eyes for a long moment before gradually recovering.

Looking at Gu Siyuan, this time she was truly somewhat annoyed and angered.

To think the Spirit Eye Technique of their Outer Heaven Pavilion, which had never failed before, actually lost its effect like this.

Especially since she remembered that just a few months ago, this guy in front of her was nothing but an ordinary person who didn’t know the slightest bit of martial arts.

She fell silent for a moment before a faint smile spilled from her lips: “Today truly is a gathering of heroes. For this young master to be able to play a tune containing such true intent at such a young age, it truly is a case of ‘a hero emerging from the youth.’ I’m afraid you could even be called the champion among the younger generation?”

As the proverb goes: There is no first in literature, and no second in martial arts.

The moment these words came out, it didn’t just draw hatred toward him. Almost every young person present shot dissatisfied glares in his direction.

Gu Siyuan, however, acted as if he hadn’t heard or seen a thing, remaining fully immersed in the leisurely melody.

Xie Chenyun curled the corners of his lips, casting a scoffing glance at Xiao Hanxin and the crowd.

As if this bunch of idiots are worthy of being compared to his Gu Siyuan.

Watching Gu Siyuan’s cold and aloof demeanor, Tang Sheng felt a boundless rage rise within him. Xiao Hanxin was a woman even he wanted to hold in the palm of his hand, yet this person actually dared to ignore her like this.

Didn’t that make him look even more inferior to him?

And what he hated the most was Gu Siyuan always acting so high and mighty.

His face darkened slightly, and he deliberately raised his voice to accuse him: “Brother Gu, Miss Hanxin is speaking to you. To ignore her like this is far too disrespectful, isn’t it?”

The song ended.

Gu Siyuan rolled the leaf in his hand, slowly rubbing it. His expression remained as cold as ever, and his tone was even more apathetic: “Please forgive me. Since I was young, my neck has been precious and fragile. Therefore, I have never looked up to speak to anyone.”

As an emperor sitting high upon the throne, he had only ever looked down on others.

And the moment he said this, the others present also began to feel a sense of discomfort.

Since they were sitting here, wanting to fight for the Imperial Seal, and even wanting to fight for the world, who among them wasn’t a precious, important figure?

Why did this person from the Outer Heaven Pavilion insist on standing on top of that pavilion, speaking from so high up, as if they were a bunch of lowly pawns, inexplicably inferior to her?

Feeling the multitude of gazes sweeping over her, Xiao Hanxin felt an unspeakable depression stifled in her chest.

However, at this moment, she had no other choice but to take the initiative and step down.

She gave Gu Siyuan a deep look, tapped her toes lightly, and fluttered down from the roof of the ancient pavilion. She landed gently in the empty space in the center of the venue, her posture incredibly graceful, like a fairy treading on water.

Such elegance.

It was indeed indescribably beautiful.

In the end, everyone present was won over by her once again, completely forgetting their previous dissatisfaction.

Xiao Hanxin was quite satisfied with this effect.

Her watery eyes swept toward Gu Siyuan, her red lips parting slightly as she spoke, sounding as if she had suffered all the grievances in the world: “With this, is the young master finally satisfied?”

Gu Siyuan glanced at her, his expression extremely cold and stern: “How can one speak of whether I am satisfied or not? I merely thank you, Miss, for being considerate of those in the venue like me, whose necks are precious. The Outer Heaven Pavilion truly deserves its title as a martial arts holy land; you still understand the principle of respecting the old and pitying the weak.”

“…” Xiao Hanxin.

Could she just kill this person directly?

Xie Chenyun lowered his head, holding back his laughter.

Anyway, in this world, I and that old dog Wei Zhengping are definitely not the only ones who have been depressed to death by just two sentences from Gu Siyuan.

Gu Siyuan continued coldly: “As for what you asked just now, Miss, I have no master. I merely play as my heart desires. However, I assume you need not get tangled up in such minor details, Miss. Today, the only thing everyone here cares about is the Imperial Seal of the Realm. It would be best if you quickly clarified the rules and procedures regarding the Imperial Seal.”

Hearing this, the others also nodded repeatedly: “Right, right! If Miss Hanxin is interested in discussing music, there will be plenty of time later. Let’s talk about the Imperial Seal now. What exactly are we doing?”

“Since we’re all people of the jianghu, why don’t we just fight it out?” someone suggested, throwing their hands up.

“How would we fight? How many matches?”

“Who do we send up to fight?”

“If we do that, wouldn’t the Imperial Seal just become an item in the pockets of those few major sects?”

…

Watching this scene that resembled a noisy vegetable market, Xiao Hanxin frowned in displeasure.

She straightened her expression, her voice ringing out clearly: “Since its founding, the Outer Heaven Pavilion has taken it as our duty to select a wise and enlightened monarch to seek the welfare of the common people. If this were to be decided solely by martial prowess, then to whom would the Master of my Outer Heaven Pavilion lose? Why would we need others to do it for us?”

The moment these words came out, the venue instantly fell quiet.

Just looking at Xiao Hanxin’s strength from earlier, which rivaled a Grandmaster’s, one could tell the Pavilion Master was definitely an even higher-tier expert—most likely an Innate Grandmaster, perhaps even the most senior among them.

Xie Chenyun crossed his arms and let out a cold sneer: “Since it’s not a martial selection, then it must be a literary selection. But if we are selecting the wise and elevating the capable, what is the standard? Are you going to pass out some sheets of paper to us right here and have us each write an essay on statecraft and the way of being a monarch? Whoever writes the best is the one worthy of the word ‘wise monarch’?”

Hearing this, the venue erupted in another uproar.

They were people of the martial underworld! Asking them to write a martial arts manual might be possible, but asking them to write essays on statecraft—wasn’t that a joke?

Xiao Hanxin cast a light glance at Xie Chenyun, a hint of smugness in her eyes, and said faintly: “This young master is overthinking it. The Holy Land naturally wouldn’t be so hasty. The so-called ‘unity of knowledge and action’ is the true path. Not only do we need to hear everyone’s methods for governing the world, but we also need to observe how everyone conducts themselves and handles affairs in their daily lives. Only someone who combines both is a truly wise and enlightened monarch.”

Gu Siyuan raised his eyes and said faintly: “As the saying goes, ‘You can know a person’s face, but not their heart.’ Wanting to clearly see how someone conducts themselves in daily life is no easy task. Can you guarantee, Miss, that no mistakes will be made?”

Xiao Hanxin chuckled lightly, answering with absolute firmness: “The Holy Land has secretly dispatched people to observe meticulously for a long time; naturally, there will be no mistakes. In all these years, the Holy Land has never been wrong.”

“Since the Holy Land has given a guarantee, then that is good. We can rest assured.” Gu Siyuan nodded, answering straightforwardly.

Xiao Hanxin’s entire body relaxed, thinking he had finally moved past this hurdle.

These two people are always endlessly tangled up; it’s incredibly annoying.

But right at this moment, she heard Gu Siyuan’s chilling voice ring out again: “Indeed. Given the Outer Heaven Pavilion’s cautious way of handling things, investigating someone’s character and style would not be a perfunctory matter settled overnight. The investigation into the heroes and leaders present here must have begun long ago. That means… before this assembly convened today… in the hearts of the Outer Heaven Pavilion, including in your heart, Miss, you already have a roughly favored candidate to entrust the Imperial Seal to, correct?”

As soon as these words came out, the venue first went quiet, and then erupted into a massive uproar.

“What?!”

“They already chose someone?”

“Is this true?!”

Almost everyone frowned deeply, their expressions changing drastically and looking incredibly ugly.

The Outer Heaven Pavilion had gone too far this time!

If they had already chosen someone long ago, then they should have just given the Imperial Seal to that person in private! Why claim to hold some assembly, calling so many of them over from thousands of miles away, just to use them as stepping stones and make them look like a joke?!

The people present here were either the heads or heirs of aristocratic clans, the leaders of rebel armies, or the high-ranking officials of major martial arts sects. On any normal day, who among them wasn’t surrounded by followers and standing above thousands?

The only reason they were acting so obedient and peaceful today was for the Imperial Seal of the Realm!

And in the end, it turned out they were being conned?

With this, when the people present looked at Xiao Hanxin again, all respect for the so-called successor of the Holy Land was gone, and even less remained of their appreciation for the beauty. There was only endless suspicion and hostility.

And at this very moment, Xiao Hanxin was almost on the verge of violent rage.

She stared dead at Gu Siyuan.

This person looked cold and apathetic, didn’t speak much, yet every word he said was like a knife, stabbing straight at the most crucial points, repeatedly placing the Outer Heaven Pavilion—and her—in an incredibly awkward position.

“This young master is too impatient,” Xiao Hanxin finally stabilized her state of mind after a long silence. Smiling faintly, she opened her mouth to explain: “Choosing a ruler on behalf of Heaven is a matter of grave importance. The Outer Heaven Pavilion tirelessly braves the hardships of traveling for the sake of the myriad common people. However, who among those present is not a top-tier hero? Everyone’s moral character surpasses ordinary people, making it difficult for the Holy Land to make a final decision. That is why we convened this assembly—to understand everyone’s way of governing the world and being a monarch, and ultimately select the hero who commands the most respect and conviction to receive the Imperial Seal.”

Once these words were spoken, the atmosphere improved significantly.

Tang Sheng covertly shot a glance at Gu Siyuan, seemingly wanting to see him in a state of embarrassment.

However, Gu Siyuan clearly wouldn’t be bothered by this; his expression remained as usual.

Xie Chenyun couldn’t help but sneer even more: “So, after all that nonsense, the result is that everyone here has good moral character, and in the end, we still have to rely on the pen and the mouth to judge who is more suitable to be emperor. Hmph. If so, isn’t that incredibly hasty? Anyone can speak pretty words, but governing a country isn’t something just anyone can do.”

In all the years she had lived, Xiao Hanxin had never met such a difficult and entangled fellow.

Her gaze turned cold, her words laced with ice: “Hanxin was just about to say the same. The two young masters have been repeatedly tangling with Hanxin here. Ultimately, does this mean you disagree with the long-standing rules of my Holy Land? Are you dissatisfied with the name of my Outer Heaven Pavilion?”

Seeing this, Tang Sheng immediately shouted at the two with arrogant swagger: “The way you two are being so aggressively overbearing toward Miss Hanxin is indeed going too far. If you are dissatisfied, you can simply leave the venue right now! Why must you stubbornly loiter here and endlessly entangle yourselves?”

“The two of you are mistaken. The Outer Heaven Pavilion stands high above, wholeheartedly working for the people. In my heart, I truly admire them immensely.”

Gu Siyuan looked at Xiao Hanxin and Tang Sheng. His expression was as coldly majestic as ever, his tone steady and firm: “Furthermore, I also fully support the Holy Land’s right to choose a ruler. I only wish for the name of the Holy Land to be passed down through the ages, always able to act on behalf of the people and select a capable monarch to govern the world. Whoever opposes the Holy Land or is dissatisfied with the Holy Land is opposing me and Chenyun. We absolutely will not allow it.”

Xie Chenyun didn’t know what Gu Siyuan was scheming, but he still nodded along: “I truly admire the Holy Land immensely.”

Xiao Hanxin’s eyes flickered.

In front of so many people, these words were indeed spoken brightly and openly. If it were anyone else saying them, she would only be happy. But coming from the mouths of these two, she only sensed an endless conspiracy.

However, even so, she had no reason to back down against this person who had suddenly jumped out.

She immediately broke into a smile, going along with the flow, and said firmly: “For the two young masters to have such thoughts is truly the good fortune of the common people. The Outer Heaven Pavilion also thanks the two young masters for your high righteousness. A gentleman’s promise is as lofty as the mountains and as long as the rivers. Perhaps in a moment, the Outer Heaven Pavilion truly will need the support of the two young masters.”

Truly opening a dyehouse when given a bit of color (taking a mile when given an inch). Is she starting to issue orders in advance?

Xie Chenyun sneered coldly.

“Miss is too serious. As the saying goes, ‘When the nest is overturned, no egg remains intact.’ Doing one’s part for the people of the world is also doing one’s part for oneself.”

Gu Siyuan’s expression remained calm, but halfway through his sentence, his tone abruptly shifted. Looking up at Xiao Hanxin, he said with utmost sincerity: “Because this also concerns myself, therefore… although I am willing to support the Outer Heaven Pavilion with incomparable firmness, before that, there are still some areas where I need Miss to clarify my doubts.”

Xiao Hanxin’s face darkened.

I knew it. I knew this person definitely wouldn’t let it go so simply.

This guy speaks words that sound nicer and nicer, but in reality, his belly is full of schemes and calculations. Every single word he says might hide a conspiracy and a trap.

But…

Xiao Hanxin refused to believe it. Was this guy really that formidable, able to trap her in his words?

She was determined to make this guy spin a cocoon around himself and reap what he sowed.

A faint smile spilled from the corners of her lips as she said softly: “Since the young master has doubts, Hanxin naturally wouldn’t dare refuse. I only hope the young master does not waste time. After all, there are many heroes and outstanding figures present, and Hanxin’s time cannot be entirely spent on the young master.”

The crowd in the venue looked at the two of them, their expressions unreadable.

Although both were still young, they were extremely extraordinary… The back-and-forth counterattacks yielded not a single inch.

Truly, the back waves of the Yangtze River drive the front waves.

Gu Siyuan didn’t get angry at Xiao Hanxin’s thinly veiled mockery; his expression remained coldly majestic and apathetic.

He asked methodically: “Through our previous conversation, I can roughly confirm that the master of the Imperial Seal chosen by the Holy Land should be an enlightened, benevolent, and heroic individual capable of unifying the world. However… one must know that human life is but a mere century, and the vast majority of people cannot even live to see a hundred years. For example, what a hero the late emperor of our Great Zhou was! He resisted foreign invasions, unified the world, and ended the three-hundred-year chaotic era of the Central Plains. Later, he established imperial examinations for the world and widely opened the channels for speech. Once upon a time, who in the world did not bow in submission to him?”

Hearing these words, a slight commotion arose among the major aristocratic clans.

Most of their ancestors had followed the late emperor to conquer the world; naturally, they knew of the late emperor’s personal charisma. Back then, it truly could be said that he commanded universal responses, and there was no one in the world who didn’t bow their head.

And thinking carefully about it, it had only been four short years since the late emperor passed away…

“Yet no matter how heroic he was, before reaching the rare age of seventy, the late emperor passed away and passed the throne to the current Sage Above. The monarch is foolish and incompetent, leading to today’s situation,” Gu Siyuan continued.

Xie Chenyun glanced at him.

Hehe.

Once this guy gets into character, he’s so ruthless he even curses himself. Truly capable!

“Therefore, even if the master chosen by the Holy Land is indeed a wise monarch, how can you guarantee the enlightenment of his descendants? If it is just another foolish ruler like today’s, another Great Zhou dynasty, leading to today’s situation once again, perishing in the second generation—what should be done? Or are you saying that in the future, after the world is at peace, when the chosen wise monarch ascends the throne, passes away, or abdicates, the Holy Land will still be able to control the succession of the throne? Otherwise, what meaning does all of this today have?!”

The moment these words came out, Xiao Hanxin’s face turned incredibly ugly. The eyes she swept toward Gu Siyuan were covered in frost and swords, looking as if she wanted to kill him on the spot.

The reason her Holy Land stood so high above was exactly because they never interfered in worldly affairs when the world was at peace. That was why the imperial family, including those aristocratic clans, were willing to offer them face and revere them.

Once they repeatedly interfered in state politics, even interfering in the succession of the crown prince, her Holy Land would instantly become a major hidden danger to the dynasty.

Otherwise, wouldn’t that mean the dynasty was entirely a puppet of the Holy Land…?

How venomous was Gu Siyuan’s intent with these words! He wanted to directly shake the pure reputation and status of her Holy Land from its very foundation!

“The Holy Land only walks the world during chaotic times. Of course, we will not interfere in the matter of crown prince succession,” Xiao Hanxin declared resolutely through gritted teeth.

Hearing this, the gazes of the crowd in the venue gradually became friendly again.

The corners of Xie Chenyun’s mouth curled up. He tilted his head to look at her, saying playfully: “Then doesn’t that mean you haven’t answered any of the questions? So? So what if the second-generation succeeding monarch of that new dynasty is also a country-ruining foolish ruler? What should be done then?”

Xiao Hanxin almost bit through the corner of her lip.

She directly avoided Xie Chenyun’s gaze and turned to look at Gu Siyuan. For the first time, a look of undisguised mockery appeared on her pure, beautiful face: “Since this is the question Young Master Gu raised, then in Young Master Gu’s opinion, what should be done? Should the world just be left to rot, completely ignored?”

Gu Siyuan lazily raised his eyes and said faintly: “Naturally it must be managed. That is why I firmly support the Holy Land’s right to choose a wise monarch.”

Xiao Hanxin mocked coldly: “Then how should it be managed?”

She absolutely didn’t believe that anyone could manage future affairs.

“Before that, I need to verify one more thing,” Gu Siyuan’s expression was calm. “Just now, Miss Hanxin personally stated that after investigation, the Holy Land has proven that the heroes present all possess excellent moral character and unite knowledge with action. Anyway, they are at least definitely better than the current foolish ruler of Great Zhou, correct?”

Xiao Hanxin naturally wouldn’t refuse such words that flattered everyone present.

She nodded, speaking magnanimously: “Exactly so. All the heroes here are top-tier outstanding figures, I don’t know how much better than the current foolish ruler of Great Zhou. Therefore, my Outer Heaven Pavilion is carrying out this matter of choosing a ruler on behalf of Heaven.”

Tang Sheng immediately scoffed, mocking viciously: “For Brother Gu to ask this makes you seem overly ignorant and ridiculous. What kind of heroic figures are everyone here? For you to actually compare them to that kind of foolish ruler—are you deliberately trying to humiliate us?!”

Xie Chenyun’s eyebrows shot up. He looked at the two of them, his brows dyed with frost and snow, his eyes containing blades and swords.

Gu Siyuan, however, didn’t change his expression. He simply stared directly at Tang Sheng, who loved to stand out, and asked deliberately: “That is to say, if Brother Tang is chosen today as the master of the Imperial Seal of the Realm, you would definitely do a better job than the current foolish ruler of Great Zhou?”

Tang Sheng’s eyes practically lit up.

“That goes without saying.”

The answer to this question had been circling in his heart for far, far too long—so long that with a single touch, it could erupt at any moment.

He subconsciously replied: “If I were to be the monarch, I would definitely…”

However, at this moment, the gazes of everyone instantly converged on him.

Tang Sheng’s tone paused, his face turning slightly pale. He realized he had been too eager just now.

This was very bad.

Gu Siyuan gave a cool smile, spreading his hands to encourage him: “Brother Tang, feel free to speak your mind. Doing a better job than the foolish ruler currently sitting in the Golden Luan Hall is not something you cannot speak aloud.”

“…” Xie Chenyun already wanted to roll his eyes.

He’s getting addicted to cursing himself now, is he?!

Xiao Hanxin secretly glanced at Gu Siyuan.

Was this a coincidence? Or was it intentional?

Could he already know the Outer Heaven Pavilion’s choice?

However, looking at this person’s overly calm face, Xiao Hanxin began to doubt if she was being overly suspicious.

She pursed her lips, turning her head to look at Tang Sheng, only to see his eyes full of anticipation.

After a moment of hesitation.

Xiao Hanxin finally made up her mind and gave a light nod to Tang Sheng.

Tang Sheng’s heart instantly relaxed, followed by a surge of wild ecstasy.

This was a great opportunity to build momentum for himself! The Imperial Seal was going to be given to him anyway.

He deliberately stood up, faced the crowd, and said loudly: “Allow me to clarify Brother Gu’s doubts. Just now, I blurted out that I believed I could do a better job than the current foolish ruler. This is not because I am so desperate for the Imperial Seal or the imperial throne. It is only because, since I followed my adoptive father in raising an army against the Zhou over a month ago, my only wish has been for the world to be at peace, for all the common people to eat their fill and live good lives.”

“As for whether or not I become emperor, that is merely secondary! This world does not belong to any single person, but to the people of the world! If the foolish ruler currently in the imperial palace could achieve these things, why wouldn’t I be willing to peacefully remain a dog in an era of peace, rather than coming out to sacrifice my life and shed hot blood?!”

His voice was ringing and clear, his presence vast like the earth.

However, toward this passionate and sincere speech, the crowd in the venue remained unimpressed.

We’re all old foxes who have become spirits; who doesn’t know who?

Who doesn’t know how to speak pretty words?

Gu Siyuan, however, acted as if he hadn’t heard a thing. Instead, he lightly clapped his hands in praise: “Brother Tang’s high righteousness truly commands my admiration. I assume the Holy Land’s concept of choosing a wise monarch is naturally the same.”

Xiao Hanxin immediately nodded, her voice gentle: “Indeed it is. My Outer Heaven Pavilion originally does not involve itself in worldly affairs. But this time, our disciples braved hardships to walk the mortal realm exactly because we could not bear to see the common people suffer the torments of harsh governance and war. We wished to support a wise and enlightened monarch, entrust them with the Imperial Seal of the Realm, command the rebel armies of the world, restore peace to the world, and bring welfare to the common people!”

Gu Siyuan nodded: “This is excellent. Since the Holy Land and Brother Tang both share this thought, then the matter is simple.”

“What do you mean?”

Tang Sheng and Xiao Hanxin couldn’t help but furrow their brows.

They both felt that something bad was probably about to happen.

“Since Brother Tang does not prioritize the imperial throne, and since the Holy Land believes it can definitely choose a wise monarch, this is truly excellent.”

“This time, the Holy Land will give the Imperial Seal to Brother Tang. And when Brother Tang has been on the throne for about twenty years and becomes old and senile, he will automatically abdicate. Then, the Holy Land will step forward again and re-select a wise monarch from among the people of the world. Wouldn’t this be optimal? Selecting a monarch from among millions of people is naturally more convincing than selecting from Brother Tang’s few descendants…”

“And from then on, every succeeding monarch can be selected in this manner. Although it would trouble the Holy Land to descend the mountain once every twenty years, the monarchs chosen this way would be wise rulers generation after generation. The common people could enjoy eternal peace. It would all be worth it!”

Gu Siyuan’s expression was apathetic, his tone steady and calm.

But the words that came out of his mouth were resounding and powerful, practically exploding the minds of everyone present.

“What?!”

The crowd erupted in an absolute uproar.

If they did this, wouldn’t that turn the world of one family into the world of all people?!

“How can that be allowed?!” Tang Sheng’s face also changed drastically in fury.

How could he hand over the world he worked so hard to conquer to someone else?!

Gu Siyuan looked at him in confusion: “Why is this not permissible? Didn’t Brother Tang just say a moment ago that you do not care about the imperial throne? Since that is the case, could it be your future descendants won’t have even the slightest bit of their father’s demeanor?”

“Furthermore, Brother Tang’s sentence just now—’The world belongs to the people of the world’—truly roused the deaf and awakened the unhearing. Since that is the case, the one who governs the world should naturally always be selected from among the people of the world, rather than from any single family! Otherwise, wouldn’t it only be considered the world of a certain family? What difference would that have from the current situation?!”

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