Turns Out, I’m In A Villain Clan!

Chapter 654: The Gathering of Powerful Delegations

As the day of the coronation drew nearer, the entire Desolate Heaven Empire became increasingly lively.

Among all the places within the empire, none was busier than the Imperial Capital.

The streets were cleaned daily.

New decorations were hung throughout the city.

The main avenues leading toward the Imperial Palace were lined with imperial guards standing at attention.

Everywhere one looked, preparations for the coronation were underway.

After all, regardless of the ongoing struggle for the throne, if everything proceeded smoothly, the empire would soon welcome its new Emperor.

Naturally, such an occasion could not be treated lightly.

Invitations had long since been sent across the Eastern Region.

Not only to the major forces within the Desolate Heaven Empire but also to neighboring empires.

Various royal delegations had already begun making their way toward the Imperial Capital.

For several days, flying ships continuously descended outside the capital.

The number of experts entering the city increased by the hour.

The Imperial Capital, which was already prosperous, became even more crowded than before.

Countless discussions could be heard throughout inns, restaurants, and tea houses.

"So, the First Prince is finally becoming Emperor."

"After all this chaos, the throne finally has an owner."

"I just hope the empire can return to peace."

Many ordinary citizens secretly sighed in relief.

To them, they did not particularly care who became Emperor.

What they wanted was peace and stability.

Years of internal conflict had already caused enough unrest.

If the empire could finally settle down, that would naturally be the best outcome.

Of course...

Not everyone shared that optimism.

"What about the Ninth Princess?"

"Do you really think she’ll simply accept this?"

After everything that had happened, very few believed Yu Feiyan would willingly watch Yu Zidi ascend the throne.

"Impossible! She’s willing to kill the Third Prince, her own third brother. If she’s willing to go that far, why would she stop now?"

"She truly wants the throne, she won’t simply hand it over."

"Then why hasn’t she attacked the First Prince yet?"

"Didn’t everyone say she defeated both Yu Qingya and Yu Wenzhao within a very short period? If she’s truly that powerful, why has Yu Zidi remained completely unharmed until now?"

His words caused many people to become thoughtful.

"Perhaps... she’s afraid?"

"That’s right. If she truly possessed overwhelming strength, she would have marched straight into the Imperial Capital long ago."

"Instead, she’s remained completely silent. Maybe the First Prince possesses hidden trump cards which she is scared of."

Many people nodded.

After all, Yu Zidi had remained calm throughout the entire struggle for the throne.

Not only had he never shown the slightest panic, but he had even publicly announced his coronation.

If he lacked confidence, would he really dare to do something so bold?

Of course, not everyone held the same opinion.

"No. I don’t think it’s that simple."

"Someone like the Ninth Princess definitely has her own plans."

"She’s probably just waiting for the right opportunity."

The discussions grew increasingly heated.

Would Yu Feiyan appear at the coronation?

Or would she simply watch Yu Zidi become Emperor?

No one knew the answer.

Yet everyone understood one thing.

If Yu Feiyan truly intended to make a move...

Then the upcoming coronation would very likely become the final battlefield in the struggle for the throne.

As the number of distinguished guests arriving at the Imperial Capital continued to increase, the city’s security became noticeably tighter.

The number of guards patrolling the streets increased severalfold.

Elite imperial troops were stationed at every major intersection.

The city gates were heavily guarded day and night.

Even the skies above the capital were constantly patrolled by cultivators from the Imperial Family.

After all, this coronation was unlike any held before.

Not only would the major forces of the Desolate Heaven Empire be present.

Delegations from neighboring empires were also expected to attend.

The sheer number of powerful cultivators gathering within the Imperial Capital was unprecedented.

No one could predict what might happen during their stay.

For that reason, the Imperial Guards remained on constant alert.

Many ordinary citizens also became increasingly nervous.

Even numerous ministers within the Imperial Court shared similar concerns.

However...

The person at the center of all this, Yu Zidi, appeared to hold an entirely different opinion.

In previous generations, whenever foreign delegations visited the Desolate Heaven Empire, strict regulations had always been enforced.

Every empire was limited in the number of experts it could bring.

After all, allowing too many powerful foreign cultivators to enter the Imperial Capital at once posed an obvious security risk.

If something unexpected happened, the consequences would be unimaginable.

Yet this time...

Those restrictions had completely disappeared.

Not only did Yu Zidi abolish the previous limitations, but he personally announced that every visiting empire was free to bring as many experts as they wished.

According to him, the larger the delegation...

The greater the respect they were showing toward the Desolate Heaven Empire and its newly ascended Emperor.

This decision immediately caused an uproar within the Imperial Court.

Many experienced ministers were alarmed.

During one court session, an elderly minister stepped forward and respectfully cupped his fists.

"Your Highness, this official believes such a decision is inappropriate."

"If numerous foreign experts are allowed to enter the Imperial Capital without restriction, it could pose a serious threat to the empire’s national security."

Another minister quickly stepped forward in agreement.

"Your Highness, this official also believes the previous regulations should remain in place."

"Should an accident occur during the coronation, the consequences would be beyond imagination."

A third minister added solemnly,

"Your Highness, this matter also concerns your own safety."

"If too many foreign experts gather within the capital, protecting Your Highness will become significantly more difficult."

Voices of opposition echoed throughout the hall.

Nearly all the veteran ministers shared the same concern.

To them, this was simply too dangerous for the security of the nation and Yu Zidi’s security.

However...

Seated upon the throne, Yu Zidi merely smiled faintly.

His expression remained calm from beginning to end.

He slowly swept his gaze across the court before speaking leisurely.

"You worry too much. The coronation is a celebration for the entire Eastern Region."

"The more distinguished guests who attend, the greater the honor bestowed upon the Desolate Heaven Empire."

He paused briefly before continuing,

"If they are willing to bring more experts to witness my ascension, then that only proves the importance they place upon this occasion."

"Why should We refuse such sincerity?"

The ministers exchanged uneasy glances.

Several wanted to continue persuading him.

Yet seeing Yu Zidi’s unwavering attitude, they ultimately swallowed the words that had reached their lips.

None of them understood why Yu Zidi insisted on making such a risky decision.

Yu Zidi’s decision quickly spread beyond the borders of the Desolate Heaven Empire.

Naturally, the various neighboring empires did not hold back.

One powerful delegation after another began making its way toward the Imperial Capital.

The scale of their entourages far exceeded anything seen in previous coronation ceremonies.

Some empires dispatched several Earth Immortals.

Others sent entire groups of elite cultivators.

There were even forces that treated the journey almost like a military expedition.

Among them all, none attracted more attention than the Vermillion Pill Empire.

The moment news of its delegation spread, the entire Imperial Capital erupted into discussion.

The Vermillion Pill Empire had dispatched five of its ten strongest cultivators.

Along with them came numerous renowned elders, protectors, and elite experts.

The size of the delegation was astonishing.

When people learned of it, they could not help but gasp.

"Five of the Top Ten?"

"Is this really just for a coronation ceremony?"

"That force alone is enough to sweep through an ordinary empire."

Many people secretly felt their scalps go numb.

If someone claimed that the Vermillion Pill Empire had no other intentions besides attending the ceremony...

Almost no one would believe it.

Nor was the Vermillion Pill Empire the only one.

The other neighboring empires had likewise dispatched lineups that far exceeded normal diplomatic standards.

Although they all claimed to be attending to congratulate the new Emperor...

The sheer number of experts accompanying each delegation made that explanation difficult to accept.

The atmosphere within the Imperial Capital became increasingly tense.

The veteran ministers naturally noticed this as well.

During another court session, several ministers once again stepped forward.

"Your Highness!"

An elderly minister respectfully cupped his fists.

"The number of foreign experts entering the Imperial Capital has already exceeded all previous records."

"The Vermillion Pill Empire alone has dispatched five of its ten strongest cultivators."

"If something unexpected were to happen..."

Before he could finish speaking, another minister also stepped forward.

"Your Highness, this official requests that the previous restrictions be reinstated immediately."

"It is still not too late."

Even the Military Commander of the Imperial Family took a step forward.

His expression was unusually solemn.

"Your Highness."

"This subordinate has defended the Imperial Capital for hundreds of years."

"But never have I witnessed so many foreign experts gathering within the city."

"If they harbor any ill intentions..."

He paused briefly before continuing.

"The Imperial Capital may fall into complete chaos."

The hall became completely silent.

Nearly every minister shared the same concern.

Their worries were no longer hypothetical.

The foreign experts were already arriving in overwhelming numbers.

Yet...

Yu Zidi did not even seem interested in listening.

He casually waved his hand.

"Enough!"

A single word immediately silenced the entire court.

His expression remained as calm as ever.

"There is no need to discuss this matter any further."

The ministers looked at one another.

Many still wished to persuade him.

However, seeing Yu Zidi’s unquestionable attitude, they ultimately remained silent.

None of them could understand what their future Emperor was thinking.

It was as though...

He actually welcomed the arrival of all those powerful foreign experts.