Chapter 1984: Chapter 1988: Who Can Join Forces with the Dragon Clan?
Hearing about the Crown Prince position, the Fourth Prince’s eyes suddenly lit up.
He and the Ice Emperor locked eyes directly, for one second, two seconds...
As if at this moment, they both wanted to see through each other’s thoughts.
After a while, the Fourth Prince softly said, "Regarding the Crown Prince position, I wonder what Father thinks of Fourteenth Brother..."
This was a probe.
The Ice Emperor smiled faintly, "The Fourteenth is too young, not decisive enough in doing things, and lacks influence in the court... not suitable as Crown Prince."
After speaking, the Ice Emperor continued, "Old Fourth, let’s speak frankly between the two of us. In my heart, the one I favor the most is you. However, I still need to see your ability to lead troops in battle and your capability to manage the big picture. This time, in the campaign to eliminate Qin Tian, I hope you can take full responsibility and deliver a satisfactory answer to me."
The Ice Emperor spoke very clearly.
The Fourth Prince suppressed the joy at the corner of his mouth, knelt before the Ice Emperor, and solemnly declared, "I swear to Father that I will not betray your great trust. I will pacify the West State, eliminate Qin Tian, and elevate our Imperial Family’s prestige!"
"Eliminating Qin Tian is very important to you; for me, you should know... I really did not want to kill the King Wu, but he was too clever for his own good. However, this Qin Tian, I would hate to see his bones ground to dust! Old Fourth, it’s up to you..."
With these lingering words, the Ice Emperor left the great hall.
The Fourth Prince stood up, a fierce look flashing in the corner of his mouth.
He knew this was his perfect chance; getting rid of Qin Tian would make the Crown Prince position as good as his!
As for the Fourteenth Prince, the Fourth Prince had previously been worried that the Ice Emperor would support him to oppose himself. However, from these past few days, especially after learning that Qin Tian was the son of Long Jun and had Dragon Flame Clan blood, the Ice Emperor had begun to distance himself from the Fourteenth Prince and even withdrew a significant amount of his power.
The Fourth Prince also understood very well. It was precisely because the Ice Emperor began to distance himself from the Fourteenth Prince that today, the Ice Emperor would reveal his intentions and promise him the position of Crown Prince.
"Hahaha, I had almost forgotten about the background... The Fourteenth’s background... hahaha, how could he ever be heavily used by Father? I was overthinking."
Thinking of the Fourteenth Prince’s mother, the Fourth Prince chuckled lightly and strode out of the palace.
...
"Boss, the Imperial City has increased their troops!"
When the Ice Emperor mobilized an additional 100,000 troops from the East State to support Xie Feihong, Xiaozhuang got the news and hurried to report to Qin Tian.
"Haha, it seems the Ice Emperor is determined to put me to death,"
Qin Tian looked at the intelligence Xiaozhuang handed over, coldly laughed, "The East State has a total of 400,000 troops, he sent out 100,000 to deal with me, the remaining 300,000... haha, if Long Xuanji leads the 200,000 Dragon Clan army to attack the East State instead of me, I’ll be curious to see if the Ice Emperor would vomit blood from anger."
Zhou Yang said, "In this kind of situation, it’s impossible the Ice Emperor hasn’t thought of it. It can only be said that after weighing the pros and cons, the Ice Emperor believes that even if the East State falls into the hands of the Dragon Clan, it’s still more worrying to him than our threat to his rule. So, it seems we’re a thorn in his side now and must be eliminated as soon as possible!"
Qin Tian knew of the Ice Emperor’s hatred and fear of Long Yin. In the year following Long Jun’s death, the Ice Emperor faced eighteen assassination attempts by Long Yin. As a result, he lost three beloved concubines, two great generals, and was even injured himself once!
The Ice Emperor had developed a psychological shadow towards Long Yin.
Zuo Yuanhao’s eyes flashed with intelligence, saying, "King Qin, under the current circumstances, facing them head-on isn’t viable. However, could we seize this opportunity to persuade the Dragon Clan on our side? As long as the Dragon Clan forms a secret alliance with us, or even attacks the East State, our pressure would instantly be reduced."
"That’s what I’m thinking as well. The Dragon Clan has always coveted our East State. This time, when other forces sent 100,000 to assist the Ice Emperor, with Long Tianwu sending 200,000 troops, there must be a conspiracy we can exploit," Zhou Yang said.
Lin Yu thought for a moment and said, "Forming an alliance with the Dragon Clan would be best, but didn’t we send two parties to negotiate with the Dragon Clan already? They were both rejected. If we send someone again now, will the Dragon Clan give us face?"
Lin Yu’s words were like a basin of cold water pouring over everyone.
Indeed; now that the Ice Emperor has already mobilized to attack the West State, whether the Dragon Clan allies with Qin Tian or not, they could still reap the benefits without a fight. Why would the proud Long Tianwu agree to a Wester State alliance?
"Persuasion is indeed... hmm, somewhat difficult."
As Qin Tian’s two top strategists, Zuo Yuanhao and Zhou Yang exchanged glances, and both found themselves at a loss for convincing the Dragon Clan.
After all, they had already tried, and that arrogant Dragon Clan Empress was completely unfazed, not interested in any benefits offered, making it difficult to proceed.
"Long Tianwu..."
Qin Tian was muttering Long Tianwu’s name, recalling their past competition for the Phoenix Immortal Sword, and a slight smile formed at his lips.
"You guys focus on how to deal with the 800,000 Imperial City troops and the Demon Clan, Barbarian Clan’s invading forces. I’ll personally handle the negotiations with the Dragon Clan,"
Qin Tian concluded the silence of everyone else.
However, as soon as he spoke, everyone was stunned.
"Boss, you’re the backbone now, if you go personally? That’s absolutely not allowed!" Lin Yu immediately rejected.
Xiaozhuang, Zhou Yang, and Duan Xiaodao also completely disagreed.
Even Zuo Yuanhao said, "King Qin, you are the symbol of prestige against the Ice Emperor; you can’t go anywhere, let alone the Dragon Clan. Remember, you once defeated Long Xuanji in the East State, and even Long Tianwu didn’t gain an advantage over you. If you go to Panlong Island in the East Sea, wouldn’t they want to tear you to pieces?"
Everyone unanimously disagreed with Qin Tian going to Panlong Island.
Qin Tian could only smile bitterly; he couldn’t possibly share his past experiences with Long Tianwu with everyone, could he? Nor could he reveal that he had forcibly seen Long Tianwu’s face and gave the Phoenix Immortal Sword to Long Tianwu in exchange for three promises from her?
When the East State withdrew troops, Long Tianwu fulfilled her promise to Qin Tian.
Now, there were two promises left. Qin Tian just wanted to know if this proud woman still remembered those past events.
And from the current situation, the 200,000 Dragon Clan army was indeed crucial.
Once the formidable Dragon Clan army entered the West State battlefield, Qin Tian would have no chance, no retreat!
However, if he could persuade the Dragon Clan army to retreat, at least Qin Tian and the coalition with the Demon Clan, plus Long Yin’s assistance from the side would have a chance against the Imperial City alliance forces.
"I know you’re worried about my safety, but, I have met Long Tianwu before, and both sides have a decent impression of each other (bold-faced lie), so I think if I go personally to negotiate, there’s a greater chance Long Tianwu will agree to an alliance. Whether or not we secure an alliance with the Dragon Clan is crucial to our survival, so I have to go."
Qin Tian’s attitude was resolute, his gaze swept over everyone as he spoke.
