Prince of Shicheng Hua Tianxiong was, for all intents and purposes, completely in the dark regarding the specifics of the coming trial. He had no choice but to do his absolute best to prepare, as there was no other path forward.
With the Prince of Shicheng’s commitment secured, Ninth Protector Hua Faqing, Tenth Protector Hua Faming, and Third Protector Hua Bingkun could at least rest assured that Emperor Hua Zhengchun’s throne would be secure for at least another hundred years. However, this was something of a hollow promise; if the Prince of Shicheng could pass the trials set by the two sects, three factions, four gates, four kingdoms, and five pavilions, then the longevity of Emperor Hua Zhengchun’s reign would be entirely up to him. Conversely, if the Prince of Shicheng failed, the Great Qin Empire would be left as vulnerable as the Zhao State—passive, unable to mount an effective counterattack, and destined for a slow decline into oblivion.
Once these matters were settled, Tenth Protector Hua Faming poured another bowl of wine, lifted it, and said, "Tianxiong, the future development of the Great Qin Imperial Family and the Great Qin Imperial Academy rests entirely on your shoulders. Regardless of the outcome, we thank you for your dedication."
Chapter 727