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Chapter 18: Who Exactly Is the Assassin?:
The three of them almost simultaneously knelt down again.
"Father, your health is good, and you are in your prime. Why would you say such a thing?"
How could this be possible?
Their father, who was only fifty years old.
How could he suddenly utter such a statement?
The impact of these words was truly overwhelming!
An emperor, with little time left to live?
This was undoubtedly a serious matter!
On the dragon throne, Ye Tianji's expression remained unchanged. He simply waved his hand and said, "Stand up and speak!"
The three of them stood up, each frowning as they looked at him.
"Why would I tell a lie?" Ye Tianji continued, slowly rising to his feet. "Since three years ago, I... knew I wouldn't live much longer!"
The three remained silent, their faces solemn.
What was going on?
Immediately after, Ye Tianji suddenly, in front of all three of them, unbuttoned his imperial robe.
Then he exposed his upper body!
When they saw his upper body, all three of them simultaneously widened their eyes in shock!
Because they understood now—their father wasn't joking!
On Ye Tianji's upper body was a horrifying and gruesome scar!
The scar extended from his left shoulder all the way to his right abdomen!
It was as if it was meant to split him in two!
From this terrifying scar, they could even faintly sense a sharp sword energy still lingering!
This was a sword mark, a sword wound!
A deadly sword wound that cut deep into the bone!
The three of them were stunned, frozen in place.
They had never imagined that their father had such a terrifying and fatal wound on his body!
When did this happen?
So, it was true... he didn't have much time left?
"This was left from the battle three years ago!"
Ye Tianji slowly put his clothes back on and continued, "Three years ago, that black-clad assassin... was never captured!"
Upon hearing this, the three's expressions changed dramatically again!
The assassin... was never captured?
But back then, wasn’t it said that the assassin had died?
Wasn’t the assassin's sword left behind as proof?
That sword could indeed serve as evidence, proving that the assassin had been taken down!
The three remained silent.
Every word their father spoke was hitting them like a tidal wave!
Who exactly was that black-clad assassin who infiltrated the palace three years ago?
Their father, leading the twelve celestial warriors, couldn’t capture him?
Just how terrifying was that person’s strength?
Suddenly, they recalled something!
Indeed, no one ever knew the assassin’s identity, and no one had ever seen the assassin’s corpse!
Thinking of it this way, it all... started to make sense!
So... this was the truth?
The assassin escaped that night!
And moreover... left such a fatal wound on their father!
And now their father was saying he didn’t have much time left!
What did this mean?
Did this not imply that the assassination attempt three years ago... was actually successful?
"I, along with the twelve celestial warriors, could only take his sword! And he... left this wound on me!"
Ye Tianji’s voice slowly echoed, "This wound is incurable, so... I won’t live much longer!"
The three of them still didn’t speak.
At this moment, what could they say?
Facing this sudden reality, what could they say?
"That’s why I’ve called you here today, to discuss... the matter of succession!"
Ye Tianji’s voice continued, "This matter... must remain confidential. Under heaven, only the three of you are to know!"
The three of them lowered their heads in silence.
At this moment, anything they said would be inappropriate!
Even one wrong word, one wrong syllable!
The consequences could be unimaginable!
"You two, tell me. After I die, which of you should inherit the throne?"
Ye Tianji’s gaze shifted to Ye Wushi and Ye Wuchen.
The two immediately knelt down again, while Ye Lin remained standing.
"Father! Regardless of how severe this wound is, I swear I will scour the world to find a cure for you!"
Ye Wushi said firmly.
"I also know of some skilled healers. I can summon them all right now!"
Ye Wuchen added earnestly.
"If you can find people, if you can find medicine, do you think I cannot?"
Ye Tianji frowned and said, "Now, answer my question, without any reservations!"
Hearing this, the two lowered their heads in silence.
At this moment, with their father still alive, was it really appropriate to discuss the matter of succession?
Was it really fitting?
"Are you mute?"
At this point, Ye Tianji raised his voice.
The two princes shuddered!
Then, Ye Wuchen began to speak: "Elder brother is the eldest son, a warrior of unparalleled skill, and a figure of great renown! If... if Father indeed has any mishap, the throne should pass to my elder brother. I will certainly assist him with all my might!"
As he spoke these words, cold sweat was breaking out on his back.
"Good!"
Ye Tianji nodded slightly, then turned his gaze to Ye Wushi and asked, "And you?"
Ye Wushi lowered his head and also said in a deep voice, "My younger brother is thoughtful and steady, virtuous and talented, and highly respected! He should inherit the throne. I will give my all to support him!"
As he spoke, sweat also poured from his palms!
"Good!"
Ye Tianji nodded again, "Remember what you have said today! Regardless of who inherits the throne, the two of you must work together!"
"Yes!"
Ye Wushi and Ye Wuchen nodded solemnly.
Immediately, Ye Tianji’s gaze suddenly shifted to Ye Lin.
It seemed this matter had nothing to do with her.
After all, she was just a daughter!
But, since she was called here, how could she be irrelevant?
T/N: Thanks for reading!
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