Evan Chu made this decision after careful consideration. With his ascension imminent, he didn't want to waste any more time. He had no idea what challenges might arise during the process, so he needed to make preparations in advance.
"Since the Palace Lord has made his decision, we will naturally abide by it. But what kinds of trials will the young palace lords face this time? There should be an explanation so that they can prepare." Selena spoke up at this moment.
"Yvonne is right. This time, the trials are divided into two rounds—one literary, one martial. I've been through many such competitions myself, and they really do reveal each candidate's true strength. To become the Palace Lord of Frostbane Imperial Palace, you must possess extraordinary talent and a broad heart, able to remain calm and unflustered in the face of crisis.
The Literary Gate is just a single, simple question: If you became Palace Lord, what would you do? As for the Martial Gate, you'll unleash your strongest attack—whoever's attack is the most powerful advances first. I've already chosen your target: it's Old Black." Evan Chu announced.
For a moment, everyone below started murmuring among themselves. Very few people knew who Old Black was, and they couldn't understand why Evan Chu would have the four young palace lords attack him.
Evan Chu knew the crowd had questions, but he didn't want to explain. Some things are better kept secret—otherwise, rumors would spread and bring trouble to everyone.
Three days flew by in a flash. On this day, the martial field of Frostbane Imperial Palace was packed with people—everyone wanted to witness this rare grand event.
A massive arena had been set up in the center of the martial field. Evan Chu, his wives, and several high-status members of the palace were seated above, acting as judges for the trials.
Lynn Chu, Ethan Chu, Lena Chu, and Cole Chu stood quietly in a corner of the arena, waiting for Evan Chu to announce the start of the trials.
After glancing at his four children, Evan Chu stood up and said, "Frostbane Imperial Palace owes its current status to everyone's hard work. With my ascension approaching, the palace cannot be without a leader even for a day. So today, I will decide on the next Palace Lord—the choice will be made from among the four young palace lords."
As soon as he finished speaking, a wave of enthusiastic applause erupted, and the crowd's chatter filled the air.
Evan Chu then said, "Today we'll begin the Literary Gate trial. The question was announced three days ago, but I'll repeat it now: If you became Palace Lord, what would you do? Let's start with the eldest, Lynn Chu."
Lynn Chu stepped to the center of the arena, took a deep breath, and said, "The Palace Lord's seat in Frostbane Imperial Palace may appear endlessly glorious, but its responsibilities are unimaginably heavy. If I, Lynn Chu, am fortunate enough to become the next Palace Lord, there are many things I would do."
First, the palace needs a complete overhaul of its positions—reselecting and 'changing blood' among the officials, removing the elderly, the overly conservative, and those with little contribution, and promoting talented, responsible people to make Frostbane Imperial Palace even stronger.
Second, I would strive to maintain friendly relations with other sects, never bullying the weak nor provoking the strong, and eliminate hidden dangers so the palace can develop steadily and be truly safe.
Finally, I would make Frostbane Imperial Palace the strongest force across the Immortal, Demonic, and Nether worlds, so everyone knows and fears our name. I am confident I can achieve this.
When Lynn Chu finished, she returned to her place, awaiting Evan Chu and the others' judgment. Evan Chu was quite satisfied—a girl with such vision is truly impressive.
"Very good. I won't announce the results just yet. Ethan Chu, step forward and answer!" Evan Chu declared.
Selena Yale gazed steadily at Ethan Chu, who gave her a faint smile, then walked to the center of the arena and said, "I have only one goal. It's incredibly difficult, but I am confident I can do it."
My father, Evan Chu, is the number-one powerhouse of the Immortal Realm, and Frostbane Imperial Palace is second to none. But I will surpass my father and make the palace even more prosperous and mighty, so all beings revere it and the three realms know that Palace Lord Ethan Chu is a super-genius no less than his father.
"Good! Good! Ethan, I'm very pleased you have such ambitions. I hope you get the chance to realize your dream," Evan Chu said with a smile.
Next up was Lena Chu. Her answer was even simpler: "Dad, you're a peerless genius, and Mom is a peerless genius, so I'm a genius among geniuses. If not me, who else could be Palace Lord?"
Princess Ivy rolled her eyes at Lena, not expecting her daughter to answer like that. She thought, "How could such a response possibly pass? Even if I don't expect much from Lena, she shouldn't embarrass me like this—it's infuriating."
Evan Chu didn't mind at all and instead burst out laughing. "Lena, if you really become Palace Lord, I'd love to see if you can make Frostbane Imperial Palace truly shine."
Lena Chu gave Evan Chu a slight smile and returned to her seat. Next was Cole Chu, who walked to the center and said, "Of all of us competing for Palace Lord, I have the least confidence. I want to be Palace Lord, but my big sister and second brother are both stronger than me, so it might never be my turn."
But as the son of the Immortal Realm's strongest, I can't disgrace my father. Even if I fail, I'll give it my all. If I become Palace Lord, my goal is simple but extremely difficult: to let Frostbane Imperial Palace quietly and steadily exist in the Immortal Realm forever, respected and loved by generations.
Achieving this may seem simple, but it's actually very hard. As Palace Lord, if your strength isn't high, it's hard to win people's respect, so you must keep improving. And once Dad and all my stepmothers ascend to the God Realm, the palace's strength will drop sharply, and villains may covet it.
During that period, we must strengthen our defenses and ensure the palace's safety. Only by surviving that dangerous time can my wish come true. It's really, really difficult, but I believe I can do it.
Faye Knox beamed with pride, not expecting Cole Chu to answer so perfectly. Though he seemed unambitious on the surface, his response was the most crucial and addressed Evan Chu's biggest worry. Having such thoughts showed he had truly grown up.
Evan Chu didn't speak but glanced at Lillian Zhang beside him. Her expression dimmed; she was clearly thinking of her son Chase Chu, still in the Netherworld. If Chase were here, his answer might have been different. Her longing for him only grew day by day.
"All four of you have answered the question, and I'm satisfied with each of your responses. As for which answer best matches my heart, I won't say yet—I'll announce the result after the Martial Gate trial," Evan Chu said...