Chapter 275: You Must Accept What I Give You

The Champion King was dead. The struggle for the throne had ended in a way no one could have predicted. The clan elders glared at Ye Chen, their eyes blazing with murderous intent. But Li Feihuang, witnessing Ye Chen’s relentless actions despite their protests, let out a soft sigh.

She stepped forward, positioning herself before the elders, and spoke calmly, “The contest for the throne is over. Elders, please announce the results.”

The elders gritted their teeth. “He killed a member of the Li family! How will you explain this to the Ancestor?”

The Li family was the very foundation of the Great Chu Empire. Anyone could die—except a Li.

Li Feihuang’s eyes narrowed slightly. “You elders altered the ceremony’s timing to favor the Champion King, and I overlooked it, letting bygones be bygones. As for this matter, let it end here. When the Ancestor emerges from seclusion, I will explain it myself.”

The elders’ expressions shifted. They had undeniably sided with the Champion King, pulling strings behind the scenes. Li Feihuang’s willingness to let it pass was a relief. After a moment’s hesitation, they bowed to her. “We will follow the Royal Lady’s arrangements.”

One elder ascended into the sky, his voice booming like thunder: “Royal Lady Li Feihuang, with extraordinary strength, wise leadership, and the favor of the heavens, is hereby declared the next Emperor of Great Chu. The coronation will take place in one month.”

The city erupted in an uproar. Ye Chen had killed the Champion King, and no one was holding him accountable? Could it be that the Royal Lady had ordered it? Rumors swirled that after her father’s death, Li Feihuang had fled in disgrace, enduring countless hardships and harboring a deep hatred for the Champion King. Conspiracy theories multiplied.

But regardless, the matter was settled.

The Wang family was beside themselves with joy. Their loyalty had secured them a monumental reward. The other families, however, wore grim expressions, already scheming how to curry favor with the new emperor through gifts.

Among the onlookers, the cultivators buzzed with talk of Ye Chen’s strength. It was staggering. A mid-Golden Core cultivator had slain the Champion King, someone capable of contending with Nascent Soul experts. Most astonishingly, Ye Chen had made it look effortless, barely lifting a finger beyond commanding the chariot.

…

Li Feihuang glanced at Ye Chen, signaling for him to follow her into the Great Chu Palace. Once inside, the trembling attendants were dismissed with a wave of her hand. She turned to Ye Chen, her expression grave.

“Ye Chen, you went too far. I know you did this for me. The Champion King would never have submitted after my ascension, defying my orders and undermining my authority. That’s why you went to such lengths to kill him. But now the world will think I ordered it, staining my name with the crime of kinslaying! When the Ancestor emerges, how am I to face him? And the entire royal clan watched you kill him—how will they see me now?”

Ye Chen blinked, bewildered.

I killed the Champion King to avenge Su Yuxuan, not to secure your throne. Was that my reasoning?

He gave a faint smile. “No matter. Once this is over, I’ll leave. Your Highness can pin everything on me.”

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Ye Chen’s solution was straightforward and blunt. He had no intention of lingering in the Great Chu Empire. Once he claimed his rewards, he planned to leave without looking back.

Li Feihuang, however, was stunned by his words. She gazed at him, complex emotions flickering in her eyes. The dust had settled, and her ascension to the throne was imminent—a time to divide the spoils.

Ye Chen, with his unmatched strength and immense contributions, deserved the largest share. Yet, the one who had given the most was ready to walk away without a second thought?