It's for the foundation of Great Chu.

He believes that Chen Yuan's talent is just as strong as his own, so walking the path of the Grand Ancestor is not impossible with his help, while he can give up years of planning.

He will only pursue the path of Primordial Spirit, laying the groundwork for Great Chu.

Because he also knows clearly that their enemies are not only from the Human World, but also... the Immortal Domain.

He scorns them verbally, thinking they are just mice hiding and barely surviving, but how could mice truly force Great Chu into a dead end?

"Continue."

Chen Yuan quietly watches Xiang Qianqiu perform.

"If father and son work together, half of the Central Plains will return to Great Chu. I will be Human Emperor, and you will be Crown Prince. Once certain people are removed, I can abdicate in your favor.

If you still have hatred toward me, I can commit suicide in front of you as a father, how about that?"

Xiang Qianqiu gazes at Chen Yuan, awaiting his response. 𝚏𝕣𝕖𝚎𝚠𝚎𝚋𝚗𝐨𝐯𝕖𝕝.𝕔𝐨𝕞

Chen Yuan's eyes are deep as he returns the gaze:

"What if you go back on your word?"

If Xiang Qianqiu regrets later, how can he counteract him?

Once seated on that throne, would he really be willing to come down?

Chen Yuan never hesitates to consider the worst possibilities of others; he only feels that Xiang Qianqiu is somewhat naive right now, treating him as if he were a three-year-old child.

Is this child's play?

Why is it that you decide to fight, you decide to reconcile?

If it were that simple, why would he have come this far?

"I can..."

Xiang Qianqiu's words are interrupted by Chen Yuan, who says,

"Oaths are empty. Even if there are limitations, who knows if you have ways to break them? If you want to join forces, sure... but I also want to be Emperor.

How about this, I become Human Emperor, you become Crown Prince, and when I'm tired of the throne, I abdicate to you...."

Feng Jiuge glances at Chen Yuan, his eyes containing only one meaning.

Reversing the Heavenly Gang!

From ancient times till now, how could there be an inversion of father and son?

"So you're unwilling?"

Xiang Qianqiu doesn't get angry, for he had anticipated Chen Yuan's refusal, but hadn't expected him to have such thoughts of reversing the Heavenly Gang.

"It's not that I'm unwilling; it's just your lack of sincerity in negotiation. You claim you can sacrifice everything for the foundation of Great Chu, but it's merely your fig leaf.

What you truly care about is yourself, coincidentally.... so do I.

You and I are evenly matched, so why think I would recognize you as father again? Just because of the father-son hierarchy? You should know me—I might not return a favor, but I certainly repay a grudge tenfold.

I've grown strong step by step from weakness, and many times, you've been my obstacle, not my protection. You, the Xiang Family, Great Chu.... what favor do you owe me!

Why should I grovel?"

"Hehe.... hehe.... hahaha...." Xiang Qianqiu looks at Chen Yuan and suddenly laughs, neither mad nor angry, simply pure laughter.

Because.... Chen Yuan speaks with great reason, profound reason.

Even he himself believes that his current thoughts will surely change in the future.

Now imagining abdicating someday, but when truly reaching that point, how could he possibly accept it?

"If you truly want to join forces, I'll give you a better choice."

Chen Yuan half-leaned on a chair formed of Primordial Energy, gently rubbing his chin.

"Speak, I'm listening...."

"Now abandon all means, die by my hand, and let our grievances be wiped clean. I'm willing to change King Yan to King Chu, annex all your subordinates' forces.

In this way, half of the Central Plains falls to me, rebuilding Great Chu becomes possible—isn't this what you want? Now, the choice is yours, whether you're really true to your words for Great Chu, or… it's just a fig leaf."

"Do you intend to defy the entire world and patricide?"

Xiang Qianqiu's eyes sharpen.

"From ancient times, the imperial family is heartless, stories of father-son conflicts are numerous. For you and me, what does it count as? If your father blocks your path,

can you say you wouldn't kill him?"

"I dare not...."

Xiang Qianqiu shakes his head.

"Before at Purple Gold Mountain, facing Jingtai, he said something which I consider very reasonable."

"What did he say?"

"He said I was without lord and father."

"Hehe...."

"Can you say how he dares to utter such words? Lord and father have no favor for me and still want to kill me—isn't it entirely justified for me to kill him? The lord wishes the minister to die, the minister must die; the father wishes the son to die, the son must die.

Such words, such matters, to me.... are nothing!"

Chen Yuan softly speaks.

Xiang Qianqiu thoughtfully nods:

"You speak well, worthy of my bloodline."

"There's one more thing."

"What is it?"

"If you don't die, I can't find peace..." Chen Yuan laughs softly.

"If you don't die, my plans can't succeed either."

Xiang Qianqiu, seeing Chen Yuan unwilling to join forces, expressed it nonetheless.

Previously hoping Chen Yuan would join forces was just another path. Seeing the other party unwilling, still wanting to kill him now, then.... he can only continue down the previous old road.

Once the two finish talking, suddenly the atmosphere paused a moment, then:

"Hahaha.... hahaha...."

"Hehe... hahaha...."

Father and son now seamlessly break into laughter.

Beside them, Feng Jiuge, unable to fathom, sees them laugh and somehow begins to laugh as well.

"Alright, bring your people out."

Chen Yuan's laughter gradually stops, swiftly changing his demeanor, speaking lightly.

"Alright, alright...."

Xiang Qianqiu nods, extends a palm, slightly clenches his fist.

The next moment, Hall Master Dongfang Sheng, along with another Yang God True Monarch from the Heavenly Demon Hall, plus four Demon Lords, swiftly reveal themselves from the void.

Hall Master of Seven Killings Hall, King Chen Huaiyi of the River Yan, along with several Yama, also appear.

Then there's Lu Guangsheng, lord of Liangshan.

Counting Xiang Qianqiu and Feng Jiuge, their side's Yang God True Monarchs suddenly number seven, all standing behind Xiang Qianqiu, relaxed and confident.

"King Yan, long time no see."

Dongfang Sheng looks at Chen Yuan, nods.

"Not so long, Hall Master Dongfang missed this king too much."

Chen Yuan responds.

"Huaiyi, still not planning to reveal yourself?"

Xiang Qianqiu turns around, looking at King Chen of the River Yan.

The rest of the Yama frown, exchange glances; only Seven Killings Hall Master seems to have anticipated this moment, unfazed.

Chen Huaiyi looks at Xiang Qianqiu, takes a step out, walks beside Chen Yuan, says:

"When the time is right, I will naturally reveal myself."

Upon Chen Yuan suspecting Chen Huaiyi was already exposed, he quietly informed him to be cautious and ideally leave the Seven Killings Hall early.

But after understanding Chen Yuan's plan, weighing it, Chen Huaiyi decides to continue from the original plan's start, knowing Xiang Qianqiu's disposition.

Without fully drawing out Chen Yuan first, the likelihood of action against him isn't high.

This led to now.

"Back then, you were ambushed by the court. I was unaware of this, yet you still ultimately didn't trust me, unwilling to reveal yourself, instead hiding in the Seven Killings Hall."

Xiang Qianqiu seems to lament.

"Past events are useless to talk about. In short, you killed Xuanling, that's a fact. Back then my Chen Family served Great Chu loyally, also repaying your Xiang Family's favor.

Now, I'm just Chen Huaiyi."

"King Chen of the River Yan, you're quite right; past occurrences are useless to discuss. I don't wish to mention them either. Now I can tell you Chen Yuan has no chance.

Return, you're still King Chen of the River Yan, within Seven Killings Hall, apart from me, you're number one."

Suddenly, Seven Killings Hall Master speaks.

"Hahaha.... Hall Master, thank you for Seven Killings Hall's shelter back then, but alas, different paths can't be allied; I've lingered in shadows as an old rat long enough and no longer wish to see the light of day.

I.... don't want to do it anymore.

Chen Yuan shakes his head frowning:

"Really wondering who gave you the confidence to think I've no chance; this is an open card game! If I had no confidence, why would I come to die?"

————

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