Sole Sword Supremacy-Chapter 594 - 598: Severing Ties, Neither Owed Nor Owing
"You may not trust me, but you should trust Qu Lishang."
Eldest Princess Ning Yu did not quite understand Wang Junze’s meaning, but she still answered earnestly.
Upon hearing this, Wang Junze paused in silence for a moment before he slowly spoke: "I will seriously consider it, but before that... I also want to ask the Eldest Princess, if I betray the Four Great Celestial Sects, what can Your Majesty offer me?"
"What do you want?"
Looking at Wang Junze, a barely perceptible hint of disappointment flashed in Eldest Princess Ning Yu’s eyes, and she calmly retorted.
Of course, she could understand Wang Junze’s choice to join the Judgment Department for self-preservation, but... she would still be disappointed with such a choice. After all, others might not understand Qu Lishang’s intentions, but she did.
Although Qu Lishang actively pushed Wang Junze toward the Judgment Department, if Wang Junze truly betrayed the Profound Moon Sword Sect, Qu Lishang would also feel heartache.
But this was Qu Lishang’s decision, and she couldn’t oppose it.
Moreover, from her standpoint, no matter what, Wang Junze had saved Qu Lishang before, and she still owed a favor for that. During Prince Yu’s wedding, she did not come forward to protect Wang Junze, so the favor was still hers to repay.
But this time, by helping Wang Junze join the Judgment Department, that favor would be considered repaid, and she wouldn’t plan to have any further contact with Wang Junze thereafter.
Wang Junze did not know Eldest Princess Ning Yu’s thoughts, or rather, even if he did know, he wouldn’t care.
After organizing his thoughts, Wang Junze slowly spoke: "To be honest, at this point, I don’t dare to fully trust anyone, so... the only one I can trust is myself."
"Even if I join the Judgment Department, I will need stronger power for self-preservation... After all, having killed Prince Yu, the Empress and I are now mortal enemies, and I must guard against her private retaliation!"
Looking at Eldest Princess Ning Yu, Wang Junze continued: "I want to know if there still exists treasures like the Creation Golden Lotus in the Imperial Palace Treasure Vault that can help me break through to Entering the Path."
"Both the Court and the Judgment Department are fair in rewards and punishments. Once you join the Judgment Department, you merely need to perform meritorious deeds to naturally obtain rewards."
Eldest Princess Ning Yu didn’t overthink it and answered blandly: "However, if you truly desire it, I can, with my personal identity, find a way to help you fight for it... Consider it repayment for past favors."
Mentioning the repayment of favors voluntarily this time, Wang Junze naturally understood the underlying meaning in her words.
However, he still did not explain and merely further inquired: "Who holds authority over the Imperial Palace Treasure Vault? I mean... does it have anything to do with the Empress?"
It was understandable that Wang Junze was cautious about the Empress. Even if today’s conversation was leaked, no one would suspect anything; on the contrary, he could seize this opportunity to probe the situation of the Imperial Palace Treasure Vault.
As expected, Eldest Princess Ning Yu didn’t think in any other direction, glancing at Wang Junze and replying: "Rest assured, the person overseeing the Imperial Palace Treasure Vault is Feng Bao, Eunuch Feng. Not only is he a Saint Realm Powerhouse, but also the former Emperor’s personal Chief Eunuch, loyal only to Your Majesty. Additionally, there’s also the Yulin Guard taking turns in defense, even the Empress cannot interfere."
"Understood."
Nodding slightly, Wang Junze responded: "The previous matters are settled, and the Eldest Princess owes me nothing. I will seriously consider this matter... I won’t disturb the Eldest Princess’s rest any longer, I take my leave."
As he spoke, Wang Junze had already stood up and turned to walk outside.
It might be good that Eldest Princess Ning Yu misunderstood, for now, their relationship was cleared, and he felt no burden.
Actually, Wang Junze’s choice came down to a momentary thought.
Choosing to deceive Eldest Princess Ning Yu was largely driven by a desire not to implicate her.
After all, should he act against the Imperial Palace Treasure Vault, regardless of success or failure, it would inevitably cause a storm, inciting the Emperor’s wrath. Previously, the Emperor most likely figured out that Eldest Princess Ning Yu had helped him in the matter of Prince Yu, so if now she were implicated again, it is uncertain whether the Emperor, in a state of fury, would target her.
Furthermore... this time differs from when Prince Yu was slain; this time, it is true opposition against the Emperor and the Court, involving Eldest Princess Ning Yu would put her in a difficult position no matter the choice.
Human nature shouldn’t be tested otherwise, whatever choice the other party makes will be hurtful either to them or oneself.
As things stood now, it worked just right.
Leaving the Princess’s Mansion, Wang Junze’s heart was already clear.
Not only Eldest Princess Ning Yu, but regarding the assault on the Imperial Palace Treasure Vault, Wang Junze also had no intentions of telling anyone else, be it the Cyan Robe Gang, Prince Duan, or anyone he might encounter from the Profound Moon Sword Sect, he decided to not divulge a single word.
Moreover, he might utilize these people to spread some false information to mislead the opposition.
In the immediate future, besides meeting Ni Gang, Wang Junze also went to the Judgment Department.
Of course, he wouldn’t meet the Director, and even confronting Yin Guangling, Wang Junze didn’t make any definitive statements, merely showing hesitance and wavering.
Thus aligning with his usual disposition.
Within the Capital City, no secret remains. Soon, news of Wang Junze contacting people and seeking solutions began to spread.
Yet, aside from a select few, most people didn’t know Wang Junze’s potential enlistment into the Judgment Department, merely thinking of him as desperately seeking measures for self-rescue. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞
But as things stood now, no one really believed Wang Junze stood much chance to survive.
Unclear whose guidance steered public opinion, as time moved on, Wang Junze came to be seen as a clownish figure, earning mockery from many.
...
"He must not be allowed to join the Judgment Department!"
Representing the Empress, Hai Feng exited the palace, again seeking out people from the Four Great Celestial Sects; this time, besides Fuchen, the Empress also contacted individuals from other sects, especially those from the Four Symbols Sect who had earlier conflicts with Wang Junze, promising various rewards.
Beyond that, the Empress sent people into the Judgment Department, aiming to contact various Fate Envoys to cut off Wang Junze’s path to the Judgment Department.
In a short span, the whole Capital City was amidst turbulence.
Quickly, under the Empress’s vigorous push, rumors began circulating through the court and society.
Your Majesty was about to decree the expulsion of the Four Great Celestial Sects from the Capital.
This not only implied that the Court and the Four Great Celestial Sects had reached a tacit agreement but also signified that Wang Junze’s life had entered its countdown.
After all, Wang Junze was already considered a member of the Four Great Celestial Sects—once they left the Capital, Wang Junze must depart likewise.
Once outside the Capital, assassination attempts from all sides would follow him relentlessly.
Three days later, the Emperor formally issued an edict, ordering the Four Great Celestial Sect members to leave the Capital within seven days.
Everyone seemed to be waiting for Wang Junze’s reaction.
Life or death... within seven days, the answer would be revealed.
