The Bell Doesn't Age

Chapter 424: The Old Emperor Awakens

Chapter 424: Chapter 424: The Old Emperor Awakens


Yi Xian carefully explained the origins of the Mechanical God Church and the Church of the God of Steam and Mechanics to Baiyu.


In summary,


they are like love and hate, unwilling to yield to each other.


Of course,


the doctrinal dispute is an irreconcilable conflict.


The Mechanical God Church is powerful, but it does not spread among ordinary people.


Nor has it exterminated the Church of the God of Steam and Mechanics.


This is the reason for the development of the Church of the God of Steam and Mechanics.


"So why is there this letter from the Mechanical God Church?"


Baiyu asked.


Yi Xian pondered for a moment and said, "I’m afraid it’s because of the paper you published on the academic network.


Although the paper covers many areas without much depth,


in some respects, it is quite innovative.


The Mechanical God Church has recently been fond of inviting certain geniuses, recruiting them into the church.


Generally, the Mechanical God Church recruits followers within the military.


This is considered a special case."


Baiyu pondered for a moment, opened the letter, and the first sentence that came into view was "Great God of Machines above..."


Then there was a lot of rambling.


Finally, Baiyu saw the content, and it was indeed an invitation from the Mechanical God Church as Yi Xian had mentioned.


There was no specific time to go mentioned in the letter.


So Baiyu did not take it to heart.


He knew too little about the Mechanical God Church and certainly could not go without cause.


"Let’s continue yesterday’s lesson."


Putting the letter aside, Baiyu decided not to dwell on the matter. What was most important now was self-improvement.


...


Kyoto.


Imperial City District.


The towering palaces, like majestic mountain ranges, lined up together, with yellow tiles and red walls, presenting an imposing presence.


The entire Imperial City District is the center of political and cultural activities in Kyoto.


Of course,


only nobles, the royal family, and people with special status can reside in the Imperial City District.


This is the heart of the Empire.


Legend has it that beneath the Imperial City District lies the largest Spirit Realm portal in the entire East Prosperity Empire.


That is,


the Shelter of the Imperial City District.


At this moment,


on the broad avenue wide enough for dozens of iron-clad vehicles to pass, the Third Prince hurriedly entered the Imperial Palace.


Many nobles were also on the road, all in haste.


"Marquis Byrne, the Elder Council called us together in a hurry. What has happened?"


The Third Prince quickly walked over to an elderly man dressed in brocade clothes.


"Third Prince, I am not sure either.


The Elder Council’s summon was too hasty. I asked several people, and they were all at a loss."


Marquis Byrne shook his head and said.


Upon hearing this, the Third Prince could only walk with Marquis Byrne towards the Imperial Palace, calculating in his mind the possibilities of the event.


For the Elder Council to make such a big fuss,


there must be big news.


But all the dignitaries on the road basically knew nothing.


Entering the Imperial Palace,


the supreme throne remained empty.


The old Emperor had not appeared in public for a long time.


The last time the Third Prince saw the father Emperor was when he offered medicinal pills.


However,


those Longevity Pills did not help the old Emperor much.


In order to prolong his life,


the Emperor had consumed countless longevity-boosting medicinal pills.


Any celestial treasures in the Spirit Realm that could replenish Blood Qi and strengthen the body, the Emperor had basically consumed.


That one medicinal pill,


at most, was a psychological comfort.


To the left of the supreme throne,


sequentially,


were the Imperial Grand Marshal, the Director of the Anomaly Bureau, and the Martial Arts School Alliance Leader.


To the right,


were the Grand High Priest of the Mechanical God Church, the Pope of the Holy Light Church, and the Eternal Sleep City Lord.


Besides these six people,


there were six Dukes in charge of different regions and departments.


These twelve people,


constituted the members of the Elder Council.


When the old Emperor was not in a stable mind to manage state affairs, all affairs of the Empire were decided by these twelve people collectively.


At this moment,


the Imperial Palace was almost full of nobles and officials present in the Imperial City District.


Everyone stood silently below the platform.


"Gentlemen."


A voice as resonant as a bell sounded.


The Imperial Grand Marshal Ren Tianxing gazed at the grand hall, his imposing aura unintentionally exuding, pressing on everyone’s hearts like a mountain.


"We have gathered you here today."


"Because the Emperor has something to say to everyone."


Upon hearing this,


all except the twelve members of the Elder Council showed varied and intense expressions.


The Emperor had not managed state affairs for ten years.


Now,


has his health improved?


Despite their wild thoughts, everyone controlled their facial expressions as best as they could.


They simply bowed their heads lower.


Ren Tianxing, having said this, stood quietly beside the supreme throne.


Before long,


two guards came in, pushing a wheelchair.


The Emperor was seated in the wheelchair.


Shangguan Zi was slightly surprised.


The father Emperor’s complexion looked much better than before.


The last time he went for an audience,


his father’s complexion had approached the twilight years, like an old man who might breathe his last at any moment.


How had he recovered so much all of a sudden?


Could it be that new celestial treasures had been found, healing his father’s old ailments and even reducing his Pollution Level?


It wasn’t impossible.


The Spirit Realm was vast, full of wonders, so any events wouldn’t be surprising.


"Cough cough... Let me get up myself; if I sit in the wheelchair all day, others might really think I’m disabled."


The elderly man in the wheelchair smiled warmly.


He stood up, adjusted his robe, and walked toward the platform.


Golden steps,


one by one,


felt like stepping on everyone’s hearts.


Finally,


the Emperor reached the supreme throne and slowly sat down.


"Hail the Divine Emperor!"


Ren Tianxing was the first to half-kneel, lower his head, and shout loudly.


Then,


everyone in the Imperial Palace knelt down, lowered their heads, and shouted in a clear voice, "Hail the Divine Emperor!!"


After a long time,


the Emperor said, "Rise."


Everyone raised their heads.


The Emperor’s gaze swept through the grand hall, and he gently tapped the edge of the throne with his fingers. Although his hair was completely white, his complexion was very robust, with an appearance that belied his age.


Indeed, he had recovered!


Shangguan Zi felt a surge of excitement.


However,


the Emperor sitting on the throne then spoke, "Zi’Er, step forward."


Shangguan Zi quickly walked to the center of the hall: "Greetings, Father Emperor."


The Emperor did not respond and continued, "Hong’Er, Yun’Er, Yue’Er..."


A total of seven princes were called out,


all of whom were still residing in Kyoto.


The seven princes stood in the center, exchanging glances, unsure of what the father Emperor intended.


After a moment,


the Emperor spoke, "I have been observing your actions over the years. Although I rested during most times, I paid attention to your situations while clear-headed.


Now,


my old ailments are mostly healed.


So I now have the energy to decide on the position of the Crown Prince..."


Upon hearing this,


not only the seven princes but also the entire audience of earls, marquises, and dukes, changed their expressions drastically.