Tang Xiaoqi's decree and the Alliance's official note fell like a boulder into the churning Central Region Imperial Dynasty, stirring huge waves.
The clear stance of Qingxu Temple and the Three Realms Alliance forced all factions with schemes to reconsider. Especially that declaration of "maintaining stability, ensuring peace," carrying undeniable deterrent power, made those attempting to move feel dread.
At this delicate moment, a gold-inlaid invitation letter exuding imperial majesty was solemnly delivered to the Qingxu Temple mountain gate by eight Golden Core stage guards. The invitation came from the ailing old emperor, with extremely sincere words inviting "World Purification True Lord" Tang Xiaoqi to attend a special night banquet at the imperial capital, saying there was important business to discuss, concerning the nation's safety.
This was undoubtedly a signal, a crucial node that would determine the Central Region's future direction. The old emperor obviously also realized his sons' fighting and possible catastrophic consequences, attempting in his final moments of life, using Xiao Qi's prestige as a transcendent being, to make one last effort.
Xiao Qi received the invitation without hesitation. He deeply understood this banquet was no small matter—the best opportunity to harmonize conflict and avoid civil war, and also a stage to practice his philosophy of "guiding with hope, protecting with deterrence."
He accepted, only bringing Senior Brother Mu Qingfeng as an attendant. The two traveled light, flying on swords, and soon arrived at the majestic, heavily guarded Central Region Imperial Capital.
The night banquet was held in the most solemn "Hall of Supreme Harmony" within the palace. The hall was resplendent, with gilded beams and painted rafters. Civil and military officials, imperial clan members, and the three main princes had all arrived, seated on both sides. The atmosphere was heavy and oppressive, the air thick with a tense sense of impending storm.
When Tang Xiaoqi and the senior brother slowly walked into the great hall amid the eunuch's announcing voice, all eyes instantly focused upon them. Xiao Qi today didn't wear the Temple Master's robes, but simple azure everyday attire, his aura completely restrained, appearing like an ordinary person. But merely standing there, he naturally became the center of the entire assembly. That was an intangible presence transcending power and status, originating from absolute strength and lofty prestige.
The old emperor didn't attend; reportedly his illness was severe, unable to rise. A respected elderly prince was presiding in his stead.
The banquet began with tedious court etiquette and uninspiring performances of song and dance. After several rounds of wine and dishes, the atmosphere grew increasingly tense. The three princes—Crown Prince, Third Prince, Fifth Prince—though maintaining basic courtesy on the surface, their exchanges of glances and the hidden confrontation between their supporters showed the conflict had reached the edge of eruption.
Finally, after another round of toasts, the Crown Prince struck first. Using the loosened tongue from wine, he stood and bowed to the presiding prince: "Imperial Uncle, Father Emperor is gravely ill; the nation cannot go a day without a ruler. I, as the eldest, should rightfully share Father's burdens, act as regent to govern state affairs and reassure the common people's hearts. Yet I wonder why certain villains constantly obstruct and spread rumors behind the scenes—could they be coveting the throne, plotting treason?" His gaze meaningfully swept toward the Third and Fifth Princes.
The Third Prince's face darkened at these words, immediately slamming the table and rising: "Your statement is most erroneous, Imperial Brother! The matter of heir selection should prioritize virtue and talent, not merely age! During the demon calamity, who bled and fought to defend our lands? Who stood shoulder to shoulder with the Immortals to protect the common people? Regarding achievements and harmonious relations with the cultivation world, how could certain people who only know manipulating power schemes in the deep palace possibly compare?" His words were sharp, directly pointing at the Crown Prince's capability and achievements.
The Fifth Prince smiled faintly, toying with his wine cup: "Why must the two Imperial Brothers quarrel? Father Emperor is still here; as sons, we should prioritize Father's health. As for state affairs... Father Emperor's sacred judgment alone decides. However, currently outside rumors are flying—saying our Central Region Imperial Dynasty has internal discord, possibly inviting outside enemies to covet us. Even worse, some villains wish to use outside forces to interfere in our internal affairs—this trend must not be allowed." His words seemed to mediate, but actually implied the Third Prince was too close to the cultivation world, bringing outside forces into politics, while also hinting he perhaps had his own external support.
The three princes each had their stance, engaging in verbal sparring, refusing to yield. Their supporters behind them chimed in, the hall instantly descending into chaos, gunpowder smell thick, teetering on the edge of losing control.
At this critical juncture, the ever-silent Tang Xiaoqi gently set down his chopsticks. The sound wasn't loud, yet carried an uncanny magical quality, instantly silencing all quarrels. The entire great hall fell silent in an instant; everyone's gazes focused on him once more.
Xiao Qi slowly rose, his gaze calmly sweeping across the red-faced princes and the various expression of officials. Finally looking at the presiding prince, his voice was clear and peaceful, yet carried undeniable weight:
"This one did not come for fine cuisine and good wine, nor to observe Your Highnesses' disputes." He was direct, not a trace of indirection, making those present tense.
"The demon calamity has just ended; the common people urgently need to recuperate. The Central Region is the heart of the nation, home to billions of people. Stability is the foremost priority at present." His tone was detached, yet each word carried tremendous weight.
"Civil war erupts, flames of war spread everywhere, beings perish—this is something that wounds loved ones and delights enemies. Then, billions of refugees' grievances, the pain of homes shattered, the demonic heart spawned—these might be more cruel than the foreign demons!" His mention of "demonic heart" made those imperial family members and senior officials familiar with cultivation world methods change color slightly.
"The old Emperor invited this one here; his intent is self-evident—to use this one's words to admonish all of you." Xiao Qi's gaze turned to the three princes once more, his eyes deepening. "The succession struggle is imperial internal affairs; this one and the Alliance, in principle, do not interfere."
Hearing this, the Crown Prince and Fifth Prince flashed pleased expressions, while the Third Prince appeared somewhat disappointed.
But Xiao Qi then turned sharply: "However, there are three bottom lines that must not be crossed."
"First, must not cause suffering to the common people due to internal strife, leading to civil unrest and grievances rising to heaven. If any prince, to achieve their goals, doesn't hesitate to spark war and poison the common people, they oppose the world. This one and the Alliance will not stand by!"
"Second, must not invite foreign tribes or evil forces to interfere in Central Region internal politics. This is the path to disaster—not only unable to accomplish things, but inviting disaster upon yourselves, causing the Central Region's foundation to be destroyed! Those who violate this will be viewed as enemies of all humanity, struck down by the world!"
"Third, imperial succession must follow law and popular support, transitioning smoothly. If anyone schemes rebellious acts, patricide or fratricide, seizing the throne through bloody means, heaven's way does not tolerate this, gods and humans jointly despise it!"
With each bottom line he stated, his voice grew heavier. Though no intimidating aura was deliberately released, the entire hall's air seemed frozen. All three princes' faces turned pale, sweat beading their foreheads. They could sense this "World Purification True Lord" was no empty threat. He possessed power sufficient to overturn the dynasty, and the determination to enforce his stated "bottom lines!"
Having finished the three bottom lines, Xiao Qi's tone eased, carrying a guiding meaning: "His Majesty is still here; all of you as princes should prioritize filial piety, jointly serving at his bedside, praying for his recovery. As for the future... why not each display your character and ability, winning people over with virtue, demonstrating your achievements through merit? Let the court, the realm, the common people see who truly can lead the Central Region toward prosperity and stability? Thus, even if competition exists, it will be healthy competition, beneficial to both nation and people."
His words first drew inviolable red lines, using great deterrent force to forcibly suppress the worst conflict possibilities; then guided competition toward relatively peaceful tracks comparing virtue, talent, and achievements, offering a seemingly feasible way out.
The hall was utterly silent. The three princes looked at each other, each seeing in the other's eyes dread, unwillingness, but also a trace of helpless acceptance. Before absolute strength and prestige, any excessive thoughts were forcibly suppressed.
The presiding prince hastily stood to smooth things over, following Xiao Qi's words: "The True Lord's excellent advice is most enlightening! This old minister acts on the Emperor's behalf, thanking the True Lord! All princes, the True Lord's words serve our Central Region's thousand-year foundation and the common people's well-being! I hope all of you will bear this in mind, jointly maintaining stability!"
A nearly-erupting court conflict was temporarily dissolved by Tang Xiaoqi's words of warning and harmonizing conflict.
The night banquet concluded in an atmosphere of surface harmony but hidden undercurrents.
After this banquet, the Central Region Imperial Dynasty's internal strife was forcibly constrained within a certain framework. Using a transcendent identity, Xiao Qi established a new paradigm where the cultivation world did not directly interfere in imperial succession, but resolutely maintained world stability and sanctioned those breaking bottom lines. This set an important precedent for future interactions between the cultivation world and secular imperial power.
On the return journey to the envoy lodge, Senior Brother Mu Qingfeng praised: "Xiao Qi, today's action was truly brilliant. Avoiding direct involvement while stabilizing the overall situation—truly impressive."
Gazing at the capital's brilliant lights, Xiao Qi lightly shook his head: "Merely a stopgap measure. True long-term peace requires institutions and the human heart. We... have a long road ahead."
But his gaze was firm. Tonight, he had successfully protected the Central Region's temporary peace, and for his "World Purification" path, accumulated experience once more.