C23 The Quota to Enter the Celestial Gate!

Song Kuan watched the Crown Prince, brimming with excitement, and couldn't help but sneer inwardly.

The naive Crown Prince actually believed it was out of generosity that he was being considered. Song Kuan had no interest in such dull acts.

After all, Daliang was rightfully entitled to this spot at the Celestial Gate.

He hadn't ventured north, but Song Kuan was well aware that the situation there was dire. The Myriad Demon Sect had unleashed a relentless beast tide, intent on overtaking the northern territories of the War God's Sect.

A Dragon Realm warrior could effortlessly dispatch a savage Demonic Beast with a mere snap of the fingers. Yet amidst the onslaught of the beast tide, even the mightiest can be overwhelmed; even a warrior from the Celestial Gate could fall to the swarm of Demonic Beasts.

This is where mortals proved their worth.

Weak though they might be, their sheer numbers were formidable. Millions of soldiers clashing with Demonic Beasts could indeed hold back the tide.

They were, in essence, fodder for the cannon.

Daliang had mobilized the full might of the nation to campaign northward, enduring untold losses, all for the political machinations of the Celestial Gate.

But there was compensation for such sacrifices.

And that compensation was a coveted slot within the Celestial Gate.

The Emperor was aging, his talents mediocre, with little hope for advancement. The Crown Prince, however, showed promise as a malleable talent.

Song Kuan had already considered sending the Crown Prince directly to the sect. Yet, as per his sect's decree, he was to remain stationed in Daliang for some time longer.

Thus, he purposefully omitted any mention of the Celestial Gate's quota, feigning interest in the Crown Prince's potential as the sole reason for his reluctant acceptance.

In time, the Crown Prince's induction into the Celestial Gate would surely fill him with gratitude.

Song Kuan exchanged a knowing glance with the Crown Prince, each harboring their own schemes, their smiles hiding unspoken thoughts.

Just then, a commotion erupted from outside.

"Commander, the Prince has decreed that no one is to enter," the guards outside intervened.

The Crown Prince's brow furrowed as he demanded, "What's the disturbance outside?"

"Your Highness, the East Factory's Inspector Liu seeks an audience," the guard informed.

A flicker of annoyance crossed the Crown Prince's eyes as he bellowed, "Send him away! Can't he see I'm in the midst of entertaining a distinguished guest?"

"Eunuch Liu reports that Prince Wei has been murdered!" the guard stammered.

"What?!" The Crown Prince's gaze sharpened. "Bring him in!"

Liu Bao stumbled into the room, disheveled. Upon seeing the Crown Prince, he immediately fell to his knees. "Your Highness, I have failed you. That young man... he killed His Highness, Prince Wei."

"Who?" The Crown Prince demanded icily.

"It was the son of Lord Yongping, Lu Yu! He stormed into the Prince Wei's estate and overpowered all the masters there. Even Wang Ming of the Altar of Offerings fell to his hand."

"He slew Prince Wei right before me. Had I not possessed the escape talisman bestowed by the Supreme Celestial, I too would have perished at his hand!" Liu Bao finished, bowing his head repeatedly to Song Kuan.

Song Kuan had only recently arrived in Daliang, and Liu Bao had been tasked with his reception. Liu Bao had been exceptionally attentive, ensuring Song Kuan's every comfort, which had prompted Song Kuan to reward him with the talisman. Little did he know that this very talisman would save Liu Bao's life today.

"What exactly happened?" The Crown Prince asked, his voice still cold.

After a brief hesitation, Liu Bao recounted the events that had unfolded at Prince Wei's estate.

"So, it was Lu Yu. I never imagined he was capable of such feats," the Crown Prince mused, visibly shaken.

He knew all too well the Lu Yu of old and suddenly remembered the morning's ceremony honoring the War God. The Ministry of Works had later confirmed that the statue of the War God was cast from pure materials, without any skimping.

"Could he have... stumbled upon some extraordinary fortune?" The thought ignited a fire within the Crown Prince.

Yes, Lu Yu must have encountered some stroke of luck! How else could a simpleton suddenly awaken and transform into such a formidable force?

"No matter what you've found, as long as you're in Daliang, it belongs to me!" Greed flickered in the Crown Prince's eyes.