Chapter 97 Dare Not Defile

Chapter 97: Unwilling to Disrespect

At the morning court, several Ministers took the lead, supported by over a dozen officials, all pleading for Qin Xiao to personally lead reinforcements to the Northeast.

Wang Pengyi, Vice Minister of Revenue, stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Your Majesty, this is absolutely impermissible."

"At present, the fiefdoms of the vassal princes are unstable. As the commander of the Qin Family Army, Prince Ning leading troops away rashly from the capital could invite disaster!" Wang Pengyi glanced at those urging Qin Xiao to march, his voice cold and stern. "Given the current special circumstances, it makes one wonder what these ministers truly intend in requesting Prince Ning's departure from the capital."

"Vice Minister Wang, you are mistaken," Lu Youwei said. "The Northeast is only a few days' journey from the imperial capital. Even with a large army, it would take at most half a month to arrive."

This implied that Qin Xiao’s round trip would take little more than a month, making it difficult for the vassal princes to attempt anything.

But this was only under the assumption that everything went smoothly. If complications arose, Qin Xiao might not return in one month—or even three to five months.

Lu Youwei continued, "Now that the enemy is at our gates, the Northeast Army is outmatched, frontier cities have fallen, and the Northern Desert Army is unable to provide reinforcements. If we allow the Jurchen to advance unchecked, even the imperial capital may not be safe."

"Don’t think anyone is unaware of what schemes you’re all hatching," Wang Pengyi said angrily. "At this point, you’re not even bothering to hide it, are you?"

The intentions and plans of the vassal princes were clear to everyone.

But on the surface, Qin Xiao was indeed backed into a corner. If he did not lead the expedition, they might face a joint siege by the Jurchen tribe and other vassal princes.

It would be better to first repel the external threat before dealing with internal unrest.

However, the noble families were not entirely confident, as the Northeast Army had not truly pledged allegiance to them. They were merely staging defeats in sham battles to lure Qin Xiao and the Qin Family Army away.

In reality, the Jurchen had not yet set foot within Great Ning’s borders.

They were betting on a disparity in information—gambling that Qin Xiao’s sources weren’t as fast as the Qiu family’s and that he remained unaware of where the Northeast Army’s loyalties truly lay.

Of course, even if Qin Xiao and the Qin Family Army did not leave, the armies of several vassal princes would surely march on the capital to confront them.

Currently, the Qin Family Army stationed outside the capital numbered only sixty thousand, while the vassal princes commanded hundreds of thousands of troops. Combined with the private soldiers of the three major noble families, they could overwhelm the city by sheer numbers.

If things escalated to that point, the casualties would be severe, and all factions would be severely weakened. There was also the fear that the Northeast Army and Northern Desert Army might capitalize on the opportunity, making others the beneficiaries.

Thus, unless absolutely necessary, the vassal princes and noble families were reluctant to engage Qin Xiao in direct confrontation.

"Prince Ning has troops at his disposal, and the Northeast Army still has a few ten-thousand remnants," said Lu Youwei, the Minister of War, who clearly understood military matters better. "With Lord Prince Ning’s skill in leading armies, it would not be difficult to stop the Jurchen in a month."

"Indeed," echoed Qiu Heng, the Minister of Justice. "As the old saying goes, 'repel external threats before quelling internal unrest.' At such a time, we subjects of Great Ning must prioritize repelling external threats."

The implication was that the vassal princes, faced with an external invasion, would understand the gravity of the situation and hold off on entering the capital at this time.

By now, almost everything could be discussed openly.

Yet Qiu Heng’s words were almost ridiculous.

The recent precedent of Prince Dingbei colluding with the Sai kingdom was still fresh in memory, rendering such statements utterly unconvincing.

Moreover, the Jurchen invasion was itself a conspiracy orchestrated by the vassal princes.

"Your Majesty," Chu Jiubian spoke, and the hall immediately fell silent.

Everyone knew that Chu Jiubian’s words conveyed the position of Qin Xiao and Baili Hong.

"This official believes that Prince Ning must not leave the capital," Chu Jiubian said. Upon hearing this, the court officials felt a sense of dread settle over them, though it was not entirely unexpected.

It seemed they would have to resort to force. Lu Youwei and the others grew solemn.

"But the Northeast must still receive reinforcements," Qiu Heng insisted, unrelenting.

"Correct," Chu Jiubian nodded. "Prince Ning cannot leave the capital, but a portion of the Qin Family Army can be dispatched. Combined with the remnants of the Northeast Army and the City Defense Forces from prefectures along the route, a capable general would be more than capable of repelling the Jurchen."

The Ministers and Vice Ministers immediately began recalculating their plans.

If Qin Xiao stayed, sending twenty or thirty thousand Qin Family Army troops would still be beneficial. Once fighting broke out in the capital, it would minimize losses for the vassal princes and noble families’ forces.

"But is there such a person at court?" Wang Pengyi frowned.

At these words, everyone fell silent.

Indeed, all of Qin Xiao’s capable officers had been assigned to various regions. The situation in the Sai kingdom was unique, requiring military presence more than civil administration, so many officers had been sent there.

Under these circumstances, the only usable military officer in the capital seemed to be General Cheng Shuo, who had previously accompanied Qin Xiao to the Northwest but had injured Qin Xiao due to the Gu worm.

However, Cheng Shuo, burdened by guilt over his mistake, had grown more despondent and likely lost his fighting spirit.

Even if he were sent, it was uncertain whether he could reverse the declining situation.

As the Minister of War, Lu Youwei was responsible for military affairs and knew which officers in the capital were capable and which were not.

He suggested several names, but all were rejected by Chu Jiubian and Wang Pengyi.

Just as he was about to propose more, Qin Xiao spoke up: "Enough."

The court fell silent.

Qin Xiao stood and declared, "The Qin Family Army will not be moved."

Everyone was startled, including Chu Jiubian, who looked up at him in surprise.

Qin Xiao did not meet his gaze but instead said, "This prince will personally go to the Northeast."

"The tens of thousands of remnants from the Northeast Army, along with the tens of thousands of City Defense Forces from prefectures along the route, will suffice." His tone was calm, yet it carried an undertone of arrogance and defiance.

"Absolutely not," Chu Jiubian said, his voice low and heavy.

Qin Xiao responded, "My decision is final."

"Qin Xiao!" Chu Jiubian’s voice rose slightly.

But Qin Xiao turned and bowed toward the throne, saying, "Your Majesty, if there are no further matters, the court is dismissed."

Baili Hong, taken aback by their open disagreement, hesitated for a moment before saying, "Then the court is dismissed."

Hong Fu scanned the assembled officials, frowned slightly, and announced the dismissal of the court.

Lu Youwei and the others looked at each other, unsure whether Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao had truly failed to reach an agreement or were merely putting on a show.

But since the court had been dismissed, they filed out of the Fengtian Hall, though they walked unusually slowly, occasionally glancing back toward the hall’s rear entrance.

Before long, they saw Chu Jiubian emerge from the hall in his deep purple official robes.

His robes fluttering, he strode swiftly along the palace path toward the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

Qin Xiao followed close behind, carrying both their cloaks, speaking to him as he walked.

But Chu Jiubian did not slow his pace. Qin Xiao reached out to grab his hand, only to have it shaken off.

Qin Xiao tried to drape the cloak over his shoulders again, but Chu Jiubian pushed it away.

Their entangled figures soon disappeared around the corner of the palace corridor, while Baili Hong, bundled up tightly, finally emerged from the hall and got into his palanquin.

He anxiously urged the palace attendants to hurry, trying to catch up with the two men ahead.

Even Hong Fu did not head to the Directorate of Ceremonial but instead hurried along beside the palanquin.

The officials watched their hurried departure and exchanged looks.

Some, like Wang Pengyi and Lu Yao, looked worried. Though they knew what was really going on, they were putting on a better act than ever.

Lu Youwei and Qiu Heng, however, had unreadable expressions.

After leaving the palace, the officials headed to their offices or went home.

Lu Youwei and others gathered at the Qiu Family Tavern, naturally discussing what went down between Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao that day.

"It seems they had agreed not to send troops, but Prince Ning changed his mind during the morning audience, which is why Senior Tutor Chu was so angry."

"But why did Prince Ning suddenly change his mind?"

"I think they might be putting on a show for us."

"What’s the point of such a performance? Isn’t Prince Ning still leaving the capital?"

Qin Xiao leaving the capital alone would be full of danger, drawing attacks from assassins from all sides. No wonder Chu Jiubian was furious.

Xiao Yao, seated at the table, had already figured out what happened during the morning court session. He smiled and said, "We’ll know soon enough."

"Know what?"

"Word from the palace, of course," Xiao Yao replied.

Everyone was taken aback.

Since the Grand Empress Dowager left the capital, Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao had rooted out all the spies from various factions. Though none were killed, they were expelled from the palace, leaving other factions unable to get any information.

Noticing their expressions, Xiao Yao didn't add anything and just gave a slight smile.

Xiao Ruohan, having been in the palace for many years and wielding significant power, had far greater influence than other factions.

Before leaving the capital, she had informed Xiao Yao of hidden agents even the Xiao family itself was unaware of.

Among the spies expelled by Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao, a few of Xiao’s hidden agents had been found out, but three palace attendants remained.

These individuals were usually inconspicuous and easily overlooked.

Now, they had become the only source of information for various factions within the palace.

"Can those spies really get messages out?" Lu Youwei frowned. "They might be burned."

Xiao Yao merely smiled without responding.

Just then, a servant from the Xiao family arrived with news.

"Go ahead," Xiao Yao said.

The servant complied and reported, "News from the palace: Senior Tutor Chu had moved back to Yaotai Residence yesterday at noon, apparently in a rage. Later that night, Prince Ning went to Yaotai Residence to see him but wasn’t even allowed inside."

Everyone exchanged glances.

It was no secret that Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao lived together, and it was widely assumed that their alliance had been strengthened in a more intimate way.

This was the first time anyone had heard they'd had a fight.

The news from the palace likely emerged because Xiao’s spies had noticed their argument and thought it was worth reporting.

"It seems they hadn’t reached an agreement beforehand," said Qiu Songbo, Vice Minister of War.

Qiu Heng, however, cautioned, "These two are shrewd and cunning. We mustn’t let our guard down. We should continue to observe."

Xiao Yao agreed and instructed the servant, "Bring me any further news."

The next day, Xiao Yao received another message from the palace, stating that Qin Xiao had visited Yaotai Residence the previous night and spoken with Chu Jiubian for a long time. However, he did not stay overnight and left looking displeased.

When the news reached the others, it confirmed what they thought.

During the morning court session, both men maintained a calm demeanor, as if no argument had occurred, but the previous intimate ambiguity between them was gone.

Clearly, they were still at odds, though trying to hide it from everyone.

That day, the court finally decided on the plan to support the northeast.

Qin Xiao would lead three thousand Qin Family Army troops to the northeast, while the remaining Qin Family Army would be fully under Chu Jiubian’s command.

This seemed to be the result of their negotiation—a compromise they both made.

Yet, Qin Xiao was still putting himself in danger, and no wonder Chu Jiubian was furious.

Xiao Yao chuckled softly. "Such deep affection and loyalty."

When Lu Youwei saw the news at home, he still felt uneasy.

If Qin Xiao could leave Chu Jiubian and Baili Hong behind, he must have something to rely on. But what? It couldn’t just be the Qin Family Army.

What else could it be?

Could it be Chu Jiubian, the so-called "deity" himself?

How many more tricks did he have up his sleeve? Did he possess even more powerful means to handle multiple vassal prince armies if they attacked?

If that were the case...

Lu Youwei closed his eyes.

There was no need to overthink it. The Lu family had no way out.

Even if Chu Jiubian truly performed another miracle, they could only count themselves unlucky.

Others shared similar apprehensions. However, Chu Jiubian’s methods—from ice and salt to sweet potatoes and cotton—had always been aimed at solving people’s problems.

Only during the assassination attempt had he displayed lethality.

Thus, they believed that Chu Jiubian, or any deity, did not have the right to use divine power arbitrarily against ordinary mortals. Their power could only "save," not "harm."

Even during the assassination attempt, Chu Jiubian had only killed a few people in self-defense.

Later, when he returned to his office, a minor official from the Ministry of Personnel noticed bloodstains on his sleeve, suggesting he might have suffered some form of "backlash."

Isn't that how all legends go?

There's no other way now; they can only comfort themselves like this.

The deity's "mercy" became their opening to exploit him.

The news from the capital quickly spread to the various vassal princes' fiefdoms.

That night, in the palace.

Inside Yaotai Residence.

No lights were on.

Chu Jiubian lay on the bed, his pure white inner robes gleaming softly under the moonlight.

The loosely closed rear window was pushed open, and a dark figure slipped in from outside, reaching the bedside in just two steps.

The man grabbed Chu Jiubian's wrists with one hand, pinning them above his head, while the other hand slid beneath his robe, its cool touch meeting the young man's warm, soft skin.

Chu Jiubian shuddered, instinctively gripping the man's arm, applying some force to push him away—yet not truly resisting.

As if feigning reluctance.

"Be good and don't move," the man said teasingly. "I'm just here for some fun, not to harm."

Chu Jiubian looked up into the man's smiling eyes and kicked him in the waist. "Who are you calling 'daddy'?"

Qin Xiao laughed, leaning down to kiss his lips.

Forceful and urgent—just as Qin Xiao always was.

Chu Jiubian closed his eyes, yielding with parted lips, allowing the man's presence to deepen.

Qin Xiao continued kissing but produced a long red silk ribbon from his embrace.

He opened his eyes to see the young man's long lashes up close.

A deep, lustful glint flashed in his eyes as Qin Xiao released Chu Jiubian's wrists and carefully tied the red silk ribbon over his eyes.

Chu Jiubian paused, his hands instinctively rising but only grasping Qin Xiao's solid arms.

"What are you doing?" he asked softly, his voice hoarse.

After tying the ribbon, Qin Xiao rose from Chu Jiubian.

The cool air touched his upper body, and the darkness made it impossible for Chu Jiubian to discern Qin Xiao's position or how provocatively he was displayed with his clothes open and the red silk covering his eyes.

He instinctively reached for the blanket, but his outstretched hand was caught by Qin Xiao, and soon both wrists were bound together with another red silk ribbon.

"Qin Xiao," Chu Jiubian whispered, a hint of fear in his voice.

"I'm here," Qin Xiao replied gently, yet with a slight force, he flipped Chu Jiubian over, positioning him on his knees on the bed.

His waist arched softly, the beautiful curve of his spine dipping downward, disappearing beneath the fabric.

The familiar sound of tearing fabric echoed, and Chu Jiubian's ears flushed red instantly, a rosy flush spreading across his skin.

Qin Xiao's breath hitched as his palm pressed against Chu Jiubian's legs.

Deprived of sight and bound, Chu Jiubian seemed to lose all ability to resist, the man manhandling him relentlessly.

Tears soaked the red silk blindfold, and Chu Jiubian's body was covered in a constellation of love bites.

From his Adam's apple to his chest, from his shoulders to his spine, and down to his legs...

"Qin Xiao," Chu Jiubian's voice trembled, almost sobbing. "Enough."

"Stop."

His mind was hazy, unsure how many times he had said "no," but Qin Xiao only responded with soft kisses, murmuring, "Okay, soon," yet never stopping.

Chu Jiubian's protests were half-hearted, never truly intending to resist.

The court was adjourned the next day, so he could rest properly. A little extra play was fine.

Besides, Qin Xiao was set to "depart for battle" the day after—though it was just a show for others, not taking him far from the capital. Still, their separation would last at least a month.

It was only natural for Qin Xiao to be so passionate.

Chu Jiubian, too, felt the weight of the impending parting.

From their first time, he had experienced pleasure beyond the pain. Now, with each encounter, Qin Xiao grew more skilled, employing endless techniques that drew Chu Jiubian deeper into indulgence.

At this moment, Chu Jiubian was held in the man's arms, his entire weight supported only by Qin Xiao's palms.

Each thrust was deep and overwhelming.

Chu Jiubian clung tightly to Qin Xiao's neck, feeling as if he might not survive this.

Time blurred. Chu Jiubian's hair was damp with sweat, clinging pitifully to his face. He lay on the bed, unable to move even a finger.

The muscles in his legs quivered with aftershocks, his breathing shallow and uneven.

Qin Xiao removed the red silk blindfold and gently kissed his damp forehead, his tenderness unmistakable.

Yet, the part of him buried deep within Chu Jiubian continued to move—roughly.

Chu Jiubian slowly opened his eyes, meeting Qin Xiao's gaze—deep with emotion and reverence.

He was momentarily stunned.

Qin Xiao had never looked at him like this—as if he were not just a beloved but a deity he dared not defile.

Yet, despite this reverence, Qin Xiao's actions were anything but restrained.

Emotionally, he elevated Chu Jiubian; physically, he took without limits.

Chu Jiubian loved this side of Qin Xiao.

"Fengqi," he whispered, using Qin Xiao's courtesy name for the first time.

"Hmm," Qin Xiao's Adam's apple bobbed as he slowed his movements.

Chu Jiubian raised a hand to caress Qin Xiao's sweat-dampened cheek, his gaze clouded with pleasure. "Are you afraid?"

"Yes," Qin Xiao replied without hesitation.

"Afraid of what?"

Qin Xiao looked at him intently and whispered, "I'm afraid you might have someone you like, afraid you might think I'm not good enough, afraid..."

"Afraid you might leave."

Qin Xiao rarely showed such vulnerability.

Even when he had previously asked Chu Jiubian to help him earn money and resolve disasters, he had always offered something appropriate in exchange. Even when "pleading," he did so with dignity, never appearing subservient.

Because Qin Xiao knew that even if Chu Jiubian didn’t help him, he could still handle those matters himself—it would just require more effort, more hardship, and more time.

Relying on himself would come at a greater cost, but he was confident he could succeed. That was his confidence.

But facing Chu Jiubian now, he felt no confidence at all.

He couldn’t sense how much Chu Jiubian cared for him, and he feared that the other might vanish in an instant, returning to the "Divine Realm," or that the High Priest might suddenly appear and take Chu Jiubian away from him...

He feared too much.

Chu Jiubian stared at him intently, his slightly unfocused eyes regaining their spark.

"Qin Xiao."

Countless words piled up in his heart, but in the end, he swallowed them.

He reached out, wrapped his arms around Qin Xiao's neck, and initiated the kiss.

This was the second time he had truly taken the initiative—the times Qin Xiao had tricked him didn't count.

Qin Xiao closed his eyes, not daring to move.

Afraid that the slightest movement might disturb this hard-won kiss.

Only when he felt Chu Jiubian pulling away did he take the lead again.

They continued until dawn, and Chu Jiubian fell into a deep sleep in his arms.

Before drifting off, the young man murmured vaguely, "Qin Xiao, always love me, okay?"

Qin Xiao stroked his hair, leaving a gentle kiss on his brow, and said, "Okay."

==

Chu Jiubian barely left the bed the next day, staying in the room the entire time.

Baili Hong, thinking his teacher was ill, came to visit but was gently sent away by Qin Xiao.

Chu Jiubian wanted to get up and walk around, but as soon as his feet touched the ground, his legs went numb, completely devoid of strength.

However, perhaps due to the special effects of the ointment Qin Xiao had used, despite the previous night’s exertions, he only felt a lingering sensation and no discomfort.

That morning, Qin Xiao went out to handle some matters, but in the afternoon, he stayed with Chu Jiubian in the room.

They did nothing intimate, not even discussing the upcoming war.

Instead, they talked about the future of Great Ning and Chu Jiubian’s descriptions of the "Divine Realm."

Qin Xiao listened carefully.

He heard about flying metal birds in the sky and carriages that moved without animals.

He heard that in the Divine Realm, one could travel from the capital to the northeast in just two hours, that buildings could reach dozens of stories high, and that a small square box could allow face-to-face conversations with people thousands of miles away...

Listening to these descriptions, Qin Xiao felt as if he could vaguely imagine what those things looked like, though the images were unclear.

Chu Jiubian also said that if given the chance, he would love to take Qin Xiao back to stay for a few days.

But he had no desire to remain there—he still preferred Great Ning.

Qin Xiao knew that Chu Jiubian must have had many unpleasant experiences in the Divine Realm, but since the other didn’t mention them, he didn’t press for details. Instead, he said, "If you like those things, let’s work harder to turn Great Ning into a 'Divine Realm' too."

Chu Jiubian laughed.

He didn’t mention that such a transformation would take hundreds or thousands of years, only saying, "Then we’ll have to work even faster."

Early the next morning, Qin Xiao led his troops out on campaign once more.

This time, he was headed to the northeast.

Two days later, Chu Jiubian met Situ Zhaoling in the Divine Realm.

The young girl said that after her mother returned to the southern border, she had been studying the Gu worms and discovered that once these Gu worms entered a human body, they would begin to control the nervous system. However, being creatures, they still retained their instincts.

Whenever they detected a scent they liked, they would compel their host to approach it.

Situ Anli had prepared both the drug that could attract the Gu worms and the medicine to repel them, instructing Situ Zhaoling to deliver them to the High Priest.

The followers were well aware that the High Priest had a way to contact Chu Jiubian.

So, rather than sending a messenger on horseback, it was faster and safer to report directly to the High Priest in the Divine Realm, who would then pass the information and items to Senior Tutor Chu.

With the medicines in hand, Chu Jiubian felt a weight lift from his heart.

The Gu worms refined by the Gu Master under Prince Dingbei, once assimilated into a human body, would not be detected by the system. Thus, he had been worried that during Prince Dingbei’s time in the capital, more Gu worms might have been released.

These Gu worms could be hiding in anyone’s body, ready to strike at any moment.

Now, with these medicines, he could try to locate the Gu worms.

However, if he did find any, he wouldn’t eliminate them immediately. Since the Gu worms wouldn’t transfer hosts again, he would simply have them monitored to avoid alerting Prince Dingbei.

Meanwhile, in Prince Dingbei’s residence.

Baili Yu sat in the seat of honor, holding a letter in his hand.

The letter was from Prince Huguang, instructing him to prepare thoroughly. Once he entered the capital, it would be up to him to restrain Chu Jiubian.

Baili Yu had previously claimed he had a way to keep Chu Jiubian in check. Once someone captured or killed Baili Hong, the throne would be vacant.

Baili Yu looked up at the figure standing before him, heavily cloaked.

"Are the Gu worms still stable?" Baili Yu asked.

"Your Highness," the Gu Master replied in an androgynous voice, "there are no abnormalities. The one in the palace also remains undisturbed."

Baili Yu had left two Gu worms in the palace—one had been eliminated, but the other remained intact.

In addition, there were more Gu worms hidden among the common people in the capital.

These Gu worms, residing within the populace, could serve as useful "weapons" when necessary, effectively restraining Chu Jiubian, the benevolent deity.

Baili Yu stood up and approached the Gu Master, gently stroking the pale face hidden beneath the hood.

"After our plan succeeds, you'll be my Baili Hong," he said gently, a smile playing on his lips. "Then, whatever you desire, I shall grant it."

The Gu Master slowly lifted their head, revealing an androgynous, pale, and sickly face.

"Even the Empress?" the Gu Master asked softly.

Baili Yu’s smile deepened. "As I said, anything is possible."

==

On the fourth day after Qin Xiao led his troops away from the capital, Chu Jiubian sprinkled the protective powder from the Southern Border throughout the Hall of Mental Cultivation and also gave some to Baili Hong in a sachet to carry with him.

Afterward, he ordered his covert guards to discreetly scatter Gu worm-attracting powder in several specific locations across the city—places where people would not normally pass by, let alone intentionally visit.

The next day, the covert guards observed exactly thirty commoners deliberately heading to those locations, lingering where the powder had been scattered. Some even dipped their fingers into the powder and placed them in their mouths before departing contentedly.

Perhaps influenced by the incident involving Cheng Shuo, this new batch of Gu worms was even more sinister—and incurable. Once parasitized, the victim became nothing more than a vessel for the Gu worms. Only death could end it.

Chu Jiubian ordered the covert guards to keep close watch on these individuals; if any unusual behavior was detected, they were to kill them without hesitation.

Within the palace, Chu Jiubian also had his men scatter the Gu-attracting powder in a hidden corner—and sure enough, they caught one who had slipped through the net.

The covert guards did not alert the target but instead sketched the person’s likeness, gathered all relevant identifying information, and delivered it to Chu Jiubian.

Chu Jiubian gazed at the face on the paper—both unfamiliar and familiar—for a long time, saying nothing.

Finally, he folded the two pages and held them to a flame, watching as they burned.

The flickering firelight cast shifting shadows across his face.

Cause and effect.

Chu Jiubian thought of these two words once again.

Perhaps all of this was fated.

Once the papers had burned to ash, Chu Jiubian closed his eyes. When he opened them again after a long moment, he was calm once more.

That night, Chu Jiubian met Qin Chuan again in the Divine Realm and heard his report on recent developments.

After Qin Xiao left the capital, various factions prepared to assassinate him. Yet the assassins proved no match for Qin Xiao’s covert guards—all perished before they could even approach Qin Xiao or the three thousand soldiers of the Qin Family Army.

Afterward, the Qiu family turned their attention once again to the martial world.

==

This time, they contacted Qin Chuan’s subordinates directly, expressing a desire to collaborate with the Martial Alliance Leader.

Martial world matters should remain within the martial world.

The Martial Alliance Leader had long forbidden martial artists from interfering in court affairs. Previously, whenever the Qiu family attempted to enlist martial arts forces, they were blocked.

So this time, the Qiu family approached the Martial Alliance Leader directly, believing that if he agreed, martial artists could participate in the assassination attempt against Qin Xiao.

Top disciples from various sects were far more skilled than ordinary assassins.

Qin Chuan accepted the gold, silver, and treasures sent by the Qiu family without apology. When he read the letter urging him not only to refrain from interfering but even to dispatch personnel to assassinate Qin Xiao, he felt even more justified in accepting the payment.

He replied to the Qiu family, stating he would personally lead a team to kill Qin Xiao—but in return, the noble families and Vassal Princes would have to offer him even greater rewards.

The Martial Alliance Leader’s reputation was widely known. If he acted in person, Qin Xiao would surely die.

Naturally, the others were more than willing to offer their wealth.

After listening to Qin Chuan’s report, Chu Jiubian nearly laughed.

Then he reflected that Grand Marshal Qin was truly an extraordinary figure—and every member of the Qin family remarkably capable, each worthy of being the protagonist of their own story.

"If possible, I humbly request that the High Priest inform Senior Tutor Chu of this matter," Qin Chuan said respectfully.

This way, Chu Jiubian could stay informed and feel at ease.

Later, when Qin Xiao was “killed” by the Martial Alliance Leader, Chu Jiubian would not need to worry.

Yet Qin Chuan was well aware of the High Priest’s concern for Senior Tutor Chu—and dared not say more.

If the god were to turn against Qin Xiao, it would be a grave miscalculation.

But he also knew the High Priest was a benevolent deity, broad-minded and tolerant. All this time, despite witnessing how close Qin Xiao and Chu Jiubian had grown, he had taken no action.

Thinking this, Qin Chuan felt sorry for the High Priest.

Though his mind teemed with thoughts, his expression remained unchanged—and Chu Jiubian probed no further.

"Go. If there is any other news regarding Prince Ning, inform me immediately," he said.

"Yes," Qin Chuan replied, unsurprised.

The High Priest was not an omniscient deity. He had secretly descended to the mortal world alongside Senior Tutor Chu—and like him, much of his power had been sealed. That was precisely why Qin Chuan was useful.

Yet even with only a fraction of their power, both the High Priest and Senior Tutor Chu far surpassed ordinary mortals.

Days passed. The capital—and indeed the rest of Great Ning—remained outwardly calm. It seemed, just as Lu Youwei had said, that internal conflicts were being set aside in the face of external threats.

But in truth, everyone knew the truth.

What they were waiting for was simply the signal to act.

Half a month later, Qin Xiao led his troops to the border between the northern deserts and the northeast—where they were ambushed by martial artists.

Qin Xiao vanished. Deputy General Qin Zhaoyang led the three thousand soldiers in a search for three days and three nights—but found nothing. Eventually, they had no choice but to regroup and continue marching toward the northeast.

When the news spread across the regions, the Vassal Princes one by one raised their banners under the slogan “Cleanse the Court of Evil,” leading their armies toward the capital.

With Prince Ning’s fate unknown, Senior Tutor Chu now presided over court affairs.

He had no relation to Baili Hong—and might corrupt him.

The excuse was weak at best, yet the Vassal Princes could not openly declare themselves rebels—they needed a banner to rally behind.

In the capital, court officials behaved as usual, feigning concern for Great Ning. They urged Chu Jiubian to find a way to suppress the rebel armies of the Vassal Princes—but offered no concrete suggestions themselves.

Chu Jiubian suddenly recalled his early days in Great Ning, when Qin Xiao—lacking both manpower and funds—had likely faced similar pressure in court.

But now, Chu Jiubian was not alone.

Lu Yao, youthful-faced and sharp-tongued, skillfully criticized everyone present—without uttering a single vulgar word.

Then, bowing respectfully to Baili Hong and Chu Jiubian, he said earnestly, "Your Majesty, My Lord—while the Vassal Princes’ armies march upon the capital, our forces stationed elsewhere can advance into their territories and seize their bases."

At these words, the expressions of everyone present changed dramatically.