“The fate of the nation is at stake, influencing the destiny of Glavale for the next few hundred or even a thousand years!” Donald continued.
“The successor not only needs the capability to bear the national destiny but also requires outstanding luck.”
“These two factors complement each other, and one cannot be lacking.”
“After the opening of the five major national destiny channels, offering sacrifices to the heavens and welcoming the national destiny is directly related to the successor’s fate, determining prosperity or decline.”
“If the successor has strength but poor luck, the inherited national destiny will significantly weaken.”
“This is why some centuries-old monsters are not directly appointed as successors. While they have the ability, their luck cannot pass the test.”
“Conversely, if the successor has good luck but lacks the personal strength to endure the baptism of the national destiny, the national destiny will be interrupted.”
“If it’s interrupted, can it be reassigned?” Ian asked.
“No!” Donald shook his head again. “Offering sacrifices to the heavens and welcoming the national destiny is done once every ten years. If it fails this time, we’ll have to wait at least ten years for another chance.”
“For Glavale, we don’t have that much time to wait! And that’s why the capital is so cautious about selecting the successor!”
“I see.” Bob and the others nodded simultaneously.
“Donald, are the five openers of the national destiny channels selected from this competition?” Ivy asked after some thought.
“Not exactly!” Donald put down the teacup. “The capital is already giving face to the ancient martial arts world by letting the role of the national destiny successor compete fairly. The five openers, during the arrival of the national destiny, have to assist the successor in bearing the national destiny baptism together. They must be of one mind with the successor.”
“Otherwise, if any of them has ulterior motives, it won’t help the successor and may even have a negative impact.”
“So, the selection of these five individuals can only be confirmed after the successor is determined.”
Ivy and the others nodded again.
“Commander Gardner, I know this is unfair to you, but…” Urban looked at Billy and began.
Billy interrupted him with a faint smile. “No worries.”
“This matter is significant, Commander Gardner, please put in extra effort.” Donald added.
“Rest assured, I will do my best!” Billy smiled again.
After the others left, Urban and Adam bid farewell. Donald stayed behind.
“Donald, is there something you want to instruct?” After seeing off Urban, Billy looked at Donald and asked.
“Not exactly an instruction.” Donald lifted the teacup and took a sip. “I just want to discuss something with you.”
“Please go ahead!” Billy responded.
“Regarding Place of Darkness, there shouldn’t be any major events in the short term. It seems a bit of a waste to keep White Tiger there. Have you thought about how to arrange him?” Donald spoke.
“What do you mean?” Billy was slightly stunned. Thoughts about the matter Bob mentioned a few days ago surfaced in his mind. James Harper’s position might need to be adjusted.
“The Western countries are eyeing Glavale, and tensions are rising. It might not be long before a major conflict erupts.” Donald paused and continued, “At that time, the Glavale border defense will be the first line of defense. Currently, the northern border is relatively weak. Although James Harper has strategic talents, his personal strength may not be sufficient to withstand the upcoming war.”
“He has recognized this himself. Recently, he voluntarily approached General Wilson and requested to be transferred back to the capital.”
“Elder Donald, are you suggesting that we appoint White Tiger as the commander in the north?” Stout asked.
“I discussed it with the Grand Elder and General Wilson, and we are considering it. It depends on your opinion, Commander.” Donald smiled.
“That’s a good idea!” Stout said again, then looked at Billy. “Boss, I think it’s a good idea!”
“Mind your own business!” Ivy glared at him. “You don’t understand anything, so why do you keep interrupting?”
“Uh…” Stout’s mouth twitched, but he didn’t dare to retort. He didn’t want to get slapped on the back of his head again.
Seeing Stout’s embarrassed look, Night Orchid couldn’t help but chuckle. After a brief pause, she looked at Donald.
“Donald, within Glavale, the five war departments, East, South, West, North, and Central, all hold special significance. Although the Central region doesn’t directly face external enemies, it has great special significance.” Night Orchid continued, “If there is a large-scale war, the support from the Central region to the other four war departments is crucial…”
She didn’t finish her words, knowing that Donald would understand her meaning. Having been by Billy’s side for so long, she understood the situations of the five war departments better than Ivy and the others.
The commander of the Central region and Billy had never been on the same page. If this issue wasn’t resolved, trouble might arise sooner or later.
“Grand Elder and I have already discussed this matter with Third Elder. We should have results soon.” Donald nodded slightly and added, “Results should be available soon.”
“If Commander Gardner has no objections, let’s bring back White Tiger and Rakshasa. Let them spend some time getting acquainted with James Harper in the northern region.” Donald continued.
“Thanks, Elder Donald!” Billy nodded after taking a sip of tea. “After the Dragon-Phoenix Ranking event, I’ll discuss it with White Tiger. If he’s okay with it, then it’s settled!”
From any perspective, this was a positive development, Billy wouldn’t oppose it.
“Perfect.” Donald nodded again. After a bit more conversation, he took his leave.
In the afternoon, Billy and Stout returned to Ozin.
Three days remained until the Dragon-Phoenix Ranking event, with the weekend approaching. Billy had promised to take Tasha to the park and couldn’t go back on his word.
The next morning, Billy, Stout, Fletcher and Sharon took Tasha to the park for the entire day. The little girl had an extraordinary amount of energy. Except for lunchtime, she spent most of her time on various amusement rides, having a blast.
Time flew by, and two days passed in the blink of an eye.
On this day, there was only one day left until the official start of the Dragon-Phoenix Ranking event. After dropping Tasha off at kindergarten in the morning, Billy came to the SHADOW base in Ozin. Casey and Judge were already waiting at the base.
In recent days, with the approaching Dragon-Phoenix Ranking selection, the Ancient City attracted hundreds of thousands of outsiders, most of whom came from various sects within Glavale. The already bustling city became even more prosperous, with pedestrians dressed in Daoist robes seen everywhere on the streets.
As the saying goes, where there is joy, there is worry. Behind the lively scenes, higher demands were placed on security levels. Upon receiving this news, Rolf Robertson, the constant supervisor of the capital city, immediately looked gloomy.