The Seven Thrones and Four Temple Masters all jolted with surprise—they had never imagined Evan Chu would have such an idea. But thinking it over, it seemed perfectly reasonable.
Leaving aside for now that Holden Hong’s actions are meant to drive Evan Chu to his death—a situation of utter irreconcilability. From another angle, what Holden has done has already reached the point of provoking the wrath of both gods and men.
Thinking about Frostbane’s future is understandable, but if it’s all for selfish desire, then no matter what you do, you must face punishment. Now, perhaps it’s time for Holden to face retribution: those who served him are dead or dying, those who could have served him have all turned against him. Even the Flowing-Light King Marcus Pearlstream, who was always on the opposing side, has given everything to help Evan Chu fight him.
So now, Evan Chu’s campaign to punish the traitor is the trend of the times. As for who really deserves to be purged as a rebel—in the end, it’s always a matter of winners and losers.
But speaking from the heart, following Evan Chu leaves us with a clear conscience, because everyone knows exactly what Holden Hong has done.
“Brother Chu is absolutely right. We truly have reached a moment where we must make a choice.”
“Exactly. Holden Hong’s actions are plain for all to see—none of us are blind. There’s no need to explain any further. If you understand, declare your stance here; if not, you’re free to leave.”
Jun Yang and Mad-Blade Li spoke first, warming Evan Chu’s heart. In moments like these, you really have to rely on your brothers!
The relationship between Evan Chu, Jun Yang, and Mad-Blade Li goes without saying. The real key is the attitude of the other Thrones, because losing any one of the 1.3-million-strong Counter-Rebel Army would be a huge blow.
The Seven Legions led by these seven Thrones are on a completely different level than those without them. That’s why the Thrones are chosen so carefully, rather than just picking any strong cultivator at random.
Just look at the Frostbane Legion currently fighting hard in the Star-River Holy Domain: if they had a strong commander, would they be struggling so much? They’re aimless, like headless flies.
That old saying goes, 'A useless soldier is just one, but a useless general ruins the whole army.' The strength of a legion depends on its commander’s leadership. The abilities of these Seven Thrones are beyond doubt—otherwise, things wouldn’t have reached this awkward stage.
Holden Hong doesn’t kill them—not just to threaten Evan Chu, but also because it would be a shame to destroy the Seven Thrones. Killing them is a loss, sparing them is infuriating. Especially since Jun Yang and Mad-Blade Li, the most talented and promising, are closest to Evan Chu, and the other Thrones all have some connection.
As for the Four Temple Masters, Holden Hong never worried much. From the start, he openly relied on them, which meant they were doomed from the beginning. The only reason he didn’t act sooner was bad timing—like now, when Holden is trapped somewhere unknown.
“Honestly, in terms of position, from the moment Holden Hong planned to eliminate us, we stopped belonging to the Frostbane Dynasty.”
The person speaking was not only familiar to Evan Chu, but actually an acquaintance. From another angle, they weren’t really under anyone’s command now.
Evan Chu had imagined countless people saying these words, but never expected it to be her.
Coming from Nightdream Ye, these words felt completely different than if someone else had said them. Nightdream Ye was always reserved, never showing her emotions; even if something was bothering her, she’d keep it hidden and never speak directly.
Now, Evan Chu’s words naturally concerned the future direction of the Frostbane Dynasty and its life-or-death fate. As one of the Four Temple Masters, she couldn’t speak lightly.
But just as Magnus Liao, Kade Xing, and Trenton Zhan were still hesitating, Nightdream Ye spoke again.
“Since we no longer belong to the Frostbane Dynasty, that means each of us is free. So, whatever we decide from now on, no one has the right to interfere with anyone else.”
Nightdream Ye’s words were only just beginning.
Her purpose in speaking wasn’t just to state the obvious—her real point was only now being revealed.
“The situation in the Frostbane Dynasty is now clear: one mountain cannot hold two tigers, and a dynasty never has two masters. But whether it’s Holden Hong or Evan Chu, both emerged as powerful seeds from the Frostbane Trial World!
So, either one is absolutely qualified to become the lord of Frostbane. Now that the two sides are fighting, anyone who still considers themselves part of the Frostbane Dynasty can’t just stand by and do nothing.
In other words, if anyone here truly feels they have nothing to do with Frostbane anymore, you’re free to leave. But as long as you still see yourself as a member of the dynasty, you must choose a side in this civil war and support one lord!
That’s all I have to say—nothing more.”
These words were clearly not meant for Jun Yang and Mad-Blade Li. Those two didn’t need to be told—they were always going to stand with Evan Chu, no question.
Nightdream Ye’s speech was aimed squarely at Magnus Liao, Kade Xing, and Trenton Zhan. All three were Temple Masters, equal in rank to Evan Chu, and their cultivation was already beyond mid-stage Holy Emperor, even approaching its peak.
No matter what, at least on paper, they were stronger than Evan Chu, right?
For these three to side with Evan Chu and submit as Temple Masters isn’t something any strong cultivator would willingly accept, nor would it truly win their wholehearted loyalty.
“Old Li and I have nothing to say—whatever Evan Chu does, we’re willing to follow him!”
“Heh, besides, the two of us are just minor Thrones. If Temple Master Chu gives an order, how could we possibly refuse?”
“Hey, you guys—what are you staring at? Make up your minds!”
“Yeah, seriously! Don’t tell me you’ve all gone mute!”
Mad-Blade Li and Jun Yang played off each other, making faces at the other five Thrones. No one could guess what the Four Temple Masters would do, but what about the rest of you?
Sure enough, the five Thrones had no real hesitation. Just like Mad-Blade Li said—Thrones are minor, and if the Temple Masters give an order, who dares disobey? Especially after Holden Hong treated them this way—who could swallow that insult?
Nightdream Ye hadn’t openly declared her stance, but as the first Temple Master to speak out, her meaning was obvious. The ones truly wavering were just three: Kade Xing, Trenton Zhan, and Magnus Liao.
Of course they hated Holden Hong, but so what? The enemy was strong, they were weak—wasn’t joining a lost cause just suicide? That’s why they’d really planned that, once free, they’d flee far from Frostbane, change names and lives, and find a new path.
But now, Nightdream Ye’s words left them unable to decide.
If even a woman can show such courage, how can three grown men hesitate? The three exchanged glances, then nodded.
“I, Magnus Liao.”
“I, Kade Xing.”
“I, Trenton Zhan!”
“We are willing to honor Temple Master Chu as leader and join the crusade against the traitor Holden Hong!”
Evan Chu grinned with joy, but before he could speak, Nightdream Ye cut in, "Not to honor Temple Master Chu as leader, but to honor Evan Chu as Emperor! As sovereign!"
Whoosh—all present were utterly shocked.