“How is this even possible?”
“Does this make sense to anyone?”
“The Law must contain mysteries beyond measure…”
“Stop pretending to be profound, you old hag.”
As the voices traded confusion and complaints, Kaiser found himself staring quietly at the scene.
For the first time, the Ancestors did not seem distant or terrifying.
Beneath all their power and ancient authority, they were… people.
They argued, they got annoyed, they questioned each other.
Humans, in a way.
Or at the very least, beings that still carried emotions.
Not so different from him.
But the brief moment of comfort did not last.
“Everyone.
Quiet.”
The command cut through the hall like a blade.
The noise vanished immediately, and all attention turned in the same direction.
Straight at Kaiser.
He stiffened as dozens of ancient gazes landed on him again.
His earlier thought dissolved in an instant.
‘I take back what I said.’
He grimaced slightly, trying to remain steady even though his legs felt unsteady under the weight of their presence.
“Everything is to remain as it was previously.” The Golden Orbs flickered, their light shifting with quiet authority.
“Any sudden movement involving Kaiser will draw attention.
If others begin to probe, the child will not be able to withstand it.”
A calm pause followed before the voice continued.
“Externally, nothing will change.
Internally… increase the resources he is permitted to draw from the Treasury.
And from this moment onward, Kaiser will be considered a candidate to ascend the Throne.”
The hall remained silent, but the silence carried weight.
No one dared to question the Golden Orb, yet the air shifted as countless thoughts flickered behind ancient faces.
To be made a candidate for the Throne was not a symbolic gesture.
It was not the title given to a ceremonial heir or a puppet ruler.
A true candidate meant competition, recognition, and danger.
The very path to the imperial seat was paved with politics, power, and unseen battles.
Even the Ancestors knew that once Kaiser stepped onto that path, removing him would no longer be simple.
Kaiser stood there, speechless.
A moment ago he had only wanted to survive the meeting.
It meant that Kaiser now held a genuine possibility of becoming an Emperor.
And the Ancestors, especially the Golden Orbs, did not grant such acknowledgment lightly.
Among the younger generations of the Dawn Lineage, gaining the approval of the Ancestors was already difficult.
But receiving approval from the Golden Orbs was something far rarer.
Only a handful throughout the lineage’s long existence had ever been acknowledged as worthy to attempt the climb to the Throne.
And now Kaiser, of all people, had been placed among them.
The hall felt heavier for a moment, not out of hostility, but because everyone present understood what this meant.
Kaiser quietly lowered his gaze, unsure whether to feel terrified or honored.
Another thing sat quietly at the back of everyone’s mind.
Kaiser was already seated on the Throne, even if only in name.
Which meant…
The Blue Orb flickered uneasily, its light dimming for a moment.
The Black Orbs released low, amused laughter.
The Crimson Orb leaned in, as though wanting to take a closer look at Kaiser.
Every reaction was different, but none of them were casual.
Kaiser could feel it too.
A shift in the air, subtle but unmistakable.
His value in the eyes of the Golden Ancestor had risen sharply.
The Golden Orb did not elaborate.
“The Council is dismissed.”
The words rippled through the hall like a closing decree.
Han immediately stepped to Kaiser’s side, placing a steadying hand on his shoulder.
In the next instant, the two of them vanished from the Ancestral Hall.
One by one, the Orbs flickered out of existence.
The vast chamber dimmed as their light faded, returning to its cold, shadowed stillness.
Each Ancestor had their own duties, their own cultivation to pursue.
Matters concerning the Throne, the Lineage, and the future would unfold in due time.
“Whew.
That was… exhilarating.”
Kaiser let out a long breath and wiped at the nonexistent sweat on his forehead.
The moment he finally reached the comfort of his personal chair, the familiar softness welcomed him.
No matter how tense the day was, this chair always felt like resting on clouds.
“Han.”
“Yes, your Majesty.”
Kaiser tilted his head, studying his attendant’s unreadable face.
“What do you think?”
Dao Foundation…
In simple terms, Dao Foundation was a Foundation laid by cultivators highly attuned by the Dao, and the benefit for such Foundation was simple.
Hundred percent success rate to breakthrough into a higher realm.
Such a Dao Foundation was indeed admirable, but Kaiser was sure that such a Foundation was considered normal in the Empire of Dawn.
The reason why he had caught the eyes of the Ancestors was mainly because he had not shown such a cultivation talent before.
Suddenly sprouting such a variable…
Ancestors was only interested in him because he had been a variable right now…
Han remained silent.
‘Indeed, I am a Variable…’
Kaiser narrowed his eyes.
“…Of course.
I cannot get anything out of you unless I ask directly.
Leave it.”
He laughed softly and shook his head, sinking further into his seat.
Some of the pressure from before slipped away, replaced by a bit of curiosity he could not suppress.
“So tell me,” Kaiser continued, eyes gleaming slightly.
“Who do you think will act against the Evil Entities first?
Martial Heaven?
Or will it be the Red Mist War Saint this time?”
Han’s expression did not shift, but Kaiser could sense the faintest ripple of thought behind those calm eyes.
Han seemed to think for a moment, really think.
Kaiser could tell by the subtle shift in his posture.
Han’s silences usually meant one of two things: either he was unsure, or the matter involved people he preferred not to speak about carelessly.
In this case, it was clearly the latter.
Anything involving the Ancestors always put him on edge.
Kaiser didn’t push him.
He never enjoyed forcing Han into uncomfortable positions.
A moment later, Han finally spoke.
“The first Commander to act against the Evil Entities would most likely be…” Han’s eyes sharpened, his face settling into a firm, serious expression.
“The Unrivaled.”
He gave a slow, decisive nod, as if confirming his own assessment.
Kaiser raised an eyebrow.
The Unrivaled, one of the Heavenly Pillars of the Empire’s military.
A name whispered with either admiration or dread, depending on who said it.
A person known for moving first, without hesitation, whenever the world tipped toward chaos.
“Karon the Unrivaled?
But there wasn’t a decree for him to act against the Evil Entities… Why would he be the one willing to stick his head out?” Kaiser took a bite out of the Spirit Apple that seemed to invigorate his body and mind, and enjoying the taste, he looked at Han, puzzled.