Chapter 1724 - 117: The Greatest in Eight Hundred Years, Surpassed by None!
Chengqian Palace.
As the Martial Saint Spirit Body vanished, the tense atmosphere within Chengqian Palace gradually returned to normal.
At this moment, Ji Mingyuan was left desolate, and with Ji Minghao’s wave, he was supported by two members of the Golden Armor Forbidden Army as he withdrew in despair.
He knew that his imperial dreams were completely shattered, and what awaited him might be a long period of imprisonment or a cup of poisoned wine under the night’s cover.
As thoughts flickered in his mind, he looked toward the Eighth Prince, Ji Minghao, with hope in his eyes.
At this moment, Ji Minghao took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the agitation in his heart, and walked toward Jiang Ning.
Then with a solemn bow, he said, "Brother Jiang, today’s grace, Minghao will never forget!"
Jiang Ning smiled, "The Holy Emperor should now refer to himself as ’We’.
Ji Minghao seriously shook his head, "One cannot overstep the bounds of etiquette, Minghao is still only a prince, how can I refer to myself as ’We’? Even when Minghao ascends to the Imperial Throne, how could I assume the title of ’We’ in front of Brother Jiang? Without Brother Jiang’s help today, how could Minghao have his achievements today? All of Minghao’s accomplishments are indeed thanks to Brother Jiang’s assistance. Please allow Minghao to bow again to Brother Jiang!"
As his words fell.
Ji Minghao clasped his hands and bowed to Jiang Ning.
At this moment, Shen Xiao, standing beside, watched Jiang Ning calmly accept this bow, and couldn’t help but frown.
In the next moment.
Jiang Ning supported Ji Minghao, preventing him from continuing to bow, "Eighth Prince, you’re too modest. What I did today was due to the seeds the Eighth Prince had sown in the past; this is all that the Eighth Prince has achieved for himself."
He then paused, looking at Shen Xiao, "General Shen, the next matters must be entrusted to you: to assist the Eighth Prince, stabilize the situation, calm the people, and handle the aftermath."
Shen Xiao clasped his hands, "Marquis, put your heart at ease, I, along with the Holy Emperor, am part of the same family and will certainly give my utmost assistance."
As he finished speaking, Shen Xiao turned to Ji Minghao and said solemnly, "Holy Emperor, now that the palace is initially settled, there’s much to be done. The urgent matter is to quickly reorganize the Forbidden Army, reassure the casualties, and announce to the court to calm the people’s hearts. I’ll go deploy personnel, clean the palace, and draft an edict to set the time for the new sovereign’s coronation."
Ji Minghao nodded, "Thank you, General Shen, please address this matter... swiftly!"
"This humble general understands!" Shen Xiao responded to Ji Minghao, clasping his hands, receiving this command with solemnity.
Without further words, he turned and ordered the Golden Armor Forbidden Army and Mystic Sky Army, directing them to clean up the scene, treat the injured, and maintain order.
"Thank you, Dongling Marquis!" Shen Mengyun stepped forward at this moment, gracefully saluting Jiang Ning.
"Miss Shen, you flatter me!" Jiang Ning replied.
Then he glanced at Ji Minghao and Shen Mengyun, a slight smile playing on his lips.
"I wonder when the two of you will hold the grand wedding?"
Ji Minghao turned to look at Shen Mengyun, only to see her gazing affectionately at him.
He then extended his broad hand, reaching out to grasp Shen Mengyun’s hand.
"The day of my coronation will be the day I marry Mengyun as my Empress!"
Hearing these words, tears quickly filled Shen Mengyun’s eyes.
At the side, Shen Xiao’s steps paused momentarily, then became lighter.
He knew he had bet correctly.
At this moment, the bit of disrespect he had harbored toward Ji Minghao in his heart vanished completely.
He knew that Jiang Ning was the greatest contributor to Ji Minghao’s achievements today.
Without Jiang Ning countering Ji Xuan, the fates of Ji Minghao and Ji Mingyuan would have long swapped.
Without Jiang Ning’s stance, the Martial Saint, who never interfered with the Imperial Family’s struggles, would not have intervened today.
Moreover, the Martial Saint’s later rebuke of Ji Xuan and his house arrest signified a clear alignment with Jiang Ning.
On the other side.
Divine Might King Li Tianwen and Beicang King only approached after seeing Jiang Ning finish his conversation.
Although the expressions of both men had returned to calm, their eyes still carried the lingering shock and contemplation from earlier encounters.
Li Tianwen spoke first, his voice steady, "The power exhibited by Dongling Marquis today truly leaves this king in awe. The world deems the Marquis’s martial aptitude as the best of the era, unparalleled for over eight hundred years, yet no one expected the Marquis’s greatest strength to lie in his Immortal Dao potential. A Primordial Spirit Immortal at this age who can stand toe-to-toe with the King is admirable, and this king is impressed!" He paused.
Then, clasping his hands towards Jiang Ning, "Should the Marquis have time in the future, feel free to visit my residence often. Although there is no formal master-disciple relationship between us, we indeed have such a practical bond and should engage more closely."
"Certainly!" Jiang Ning returned the gesture to the Divine Might King, "When time permits, I shall visit and seek advice on Martial Arts from the King."
"Should Dongling Marquis have any queries on Martial Arts, I, Li, will spare no detail or effort in response," Li Tianwen said earnestly.
"Then I thank the Divine Might King in advance!" Jiang Ning clasped his hands in gratitude.
Subsequently, Beicang King stepped forward after the two finished their conversation, clasping his hands, "The renowned reputation of the Marquis, seen firsthand today, still underestimates the Marquis. With today’s prestige, to rival the Martial Saint one day may not be impossible. My young son was unruly earlier, causing much offense, and I’ve already disciplined him severely. Upon returning, I will ensure stricter guidance. I hope the Marquis won’t take it to heart. Though the Northern Territory is far, I, too, wish to form good ties with the Marquis."
As he spoke, Beicang King’s tone carried less of its usual haughtiness, replaced by a touch of pragmatism and caution.
In today’s conflict, Jiang Ning’s demonstrated prowess and the evident backing of the Martial Saint compelled this Northern Border-residing King to reassess the weight of this young Marquis.
Having heard these words, Jiang Ning couldn’t help but look toward Ji Minghao at his side.
Having just arrived here, he did not understand the implication of the offenses mentioned by Beicang King.