156: Chapter 156 The Ancestor Nods

Amidst the jeers, the Xiang Family Disciples watching from the sidelines...

Looked at Xiang Tian with undisguised envy.

Their eyes sparkled, and their faces were filled with yearning.

Xiang Tian raised an eyebrow slightly, secretly amused.

He had originally intended to completely conquer these people with his strength.

Unexpectedly, in the end, it was this back-and-forth with Xiang Liu...

That actually 'conquered' this group of guys.

He cleared his throat and let out a light cough, feigning profundity.

He then declared, "Ahem! Remember, what moves a woman is always sincerity."

As he spoke!

He deliberately straightened his back, his face filled with righteousness.

"Don't look at me like this, as if I'm casually embracing women left and right. In reality, I am an extremely upright person. I never actively provoke women; they are the ones who come knocking."

As his words fell, Xiang Tian began to ramble.

He babbled on for a long time, portraying himself as a man of integrity.

As if he truly were a gentleman unmoved by temptation.

"Your Highness, that's not right!"

Finally, a Disciple with a wronged expression in the crowd couldn't help but speak.

"My sincerity has been deeply wounded by women!"

He complained with a bitter face, "I bought her the best Medicinal Pills, sought the rarest Spirit Beasts for her, spent countless resources on her, and poured my heart out to her. But in the end? She still left with a Disciple from a major Sect, without even a word of farewell!"

Xiang Tian's forehead was covered in black lines, and the corners of his mouth twitched a few times.

Good heavens, all of you are Cultivators.

You should be wholeheartedly Cultivating and competing for the Young Lord position.

Why are you all like those common mortals from his previous life, obsessed with love and troubled by romance, with nothing but chasing girls on your minds?

However, before he could speak.

Another Disciple stepped forward and retorted, "What kind of sincerity is that? My Dao Companion was moved by my sincerity! Now we are deeply in love and devoted to each other, and next month, she will be giving birth!"

For a time, the crowd split into two factions.

One side complained about their difficult love lives, while the other boasted about their blissful relationships, arguing incessantly.

Xiang Tian's head swelled like a bucket, and he dared not stay any longer.

Taking advantage of their endless arguments, he secretly slipped away from the crowd.

And found a quiet place to rest.

The next day.

As soon as dawn broke, the area around the arena was already packed with people.

Everyone's gaze was focused on the arena.

Today was the semi-finals of the Xiang Family Martial Arts Tournament.

To determine the final contenders.

"The semi-finals officially begin! First match, contestant 33 against contestant 99!" The Second Elder's majestic voice echoed throughout the venue.

Xiang Tian moved, leaping onto the arena and landing steadily.

A moment later, Xiang Liu also slowly walked onto the arena.

When her gaze fell on Xiang Tian, her cheeks involuntarily flushed a faint red.

Recalling her bold actions from yesterday.

Her heart couldn't help but pound faster, and ripples spread through her mind.

"Your Highness, we meet again." Xiang Liu's voice was softer than usual.

Xiang Tian raised an eyebrow, looking at her with a half-smile, "Xiang Liu, today, you won't try to secretly kill me like last time, will you?"

He hadn't forgotten that during their first encounter.

This woman had been merciless, harboring murderous intent.

Xiang Liu's blush deepened, feeling embarrassed.

She quickly waved her hand, then gave Xiang Tian a charming glare.

She said softly, "Your Highness is joking. I am to be your Sword Servant from now on, how could I possibly harm you again? You mustn't slander this humble one!"

As soon as she finished speaking, she clasped her fists.

And declared loudly, "I concede!"

With that!

She truly turned around, about to jump off the arena.

Since she had already decided to be his Sword Servant, she naturally wouldn't fight him again.

"Contestant 33 concedes, contestant 99 Xiang Tian, advances to the finals!" The Second Elder's voice rang out at the opportune moment.

Xiang Tian chuckled lightly and also leaped off the arena.

He found a spot with an open view and sat down, his gaze fixed on the arena.

Waiting for the next match.

Next up was Xiang Jue against another Xiang Family Disciple.

Both simultaneously leaped onto the arena.

The other Xiang Family Disciple held a long sword, his posture tall and imposing, with an extraordinary demeanor.

He looked at Xiang Jue with determined eyes.

He said in a deep voice, "Xiang Jue, I know you are very strong, and you are the most promising person to win this martial arts tournament, but... I still want to try it myself, to see how big the gap between us truly is!"

Xiang Jue's expression was indifferent, and a long sword slowly appeared in his hand.

He spoke faintly, "Xiang Bo, if I hadn't participated, I'm afraid the position of Xiang Family Young Lord would mostly be yours, wouldn't it?"

"Heh heh! Xiang Jue is joking." Xiang Bo shook his head and chuckled lightly.

His gaze swept over Xiang Tian below the stage.

"Didn't you see Xiang Tian's performance on the stage? His potential is stronger than all the Disciples present. Even if you didn't participate, I might not be his match."

"Even so, I want to try." A glint flashed in Xiang Bo's eyes.

"I want to defeat you first, then challenge Xiang Tian, and personally beat him down to prove that I am the strongest!"

Xiang Jue moved, and the long sword in his hand unsheathed.

"Clang!"

Sword Qi was sharp, pressing directly towards Xiang Bo.

Their long swords met, and the two instantly engaged in battle.

The clanging of metal was incessant, sparks flew, and Sword Qi crisscrossed.

Their figures rapidly intertwined on the arena.

In just a moment, the first round was over.

Both retreated simultaneously, creating some distance.

Xiang Bo's hand, gripping the sword hilt, trembled slightly, and the area between his thumb and forefinger was already red.

In contrast, Xiang Jue still looked calm and composed, his breathing steady.

As if the fierce exchange just now was merely an easy task for him.

Xiang Bo looked at his trembling hand, then at the calm Xiang Jue.

He sighed helplessly, "It seems the gap between us is indeed very large."

As his words fell, a resolute glint flashed in Xiang Bo's eyes.

Spiritual Qi surged wildly around him.

He shouted in a deep voice, "Ice Snow Sword Art!"

As his voice faded, his long sword emitted waves of biting cold.

A shimmering white Sword Qi condensed and swept towards Xiang Jue.

Wherever it passed, the air seemed to freeze.

"Bang!"

Facing this fierce strike, Xiang Jue's expression remained unchanged.

With a flick of his wrist, a fiery red Sword Qi burst forth.

And violently collided with Xiang Bo's Ice Snow Sword Qi in the center of the arena.

The red and white Sword Qi intertwined and collided, erupting in an earth-shattering roar.

The shockwave swept across the entire venue, causing onlookers to retreat, their faces filled with shock.

Xiang Jue looked indifferently at Xiang Bo, whose face was slightly pale.

He asked, "Xiang Bo, how is my Fiery Ox Sword Art?"

"Very strong!" Xiang Bo wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, his expression grim.

"The Sword Qi of the Fiery Ox Sword Art is fierce and domineering, like an out-of-control fiery golden ox charging wildly. If one is not careful and fails to defend against it, the fiery Sword Qi will invade the body and burn the Meridians."

As he spoke.

He took a deep breath, forcefully suppressing the turbulent Qi and blood within him.

He flipped his wrist again, and another sharp Sword Qi swept out.

Showing no intention of backing down.

"Bang!"

On the arena.

The two once again engaged in a fierce battle, fighting with great intensity.

Sword Qi crisscrossed, and the clanging of metal was incessant.

The crowd below the stage watched, dazzled, and gasped in admiration.

Xiang Tian sat in the audience, casually glancing at the arena.

But not long after, he noticed several figures beside him.

They were several white-haired Old Men, and a group of steady middle-aged men.

All of them were Xiang Family Elders, standing respectfully to the side.

"Your Highness!" The leading Old Man.

It was the Ancestor of the Xiang Clan. He cupped his fist at Xiang Tian, his tone respectful.

Xiang Tian quickly waved his hand.

And said with a smile, "Ancestor Xiang, we are old acquaintances; there's no need for so much formality. You don't have to call me 'Your Highness' anymore; just call me by my name."

"That won't do, etiquette must not be abandoned, it's the rule!" Ancestor Xiang quickly said.

His expression remained respectful, not daring to overstep in the slightest.

Xiang Tian smiled helplessly and no longer insisted.

He said faintly, "I know what you're here for."

As he spoke, he looked up, his gaze sweeping over the Xiang Family Disciples who were secretly peeking over nearby.

"This matter is actually very simple."

Ancestor Xiang understood and quickly raised his hand, waving it gently.

Faint Spiritual Qi fluctuations emanated from him, forming an invisible barrier.

Enveloping the few of them.

"Alright, Your Highness, the barrier has been set. They can't see us or hear what we're saying, so please speak freely."

Xiang Tian nodded, his expression becoming a bit more serious, "Since you came to me personally, that means the Xiang Family intends to support me, right?"

Ancestor of the Xiang Clan quickly nodded, "Precisely! Your Highness is exceptionally talented, a Personal Disciple of Peak Master Miaoxian, with boundless prospects. Our Xiang Family is willing to fully support Your Highness and will follow Your Highness's lead!"

"Since that's the case, I won't beat around the bush." Xiang Tian said faintly.

His gaze swept over the Ancestor of the Xiang Clan, Patriarch Xiang, and the various Elders, stating directly.

"You want to know which Prince I intend to support, right? The person I want to support is actually my wife, Ninth Princess Zhou Zhiyan!"

As these words came out.

The Ancestor of the Xiang Clan, Patriarch Xiang, and all the Elders were stunned, their faces filled with bewilderment.

They clearly hadn't expected Xiang Tian to give such an answer.

For a moment, they looked at each other, speechless.

Xiang Tian looked at their bewildered expressions.

He chuckled, "What, are you surprised? The reason I want to support her is simply to help my wife fulfill a dream she's had since childhood. Perhaps, after she's been empress for a few days and the novelty wears off, she won't want to do it anymore?"

He spoke casually, as if the position of the Tianyun Kingdom's ruler.

Was merely an insignificant plaything, dispensable.

The Elders of the Xiang Family secretly grumbled in their hearts.

This was the throne of the Tianyun Kingdom, for which countless people fought to the death, causing families to be destroyed.

In the eyes of His Highness, it was like a child's game.

Fulfilling a dream means fulfilling a dream, and not wanting to do it means not doing it?

Xiang Tian looked at their incredulous expressions and laughed heartily.

"You don't need to be so surprised. I am now a Personal Disciple of Peak Master Miaoxian of the Heavenly Sword Sect. The position of the Tianyun Kingdom's ruler is simply not worth mentioning in my eyes, isn't that right?"

He was speaking the truth.

Now that he had the System's blessing and Peak Master Miaoxian's backing, his Cultivation advanced by leaps and bounds.

The struggle for imperial power in the Tianyun Kingdom, to him.

Was indeed like child's play, utterly unchallenging.

Ancestor of the Xiang Clan frowned slightly, his expression somewhat grave.

The Ninth Princess had never participated in the struggle for imperial power, and her Foundation was weak.

If they supported her, the Xiang Family would inevitably bear considerable risks.

"You don't need to worry too much." Xiang Tian saw their concerns and chuckled lightly.

He reassured them, "As long as you can fully help Zhi Yan become Empress, when she no longer wishes to do so, I will have her abdicate to the Fourth Prince. I will never let the Xiang Family's efforts be in vain, nor will I let you fall into a dilemma."

He understood Princess Zhou Zhiyan's nature too well.

Even if she were to stay put for a single day.

She wouldn't be able to resist finding him, making it impossible for her to hold the position of Empress for long.

"Your Highness, this throne is too worthless in your eyes, isn't it?" Patriarch Xiang couldn't help but speak.

He almost rolled his eyes.

Their Xiang Family had been treading on thin ice in the struggle for imperial power, desperately trying to find a reliable backer.

Yet, in Xiang Tian's eyes, this supreme imperial throne.

Was actually so worthless!

"Patriarch Xiang, this is a matter of different levels." Xiang Tian said faintly.

"Back then, my Master, Peak Master Miaoxian, personally suggested that I become the ruler of this Tianyun Kingdom, but I directly refused. How much more so for Zhi Yan to fulfill a dream?"

As these words came out.

Patriarch Xiang and all the Elders gasped in cold air.

Their faces were filled with shock, and their gazes towards Xiang Tian held a few more traces of awe.

Peak Master Miaoxian personally invited him to be the ruler, and he could still refuse.

This was simply too extravagant and inhuman!

Xiang Tian looked at their shocked expressions.

He smiled and looked at the Ancestor of the Xiang Clan, "Didn't your Old Ancestor tell you about this?"

"Indeed! That is true." Ancestor of the Xiang Clan quickly nodded.

"However, this matter concerns the prestige of the Tianyun Kingdom's ruler and is not suitable for public dissemination, so I did not inform the clan members."

"Old Ancestor, why didn't you say so earlier!" Patriarch Xiang broke into a sweat, his face full of remorse.

"If we had known about this earlier, would our Xiang Family still need to be so cautious and tread on thin ice in the struggle for imperial power? With Your Highness and the Heavenly Sword Sect backing us, why would we worry about not being able to establish a firm foothold?"

"This matter is of great importance; how can it be casually spread?" Ancestor of the Xiang Clan's expression was stern.

He said in a deep voice, "If it were to spread, it could bring unnecessary trouble."

Xiang Tian waved his hand, interrupting their conversation.

His gaze once again focused on the Ancestor of the Xiang Clan.

"Ancestor Xiang, I won't say any more unnecessary words. One question: does your Xiang Family support Ninth Princess Zhou Zhiyan or not?"

Ancestor of the Xiang Clan pondered for a moment.

He looked up at Xiang Tian, a resolute glint flashing in his eyes.

He nodded heavily, "Good! Our Xiang Family will fully support the Ninth Princess! From now on, we will follow Your Highness's lead. Should Your Highness have any commands, our entire Xiang Family will not hesitate to die!"

"Now that's more like it!" Xiang Tian smiled with satisfaction.

"Remember, what you consider a grand struggle for imperial power is, in the eyes of the Heavenly Sword Sect, merely a children's squabble, not worth mentioning. With me here, the Xiang Family will absolutely not suffer any harm because of this matter."

He absolutely had the confidence to say these words.

"Thank you, Your Highness!" Ancestor of the Xiang Clan felt a weight lift from his heart and cupped his fist at Xiang Tian.

"Your Highness, we shall take our leave now. We will arrange the follow-up matters as soon as possible."

With that.

He gently waved his hand, taking Patriarch Xiang and the other Elders with him.

Carefully removing the barrier, they quietly departed.

Just then.

"Bang!"

A loud sound came from the arena, interrupting Xiang Tian's thoughts.

He looked up and saw Xiang Bo struck in the chest by Xiang Jue's Sword Qi.

He staggered backward, flying off the arena and falling below.

Unable to get up again.

"Xiang Jue advances to the finals!" The Second Elder's majestic voice rang out again, echoing throughout the venue.

Xiang Tian raised an eyebrow slightly, a glint flashing in his eyes.

Finally, his decisive battle was about to begin.

He quietly brought up his System panel and glanced at his Cultivation.

Martial King Realm Peak!

Against Xiang Jue, it was indeed a bit insufficient.

However, it didn't matter. Compared to a direct clash of strength.

Slapping faces was the most important thing!

"In half a day, the finals will commence, with contestant 99 Xiang Tian battling Xiang Jue for the championship of this Xiang Family Martial Arts Tournament!" The Second Elder's voice rang out again.

Announcing the conclusion of the semi-finals and ushering in the prelude to the finals.