My Wife Is The Leader Of A Demonic Cult-Chapter 244 - : Undercurrents in Yujing City
Chapter 244: Chapter 244: Undercurrents in Yujing City
An Jing smiled and said, “If Dongluo Pass were strong, it could better resist Houjin, and then Your Majesty could rest easy, couldn’t he?”
The powerful voice behind the bead curtain spoke up again, “What you say indeed makes sense, but that is not the true reason you bring up conditions. Do not forget, Outer Heaven organized a rebel army to commit treason twenty years ago. Now that I choose to form an alliance without holding past grievances, is that not enough?”
An Jing frowned upon hearing this.
It seemed the Human Emperor had a deep prejudice against Li Fuzhou, even though Li Fuzhou had killed the Great Commander of the Xuanyi Guard, Tang Taiyuan. In light of the alliance between the Demon Sect and Yan Country, that should have been a minor issue, yet he was stubbornly refusing to let go.
Or perhaps this was just the Human Emperor deliberately making things difficult for him, using it as a bargaining chip in the negotiations with the Demon Sect.
After pondering for a moment, An Jing asked straightforwardly, “Then what would it take for Your Majesty to grant a pardon to Sect Master Li?”
...
The Human Emperor said, “What if I refuse?”
“It would be mutually beneficial to agree, but mutually harmful to disagree.”
“Are you threatening me?”
“Of course not, I simply hope Your Majesty can set aside some personal grievances for the sake of the bigger picture.”
“Hahahaha!”
Laughter echoed from behind the bead curtain.
An Jing, however, remained as calm as still water inside. He acted this way precisely because he had not sensed any murderous intent from the Human Emperor, or rather, the Earth Book had not indicated any dark fortunes.
That meant the Human Emperor bore no malice toward him, nor did he have any motive to kill him, especially since an alliance between Yan Country and the Demon Sect to oppose Houjin was of utmost importance.
“Considering the bigger picture, you are right.”
The Human Emperor’s smile gradually faded, and he said indifferently, “The bargaining chip in your hands is only a National Teaching Order, not enough to release a Second Qi Grandmaster, especially one who has reached Heavenly Human Communication.”
Although the Demon Sect currently holds the National Teaching Order and can spread its doctrine in Yan Country, can it truly receive support like the Zhenyi Sect?
All of this depends on the attitude of the Human Emperor.
Thus, the National Teaching Order in the hands of the Demon Sect can only be used for spreading the doctrine. Desiring support from Yan Country’s resources is basically impossible, and using this Order to spread the doctrine might even be secretly suppressed by the court.
Thinking, An Jing said, “Before coming here, I also brought a gift for Your Majesty.”
The Human Emperor unmercifully said, “Are you talking about Taiyin Kui’s disciple? His life isn’t as valuable as Li Fuzhou’s.”
Sang Tianyou is also a Second Qi Grandmaster, but his status was boosted with the aid of elixirs from Black Ice Platform, making the value of the two clear at a glance.
After contemplating for a moment, An Jing asked, “What exactly does Your Majesty desire?”
The Human Emperor chuckled lightly, “How about the Demon Sect establish its main temple in Yujing City? I could allocate a sufficiently large area for you, how does that sound?”
An Jing narrowed his eyes and said in a low voice, “Your Majesty must be joking.”
A bed’s immediate side cannot accommodate another’s snoring, much like how even the entrance of the National Religion of the Zhenyi Sect is located thousands of miles away on Zhenyi Mountain. If Outer Heaven were to set up its main temple in Yujing City, it would likely soon become an object in the Human Emperor’s palm.
“An emperor doesn’t jest lightly.”
The Human Emperor said meaningfully, “If Outer Heaven is willing to relocate its main temple to Yujing City, I would truly consider supporting Outer Heaven as the National Religion.”
Without thinking, An Jing refused, “Perhaps the followers are already accustomed to the harsh and cold borders; relocating here might be somewhat uncomfortable for many.”
The hall suddenly fell into a somber silence.
Observing the young man below, the Human Emperor finally said after a long pause, “Then let’s change the condition.”
An Jing didn’t immediately agree but instead said, “Please speak, Your Majesty.”
“Become my Prince Consort,”
the resonant voice behind the bead curtain sounded again, “I have thirteen princesses, you can choose any one of them, among whom ten are exceptional in beauty. If you wish, from today onward, the entire Yan Country will be at your back.”
Bai Mei, the eunuch, twitched his eyelid, noticing that the Human Emperor really valued this young man, more so than he had even Xiao Qianqiu previously.
After all, regardless of what was said, Xiao Qianqiu’s surname was Xiao, and An Jing’s surname was An, none bore the Zhao surname.
To become the Prince Consort of the Great Yan Emperor and to have the support of Yan Country’s national power was a resource many dreamed of.
The Human Emperor did not wait for An Jing to respond and continued, “After all, it’s no small matter; I can give you time to think about it.”
An Jing laughed, “I entirely agree, but my lady wife probably would not consent.”
The Human Emperor lifted his eyes to look at the young man in front of him, “Have you really thought it through? You might regret what you are refusing hereafter.”
An Jing bowed and said, “Thank you for your deep affection, Your Majesty.”
“Everyone has their own aspirations, especially in matters of the heart. I wouldn’t want to force you if you’re unwilling,”
The Human Emperor looked deeply at An Jing, “Since you are so committed to Outer Heaven and Li Fuzhou, as long as you agree to one thing for me, pardoning Li Fuzhou is not impossible.”
As expected, the Human Emperor was using this as a bargaining chip, constantly testing his limits.
An Jing felt a bit weary, “Please speak, Your Majesty.”
……
The sunlight shone on the exquisite corner tower, casting fragments of golden light within the high walls, making the Imperial Palace appear mysterious and quiet.
Mu Xiaowan, accompanied by Eunuch Guang De, headed towards the Imperial Study Room.
Just then, a familiar figure appeared in front of them.
It was none other than the Imperial Guard with a sword, Xu Qianyue.
Xu Qianyue bowed to Mu Xiaowan, “This humble official greets the Imperial Concubine.”
“There’s no need for such formality, Master Xu.”
Mu Xiaowan gave a light laugh, then glanced at the young man in white beside her, her heart stirring slightly, her eyes filled with curiosity, “Who might this be?”
Looking at the direction, this young man apparently had come out from the Imperial Study Room.
Ever since the Human Emperor retreated into seclusion, he had sealed off the Imperial Study Room, and even she had only been there once.
An Jing laughed lightly, “It has only been a few months since we parted at Pingyang Marquis Mansion, has Your Highness really forgotten me?”
“It’s you!?”
Mu Xiaowan’s expression changed slightly, a chill rising in her heart.
The Ghost Swordsman!
The very swordsman who had once forged a deep friendship with Jiang Sanjia. Although she had known long ago that the Ghost Swordsman was very young, she had not expected him to be this young.
An Jing surveyed Mu Xiaowan, speaking complexly, “Your Highness is radiant, truly enviable.”
Mu Xiaowan’s eyes shimmered, “I have been well; it’s quite disappointing for you, isn’t it?”
An Jing glanced at the sky, “In this world, feelings are voluntary, and what’s done is past regret. As an outsider, I only feel it’s unworthy for Brother Sanjia.”
Mu Xiaowan, like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, coldly said, “Even if you want to kill me, so what? Even if you can defeat the Buddhist Vajra with a single strike, so what? But you cannot.”
An Jing shook his head with a smile, then strode off into the distance, “From now on, words fall on Jin Cheng, no man and no umbrella walk in the rain; perhaps that’s what you desire.”
From then on, words fell upon the golden city, and nobody with no umbrellas walked in the rain…
Upon hearing this, when Mu Xiaowan looked again at the departing figure of An Jing, her heart felt a sudden discomfort, as if his indifferent and carefree expression was mocking her.
Many things she thought she could forget by not thinking about them, as time passed, she later realized there were many things that couldn’t be forgotten, surging forth like a spring.
Such was the case, it seemed more painful than if she had been killed.
She would rather see that Ghost Swordsman hysterical, with eyes full of rage, than witness that pitiful look.
After a few moments, Mu Xiaowan managed to stabilize her emotions, and her chest stopped heaving violently.
Seeing this, the steward Guang De secretly shook his head.
Mu Xiaowan stepped forward, and soon she arrived at the entrance steps of the Imperial Study Room.
Her lotus steps followed one after another up the steps.
“Your Highness, please wait!”
At this moment, a guard reached out his hand to stop Mu Xiaowan.
Mu Xiaowan took a deep breath and said, “This palace seeks an audience with His Majesty.”
The guard indifferently said, “His Majesty is tired and asks Your Highness to return to Kunning Palace.”
Mu Xiaowan’s lips parted slightly, her face becoming somewhat pale, and she suddenly had a bad premonition.
The guard said, “Your Highness, please go back.”
“Then I will not disturb His Majesty.”
Mu Xiaowan looked back at steward Guang De, “This Imperial Buddha Jumps Wall has been simmering for a long time, let’s leave it here for His Majesty…”
The guard paused for a moment, seemingly receiving a transmission, then took the Buddha Jumps Wall from the hands of Guang De.
Mu Xiaowan slightly bowed to the Imperial Study Room, performed a courtesy, and turned to walk towards Kunning Palace.
The last time she requested an audience, she at least was able to enter the Imperial Study Room, but this time the Emperor directly refused to see her, the subtleties of which clearly showed his attitude towards her.
It was as different as heaven and earth.
In this Imperial Palace, the power of women is just what the Emperor grants, and once taken back, what are they really worth?
An Jing walked out of the Imperial Palace and saw Yu Qiurong standing under the budding branches of the willow tree.
“Son-in-law.”
Yu Qiurong quickly walked over, her heart slightly relieved, “How did the discussions go?”
Since An Jing had entered the Imperial Palace, her heart had been hanging by a thread, but now seeing him safe and sound, she finally relaxed.
“In three days, we will go to the Heavenly Prison to retrieve Sect Master Xiao.”
An Jing, looking at the dazzling sun, lightly laughed, “Moreover, from today onward, Yan Country can spread the teachings everywhere except for the Capital Road.”
“That’s truly wonderful.”
Yu Qiurong’s eyes sparkled when she heard this, unsure how to look at the man before her, as she felt an ease in her heart.
It seemed that any difficulty in front of him could easily be resolved.
This mission to Yan Country could be called a perfect success, not only did it bring the Demon Sect back into the open in Yan Country but also got the Emperor to release Li Fuzhou.
Yu Qiurong looked at An Jing, a smile curling at her lips, “Son-in-law, let’s go back and have a drink to celebrate.”
……
Inside the Imperial Study Room.
The Emperor looked ahead and said softly, “He is indeed very young, but his actions are steady and meticulous.”
Bai Mei, the eunuch, nodded and said, “A Second Qi Grandmaster of such an age is extremely rare in the historical records, but whether he can stand at the pinnacle in the future remains to be seen.”
Xiao Qianqiu’s prestige and power are due to the full support of the Zhenyi Sect, and he has always been cultivating in seclusion at Zhenyi Mountain, sparing him from many ill-intents.
Now the Demon Sect is declining, there’s not only the pressure from Houjin but also internal conflicts within the sect itself, making the environment quite unlike Xiao Qianqiu’s.
“Pity that he cannot be taken for our use.”
The Emperor said lightly, “And this sword is a double-edged one; improper handling at the end may cause harm to oneself.”
Bai Mei frowned slightly, then nodded.
Currently, the Buddhist sect appears stronger than the Demon Sect, yet the latter is harder for the Buddhist sect to control and poses a bigger threat.
The Emperor said, “Summon Liu Huiyun into the court for a minor position. Besides that, ask the Minister of Rites to treat An Jing well and incidentally build momentum for him.”
“Your servant understands.”
Bai Mei bent over in response.
“And there’s more…”
The Emperor glanced at the Buddha Jumps Wall on the table and said, “Yu Ying is becoming more and more presumptuous; now that the Buddhist sect has returned, it’s time to let him know who really owns this world.”
Bai Mei nodded, lightly laughing, “Yu Ying stands too tall, forgetting who enabled him to stand that high.”
Xiao Qianqiu’s rise was orchestrated by Yu Ying, along with speakings of the ‘Two Saints of Great Yan’ behind the scenes.
A saint in Jianghu, a saint in the imperial court.
This undoubtedly was a test for the Emperor; formerly, the Zhenyi Sect had dominated Jianghu alone, but now with the Buddhist and Demon Sects returning, it was no longer just about the Zhenyi Sect.
It was necessary to make it known that this kingdom belonged to Yan Country’s Royal Family, not to his Zhenyi Sect.
Yan Country belongs to the royal family; imitating the Black Ice Platform was basically impossible.
…..
Outside the city, at Ningxiang Pavilion.
Zhao Xuening was sitting at a table by the window, looking at the stream of people on the streets, lost in thought.
After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, a beautiful maid hurriedly approached.
“How did it go?”
Zhao Xuening saw the beautiful maid and quickly asked, “What did he say, did he agree?”
The beautiful maid hesitated, “Your Highness, I didn’t see An Tributor, only a few people from the Demon Sect…”
“What about them? Continue.”
Zhao Xuening’s voice suddenly deepened.
The maid trembled and hurriedly said, “This servant saw a few people from the Demon Sect eating the pastries made by Your Highness.”
At last, the maid lowered her head.
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She was very aware that those pastries were carefully prepared by Zhao Xuening every day, with much effort put into them.
Zhao Xuening was slightly taken aback, then clenched her fists tightly, saying angrily, “How dare they? How dare they?”
The old maid beside her seemed to have something to say, but ultimately, she hesitated to speak.
Zhao Xuening looked toward the old maid and said, “Maid, if you have something to say, just say it.”
The old maid sighed and said, “Princess, that An Jing is the husband of the Demon Sect’s Sect Hierarch…”
It had to be said that the Demon Sect’s Tributor was indeed excellent. In his early twenties, he was already one of the top Great Sword Immortals in the world, and now some even called him ‘The World’s First Swordsman,’ and his appearance was also exceptional.
Ordinary young people paled in comparison when standing next to him. It was only natural for Princess An Le to like such a heroic figure, but unfortunately, this An Jing was already married, and his wife was none other than the Sect Hierarch of the Demon Sect. Competing with the Sect Hierarch for a man was indeed a challenge.
“I know.”
Zhao Xuening slightly furrowed her nose, unconvinced, “So what if she is the Demon Sect’s Sect Hierarch? I am still the Princess of Yan Country. Life is not long, only over thirty thousand days in a lifetime. It’s rare to meet someone I like.”
When one finally meets someone they like, why not contend for a chance?
There are some things one must try, or else there will always be some regrets in their heart.
The old maid sighed softly, “What the Princess said is not wrong, but this old servant sees that An Jing does not show any initiative, I fear he may disappoint your kind intentions.”
Whether a man likes a woman or not is something that can be discerned.
“He just doesn’t understand me.”
Zhao Xuening confidently said, “I believe that if I persist, eventually the iron stick will be ground to a needle.”
The beautiful maid heard this, deep in thought, and hastily nodded.
Zhao Xuening narrowed her eyes and asked, “Lü’e, what does your nod mean?”
…
On the Northern Wilderness Road, You Mountain.
The waterfall in the distance, surrounded by mountains, with swirling martial clouds, was both shadowy and visible.
Below the waterfall, an adult man in a green shirt inhaled deeply amidst the magnificent scene, his eyes filled with intoxication, “Half the mountain in rain, half in clear skies, how much is hazy, how much is distinct, where does the cloud-covered fog eventually go, bit by bit it enters the heart.”
This person was none other than Pavilion Master Qi Yuan of the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion, with the Pavilion’s Tributor, You Shanshui, beside him.
You Shanshui asked, “Pavilion Master, where should we go now?”
Ever since the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion became a taboo of Yan Country, they had gone underground, and they had become homeless ghosts, often wandering without a fixed abode.
“The Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion was initially established not only to earn silver coins but also to recruit Jianghu experts to serve us. Now that we’ve gone underground, its role has diminished significantly.”
After pondering for a moment, Qi Yuan said, “Let’s go to Yujing City, the Second Prince needs me more by his side.”
As the earliest strategist of the Second Prince, he was well aware of his lord’s character; ambitious and capable, decisive and ruthless, but also far-sighted. Yet, he also had some shortcomings, liking the thrill of riches against dangers, risking small to win big.
It is a strength during desperate times, but sometimes, it becomes a lethal drawback.
As a leader, how can one frequently gamble with their life?
Especially as the situation becomes more and more intricate and unpredictable, a slight mistake might result in total loss.
Is the Human Emperor seriously injured? If so, the battle for supremacy might soon be on the agenda, but if not, what plans does the Human Emperor have?
With the Demon Sect, the Buddhist, and many other forces in Yujing City, the attitude of Zhao Mengtai toward these forces is also worth deliberating.
Just as You Shanshui was about to speak, he suddenly felt a chill in his heart and shouted, “Who is it?”
Its sound resembled a great bell, resonating clearly even amid the thunderous roar of a waterfall.
“Worthy of being called the ‘Swallow Shuttle,’ one could hear my breathing even under such rumbling of the waterfall.”
A laugh sounded, and a middle-aged man dressed in black and white clothes emerged.
You Shanshui coldly said, “Who are you? What sneaky business brings you here?”
The corners of the middle-aged man’s mouth twitched as he said, “My surname is Zeng, and I have specifically come here today to send you on your way.”
Qi Yuan’s brows furrowed tightly, a chill running through his heart.
His movements were mysterious; even the Heaven and Earth Net hadn’t been able to locate him. How had this man found him—could it be through the Demon Sect?
“Pavilion master, you go first. This person is a master.”
You Shanshui transmitted his voice while coldly declaring, “We shall see your skills then.”
After speaking, You Shanshui’s inner strength surged, and he conjured a tremendous suction in his hands. The waterfall seemed to be drawn towards him, forming a water sphere with a diameter of about fifteen feet.
“Take this!”
You Shanshui bellowed, and the huge water sphere charged toward the man in front.
“Child’s play. Why bother showing off familiar tricks?”
The middle-aged man sneered and pointed forward.
“Bang!”
True qi burst forth from his fingertips, transforming into a rainbow of light that directly struck the water sphere, instantly causing it to burst and turn into a scattered rain.
“A grandmaster!?”
You Shanshui was astonished, not expecting this sudden opponent to possess master cultivation.
At that instant, another rainbow of true qi surged forward.
“Bang!”
This beam of true qi directly struck You Shanshui’s body. How could he, a mere First Grade, withstand it? He instantly vaporized into a cloud of blood mist mixed with water droplets that sprinkled onto the ground.
Qi Yuan glanced at the crimson on the ground, his grief fleeting, for there was no time to mourn You Shanshui.
“You are Qi Bangyan from the seventeenth year of Li Ping, aren’t you?”
The middle-aged man looked at Qi Yuan and smiled, “The imperial examination of Li Ping’s seventeenth year indeed produced many talents; first, Li Fuzhou who killed Tang Taiyuan, then Li Qirong who set up the ambush that slaughtered two hundred thousand troops.”
Qi Yuan sighed, “Compared to them, I am insignificant.”
The middle-aged man shook his head, “In just over a decade, to have developed the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion to such an extent, you are truly gifted. It’s a shame you followed the wrong master.”
“I can offer you a chance to live, would you consider it, Qi Bangyan?”
Qi Yuan glanced around calmly, “This place with its clear mountains and waters is indeed a good place to lay one’s bones.”
A sigh emerged in his heart, pitying that his great endeavor was unfulfilled.
The middle-aged man was silent for a while, then said regretfully, “It’s time to say goodbye to this beautiful world.”
About three breaths later, the middle-aged man’s figure flashed in front of Qi Yuan.
“Swoosh!”
A flash of cold light struck down, and a headless corpse fell into the lake and drifted away with the current.
Subsequently, the man, carrying Qi Yuan’s head, strode towards the distance.
…….
Two days later, at Yuhua Separate Courtyard, the moon was bright, and the stars were sparse, the night as dark as ink.
Zhao Chongyin stood on the Observatory, gazing at the vast expanse of stars above.
“It seems, Your Highness, that you are in quite a good mood today.”
At that moment, an old man with a head full of white hair carrying a wine jug approached.
Zhao Chongyin turned and smiled, “Old Su, what makes you say that?”
Old Su indifferently said, “In three years, you’ve come to this Observatory only twice, once when the Human Emperor was in seclusion and once today.”
Zhao Chongyin narrowed his eyes and said nothing, disliking the feeling of being understood.
Old Su waved his hand, “Rest assured, I have no interest in probing your inner thoughts, just here for a drink and some autumn wind.”
Zhao Chongyin laughed and said, “Indeed, I am very pleased today, as the Demon Sect has renounced the National Teaching Order. This National Teaching Order has been obtained by the Buddhist, meaning Great Yan will soon have two major national religions.”
Having two national religions might seem absurd, but for the Crown Prince and the Human Emperor, it was a good thing.
Emperors most favor the path of balance; with Buddhism becoming a national religion, the scenario of Zhenyi Sect’s dominance would disintegrate, which overall strengthened the martial power in the Yan Country’s Jianghu.
For the Crown Prince, it was even better news. The Zhenyi Sect was inherently hostile towards him, and a rift between the national religion and the Crown Prince was indeed a serious matter. It was precisely this, coupled with Zhenyi Sect’s secret coordination with Zhao Mengtai, that made Zhao Mengtai’s influence increasingly arrogant.
Old Su took a big sip of wine and said, “Then I’ll toast to Your Highness in advance.”
“A toast to what?”
Zhao Chongyin shook his head, “My father’s health is uncertain, what is there for me to celebrate?”
Since the political upheaval at the Heavenly Book Pavilion forty years ago, the current Taiping Human Emperor had been in power for forty-one years.
How many forty-one years are there in a human life?
This Martial Arts Emperor was a martial arts prodigy and, combined with great determination and the resources of the Yan royal family, now stood at the pinnacle of martial arts.
He was just one step away from joining the ranks of the demi-immortals.
To become a demi-immortal would mean adding three hundred years to his lifespan.
Does this not mean his father could rule for at least another three hundred years?
Three hundred years, what a terrifying number it was. By then, he would have become a handful of yellow earth, while his father would still be ruling over this world, overlooking humanity.
As a Crown Prince, how complex must his feelings be?
Old Su, hugging the wine jug, clucked his tongue, “Your father truly is a prodigy among men, also one of great determination. Unlike me, if not for the shade cast by my forebears, I might now be an inconspicuous wine seller on the streets.”
Zhao Chongyin pondered for a while, unable to refrain from voicing a secret that had been hidden in his heart, “Old Su, what do you think are the chances of my father ascending to demi-immortality?”
Was his father truly on the verge of breaking through the shackles and suffering a heavy blow, or had he already attained the realm of a demi-immortal?
“I’m not sure, but the chances are probably not great.”
Old Su shook his head, “Reaching the realm of demi-immortal is extremely difficult, but there are always some extraordinary talents who defy common understanding, like Xiao Qianqiu and the Sect Hierarch An Jing, among others. As for your father, his rare appearances have left few aware of his true strength.”
Zhao Chongyin, upon hearing this, was just about to continue his inquiry when he saw a figure approaching from the darkness of the night.
Bai Jing stepped forward, her expression somewhat grave, “Your Highness, there is important intelligence to report.”
Zhao Chongyin said indifferently, “Speak.”
Bai Jing said, “Qi Yuan is dead.”
Zhao Chongyin, upon hearing this, was somewhat surprised, “Dead!? How was he captured?”
As the Pavilion Master of the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion, Qi Yuan was well-known to him — having been the second-highest scholar from the 17th year of Li Ping’s reign, and unlike the Li twins, this man was not only intelligent but also extremely cautious and careful.
Moreover, there must have been experts from the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion by his side; the Xuanyi Guard would have needed to dispatch at least a dozen members of the Great Heavenly Gang, otherwise, there was hardly any chance to take him down.
The great forces of the Xuanyi Guard had all gathered in Yujing City; there simply wasn’t time to capture Qi Yuan.
Bai Jing said gravely, “The day before yesterday in the afternoon, his head was placed at the Xuanyi Guard’s base in You City.”
“You mean someone deliberately did it?”
Zhao Chongyin’s tone became slightly elevated as his mind raced.
Bai Jing said, “Exactly, I don’t know who did us a big favor.”
The Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion was Zhao Mengtai’s eyes in Jianghu; now that the Pavilion Master was eliminated, it undoubtedly severed one of Zhao Mengtai’s arms.
“No.”
Zhao Chongyin said, “A cornered dog will leap over a wall, and a cornered rabbit will bite; this is not necessarily a good thing.”
In an instant, Zhao Chongyin felt there was something more to this matter.
Who would ‘kindly’ help him remove the head of the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion?
In this world, how could there possibly be such kind-hearted people?
Now, Zhao Chongyin was somewhat anxious, considering the Human Emperor above him; but switching perspectives, Zhao Mengtai was undeniably even more anxious, as he had two additional people above him.
The prestige of the Crown Prince, as the heir, would only grow with time.
If the Human Emperor truly became ill, then Zhao Chongyin would naturally be the next in line; and if Zhao Chongyin were to ascend the throne, what would be his first action?
Of course, it would be to eliminate rivals and clear obstacles.
And what these rivals and obstacles were, both Zhao Chongyin and Zhao Mengtai knew well.
Now that Zhao Mengtai had lost an arm, would his already impatient heart grow even more restless? He would certainly suspect that Zhao Chongyin was moving against him, beginning to eliminate his followers, and given Zhao Mengtai’s temperament, what else might he do?
Suddenly, Zhao Chongyin had a clear train of thought.
“Someone wants to stir up this water.”
Zhao Chongyin took a deep breath, “It seems like they are helping me, but in reality, they are forcing Zhao Mengtai. From today onwards, keep a close watch on Zhao Mengtai, you must.”
Right now, Yan Country cannot afford chaos; once chaos ensues, it would give Zhao Country and Houjin an opportunity, and in a collapsed nest, there are no intact eggs; all claims to the throne would become void, and they would become prisoners of another country.
That’s the reason why Zhao Chongyin has been enduring Zhao Mengtai’s actions.
“I understand; there’s another matter to report to the Crown Prince.”
Bai Jing nodded solemnly, then pulled out a sheet of white paper from his sleeve and said, “This contains the information that the Crown Prince asked me to gather on Zhao Qingmei, not only about her being taken as an apprentice by the Demon Sect but also about her previous life in Yu State City.”
Zhao Chongyin took the white paper and read it carefully; then his expression subtly changed, “Who found this out?”
Bai Jing thought for a moment and said, “Two spies from ‘Heaven and Earth Net’ with the rank of ‘Second Qi’.”
“Go now and silence the two of them,” Zhao Chongyin said, his tone suddenly turning ice-cold, before clenching his palm, turning the white paper into powder in an instant.
