The Third Prince was utterly confused. He understood the concept of retreating to advance, but what on earth was "sneaking through the back door"?

"I ask you, when you return to the palace this time, what kind of scene will you encounter?" Zhang Yang stared at the Third Prince.

The Third Prince remained silent.

Zhang Yang spoke for him, "You've brought great shame to the Cloudmount Empire, lost a Nascent Soul Stage eunuch, and forced the empire to redeem the Flying Dragon Guard at a great cost. If the Emperor doesn't kill you, he would be considered a merciful old father. In such a situation, do you still want to vie for the throne?"

The Third Prince's spirit was crushed, his head drooping. He was well aware that such an outcome was inevitable.

"In this situation, if your brothers take advantage of your downfall, aren't you doomed? Even if you don't make mistakes, they will ensure you do." Zhang Yang coaxed, "So why not simply declare your stance and withdraw from the competition? How do you clearly express your stance? The most thorough way is to pursue immortal cultivation!

Tell your father that you've made a grave mistake this time, and you're willing to withdraw from the fight for the throne to lead the Flying Dragon Guard and atone for your sins. The Flying Dragon Guard is the empire's greatest force, and it's always risky to have it in the hands of outsiders. It's best to keep it under your control.

In this way, won't your father give you a chance? Won't your brothers stop being hostile towards you?

Even if your father doesn't give you the Flying Dragon Guard, once you declare you're not vying for the throne, won't you be able to openly associate with the ministers?

We've already reached this point; do I still need to teach you what to do next?"

The Third Prince's eyes lit up. He felt this was the best way to break the deadlock. At the very least, returning to the palace this time shouldn't be dangerous.

He hesitated again, "But if I cultivate to the Golden Core Realm and ascend the throne, won't I be doomed?"

Zhang Yang chuckled, "Forming a core is incredibly difficult. With your foolishness, even if you manage to form a core, it would take decades, wouldn't it? Besides, can't you suppress your cultivation and not break through?

Even if we take a step back, after being emperor for decades, when you feel you're about to break through to the Golden Core, can't you just abdicate?

By then, you'll have experienced the thrill of being an emperor and can pursue immortal cultivation for longevity... Damn, you're making me want to be emperor. If I weren't already in the Golden Core Realm, I'd give it a try."

"I understand!" The Third Prince exhaled deeply, looking gratefully at Zhang Yang. "Thank you for your guidance."

After a pause, he asked, "But I still don't understand why you're helping me."

Zhang Yang replied calmly, "Although it's your Cloudmount Empire that caused trouble this time, our Azurecloud Sect has still managed to take a big piece out of you. If we don't ease tensions in advance, a war is inevitable.

That's not good for either of us. I'm helping you to suppress this situation. Another reason is that the Azurecloud Sect hasn't developed for a long time. I hope that after you return, you can promote trade with us.

Our Azurecloud Sect has talismans, alchemical pills, and other good things, far better than those from other sects.

Your Cloudmount Empire can cooperate with us and prosper together."

The Third Prince shook his head, "The resources of our Cloudmount Empire are controlled by the Heavenmyst Sect. Someone from Heavenmyst Sect serves as the Imperial Preceptor, so he probably won't allow such a situation."

"Master, didn't you say the sect shouldn't interfere with royal affairs? Look at Heavenmyst Sect, they're probably swimming in wealth!" Zhang Yang vented his dissatisfaction towards Qingyunzi in his heart.

He said calmly, "I didn't say now. You just need to secretly promote this development, and we'll negotiate with Heavenmyst Sect later."

"Alright!" The Third Prince agreed readily, "Then who should I take as my master?"

Joining Azurecloud is definitely not an option. With the Emperor's current hatred for Azurecloud, it would only backfire.

"Of course, find someone with status who isn't from Heavenmyst Sect to be your master! For example, Xu Bai isn't from Heavenmyst Sect, right? He would be the best master." Zhang Yang said casually.

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The Third Prince asked in surprise, "How do you know Commander Xu isn't from Heavenmyst Sect?"

Zhang Yang replied irritably, "The Imperial Preceptor is from Heavenmyst Sect, and Heavenmyst Sect is so powerful. How brainless would your Emperor be to let Heavenmyst Sect command the Flying Dragon Guard? Isn't it obvious? Is our intelligence really that far apart?"

The Third Prince was speechless.

"Alright, the discussion is over. Take the Flying Dragon Guard and start digging for me." Zhang Yang pointed within the Azurecloud Sect, "Divide the three thousand men into thirty teams, each with a hundred men. You must complete the work in a few days.

Oh, and you personally lead a hundred men to follow my instructions for construction."

After a therapeutic conversation, the Third Prince was no longer filled with hatred. He cheerfully, though outwardly solemn, explained the situation to the Flying Dragon Guard.

He then expressed that everything was his fault as the Third Prince and was willing to endure hardships with everyone.

The Flying Dragon Guard was moved.

Though they were cultivators, they were only Foundation Establishment cultivators and were trained soldiers of the empire, so they held great respect for royal authority.

Now that the Third Prince was willing to suffer with them, how could they not be grateful?

Subsequently, thirty "construction teams" headed up the mountain.

"Do you know how to build houses? Those who can, go build houses. Those who can't, go pave the roads. All roads must be paved with bluestone slabs to avoid muddy shoes on rainy days. Oh, and make sure the drainage on both sides is done well, and the foundations must be solid." Zhang Yang transformed into the chief engineer, leading the three thousand construction teams busily within the Azurecloud Sect.

After assigning tasks, he led the Third Prince and a hundred men to Azurecloud Peak.

"Level this area for me and solidify the foundation. You're all cultivators, and some even have Dao Seeds. Can't you use spiritual power to work? This is also a form of cultivation for you, understand?

Yes, yes, after finishing the first floor, build the second floor. The second floor should be entirely woven with Spirit Bamboo. Don't worry about the sturdiness of the Spirit Bamboo; I'll inscribe talismans later. Also, dig a large pool in front of the house for swimming during leisure time."

Situ Mingyue saw the two-story villa Zhang Yang was building and instantly felt that the courtyard she bought from him wasn't appealing at all.

But she had spent two hundred thousand spirit stones on it, and abandoning it would be painful!

Situ Mingyue glared at Zhang Yang angrily, "Senior Brother, I spent two hundred thousand spirit stones on a shack, and you're living in such a grand house. Don't you owe me an explanation?"

Zhang Yang chuckled, "You already called me Senior Brother, do I still need to explain?"

"I don't care, I'm going to complain to Master that you swindled me!" Situ Mingyue turned and ran off.