In the Eastern Palace of Stalwart Fiefdom, Great Zhou Empire.

The palace's grandeur and magnificence, with its golden splendor, spoke volumes of its owner's extraordinary status.

"I... didn't die? How is this possible?" A youth of about fifteen lay on a distant bed, opening his eyes in bewilderment as he murmured.

Memories flooded his mind like cascading waves.

He had been the Master of Pure Yang Temple, the Human Emperor of Cang Yuan Heaven, ruler of all realms and guardian of humankind.

But that day changed everything.

When demon tribes attacked, slaughtering humans by the millions, blood flowing like rivers.

To save the world, Asher sacrificed his Emperor's body to eternally seal the Demon Emperor in the Sky Tomb.

With his Emperor's body destroyed, his power diminished greatly. Recovery would take years.

Yet his brother Iggy chose that moment of weakness to strike, killing him through treachery!

Afterward, word spread through Cang Yuan Heaven that Iggy had subdued the Demon Emperor, while the Human Emperor - branded a traitor who conspired with demons - had been executed by Iggy!

The once-great Iggy, heralded as the Pure Yang Sword Immortal who repelled the demon tribes, became revered by humans for generations.

Asher had burned his Emperor's body only to pave the way for another's glory.

"I'm not dead." Asher pressed his lips together, his face pale. Perhaps due to this body's inability to cultivate and focus on studies instead, his features appeared delicate and young.

Buzz...

A humming resonated in his mind.

Asher started, quickly examining his spiritual consciousness. Moments later, unbridled joy spread across his refined face!

Within his spiritual space stood a nine-tiered golden pagoda, radiating brilliant light like the rising sun.

"The Hongjun Tower, you've been reborn with me!"

The Hongjun Tower was a mysterious divine artifact he had discovered in ancient lands. Its origins remained unknown to all, save for its divine nature.

Since heaven granted him rebirth, Asher would not waste this second life. He would storm the Pure Yang Temple, conquer Cang Yuan Heaven, and exact revenge on Iggy!

However, while examining his spiritual consciousness, he discovered another situation.

This body lacked the Eight Meridians.

In the Tianxuan Continent, Source Masters reign supreme, cultivating source energy.

The path of a Source Master begins with heaven-granted Eight Meridians, followed by meridian opening, energy gathering, core condensation, and spirit connection.

"Heaven-granted" meant receiving heaven's acknowledgment through a ritual in youth, bestowing the Eight Meridians.

Without the Eight Meridians, one cannot absorb the world's source energy or become a Source Master - remaining merely mortal.

Yet upon closer inspection, he found his Eight Meridians had been deliberately destroyed.

Destroyed so thoroughly that even he, a Human Emperor, had no means to repair them.

Who had destroyed his Eight Meridians?

The memories of his meridians and mother remained hazy, as if forcibly erased.

As he frowned in contemplation...

"Creeak."

A middle-aged man entered.

With sharp eyebrows and hawk-like eyes, distinct facial features, and wearing purple robes, he carried an air of natural authority - clearly one long accustomed to high position.

King Stalwart Kyle! The sovereign ruler of the Great Zhou Empire and father to Asher. Yet, a closer look would reveal his right arm severed at the shoulder, and in the depths of his eyes lay an almost imperceptible shadow of melancholy, as if bearing the weight of countless hardships.

Behind him followed Jodie, his deputy commander, a man built like a bear with shoulders as broad as mountains.

"Father, what happened to my mother?" Asher's eyes fixed intently on Kyle.

Try as he might, he could find no answer in his memories.

Kyle paused momentarily before responding softly, "Now is not the time to tell you."

"Father, what about the eight meridians in my body?" Asher pressed on.

Kyle merely shook his head, maintaining his silence.

"Father, why do you keep hiding things from me?" Asher demanded for the third time.

Kyle's body trembled slightly as he turned to face his son's determined gaze. Over the years, Asher had repeatedly raised these questions, and Kyle knew he couldn't keep the truth hidden much longer.

With a gentle smile, he stroked Asher's head affectionately. "Asher, if you agree to leave with me to the countryside, to live a simple life tending to a few acres of land like ordinary folk, I will tell you everything you wish to know."

Asher froze for a moment before taking a deep breath. "The Warrior Mansion... they've finally made their move, haven't they?"

From his memories, Asher knew that although Kyle ruled the Great Zhou Empire, his position was far from secure. The empire was split between two major powers: the Stalwart Fiefdom and the Warrior Mansion.

In the furthest reaches of the Southern Territory lay a vast region spanning 100,000 li called Nanjiang. Three major dynasties ruled there: the Great Zhou Empire, the Moonlit Empire, and the Great. Beyond these, numerous smaller kingdoms, factions, and noble houses dotted the landscape.

Jodie watched Kyle with reddened eyes, his fists clenched tight. Having served Kyle for many years, he had witnessed both glory and decline.

In his prime, Kyle had been a formidable Spiritual Realm expert, commanding respect throughout the Southern Territory. The Great Zhou Empire stood as a colossus, with neighboring powers and even the two other major dynasties following Kyle's lead.

But everything changed that fateful day.

The citizens of the Great Zhou Empire would never forget that heart-wrenching moment when King Stalwart lost his arm, and with it, his overwhelming power.

On that fateful day, the Crown Prince's eight meridians were forcefully destroyed, forever barring him from cultivation.

On that same day, the elite commanders of the Stalwart Fiefdom were slain, causing Great Zhou Empire's power to wane significantly.

Meanwhile within Great Zhou Empire, the once-loyal Warrior Mansion under Kyle's command had grown rebellious, establishing their own authority and harboring treacherous ambitions.

Over the years, Warrior Mansion and Stalwart Fiefdom engaged in both overt and covert struggles. Now, their audacity had grown, even aspiring to usurp power!

"If the young master hadn't lost his eight meridians and ability to cultivate, our Stalwart Fiefdom wouldn't have—"

"Enough!" Kyle cut off Jodie's words with an angry wave of his left hand.

Indeed, Jodie spoke truth. Stalwart Fiefdom's decline stemmed from Asher's inability to cultivate.

Without Asher's cultivation, Stalwart Fiefdom lacked an heir, causing many Great Zhou Empire families to naturally gravitate toward Warrior Mansion.

After all, Great Zhou Empire's foremost genius was none other than King Warrior's son — Rowland!

Rowland was heaven's chosen, blessed with great destiny and limitless potential.

Yet how could Kyle blame Asher? His inability to cultivate was because of...

Asher froze at these words. Though Jodie's sentence remained unfinished, how could he not understand the implied meaning?

"Lacking eight meridians doesn't mean I cannot cultivate," Asher silently mused, his expression serene.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

Suddenly, war drums thundered outside, accompanied by battle cries so intense they made the earth itself tremble!

Kyle and Jodie's expressions changed instantly as they darted outside.

"Stay in the palace! Do not come out!"

Kyle's authoritative voice echoed from the front.

Below Stalwart Fiefdom, as far as the eye could see, an army black as ink surged forward like a tidal wave.

A killing intent enveloped all of Stalwart Fiefdom.

Warrior Mansion's army had arrived at their gates.

Thump! Thump!

War drums and horns filled the air, their sound echoing throughout heaven and earth.

All watched this scene with trepidation, especially the elders of Stalwart Fiefdom, who recalled that day ten years ago.

On that day, when that behemoth arrived, the entire Great Zhou Empire had plunged into panic and despair in the face of impending destruction.

On the high platform of Stalwart Fiefdom, Kyle's gaze fixed intently on the army below the city walls. His left hand clenched so tightly that his fingertips dug deep into his palm.

Boom!

Another war drum sounded. Simultaneously, the Warrior Mansion army suddenly parted, creating a human corridor.

Through the ranks, a figure mounted on a black wolf slowly advanced.

Clad in armor, with a stern countenance, it was none other than King Warrior, Wilfried!

"King Warrior, with such a force, are you plotting rebellion?" Kyle asked coldly, his eyes fierce.

Wilfried sneered, "Rebellion? Is that necessary? You're no longer the King Stalwart of old, and your son is a worthless cripple who can't even cultivate. By what right do two such wastes continue to rule the Great Zhou Empire?"

His words dripped with murderous intent.

Kyle's face turned glacial, his left hand trembling involuntarily. In the past, Wilfried wouldn't have dared such insolence with ten lives to spare.

But now, with his power greatly diminished, what authority did he command?

"You truly believe this army alone can subjugate Stalwart Fiefdom?" Kyle's eyes narrowed, his voice ice-cold.

A flash of wariness crossed Wilfried's eyes.

Indeed, though weakened, Stalwart Fiefdom remained formidable. While Warrior Mansion would ultimately prevail in direct conflict, victory would come at a considerable cost.

"Heh, King Stalwart exaggerates. I come not for war, but to urge you to name the Crown Prince immediately."

"Name him, and I'll withdraw my forces. Refuse, and I'm afraid we'll have to cross swords today, King Stalwart," Wilfried declared ominously.

Kyle's face darkened, his black eyes blazing with murderous rage!

He knew well that Wilfried demanded not Prince Asher be named heir, but rather Rowland, Wilfried's own son!

In the Tianxuan Continent, Source Masters commanded respect, but Blood Warriors surpassed them in might.

Some fortunate Source Masters could awaken bloodlines, wielding their power to become formidable Blood Warriors.

Bloodlines ranked from First to Ninth Grade: First being lowest, Ninth supreme!

Rowland possessed not only extraordinary cultivation talent but also a Second Grade bloodline!

Though Rowland bore a Second Grade bloodline and showed remarkable potential, to force the naming of a minister's son as Crown Prince - and through military threat before the entire court - was nothing less than a slap to Kyle's face!

How was this humiliation any different from demanding he surrender his throne?

Glaring at Wilfried below the walls, Kyle ground out through clenched teeth, "And if I refuse?"

Hearing these words, Wilfried's gloomy eyes revealed deep contempt.

He wasn't surprised by this response, and he slowly clapped his hands together.

Clap! Clap!

From the dense mass of troops, four more figures emerged.

Boom!

Four powerful auras surged skyward.

Kyle's pupils constricted sharply as he discovered, to his horror, that all four were Danyuan Realm masters!

The first four realms of Source Masters were: Meridian Opening Realm, Qi Gathering Realm, Danyuan Realm, and Spirit Connection Realm.

Among the three kingdoms, besides Kyle in his prime, there had never been another Spirit Connection Realm master.

However, after losing an arm, Kyle had fallen from Spirit Connection Realm to Danyuan Realm!

"Where did all these Danyuan Realm masters come from?"

Kyle was shocked. In his memory, Stalwart Fiefdom only had himself and Jodie at the Danyuan Realm.

And Warrior Mansion only had three such masters.

Under Warrior Mansion's banner were two major forces: the Liu Marquis Manor and Yan Marquis Manor, both led by Danyuan Realm Source Masters.

Now, with two more appearing, where had they come from?

Five Danyuan Realm masters against their two - in battle, Stalwart Fiefdom would surely fall!

"Tee-hee, King Stalwart, it's been a while."

As Kyle pondered this, a silvery laugh rang out.

All eyes turned to see an alluring young woman appear before the crowd.

She was Mildred, ruler of the Moonlit Empire!

"So it's you..." Kyle's eyes narrowed as he finally understood why Warrior Mansion suddenly had two more Danyuan Realm masters!

His expression shook as his heart clenched. Once, Mildred had sought to unite their houses through marriage, intending to wed Lilla to Asher!

But after Asher's eight meridians were crippled, Mildred had regretted it and forcibly broke off the engagement.

Yesterday's in-laws now stood with the enemy!

And today, before all citizens of the Great Zhou Empire, they joined with Warrior Mansion to force Asher to surrender his position as crown prince!

"Wilfried, seeking outside help against your own people - aren't you afraid of letting wolves into your house?" Kyle's gaze moved between them with complex emotions, his voice trembling.

"Hehe, no need for King Stalwart's concern. My son is now betrothed to Mildred's daughter Lilla. From now on, our houses are one - what wolves are there to speak of?"

Wilfried retorted.

Then, his right hand gripped air and a long spear materialized.

Pointing the spearhead at Kyle, Wilfried's eyes turned cold as he spoke grimly:

"Kyle, today you must surrender the crown prince's position. Otherwise, don't blame me when I break down Stalwart Fiefdom's gates and slaughter everyone within!"

"Kill!"

A wave of sharp energy permeated the air as the black mass of troops shouted in unison.

The murderous aura made countless people on Stalwart Fiefdom shudder.

Would the scene from a decade ago repeat itself today?

King Stalwart's gaze was grim, his body trembling. As the ruler of a nation, he was being publicly humiliated by his subject, yet he was powerless to act!

"King Stalwart, please order us to fight! I want nothing more than to slaughter this dog!" Jodie gritted his teeth, his fists clenched tight as uncontrollable source energy emanated from his body, his eyes revealing boundless killing intent!

Kyle closed his eyes, suppressing his turbulent emotions. How could he not want to fight?

But if they went to war now, not only would he die in battle, but all the citizens of Stalwart Fiefdom would perish with him!

The gap between the two forces was too vast.

His death would mean little, but as King Stalwart, how could he watch his loyal source masters and soldiers march to a meaningless death?

"If it's just the position of crown prince you want, take it. But is he worthy?"

Amidst the panic, a calm voice tinged with mockery slowly rang out.

All eyes turned to see a young man appear on Stalwart Fiefdom.

It was Asher.

"Asher, what are you doing out here?" Kyle feigned anger. With so many source masters below Stalwart Fiefdom, what if Asher got hurt?

Feeling his father's concern, warmth flickered in Asher's heart. He smiled at Kyle, then stepped forward to the high platform of Stalwart Fiefdom, coldly regarding Wilfried below.

Hearing this, Wilfried was about to rage, but upon seeing who had spoken, he couldn't help but sneer.

"My son Rowland is merely seventeen, yet he has recently opened six meridians and awakened a second-grade bloodline. He will surely become a powerful bloodline warrior. With such talent, why do you say he's unworthy?"

The crowd exchanged glances, surprise flickering in their eyes. Opening six meridians at just seventeen - such talent was indeed exceptional.

The Meridian Opening realm was the beginning of a source master's cultivation.

As they say, beginnings are always the hardest. Most people would be at least twenty before opening six meridians, yet Rowland had done so at seventeen - truly outstanding.

Such talent was indeed top-tier in all of Great Zhou Empire.

However, hearing this, Asher's lips curled in contempt: "Bloodlines are divided into nine grades. What's so special about a second-grade bloodline? Moreover, at seventeen he's only opened six meridians? What has he been doing all these years, playing in the mud?"

In his previous life, he had nearly broken through to the Spirit Connection realm by seventeen.

Silence. Dead silence!

Throughout the Three Kingdoms, besides the mysteriously powerful Zhou King, no one had dared to speak to Wilfried this way.

"You worthless cripple who can't even cultivate, you're nothing but an ant before my son Rowland!" Wilfried roared in fury.

A hint of mockery flashed across Asher's eyes as he fixed his gaze on Wilfried. "So, King Warrior, you're saying if I can defeat Rowland, then I would be qualified to be the Crown Prince?"

"Hmph! You? Keep dreaming! But yes, if you could defeat my Rowland, you would naturally deserve the position." Wilfried sneered in response.

"Very well! One month from now, at the Great Zhou Empire's arena, Rowland and I shall fight to the death. The victor shall become the Crown Prince of Great Zhou Empire. What say you?"

The youth's clear voice, carrying a sharp intensity, echoed throughout heaven and earth, lingering in everyone's ears.

All were stunned into silence.

No one had expected such words from Asher.

He was acknowledged as worthless, while Rowland was heaven's chosen!

He was but a mortal, while Rowland was destined to become a Blood Warrior!

His eight meridians were crippled, while Rowland had already opened six!

In everyone's eyes, comparing Asher to Rowland was like comparing a firefly to the bright moon.

There was simply no comparison!

Yet now, Asher had brazenly challenged Rowland to a death match. How preposterous!

"Asher, are you trying to buy time?" Kyle started, unable to comprehend his son's behavior.

"Father, trust me this once." Asher replied firmly.

Hearing this, Wilfried couldn't help but laugh. Though puzzled by Asher's move, this outcome was exactly what he desired.

After all, if Kyle disagreed, he wasn't keen on forcefully attacking the Stalwart Fiefdom.

The cost would be too great.

Even if he could successfully conquer the Stalwart Fiefdom and become the ruler of Great Zhou Empire, the price would be devastating.

If the other two kingdoms made any moves while he was conquering the Stalwart Fiefdom, it would be disastrous.

True, his Warrior Mansion had formed a marriage alliance with the Moonlit Empire.

But that was merely a political union. When it came to real interests between the two parties, such alliances proved fragile indeed.

Now, with Asher's declaration, he had legitimate grounds.

In a month, once Rowland defeated Asher, the Stalwart Fiefdom would have no more excuses.

As long as Rowland became Crown Prince, the hearts of Great Zhou Empire's people would turn to the Warrior Mansion!

With this thought, he turned to Kyle and said, "Kyle, with all Great Zhou Empire's subjects as witness, shall we honor Asher's words?"

All eyes turned to Kyle.

Let's see if he dares to accept this life-and-death battle.

"Father, trust me. Mere six meridians are nothing to fear," Asher said with utmost sincerity.

Upon hearing these words, Kyle's eyes flickered with uncertainty, his mind drifting into a daze.

Though he couldn't fathom the source of Asher's confidence, looking into his son's earnest eyes, Kyle found it impossible to harbor any doubts.

It was as if Asher truly could accomplish what he claimed.

After a moment of silence, Kyle let out a soft sigh and smiled. "I've lived cautiously for half my life. This time, let's embrace madness."

"Very well! One month from now, Stalwart Fiefdom accepts this life-and-death duel!"