C13 How Did You Know?

Boom!

A ferocious thunder tribulation plummeted from the heavens with an awe-inspiring presence.

In the blink of an eye, the first bolt had already manifested above the Vrabouton imperial mausoleum.

Soong Lin, present within the mausoleum, wore an expression of dread.

With a mere thought, the Skybreaker sword was firmly grasped in his hand.

"Slash!"

His voice thundered as he commanded.

Terrifying sword qi erupted from the Skybreaker, crisscrossing the sky like a dense swarm of fiery whips.

The golden lightning, diving towards him, was cleaved into fragments by the Skybreaker's razor-sharp assault before it could even touch him.

Quickly, it dissipated into faint threads of electricity that crackled weakly before vanishing into nothingness.

"A Nascent Infant Thunder Tribulation? Is that all you've got? Bring it on!"

Soong Lin smirked with confidence.

Brandishing the Skybreaker, he stood tall and defiant, ready for the tribulation's next onslaught.

Meanwhile, the cultivators in Newcliff, who were closely watching Soong Lin's Tribulation Crossing, were overjoyed to see him effortlessly shatter the formidable first strike.

"Truly worthy of being King the Benevolent of the Vrabouton Empire, his martial prowess is unmatched. Not even the Nascent Infant Thunder Tribulation can best him."

"In my view, the rise of the Vrabouton Empire is imminent. Before long, even the Evilkind will likely kneel and pay homage to us."

"Indeed, who could possibly challenge the Vrabouton Empire with King the Benevolent at the helm?"

Instantly, King the Benevolent's esteem soared in the hearts of Newcliff's citizens.

Yet, Soong Lin remained uninvolved in these accolades.

He wielded the Skybreaker, steadfast in his defense against the thunder tribulation.

One!

Two!

Three!

After enduring nine successive bolts, Soong Lin's aura had fully stabilized.

A golden hue now adorned the Nascent Infant within his power core, which had grown to the size of a fist.

His power core's realm had expanded manyfold, and both his psychic force and Physical Fortitude had significantly strengthened.

"Advancing from Core Formation to Nascent Infant brings about a transformation in every aspect. It's no wonder that the Nascent Infant cultivators, who lead the Evilkind, never considered the Vrabouton Empire a threat."

"A cultivator at the Nascent Infant Stage, with his own might, can fend off an entire nation's army. Truly formidable!"

Soong Lin was inwardly astonished.

But his apprehension quickly turned to elation.

"Now, as a Nascent Infant cultivator myself, I've earned the right to measure up against other formidable beings. Yet, in the realm of cultivators, where hidden dragons and crouching tigers abound, I must not become complacent. My aim to elevate my cultivation and strength remains unchanged!"

With this realization, Soong Lin's previously restless heart found tranquility once more.

He gazed upon the imperial mausoleum of the Vrabouton Empire with a serene expression and a satisfied smile.

"The imperial mausoleum is now my sanctuary. From here on out, this will be my place of peaceful meditation and daily devotion."

While speaking, Soong Lin gathered his composure and concentrated on solidifying his cultivation and realm.

The jubilant cheers from the citizens outside the imperial mausoleum were of no concern to him.

The thunderclouds that had loomed over Newcliff swiftly dispersed.

Promptly, the Imperial Guards patrolling the capital received orders from Soong Wang to stand down from high alert.

Meanwhile, the capital's citizens, convinced that King the Benevolent had ascended to the Nascent Infant Stage, took to the streets in celebration.

Firecrackers exploded in unison, and the sound of drums filled the air.

The atmosphere was as festive as the New Year.

Even Soong Wang was brimming with joy.

"King the Benevolent has overcome the thunder tribulation and emerged as a true Nascent Infant cultivator. The future rise of our great Vrabouton hinges on him. Quickly, prepare one hundred low-grade pills and bestow upon King the Benevolent the title of Duke of the Realm. I shall personally extend my congratulations to him."

At Soong Wang's command, the Imperial Palace buzzed with activity.

Officials drafted the imperial edict, others prepared pills and ceremonial regalia, and some selected auspicious dates for the celebration.

Only the State Preceptor, looking at Soong Wang, could not help but smile wryly.

"Your Majesty, King the Benevolent has only just achieved the Nascent Infant Stage. He needs time to stabilize his cultivation and realm; he may not be available..."

"State Preceptor, you're overly concerned. King the Benevolent's breakthrough is a joyous occasion for the entire nation. He may not have the time to meet with me, but that won't stop me from honoring him. Let us set forth together to pay homage to King the Benevolent."

Soong Wang explained with a smile.

Once all preparations were in place, Soong Wang himself led the Vrabouton Empire's civil and military officials to the secluded forbidden area where King the Benevolent was deep in meditation. Upon arrival, they discovered the area's protective formation was still active.

The area outside was overrun with weeds, and the layer of dust had grown even thicker.

It seemed unlikely that anyone had emerged from seclusion.

Seeing this, the Vrabouton officials exchanged puzzled glances.

Only Soong Wang was visibly delighted.

"My esteemed ministers, King the Benevolent is in the midst of solidifying his cultivation. He has no time to greet us, so let us offer our congratulations here, outside the forbidden area!"

Without hesitation, the officials concurred.

Together, they joyously extended their congratulations to King the Benevolent outside the forbidden area.

...

Days swiftly passed.

Once Soong Lin's cultivation was firmly established,

and the rewards for checking in at the same location began to diminish, he was about to advance further when a sudden flurry of footsteps echoed from outside the imperial mausoleum.

"Your Highness, might you spare a moment?"

Outside the imperial mausoleum, Su Lang arrived, beaming, with wine and savory dishes in hand.

Beside him, Su Yingying, the Vrabouton Empire's preeminent prodigy, was all smiles.

"Please, come in. You both seem so cheerful today—has something fortuitous occurred?"

Soong Lin asked with a light smile.

Su Lang had shown him great kindness, and Soong Lin was not one to forget a debt of gratitude.

His demeanor towards them was naturally warm and different.

"Your Highness, perhaps you're unaware, but the capital has been abuzz with several major events recently, each one more heartening than the last. That's why I've brought these refreshments—to celebrate with you," Su Lang said, his excitement palpable.

He set down the wine and food, suggesting Su Yingying take a moment to enjoy herself.

He went on, "The most thrilling news is that Yingying has been recognized as the top talent of the Vrabouton Empire. She's garnered the royal family's full support and is destined for greatness."

"Indeed, that is cause for celebration. As the deposed crown prince, I have little to offer in the way of gifts. However, I do have a medium-grade Essence Condensation Pill. Please give it to Yingying on my behalf."

Soong Lin offered a faint smile.

In the midst of conversation, a medium-grade Essence Condensation Pill had already found its way into Su Lang's palm.

"A medium-grade pill? Your Highness, this gift is far too precious. I simply cannot accept it!"

Su Lang's eyes briefly met the Essence Condensation Pill, and he was visibly shocked.

He repeatedly declined.

To Soong Lin, a medium-grade Essence Condensation Pill was merely rubbish.

He considered consuming such a pill a waste of his cultivation efforts.

Yet, for other cultivators in the Vrabouton Empire, it was a coveted rarity.

Its mere appearance could incite a frenzy of bloodshed.

Though Su Lang had risen to the rank of vice commander of the Imperial Guards, his means were modest. He had only ever heard of the medium-grade Essence Condensation Pill by name.

He had never dared to dream of accessing such a resource for his cultivation.

"Just take it! As a deposed crown prince, such a fine pill is wasted on me. It'll suit Yingying perfectly!"

Soong Lin stood firm in his insistence.

With a word of gratitude, Su Lang carefully stowed the medium-grade Essence Condensation Pill.

After a brief pause, Su Lang broached another topic.

"There's another matter. The Fourth Prince of the Evilkind was executed on the spot by King the Benevolent, leaving nothing of his body behind. It was a true act of vengeance for the citizens of the Vrabouton Empire!"

Excitement animated Su Lang's features.

Upon hearing this, Soong Lin's expression subtly shifted.

He cast a curious glance at Su Lang.

"How did you come to know that King the Benevolent was the one who killed Yao Tiankui? Were you a witness to it yourself?"