Soul Land V: Rebirth of Tang San

The battle for the Emperor's seat has now reached its final stage. Especially since the three Emperor positions have been decided, it means that in the near future, the Ancestral Court will likely gain three new Emperors.

The Emperor's seat is not a position earned lightly. Obtaining it means the Ancestral Court will directly support the three contenders—providing continuous aid to improve themselves. All aspects of the Ancestral Court's resources, including future assistance in overcoming the Emperor Tribulation, will be available to them. Most importantly, it signifies the Ancestral Court's recognition of these future Emperors.

On Demon Monster Land, it is impossible to become an Emperor without the approval of the Ancestral Court. Without recognition, it equates to taking on all the Emperors of the Ancestral Court. Such defiance would lead to strong and relentless attacks by them.

This is one of the Ancestral Court's most crucial rules. From the day it was established on Demon Monster Land, the then-founders—Emperors of old—formed a pact of defense and offense: anyone outside the alliance is an enemy and shall be exterminated.

Therefore, for anyone to ascend to the rank of Emperor, they must obtain the approval of the Ancestral Court. To put it clearly, recognition and becoming part of the Ancestral Court's Emperors is mandatory.

Now, Tang San, Pretty Girl, and Xu Anyu have earned such qualifications. Although they have not officially become Emperors yet, they can no longer be referred to as Great Demon Kings. Instead, they are now deemed Quasi-Emperors!

The Three Quasi-Emperors! Their status is only beneath that of the existing Emperors.

The Blue Gold Tree Clan, the Peacock Demon Clan, and the Dragon Clan—these three clans will add new Emperors. For them, this is an immensely significant event and will directly reshape the entire continent's political structure. Especially for the Dragon Clan, the day Xu Anyu officially ascends, Crystal City will welcome a new ruler.

Xu Anyu has long been striving for this, even before becoming an Emperor—he has started laying out strategic plans. In his view, the most critical point is forging a good relationship with Tang San.

Recently, the Blue Gold Tree Clan's performance—or rather Tang San's performance—has caught the attention of all the dominant clans. Leaving aside the clan's wealth, their unique ability to transform decay into miraculous life energy alone has become the center of attention.

Artifacts unusable by others, rampaging ferocious dragons—under his influence, all have turned into valuable assets. What could be more shocking? Legends among the strong even say Tang San has become the Little Tree Ancestor. If he ascends as Emperor, there is a possibility of revitalizing the glory of the original Tree Ancestor.

The Purple Crystal Coin Warrior is a joke among the public but immensely popular. However, in the eyes of true powerhouses, Jin Miaolin's ability to claim an Emperor's seat isn't merely about money. Instead, it is anchored in his extraordinary, unparalleled life energy. This life energy is what enables Jin Miaolin to wield divine tools and intimidate the masses. Even domineering artifacts like the Bead of Misfortune are countered by him. His creation of the Power of Life and Destruction and Saint Power—abilities unprecedented in the Ancestral Court—leaves the potential endless.

Jin Miaolin's contributions of high-level life energy bring another remarkable advantage: it greatly benefits Emperors. For the current Emperors, who are generally of older age, this life energy equates to extending their lifespan. Thus, Jin Miaolin's recognition as an Emperor's contender has earned unanimous approval from the Emperors.

Within the Ancestral Court, discussions have already started regarding potential direct support for Jin Miaolin during his tribulation if it proves challenging—to aid him in becoming an Emperor. Furthermore, after confirming the three Quasi-Emperor positions, the Ancestral Court officially announced that the Blue Gold Tree Clan would become a Neutral Race following this Emperor's battle. Blue Gold Tree Clan Kings and above will be dispatched to major principal cities to assist in concentrating life energy better.

As soon as this news broke, the Blue Gold Tree Clan was thrust into the spotlight. How beneficial is life energy? Jin Miaolin's performance in the Emperor's battle is testament enough. Especially for the Rihchen Empire—where most Spirit Monster clans require abundant life energy for optimal evolution during their initial transformations. Any clan hoping for better development relies heavily on life energy.

Thus, Jin Miaolin's renown as the Purple Crystal Coin Warrior skyrocketed once again.

As for the final rankings of the Three Quasi-Emperors, most spectators no longer cared much. After all, the Emperor's seat is secured; the order of precedence hardly matters. Normally, all would ascend as Emperors eventually. While Pretty Girl and Xu Anyu's ascensions hold no particular ramifications for other clans, Jin Miaolin is a different story. As a Neutral Race aiding principal cities in concentrating life energy, anyone with foresight understands that Jin Miaolin's eventual rise as Emperor—paired with the Tree Ancestor's power—would elevate the layer of life energy significantly, benefiting all cities and dominant clans.

Even Tang San himself did not anticipate that in such a short time, his reputation within the Ancestral Court had surged to rival that of the Emperors. This elevated the status of the Blue Gold Tree Clan Elders, who were now highly sought after.

At the White Lake Grand Hotel, countless invitations from dominant clans affiliated with principal cities had arrived for the Blue Gold Tree Clan members to meet. Some even included pledges, essentially expressing these clans' goodwill and ensuring the safety of any Blue Gold Tree Clan envoy dispatched to help concentrate life energy—going to any lengths to assist them.

This newfound respect caused the Elders of the Blue Gold Tree Clan to walk down the streets with their heads held high. The clan was no longer a weak, bullied group but was evolving into a respected, non-combat Neutral Race akin to the Heavenly Fox Clan.

Tang San, however, remained indifferent to all this. After the competition, he returned to his chambers to resume his secluded cultivation, demonstrating unparalleled composure, unaffected by earning the Emperor contender status.

Even the Blue Gold Tree Clan Elders believed there was no need for him to continue in subsequent matches to avoid any unforeseen dangers. Whether facing Pretty Girl's formidable Asura God's Sword or Xu Anyu's Holy Radiant Dragon's overwhelming strength, securing third place would already be deemed an excellent outcome.

With the final top three determined, the next day's matches lacked their former fervor. Many assumed they might end early—perhaps if contestants conceded, or the three Quasi-Emperors negotiated their rankings without fighting, the matches wouldn't even occur.

Amidst such an atmosphere, Tang San, Pretty Girl, and Xu Anyu arrived once again at the competition grounds.

The six thrones from before had been reduced to three—now uncovered by any canopy and appearing even more resplendent. The golden thrones shimmered in the sunlight, their embedded gemstones radiating dazzling light.

As Tang San and his companions approached the thrones, the audience erupted into mountainous waves of cheers.

"Quasi-Emperor, Quasi-Emperor, Quasi-Emperor!"

After so many years, the Ancestral Court was finally about to witness the emergence of new Emperors. Yes, new Emperors! This change would profoundly impact countless races, especially the Dragon Clan, the Peacock Demon Clan, and the Blue Gold Tree Clan.

Pretty Girl sat in the foremost throne, Tang San in the second, and Xu Anyu in the third—this being the current provisional ranking.

Though Pretty Girl had no match that day, she still attended, given the competitions were nearing their conclusion. Her final opponent would be the victor between Tang San and Xu Anyu.