Human Clan Defender-Chapter 595 - s 305 to 308: Slaying the Demon Saint, Ten Thousand Bells Tolling (Four-in-One, Seeking Monthly Votes)_7

This Crown Prince was, naturally, the next Emperor of Great Qin.

Upon hearing this, the sorrow on Gu Xing's face still showed no sign of easing.

"My Imperial Father has passed away, a terrible blow to our Great Qin. Issue a notice immediately; the entire nation will mourn."

"Your servants receive the order!"

The officials bowed deeply in response.

Gu Xing waved his hand. "I am somewhat tired today. You may all withdraw now."

"We will take our leave."

***

「Inside the Eastern Palace.」

The sorrowful expression on Gu Xing's face had vanished. He looked at the person before him with a calm demeanor.

"Is there any specific news from Heavenly Gate Pass?"

"Reporting to the Crown Prince, the news from Heavenly Gate Pass is consistent with what was discussed in today's court session. The only difference is that Heavenly Gate Pass has now been renamed Fallen Saint Pass."

"Fallen Saint Pass."

A flicker of confusion crossed Gu Xing's eyes, quickly replaced by understanding.

The words "Fallen Saint" already explained everything.

Shortly after, he asked, "Why has Shen Changqing become the Great Qin Defender? I heard that My Imperial Father killed the Demon Saint with his help, is that true?"

"'Indeed!'" the man nodded.

"'His Majesty borrowed Great Qin's national fortune, and in the end, the Demon Saint died at Shen Changqing's hands.'"

As he spoke, the man's face showed a hint of hesitation.

Seeing this, Gu Xing said in a deep voice, "If you have something to say, just say it."

"'In my opinion, Shen Changqing's strength may well be the greatest in Great Qin. Even the Dominator of the Demon-Subduing Division is inferior to him. His appointment as Defender might be because His Majesty valued his strength. Furthermore, His Majesty once said that Shen Changqing could meet the Emperor without kneeling and was not required to follow orders or summons.'"

The man lowered his head as he responded.

The number one person in Great Qin! Gu Xing's expression flickered.

Then, he waved his hand.

"'Alright, you may leave now.'"

"'Understood!'"

After the man left, a trace of sorrow returned to Gu Xing's eyes.

Father, oh Father, you departed so decisively, but why then did you have to appoint a Great Qin Defender? To meet the Emperor without kneeling. No need to follow orders or summons. Plainly put, he's like an emperor of a different surname. Even if I become Emperor Qin, there's no way to suppress him. It would be impossible to say I harbor no dissatisfaction. However, he somewhat understood why Gu Xuanji had made such a decision. Currently, Great Qin is in turmoil. Having an extraordinarily strong expert to stabilize the realm would also be a good thing. But deep down, Gu Xing still had some worries. Once an expert's power reaches a level where no one can act as a check, many things will exceed expectations. I hope this man does not possess too great an ambition!

***

An army dressed in plain clothes proceeded slowly towards the Capital City.

In the middle of the army was an imperial carriage containing the remains of Gu Xuanji.

The Demon Saint's body was placed at the rear.

Shen Changqing and the others were also within the army's ranks.

Suddenly, the procession came to a halt.

Yan Jing rode his horse forward.

Soon, the army parted to form a path. Someone in mourning clothes came before the imperial carriage, knelt, and wept.

Who is that?

Seeing the person's weeping form, Shen Changqing's brows rose.

There was a mix of true emotion and pretense. For a moment, he could not recognize the person.

Dongfang Zhao's lips moved slightly.

"'That is the current Crown Prince, Gu Xing. The others are likely various Princes and Princesses.'"

Shen Changqing nodded silently in understanding.

While Gu Xing knelt and grieved, other men and women in mourning clothes also arrived, creating a somewhat noisy scene.

Clearly, they had already received the news, which was why they had come out of the city to welcome the procession at this time.

After a glance, Shen Changqing finally directed his gaze toward Gu Xing.

As the Crown Prince, he was destined to be the future Emperor Qin. From him, Shen Changqing felt he had perceived certain things. For the Imperial Family, kinship was not particularly strong. Gu Xuanji's death might bring this Crown Prince more joy than sorrow. After all, having been Crown Prince for so many years, how could he not be delighted to finally ascend the throne? But these matters had nothing to do with him. Since he had promised Gu Xuanji, he would naturally ensure Great Qin's stability. The premise was that the New Emperor should not cause him trouble. Otherwise, he could not be blamed for breaking his promise.

After a long while, Gu Xing wiped his tears with his sleeve. He then stood up and, with reddened eyes, turned towards the silent Shen Changqing and bowed slightly.

"'May I ask if you are Defender Shen?'"

"'Shen Changqing greets the Crown Prince.'"

Shen Changqing returned a slight fist salute.

He had the privilege of not needing to bow before the Emperor, so there was certainly no need to bow to a Crown Prince, especially since the latter had not yet formally ascended the throne. And even if he did, Shen Changqing would still not need to bow.

Upon hearing this, Gu Xing managed a small smile. "'I heard that Defender Shen slew the Demon Saint at Fallen Saint Pass. This feat enhanced the might of our Great Qin Nation. Before my Imperial Father passed away, he also conferred upon you the title of Great Qin Defender. In the days to come, Great Qin will have to rely heavily on Defender Shen.'"

Shen Changqing smiled faintly. "'You overstate things, Crown Prince. With you here, Great Qin will naturally remain untroubled.'"

Hearing this, the smile on Gu Xing's face grew a bit warmer.

Then he realized it was not appropriate to smile too happily on such an occasion, so he restrained himself somewhat.

After another bow, Gu Xing turned his head back towards the imperial carriage.

"'Attendants, transport my Imperial Father's remains to the Capital City!'"

"'Yes!'"

The halted army once again began to move slowly forward.

「Inside the Capital City.」

The city gates were now wide open.

All the citizens stood on both sides watching, uniformly dressed in plain clothes.

As they entered the Capital City and neared the Imperial Palace, Shen Changqing, Dongfang Zhao, and the others stepped out from the ranks, not following the procession inside.

The subsequent matters were for the Imperial Family to handle. There was no need for those from the Demon-Subduing Division to be involved.

Gu Xing said nothing regarding this.

Meanwhile, Shen Changqing returned to the Demon-Subduing Division with Dongfang Zhao and the others.

***

「Inside the Council Hall.」

Several Defender Envoys were gathered.

Dongfang Zhao spoke in a grave tone, "'Now that His Majesty has passed, it shouldn't be long before the Crown Prince officially ascends the throne. Significant changes are sure to come to the court. Those are matters we need not concern ourselves with.'"

Changes in the court were the court's affair.

No matter how great the upheaval, it was unlikely to affect the Demon-Subduing Division.

If the New Emperor dared to target the Demon-Subduing Division upon his ascension, he would be bringing trouble upon himself.

Moreover, from earlier events, it was clear Gu Xing held considerable reverence for Shen Changqing, indicating that the Demon-Subduing Division would likely face no action from him.

"'Furthermore...'" Dongfang Zhao paused, then turned to Shen Changqing.

"'Defender Shen is now the Great Qin Defender, possessing both exceptional status and strength. My time is running short. I wonder if Defender Shen would be willing to become the next Dominator of the Demon-Subduing Division?'"

He did not beat around the bush but went straight to the point.

Zhou Yuanzheng, standing to the side, showed no particular reaction upon hearing this.

He knew his own situation. Although his strength was not weak, compared to Shen Changqing, the difference was like that between heaven and earth. More importantly, even though he was younger than Dongfang Zhao, his remaining lifespan wasn't much greater. Zhou Yuanzheng had no desire whatsoever for the position of Dominator of the Demon-Subduing Division. On the contrary, if Shen Changqing were to assume the position, the Demon-Subduing Division would stand firm for at least the next hundred years.

Under their watchful eyes, Shen Changqing shook his head slightly. "'The matter of the Dominator is still premature. And although Defender Dongfang says his time is short, I believe there won't be any problems for the next couple of years. Therefore, I think it would be better if we discuss this matter when we truly reach that point.'"

"'Very well then!'"

Dongfang Zhao, though somewhat disappointed with this response, did not press the issue further.