Chapter 919: The Solstice Empire Acquiesces

"...and therefore, if things work as planned, under the radiance of the Ancestral Tree, our clanspeople will be able to better assist the main cities in concentrating life energy. Over time, this might even lead to a large proportion of the plane's life energy being concentrated on our Daemon Continent. In turn, this would allow more powerful beings to be born. Based on my predictions, the life expectancy of virtually every inhabitant of a main city will increase."

The six Nymph Emperors showed thoughtful expressions after hearing Tang San's words.

The Sunborne Nymph Emperor spoke gravely, "Jin Miaolin shared this idea with me back when he first arrived at the Ancestor Council. I gave it some serious thought afterward. For us, this is a plan with all upsides and no downside. He's planning to remain here in the Ancestral Court, and if he one day becomes an Emperor, that event will be no less significant than the awakening of the Ancestral Tree. The life energy he could generate would benefit all of us Emperors immensely. As far as I am concerned, I support this approach. If anyone has objections, now is the time."

The Soul Capturer Nymph Emperor frowned. "With Jin Miaolin's talent, his life energy level, and the blessing of the Ancestral Tree itself, his ascension to Emperor is very likely. But if he leads the Blue Gold Tree clan into a neutral stance, doesn't that mean the Solstice Empire loses a future Emperor?"

The Parasol Tree Nymph Emperor interjected, "That's not necessarily the case. In a way, if his plan truly succeeds, it may even strengthen our relationship with the Empyrean Dominion. The Blue Gold Tree clan could become a bond between the two countries. All things considered, we are one family. I don't think we need to draw such sharp lines. I'm in favor."

The Sunborne Nymph Emperor nodded and turned to the Earthshade Nymph Emperor. "Earthshade, what's your opinion?"

The Earthshade Nymph Emperor replied, "I think it's acceptable. If he becomes an Emperor, he could even become the catalyst that helps balance the yin and yang between us. And even if the Blue Gold Tree clan stands in a neutral position, they are still nymphs at the end of the day. They are more compatible with other nymph races than with demons. While demons do rely on life energy, they don't depend on it to the same extent. So in the end, we benefit more.

"There's also one other thing: Once neutrality is established, the Empyrean Dominion would need to show some sincerity and act to support the Blue Gold Tree clan. And since they are a nymph clan first and foremost, whatever support they receive will eventually benefit us. So I think Parasol is right; having the Blue Gold Tree clan mediate between us could make the relationship between our two countries more harmonious. Crystal's seat is still something we have to fight for, but the Emperor seat left by Adamant's fall is perfectly suited for Jin Miaolin. The Ancestral Tree's husk still resides in Skytree City, after all."

The Sunborne Nymph Emperor gave another nod and looked toward the Endless Nymph Emperor. "Endless, what about you?"

"I have no objections," the Endless Nymph Emperor said calmly. "Either way is fine."

The Sunborne Nymph Emperor finally turned to the Rainbowglaze Nymph Emperor. "Rainbowglaze?"

Rainbowglaze glanced at him, then at Tang San, and lowered its gaze. "I have no objections either."

Among the original seven Nymph Emperors, four were plant-type and three were not. Moreover, the Sunborne, Earthshade, Parasol Tree, and Soul Capturer Nymph Emperors were also the top four in rank. The plant-type Emperors had thus always held the advantage in decision-making, and now, with the fall of the Adamant Nymph Emperor, the balance had shifted even more. The Endless Nymph Emperor was always low-profile and rarely spoke up. As for Rainbowglaze, he certainly felt some kinship with Adamant and pity for its fate, but it wouldn't dare oppose the Sunborne Nymph Emperor now. Not when he had publicly declared support. What if the Ancestral Tree stepped in? Opposing things now would be political suicide, if not even literal suicide.

Seeing the consensus, the Sunborne Nymph Emperor nodded. "Since that's the case, we'll consider this proposal approved on our end. Jin Miaolin, you need to draft a more detailed version of your plan. Be bold with it."

"Yes, Your Majesty," Tang San answered respectfully.

Things had gone even more smoothly than anticipated, yet Tang San remained calm and steady. This made the Sunborne Nymph Emperor regard him even more highly.

"Stay in the Council Mountain for now and continue working on your proposal. I'll speak with the Celestial Fox Demon Emperor soon. If there's satisfactory progress, we'll convene the full council for a formal decision. In the meantime, improve the plan thoroughly. Also, focus on your cultivation as well. We will do everything we can to support your rise to Emperor. With the blessings the Ancestral Tree has given you, you're uniquely positioned. If you need anything, speak up. But also... Even if your clan becomes officially neutral, you must never forget: Your origin lies in the Solstice Empire. You are one of us. Understand?"

"Understood. Thank you, Your Majesty."

"Good. That's all for today," the Sunborne Nymph Emperor declared, marking the conclusion of the meeting and the official completion of Tang San's evaluation.

From this moment on, he was the true city lord of Skytree City.

The Blue Gold Tree clan had no assigned residence within the Ancestral Court, so Tang San would remain inside the Council Mountain complex for now.

The first thing he did was summon the elders of the Blue Gold Tree clan to inform them of his successful evaluation, eliciting an eruption of joyful cheers. They had full faith in this new clan leader. Tang San's rise in status naturally signaled a rise for the entire Blue Gold Tree clan.

As for the neutrality plan, Tang San didn't elaborate. It wasn't urgent, and sharing it could wait until the Ancestral Court's Council gave its final approval.

Now that the evaluation was complete, Tang San and the clan elders were no longer confined to their chambers. They could come and go freely.

Tang San officially received his own residence within the complex. It was three times larger than his previous quarters. While it couldn't quite compare to the residence of an Emperor, it clearly reflected his elevated status. He told the Blue Gold Tree clan elders that they could go around freely as long as they didn't leave the Ancestral Court, then stepped out himself for a walk.

To outside observers, it was perfectly natural for someone newly arrived at the Ancestral Court to explore a bit.

Once outside, Tang San donned a large cloak that covered his entire body. This was rather understandable; members of the Blue Gold Tree clan had distinct physical features, and even here, it was rather normal to be cautious.

He continued using his divine sense to monitor his surroundings. Though he was not yet an Emperor, his perception was enhanced by his divine seat; he could instantly detect even the careful probing of an Emperor.

Sure enough, shortly after leaving the Council Mountain complex, several strong auras swept over him. But once he entered a crowd, the spiritual probes vanished and didn't pursue further. It was probably just a few Emperors checking in on him.

Tang San had left the meeting in a hurry because something had suddenly occurred to him during the evaluation—something he needed to verify as soon as possible. If his suspicion proved correct, it could even offer humanity a path forward.

He had to return to Kali City and find Mei Gongzi immediately. But even so, he was extremely cautious. He spent nearly an hour meandering through the Ancestral Court before slipping into a shadowed corner to teleport away.

He reappeared silently at the top floor of the White Tiger Grand Hotel.

A moment later, he had resumed his human appearance, just in case he encountered the White Tiger Demon Emperor. His identity couldn't be exposed yet, not even to his grandfather-in-law.

The top floor of the hotel was empty, quiet, and just as familiar as he remembered.

Without delay, Tang San made his way to the large teleportation array he had constructed there. While he could use the Spacetime Lighthouse to teleport directly, doing so would draw too much attention. By using the Spacetime Lighthouse in conjunction with the array, however, the process would be far smoother and more discreet.