Chapter 697: The Split of the Wang Ting

The news that the seal of the Dark Cave at the Sheng Zhu Xuan Star Academy had broken spread as expected over the following days.

After all, too many people were present that day, including many students, so such news could not be suppressed.

Once the news broke, it naturally triggered great chaos; the Dahe City and the surrounding cities near the Sheng Zhu Xuan Star Academy were all in a state of panic. Even with the army dispatched by the Wang Ting to maintain order, they still could not stop the spread of that atmosphere of terror.

Countless people began to flee this region.

In this situation, the Wang Ting did not try to stop them, but instead evacuated the citizens as best as possible while maintaining some order, since at this point, retreating from Dahe City had become unavoidable.

The various powers in Dahe City were also making preparations for evacuation. Although no one wanted to do this, since these powers had operated in Dahe City for many years and invested countless efforts; while personnel could be transferred, numerous industries and bases could only be abandoned with a heavy heart, which was undoubtedly a huge loss.

But there was no choice; the Evil Qi possessed extremely strong contamination. Although some people with formidable strength could remain within it, for the majority, the Evil Qi was a deadly poison. Once the Evil Qi spread, it would alter the living environment here.

Dahe City would inevitably become a dead land in the future.

Continuing to stay here would have no value whatsoever.

Amidst this chaotic situation, the Wang Ting convened a meeting and simultaneously invited the top powers of Dahe City.

The meeting was convened by the Eldest Princess in the name of the Little King. Strictly speaking, the Little King's status was quite awkward at this moment because the coronation ceremony had not truly been completed. However, given the special circumstances, it was impossible to hold a second coronation ceremony, so regarding the Little King's legitimate identity, all parties maintained a tacit acceptance.

"Everyone, after several days of exploration, we have discovered the flow trajectory of the Evil Qi in the Dark Cave. Perhaps due to Dean Pang's suppression, the spread of the Evil Qi was not as reckless as imagined. However, eventually, as time passes, the Evil Qi surging from the Dark Cave will form an extremely vast pollution belt. This pollution belt will cut through the central hinterland of Dahe, just like a great river dividing Dahe."

Inside the golden and magnificent hall, the Eldest Princess looked around at the many faction leaders present. Her face, as beautiful as a national treasure, appeared slightly haggard; one could imagine that the chaos of these past days had brought her immense pressure.

In front of the Eldest Princess, a crystal ball reflected light, weaving together to form a map of Dahe's territory.

At the center of this territory map, a huge black pollution belt split the complete Dahe into two regions.

Li Luo and Jiang Jiang Qinge were also present. They gazed at the territory map and let out a slight sigh of relief. Although this polluted zone was still quite vast, radiating over many cities in the Dahe hinterland, compared to the scenario where the entire Dahe was polluted, this was already a situation that was relatively easier to accept.

And this was the last bit of help Dean Pang gave to Dahe before his Self-Sealing.

Different from the former Vice Dean who always wore a gentle smile on his cheeks that made people feel like they were bathed in spring breeze, the current Vice Dean Su Xin appeared somewhat gloomy. However, this was understandable; after all, watching the academy be destroyed right before one's eyes was something even a person with a strong heart would find difficult to accept at once.

"This is actually good news."

Yu Yu Hongxi glanced at Vice Dean Su Xin. Seeing no sign that Vice Dean Su Xin intended to speak, she sighed and said, "At the very least, this Evil Qi is confined to a specific area and has not spread recklessly. Dahe still retains some pure land."

"This situation will probably last for only a few years at most. Once Dean Pang's suppression loses its effect, the Evil Qi will inevitably spread." Du Ze Yan of the Du Ze Fu said expressionlessly.

"Being able to delay for some time is always good." The Fu Zhu of Jin Quefu, Si Qing, said with a bitter smile.

The Eldest Princess nodded slightly, then slowly said, "Today I have invited everyone here actually to discuss our evacuation route with you all."

"In the future, Dahe will be divided into northern and southern parts by this pollution belt. My suggestion is to lead the masses to retreat to the south. I also hope that you all will join the Wang Ting. After all, in the future, the Abnormal Ones will appear on Dahe's land; we need to unite our strength to resist all changes." The Eldest Princess looked at the leaders present with sincerity in her phoenix eyes.

The many faction leaders nodded slightly. This statement was not wrong; Dahe was no longer peaceful. To deal with future changes, gathering together in unity was the wisest course of action.

However, just as everyone was thinking this, a faint voice that was out of place sounded.

"I do not agree to go to the south."

Everyone's eyes tightened. Their gazes turned, and they saw that the Regent Gong Yuan, who had not spoken until now, opened his slightly closed eyes, his expression cold and stern.

"Royal Uncle, what do you mean by this?" The Eldest Princess's eyes changed slightly, and her voice also grew cold.

However, the Regent did not respond, speaking only faintly, "I suggest retreating to the north. Many of our important military towns in Dahe are located in the north. Only by going to the north can we maximize our strength."

Anger rose in the Eldest Princess's phoenix eyes. She said, "This is the Wang Ting's choice. Does Royal Uncle intend to go against the Wang Ting's decree?"

The Regent lowered his eyelids slightly and said, "Luan Yu, since such a thing happened at the coronation ceremony, strictly speaking in terms of procedure, the current Dahe Wang Ting is still to be decided by me."

"Does Royal Uncle intend to rebel?" The Eldest Princess said in a chilling voice.

The Regent sneered and said, "Why put such a big label on me? In the end, this matter is your father's fault. He used the Yi Mi Fa to reverse Gong Gong Jingyao's gender in order to deceive the Heaven and pass the Guo Qi Array. This act went against the will of my Gong family ancestors. So if we are to discuss crimes, your father is the one who is most heinous!"

"I did not know how he would face the Gong family ancestors under the nine springs."

"You are insolent!" Hearing the Regent accuse her father of crimes, the Eldest Princess immediately erupted in rage. At the same time, guards surged out like a tide from all sides of the hall. The Red-Robed Chief Qin also appeared behind the Eldest Princess, watching the Regent guardedly.

This instantly tense atmosphere made the other faction leaders present look at each other. The internal problems within the Wang Ting had actually erupted during the coronation ceremony a few days ago, but were ultimately delayed due to the change at the academy. However, delaying such matters was useless, like the situation right now...

Vice Dean Su Xin frowned tightly. The internal problems of the Wang Ting were also extremely headache-inducing, and such matters were simply unsolvable. The Regent was eyeing the position of the King of Dahe. Since Gong Gong Jingyao had failed to successfully inherit the Guo Qi Array previously, this gave the Regent the most perfect excuse to launch an attack.

Facing this situation, who could make the Regent behave? Who could make him curb his ambition?

Only Dean Pang.

But unfortunately...

Inside the hall, the Regent's face was indifferent. With a determined look in his eyes, he said, "If you insist on retreating to the south, then this King can only say I will not accompany you. I will lead my people to the north, reorganize the army, rectify the north, and resist the Abnormal Ones!"

The Eldest Princess trembled with anger, her face covered in frost: "Gong Yuan, do you intend to carve out the north and establish yourself as king?!"

Others also changed color slightly; the Regent was determined to split Dahe.

Yu Yu Hongxi's face was solemn. She said, "Regent, the current situation in Dahe is precarious. This is a moment when everyone needs to be of one mind. If the Wang Ting splits, how many hearts will be shaken?"

The Regent said calmly, "So I request your support here. The current Dahe needs a qualified ruler even more. Do you think Gong Gong Jingyao's ability can really compare to mine?"

Everyone fell silent.

The Regent had held power for many years. Although his ambition was not small, no one could deny his ability. At the very least, Dahe had indeed become increasingly formidable in these years, and the Wang Ting's prestige had gradually grown heavier.

Vice Dean Su Xin and Yu Yu Hongxi exchanged a glance. The Regent's ability might be unquestionable, but this person's ambition was too great, which was actually something to be wary of. If they had to choose, they actually preferred the Eldest Princess.

"The Regent's ability is visible to all. If we truly need to resist the Abnormal Ones in the future, perhaps it would be more reassuring for the Wang Ting to be controlled by him."

Amidst everyone's silence, a faint laughter sounded. Everyone turned their gaze and saw Zhu Zhu Qinghuo of the Ji Yan Fu stand up first.

"Therefore, my Ji Yan Fu is willing to follow the Regent and go to the northern part of Dahe."