"Excellent!"

Zhong Ming’s response made Zong Chengze’s face light up with joy. As for Hong Jing... he thought Zhong Ming’s claim was a bit of an exaggeration.

But considering the recent phenomenon, he ultimately decided not to argue.

After his excitement subsided, Zong Chengze immediately pulled Zhong Ming aside. "It’s even better that you’re so confident. I’ll tell you what I’ve learned about the commandery princesses and princes of Prince Qinghe’s Mansion. You can see which one you’d like to support."

"Huh?"

Zhong Ming was taken aback by his words.

"Wait, to become a Child of the Morning Star, do I have to support a commandery princess or prince...?"

Before he could finish, Zhong Ming fell silent on his own.

’If it were him, and he were opening a treasure vault of resources to cultivate the young talents of Jade Lake City, he’d also prioritize those who were loyal to him.’

Zong Chengze and Hong Jing noticed Zhong Ming’s embarrassment, but of course, they wouldn’t mock or berate him while he was down.

Hong Jing even gave Zhong Ming a way to save face. "No need to be so embarrassed. Besides, what you said isn’t entirely wrong."

"Prince Qinghe has summoned so many people here partly because he senses a crisis, but it’s more likely that it’s an order from the imperial family."

"The Frost Moon Immortal Dynasty is their domain, after all. If the Immortal Dynasty were to collapse, the imperial family would be the ones to suffer the most catastrophic losses."

"Therefore, it’s highly likely the imperial family has ordered Prince Qinghe to open up his resources and recruit worthy talents."

"Since it is an imperial command, if someone’s talent is truly peerless and they win first place in the Star Moon Treasure Vault, the Commandery Prince’s Mansion won’t make things difficult for them even if they don’t follow his orders. In fact, they will provide resources and support."

"But there certainly won’t be many people like that—at most, one or two spots."

"I don’t recommend you take this path."

He paused, mindful of Zhong Ming’s feelings, and added in a sincere tone, "Choosing one of Prince Qinghe’s children to support is like being a retainer, not a servant. To win the throne, they wouldn’t dare disrespect you. On the contrary, they’ll treat you with the utmost courtesy, perhaps even calling you ’brother’."

"If you become powerful enough, it might not even be impossible for you to marry a commandery princess in the future..."

"Ahem."

That last sentence made Zhong Ming cough—he didn’t want to be unfaithful to Yi Yunya.

Besides, what occupied Zhong Ming’s mind most right now was how to increase his strength and achieve immortality. Until his own safety was fully guaranteed, he had no mind for romance.

Seeing Zhong Ming’s reaction, Hong Jing tactfully said no more.

Meanwhile, Zong Chengze also tried to persuade Zhong Ming, a little sheepishly. "Zhong Ming, I also hope you’ll choose a commandery prince to support..."

As he spoke, he explained the entire current situation and his plans.

Finally, he said apologetically, "Only by becoming a Banner Holder can we protect the safety of Jade Lake City and the Seven Profound Sect."

"But with the sect’s current strength, we can’t possibly do it alone. Our only chance is for you to become a Child of the Morning Star and win the support of one of the princes."

"I’m sorry. The sect has become a burden to you."

Zhong Ming shook his head at his words. "You’re joking, Sect Leader. The Seven Profound Sect is my home too. How could it be a burden?"

"Besides, if I become a Child of the Morning Star and accept so many resources from Prince Qinghe’s Mansion, it’s only right that I do something for them in return."

...

After deciding to support a commandery prince, the group began to discuss specific candidates.

"In Prince Qinghe’s Mansion, there are four commandery princesses and princes with real power. The first is Prince Qinghe’s eldest son, Ji Chengping. Although his talent isn’t great, he is the legitimate heir, and many people in Qinghe County City support him."

"The second is the third prince, Ji Qinghui. He has the best chance of inheriting Prince Qinghe’s title. His mother was born into a top-tier cultivation family on par with a major sect, and he himself has joined a major sect to cultivate..."

At this, Zong Chengze shook his head. "But his faction is too strong, and he already has too many natural-born followers. Outsiders like us would never be valued if we went to him."

Hearing this, Zhong Ming nodded in agreement.

"If we want the support of a commandery princess or prince, it’s best to find a weaker one. That way, after we help them to a high position, they’ll have no choice but to rely on us, and their support for us will be much greater."

After rejecting this option, the only choices left for Zhong Ming and the others were Prince Qinghe’s seventh son and his only daughter, Commandery Princess Ji Qingyue.

"Prince Qinghe’s seventh son, Ji Qingkang, has talent on par with Ji Qinghui. But his birth mother was merely one of the Prince’s handmaidens, so he comes from a humble background. This has made him keep a low profile in the Commandery Prince’s Mansion, but because he has both talent and strength, he still has some supporters."

"Finally, there’s Princess Qingyue. She is deeply favored by the Prince, has a reputation for being kind, and is said to have the most easygoing personality."

"But she is a woman, after all. And some of the major sects see her as too benevolent, treating the smaller sects and schools too favorably. As a result, no major sect is willing to support her... which is also why she doesn’t have much say with Prince Qinghe."

By this point, Zhong Ming understood that they would have to choose between supporting Ji Qingkang and Ji Qingyue.

Originally, Zhong Ming and Zong Chengze wanted to deliberate a bit more, but an unexpected event forced them to make an immediate decision.

And this event had to do with Zhong Ming.

After discussing Prince Qinghe’s four children without being able to make a decision, Zhong Ming asked about the Body Forging cultivation technique.

He remembered that when his Sect Leader had gone out, he had intended to procure a Body Forging cultivation technique for him.

Zhong Ming’s question brought a flash of embarrassment to Zong Chengze’s face.

"When I went to Prince Qinghe’s Mansion, I asked about it. But they are only willing to give you a spot to study an Earth-level High-grade Technique. They’re not ready to budge on an Earth-level Top-grade Technique for now."

"But don’t worry. As long as you perform outstandingly in the Star Moon Training, they will surely offer you an Earth-level Top-grade Technique with both hands."

"..."

This decision didn’t anger Zhong Ming.

The Seven Profound Sect was just a minor sect, after all. To get a spot to study an Earth-level High-grade Technique without having shown anything was already quite an achievement.

Just as Zhong Ming was pondering whether he should first ask Prince Qinghe’s Mansion for an Earth-level High-grade Body Forging Technique to practice, or wait until after the assessment, a hurried announcement suddenly rang out from outside the Seven Profound Sect’s residence.

"Her Highness, Princess Qingyue, has arrived—"