Chapter 1507: Widowmaker

Noticing the Grand Elder’s gaze, the Second Prince’s heart tightened, and he quickly explained, “Grand Elder, it was not I who harmed my brothers, but the Crown Prince! After Father Emperor’s death, he feared that we brothers would threaten his position, so he dispatched troops overnight to eliminate us. I was forced to resist.”

“For example, the Third Prince and Fourth Prince were killed by people sent by the Crown Prince. I have not harmed a single brother. If the Grand Elder doesn't believe it, you can ask everyone present; many can testify for us.” As for the Crown Prince, since he was trying to kill him, he naturally wouldn't be considered a brother.

The Grand Elder’s gaze fell upon several Golden Crow Guard generals and high-ranking officials. Those people instantly felt as if they were seen through completely, and dared not lie.

They trembled as they reported to the Grand Elder what had happened that night, which was largely consistent with the Second Prince’s account.

“The Demon Emperor has died…” The Grand Elder seemed a little lost in thought. Although the royal court was in chaos today, for someone of his standing, it was merely minor skirmishes.

Instead, the death of the Demon Emperor was a far more serious matter. An era had ended, and the demon race was now at a critical juncture of life and death.

He composed himself and looked down at the Second Prince and the Young Prince: “So, only the two of you remain of the Demon Emperor’s bloodline?”

The Second Prince brightened. “Precisely. Please, Grand Elder, take charge of the situation.”

Now that only two heirs remained, wasn't it obvious who should be chosen as the Demon Emperor, compared to his young brother?

Previously, he had deeply resented that years of painstaking efforts had all come to naught, believing that Heaven did not favor diligent people. Now he realized that Heaven was still good to him.

How could the Grandmasters he had previously tried to win over compare to a single word from the Grand Elder?

The Young Demon Empress standing by the palace gate felt her heart tighten. She also understood that her son had no real competitiveness compared to the Second Prince. If the Grand Elder made the decision, it would be over for them.

Fortunately, a steady voice rang out at this moment: “The Demon Emperor, on his deathbed, bequeathed the throne to the Young Prince, with the Sun-Shooting Bow as proof!”

As he spoke, he held the Sun-Shooting Bow high.

“The Demon Emperor’s dying wish? What’s going on?” Seeing the Sun-Shooting Bow, several elders showed expressions of shock. The Grand Elder’s eyes glowed with two clear lights, staring intently at Zu An.

Zu An felt a divine sense scanning him, a clear light similar to a lie detector.

Most people, when illuminated by these clear lights, would have been terrified, revealing everything. If questioned thoroughly enough, they would even confess to peeking at the neighbor’s aunt bathing as a child.

But Zu An was no ordinary person. He had seen countless powerful beings, conversed casually with figures like the Demon Emperor and Human Emperor, and even witnessed the might of the Celestial Emperor. Although this Grand Elder was formidable, he was insignificant compared to them.

So he calmly accepted the other’s gaze and repeated his previous statement. The Grand Elder’s face showed a strange expression; he knew that ordinary people, when enveloped by his gaze, would tremble in fear, so how could this person reply with such composure?

It made him doubt whether his clear light had worked at all.

However, he quickly dismissed this thought. What cultivation realm was this young man at? How could he possibly deceive him?

“The Crown Prince was truly audacious!” The Grand Elder formally chastised the deceased Crown Prince for a while, then turned to Zu An, his gaze becoming inexplicably fervent. “Do you still have the immortality medicine you mentioned?”

Zu An secretly laughed. These old monsters with one foot in the grave truly had an inexplicable longing for longevity.

He shook his head: “Even the Demon Emperor didn’t obtain it then, and with the secret realm closed, I’m afraid we’ll have to wait until it reopens next time.”

Several elders immediately looked disappointed. The Grand Elder knew well that the opening time for such secret realms must be very long, perhaps hundreds or thousands of years until the next opening, and even a few decades he couldn't wait.

He looked at Zu An suspiciously, thinking whether this young man was holding something back. He thought, “I’ll find an opportunity to ask him privately. Of course, he wouldn’t tell the truth with so many people around.”

Seeing that the two seemed to be getting along better and better, the Second Prince immediately became anxious: “I protest! Throughout history, only acknowledged strong individuals have been able to lead the demon race against external enemies and bring them to prosperity. How could Father bequeath the Demon Emperor’s position to a child? Wouldn’t that put the demon race in peril? I suspect Zu An is fabricating the imperial decree!”

Several elders exchanged glances, all feeling there was some truth to this statement. In the long history of the demon race, there had never been a precedent of a child becoming the Demon Emperor.

The Young Demon Empress’s heart sank. This was her son’s biggest disadvantage. She had thought they could ascend to power with the help of powerful figures like Zu An, but now that the Elder Council had emerged, it seemed likely to fail.

At this moment, Zu An declared loudly: “You with your dense head can figure out such a simple logic, do you think the Demon Emperor couldn’t? Let me ask you all, who is the greatest enemy of the demon race?”

“Of course, it’s Human Emperor Zhao Hao!” the Second Prince blurted out. This was also the thought in everyone present’s mind.

For so many years, this name had weighed on the demon race like a great mountain, especially for those older and more experienced individuals who had witnessed Zhao Hao’s terror.

For example, several elders’ expressions were somewhat grim.

“That’s right. To Human Emperor Zhao Hao, whether it’s the Young Prince or you, Second Prince, you are both children, utterly insignificant. So, is there really a difference whether you ascend to power or the Young Prince does?”

“I…” The Second Prince wanted to retort, but even with all his arrogance, he dared not claim to be different in front of Zhao Hao. They could both be crushed with a single finger. Would he care if this ant was stronger or weaker? They were all ants anyway.

At this moment, a clear voice came: “I think there’s some truth to what Zu An said. Since it makes little difference to the human race who becomes the Demon Emperor, and considering the demon race has endured too much turmoil and bloodshed recently, it now needs a benevolent person to lead everyone in recuperating, to prevent further bloodshed.”

Wearing a wide-sleeved flowing gown in sea blue, her graceful and enchanting silhouette seemed naturally carved by moonlight. The shimmering pearls and beautiful corals embedded in her dress made it easy to recognize her identity.

“The Mermaid Princess!”

Ordinary soldiers would only marvel at the Mermaid Princess’s captivating beauty, but the upper echelons of the royal court knew her influence within the aquatic race. Her words clearly represented the will of the aquatic race.

The aquatic race supported the Young Prince!

Zu An breathed a sigh of relief. So she had been hiding in the shadows all along, just like the Grand Elf King. Although she claimed not to interfere and to leave a path for her family, at crucial moments she would still step forward to help.

With the Elf Race and Aquatic Race taking the lead, representatives from the Fiend Tribe and others also came out to support the Young Prince’s side.

Tiger Qianxiao almost slapped his thigh raw with regret. These guys usually acted so arrogant, but when it came to fawning, they were better than anyone else. He had been slightly distracted and fallen behind.

He also hurriedly came out to pledge his loyalty, speaking so sincerely that all parties looked sideways in surprise. “Is this guy really the Tiger Clan Chief? He couldn’t be a Dog Clan Chief in disguise, could he?”

Seeing that these influential major forces of the demon race all supported the Young Prince, the Second Prince’s face turned ashen. He knew that the tide had turned, and he was finished.

Just then, a five-colored divine light suddenly descended in the air: “Our Peacock Royal Clan also supports the Young Prince, and furthermore…”

The newcomer paused, then turned and stared coldly at the Second Prince: “The Second Prince killed the Crown Prince and caused the entire royal court to run with blood tonight. This needs to be thoroughly accounted for.”

“Peacock King Ming!”

Recognizing the newcomer, everyone in the field exclaimed in surprise.

Two of the three great royal clans of the demon race had arrived, all supporting the Young Prince.

It was known that Peacock King Ming, Grand Elf King, and Grand Golden Roc King held transcendent positions, almost second only to the Demon Emperor in the demon race. Their words could, to some extent, represent the will of the demon race.

With Peacock King Ming now targeting the Second Prince so aggressively, it would probably not end well for him.

Peacock King Ming was also seething with anger at this moment. He did not support the Crown Prince’s actions today, nor did he want to get involved.

But who would have thought that the Crown Prince, that worthless individual, would make the first move only to be counter-killed? His death didn't really concern him, but the critical point was that the Demon Emperor had just recently arranged a marriage for the Crown Prince, and the Crown Princess was his cherished daughter—Kong Nanwu!

He had been somewhat hesitant about this marriage, but who knew that before his precious daughter even entered the Crown Prince’s household, she directly became a widow? How could he not be furious?