Joining the Joyful Union Sect, My Life in the Grip of My Senior Sister

Chapter 338: Dynasty’s Fate

Among the three candidates for the throne, only Jun Yunshang brought Lin Fengmian along with her.

This was because Elder Huang was still recovering, and the others didn’t provide much help. More importantly, she wasn’t really after the throne; she only intended to go through the motions.

“Younger sister, Young Master Ye, you’ve finally arrived,” Jun Chengye proactively greeted them.

“Young Master Ye, long time no see,” Jun Fengya smiled warmly.

Lin Fengmian responded indifferently, “You both are early, seems like you’re set on the throne.”

“Of course, unless something unexpected happens, the throne will surely be mine!” Jun Chengye said confidently.

Jun Fengya snorted coldly, “Brother, you’re a bit too confident. We don’t even know what the royal examination will be, so how can you be so sure?”

Her words were not wrong. The test set by Saint Emperor Lingtian might not be about martial prowess; it could be about governance, or something else entirely. Until the question was revealed, nothing was certain.

However, Jun Chengye remained confident. “Whether it’s strategy or martial skills, I surpass you by far. Ninth sister, what do you have to compete with me?”

At his words, Lin Fengmian couldn’t help but feel a bit speechless. Unlike the others, he didn’t know what the test would be, but he knew the outcome. No matter who ended up with the throne, it would certainly not be Jun Chengye’s.

Even if he was talented and ambitious, the Junyan Empire would never belong to him unless history changed.

It wasn’t like Jun Chengye would castrate himself and become the next Empress Feng Yao, right?

At that moment, Zhao Ban hurriedly arrived at the palace gates and bowed respectfully. “His Majesty summons the three princes and their attendants.”

“The three princes, along with the Southern King, Clan Leader Ding, Young Master Ye, and Madam Fu, please follow me,” he said.

No one dared to delay. They all followed him into the Saint Emperor Palace and headed for the Yan Emperor Hall.

They entered through the main gate into a large square in front of the hall, where civil and military officials stood in orderly rows on either side.

All the officials watched Jun Fengya and the others pass by, bowing in respect as they passed. The whole scene was orderly and solemn.

Jun Chengye and the others walked according to their seniority, with Jun Chengye leading the way. His stride was confident and imposing, with the aura of someone extraordinary.

Jun Fengya followed closely behind, her expression calm yet exuding a sense of careful planning, her cold beauty leaving no room for disrespect.

It was Jun Yunshang’s first time walking in this procession and receiving the respect of the officials. She couldn’t help but look at Jun Fengya, trying to imitate her.

She was a little nervous, her small face tense, not daring to glance sideways, as though she was preparing herself for a great sacrifice.

Jun Yunshang’s posture looked less like she was being enfeoffed and more like she was about to be punished.

Lin Fengmian had been somewhat nervous, but seeing her follow so awkwardly, he couldn’t help but chuckle.

“Girl, relax. You’re practically walking in sync with me.”

Jun Yunshang blinked in confusion, not knowing where to place her hands, her face a picture of innocent adorableness.

After a moment, she finally realized and lightly scolded, “Young Master Ye, stop teasing me. I’m really nervous.”

Lin Fengmian couldn’t help but laugh before saying, “But you don’t even want to be emperor. Why are you so nervous?”

Jun Yunshang’s eyes widened in realization, and she smiled sheepishly. “I guess you’re right. Hehe, never mind then!”

Her casual response lightened the mood, and Lin Fengmian found himself less tense. He walked calmly, even taking the time to take in the surroundings.

When they reached the Yan Emperor Hall, Lin Fengmian’s eyes widened as he noticed a massive and imposing dragon-shaped cloud hovering above it.

This cloud, resembling a golden dragon, coiled around the hall, winding through the mist and occasionally revealing a glimpse of its scales or claws.

Lin Fengmian had noticed this strange sight outside the palace gates and initially thought that it was some special divine manifestation. But now that he was seeing it so clearly, doubts began to form in his mind.

“What is this? Could they really have raised a dragon?”

Luo Xue explained, “This is the Dragon of Fate of the Junyan Empire. The cultivation methods of their royal cultivators are different from those of ordinary cultivators. They can absorb the power of all living things.”

“Take the Junyan Empire as an example, this dragon represents the empire’s fate. It’s the people’s recognition of the empire and the blessings of the common people.”

“It’s similar to the offering of incense in common folk practices, what we call the collective will of the people. As long as you join the empire, you can receive this boost of luck.”

“By using this fortune, cultivators in the empire gain an edge over regular cultivators, making it easier for them to resonate with the heavens and make breakthroughs.”

“The collective will not only enhances personal luck, but it can also offset negative emotions like vengeful spirits, so it’s quite useful.”

Lin Fengmian was still confused. “If it’s so amazing, then why don’t other cultivators do the same? Is it really so difficult to found a nation?”

Luo Xue smiled and replied, “Ruling a nation is one thing, but the real problem is that this Fate Dragon is a double-edged sword.”

“If the people suffer, the dragon of fate will turn against its master. If the empire falls, the resentment of the fallen nation will also befall the ruler.”

Lin Fengmian finally understood. There really was no such thing as perfect.

After all, what can carry the boat can also capsize it.

Luo Xue reminded, “This Dragon of Fate can be controlled by the ruler of the empire. Not only can it communicate with the forces of heaven and earth, but it can also borrow power from common people.”

Lin Fengmian’s expression became strange. “So by using this Dragon of Fate, Jun Lingtian can communicate with all of Junyan and borrow power from the entire population?”

Luo Xue nodded. “Yes. That’s right. So, within the Imperial Palace, the Emperor can be quite difficult to deal with.”

She hadn’t expected the Dragon of Fate to be so massive, which showed how powerful the Junyan Empire was at this moment. At the same time, the danger of their current situation had greatly increased.

Lin Fengmian gazed thoughtfully at the Fate Dragon, unsure of what was going through his mind.

As the summons came from inside the Yan Emperor Hall, Lin Fengmian and the others entered the vast and magnificent hall.

Inside, hundreds of officials from the Junyan Empire stood in orderly rows, all of them important figures. At the very top, the Holy Emperor Lingtian sat on a black throne, exuding an air of quiet authority that was imposing enough to intimidate everyone in the room.

The throne had a sword for a backrest and armrests, with numerous long swords inserted in a fan-like arrangement, radiating an aura of immense power. These swords were said to be the weapons of enemies defeated by the Holy Emperor Lingtian, a symbol of his glory and achievements.

“Son pays respects to Father Emperor!” Jun Chengye and the others bowed deeply.

“Subjects pay respects to the Holy Emperor,” Ding Fuxia and the others followed with their own respectful gestures.

Lin Fengmian, however, simply cupped his hands in a respectful but not overly submissive manner, drawing the attention of many of the court officials.

However, Jun Lingtian didn’t pay much mind to it. His tone was calm yet authoritative as he spoke. “Rise.”

He looked down at the people below him and spoke in a deep voice. “I’m sure you all know why you’ve been called here today.”

“I’ll keep it brief. You three have stood out among my many children, each with your own strengths.”

“I have reached the age of knowing my destiny. Today, I would like to choose one of you to inherit the throne and continue the legacy of the empire.”

At this moment, both Jun Chengye and Jun Fengya couldn’t help but show signs of excitement. But just as they were feeling eager, Jun Lingtian’s tone changed.

“But!” He raised a finger, his eyes full of amusement. “Before that, I need to confirm one thing!”

Jun Lingtian’s eyes sparkled as he smiled. “That is, whether this empire still belongs to me. If not, then it will be someone else’s to take!”