My Wife Is The Leader Of A Demonic Cult-Chapter 245 - : A Sudden Murderous Intent in the Teahouse
Chapter 245: Chapter 245: A Sudden Murderous Intent in the Teahouse
New novel 𝓬hapters are published on ƒreewebɳovel.com.
White Pavilion Manor.
The elegant pavilions and towers of the estate, the quiet and beautiful pools and water corridors, all spoke of indescribable extravagance and elegance.
At this moment, around the pavilion stood dozens of beautiful maids, each holding a lantern in their palms, illuminating the entire surrounding area brightly.
In the pavilion, Zhao Mengtai, dressed in a black long robe, sat on a stone chair with a four- or five-year-old child in his arms.
The child was plump and fair-skinned, especially his cheeks which, due to a bit of chubbiness, made his eyes appear as small as beans, yet they twinkled with light.
This was none other than Zhao Mengtai’s youngest son, Zhao Yunfan.
...
Zhao Mengtai feigned seriousness, “Little Fan, have you recently annoyed Master Yue?”
Zhao Yunfan blinked his large eyes, “No, Master Yue even praised me as clever and quick-witted, saying I will surely achieve greatness.”
The woman in palace attire by the side heard this and said with irritation, “Master Yue was so annoyed by you, those were words spoken in anger.”
Zhao Yunfan immediately protested, “Mother, you’re talking nonsense, Master Yue said that of all his students, he likes me the most.”
The woman in palace attire tapped Zhao Yunfan’s head and thought to herself: Your father is Zhao Mengtai, how could he not like you?
Zhao Mengtai raised his eyebrows and said, “Then let father test how well you’ve memorized the poetry.”
Zhao Yunfan, unafraid, responded, “Alright, alright, just go ahead and test me.”
The woman in palace attire showed a look of concern, “Your Highness…”
“It’s fine.”
Zhao Mengtai waved his hand and looked at Zhao Yunfan, “Then let’s start with the simplest one, I’ll say the first line, and you say the next line, ‘In front of West Side Mountain, white egrets fly.'”
“I know this one.”
Zhao Yunfan chuckled and immediately said aloud, “On the edge of East River Village, a turtle climbs.”
Zhao Mengtai’s eyebrows twisted upon hearing this.
The woman in palace attire also turned pale.
The several maids around bit their lips hard, struggling to hold back their laughter.
‘In front of West Side Mountain, white egrets fly, on the edge of East River Village, a turtle climbs…’ it did have a certain flow to it.
Zhao Yunfan, seeing his mother winking and gesturing at him, seemed to realize that he might have said something wrong, and felt disheartened.
Zhao Mengtai took a deep breath and continued, “‘Startled he sits up in his sickness bed.’
Zhao Yunfan scratched his head in thought, then timidly said, “‘Smiling, he asks the guest from where he comes?'”
The entire pavilion instantly fell silent, as if something eerie was afoot.
“Good, very good.”
Zhao Mengtai, now furious yet smiling, said, “It seems you have indeed ‘been diligent’ in your studies.”
Zhao Yunfan breathed a sigh of relief and said with grievance, “I have been reading under the lamplight nightly, to the point my head often feels swollen, glad I haven’t disappointed father’s earnest hopes.”
“I’ll wake you up properly now.”
Zhao Mengtai grabbed Zhao Yunfan and lifted his clothes, then started to smack his bottom vigorously.
“Smack!”
“Smack!”
“Father, you need to… wuwu”
…
The clear sound of slaps mixed with the wails of the naughty child echoed throughout the pavilion.
The woman in palace attire wanted to intercede, but dared not speak up, and could only turn her head away helplessly.
After what seemed like dozens of moments, Zhao Mengtai felt he had finally relieved his anger and then said, “Go back and study.”
“I understand.”
“Let’s go, hurry back with your mother and study.”
Zhao Yunfan, tears in the corners of his eyes, followed behind his mother as they walked into the distance.
Zhao Mengtai watched the receding figures of the mother and son, “Truly a case of ‘spare the rod, spoil the child.'”
At today’s imperial court meeting, Imperial Censor Zhang Wen accused Fang Shaohan of selling official positions and abusing his authority. He then produced an abundance of evidence, which created a tide of shock in the hall of government.
Based on the evidence presented, Fang Shaohan, the Minister of Revenue, is now to be tried by the Joint Tribunal of the Three Departments.
It should be noted that Fang Shaohan is the Minister of Revenue, and the questioning of a minister in the government implies a seismic event. What does this mean exactly?
Furthermore, among the evidence was the charge that Fang Shaohan colluded with the Ma Family of the Beihuang Dao to sell iron mines to Houjin, an accusation that left everyone dumbfounded and massively shocked.
If the evidence is verified, it would mean more than just losing one’s head—it would not be an exaggeration for his entire family to be executed.
Everyone felt a shiver in their hearts, a feeling like being chilled to the bone.
They knew Fang Shaohan was finished. The ministers who were close to him were all silent as cicadas in winter, their legs trembling as they walked.
When the water is too clear, there are no fish; when the scrutiny is too thorough, there are no followers.
In the entire hall of government, not a single person dared to guarantee their own innocence, especially certain eunuchs.
Zhao Mengtai, however, was on alert and began to ponder in secret.
Others may not know who was behind Fang Shaohan, but he was very clear about it.
Behind Fang Shaohan were indeed the Zhenyi Sect and the Five Poison Sect. Now that Fang Shaohan was thoroughly investigated, the implication was clear—his father, the Emperor, was planning to take action against the Zhenyi Sect, or at the very least, serve as a warning to them.
But for Zhao Mengtai, this was undoubtedly good news.
With the Zhenyi Sect’s influence removed from the court, and the return of the Buddhist and Demon Sects to the martial world, the immense pressure would make them value the cooperation with him even more.
Zhao Mengtai felt that his own situation was not too bad after all; at the very least, he still had a chance to play the game.
The night was like a thick fog that couldn’t disperse, and in the silence, a figure appeared behind Zhao Mengtai.
That person said indifferently, “Second Prince, I have some bad news for you.”
Zhao Mengtai frowned and asked, “Bad news?”
The person replied, “Qi Yuan is dead.”
“What!?”
Hearing this, Zhao Mengtai felt his heart tremble.
Who was Qi Yuan?
Qi Yuan was his trusted aide of over a decade, not just a subordinate, but someone like a confidant and good friend. In the past, the two had discussed domination and the future together.
They often ate at the same table and shared the same covers, their camaraderie even closer than with his own royal siblings.
Qi Yuan once joked whether the Second Prince would become a cold and heartless emperor if he ascended the throne.
Zhao Mengtai replied in jest that he would award Qi Yuan ten tokens of immunity from death—this was, in truth, his sincere intention; whether it would change in the future, he didn’t know, but at that moment, he was sincere.
In the cold and calculating imperial family, such camaraderie is rarely seen, but Zhao Mengtai valued friendships highly, including those with Zhao Xuening, Qi Yuan, and his own wives and children.
It took about dozens of breaths for Zhao Mengtai to regain his composure. He asked, “How did he die?”
The voice was slightly cold, “It’s not clear who killed him, but his head was brought in by the Xuanyi Guard.”
“Zhao Chongyin?”
Zhao Mengtai narrowed his eyes, his mind racing with thoughts.
Zhao Chongyin was stable, calm, calculating, and good at biding his time. If he were to act against him, it would certainly be with the force of a thunderclap, not giving him any chance to catch his breath.
Yet there were no rumors at all from the court, revealing a trace of strangeness.
“Isn’t it normal for him to act against you?”
The person sneered, “After all, to him, you are an unstable element.”
Zhao Mengtai felt an even deeper chill in his heart. Qi Yuan’s death was undoubtedly a stark wake-up call for him.
Zhao Chongyin would sooner or later act against him, openly or covertly. If he continued to wait, he would only be at the mercy of others.
The person continued, “The Buddhist sect has now obtained the National Teaching Order, and the Crown Prince’s power is established. Moreover, according to previous information, the Buddhist sect and the Demon Sect seem to have formed an alliance in secret. With the Buddhist sect supporting the Crown Prince Zhao Chongyin, the Demon Sect would naturally side with them. I fear that the Second Prince is in an extremely passive position…”
Zhao Mengtai had planned from the beginning to win over and befriend the Demon Sect, but judging from An Jing’s attitude, he knew that this person was not as easy to sway as Jiang Renyi.
Especially since the Demon Sect had ‘returned’ the National Teaching Order to the Buddhist sect, which clearly showed their stance.
Zhao Mengtai clenched his fists slightly, then relaxed them, and said in a low voice, “A lifetime is too long, only the immediate matters. In great endeavors, you either succeed grandly or fail miserably; there is never a middle path.”
The person nodded slightly, “If you could secure the support of the Zhenyi Sect, what would it matter even if the Demon and Buddhist sects both stand against you?”
“The Human Emperor is presently in the most favorable condition. Think carefully about it,”
After speaking, that person once again vanished into the night, as if they had never appeared.
Zhao Mengtai pondered for a long time, then uttered curtly, “Someone come.”
As his voice fell, a silhouette slowly emerged before him – it was Mo Yan.
Zhao Mengtai instructed, “Go and tell Hao Lao that the plan remains unchanged.”
“Yes.”
Mo Yan gave a deep bow, then walked away along the cobblestone path towards the courtyard exit.
Zhao Mengtai murmured softly, “What significance does a person hold in the face of fate? One can only follow the tide and act in accordance with heaven and the people.”
…….
The next day.
Heavenly Prison, Ninth Layer.
The dark and damp Heavenly Prison was eerily silent, like stagnant water without a ripple or wave.
As usual, Li Fuzhou got up and washed up, just like every other day.
Opposite him, Zhu Qiu was still lying on the bed. Seeing Li Fuzhou rise as usual, he couldn’t help saying, “Scholar, why are you up so early today? Couldn’t be that you’re up early to read?”
Li Fuzhou smiled, “No, I’ll have a good chat with you in a bit.”
Zhu Qiu raised an eyebrow, “Have a chat with me?”
Having interacted for several months, he could sense that the Li Fuzhou in front of him was not one to talk much, and except when he was coaxed into conversation, he hardly ever engaged in extended exchanges. Today, however, he was willing to have a chat with him?
Li Fuzhou said pensively, “Because I might be leaving this place very soon.”
According to timing, the struggle between the Buddhist and Outer Heaven should have concluded, but no one had come to ‘persuade him to surrender’. As for the reasons, Li Fuzhou could guess upon reflection.
There was only one possibility: something had gone wrong with the persuasion.
“Leave?”
Zhu Qiu burst out laughing upon hearing this, “Have you turned simple-minded from all that reading, thinking you could leave?”
What place was Heavenly Prison, where most who entered were confined for life, yet this scholar was thinking of getting out.
“If I’m not mistaken.”
Li Fuzhou smiled without saying a word.
Zhu Qiu shook his head, “You might as well stay here honestly, and keep me company each day by singing the Ballad of the Iron Window to pass the time.”
The Ballad of the Iron Window was a song Zhu Qiu adapted from the folk tunes of the Southern Barbarians, which he hummed whenever he felt depressed. His favorite activity was tirelessly teaching others to sing this song.
“Li Fuzhou.”
At that moment, a man dressed in black walked out slowly and said flatly, “Heavenly Prison has been established for three hundred and twenty years, and you are the seventh person to be released. Now, you can go.”
The whole Heavenly Prison went quiet, with Zhu Qiu widening his eyes in shock.
Crash!
The few remaining cells all turned to look, their eyes filled with a tinge of envy.
“Click!”
The cell door was then opened. Li Fuzhou stepped out slowly, looking back at Zhu Qiu in the cell, “I may not be able to sing the Ballad of the Iron Window with you anymore, Old Zhu.”
With that, he walked out of the Heavenly Prison while Zhu Qiu looked on in stunned silence. “Someone on the outside pulled strings for him?”
Following the same route on his return, he passed through the Eighth Layer, the Seventh Layer… until he reached the deserted First Layer.
As the imprisoning gate opened, Li Fuzhou stepped out. The long-missed sunlight shone down, making his eyes slightly sting.
Just a few short months felt to him like many years had passed, almost like waking from a dream.
“Fuzhou.”
Just then, a sudden voice called out.
Looking towards the sound, Li Fuzhou saw Liu Huiyun standing under a tree. Behind her were An Jing, Yu Qiurong, and other Demon Sect experts.
Li Fuzhou nodded to Liu Huiyun, then bowed to An Jing, “Congratulations, son-in-law. It seems you ultimately bested that Number One Vajra of the Buddhist sects.”
Liu Huiyun laughed and said, “Now, An Tributor is recognized as the world’s first swordsman, with Lin Yiyang only ranking second.”
Ever since An Jing defeated Exalted Vajra, tales of the event have bubbled and boiled over across the land, and this time, he has completely surpassed Lin Yiyang in fame, becoming the swordsman known as the world’s number one.
Not long ago, Lin Yiyang was still the one people referred to as the world’s first swordsman; now, in such a short period, there has been a changing of the guard.
Some even say that An Jing must now have surpassed the Sword Demon and Sword God, Lou Xiangzhen and others. There are those who claim his current accomplishments are already above these swordsmen.
Overall, most people believe that An Jing has truly earned the title of the world’s number one swordsman.
Being the world’s first swordsman in his early twenties is terrifying, astonishing, and it makes one wonder just how formidable he may become in the future.
Li Fuzhou couldn’t help but secretly think: Back then in Yu State City, I was deceived by this young doctor; I had such a terrifying swordsman by my side and didn’t even know it.
An Jing chuckled and said, “This part of Heavenly Prison couldn’t hold the Third Master.”
What the Demon Sect now lacks the most are experts, especially ones like Li Fuzhou, capable and strong. For the Demon Sect, this is undoubtedly good news.
Li Fuzhou also turned his head to look in the direction of the Imperial Palace, deep in thought.
From a distance, two figures approached, namely Lv Fang and his son.
“It seems I’ve not come too late.”
Lv Fang looked at Li Fuzhou and said, “Now you have not only escaped from Heavenly Prison but also rid yourself of the taboo shackles of Outer Heaven. From now on, you can travel unrestricted throughout Yan Country.”
For many experts of the Demon Sect, the liberation from the word ‘taboo’ is indeed great news.
Li Fuzhou took a deep breath and nodded, “Truly a cause for great joy.”
The Demon Sect has nonviolently and righteously infiltrated Yan Country, and its future development won’t be hampered—after all, rootless water is bound to run dry one day.
Lv Fang said, “Father knew you were getting out today and has been waiting for quite some time.”
Li Fuzhou nodded slightly and said to An Jing, “I’ll visit the teacher first, then meet up with you at the hostel.”
“Go ahead.”
An Jing knew that this teacher and student had a lot to talk about, concerning the past, the present, and especially the future.
Li Fuzhou then turned to Liu Huiyun at his side and said, “Huiyun, come with me.”
Liu Huiyun, upon hearing this, didn’t refuse and simply responded, “Alright.”
After that, Li Fuzhou and Liu Huiyun followed Lv Fang and the others towards the Lv Mansion.
An Jing smiled and said, “Let’s also head back, pack up simply; we’ll be returning in a few days too.”
Yu Qiurong, upon hearing this, couldn’t help but reveal a hint of a smile.
Even though Yujing City was a place of beautiful flowers and pleasant warm weather, she still preferred the harsh cold and sandstorm-covered skies of Dongluo Pass.
The group made their way to the hostel.
The Heavenly Prison was in the outer city, as was the hostel, although one was in the west and the other in the east. They had to cross through the busiest crossroads in the city to return to the hostel.
The streets were bustling with people coming and going, clamorous and lively, with vendors’ cries echoing endlessly.
Suddenly, An Jing’s steps faltered slightly.
Yu Qiurong asked, “Son-in-law, what’s the matter?”
An Jing didn’t speak but instead looked ahead at the woman dressed in white.
That woman was none other than Bai Jing.
With a smile, she said, “The Crown Prince wishes to see you.”
An Jing asked, “Where?”
Bai Jing pointed towards a quiet teahouse and said, “Just inside this teahouse.”
…..
In the Lv Mansion, the sitting room.
Lv Guoyong was sitting in the seat of honor, dozing off. Only when he heard footsteps did he open his eyes and saw the familiar figure before him.
Li Fuzhou respectfully performed a grand salute and said, “Teacher.”
Lv Guoyong looked at his disciple before him and said, “You look the same as you did a few months ago; it seems the Human Emperor hasn’t mistreated you.”
Li Fuzhou said, “The teacher has been worried for me. Had it not been for your intervention, I may have already died on the Eight Feet Platform.”
“No.”
Lu Guoyong waved his hand and said, “In fact, His Majesty had long plotted everything. Even if I hadn’t shown up on the Eight Feet Platform, I think he wouldn’t have killed you.”
Li Fuzhou raised an eyebrow, “Plotted everything?”
Lu Guoyong spoke solemnly, “The Buddhist eastward transmission was one of his moves, and uniting with Outer Heaven to confront Houjin was another. This chess move had been arranged long ago.”
Li Fuzhou’s eyes showed confusion, but his heart sank.
“The simplest is the issue of Houjin’s resources.”
Lu Guoyong said, “Houjin sits on the grasslands where resources are scarce; they need iron mines. However, completely cutting off such a resource is extremely difficult. Dongluo Pass, with its flourishing trade, also boasts plentiful resources. If they were to buy iron ore from Dongluo Pass, they would become dependent on it. Over time, this would only bring Houjin closer to Outer Heaven. Since such materials cannot be entirely cut off, it’s better to let go; this instead gives Houjin the false impression that Yan Country is corrupt and weak in power.”
“Besides this, he has other arrangements. I believe you should be clearer about them than I am.”
Li Fuzhou pondered for a moment and then said, “The Golden Eagle Banner of Houjin that appeared near Dongluo Pass last year wasn’t the actual Golden Eagle Banner?”
Last year, Houjin troops were often spotted around Dongluo Pass, causing the people of the Demon Sect to be terribly alarmed…
Lu Guoyong said, “Whether it was true or false is unclear. I’ll remind you of something: the death of Chen Kang, the son of the Golden Eagle Banner’s leader, was actually part of the plan (Chapter 133).”
“The original plan was going smoothly, but was interrupted by the sudden appearance of Jiang Shang, resulting in the change of the Sect Hierarch of the Demon Sect, which led to some unexpected events. Fortunately, things later returned to normal.”
Hearing Lu Guoyong’s words, Li Fuzhou’s frown deepened.
When he thought carefully about the one who sat high in the Imperial Palace, it was indeed typical for him to plan before acting, and it was normal for him to have already taken precautions against Houjin.
“The teacher knows all this…”
“These are my speculations.”
Lu Guoyong’s eyes gleamed as he said, “I only know bits and pieces about the Human Emperor’s schemes, and as to whether he has broken through his shackles, I can’t guess. It might be bait for fishing or perhaps he has truly been heavily injured. Whether true or false, it will shake the overall situation of the world.”
“Emperors are heartless, fond of balancing power and intrigue. Every emperor is no exception; in their eyes, lives are just numbers, like mountains, rivers, and lands are just a way for them to showcase their sovereignty.”
Having said this, Lu Guoyong stood up and walked over to Li Fuzhou.
“Yujing City is a place of ever-changing winds and clouds. Those standing at the top can’t avoid being affected, and neither can pawns in a game of chess. But even as a pawn, one must consider carefully whose pawn to be. With His Majesty in power, even for a moment, the world remains His Majesty’s. Remember, do not get involved in that so-called struggle for succession, lest you bring great calamity upon yourself.”
Li Fuzhou nodded slightly, then nodded seriously in agreement.
Lu Guoyong was reminding him, cautioning the Demon Sect to be wary of the Great Yan Emperor’s plots, for one wrong move could be disastrous.
……
At the entrance of a private room in a restaurant.
“Hint: A black opportunity is near the host.”
An Jing sensed the black radiance from the Earth Book and couldn’t help but pause in his steps.
“An Tributor?”
Bai Jing, seeing this, couldn’t help but express her confusion.
“It’s nothing.”
An Jing appeared calm and composed, “Qiurong, you go back first.”
“Yes.”
Yu Qiurong, though somewhat puzzled, still followed An Jing’s instructions.
Watching Yu Qiurong leave, An Jing entered directly. The room was ornately decorated, bearing the charm of antiquity, and a faint tantalizing aroma of tea lingered in the air, refreshing the spirit.
Zhao Chongyin was sitting at the head of the private room, pouring tea.
Aside from him, there was only the white-haired elder who often followed behind him.
An Jing saluted, “I pay my respects to Your Highness the Crown Prince.”
Zhao Chongyin smiled, “An Tributor, please, no need for formalities. Have a seat.”
An Jing brushed his sleeve robe and sat down, speaking calmly, “Your Highness truly has elegant tastes.”
Zhao Chongyin put down his teapot and turned to An Jing, “Actually, I don’t really like tea. I’m here in this tea house today solely to wait for you.”
An Jing glanced at the elder and said, “For His Highness to wait specifically for me, I am truly flattered.”
The black radiance was emanating from the elder, indicating that the man could potentially kill him, and might also have the intention to do so.
It suggested that the elder had at least a Four Qi cultivation. Who could he be!?
Today, the Crown Prince is likely up to no good, but now that the Demon Sect has already given the National Teaching Order to the Buddhist sect, why has the Crown Prince developed a murderous intent towards him?
In an instant, An Jing’s brain began to work at high speed, delving into deep thought.
The elder, too, glanced at An Jing, his face devoid of any expression, like an ancient well.
“To meet the world’s foremost swordsman, a little wait is only proper,” he said.
Zhao Chongyin swept his sleeve, and the teacup went flying towards An Jing’s desk, “Please.”
An Jing glanced at the teacup, “Thank you, Your Highness.”
Zhao Chongyin asked, “Why don’t you drink?”
“Actually, I don’t like to drink tea. I come from the Jianghu and prefer to drink alcohol.”
An Jing smiled, “I think Your Highness didn’t ask me here just to offer me tea, so whether I drink it or not isn’t important.”
Zhao Chongyin’s hand holding the teacup paused, “Since An Tributor is a clever man, then I’ll cut to the chase.”
As Zhao Chongyin’s words fell, the surroundings suddenly became quiet.
Outside the window, the hustle and bustle of carriages and horses continued unabated, but it seemed as if there was a complete barrier between them and the private room.
Zhao Chongyin’s gaze settled on An Jing, “Although Outer Heaven may not be the national religion for the moment, I can guarantee that it will be in the future. I can even assure you a status above Zhenyi and the Buddhist sect.”
“As long as Outer Heaven is willing to join forces and stand by my side.”
Processing swiftly, An Jing said, “Your Highness’s words leave me somewhat confused. If Outer Heaven becomes part of Yan Country’s religious factions, naturally it would share in Yan Country’s fortunes and misfortunes.”
A sharp glint appeared in Zhao Chongyin’s eyes, “There’s no need to play dumb, my point is to stand by my side, not Yan Country’s.”
He was being forced to take sides!
With a grave face, An Jing said, “Your Highness speaks of matters of great importance. I am merely a tributor of the Demon Sect, and I fear it’s difficult to decide on my own.”
Zhao Chongyin frowned. What was An Jing’s status? Although he was a tributor of the Demon Sect, his wife was the Sect Hierarch of the Demon Sect. His strength and position were sufficient to influence the Demon Sect’s stance.
“What exactly does Your Excellency desire? Power? Status? Benefits?”
A subtle and silent killing intent began to spread, and An Jing seemed to sense something, but his face remained calm, “Your Highness is overthinking it. I simply wish to live a simple life.”
The elder had not moved from the beginning to the end, but he gave An Jing a feeling as heavy as a mountain.
“Hahaha.”
Zhao Chongyin burst out laughing upon hearing this, “A Great Sword Immortal who defeated the Exalted Vajra wishes only to live a simple life?”
An Jing shook his head, “Beneath the overwhelming torrents of fate, a person is but a speck in the vast ocean, pushed along by the currents. Ahead there may be smooth roads or it could be an abyss.”
Zhao Chongyin lifted the teacup and took a small sip, “To follow the general trend is to certainly fall into the abyss. An Tributor should be cautious.”
His words seemed like a reminder, and at the same time more like a warning, but upon closer listening, they felt like a threat.
An Jing smiled, “Thank you for the reminder, Your Highness.”
That barely detectable killing intent was gradually dissipating, and An Jing knew that the Crown Prince had temporarily set aside his murderous intent.
“Your Excellency is a smart man.”
“Your Highness flatters me.”
“Since An Tributor does not like tea, I won’t keep you any longer.”
An Jing stood up and gave a bow to Zhao Chongyin, then slowly retreated out.
Zhao Chongyin remained motionless throughout, simply sipping his tea, watching as An Jing walked out of the private room and down the stairs, leaving the tea house.
Su Lao chuckled, “Why did Your Highness not make a move?”
Zhao Chongyin spoke in a low voice, “To act rashly is to startle the snake; now is not the best time to strike.”
Killing An Jing in Yujing City would create a huge uproar and expose his trump cards, leading to a loss greater than the gain.
Su Lao said, “Your Highness must have other plans.”
Having accompanied the Crown Prince for several years, Su Lao understood the Prince’s mindset. Not attacking An Jing today meant there was another method to doom him.
Zhao Chongyin stood up, gazed at the window where the figure had long since disappeared, and said somberly, “He is a swordsman, so let him die by the sword, and in doing so, we might also lure out that big fish.”
Su Lao asked with some confusion, “Oh?”
Zhao Chongyin indifferently said, “It’s time for that old fellow to come out of hiding. Many people know he is not dead. There is no need to keep hiding him.”
“I am really curious about who the real ‘World’s First Swordsman’ is.”
Su Lao seemed thoughtful, as if he knew something. No wonder Zhao Chongyin and Lin Yiyang had such an unbreakable relationship; everything didn’t seem as simple as it appeared on the surface.
Zhao Chongyin’s gaze suddenly turned icy cold, “From my father the Emperor, I have learned that as an emperor, one must clear all obstacles ahead, including those that might become obstacles in the future.”
…..
An Jing left the tea house and headed toward the hostel.
Two questions lingered in his mind: why had the Crown Prince Zhao Chongyin suddenly become so intent on killing him, and who was the master behind him?
Anyone who could pose a threat to him must be at least a Four Qi Grandmaster or above; they couldn’t possibly be an unknown nobody.
After returning to the hostel, An Jing began to deeply contemplate.
Unconsciously, night fell, and the faint moonlight shone through the window lattice into the room.
“Young Master, Sect Master Li has returned.”
Yu Qiurong’s voice came from outside the door.
An Jing came back to his senses, “Please come in.”
“Creak—!”
The door slowly opened, and Yu Qiurong and Li Fuzhou walked in.
Yu Qiurong took out the firestarter to light the candle and said, “Young Master, don’t you light a candle?”
An Jing looked at Li Fuzhou, who was behind him, and smiled, “Third Master, I just have some questions to ask you.”
Li Fuzhou took his seat boldly, “Young Master, you may ask anything, as long as it does not involve my personal secrets, I will be open and share all I know.”
“I am not interested in your secrets.”
An Jing waved his hand and said seriously, “Today I met Crown Prince Zhao Chongyin, but there was a mysterious master behind him, seemingly having a cultivation of at least Four Qi Grandmaster. Do you know who it might be?”
“Four Qi Grandmaster and above?”
Li Fuzhou frowned and pondered for a moment, “In the world, there are very few Grandmasters of Four Qi. In the Buddhist sect, to this day, there are only Tianyi Bodhisattva and Xi Hafu. As for the Zhenyi Sect, aside from Xiao Qianqiu, it’s unclear, but there’s definitely more than one; as for other Grandmasters of Four Qi…”
In the Jianghu and the world at large, Grandmasters are top experts in the Jianghu, while Four Qi Grandmasters rank among the pinnacle in the world.
Today, in the Great Yan Martial World, with Xiao Qianqiu presiding over the Jianghu and Bai Mei the eunuch presiding over the Imperial Palace, the Sword Demon Hao Tian is also an expert from decades ago. Except for Xiao Qianqiu, not many are free and unfettered from worldly concerns.
An Jing said, “You have seen this person too, the old man who stood by Zhao Chongyin’s side on the Eight Feet Platform.”
“Is it him?”
Li Fuzhou appeared surprised, “If the Young Master hadn’t mentioned it, I really wouldn’t have known that the man possessed such cultivation. With that level of cultivation, there absolutely can’t be more than three in the royal family, aside from Bai Mei, and definitely not one who would be by the Crown Prince’s side.”
An Jing asked, “Why?”
Having a Four Qi Grandmaster protector for Crown Prince Zhao Chongyin was normal due to his special status.
Li Fuzhou took a deep breath, “Actually, Zhao Chongyin is not the most beloved son of the Human Emperor. Compared to the current Second Prince Zhao Mengtai, the Human Emperor favors the latter more. Zhao Chongyin being the Crown Prince is mainly due to the previous Empress.”
“The previous Empress?”
“This woman has been with him since before Taiping, the Human Emperor, came to power. At that time, Taiping faced much suppression among many princes. Although he had enough to eat, he suffered much humiliation, and that Empress stood by him unwaveringly. It was said she came from the Jianghu, but due to the passage of time and the Human Emperor having executed everyone who knew the truth, it’s impossible to verify the specifics. However, this Empress had suffered much hardship for the Human Emperor and bore him two sons in succession. Sadly, after only two years of the Human Emperor’s accession, she died mysteriously. Their eldest son also died of illness a year later, at only seven years old.”
“The Human Emperor seemed deeply guilty, so he named the second son Zhao Chongyin as the Crown Prince.”
An Jing, hearing these royal secrets for the first time, had not expected there to be such grievances and emotional entanglements behind Zhao Chongyin’s ascent as Crown Prince.
Mastering the information of the Human Sect, Li Fuzhou once dealt with intelligence on par with the Heaven and Earth Net in Yan Country. Although some claims were overstated, it was definitely top-notch among intelligence networks.
An Jing asked, puzzled, “Then why does the Human Emperor dislike Zhao Chongyin?”
Li Fuzhou shook his head, “I don’t know, but it is certain that the Human Emperor does not like Zhao Chongyin much. Although he is the Crown Prince, he grew up alone in the East Palace, accompanied only by little eunuchs and palace maids, with the Human Emperor rarely visiting him.”
“It is also because of the Human Emperor’s displeasure that there were rumors a few years ago about plans to depose the Crown Prince and establish a new one.”
An Jing nodded slightly, his curiosity about the identity of that master growing stronger.
Had the Crown Prince personally garnered the support of a Four Qi Grandmaster?
Yu Qiurong, who was standing by, was also secretly amazed by these secrets, which very few people in the entire world knew about. Firstly, because they related to the Great Yan Royal Family, and secondly, because the events had taken place nearly forty years ago, those who were privy to them had likely all passed away by now.
Li Fuzhou thought for a moment and said, “Tomorrow, I will gather information on Grandmasters of Second Qi from the Jianghu of the past fifty years, dead or alive, and then we will scrutinize them one by one.”
An Jing said, “Thank you, Third Master, for the trouble.”
“No trouble at all.”
Li Fuzhou stretched his limbs and said, “That Heavenly Prison nearly bored me to death. When I used to go to the Baihua Building in the southern part of the city, the girls there would welcome me with open arms.”
An Jing nodded slightly. Given Li Fuzhou’s youthful appearance, only slightly less impressive than his own, it indeed wouldn’t be strange for him to attract those frivolous creatures.
“Didn’t Third Master once say that there are houses of gold in books, and women as fair as jade?”
Li Fuzhou sighed deeply, “But the books don’t contain the simple and profound truths of life.”
An Jing scoffed, “If Liu Huiyun knew about this, she would definitely break your third leg.”
Li Fuzhou said nonchalantly, “Just listening to music and drinking wine, that’s all. Mainly because I haven’t seen Xianming in a long time.”
Why would he go to the pleasure quarters to listen to music if he hadn’t seen Zhou Xianming for a long time?
“In every cup of wine, there’s three parts sorrow, and seven parts grief.”
Li Fuzhou looked at An Jing with a smile, “Son-in-law, are you coming for a drink tonight?”
An Jing’s heart stirred, but after glancing at Yu Qiurong beside him, he said righteously, “I’m not going.”
Li Fuzhou casually replied, “That’s a pity then.”
Yu Qiurong laughed softly, “Son-in-law, you should rest early. I’ll be going back now.”
An Jing nodded imperceptibly, “Hmm, go ahead.”
Yu Qiurong turned and walked out, casually closing the door behind her.
“Then I shall take my leave as well, not to waste any of this perfect hour.”
Looking at the sky, Li Fuzhou too prepared to leave.
“Third Master.”
At this moment, An Jing called out to Li Fuzhou and lightly coughed, “Yujing City is very dangerous, filled with many experts.”
Li Fuzhou glanced at An Jing, “With my Second Qi Master Cultivation, there are few in the world who can kill me easily, and that’s exactly why Yujing City is even safer.”
An Jing said gravely, “Not long ago, the Sword Demon ambushed me. He has the Cultivation of a Four Qi Grandmaster.”
“Since he didn’t succeed last time, he should be cautious now.”
“You have many enemies. Don’t you know that yourself?”
“My enemies aren’t as numerous as yours, son-in-law.”
An Jing immediately adopted a look of exasperation, “Have you forgotten who gave you silver in Yu State City, who risked their life to defeat the Exalted Vajra at the Heavenly Martial Sect, who went to see the Human Emperor, and who pulled you out of the Heavenly Prison?”
Li Fuzhou let out a long sigh, “Son-in-law, I beg you, please protect this ‘frail’ Second Qi Grandmaster.”
An Jing could only helplessly shake his head, “Ah, there’s no helping it, I must go with you.”
Li Fuzhou: “…….”
An Jing blew out the candle, and then the two of them vanished unnoticed into the hostel.
“Creak—!”
About half a pot of tea later, Yu Qiurong’s room door opened.
She walked to the door of An Jing’s room, and carefully pressed her ear against it.
It was so quiet that it felt eerie.
“Son-in-law?”
Yu Qiurong asked tentatively in a soft voice.
But there was no sound from inside.
Yu Qiurong pushed the door open, looking into the room in the faint moonlight to find it empty.
She quickly stepped over to the bed, touched the blanket, and found no warmth. It was cold through and through.
“Son-in-law…”
Yu Qiurong spoke melancholically, “Do you really think I am as easily deceived as Tan Yun?”
……..
PS: I’m asking for Monthly Tickets!
