Chapter 1084: Since When Do Emperors Cry?
Chapter 1084: Since When Do Emperors Cry?
"Don't cry, my precious granddaughter, don't cry. Your grandpa was just giving you a suggestion, not forcing you to marry that Jin Miaolin," said the Undying Demon Emperor softly. "Since you're unwilling, I won't push you. But you have to consider something: Can you actually win against him in tomorrow's final? That kid's been hiding deep. It wasn't until yesterday's match that he brought out his actual trump cards. Even we overlooked him, though we really shouldn't have.
"You see, when he presented himself in front of the Celestial Pillars, all of them reacted. That scene was astounding, I have never even heard of something like this happening. He ended up choosing the Crystal Demon Emperor's pillar, but we didn't expect that the inheritance he received would be so… complete. Not only did he inherit the replication ability, but he can even summon a Crystal Dragon to fight alongside him! And with those divine weapons he's wielding, I struggle to see how anyone could beat him at his level."
Mei Gongzi gave a small nod. "I understand, Grandpa. But I will give it everything I've got."
The Undying Demon Emperor said solemnly, "If things reach a critical moment, and you need to use your phoenix bloodline, then do it. You're already a Crown Princess. Though revealing it might bring some complications, Ximo and I will publicly protect you. With the two of us and White Tiger, even the old Celestial Fox will have to think carefully whether he wants to oppose us."
Tears finally spilled from Mei Gongzi's eyes. "Thank you… Thank you, Grandpa."
But the White Tiger Demon Emperor suddenly laughed. "Silly girl, why are you crying? You're a Crown Princess now, just one step away from becoming a true Emperor. Since when do Emperors cry, huh? Hahahaha!"
Mei Gongzi froze for a moment, then quickly wiped her tears away, embarrassed. She stomped her foot lightly. "Grandfather!"
***
Back in his own room, Tang San had finally quieted down.
After today's match, when the elders of the Blue Gold Tree clan looked at him, their expressions were filled with awe and complex emotions. Only today had they truly realized just how powerful their clan leader had become. Everything felt unreal, as if they were living inside a dream.
Since arriving at the Ancestral Court, the elders had been through experiences they'd never imagined possible. From being overlooked and ignored to now standing under the spotlight of all Daemon Continent, mere weeks had passed. The elders themselves had become honored guests wherever they went.
And after today's battle, their respect and reverence for Tang San had only deepened. Though he hadn't officially become an Emperor yet, the respect the Blue Gold Tree clan now received was already equivalent to that of an Emperor's clan, if not greater.
The number of invitations, formal pledges, and handwritten requests they'd received in just these few days was simply overwhelming. Even lower-level clans without a main city had sent their leaders in hopes of having Blue Gold Tree clan members settle among them. After all, their clan had over forty people at the tenth order and above, while there were barely over a dozen main cities.
Tang San had instructed the elders to handle all social matters on his behalf. Upon returning, he focused first on reviewing his battle with Xu An'yu, especially the use of Crystalline's power, to ensure there were no flaws or oversights.
After careful consideration, he was fairly confident nothing had been exposed. After all, the replication power he used truly came from the Crystal Demon Emperor's legacy, not from his own bloodlines. Moreover, that was not even what had drawn the Emperor's attention; the thing that had made them look more closely was the holy energy being so attractive for the Light Sprite that she had betrayed Xu An'yu with no hesitation.
Tomorrow was the final match against Mei Gongzi. What he had to consider now was how to get her to recognize him without making it obvious, and especially without raising suspicion among the watching Emperors.
The best plan still seemed to be winning the match first, claiming the championship, and using the matchmaking tournament's rules to make her his fiancée in name. Then, in a private moment, preferably outside the Ancestral Court, he could reveal his identity. That would be the safest approach.
But there was still one major concern: What if she went all out in the match, and even risked her life? That would be a serious problem.
She wasn't the same as before, after all. Back in the day, he could have easily suppressed her, but right now, her control over the Asura Sword made her a real danger. If she went berserk, there was no telling what could happen.
If worse came to worst, he might have to risk letting her notice some clues before the match—or suppress her instantly at the start of the battle, before she could go all-out. That would be the ideal outcome.
Just then, there was a knock at the door.
Tang San frowned. He had already told the elders not to disturb him. Why was someone here?
"What is it?" he asked.
From outside came the voice of the Grand Elder. "Apologies for disturbing you, Clan Leader. The Nethermoon Flower clan's Shen Xiao has come to visit, carrying the Earthshade Nymph Emperor's personal decree. We couldn't turn her away."
Tang San was a bit surprised. "A decree from the Earthshade Nymph Emperor? Alright… Let her in, then."
Neither Jin Miaolin nor the clan have much of a connection to the Earthshade Nymph Emperor. Why send someone now? Shen Xiao? What's up with her?
The door opened, and in stepped Shen Xiao in a flowing blue dress. Her long dark-blue hair cascaded behind her. Though not a stunning beauty, she was still strikingly graceful.
The nymph races were different from the demon races. Before gaining spiritual awareness, they typically spent long years accumulating power, only to sprint through the cultivation levels after they awakened. The Nethermoon Flower clan in particular had a strong bloodline, and once their members awakened, they generally started at the seventh order, or even higher. With proper training and talent, they could soon reach for the rank of Nymph King. It was a crucial milestone; success meant status, failure meant being relegated to an ordinary wallflower for life.
Seeing her in person, Tang San finally remembered: She'd once been Mei Gongzi's opponent and had made it into the women's round-robin stage, but had been eliminated. She wielded the divine weapon Blood Moon, a legacy divine item of the Nethermoon Flower clan.
Shen Xiao was also sizing him up. She had to admit that Jin Miaolin wasn't exactly good-looking; his features were ordinary, and he looked much like any normal Blue Gold Tree. But he had a tall, commanding build, and perhaps because of his Crown Prince status, he seemed to be clad in a unique aura. His eyes, in particular, were surprisingly attractive—clear, yet seemingly hiding deep, mysterious wisdom within.
"Greetings, Crown Prince," she said with a polite smile, bowing lightly.
Tang San smiled back. "You're too polite, Miss Shen. May I ask, what message does Her Majesty wish to convey?"
But Shen Xiao giggled. "Why are you being so polite now? Just call me Shen Xiao. Aren't you going to invite me in for a seat first?"
Tang San couldn't help but chuckle. Pretty bold, aren't we now… He gestured politely toward a sofa. "Please, come in."
She followed him into the room and sat down casually on the sofa, completely at ease.
Tang San took a seat across from her.
Shen Xiao simply looked at him with a half-smile, saying nothing.
What was this now? Tang San was a bit puzzled, so he asked, "Did Her Majesty perhaps send you to discuss matters about our clan's elders relocating to your territory?"
Shen Xiao replied, "More or less. But Her Majesty trusts that you'll surely take care of our clan in the future. After all, we're all part of the Solstice Empire, aren't we?"
Now that the Blue Gold Tree clan was neutral, they technically weren't part of the Solstice Empire anymore, but he merely nodded and didn't correct her. The Sunborne Nymph Emperor had given him a clear reminder about which side he belonged to, and he wasn't about to ruin the man's vision for now.
Shen Xiao's eyes twinkled, and she leaned slightly forward. "Her Majesty actually wanted me to ask something else. After tomorrow's tournament, what plans do you have?"
Tang San paused, then answered, "Nothing in particular. I'll probably return to Skytree City and start preparations. Since our declaration of neutrality was accepted, there's a lot we have to organize and many arrangements to be made."