If Felix had continued with his previous approach, the royal family would have only resorted to assassination—such matters were best handled discreetly.

But now, things were different. Felix had openly begun pill cultivation, and soon, all of Martial City would know about it. Once people experienced it, they wouldn't be able to resist. If that happened, the royal family would lose control over the Ascension Pill—something they would never allow.

That was why the Empress, Cordelia Palmer, called it an open provocation against the royal family's authority.

She hadn't mentioned it before because she never believed Felix would dare go this far.

All the princes had gathered inside the grand hall. The Emperor sat at the head, and when the Empress arrived, everyone—including the Emperor—rose to greet her. Her seat was beside his.

"Speak your minds."

At the Emperor's command, Zayn immediately stood up. He already had personal grudges against Felix, and he wasn't willing to wait another s