Battle power or cultivation base

10:00 AM

Royal Palace

The Valans are making their move, Your Highness.

"Oh," the king responds calmly. "Send four squads to contain them."

"Yes, Your Highness," the commander replies promptly.

"What about the farms?" the king inquires further.

"We have sent the investigation team, Your Highness."

The king nods in approval, acknowledging the efforts being made. Just then, the Minister of Finance, who also happens to be the father of one of the king's first wives, stands up and bows respectfully.

"I believe the prince should enter closed cultivation to increase and solidify his foundation," the minister suggests.

The commander immediately realizes the minister's true intention—he's trying to weaken the prince's power. It's widely known that power without control is useless. A beginner in Aura Gathering who has honed his battle skills can easily defeat a regular Aura Gatherer who hasn't trained in combat. The minister's proposal is an attempt to sabotage the prince's chances of passing the entrance exam for the high-level academies, where battle power is a critical criterion.

The first level of Aura Apprentice is a basic rank that doesn't require extraordinary talent or resources. Since Aura Apprentices cannot use items, anyone who works hard enough can pass. The entrance exams measure not only hard work but also battle power and intelligence. By pushing the prince into closed cultivation, the Minister of Finance aims to rob him of the opportunity to develop his battle skills, weakening him and eliminating a future obstacle to his own power.

The king, however, cannot make decisions unilaterally in the palace. The Minister of Finance has the backing of many nobles, and the moment the other elders agree with him, the decision is essentially made. This is the law in the Kingdom of Bilbordia—a law set by the 21st king to ensure that the cultivation of the kingdom's successors is guided by the ministers, preventing the king from having complete control over the future of the realm.

As the discussion continues, the king frowns, fully aware of the minister's scheme. He doesn't object outright but instead looks toward the commander—his most trusted ally in the kingdom.

The commander, understanding the king's silent plea, speaks up. "But that will stop him from gaining battle power, which is crucial in martial arts."

The Minister of Finance, unfazed by the objection, simply replies, "Oh, but skills cannot be effectively used without a solid foundation in power. I believe it's more important for him to solidify his strength first."

The argument between the ministers continues, each side presenting their case passionately. It is clear that the Minister of Finance is determined to have his way, and the room is filled with tension.

Finally, the king sighs and commands, "Silence."

His voice carries no overt power, but the authority it holds is enough to bring the palace to immediate silence.

"Those in favor of closed cultivation," the king calls out.

Half of the ministers raise their hands.

"Those in favor of battle practice," he says next.

The other half of the ministers raise their hands.

The decision now rests with the one neutral minister who has yet to vote. Sensing victory, the Minister of Finance smirks and says, "If that is the case, Your Highness, then I propose that I appoint the instructor."

His smile broadens, confident that his scheme is coming to fruition.