Taiyi Dao Fruit-Chapter 1093 - 321: The Golden Crow Returns, Hidden Killing Intent

Jingzhou, Dongping County.

Jingzhou is mostly flatland, with developed waterways, creating a thriving scene. Dongping County, located within Jingzhou, is the fiefdom of Prince Dongping among the various princes of the Ji Family, enjoying both geographical advantages and the prince's management, making Dongping County one of the most prosperous places in Jingzhou.

However, no matter how prosperous, it appears fragile under the threat of war. Currently, Jingzhou is about to become a battlefield for two sides, and the bustling past of Dongping County's Jun City is nowhere to be seen.

Prince Dongping stood atop a high building within the manor, looking at the desolate streets, and could not help but sigh lightly.

This prince is not very powerful among the princes, merely fifth-rank, but due to his prowess in commerce, his fief thrived, surpassing many higher-ranking princes.

His pride lies in his foresight, always able to make the right choices, hence able to build his estate.

Therefore, amid the recent turmoil, even though other allied princes and some officials advised him, he remained neutral, not siding with the Saintly Prince who dominates the South.

And that prince from two hundred years ago also needs the support of the princes and has not acted directly.

However, with the stability of the Three States territory, the remaining space is increasingly limited.

Prince Dongping has noticed some dissenting voices disappearing, with some officials in Yangzhou initially showing signs of superficial compliance, now all becoming loyal followers of the Saintly Prince.

"If not for the Authority Seal suppressing Qi Shu and protecting the mind, perhaps this prince would have already joined them."

Prince Dongping took out the Authority Seal from his sleeve, saying, "Your Highness, this prince has persisted till now, hoping not to receive unfavorable news."

The white jade Authority Seal was shining brightly, with a faint aura manifesting, indicating the arrival of another Authority Seal bearer, and one of considerable status.

Sure enough, as Prince Dongping finished his words, a crimson figure appeared in the high building.

Prince Dongping turned around to see a woman in vermilion palace attire, powerful and commanding.

"Persisted until now, at the critical moment, do you still plan to join the rebels?" Princess asked slowly.

With her words, an invisible pressure surged forth.

"If Your Highness doesn't give this prince some confidence, this prince might indeed join the rebels," Prince Dongping, faced with Princess's aura, suddenly felt his stature diminish, but still persisted, saying, "At least this way, my family's lives can be spared."

"What if I can give you confidence?" Princess showed a hint of a smile.

"Then this prince will remain a staunch loyalist." Prince Dongping responded without hesitation.

"Is that so?"

Princess looked at this cousin with whom she had a good relationship, chuckled lightly, and also took out an Authority Seal, made of gold and jade, bearing the form of a phoenix bird. As she raised the Authority Seal in her hand, a majestic aura descended, and Prince Dongping felt the Authority Seal in his hand emit a repulsive force, wanting to break away from his grip.

Clearly, the Authority Seal is created from the blood and sweat of its owner, never to betray, yet at this moment it repelled the master and even showed signs of backlash through the blood and sweat.

"Celestial Map?!" Prince Dongping's face showed shock, "Has the royal clan handed over the Celestial Map?"

Only the Celestial Map can control the Authority Seal, for the Authority Seal suppresses the Dao Fruit of local officials due to the aura granted by the Celestial Map.

And this also indicates that the royal clan within the Divine Capital has already submitted to Emperor Jiang.

Moreover, this means that the power of the princes can be taken away by the Emperor at any time. Their command over local officials relies on the suppression of the Authority Seal; without it, they can only hope for the loyalty of local officials and the private soldiers they raise.

Thus——

"I pledge to serve my emperor with utmost loyalty, even at the cost of my life."

Prince Dongping said righteously, bowing towards the direction of the Divine Capital from afar.

With confidence, it's time to place the bet, don't hesitate.

After professing loyalty, Prince Dongping quickly said, "This prince also knows of three other Commandery Princes, four others who also have the heart to serve the emperor loyally, Your Highness can seek out these three persons, fulfilling their loyal integrity. Additionally, I've heard rumors that the emperor has spent the night in Your Highness's palace, is this true or false?"

The first sentence was normal, but the latter part made Prince Dongping align with the image of the old men in the royal clan.

"This matter does not concern you."

Princess reprimanded, asking, "Since you are in contact with other Commandery Princes, do you know if any members of the Jiang family who have returned to the Divine Country are now in the South?"

Those of the Jiang Family in the Buddha Country died at the hands of the Great Venerable, but in the South, there are definitely Jiang Family members remaining.

When Prince Dongping heard Princess's inquiry, he felt curious but responded honestly, "Indeed, some rebellious members of the Jiang Family are in Yangzhou, attempting to defy the emperor, but soon they all vanished. It's said they were gathered by the Dragon Palace, submitting to the Dragon Palace."

Submitting?

Princess heard this news and sneered.

I fear not.

If Jiang Li's suspicions are true, then these remnants of the Jiang Family falling into the hands of the Dragon Palace will face certain death.

Additionally, this cousin of mine remains as decisive as ever; upon finding hope, he immediately sided with Jiang Li, consistently expressing unwavering loyalty.

"Gathered, then let it be."

Princess halted this topic, then said, "As per your words, pass the news to the princes who can be informed, and also tell me which among the princes have already sided with the rebels one by one."

"Of course," Prince Dongping replied decisively, "It's already confirmed that the ones wholeheartedly joining the rebels are Prince Yue and Prince Wu, along with four Commandery Princes, respectively…"

Just as he spoke, suddenly a sun rose in the distant sky, corresponding to the Great Sun in the sky, already hot temperatures soared even higher, the air changed due to the heat, causing distortions in the light in the sky, as if flames were burning.

"Golden Crow!" Prince Dongping's heart trembled.

How could he not recognize this Golden Crow?

During the Battle of Yong Province, it was the soaring Golden Crow that gave the princes an excuse to refuse sending troops for support.

Though there was some dissatisfaction with Jiang Li's control over the court and the desire to make things difficult for him, the threat brought by the Golden Crow was real and palpable.

Now the Golden Crow has reappeared, and the old scene unfolds again, Prince Dongping can already imagine the upcoming situation.

"It's the Emperor's Sun Dharma Form practiced for Qing Yue," the Princess glanced at the Great Sun in the distance and said, "If not for the rebellion, she would already be the Empress by now."

Once she became the Empress, it would not be appropriate for her to directly lead the army, and the enthronement also required a grand ceremony to announce to the heavens and the earth, so this matter was temporarily put on hold.

The Princess's words undoubtedly further calmed Prince Dongping's heart, letting him know that the Emperor had no intention of confronting the Ji Family.

Upon hearing this, Prince Dongping was naturally invigorated and gained more confidence. Following our Emperor surely couldn't be wrong.

He was about to continue speaking about those rebels when he saw the Princess turn her gaze outward from the building.

A figure donned in practical clothing leaped onto the high tower, with one knee to the ground, and reported, "Your Highness, we have discovered traces of that person."

The Princess's eyes suddenly burned intensely, Flame Light violently blazing in her pupils.

Without allowing the Divine Travel Grand Protector to report further, she directly said, "Lead the way."

"Wait, Your Highness—"

Prince Dongping saw the Princess's entire body erupt into flames, transforming directly into a streak of Flame Light, sweeping out from the high tower before he could finish his words.

This was supposed to contact the willing princes to bring together available forces, but at the critical moment, the Princess suddenly departed, leaving Prince Dongping at a loss for how to react.

"This... "

He paced back and forth, finally gritting his teeth and saying, "Once you open the bow, there's no turning back; we can't hesitate."

"Men, men! Gather the soldiers in the mansion, follow me to capture the governor's mansion to welcome the royal army."

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At the same time, Hong County in Jingzhou.

Armored Heavenly Soldiers advanced in formation, accompanied by towering giants nearly ten feet tall.

Each was clad in a large yellow robe and wore a yellow turban, clearly dressed as Yellow Turban Warriors.

Since the annihilation of the Taiping Sect, Yellow Turban Warriors had become extinct, yet unexpectedly, many such warriors appeared in this military column. Besides the warriors, there were magicians carrying Thunder Banners, whose aura identified them as bearers of the unique Dao Fruit of the Taiping Sect—Law Order.

Tens of thousands of Yellow Turban Warriors and Law Orders marched with the great army, their divine power and imposing presence united, their might surpassing even the hundred thousand Heavenly Soldiers gathered by the court.

However, when that Great Sun rose, with two suns in the sky, all divine powers paled under the sunlight, as heat waves swept in, the temperature rapidly rising, and despite their cultivation, they couldn't bear the heat, sweat pouring like rain.

In the center of the military ranks, Dragon Whisker Tiger carried Shen Hou, soaring along with the wind, flying to the right of Elder Kaiyang who rode a Red Scale Horse, and said, "Commander, judging by the opponent's intention, they wish to occupy Jingzhou all the way to Zhenze with their army. Should we intercept, or stand by and do nothing?"

If we don't intercept, it will leave the Dragon Palace forces outside Zhenze to face the enemy. Given the Dragon Slayer Daoist's dragon-slaying skills, he could indeed deliver a surprise to the Dragon Palace.

This would fulfill our purpose.

However, it would also expose the nearby Yangzhou directly to enemy forces. The hundred thousand Heavenly Soldiers could simply divert and enter Yangzhou.

But if we intercept...

Losses would be severe.

Both choices have their pros and cons, but given the current situation, interception seems preferable. Though the losses would be heavy, at least Yangzhou would remain unthreatened.

Shen Hou inclined towards letting them pass, being an infiltrator; naturally, he wanted things to go wrong. But he couldn't reveal such intentions, so he deliberately sought advice from Elder Kaiyang who commanded the army.

This crude martial artist couldn't possibly consider the subsequent consequences, only weighing the present. He would surely choose to stand by and let the court's army head for Zhenze.

Shen Hou, while internally disdainful of the martial artist, nonetheless asked earnestly.

Elder Kaiyang sat on his tall horse, naturally exuding a soldier's intimidating presence, akin to a veteran of countless battles.

He too gazed at the Great Sun in the distant sky and said in a deep voice, "Let them pass. Once they've gone, our army can circle from behind. As long as we delay the enemy's third grade, their forces will be trapped like fish in a barrel, beset front and rear. Daoist Master Shen Hou, what do you think of this strategy?"

This crude martial artist was ruthless indeed.

Shen Hou pondered thoughtfully, 'However, with me present, you won't succeed. If necessary, I will act for the Family Head... no, for our Emperor, eradicate you, this Dinghu traitor.'

Since he dared propose letting them pass, naturally, he had ways to turn the situation to his advantage. Yet with him as the mole, how could he allow the situation to truly reverse?

"This strategy is excellent," Shen Hou laughed heartily, "Let's follow the commander's plan and let them pass. Should the enemy become overconfident and recklessly invade, we'll wrap them up, not leaving a single soldier behind."

"The Daoist Master speaks truly."

Elder Kaiyang laughed heartily too, his mind concealing murderous intent as he gazed at Shen Hou's smiling face.

'A fine traitor with a treacherous nature, given the chance, I will ensure you die without a burial ground.'