Li Yuan's attitude demonstrated his determination and confidence to all the ministers.

No one dared to speak about the Red Flame Demon Race anymore.

The Dragon Aspect's eyes narrowed instantly, feeling regretful for not knowing about such a big event beforehand. Otherwise, this could have been the greatest opportunity for the Dragon Clan.

However, it is not too late now.

As long as he can incite a conflict between the Demon Race and the Jiuli Dynasty, then contact the Cangming and Great Xia Dynasties to jointly attack the Jiuli Dynasty; Li Yuan won't be able to withstand it.

Three days later,

The nine clay sculptures in the secret room of the Long Mansion flickered with light once again.

This Secret Technique is the Dragon Clan's most mysterious Divine Soul Traction, capable of shielding others from sensing one's Divine Soul.

Not to mention Li Yuan's failure to complete Harmonization Dao, even the Celestial Venerable outside this mansion wouldn't be able to detect the exchange within.

"Ancestor, in such a major matter, did the Saint Emperor reveal any indication beforehand?"

"When did Li Yuan become so shrewd?"

"Do you believe Li Yuan is the one leading this?"

"Who else could it be besides Li Yuan? The Red Flame Demon Race is in Yong'an City, even the clan leader, Fire Thunder Demon Venerable, fell. That was a Tier Five peak demon cultivator, possessing bloodline Divine Abilities. It's difficult for a Refining Void cultivator to match him, and even two Refining Void Divine Monarchs would struggle to hold him. Besides Li Yuan, who else could deploy more than two Refining Void Divine Monarchs in this setup?"

"It's not Li Yuan; otherwise, I wouldn't have been unable to detect even a slight precursor."

"Could it really be Jin Zhaoyu? He's merely at the Late Stage of Nascent Soul; how could he command such influence?"

"This matter likely has connections with the Seventh Prince."

"Seventh Prince? Did he enter the swamp for this issue a while ago? But how could he possess such abilities? Why would the Ten Thousand Poison Sect and Qianji City follow his lead?"

"At this point, identifying the mastermind isn't important anymore. We should be figuring out how to get the Demon Race to attack Jiuli!"

"Unfortunately, with the Ten Thousand Poison Sect and Qianji City blocking the way, the Demon Race can't invade the Jiuli Dynasty..."

"Not necessarily! Old Four, personally head to Qingzhou, find a way to obtain evidence, and present it to the Demon Race. Do everything possible to provide them with enough excuses to invade Jiuli.

Old Five, swiftly contact the Cangming Emperor, urging him to prepare his forces. Once the Demon Race invades, they can charge straight in.

Old Eight, establish contact with the Great Xia Dynasty; at the critical moment, coordinate from both inside and outside, first eliminating Gongsun Dang.

Old Jiu, the Seventh Prince must die; this is an absolute order. Otherwise, if the Seventh Prince returns to the Imperial City, we'll have to fight desperately.

Additionally, keep a constant watch on Consort Rong; lately, she's been too normal, unnaturally without any flaws."

While the Long Mansion was discussing, Consort Rong's residence was also filled with chatter.

After proposing the impeachment of Jin Zhaoyu half a month ago, which was eventually foiled, the officials from the Marquis Rong's Mansion faction found themselves with no retreat.

Now, they can only align themselves with Consort Rong and the Ninth Prince.

"What audacity! The Seventh Prince intends to bring destruction to the Jiuli Dynasty; how dare he act so recklessly? Is the Demon Race so easily subdued? The Cangming Dynasty has coveted for long; once the Demon Race attacks, our Jiuli Dynasty will be in great peril!" Consort Rong fumed after hearing several reports.

"Your Majesty, please calm down. Yes, the Seventh Prince's actions are indeed reckless, but for us, for the Ninth Prince, it may not be entirely detrimental. Ultimately, if this was not directed by the Saint Emperor, even if the Demon Race arrives fiercely, simply pushing out the Seventh Prince and Jin Zhaoyu as the culprits should defuse their wrath. If needed, offering the dead city of Yong'an to the Demon Race should quell their anger and prevent the dynasty's downfall."

"Right, Your Majesty, on the way here, we discussed that in this matter, we should merely observe and not take any actions, waiting for the Demon Race to ferment."

"I still advise investigating this matter thoroughly before drawing conclusions. If things are as we suspect, then it's unlikely the Demon Race remains unresponsive till now; there could be unexpected changes."

"Indeed, the Demon Race is wild by nature; it's impossible for them to remain inactive for such a long time. There might be hidden truths we are unaware of."

"Then quickly investigate this matter fully before deciding on our next steps."

After several ministers departed, a faint cold smile flickered across Consort Rong's face.

As the minister mentioned, she believed this affair held only advantages for the Ninth Prince.

She understood Li Yuan's character well; despite the recent rewards and his role as regent, once the Demon Race pressures, and the armies of Cangming and Great Xia stand at the gates, for the sake of his throne, he'd undoubtedly sacrifice the Seventh Prince to appease the Demon Race's fury.

"Haha~ Old Qi, Old Qi, such youthful vigor, acting with the innocence of a young heart, thinking avenging the people of Yong'an would earn the Saint Emperor's favor and gain entry into the Eastern Palace? Naïve."

With a soft laugh, she paused briefly.

It seemed she was overthinking; with the Celestial Slaughter Division personally involved, how could the Seventh Prince survive? Why worry about the Seventh Prince?

Once the Seventh Prince perishes, even if Li Yuan overlooks the Ninth Prince, only the Ninth Prince will be left to inherit the throne.

Power within grasp!

"King Yun..." Her thoughts drifted, recalling the man waiting in the Celestial Prison for three years.

"Even if you die, you can rest in peace."

King Yun was her sole glaring flaw, and before the Ninth Prince secures the throne, she must deal with him.

Otherwise, if exposed, even with only the Ninth Prince remaining, Li Yuan would certainly execute him.

"It's been three years now; no one should be paying attention to King Yun anymore, right?"

Ten days later, Li Jizhou sat in cultivation within Jinluan, suddenly hearing the sable's warning.

Since encountering an assassination wave in the Celestial Punishment a month ago, he's faced no further crises.

Li Jizhou slowly opened his eyes, constantly keeping his consciousness linked with the Blood Fiend Realm, ensuring he can merge his main body into it any time.

This connection to the Blood Fiend Realm allowed Li Jizhou to wander the swamp without fear.

For enemies below Divinity Transformation, drawing them into the realm would mean certain defeat at the hands of Cang Huang and Liu Hongling.

Against foes above Divinity Transformation, he could enter the realm in person, rendering them powerless against him.

"Buzz~" Suddenly, a mystical sound struck, and Li Jizhou felt momentarily dizzy.

His Flying Magical Artifact Jinluan was of the Spiritual Treasure grade, primarily for flying but with formidable defense incomparable to ordinary Flying Magical Artifacts.

Yet now, this sound wave pierced unchecked, directly assaulting Li Jizhou's Divine Soul, causing alarm and immediate action; he willed himself into the Blood Fiend Realm without hesitation.

"Hmm?" But the next instant, he frowned as the realm was inaccessible, having lost connection with those inside.

"Master, we've stumbled into an array!" Hong Luan solemnly approached.

Li Jizhou nodded slightly; evidently, someone had set this up in advance.

That Hong Luan's Primordial Spirit hadn't detected anomalies indicates the opponent's Divine Soul Realm is at least Late Stage of Divinity Transformation.

The array here is at least high-grade Tier Five.

The crucial point, however, is the ability to affect the Celestial Venerable Dharma Realm, which is indeed formidable.

"Is this still Celestial Punishment's assassin? How many Spirit Stones did it cost for such a grand effort? Well, might as well directly resolve the matter with Celestial Punishment." With a move of his heart, Li Jizhou withdrew Jinluan, hovering alongside Hong Luan in mid-air.