"Skyvault Palace Sect is requisitioned!"
Prince Nolan truly doesn't care about anyone here. To make such a bold claim on someone else's turf, with not a shred of courtesy—forget the Palace Master's temper, even a clay idol would be furious enough to leap up.
Except for Sean Xuan, no one in all of Skyvault Palace Sect could be happy about those words. The Eighteen Gentlemen of Skyvault immediately furrowed their brows and gave Prince Nolan unfriendly looks, but didn't act—because...
Sean Xuan gave them a subtle shake of his head.
They still had to show the Young Palace Lord respect. The Eighteen Gentlemen looked to the Palace Master, waiting for his word. They owed the Young Palace Lord deference, but the Palace Master was under no such obligation.
The Skyvault Palace Master did not disappoint the Eighteen Gentlemen. Recovering from his rage, his face dark as a god of death, he looked at Prince Nolan with mocking contempt and said arrogantly, "Requisition my Skyvault Palace Sect? By what right?"
But when his gaze landed on Serena, it was suddenly full of fatherly affection, making her shudder in disgust.
This man could really change faces too fast.
Prince Nolan didn't reply, just swept a cold glance over the Palace Master and then looked away, completely disregarding him. He had every reason for his bold words—not only was he requisitioning Skyvault, he intended to turn it into a battlefield, his first campaign against Eastlyn, Westlyn, and Southern Lyn.
Prince Nolan shot Sean Xuan a look, signaling him to explain. Sean nodded, stepped forward, and stood beside Prince Nolan, meeting his own father's eyes: "By me! Prince Nolan's requisition of Skyvault Palace Sect is with my approval, Father."
His voice was not loud, but every word landed like a hammer. Everyone present understood: from now on, Sean Xuan was in charge of Skyvault Palace Sect.
"You? You ungrateful son, are you trying to rebel?" The Palace Master staggered, unable to believe his own ears.
"If that's what you think, Father, then so be it. You never listen to my explanations anyway. In your eyes, I've never done anything right. Years ago, I tried to stop you from marrying that woman—you called me selfish. Well, today... just call me selfish again." Sean Xuan didn't bother to argue, but with that one sentence, he washed his hands of all responsibility.
Yes, years ago, Sean Xuan tried to stop the Palace Master from marrying Irene Lu because he didn't want his father to be deceived. Now, he's acting for the good of Skyvault Palace Sect. The Palace Master's thoughts were unclear, but the Eighteen Gentlemen of Skyvault saw it that way—their killing intent faded, and they unconsciously stepped back.
Skyvault Palace Sect was in grave danger; as long as it was for the sect's wellbeing, they would support it.
The shift was subtle, but everyone present was sharp enough to notice. Panic flickered in the Palace Master's eyes. At this moment, he couldn't spare a thought for Irene Lu or Emma Lu—he only wanted to know...
"What do you want?" The Palace Master's veins bulged with rage. Faced with the loss of both power and his illusion of love, he still craved authority—even though, at this rate, he couldn't keep it.
"Father, you're getting older. It's time to rest. You and the Madame have always been close—starting today, you two can enjoy your twilight years together in the courtyard. Don't worry, your son will be filial. I know your favorites, besides the Madame, are Sienna and Jeremy. I'll send them in, too, so they can keep you company... until death!" Sean Xuan was always calm, but when he decided to be ruthless, no one could match him. His words made that clear.
Today, his father would lose not just his love, but all his power. From now on, he would have nothing.
Sean Xuan clapped his hands. Outside, the sound of synchronized footsteps rang out. "Bring in the Young Miss and Second Young Master."
This was a palace coup.
The Palace Master glared at Sean Xuan, suddenly realizing he knew nothing about this son. Under his very nose, Sean had seized control of Skyvault Palace Sect—what terrifying skill.
Sienna and Jeremy had already been captured by Sean's men. Both were tied up, their mouths stuffed with cloth, unable to make a sound.
As soon as they entered, they tried to call for help, their eyes pleading with their parents. Not seeing Prince Nolan or William, and catching sight of Sienna's face, a flash of disgust crossed their minds.
That old man from Mystic Healer Valley—never doing anything proper, always up to mischief. He'd actually made Sienna's face identical to Serena's. Was it on purpose?
Achoo, achoo.
The Master of Mystic Healer Valley rubbed his nose, glanced up at the sky, and his wrinkled eyes sparkled with mischief—like a child who'd just pulled off a perfect prank.
So what if he did it on purpose!
"Sean, what are you doing? They're your brother and sister!" The Palace Master, though furious at Irene Lu's deception, couldn't deny that these two children shared his blood.
"Brother? Sister? Who would've thought the children of a counterfeit would matter so much to you, Father." Sean Xuan threw out Irene Lu's name again, pointedly.
Irene Lu sensed her moment and seized it. She struggled to her feet, swaying but proud, her beautiful eyes full of accusation and hurt.
"Husband, you're doubting me just because of a few words from these people? We've been together for eighteen years. Look at Jeremy and Sienna—look at them! Does your suspicion not break my heart?
Husband, don't you understand yet? This is all a setup—a trap Sean laid for you. He used a woman who looks like me to drive you mad and seize control of the Eighteen Gentlemen.
Sean has secretly controlled Skyvault Palace Sect for ages. All he needs now is to take the Eighteen Gentlemen, and the sect will be his. Husband, I beg you—wake up. Don't let these children fool you again. Don't let Skyvault Palace Sect fall into Sean's hands.
Husband, I don't fear death—but what about Sienna and Jeremy? They're still young; they can't be harmed. Husband, let me beg you one last time: save Sienna and Jeremy. If you doubt me, so be it. Once this is over, I'll smash myself to death before your eyes—my blood will prove my innocence."
Irene Lu spoke with righteous indignation and fierce resolve—even Serena almost wanted to applaud.
This woman was truly formidable. If only she valued her life a little less—if she killed herself now, leaving no testimony, her odds of winning would be even greater.
Sean Xuan was truly pitiful. Facing such cunning, he must've suffered for years. Surviving at all was no small feat.
At that moment, Sienna and Jeremy spat out their gags. Sienna could only sob, "Father, Mother, save me—please, I don't want to die!"
"Father, what did you do to Mother? She's crying—what's going on? You and Mother are fighting, and now Big Brother tied me and Sienna up, then brought these three people who once hurt Sienna to Skyvault Palace Sect. Is the sect changing hands?" Jeremy was obviously like his mother—sharp and clever. With a few words, he shifted all blame onto Sean.
But...
Would Sean care about his father's opinion now? Not a chance...
"Jeremy, you're clever indeed—no wonder you're Father's favorite. Yes, Skyvault Palace Sect is changing hands." Sean Xuan declared his ambition without a care for what anyone thought.
So what if I'm seizing power? If you want to stop me, kill me if you can.