Chapter 1041: Unanimous Approval

The Sunborne Nymph Emperor coughed lightly and said, "Enough stalling. Just tell us what's on your mind."

Tang San sighed softly. "Your Majesties, my coming to the Ancestral Court this time was primarily to report in and undergo evaluation as city lord. My participation in the Battle for the Throne just so happened to coincide with that. But besides my evaluation, I also submitted an important petition to the Ancestral Court, seeking permission for my clan to remain neutral while serving all main cities. That is, to help enhance the life force of our entire Daemon Continent. But because of the Battle for the Throne, no decision has been made yet.

"My reason for seeking neutrality is the survival of my clan. I don't want to see my people hunted as prey ever again. And so, since I have this chance with all the Emperors present, may I ask if this request can be granted? If so, there's no need for the dragon race or the Council to refund me. The Scourge Dragon is already mine after all."

Brilliant. Truly brilliant.

The Sunborne Nymph Emperor closed his eyes slightly to hide the admiration flashing within.

What a masterful move! Pretending to retreat only to advance, feinting in one direction only to strike in another.

He had deliberately asked for permission to marry Mei Gongzi, knowing full well the Ancestral Court wouldn't agree, to create the appearance of aggrieved compliance. Then, at just the right moment, he presented his true demand, even offering to waive the refund, thus securing the dragon race's support and appealing to the Tenebrous Demon Emperor. The sequence of tactics was so subtle and refined that even the Sunborne Nymph Emperor felt slightly outclassed.

Of course, the Sunborne Nymph Emperor had no way of knowing that if the Ancestral Court had actually agreed to his marriage proposal, Tang San would have been a hundred times happier to just dump the competition and leave with her.

The Celestial Fox Demon Emperor frowned slightly. In truth, he wasn't opposed to the Blue Gold Tree clan's neutrality; the reason he'd delayed acting on it was because he didn't want the Solstice Empire to take credit for pushing it through. Ever since the Ancestral Tree caused the demise of the Adamant Nymph Emperor, the Celestial Fox Demon Emperor had paid special attention to the Blue Gold Tree clan. The Ancestral Tree's revival had greatly boosted the fortune of the Daemon Continent, which was of immense benefit to his clan. And with his lifespan approaching its limits, he had to think about prolonging his life. The Blue Gold Tree clan was an ideal ally for that.

But now, with Tang San raising this request in front of everyone, and the Solstice Empire already growing displeased, he had no room left to maneuver or delay.

The core reason the Demon Emperors had opposed Tang San using the Scourge Dragon was simple: They didn't want the nymph side to gain another Emperor position. That was the heart of the Empyrean Dominion's interest in this contest. If Tang San managed to use the Scourge Dragon to claim a throne, it would be intolerable for them.

After weighing it all in his mind, the Celestial Fox Demon Emperor finally nodded slowly. "Very well. Let us vote. All in favor of granting the Blue Gold Tree clan neutrality, raise your hands."

The nymph side had already discussed this at length. The Sunborne Nymph Emperor and the Earthshade Nymph Emperor raised their hands first, followed closely by the other Nymph Emperors. Even the Parasol Tree Nymph Emperor, despite his closeness to the Undying Demon Emperor, raised his hand—now that it was a formal vote, there was no good reason not to support it. After all, neutrality would benefit all the main cities through enhanced life force. To oppose it would be self-defeating.

Seeing the entire Solstice Empire side raise their hands, the Celestial Fox Demon Emperor led the Empyrean Dominion in following suit, raising his hand as well. The other Demon Emperors were no fools; none of them would oppose it at this point.

Unanimous approval!

"Good. Since all are in agreement, then after this Battle for the Throne concludes, we will ask Clan Leader Jin to begin preparations for the Blue Gold Tree clan's emigration to the other cities," the Celestial Fox Demon Emperor announced.

"Yes. I thank Your Majesties." Tang San bowed deeply. "I also pledge that starting from the next match, I will no longer have the Scourge Dragon fight on my behalf."

The Celestial Fox Demon Emperor fixed him with a deep gaze. "Clan Leader Jin, remember—this was your own initiative. The Ancestral Court, as a gesture of appreciation for your fairness and respect for the contest's integrity, is awarding you two additional victories in the round-robin. Do you understand?"

Of course he understood.

You're keeping up appearances, and at the same time, you're making me look good. Win-win.

"Yes. Jin Miaolin understands."

Leaving the Grand Assembly Hall, Tang San did not return to the competition grounds. His and Mei Gongzi's matches for the day were done, and there was nothing else worth watching for now. He headed straight back to the White Tiger Hotel.

Though Nihil hadn't completed his mission entirely, he had secured Tang San two wins and stabilized his place in the round-robin. More importantly, Tang San had not revealed any of his true strength just yet. As for the matches to come, he was not worried. He had other cards to play. There was no rush.

That evening, the Ancestral Court announced its decision:

𝒻𝓇𝑒𝘦𝘸𝑒𝒷𝓃ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝒸ℴ𝘮

Due to the instability of the Scourge Dragon's destruction energy when combined with life energy, and the risk of a catastrophic incident, Clan Leader Jin voluntarily offered not to use the Scourge Dragon in further matches. As a gesture of gratitude for his concern for the competition's safety and fairness, the Ancestral Court awards him two additional round-robin victories.

The news caused a sensation across the Ancestral Court. Everywhere, people were discussing it.

Anyone with a central nervous system could figure out that this wasn't entirely voluntary. But from the perspective of other contestants and their backers, it did seem to level the playing field. At least the disruptive force of that bizarre pairing was gone. Even with the bonus wins, it seemed to many that the Amethystine Warrior had effectively concluded his run in this Battle for the Throne.

As night fell, Tang San stepped out of his room and made his way to the dining hall.

The White Tiger Hotel had been fully reserved for contestants in this matchmaking tournament. Only contestants and their clans were allowed. Though the hotel was full, it was filled entirely with participants and related personnel.

When Tang San entered the hall, it was peak mealtime, and soon, many diners noticed his arrival. A chorus of whispers and pointed glances followed. The Ancestral Court's statement had just been issued, and Tang San was at the center of attention.

But while people whispered and gossiped, those who met his gaze quickly switched to polite, even respectful smiles.

After all, even if the Scourge Dragon could no longer be used in the arena, Tang San was still its master outside it—and today, with the Scourge Dragon, he had overwhelmed Jin Anguo, the Sky-Splitting City Lord and Behemoth King.