Although Taiji Palace was protected by the Dragon Guards, the sovereign was the heart of the empire and could not be put at risk.
If some mishap occurred, the consequences would be unthinkable.
“Absurd! We are the sovereign of this country. If We must fall back in the face of some minor revolt in the imperial prison, if some greater incident takes place in the future, how can We hold the trust of the people or properly govern?”
Li Heng’s face darkened as he steadfastly refused.
“The Son of Heaven guards the gate of the country, and the sovereign bleeds for the land and people. No matter what happens, We will not leave this place!”
Li Heng exuded grandeur and majesty, and even General Li and Li Jingzhong were momentarily entranced.
But at this moment, a sharp cry came from outside.
“Who goes there?!”
“Stop him!”
The voices of the Dragon Guards!
The three within Taiji Palace turned their heads to look outside.
Chapter 2100 - Slaughter!
Chapter 2100: Slaughter!
Bang!
Less than a second later, a massive explosion sent the Dragon Guards flying through the air as they screamed.
The terrifying wave of energy swept past the Dragon Guards, traveled up the steps, and slammed into the doors of Taiji Palace, unleashing a deafening boom that made all of Taiji Palace tremble.
Those within the hall paled.
The Dragon Guards were the elite experts trained by the Sage Emperor, and there was no doubting their strength. They were the strongest defense for the Sage Emperor, but at this moment, none of these powerful Dragon Guards were capable of defeating this foe.
“Nothing but ants! If Li Taiyi had appeared, this prince might have been a little fearful, but you lot… don’t know your own strength!” A cold voice came from outside, brimming with killing intent that made a shiver run down one’s spine.
“Your Majesty…”
Li Jingzhong paled, and his entire body trembled as he looked at Li Heng.
“There’s no need to speak!”
Li Heng knew what he wanted to say and cut him off.
“The Great Tang has stood for several hundred years, and never has an Emperor been forced to flee due to some unrest. Jingzhong, stay in the hall. General Li, come out with me to assist the Dragon Guards. I’d like to see who would dare to cause trouble in the palace!”
Li Heng’s eyes coldly glinted. Clang! The Sage Emperor’s Son of Heaven’s Sword flew off the wall and into Li Heng’s hand.
With sword in hand, Li Heng fearlessly walked out.
General Li followed at his side.
……
Bang!
Li Heng had mentally prepared himself for what he would see when the doors opened, but when he saw the real situation, he couldn’t help but be stunned.
The Dragon Guards were the strongest force of the Great Tang Imperial Palace, the several dozen guards serving as a wall that could make almost anyone despair.
During the Rebellion of the Three Princes, the many Imperial Army soldiers and men in black had come in wave after wave, but they had been pushed back again and again by the indomitable Dragon Guards.
The mountain of corpses in front of Taiji Palace and rivers of blood was proof enough of the Dragon Guards’ strength.
But when Li Heng opened the door, what he saw was the slain bodies of Dragon Guards.
Their bodies were scattered across the area, and their sharp swords had been turned around by Li Xuantu as the tools to take their lives.
The sharp swords had flown into the air and turned back around, piercing through the bodies of the Dragon Guards and nailing them to the stairs of Taiji Palace.
Blood gruesomely flowed out of their bodies and down the steps.
“！！！”
“!!!”
Li Heng was dumbstruck.
“How could this be?!”
He knew that the other party had to be strong, but Li Heng had not expected them to be this frightening. In just a few moments of turmoil, half of the Dragon Guards had been slain.
The ten-some remaining Dragon Guards were heavily injured, gripping their swords as they stood in front of Li Xuantu.
The Dragon Guards were alarmed by Li Heng’s appearance, and anxiously cried out, “Your Majesty, get out of here!”
This enemy’s strength was too incredible. Just a few strikes had dealt heavy losses to the Dragon Guards and thrown them into despair!
“Get out? Hmph, can you!?”
A cold snort came from above. Li Xuantu floated in the air, his black and golden robe flapping in the wind. He had also noticed Li Heng emerging from the palace, and his gaze instantly darkened.
Bang!
He waved his hand, the sky darkening as a black Halo of Spacetime expanded and swiftly descended.
“Careful!”
The Dragon Guards paled, warily gripping their weapons.
Boom! Stellar Energy erupted from their bodies and Sword Qi exploded from their swords. The remaining Dragon Guards mustered up all their power and unleashed it at the black Halo of Spacetime.
General Li was also alarmed. Taking out his sword, he stomped on the ground. Numerous halos erupted from his feet as he assisted the Dragon Guards in resisting Li Xuantu’s attack.
“True Dragon in the Heavens!”
Li Heng clenched his teeth and gripped the Sage Emperor’s sword. With a resounding clang, Dragon Qi erupted from his body and followed General Li’s energy in attacking Li Xuantu.
But when this barrage of attacks struck the black Halo of Spacetime, all of them were twisted, shattered, and destroyed.
“Aaaaah!”
The earth shuddered and screams tore through the air as the massive shockwave blasted back General Li and the Dragon Guards.
Bang!
At the same time, there was a metallic ring as the Son of Heaven’s Sword was knocked out of Li Heng’s hand, spinning through the air until its tip penetrated into the earth.
Crack!
A powerful hand suddenly seized Li Heng by the neck, slowly raising him into the air.
“Your Majesty!!”
Everyone cried out in alarm, the tension soaring.
“Stop!”
At the same time, a furious roar could be heard as a destructive beam of Stellar Energy shot at Li Xuantu’s back.
Boom!
The Stellar Energy struck the walls of Taiji Palace like a mountain, causing the building to shudder so fiercely that it almost collapsed.
Elsewhere, a black Halo of Spacetime appeared, and Li Xuantu appeared, still holding Li Heng by the neck. He had just barely managed to avoid Wang Chong’s attack.
“Brat, you really did come! It seems that I wasn’t able to hide everything from you down there!”
Li Xuantu had his back to Wang Chong, his long black hair dancing in the wind, his image proud and majestic.
“But if you take one more step forward, you’ll have to set up a new sovereign!”
Li Xuantu’s final words were brimming with cold killing intent.
Buzz!
Wang Chong had already reached the outermost perimeter of the area guarded by the Dragon Guards, but when he heard Li Xuantu’s words, he was forced to stop, his heart sinking.
Too fast!
Though he had made his way here as quickly as he could, this gap in strength had meant that he had still come late.
“Release His Majesty! Senior, you had a grudge with the previous Emperor, not with His Majesty. Senior was a talent of your generation, so why must you make trouble for your juniors?”
Wang Chong nastily scowled.
Despite his vigilance, Li Linfu and Genesis Supreme had still managed to succeed.
“Release Us! Who are you?!”
Li Heng grabbed Li Xuantu’s arm and struggled. He had heard how Wang Chong had addressed this man, and also noticed the black and gold imperial robe Li Xuantu wo
re.
Li Heng was a member of the imperial household, and he had a keen understanding of the clothing laws of the palace. The black and golden robe imperial robe worn by this man was not something just anyone could wear. Not even as the revered Crown Prince had he been allowed to wear such a robe.
The Emperor would have to make an exception and have this sort of robe specifically woven for the wearer.
Only the most exceptional of Princes could enjoy such privilege.
Li Heng could tell at a glance that this was no counterfeit. It was an authentic imperial robe.
“Me? Haha, I am the true master of this realm! Thirty years ago, it was your father who stole the country from me, stole my right to imperial authority!”
Li Xuantu brazenly laughed, his body trembling, but his fingers remained tightly clenched around Li Heng’s neck.
“Thirty years ago? How!? You’re the previous Crown Prince, Li Xuantu!”
Li Heng stared at Li Xuantu, his entire body trembling in shock.
Though he had been born long after the Divine Dragon Coup, this coup had been the most important turning point in the Sage Emperor’s life. The Princes, who all revered the Sage Emperor, had heard the tale many times, and though the story had never been painted in too much detail, all of them knew the name of Li Xuantu.
This had been one of the Sage Emperor’s strongest foes!
Li Heng had never imagined that Li Xuantu would still be alive, and that he would appear right in front of him.
Li Heng looked past Li Xuantu and spotted Wang Chong.
Given what had happened just now, it was clear that Wang Chong knew some of the truth, and there was an extremely high chance that Wang Chong knew of this man’s identity.
Noticing Li Heng’s gaze, Wang Chong nodded.
Buzz!
Li Heng shivered, his heart sinking.
If this man was really the Li Xuantu from those childhood tales, then it would be very difficult to reach a good ending to today’s events!
A cold snort came from next to his ear.
“Hmph, though Li Taiyi deserved to die ten thousand deaths, at least he had extraordinary strength. How could he produce a son that hasn’t even reached the Subtle realm? A tiger fathering a dog!”
While Li Heng’s mind was reeling, Li Xuantu had been inspecting Li Heng with cold eyes, making no attempt to hide his derision.
Chapter 2101 - Li Heng’s Counterattack!
Chapter 2101: Li Heng’s Counterattack!
Li Taiyi had been astonishingly powerful, almost reaching the Divine Martial realm. Li Xuantu had been slightly weaker, but he was still at the Grotto Heaven realm. Li Xuantu had believed that Li Taiyi’s favored successor would at least be at the Subtle realm, perhaps even higher. But to his surprise, Li Heng was only at the Saint Martial realm!
“But you’ve got rather strong Dragon Qi! This should be thanks to that sword and the throne!” Li Xuantu indifferently said as he reached out with his other hand. Clang! The Son of Heaven’s Sword rose into the air and into his hand.
But when Li Xuantu gripped it, the Son of Heaven’s Sword fiercely shuddered, erupting with light and immense strength. Howling Sword Qi pressed against Li Xuantu, attempting to push away from him.
This was the divine sword rejecting Li Xuantu’s control!
It was obvious that the Son of Heaven’s Sword had already recognized a master!
“Hmph, Li Taiyi is no longer here, and yet this lifeless sword dares to oppose this prince!”
Sensing the strong resistance from the sword, Li Xuantu reached out with his hand, his eyes going cold. Spacetime trembled as black Halos of Spacetime manifested between his fingers. As his fingers clenched, the light erupting from the Son of Heaven’s Sword was extinguished, the sword sealed as he closed his grip around it.
Everyone else in the area instantly turned gloomy upon seeing this.
The Son of Heaven’s Sword was the Sage Emperor’s personal sword.
In the Rebellion of the Three Princes, the Sage Emperor had unleashed an attack so shocking that even gods and devils were forced to bow their heads.
Divine swords had spirits of their own!
This divine sword had soaked in the Sage Emperor’s Stellar Energy for several decades and had long ago developed its own intelligence. No one except the Son of Heaven could easily control it, but with Li Xuantu’s frightening strength, he had managed to seal the sword.
With the divine sword in hand, Li Xuantu turned his attention back to Li Heng and coldly said, “Li Heng, I will give you one chance to rectify your father’s mistake!
“Immediately draft a decree announcing to the realm that your imperial father was cruel and tyrannical, using schemes and despicable methods to seize this prince’s throne, in addition defying Emperor Gaozong’s will. Immediately announce your imperial father’s crimes to the realm and say that you are ashamed of him, that you are willing to abdicate your throne to me and raise me up as sovereign!
“As you are also of imperial blood, I might be able to spare your life!”
Li Xuantu’s callous voice rang out over Taiji Palace, entering everyone’s ears.
Everyone was both shocked and enraged, particularly the Dragon Guards. Their faces turned red as they clenched their swords and glared.
The Dragon Guards were elite soldiers personally raised up by the Sage Emperor. They were loyal guards who revered the Sage Emperor and could not allow him to be so humiliated.
If not for the fact that Li Xuantu had Li Heng’s life in his hands, the Dragon Guards would have already heedlessly rushed Li Xuantu.
“Stop!”
“Release His Majesty!”
They were filled with rage, but they were worried that reckless actions would hurt Li Heng.
“He wants to be Emperor!”
Wang Chong was stunned by this declaration, but as Li Heng was still in the enemy’s hands, he did not dare to act recklessly.
I have to find a way to impede him! Wang Chong said to himself.
Li Xuantu’s body had powerful ripples of spacetime, exerting a significant pressure on Wang Chong. Wang Chong understood that he was no match for Li Xuantu on his own.
Wang Chong got in touch with his three divine embryos while his mind began to think of countermeasures.
He stepped forward and began to speak. “Your Highness Crown Prince, you’ve learned the arts of a sovereign and have studied the histories. Even Emperor Gaozong was full of praise for Your Highness.
“Since ancient times, the heir apparent has never been selected based purely on strength, but based on character, virtue. Only by choosing a person with the appropriate character for the position can the longevity of the throne be ensured. This is how Taizi, Taizong, and Gaozong all chose their successors.
“This junior had not been born when the Divine Dragon Coup took place, so he cannot pass judgment. But when the Sage Emperor inherited the throne, the country was at peace, the military was strong, and the Great Tang’s territory was expanded to an unprecedented level. All the people of the Central Plains sang odes in praise of him.
“The Sage Emperor is known as the eternal sovereign not because he granted himself the title, but because the people of the realm all revered and supported him.
“Though His Majesty is still young, the entire world praises his character and virtue. Though he has been on the throne for a short time, he is diligent and hard-working, neglecting food and sleep. And the realm has flourished, everything proceeding in an orderly manner. His Majesty shows signs of a wise sovereign, and he has the respect and adoration of all the people of the realm!
“A country does not exist for a single person, and the realm does not belong to a single man. If Your Highness Crown Prince wishes to sit upon the throne, you should do so through your own actions and ability, obtaining the respect and admiration of the people so that they acknowledge you as Emperor, not seize it through force, treating the realm and people as your own personal possessions!
Wang Chong’s unhurried and confident step rang out in front of Taiji Palace.
Everyone turned to Wang Chong, including Li Xuantu.
“Hmph, absolute nonsense!”
Li Xuantu coldly sneered, his eyes full of contempt.
“If martial might is no good, then how did this prince lose the throne? How did Li Taiyi keep me imprisoned beneath the imperial prison for several decades? Brat, on account of the words you spoke to me down there, this prince will spare your life. But if you continue to speak such nonsense, then this prince will have to be callous!”
Li Xuantu still had some consideration for Wang Chong.
Wang Chong had been willing to conditionally release him, and though his help had not been required, the proposal still made Li Xuantu treat him somewhat differently from others.
Of course, his kindness had a limit.
“Your Highness Crown Prince, you might not know this, but the Imperial Court is currently facing enemies on all sides. Li Linfu did not have good intentions when he colluded with the men in black to release you. I do not know what they promised you, but those men in black have planted a man called An Yaluoshan in Youzhou to the northeast, gathering around him an immense force.
“The Imperial Court has just gone through a reshuffling, and the Sage Emperor only recently passed. If something happens to His Majesty at a time like this and discord arises in the court, the enemy will have the perfect chance to strike. At that time, Youzhou, Goguryeo, and the Eastern Turkic Khaganate will join together and strike into the heartland, plunging the Great Tang into the fires of war!
“Your Highness is also of imperial blood. Are you really willing to see this hard-won prosperity lost?
“Moreover, the men in black harbor ill intentions. They only released Your Highness to use Your Highness… If they really planned to support Your Highness, why would they have an extra in Youzhou? The men in black cannot be trusted. Your Highness cannot fall for their schemes!” Wang Chong sternly said, at the same time secretly shooting a glance at Li Heng.
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