Chapter 788: Eastern Aspect Xiao Nanfeng

Yu Fuli had a sip of tea as he looked toward Ao Canghai.

The gathered cultivators fell silent as they awaited Yu Fuli's decision.

"Being eager to contribute to the Imperial Court is commendable and praiseworthy, but betraying a colleague for personal gain is in direct violation of heavenly law. Though you may have been confident in Xiao Nanfeng, your unwise action to act without due oversight necessitates punishment in kind. Given the extenuating circumstances, I intend to strip you of your position as Eastern Aspect. What say you?"

"It is a fitting punishment, Your Majesty. Thank you for your leniency!" Ao Canghai exclaimed.

He was well aware of how strict heavenly law was. Betraying a Martial Aspect and hiring assassins to kill him would normally have led to imprisonment and severe penalties. Fortunately, he had made preparations in advance and had managed to escape with nothing but the loss of his position.

Even so, losing his position as Eastern Aspect was a severe blow. Being a Cardinal Aspect granted immense power, something no one understood better than he did.

The seventy-two Martial Aspects were the face of the Imperial Court, and the four Cardinal Aspects wielded considerable authority over the continent, including the right to oversee the collection of fortune. Though he acted officially in the Imperial Court's name, he had made plenty of hidden dealings that allowed him to gather a vast supply of resources. Now, all that was lost to him.

Ao Canghai took a deep breath. His eyes flashed resolutely. Though he had lost his position for the time being, he was certain it would only be temporary.

"Do the rest of you have any comments?" Yu Fuli asked the other Martial Aspects.

"Your Majesty is fair and just. We have no objections," the Martial Aspects replied one after another.

Just then, Ye Dafu stepped forward. "Your Majesty, may I?"

Everyone looked toward Ye Dafu in surprise.

Ye Dafu began, "We Martial Aspects ought not go without a leader. With Ao Canghai removed from his position, the eastern quadrant needs a new Eastern Aspect. I nominate Xiao Nanfeng for this position."

The Martial Aspects eyed each other. Had Xiao Nanfeng planned all this? Everyone knew that Ye Dafu was Xiao Nanfeng's subordinate. Xiao Nanfeng was clearly attempting to seize power for himself!

Ao Canghai was furious. Could Xiao Nanfeng be any more shameless?

Unfortunately for him, Ao Canghai could hardly speak up now. He had just been punished and stripped of his position.

Yu Fuli was amused by Ye Dafu's antics. He turned toward Xiao Nanfeng, almost as if he were laughing at him.

Xiao Nanfeng blushed faintly, but lowered his head and remained silent. The embarrassment was more than worth it. The position of Eastern Aspect provided not just power, but countless resources that would be vital for his growth.

The seventy-two Martial Aspects were the face of the Imperial Court, but there were far more of its agents scattered throughout the world, responsible for gathering vital information. Only the four Cardinal Aspects had access to this information, and Xiao Nanfeng knew how valuable it was.

Ao Zhou spoke up. "I support Martial Aspect Ye's proposal."

"I agree!"

All of Xiao Nanfeng's allies among the Martial Aspects of the eastern quadrant hurriedly spoke up.

Xiao Nanfeng, Ao Zhou, Ye Dafu, and six other golden cultivators—nine in total, fully half of the eastern quadrant.

Their support caused the other Martial Aspects to eye each other again. Clearly, Xiao Nanfeng had come prepared.

The situation had taken a remarkable turn.

Ao Canghai was furious. He glared at Xiao Nanfeng with murderous intent, wanting nothing more than to kill him on the spot, but he knew that he couldn't do so—not with Yu Fuli's oversight, at least. Demotion alone was a lenient punishment; if he acted out of turn now, he might never reclaim his position.

"Oh? Eight Martial Aspects in support? And what do you think, Xiao Nanfeng?" Yu Fuli asked with a smile.

Xiao Nanfeng could brazenly claim that he was capable, but doing so would surely hurt his reputation.

"Perhaps we should hear from the other Martial Aspects of the eastern quadrant," Xiao Nanfeng demurred.

"Oh?" Yu Fuli turned to them. "And what do you think?"

Ao Canghai remained silent, but of the five remaining Martial Aspects present, three were loyal to him.

"I object, Your Majesty. Xiao Nanfeng's cultivation is too weak."

"I object as well."

Ao Canghai's three confidantes rejected the suggestion resolutely.

All eyes then turned to the two final Martial Aspects—neither loyal to Ao Canghai nor aligned with Xiao Nanfeng.

"I believe Xiao Nanfeng is suited to the position."

"I support Xiao Nanfeng."

Their words shocked Ao Canghai. He couldn't believe what he was hearing.

They might not be close to him, but they weren't Xiao Nanfeng's allies, either. Why would they support him rather than abstain? Had Xiao Nanfeng made some secret deal with them?

"Ten of the eighteen are in support, then." Yu Fuli smiled at Xiao Nanfeng.

Xiao Nanfeng rubbed his nose. It was clear that Yu Fuli was teasing him.

Even so, he had no intention of backing down now. He took a deep breath. "I am grateful for my colleagues' support."

The other Martial Aspects were stunned. When had Xiao Nanfeng become so shameless, too?

Ao Canghai clenched his fists in fury. His body trembled with anger.

Only Yu Fuli dared to laugh aloud. He was well aware of Xiao Nanfeng's thick-skinned behavior.

"With the majority of the Martial Aspects of the eastern quadrant supporting Xiao Nanfeng, I suppose he's the favored candidate. According to heavenly law, any Martial Aspect from the east can challenge this candidate with their own position on the line. Does anyone wish to do so?" Yu Fuli glanced at all the Martial Aspects.

The ten Martial Aspects who supported Xiao Nanfeng remained silent; the others all turned to Ao Canghai.

A duel against Xiao Nanfeng?

According to heavenly law, a Cardinal Aspect had to be superior in strength to the Martial Aspects he oversaw.

Xiao Nanfeng was only a True Immortal, while Ao Canghai was a Boundless Immortal. Considering the vast gulf in power, Ao Canghai would easily win in a duel—wouldn't he?

But Ao Canghai's eyes twitched as he dismissed the idea immediately.

Xiao Nanfeng was a True Immortal, yes, but who would ever treat him like one? He had plenty of treasures to his name.

Xiao Nanfeng had once used the Eye of the Sea to fight Ao Canghai to a draw. He had then used Yu Fuli's heart sword to kill a saint's avatar in one shot. Furthermore, not even the assassins of Snowborne were able to take him down.

Ao Canghai was certain that Xiao Nanfeng had more hidden tricks up his sleeve. If he challenged him and failed to win decisively, he would even lose his position as Martial Aspect.

"I won't challenge him," Ao Canghai was forced to admit.

"We won't challenge him!" the other Martial Aspects of the eastern quadrant echoed.

Yu Fuli turned to Ao Canghai with a flicker of disappointment, then back to Xiao Nanfeng. He nodded in satisfaction.

"Let Xiao Nanfeng be the new Eastern Aspect," Yu Fuli announced.

In the sea of fortune high overhead, with a resounding roar, the golden dragon of fortune linked to Xiao Nanfeng visibly swelled in size as Ao Canghai's shrank.

Yu Fuli's words were equivalent to an official decree.

"I, Xiao Nanfeng, humbly thank Your Majesty for this honor!" Xiao Nanfeng bowed deeply.

Yu Fuli slowly rose to his feet. "At tomorrow's session of court, this matter shall be made public to the world."

"Understood!" everyone replied.

Yu Fuli stepped into the imperial chariot. Though he could flash back to Mt. Kunlun in an instant, for some reason, he had chosen to travel in his chariot this time.

"Prepare for departure!" an official cried out.

The nine-dragon chariot rose into the air, escorted as it was by ceremonial guards. It flew toward Mt. Kunlun.

"We send off the Heavenly Emperor!" the Martial Aspects chorused.

For some unknown reason, Yu Fuli gazed out the window at the Sieve of Heaven, a trace of melancholy and determination in his eyes.

Back by the Hall of Martial Aspects, a group of Martial Aspects stepped forward to congratulate Xiao Nanfeng. "Congratulations, Eastern Aspect Xiao. We look forward to your guidance."

Xiao Nanfeng gave them a slight bow. "Hardly. Let's help each other out in the future."

Ao Canghai and his supporters stormed off.

Ao Zhou was about to mock them, but Xiao Nanfeng held him back.

"Ao Canghai's been trying to scheme against us for a long time. We should kick him while he's down! Why are you holding me back?" Ao Zhou exclaimed.

"He's definitely trying to plot his revenge against me now. If you want to be the first one he targets, feel free."

Ao Zhou blanched as he realized the truth. Indeed, Ao Canghai would surely try to take revenge against Xiao Nanfeng. If he antagonized Ao Canghai now, he would just be asking for trouble.

"Ah, haha! I didn't mean it, of course. Don't take me so seriously." Ao Zhou laughed dryly and stepped aside.

Xiao Nanfeng rolled his eyes. Ao Zhou was a habitual coward.

Of course, he didn't want to provoke Ao Canghai more just yet. Dealing with Ao Canghai would require careful strategy. If he were to push Ao Canghai too far and incite immediate retaliation, even if he could survive Ao Canghai's revenge, the same couldn't be said for his subordinates.

There would be a lot on his plate now that he had become the Eastern Aspect, including seizing all authority and power associated with the position. For now, he would have to stabilize the situation and avoid further agitating Ao Canghai.

The next day, in court, officials formally announced Ao Canghai's demotion and Xiao Nanfeng's promotion.

The news spread like wildfire throughout the Sieve of Heaven—and then quickly to the world at large.

No one could believe that a True Immortal had become a Cardinal Aspect. Some thought that Xiao Nanfeng's appointment was absurd, but others believed that he had earned it. After all, Xiao Nanfeng's achievements were nothing short of extraordinary.