Cyan Yang Inn.

Qin Yuesheng and Duan Huahe sat across a wooden table and ordered a pot of tea.

"Young Master Qin, I acknowledge my mistake; please retract this divine ability." Duan Huahe said, pale-faced and holding onto the table.

"No rush, once you thoroughly explain everything you know about Celestial Secret City to me, I’ll help you lift it." Qin Yuesheng said quite calmly.

Left with no choice, Duan Huahe said, "Young Master Qin, please ask whatever you want, as long as I know it, I will tell you everything."

Qin Yuesheng asked, "Does Celestial Secret City have spies like you deployed all over the world?"

Duan Huahe nodded, "Yes, we have people traveling across all nine continents, searching for newcomers while recording the latest victories and defeats of top martial artists."

"I know Jiangnan has the Hundred Weapons Ranking. You mentioned before that you want me to be on a bigger ranking. What did you mean?"

Duan Huahe immediately took out a small blue booklet from his bosom and placed it on the table, "Celestial Secret City divides the world’s nine continents into four major regions: Western Shu, Jiangnan, Central Plains, and Northern Border. The Hundred Weapons Ranking exists not just in Jiangnan, but also in the other three regions,

but since those on the list include both external martial artists and Inner Strength experts, it doesn’t make much sense on a larger scale, so Celestial Secret City specifically created the ’World Ranking’ for the world’s top experts, dedicated to recording Inner Power experts,

if one can make it to this ranking, one can become famous overnight, resound throughout the martial arts world, known by everyone."

Qin Yuesheng took the booklet and opened it to see the first page, which was a hand-drawn map, marked with the names of many martial arts sects.

The second page recorded the names and nicknames of various martial artists; it was clear Duan Huahe was quite serious about his spy work.

While flipping through, Qin Yuesheng said, "I’m not interested in being on any World Ranking; you should keep that in mind."

Duan Huahe promptly nodded in agreement, "Yes, yes, I shall not dare disturb you with this matter again."

At this moment, Qin Yuesheng flipped to a rather familiar name in the booklet.

’Leopard’s All-Killing’ Wang Tao.

This person already had a reputation on the World Ranking, and Qin Yuesheng was contemplating dealing with him; now was a good opportunity to learn about Wang Tao’s prowess from Duan Huahe.

"How much do you know about this person?" Qin Yuesheng pointed to Wang Tao’s name and asked.

Duan Huahe glanced at it, "Former disciple of the All-Killing Sect, skilled in the first-rate martial art ’Leopard’s All-Killing Fist,’ has Sixth Layer of the Internal Power Realm strength, is an expert, not to be underestimated.

However, this person has been remarkably low profile in recent years and has not engaged in much combat, seemingly intent on retiring from the martial arts world."

"Sixth Layer of the Internal Power Realm..." Qin Yuesheng mused; to him, this person posed no threat.

After another round of questioning, asking about everything he wanted to know, Qin Yuesheng also learned some information about Celestial Secret City and Divine Calculation Pavilion.

Nevertheless, since Duan Huahe was not a high-ranking member, what he knew was limited; Qin Yuesheng wished to learn about the powers of Celestial Secret Elder and Divine Calculation Elder, but it was impossible to attain.

"Consider this booklet as your compensation; I’m not returning it." Qin Yuesheng tucked the booklet into his sleeve, his tone allowing no refusal.

Seeing this, Duan Huahe had no choice but to agree reluctantly, "Young Master Qin, you are right."

Life-and-Death Cold Ice Talisman, can be planted and dissolved.

Qin Yuesheng placed his palm on Duan Huahe’s chest, and as he exerted force, light blue ice crystals began to seep from Duan Huahe’s body, fully floating above Qin Yuesheng’s palm.

Feeling the cold force within his body dissipate, Duan Huahe breathed a sigh of relief, folded his hands in gratitude and said, "Thank you, Young Master Qin."

"I won’t harm those who don’t harm me; I hope you won’t fall into my hands again in the future."

"I wouldn’t dare, wouldn’t dare." Duan Huahe wasn’t initially hostile towards Qin Yuesheng, and after suffering from the Life-and-Death Cold Ice Talisman, he felt somewhat fearful of Qin Yuesheng.

With such prowess at a young age, only a sane mind wouldn’t provoke someone like him again.

"By the way, Young Master Qin, may I leave now," Duan Huahe asked tentatively.

Qin Yuesheng tapped the table, "Hold on, I’ll ask you one last question: your Celestial Secret City is famous for collecting the prowess and achievements of top experts worldwide. Can you tell me how many Grandmaster experts are there in today’s martial arts world?"

Duan Huahe seemed surprised, not expecting Qin Yuesheng to ask this question.

"Young Master Qin, I don’t know the exact number; I only know that Ice and Fire Divine Sect and Overseas Happy Island each have a Grandmaster expert."

"Is it that Celestial Secret City cannot gather intelligence on Grandmaster experts, or that you don’t know?" Qin Yuesheng asked.

Duan Huahe smiled wryly, "Celestial Secret City has four types of spies: Heaven, Earth, Profound, and Yellow. I am just Profound Level, naturally unable to access that level of secret."

"Alright, you may leave now."

"Thank you, Young Master Qin, thank you, Young Master Qin," Duan Huahe hurriedly stood up to express his gratitude.

For some reason, sitting with Qin Yuesheng always made him feel uneasy, as if he had a thorn in his back. Hearing that Qin Yuesheng had allowed him to leave, he was more than relieved.

Watching Duan Huahe leave, Qin Yuesheng thought to himself, "I’ve just broken through my realm and unlocked two more words from the Five-Word True Incantation. It’s a good time to visit Wang Tao in Yangzhou Prefecture. If I can kill him, it would fulfill someone else’s commission."

Placing a few broken pieces of silver on the table, Qin Yuesheng walked out of the Cyan Yang Inn, intending to return to the Qin Mansion.

Unexpectedly, the pedestrians on the street appeared inexplicably panic-stricken, hurrying along with great tension, as if something terrible had happened.

If it were just one person, it would be understandable, but for a group to be like this, there must be something unusual.

"What’s going on?" Qin Yuesheng was puzzled and directly grabbed the shoulder of a passing man.

The man was already in a hurry, and suddenly being pulled by Qin Yuesheng made him furious. He immediately slapped away Qin Yuesheng’s arm and shouted, "Let go, let go, or don’t blame me for being rude."

Qin Yuesheng took out a silver ingot, "Brother, what exactly is happening to make you so flustered? Tell me about it."

The man was initially in a rush, but seeing Qin Yuesheng’s generosity, his eyes lit up, and his tone became much friendlier.

"Sure, sure, haha." Grabbing the silver taels from Qin Yuesheng’s hand, the man immediately began to explain.

"A troop has come from the Yangzhou Prefecture, and it seems they’re planning to attack Cyan Yang City. They estimate that by tomorrow, the army will besiege the city. Young master, I suggest you hurry home and make preparations."

"Oh?!" Qin Yuesheng was surprised by the sudden turn of events.

Not long ago, he had defeated the naval forces sent by Liu Xian to attack the Twelve Linked Rings at the East Sea. Now Liu Xian’s army had come to face him again; it was indeed interesting.

No Liu Xian soldiers escaped from the Twelve Linked Rings, so he wouldn’t know his navy had been defeated in the short term.

"It seems it’s not possible to depart for the Yangzhou Prefecture immediately. Without my assistance, the little force within Cyan Yang City can’t withstand Liu Xian’s troops, even with the city walls." Qin Yuesheng thought to himself.

This place was his hometown, and his parents and family were all here in Cyan Yang City, so Qin Yuesheng couldn’t ignore it.

The man saw Qin Yuesheng not speaking, so he quickly ran off. Qin Yuesheng let him go and hastily returned to the Qin Mansion.

The news of Liu Xian’s army approaching was too sudden. Even when Xun Sheng found out, he was as panicked as the ordinary people.

Because he knew well the power imbalance, against Liu Xian’s army, Cyan Yang City had no ability to withstand an attack.

This time, Liu Xian was determined to start from the vicinity of the Yangzhou Prefecture, slowly occupying the Jiangnan territory until the entire Jiangnan was under his domain.

The attack on Cyan Yang City was merely a small step among thousands.

As the citizens of Cyan Yang City began to stir, Xun Sheng, having received the news, paced back and forth in the government building to ease his nervousness.

He was a civil official and had never experienced warfare.

"Why hasn’t the court responded at all? If things really can’t go on, I might have to open the city gate and surrender to that old rogue Liu Xian directly," Xun Sheng thought, wiping his cold sweat.

It’s been days since thirty-six thieves rebelled, yet the court remained silent, as if the country was at peace.

Because they feared the power of the Great Tang, for regardless of anything, the Great Tang had not yet declined to the point of ruin. The thirty-six thieves dared not rashly attack Chang’an but instead unanimously and tacitly began annexing territories, rapidly expanding their military strength.

It’s believed that once everywhere except Chang’an is completely divided among the thirty-six thieves, Chang’an’s turn to face the thirty-six hungry wolves will arrive.

"Sir, should we discuss this matter with Lord Qin?" Xu Jin, standing beside him, asked.

"Lord Qin...," Xun Sheng responded dispiritedly, waving his hand, "It’s unnecessary. As formidable as Lord Qin is, he’s merely a Martial Artist. He has some tricks against evil spirits, but against Liu Xian’s thousands of troops, even he may not be able to turn the tide. When Liu Xian’s army arrives tomorrow, I’ll open the city gates and surrender directly to avoid needless sacrifices from the soldiers." 𝓯𝓻𝓮𝙚𝙬𝓮𝙗𝒏𝙤𝒗𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝒐𝓶

Xu Jin shook his head. This Governor Xun was quite kind to the people and didn’t want them to perish due to war, which, in peacetime, made him an excellent official.

But during times of chaos, his behavior was rather cowardly, too soft.

Yet this was for the best. Since the court hadn’t sent reinforcements, Cyan Yang City couldn’t withstand Liu Xian’s army’s attack. Surrendering right away minimized loss compared to yielding after a devastating defeat, at least saving many soldiers’ lives.

Upon hearing the army would attack Cyan Yang City, many citizens fled with their families, trying to escape the devastation of war.

But everyone knew a turbulent era was approaching. Unless they hid away in the deep mountains and woods, removed from the world, any city they moved to would face this turmoil.

Several notable families in Cyan Yang City began inviting each other to gatherings, wanting their patriarchs to sit together and deliberate on what to do the next day.

Qin Yuesheng had long lost interest in such gatherings, preferring to stay quietly at the Qin Mansion to meditate. He awaited the next day when Liu Xian’s army would approach the city, ready to shake the heavens and earth with his prowess.

However, what Qin Yuesheng didn’t anticipate was that while the family elders were meeting to discuss future events, the younger generation from these noble families, having nothing better to do, set aside their usual disputes and gathered for a meeting of their own.

But when they realized that Qin Yuesheng, the young master of the Qin family, wasn’t present, they were displeased. They grouped together and headed towards the Qin Mansion, intending to drag him into this assembly of Cyan Yang City’s younger generation.