Chapter 2091 - 2095: The Ice Emperor Becomes Anxious

"Retreat!"

Facing the formidable Qin Tian, Guo Hongtian chose to retreat of his own accord.

He knew he was no match for Qin Tian. Of course, this time, leading the troops to challenge was solely to probe the West State Army's true strength, and now that goal was accomplished.

"Hmph, barely into the second round, and Qin Tian can't resist taking action—it seems the West State Army indeed lacks top-tier talents. Just for one Early Stage Great Immortal Realm expert, Qin Tian personally took the risk!"

As he retreated, Guo Hongtian had already figured out how to report back.

Returning to the Ice Emperor's camp and entering the tent, besides the Ice Emperor, there were also the Golden Armor Army's Marshal Qi Tiangang and three other mysterious elderly figures.

"Back so soon, how was it? Is Yueya City easy to defend but hard to attack? How many experts do they have?"

After saluting the Ice Emperor, Qi Tiangang asked on his behalf.

Guo Hongtian said, "Your Majesty, under Xu Kuan's defense, Yueya City, through years of preparation, is indeed like a natural barrier. To break through into the inner city requires overcoming three barrier gates, which is truly a challenge for our army."

"However, the combat power of the West State Army is nothing impressive. And the experts within the West State Army, what I saw today, was even more unexpected."

Guo Hongtian's words successfully caught the Ice Emperor's attention.

He continued, "Our generals Gao Tianyu and Zhao Dalai each engaged the enemy's commanders and ultimately, our generals Gao Tianyu, Zhao Dalai, and Chen Wushuang were killed."

"Hmm?"

Guo Hongtian's sudden change in tone made everyone furrow their brows.

"Your Majesty, although three of our generals were killed, among them, the more powerful Generals Zhao Dalai and Chen Wushuang were both killed by Qin Tian. Qin Tian sent Ye Kun to duel Gao Tianyu. After Gao Tianyu was killed, Zhao Dalai heavily injured Ye Kun, and just as he was about to kill Ye Kun, unexpectedly, Qin Tian intervened..."

Guo Hongtian recounted the battlefield events, saying, "It seems Qin Tian doesn't have any hidden killing moves. The experts in his army are merely Ye Kun, Zhao Lanjin, Duan Xiaodao, etc. He has no more cards up his sleeve."

"Hmph, this traitor relies solely on his alliance with the Demon Clan to stabilize the Demon Clan and maintain his current foundation."

The Ice Emperor furrowed his brows slightly, speaking in a deep voice, "Now that I am personally marching, he should reveal his true form! General Qi, prepare yourself. In three days, launch a full-scale attack on Yueya City!"

"Your Majesty, so soon?"

Qi Tiangang was somewhat stunned, "After all, Qin Tian has more troops than we do. It's heard that he's now drawn all his forces to Yueya City, clearly preparing for a decisive battle with us there. We've just arrived at Yueya City and haven't figured out the situation yet—starting the full attack now might... be risky."

"Hmph, with my Golden Armor Army here, what risk can there be?"

The Ice Emperor smiled coldly and said, "I also don't want to rush, but back at the Imperial City, situations have changed suddenly. I've been away from the Imperial City for too long—who knows what could happen in the long night!"

Ever since leaving the Imperial City, the Ice Emperor had been keeping in constant contact with it, but after more than two months, his suspicious nature still detected a trace of anomaly, making him very uneasy.

"Your Majesty, the Fourth Prince is guarding the Imperial City, and the Dragon Slayer Department is forcibly suppressing remnants like Long Yin. There shouldn't be any issues, right?" said a white-haired elder thoughtfully.

"Hmph, the Imperial City has always had various factions surging under the surface, and the reason it's been stable is because I was there suppressing it. This time, I've been away from the Imperial City for so long—someone is probably eyeing my position!"

Swish!

As soon as the Ice Emperor said this, the others were all shocked. Could someone really seize the Ice Emperor's throne directly in the Imperial City? Impossible!

Everyone found it hard to believe. After all, the area around the Imperial City has over a hundred thousand garrisoned troops and several fortresses. How could anyone possibly succeed in a coup and leave unscathed?

Qi Tiangang still didn't understand and contemplated advising the Ice Emperor to wait for a better opportunity. However, the Ice Emperor couldn't wait any longer and waved his hand, saying, "No need to say more. Yueya City must be taken within ten days!"

"Understood!"

Qi Tiangang could only nod.

...

At Yueya City, Qin Tian gathered information sent by Xiao Zhuang and Gongsun Sanniang. He also sensed something strange in the Imperial City.

Zuo Yuanhao, reading Gongsun Sanniang's anonymous letter, immediately smiled, "King Qin, heaven is indeed helping me. Who would have thought the Fourth Prince is planning a coup in the Imperial City? Haha, this dilemma of ours might just be resolved easily!"

Gongsun Sanniang's letter to Qin Tian mentioned that the Fourth Prince's men had gradually taken control of the Dragon Slayer Department. They've either bought out or sidelined the former members of the Soul Suppressing Hall, and the actual power of the Dragon Slayer Department is now in the Fourth Prince's hands.

Not only that, but under the guise of defense rotation, the Fourth Prince has also transferred the leaders of the 100,000-strong garrison in the Imperial City, seemingly to gain control over them.

Because when the Ice Emperor left, he delegated most of the governing power to the Fourth Prince, and a small portion to the Fourteenth Prince. Most importantly, the Ministry of War is virtually under the Fourth Prince's complete control, so the Fourth Prince now has a great opportunity to seize power while the Ice Emperor is away!

"Hahaha, is this Fourth Prince out of his mind? At this point, he's still after his old man's throne? Clearly, he's already the Crown Prince, the throne is bound to be his sooner or later, so why the rush?"

Lin Yu laughed heartily, confused.

Zhou Yang said, "It's not the same. The Spiritual Domain is completely different from Earth, where crown princes inherited the throne in ancient times. You must know, the Ice Emperor is said to already be a Flying Immortal Realm expert, having long entered the realm of immortality. So what if the Fourth Prince becomes the Crown Prince? He still has to wait for the Ice Emperor to die before he can inherit the throne, right? But what if the Ice Emperor doesn't die for a hundred, five hundred, or even a thousand years? Wouldn't the Fourth Prince end up waiting for a thousand years?"

"Haha, I get it now. The Ice Emperor might outlive the Fourth Prince. The Fourth Prince dies and he's still alive... hahaha, so the Fourth Prince can't wait. He knows the Ice Emperor's cultivation is too strong, he's cautious and protective, and won't die easily. So, blinded by power, he even wants to overthrow his old man's rule! Hahaha..."

Xiao Zhuang said, "What's so strange about that? Didn't the Ice Emperor ascend to the throne by patricide and fratricide himself? He couldn't wait for his father and brothers, fearing an early death himself. So ever since he ascended the throne, he's been guarding against the Martial King and his sons emulating his actions. Sadly, it's the cycle of karma coming back to him."

As Xiao Zhuang continued to speak, a scout general hurriedly entered, urgently handing an express secret letter to Xiao Zhuang!