Heavenly Dao Engine
Chapter 1045 - 1045 0618 The First below Nascent Soul_1

Chapter 1045: Chapter 0618: The First below Nascent Soul_1 Chapter 1045: Chapter 0618: The First below Nascent Soul_1 Chapter 0618: The First below Nascent Soul

In front of Emperor Chaoyang, Yang Yongqi always acted as tame as a cat, but now, standing before Emperor Jianwu, who was also a prince, not an iota of deference could be seen in Yang Yongqi. Although he repeatedly referred to himself as “this humble servant,” there was not a trace of a subject’s restraint or respect in his demeanor.

Emperor Jianwu had a feeling that the person speaking to him at this moment was not the Commander of the Imperial Guard but another prince. Emperor Jianwu had more than once heard people say that Yang Yongqi was extremely arrogant, that both in speech and action he carried an air of superiority, as if there was no one in the world worthy of his attention. Emperor Jianwu hadn’t fully believed it before, as Yang Yongqi always appeared quite humble before him, but now that he stood opposed to Yang Yongqi and a conflict between them was imminent, Emperor Jianwu truly sensed the character that lay deep within Yang Yongqi’s bones.

Here was a man who was only willing to submit to Emperor Chaoyang. In his eyes, probably only Emperor Chaoyang stood above him; anyone else was unworthy of his notice. If Yang Yongqi had even the slightest reverence for Emperor Jianwu, he would not speak to him with the tone he was using now, nor would he press so insistently, his words brimming with threat.

Just as Emperor Jianwu was about to say something, the Huoyang Emperor impatiently interrupted, “Commander Yang, mind your status. Standing before you are I and Emperor Jianwu, two princes. Do you think there’s nothing wrong with the way you’re speaking?”

Yang Yongqi replied, “Huoyang Emperor, right now this humble servant is discussing matters with Lord Jianwu. This is an affair between Chaoyang Palace and Jianwu Palace, and it would be best for you, an outsider, not to interfere. That would be better for you, better for all of us.”

The Huoyang Emperor chuckled coldly upon hearing this and said, “Commander Yang, when you’re before me, you never adopt such a tone; you do not speak to me this way. Do you feel that because my palace has sustained some damage, my power has been greatly diminished, and you no longer need to take me seriously? Hah, how come I never realized you are such a person, two-faced and petty?”

Yang Yongqi’s expression shifted slightly, but he did not show anger, at least not outwardly. He responded, “Huoyang Emperor, what kind of person I am is for the world to judge, not for Your Highness to decree. Enough. I have matters to attend to, to resolve the issues between Chaoyang Palace and Jianwu Palace, and I do not have the time to argue with you here.”

The Huoyang Emperor stated, “I’m not arguing with you. I’m speaking out now to make it clear that I fully agree with Emperor Jianwu’s reasonable demands. Emperor Chaoyang violated the ancestral teachings by secretly supporting, instigating, and leading the assault on Jianwu Palace, resulting in significant damage. Emperor Chaoyang must be held accountable for this. Until he does so, any other matters are unimportant and not worthy of discussion.”

Yang Yongqi did not expect the Huoyang Emperor to speak such words. He retorted, “Lord Huoyang, are you in a position to say such things? If I recall correctly, during the attack on Jianwu Palace, Huoyang Palace didn’t hold back at all. You say Chaoyang Palace violated the ancestral teachings, but what about your actions? Aren’t they a violation as well? Don’t you owe Jianwu Palace an explanation?”

The Huoyang Emperor laughed and said, “An explanation, you say? I have given one already. I formally apologized to Emperor Jianwu and made reparations, and Emperor Jianwu has forgiven my actions.”

Emperor Jianwu spoke up, “Indeed, I have come to an understanding with the Huoyang Emperor. From this day on, Jianwu Palace and Huoyang Palace will be allies in life and death.”

The Huoyang Emperor continued, “We are now allies, and anyone targeting either one of our houses will be seen as an enemy by Jianwu Palace and Huoyang Palace together. Commander Yang, do you understand my words?”

Yang Yongqi’s expression changed slightly. When he was avoiding the Heavenly Tribulation outside the Eastern Capital City, he had already noticed the Huoyang Emperor and Emperor Jianwu coming together. He had his suspicions then, but he did not expect Emperor Jianwu to let bygones be bygones so quickly, nor did it occur to him that the Huoyang Emperor would bow his head and admit his wrongs to Emperor Jianwu. For either of these two princes to lay aside their grudges and unite as friends in such a short time was beyond his expectations.

What surprised Yang Yongqi even more was that, knowing full well that he was representing Chaoyang Palace, the Huoyang Emperor still stood out and resolutely sided with Emperor Jianwu, even going as far as being willing to make an enemy of Chaoyang Palace. This development was far beyond his predictions and not something he had anticipated.

After taking a deep breath, Yang Yongqi said, “My lords, whether you form an alliance or not, this humble servant does not care. I am concerned with only one thing: His Highness has strictly ordered me to bring Qi Tian back to Chaoyang Palace. To fulfill the command of my lord, I will spare no effort. Should anyone dare to hinder me in executing His Highness’s order, they cannot blame this humble servant for being discourteous.”