Sole Sword Supremacy-Chapter 565 - 569: Meeting Prince Duan

"The list of important officials in the Capital City has been compiled. Starting tomorrow, we will visit them separately in the name of the Nether Sea to probe their attitudes."

At night, after returning to the inn, everyone gathered again. Jing Yuan took out a list and said softly, "Remember, we must not mention Prince Yu now. We should purely express our intention of befriending the Capital City in the name of the Nether Sea."

"Based on these officials’ attitudes towards the Nether Sea, we will conduct a second selection process. By then, we can naturally identify those we can win over for a focused breakthrough."

After a pause, Jing Yuan continued, "Brother Wang, you should also prepare to pay a visit to Prince Duan. If you can persuade him, it will make it much easier for us to win over these officials using Prince Duan’s name."

"Understood!"

Nodding, Wang Junze replied in a low voice, "I’ll visit Prince Duan’s Mansion tomorrow morning."

"By the way, I’ve also inquired about the Cyan Robe Gang."

Seemingly recalling something, Jing Yuan continued, "As you previously assessed, most members of the Cyan Robe Gang are low-class people who aren’t taken seriously in the Capital City. However, if used well, these people provide us an extra set of eyes in the Capital City, which will be very helpful."

"As for the leader of the Cyan Robe Gang, Ni Gang, known as the Earthbound Vajra, he has quite the reputation and should be of use."

"I met him today. Coming to see me at the first opportunity makes him seem credible," Wang Junze nodded and explained. "Previously, I asked him to investigate Prince Yu, and in the past half a year, he’s likely gathered considerable information. Also, Huang Siyu, who was originally a guest of Prince Yu’s mansion, is quite familiar with it, so verifying the information Ni Gang brings with her would make it accurate."

Previously, nearly all of Prince Yu’s guests that Wang Junze recruited were killed, leaving only Huang Siyu. She also proved her loyalty in several battles at the Nether Sea, so she is naturally someone we can use.

"There’s one more thing!"

Raising his head, Jing Yuan looked at Wang Junze and asked in a low voice, "Do you know the Eldest Princess Ningyu?"

"..."

Upon hearing this, Wang Junze was slightly taken aback.

He had told Jing Yuan and the others about many things before, but he never mentioned the matters regarding the Eldest Princess Ningyu, as it was related to Qu Lishang. Unexpectedly, Jing Yuan had guessed it anyway.

With a bitter smile, Wang Junze softly replied, "Yes, I do have some connections with the Eldest Princess Ningyu. Previously, persuading Monk Benyin was significantly aided by the Princess." 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝒆𝔀𝒆𝙗𝓷𝒐𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝓶

"If Prince Duan proves unreliable, then... the Eldest Princess Ningyu would be my backup."

"Then we would have even more assurance."

With a gentle laugh, Jing Yuan replied, "The Eldest Princess Ningyu holds an extremely high position in the Capital City; even the Empress would not easily offend her. If you can persuade her to help, our chances are indeed greater. However... regardless of her closeness to Your Majesty, she can never succeed to the throne, and cannot replace the role of Prince Duan."

"Moreover, during negotiations with Prince Duan, Brother Wang should subtly mention the Eldest Princess Ningyu, which will greatly aid in persuading Prince Duan."

With a slight nod, Wang Junze understood the significance of Jing Yuan’s suggestion and immediately agreed.

"Brother Wang, I must remind you once again, no matter how much preparation we make, we must not forget that the Capital City is Prince Yu’s home turf. We need to garner support from everyone to hope to win this battle; there’s no room for any wishful thinking."

Jing Yuan couldn’t help but remind once again.

"Rest assured, regarding the Eldest Princess Ningyu, there were other factors... I guarantee such things won’t happen again."

Wang Junze understood why Jing Yuan was displeased and could only explain helplessly.

...

Early the next day, Wang Junze appeared at Prince Duan’s Mansion.

Wang Junze’s status now was entirely different from before. Upon announcing his identity, he faced no obstruction, and the mansion’s guard immediately invited him in, then went to inform Prince Duan.

With just such a subtle detail, Wang Junze realized that Prince Duan must have anticipated his visit and given prior instructions.

Although Wang Junze visited unexpectedly, he only waited about a quarter of an hour before Prince Duan entered the hall with a smile.

"Haha, Mr. Wang, I’ve heard of you for a long time. When you first arrived in the Capital City, I wanted to meet you, but unfortunately, I didn’t have the chance! Yesterday, I was just contemplating how to invite you for a meeting, and unexpectedly, my wish is fulfilled today."

Dressed in elegant blue robes, Prince Duan laughed as soon as he appeared.

Looking at him, this Prince Duan was just in his early twenties, appearing younger than Prince Yu, and also possessing a very handsome appearance. He exuded a noble air, yet seemed very approachable, with a fine temperament that naturally made people feel good about him.

"Wang Junze pays respects to Your Highness."

With a slight bow, Wang Junze smiled and greeted, "I have also long heard of Your Highness. Thus, as soon as I arrived in the Capital City, I came directly to meet you."

"Haha, no need for such formalities. Please, have a seat."

Stepping forward with a laugh, Prince Duan held Wang Junze’s arm and sat down together, then continued, "I’ve heard about the matter at the Nether Sea, how your remarkable victory amazed the world, it’s truly admirable."

"Your Highness flatters me. It was just luck, plus the care of Master Qu, that’s all."

Wang Junze modestly replied.

"It’s different. Although the Li Shang Sword Venerable is formidable, without you, he may not have been able to escape from the Nether Sea, let alone make those demon cultivators in the Nether Sea submit, which isn’t something just any disciple of the Profound Moon Sword Sect could achieve."

With a slight smile, Prince Duan shook his head and said, "In such a short time, you have ascended to the Divine Travel Realm, standing among the top prodigies in the world, with boundless prospects ahead, perhaps achieving more than the Li Shang Sword Venerable."

"Your Highness overpraises me."

Wang Junze said softly, "Whether it’s the Profound Moon Sword Sect or the Nether Sea, they’re all subjects of the Court anyways. Under the heavens, all lands belong to the king. In the future, Your Highness will have the chance to inherit the throne, and what little abilities I have are insignificant compared to Your Highness."

Understanding the implications from the string of words, this statement immediately made Prince Duan’s eyes light up.

Among smart people, words need not be explicit; just a few words are enough to make the other party understand one’s intention.

The reason Prince Duan appeared to be so close to Wang Junze was to gain his support in striving for the throne, right?

Before he had even spoken, Wang Junze hinted at the throne, naturally equating to showing his stance.