The Eternal Emperor was approaching complete tribulation-ash corruption.

Even an existence at the peak of half-step Eternal could not escape the decline of the Great Dao. Unless he completed his tribulation and broke through to the Eternal realm before the corruption consumed him, he would eventually lose himself and become a Tribulation-Ash Monster.

Only true Eternal power could transcend the decay of the universe.

Unfortunately, the Emperor had not chosen the timing of the tribulation. It had descended upon him before he could complete all the preparations normally required for such an attempt. His treasures, formations, and contingency plans were far from perfect.

Almost every major expert believed his chances of success were extremely small.

The Eternal Emperor himself apparently agreed. In recent days, he had begun arranging matters that would take effect after his death. The most urgent question was the selection of the next ruler.

He still had not named a single crown prince.

That did not surprise the political factions. What surprised them was that, at the final moment, the Emperor appointed two princes to share the responsibilities normally held by one heir.

The first was Dorek.

According to the new decree, Prince Dorek would control every matter related to the imperial legions. He received supreme authority over military appointments, deployments, and strategic commands.

The second was Prince Alvin.

Alvin would manage the empire’s civil administration and every major political matter unrelated to the legions.

The Eternal Emperor had divided the duties of a crown prince into two halves.

Military authority belonged to Dorek.

Civil authority belonged to Alvin.

The decree effectively eliminated every other prince from serious competition. Only Dorek and Alvin retained the qualifications to fight for the throne.

Many experts found the arrangement dangerous. Dividing civil and military power between rival heirs created an obvious risk that the empire itself would split into opposing camps.

Yet the Eternal Emperor had made the choice deliberately. No one believed he had acted without purpose.

The entire Imperial City changed overnight.

Officials, noble clans, military families, and ancient factions began reevaluating their loyalties. Those who had supported other princes felt their hearts sink.

Inside Prince Kane’s residence, expensive treasures shattered one after another.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Kane hurled divine ornaments, ancient vessels, and priceless decorations against the floor.

"Damn it! Why wasn’t I chosen?"

His hair hung loose around his face, and jealousy twisted his features.

"Why does Dorek control the military? In what way am I inferior to him? My cultivation, talent, and intelligence should all surpass his! That position should belong to me. I refuse to accept this!"

Beneath the rage lay fear.

Kane had previously dispatched experts to assassinate Dorek. If Dorek became emperor, he would never forgive those attempts. Kane could expect neither exile nor imprisonment. His end would be complete destruction.

The thought made his jealousy even more intense.

Dorek had once been a powerless prince fleeing like a defeated dog. Then Daniel appeared. With the support of that one extraordinary figure, Dorek had climbed step by step until he became one of the empire’s two recognized heirs.

Kane had never found an adviser capable of matching Daniel.

"I have raised nothing but useless trash! Every one of them is worthless!"

His furious curses echoed through the residence.

Across the Imperial City, countless powerful figures began joining Dorek or Alvin. At this stage, neutrality became increasingly difficult. Everyone understood that the capital could eventually contain only one ruler.

Experts who had supported the eliminated princes abandoned their former patrons and approached the two remaining factions.

More of them chose Dorek.

Alvin still attracted a large number of civil officials, but Dorek’s recent achievements, military authority, and Daniel’s terrifying reputation made his faction appear more likely to win.

Dorek did not become arrogant.

Daniel’s teaching had changed him. Even when he stood one step from supreme power, he remained cautious.

Inside his residence, Dorek looked toward Daniel with both anticipation and uncertainty.

"Teacher, Father is about to begin his tribulation. What should we do next? I am only one step away from the throne, yet the closer I come, the more frightened and confused I feel. I do not know which response is correct."

Daniel answered calmly.

"The matter is simple. Issue orders immediately. Send the imperial legions into the territories controlled by the major factions. Station troops in every important racial region and force those powers, along with the princes they supported, to declare loyalty to us."

Dorek listened in stunned silence.

Daniel continued.

"Then order every legion stationed outside the central territories to return toward the Imperial City and await further commands."

Dorek’s face changed completely.

The second instruction was even more shocking than the first. His hands began trembling.

"Teacher... are you suggesting a military uprising?"

Daniel’s plan appeared to use overwhelming force to seize the throne directly.

The possibility filled Dorek with fear. Power was a double-edged weapon. The closer he came to the imperial center, the more clearly he understood how easily one mistake could destroy him.

A failed military revolt would not merely end his political career. It would annihilate his faction, his allies, and perhaps the Fated Human Race supporting him.

Dorek swallowed.

"Is this not too impulsive? Should we consider the matter more carefully?"

Daniel smiled.

"You still have not understood the Eternal Emperor’s intention."

He leaned forward slightly.

"The Emperor needs an heir capable of ruthlessness. By selecting you and Alvin as two public successors at such a sensitive moment, he has placed you in a final contest. He is raising two candidates and forcing the stronger one to consume the other."

Daniel’s voice became colder.

"Tribulation-ash corruption is worsening throughout the universe. A kind and hesitant ruler cannot lead civilization through the coming disaster. Only a sovereign willing to make brutal decisions has the qualifications to inherit the empire."

He gestured toward Dorek.

"The Emperor gave you control of the legions as a test. You must learn to use the Strength in your hands to secure your own interests. If you refuse to act, Alvin will act first."

Dorek fell silent.

He considered the decree, the divided authority, and the crisis approaching the universe. Gradually, fear gave way to understanding.

He raised his head.

"I understand, Teacher. I will issue the military orders immediately."

A new fierceness appeared within him.

Daniel nodded in approval.

"Indecision creates chaos. Once a decision is required, hesitation becomes the greatest danger. Our chances of victory are high."

Dorek’s eyes brightened.

"What if Father had given us Alvin’s civil authority instead? How would we have competed then?"

Daniel considered the question briefly.

"That would also be simple. We would promise benefits, offices, and resources to the major officials and persuade powerful factions to join us. Once our political coalition reached sufficient scale, it could achieve the same objective."

Dorek finally understood.

Whether one held armies or administration, the essential principle remained the same.

Power had to be used before an opponent used theirs.