4: Initial display of its inherent strength

Although they coveted the throne, they were not fools.

Gu Jixiao himself was already at the Void Refining Realm, and of all the times to expose it, he had to choose now.

They didn't believe for a second that Gu Jixiao would choose to reveal his talent without being absolutely certain of his position.

A Void Refining Realm expert in his early twenties—if this news got out, the entire Heavenly Saint Continent would likely be thrown into a frenzy.

Seeing King Gu Ji and the other bowing in submission, Gu Jixiao's expression showed satisfaction, which then quickly turned solemn, his voice carrying a hint of killing intent.

"Yesterday, my personal maidservant made an attempt on my life, claiming she was acting under someone's orders."

"Fortunately, my fortune is as vast as the heavens, and I escaped her poisonous hands."

"I hope someone will step forward and admit to this. Otherwise, once I find out who did it, do not blame me for being merciless."

As his words fell, the entire court instantly fell into a deathly silence, so quiet that everyone could hear their own heartbeat.

King Gu Ji's heart skipped a beat; after all, it was he who had ordered Xiao Chun and Xiao Xia to move against Gu Jixiao.

Although he had made thorough preparations, he was still somewhat fearful in his heart. What if... just what if?

But at this moment, he could only grit his teeth and force himself to stay calm, shouting in anger.

"Audacious! To think there are rebels who dare to strike at Your Majesty—this is simply a flagrant contempt for my Ancient Heavenly Dynasty!"

"I suggest Your Majesty order a severe punishment for the rebels who attacked you; perhaps we can find out who was behind it from them."

Beside him, Gu Jiyuan also chimed in.

"I second the motion. This matter must be dealt with severely, otherwise how will the world view our Ancient Heavenly Dynasty in the future? Where would the Imperial Family's dignity be!"

Seeing the two of them acting with such bitter hatred for the crime, Gu Jixiao knew in his heart that he probably wouldn't be able to bluff the mastermind out.

However, he wasn't worried. Before he had his cheat, the opponent was still a threat, but now that he had a Great Emperor protecting him in the shadows, how could he possibly fail in such a small pond?

The ministers in the court were also filled with righteous indignation, demanding that the culprit be dragged out.

"beloved ministers, there is no need to worry. I have already ordered a secret investigation. Once they are found, I will have them publicly beheaded."

"I called you all to court today because I have important matters to discuss."

"Right Chancellor, what is the current tax revenue of our Ancient Heavenly Dynasty?"

Gu Jixiao looked toward an old man in purple official robes standing at the front of the ministers and inquired.

Hearing this, Right Chancellor Li Xuan hurriedly spoke, "Your Majesty, the current annual tax revenue of the Dynasty is twenty-five percent."

Gu Jixiao frowned slightly, his tone somewhat dissatisfied. "Too high. I decree that from today onwards, the tax shall be reduced to five percent."

If he wanted the people to acknowledge him, the best way was to produce political achievements that benefited the nation and the people. The fastest way to gain their approval was to lower taxes.

Hearing this, Li Xuan's face lit up with joy. "Your Majesty is wise!"

"Additionally, I have heard about the Dayan Dynasty's recent provocations against our Ancient Heavenly Dynasty."

"Therefore, I order that from this day forth, we are at war with the Dayan Dynasty!"

"General Lin, I appoint you as the Great General. Are you willing?"

As Gu Jixiao's words fell, the noise in the court stopped abruptly, and soon a group of ministers hurriedly tried to dissuade him.

"Your Majesty, you must not! It hasn't been long since the late Emperor passed away, and the Dynasty currently has no Peak Saint to oversee things."

"Going to war with the Dayan Dynasty is an unwise move."

Even King Gu Ji and Gu Jiyuan's expressions changed drastically as they hurriedly advised against it.

"Sixth Brother, you must not! Declaring war on the Dayan Dynasty is truly an ill-advised move!"

The Dayan Dynasty, like the Ancient Heavenly Dynasty, was a Fifth-Rank Dynasty.

While Gu Daotian was still alive, the Dayan Dynasty did not dare to go to war with the Ancient Heavenly Dynasty.

But now that Gu Daotian had just passed away, the Dayan Dynasty had begun their provocations.

If their Ancient Heavenly Dynasty were the first to strike, it would be equivalent to giving the Dayan Dynasty a legitimate excuse to act.

Therefore, going to war with the Dayan Dynasty now was no different from seeking death.

But Gu Jixiao was not afraid at all and gave a cold laugh.

"So, we are just going to ignore the matter of those three cities?"

As Gu Jixiao finished speaking, the surroundings instantly fell silent, and a thick sense of hatred appeared on everyone's faces.

"General Lin, are you willing to accept the command?"

As the words fell, everyone in the court looked toward Lin Zilong.

At this moment, Lin Zilong was cursing inwardly. He was merely at the Void Refining Peak; asking him to lead troops to war against the Dayan Dynasty—wasn't that just sending him to his death?

Just as Lin Zilong was about to find an excuse to decline, Gu Jixiao waved his hand, and two figures appeared beside him.

"These two are Gu Long and Gu Hu. They are Great Saint Realm powerhouses. I am now placing them under your command, General Lin."

"I order you to take down the Dayan Dynasty within one month. If you fail, you shall be dealt with according to military law. General Lin, do you have any objections?"

As Gu Jixiao's words fell, the court once again fell into a dead silence. Everyone looked at Gu Long and Gu Hu in disbelief.

One must know that those were Great Saint Realm experts. Even the late Emperor was only a Peak Saint.

Every major realm is a world of difference. Even the weakest early-stage Great Saint could at least deal with ten Peak Saints. One could see how powerful they were.

Lin Zilong was incredibly shocked and swallowed hard to calm his nerves.

"Your Majesty, may I ask if these two powerhouses are at the early stage of the Great Saint Realm or...?"

"Peak Great Saint."

In fact, Gu Jixiao was actually downplaying their realm. If he had said they were Peak Saint Kings, who knows how shocked they would be.

Gu Jixiao understood the principle of keeping a low profile. If he rashly exposed that the Ancient Heavenly Dynasty possessed such powerhouses, it would likely attract various forces to join hands against them.

Although he wasn't afraid, he knew to develop quietly. The path must be walked step by step to reduce unnecessary trouble.

"Yes, Your Majesty! This general will definitely take down the Dayan Dynasty within one month. If I cannot do it, I will present my head to you!"

Lin Zilong was incredibly excited and hurriedly knelt on one knee with his hands cupped.

Forget two Peak Great Saints, even with two early-stage Great Saints, he was confident he could take down the Dayan Dynasty within a month.

Though he was curious where the seemingly unremarkable Emperor got two Peak Great Saints from, as a subject, he knew not to ask what shouldn't be asked.

When the ministers learned that the Emperor actually had the assistance of two Peak Great Saints, they all became excited.

Those were Peak Great Saints! Terrifying existences that the Ancient Heavenly Dynasty had never possessed since its founding.

As for King Gu Ji and Gu Jiyuan, they glanced at each other, their faces full of bitter smiles.

Seeing the two Peak Great Saints revealed by their sixth brother, they knew that the throne was no longer within their reach. It was better to honestly remain as princes.

But right then, Gu Jixiao's tone shifted, becoming ice-cold.

"Didn't I order everyone to attend the court session? Some people didn't come; it seems they don't hold me in their regard."