The morning after the assassination attempt.
The atmosphere inside Ashbourne Manor changed completely.
The family meeting was no longer about talent.
It was about survival.
Duke Arthur sat at the head of the hall.
Beside him stood the elders.
“The attack on Evelyn was not random.”
Arthur’s voice was cold.
“It was an attack against House Ashbourne.”
Everyone remained silent.
The First Madam Isabella lowered her eyes.
The fourth, Madam Lilian, remained expressionless.
No one knew who was responsible.
But everyone understood one thing.
The struggle for power had become darker.
Arthur finally announced:
“The heir competition officially begins today.”
“The first test will be the Imperial Academy selection.”
“After 4 months there will be competition in the family.”
“Two recommendations will be given to the strongest young members of the family.”
The hall became tense.
Everyone knew what this meant.
The winners would gain the support of the empire’s strongest academy.
Alexander stepped forward.
“I will obtain one.”
His confidence was absolute.
Marcus also smiled.
“I will not lose.”
Victor remained silent.
But his eyes showed ambition.
Leon looked at Andrew.
“Brother.”
“Will you truly participate?”
“Didn’t Father already announce it?”
Leon laughed.
“I suppose you are right.”
Unlike the others, Leon did not see Andrew as an enemy.
Later that day…
The candidates gathered in the training ground.
A massive stone appeared.
The Duke’s Trial Stone.
It tested combat ability.
The first person to step forward was Alexander.
He unsheathed his sword.
A powerful sword intent erupted.
The stone shook.
The elders nodded.
“Excellent.”
Next was Marcus.
Then Victor.
Each showed impressive strength.
Finally…
“Andrew Ashbourne.”
The entire training ground became quiet.
Andrew walked forward.
Many servants secretly watched.
They wanted to see the cripple fail.
Andrew placed his hand on the stone.
Nothing happened.
Some people laughed.
But Andrew calmly removed his hand.
The truth was simple.
The stone could not measure him.
His cultivation was beyond its limit.
But he had no intention of revealing that.
That night.
The royal families of the other three empires had arrived.
The marriage alliance ceremony would begin soon.
The Second Princess of the White Tiger Empire.
The Fifth Princess of the Crimson Phoenix Empire.
And several noble daughters.
All had entered the Azure Dragon Empire.
Inside the Imperial Palace.
Emperor Alexander Drakon read the reports.
“The Ashbourne family has become even more interesting.”
Behind him, the hidden former emperor opened his eyes.
“The child named Andrew…”
“Keep watching him.”
The emperor looked surprised.
“Why?”
The old emperor smiled.
“Because sometimes…”
“The quietest person in the room…”
“It is the most dangerous.”
Meanwhile, Andrew stood on the roof of Ashbourne Manor.
The night wind blew past him.
The Abyssal Devourer Sword appeared briefly in his hand.
He looked toward the distant Forbidden Battlefield.
“The world is moving.”
“The empire is changing.”
“And soon…”
“I will have to step onto the stage.”
The system notification appeared.
Ding!
Main Story Arc Started.
The Heir War Begins.
Andrew smiled.
“Finally.”
“Things are becoming interesting.”