It was funny to say, but that was the reality. Before the upheaval, no one knew how things would develop. Choices were crucial at this time, as wrong choices led to decapitation, while correct ones led to soaring success.
Most people would choose to wait and see, adopting a strategy of stillness to counter movement.
Shui Bing had always been dissatisfied with the Eternal King, but she was weak and alone, unable to contend with him by herself. Perhaps a sliver of defiance still existed in her heart, but it lacked the spark to ignite, leaving that sliver dormant for the time being.
Moreover, the Eternal King was currently operating under the banner of "punishing evil and eliminating wickedness" to eradicate these usually arrogant and overbearing "tumors." His actions weren't too outrageous, making people feel that they could still follow him, as their actions were righteous and not shameful to speak of.
At this moment, Mo Qi looked towards the Eternal King's faction and said solemnly, "Are there any onlookers among you? If so, you can now make your correct choices."
The people opposite were stunned. Who was this person with such a commanding tone?
Even the Saintess didn't buy it, so why should an unknown nobody speak with such arrogance?
What choices I make are not for you to dictate.
At this, Shui Bing smiled and said, "This is our new Heavenly Emperor, Ye Yun, also known as Mo Qi."
What? Ye Yun?
The Eternal King felt as if struck by lightning.
Ye Yun had arrived, and he was here to contend for the Heavenly Emperor position with me!
Where did he get the courage to dare challenge me for the Heavenly Emperor title?
The crowd erupted in an uproar.
The Eternal King had already gained some momentum. Most people wouldn't dare to challenge him. If this unknown Ye Yun were smart, he should find a place to hide. But now, was he so desperate for the Heavenly Emperor title that he dared to show himself so openly? Wasn't this walking into a trap?
Seeing the Eternal King frozen, the Joyful King softly called out, "Eternal King, hesitate to act, and you invite disaster."
His meaning was clear: at this stage, when his influence was not yet solidified, it was the time to break ties. Once he established his position, it would be harder than ascending to heaven to change course.
The Eternal King regained his senses, quickly organized his thoughts, and instead felt that the appearance of the new Heavenly Emperor was opportune. He decided to capture both the new Heavenly Emperor and his few supporters in one fell swoop, eliminating any future trouble.
Mo Qi looked at the Eternal King, "You, who call yourself the Eternal King, you wish to contend for the Heavenly Emperor position, correct?"
The Eternal King had not expected him to be so direct, to pierce the veil so bluntly. He was caught off guard, and his face flushed. He didn't know how to respond.
"No, I am here to purge the corrupt officials. These people are usually arrogant and lawless. Now that the Heavenly Emperor has ascended, it is time to eliminate the tumors." After much thought, the Eternal King finally replied calmly.
The Joyful King sighed repeatedly.
Mo Qi nodded, "You are doing the right thing."
Xue Nu and Linghu Xiao Xian were greatly astonished, looking at Mo Qi. Hadn't he said they were very familiar? Why was he pretending not to know him now?
They thought he had come to rescue them, but it turned out he was here to contend for the imperial throne.
Indeed, in the eyes of men, women were worthless compared to power.
However, Mo Qi continued, "Before I returned, you could indeed make decisions. But now that I am back, it is not your turn to make decisions. Step down."
Going in circles, he still wanted to save them.
Xue Nu and Linghu Xiao Xian were immediately overjoyed.
The Eternal King, for some reason, was stunned and nodded repeatedly, "Okay, okay."
The Joyful King could no longer hold back and said, "We have so many people, and we've gone to such lengths. Since we've reached this point, let's just be blunt. We believe you are not fit to be the Heavenly Emperor. It was fine when you weren't here, we treated you as if you didn't exist. But now that you've returned, this has become a forced abdication."
This statement was like a thunderclap, causing a huge stir.
The Joyful King was indeed audacious, but upon reflection, it seemed reasonable.
After all, they were infinitely close to the Heavenly Emperor position today. If they lost this opportunity, they might never get another chance.
The God of War King also added fuel to the fire, "Yes, we are actually targeting you."
The Eternal King blinked in surprise, then seemed to understand.
He felt like a wild beast whose limbs were tied, and the Joyful King had untied him. He suddenly felt light and laughed heartily, "That's right, it's better to be upfront. Will you leave on your own, or shall I cripple you?"
Too arrogant!
Yet, the crowd felt his arrogance was perfectly justified and well-founded.
If I had his strength, I would be even more arrogant.
After all, in the entire Heavenly Palace, the Eternal King only obeyed the Heavenly Emperor. Now that the Heavenly Emperor was gone, wouldn't he do as he pleased?
Mo Qi snorted, "Your attitude at the beginning was good, but later you were instigated by him," pointing at the Joyful King, "You will come to hate him later."
The Joyful King laughed heartily, "This is hilarious! He will hate me later? I think you should hate the former Heavenly Emperor. He set you up. If he hadn't pushed you into this position, you wouldn't have arrogantly believed you were truly suited for it, and you wouldn't have lost your life for nothing."
Mo Qi said calmly, "To be honest, I also hate the Heavenly Emperor now."
Everyone was dumbfounded. What was happening? Was he surrendering so early?
Was he giving up after a few verbal exchanges?
This was too boring!
Shui Han thought, "Did I misjudge him?"
Shui Bing smiled, "Brother-in-law, isn't it inappropriate for you to say that? I just arrived, and do I have to leave again? That would be too embarrassing!"
Ji Zhu angrily said, "What are you talking about? Are you scared? How could the Heavenly Emperor choose such a coward like you?"
Mo Qi turned a deaf ear and continued calmly, "I hate the Heavenly Emperor because I don't want to be the Heavenly Emperor. I just want to be free and unrestrained, without the burden of responsibility. However, the world is in chaos now, with internal and external troubles in all realms. If it is my destiny, and I am to charge forward and lead everyone to stabilize the world, I will not hesitate and will not retreat."
Ji Zhu was stunned for a moment, then gave a thumbs-up, "This is vision! Good, good. Oh my, I only now realize how radiant and dazzling you are. Standing in your shadow, I even appear taller."
Mo Qi glanced back at him, "Well praised, but don't do it again next time."
The Eternal King sneered, "Stop with the nonsense. All this flowery talk is still about power. In the end, it's strength that matters. In my opinion, if you have no strength, don't force yourself. Isn't it good to live well?"
Shui Bing, fearing that Mo Qi would be persuaded by the Eternal King and she would be embarrassed, shouted, "Eternal King, you are nothing! My brother-in-law may not be able to defeat you, but with so many of us helping him, we have the support of the people and the mandate of heaven. You should surrender early. Isn't it good to live well?"
The Joyful King looked back at the dense crowd behind him, then at the few people opposite, and said with a smile, "Are you many? Do you have as many people as my fingers?"
Shui Bing looked at the other side, "You guys who are just watching, why aren't you coming over yet? Even if it's a life-or-death choice, it's time to show your stance."
As soon as she finished speaking, some people gradually emerged from the Eternal King's faction and came to Mo Qi's side, "The former Heavenly Emperor's choice is our choice. We pledge our loyalty to the Heavenly Emperor."
Mo Qi nodded repeatedly, "Your choice is correct."
The Eternal King also wanted to see how many people truly sided with him, so he remained silent, letting those people leave.
But in reality, he couldn't see their true intentions.
Among them were many indecisive people who adopted a wait-and-see attitude. They wanted to assess the overall situation of both sides before making a final decision.
If more people went to Mo Qi's side, they would follow; if Mo Qi had fewer people, they would stay with the Eternal King.
In the end, many people came to Mo Qi's side, numbering in the thousands. However, compared to the Eternal King's retinue, they were still sparse.
The Eternal King was satisfied and laughed heartily, "Is there anyone else who wants to switch sides? I will not force you. Those who want to go, go."
As a result, no one else stepped forward!
Those who had switched sides had made a great decision. Although they were a little scared at this moment, they had no regrets.
In life, there are many things that one must defend with their life, such as dignity and justice.
The Eternal King laughed again, "Your reliance is nothing more than this young man's mysterious background. Because he is mysterious, you think you have hope of fighting me. Fine, I will shatter your hopes with my own hands."
Mo Qi also said without yielding, "That is precisely my intention. This is a matter between the two of us, unrelated to anyone else. Let us be the ones to end this."
"The kid is quite arrogant. Your courage is commendable, but in my eyes, it's recklessness. You don't even look at who your opponent is before daring to attack. What is that if not recklessness? Alas, you are still too young."