Beastmaster of the Ages

In the history of the Violetcloud Imperium, there had always been forty-eight astralkings, with few exceptions. Forty-eight votes from the astralkings, twenty-five votes from the patriarchs, and the sovereign's thirty votes amounted to an odd number, which meant it was more likely for a majority to emerge. This vote happened to be related to Tianming, so he wasn't allowed to vote. Thus, the total number of votes would be even. With the addition of a new astralking, the Kilostar Assembly's total number of votes was now an even number. That was a problem that would have to be dealt with in the future. Of course, the probability of an evenly split vote was relatively low; however, there was an equal amount of votes for and against this motion, and at the moment, Astralqueen Ziyan was the only one who had yet to express her opinion.

This is an opportunity to determine whether Astralqueen Ziyan's previous statement was true or false. If she objected, it would prove that everything she had said was nonsense. Even if she agrees, it still doesn't mean she's trustworthy. I can't rule out the possibility she's using the universal manna to gain my trust. Of course, I'll still benefit from it. The universal manna was an unexpected gain. Tianming would be delighted to acquire it, but it wasn't a big deal if he didn't. After all, it would be his sooner or later.

In that instant, everyone turned and looked at Astralqueen Ziyan.

With his head lowered, the Violetcloud Patriarch spoke to the woman who looked like his great-granddaughter beside him, his voice solemn, "Ziyan."

"The decision's in my hands? How wonderful." Astralqueen Ziyan's eyes sparkled. The situation had her sweetly smiling, and she couldn't help but chuckle.

"Stop messing around." The Violetcloud Patriarch said.

"Alright." She crossed her legs, looked arrogantly at Tianming, and smiled. "It's amazing for a young man in his twenties to have achieved so much, but...."

'But' implied a turn in her words. She mentioned the positives first, followed by a turnaround. It seemed Tianming didn't stand a chance. This was the outcome expected by almost everyone present. Astralqueen Ziyan came from one of the five archclans and would likely be the next sovereign. How could she cultivate a top genius for the Gong Prime Clan? For most people, she was the least likely person to support Tianming. The faction headed by the Crimsonmeld Patriarch breathed a sigh of relief; the eight-star universal manna was safe.

In fact, each of the five patriarchs had a voting power of five people and five astralkings from each archclan who possessed a total of twenty-five votes, adding up to fifty. Even if the twenty-three great families all supported the sovereign, they would only have fifty-three votes. However, it was impossible for all twenty-three great families to stand on the sovereign's side. In recent years, none of the sovereign's motions had successfully been passed. Truth be told, the Kilostar Assembly was formed by the ancestors of the five archclans to restrict the power of any sovereign outside their ranks. As soon as the word 'but' left her lips, it was yet another victory for the five archclans who relied on the so-called rules of their ancestors. The others were ready to withdraw.

"But…." Astralqueen Ziyan repeated herself. Tilting her head, she smiled. "What can I do? I can't think of anything to add to that. I've decided to give him the universal manna because I'm curious to see how far he'll go in the Astraldome with it! Little boy, remember to be grateful to me. I'm the one who helped you turn the tide."

Tianming had given up when he heard the word 'but', but now he was stunned. The patriarchs and astralkings were just as astonished. They stared at Astralqueen Ziyan, their expressions incredulous.

"Mu Ziyan!" Eye wide as a saucer, the Violetcloud Patriarch fiercely glared at her.

"What's the matter, Father? Do you want to hold all the power in your hands?" Astralqueen Ziyan looked aggrieved, and the tears formed by her bane-rings made her seem more moving. It was almost like she was being bullied by the Violetcloud Patriarch. However, her barbed comment was rather hair-raising. The others couldn't believe that they were father and daughter. Power was already a sensitive matter, and what's more, the sovereign was present. There was an awkward silence in the room.

"Ziyan, is this a mistake?" the Crimsonmeld Patriarch asked. Although they were of the same age, the previous Crimsonmeld Patriarch had abdicated early, allowing him to take his place. He once pursued Mu Ziyan. But because he was a beastmaster and she was a totemancer, it hadn't worked out.

"There's no mistake. I simply think that you don't deserve the Eightfold Desolation Furnace as much as Astralking Tianming does," Astralqueen Ziyan bluntly said.

The members of the five archclans had ugly expressions. Mu Ziyan was their hope, so why was she going against them? They were shocked to the core.

"I've said it before. Think about the long-term future. What if the Violetglory Star is united by one man? Wouldn't your narrow-mindedness be ridiculous? I trust my own judgment," she solemnly continued.

"You're right. The Violetglory Imperium should carry more weight than the archclans. Only then can we emerge victorious." Rising to his feet, Sovereign Starfeather waved his hand. "Alright, since we've come to a decision, this meeting is concluded."

"Farewell, Your Majesty."

Muddled voices sounded in the Kilostar Hall. It was clear that quite a few people were still unconvinced.

"I'm waiting to watch you in the Astraldome. Don't forget my contribution." Astralqueen Ziyan walked past Tianming, her sweet scent filling the air.

"What a miracle." Tianming slowly let down his defenses. "Have I really misjudged her?" It seemed Astralqueen Ziyan was truly a bold person. In order to do what she thought was right, she fought against her father and made things difficult for the five archclans.

After the sovereign left, members of the five archclans, led by their patriarchs, went their separate ways. Many of the twenty-three great families stayed behind to congratulate Tianming. In fact, most of them had actually voted in Tianming's favor. Some even came up to apologize; upon further consideration, it seemed they were led astray by the Crimsonmeld Archclan.

"Honestly speaking, it doesn't matter if we keep the eight-star universal manna or not. Sooner or later, it'll be yours, so why can't I give it to you now? My thoughts are no different from Astralqueen Ziyan's. I'd like to see what you can do at the Astraldome with a sovereign beast."

"Thank you, everyone! Thank you!"

Judging from the rules of the Kilostar Assembly, the astralkings of the twenty-three great families were very important. If they all supported him, he would have fifty-three votes and the thing the five archclans relied on would no longer work.