CHAPTER 233: DISCUSSION!

"We greet the Successor! We pay respect to the ancestor!"

Ashen nodded in satisfaction at their show of reverence.

Only after drinking in the scene did he gesture for them to rise.

"You have all shown me sincere courtesy. I ask you, noble ministers, to rise and be seated comfortably."

Many of them took those words as a subtle display of authority. It was clear that only with his permission could they sit in their own seats.

Even the matriarch allowed him to speak without interruption. That alone was enough to make everyone present realize that, despite appearing for the first time today, Ashen held a position far above their own.

From this moment, none of them could afford to underestimate him. They would have to show him proper courtesy from now on.

Moreover, the matriarch had already promised to officially proclaim him as the successor of the Beast Sovereign. That promise alone placed him on equal, if not higher, footing than the matriarch herself.

The matriarch understood this well. Precisely because of it, she needed to uncover his intentions—whether he was to become a formidable enemy or an irreplaceable ally.

She asked with deliberate politeness:"Lord Huan Tian, I wish to know what you plan for the future so that I may determine your role within the tribe. As the successor of our revered ancestor, I cannot allow you to remain without a title or position that properly reflects your supreme status among us."

Ashen met her gaze calmly. He had already expected this question. Anyone whose power was threatened would ask the same. His answers were ready.

"My Lady, I have only one goal—to help the Zhuji Tribe rise to the top. Along with my inheritance, I received a request from the Beast Sovereign himself. He asked me to restore the tribe to the pinnacle of power and influence it held during his lifetime."

The hall stirred faintly, but the matriarch’s voice cut through like a blade."Oh...? And how do you plan to achieve this goal?"

Each syllable carried tension. To her, his words could mean only two things. Either he intended to seize the throne and declare himself ruler—making him her enemy—or he meant to work under her authority, strengthening her reign.

Ashen’s lips curved into a faint smile, his tone calm yet unshakable.

"My Lady, I know that emperor realm cultivators cannot interfere in battles between tribes. Therefore, our tribe needs a leader under whom everyone can unite and fight.

Our tribe is divided into Prefectures, each under its own prefecture lord. But if we can bring them all under one banner and strike our neighboring tribes, I believe expanding our borders and annexing territories would be no difficult task."

The matriarch’s eyes narrowed, her tone sharp."Hmm... And this leader you speak of... you are referring to yourself, aren’t you?"

Gasps rippled across the chamber. Several prefecture lords leaned forward, their gazes fixed on Ashen,

waiting for his answer.

But Ashen only shook his head."No, My Lady... The one I’m referring to is..."

Slowly, he turned to the right. His gaze fell upon a kneeling figure—a young woman with clenched fists and eyes lowered, her breathing unsteady.

"Princess Fanrong!"

The words struck the chamber like thunder.

The matriarch’s eyes widened. Murmurs erupted among the ministers, shock plain on their faces. None had expected this.

If he were to become the leader himself, he could easily bide his time, increase his influence and take over the throne once he advanced to the emperor realm, however, this answer of his conveyed another story.

They couldn’t understand his intentions.

Just why would he give such an opportunity to the Princess when he could do it himself?

He had the justification, talent and identity needed to become the leader himself.

"Huh? Fanrong? Why her?" the matriarch demanded, her tone thick with curiosity.

"It’s simple, my Lady," Ashen said smoothly. "I am not of royal blood. Only one who carries the Beast Sovereign’s bloodline should become leader. If Princess Fanrong takes that role, the prefecture lords will find it easier to unite under her banner."

He paused, then added with quiet conviction:"Moreover, she already holds a legitimate claim to the throne and will become the matriarch in the future. None will find it unreasonable to follow her."

Hearing this, the matriarch’s expression softened. Relief flickered in her eyes.This cleared her doubts about Ashen.

With these wordings, Ashen just relinquished any desire to claim the throne for himself. Since he himself mentioned that only someone of royal bloodline should sit on the throne, he cannot claim it in the future since he is not of the royal bloodline.

For the first time, she felt a genuine fondness for the young man. Her lips curled into laughter."Hahaha, you’re correct. As expected of the successor of our revered ancestor—not only do you possess great talent, but you can also see the bigger picture and plan ahead. But..."

Her voice trailed, and her expression turned questioning."Why only Fanrong? There is someone else of royal blood—my son, Ming Han. Why not him?"

At once, Fanrong’s face paled, panic flashing across her features. She turned toward Ashen with a gaze full of desperate hope. If he abandoned her now, she would be utterly lost. She could only hope that Ashen wouldn’t be so heartless.

But Ashen only smiled and answered respectfully:"I suppose he could be an option, but he lacks the most important thing required to become a leader."

"Huh? And what might that be?" the matriarch asked, her brows furrowing. She had raised both her children, and in her eyes, there was nothing her son lacked nor anything exceptional in Fanrong.

Just what could he mean?

Ashen did not keep her waiting. His voice rang out with calm certainty:"The thing he lacks is... my support. I have already promised it to Princess Fanrong, and whoever receives my support is destined to become the leader!"

Though his words brimmed with arrogance, his tone carried the weight of undeniable truth.

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(A/N - Thanks for reading. ^..^)