Chapter 257: The Fifth Prince Arrives, Si Kong Yan

Facing Zhou Qing’s question, Xuan Yuan Shuo sighed helplessly.

“It’s a complete mess. The Jiao Emperor, Wei Lun demons, Qing Luo beasts—even two more imperial demons from territories near a fourth-level spiritual nation have come to join the chaos.”

“This is precisely why we’ve never dared act against these border imperial demons.”

At this, Xuan Yuan Shuo shook his head with a sigh.

Zhou Qing nodded, understanding.

“Alright then, I won’t disturb you—go about your business!” Xuan Yuan Shuo smiled.

Zhou Qing nodded in acknowledgment, about to speak, when Xuan Yuan Shuo suddenly extended a finger and stabbed it toward his forehead.

Before Zhou Qing could react, a strand of spiritual energy stormed into his mindsea like a ravenous wolf, clearly seeking to search his memories.

Yet the next instant, Xuan Yuan Shuo grunted, snatching his finger back as if electrocuted, his eyes filled with disbelief.

His cultivation-slicing-level spiritual sense had been utterly erased the moment it entered Zhou Qing’s mindsea.

What was that?

Zhou Qing, snapping back, stepped swiftly backward, frowning darkly as he glared at Xuan Yuan Shuo.

Xuan Yuan Shuo was now embarrassed.

He had intended to soul-search Zhou Qing to find out what the veiled woman had taken him to do, then quietly erase the memory—but instead, he’d bitten off more than he could chew.

It seemed Zhou Qing’s mindsea bore either a special mark from Second Uncle, or the veiled woman had planted safeguards against intrusion.

“Elder—” Zhou Qing glared at Xuan Yuan Shuo, furious.

Xuan Yuan Shuo cleared his throat and explained, “Ah, young Zhou, you understand—she’s not from our Holy Wu Empire. As guardian of the border, I must remain cautious.”

Zhou Qing suppressed his rage but dared not retaliate, saying only, “Elder, I swear on my life—she only took us to that island within the Qing Luo Beast territory, then returned. You may verify it yourself.”

“I believe you. This is just precautionary,” Xuan Yuan Shuo scratched his head, sheepish.

Seeing Zhou Qing still scowling, Xuan Yuan Shuo laughed it off. “Alright then, I’ll take my leave. Come visit the border sometime.”

Only after Xuan Yuan Shuo’s figure vanished completely did Zhou Qing slowly unclench his fists.

Everyone knew soul-searching inflicted irreversible damage—but Xuan Yuan Shuo had acted without hesitation.

Even his claim of being Second Uncle’s disciple meant nothing.

Beneath cultivation-slicing, all beings were merely ants of varying sizes—no essential difference.

Xuan Yuan Shuo treated him politely only because he might still need him—perhaps to impersonate the Peng Emperor and balance the border’s demonic clans.

“In the end, it’s still weakness!” Zhou Qing’s heart swelled with helplessness and resentment as he clenched his fists silently.

When Zhou Qing stepped out, Mo Xingjian hurried forward, concerned. “Are you alright?”

To spare his master worry, Zhou Qing shook his head and forced a smile. “I’m fine!”

Mo Xingjian finally relaxed.

In such a short time, this border prince had visited Taiqingmen twice.

“I know some things are unavoidable, but as your master, I must warn you: avoid the imperial family. Don’t forget the three paintings the Seventh Prince sent during our Five Sects War!”

Mo Xingjian spoke with grave earnestness.

Zhou Qing replied, “I understand. Don’t worry—I know what I’m doing.”

…

By the brook!

Si Kong Yan, as always, sat quietly on a bamboo chair, clad in a crimson robe, holding a long fishing rod, eyes fixed intently on the water.

On the nearby hillside, a little girl in a floral dress happily chased butterflies, her bell-like laughter echoing through the valley.

At that moment, Si Kong Yan’s lips curled slightly, a faint thrill flashing in his eyes.

For a large fish was circling the hook—just as he prepared to welcome its bite.

Suddenly—*whoosh!*—a top-grade spirit stone plummeted from above, striking the water’s surface just beside the hook.

With a loud *plunk*, water splashed high; the fish, startled, flicked its tail and vanished into the deep.

Si Kong Yan’s face darkened. He lifted his gaze, hawk-like, toward where the spirit stone had come from.

On a large tree across the brook sat a figure.

He wore a bright yellow robe, a black hood and cloak covering his face completely.

As Si Kong Yan’s furious gaze locked onto him, the figure slowly raised both hands, grasped the hood’s edge, and lifted it upward.

First visible were narrow, sinister eyes—cold and deep. Beneath a high nose lay thin lips, faintly purple.

The corners of his mouth curled into a faint, chilling smirk that sent shivers down the spine.

“Si Kong Yan, you’ve truly given me a great surprise!” the man sneered.

Si Kong Yan frowned, cast his line again, and glanced at the three guardians below.

They wore identical black martial attire, hooded, arms crossed, eyes icy as they stared at Si Kong Yan.

Their aura subtly radiated soul-transformation peak.

“Uncle—” Seeing the hostile figures, Nannan hurried down the hill, hiding behind Si Kong Yan and peering cautiously out.

Si Kong Yan gently patted her head, smiled, and signaled her not to fear.

“I told you before: because I’m being watched, I won’t return to the Eastern Region for a while. But when I inquired, I learned the war here has stopped. Explain!”

The Fifth Imperial Prince, Xuan Yuan Fengtai, demanded.

Si Kong Yan replied, “Your Highness, this was unavoidable. If you know the Eastern Region has ceased hostilities, you must already know why.”

Xuan Yuan Fengtai slowly rose, spiritual energy surging as he stepped through the air toward them.

“A pack of brainless beasts—because they lost one spirit herb, they launched a beast tide and ruined my long-term plans!”

His voice was icy, brimming with unmasked fury and contempt, until he stepped onto the water’s surface, ripples spreading beneath his feet.

He then approached the fishing spot, crouched down, and idly tugged the fishing line.

Yet at that moment, Si Kong Yan’s gaze sharpened—he yanked the rod upward sharply.

The hook, previously still beneath the water, burst free—perfectly snagging the hem of Xuan Yuan Fengtai’s brocade robe.

“Turns out I caught a big one!” Si Kong Yan joked.

Xuan Yuan Fengtai frowned, flicked his finger—the entire fishing rod turned to ash.

“Si Kong Yan, I’m not joking. Leaving aside Canglan Mountain for now—I hear Taiqingmen and Qingyu Immortal Sect nearly came to blows. What happened?”

Xuan Yuan Fengtai’s gaze burned as he fixed it on Si Kong Yan. “Why didn’t you strike? Such a perfect opportunity!”

Si Kong Yan remained calm, leaning back slightly, his expression serene.

“Oh? Why strike? It didn’t happen in the end. Are you hoping Qingyu Immortal Sect gets wiped out?”

“Wiped out? Qingyu Immortal Sect is one of the Five Great Sects—how easily could it be destroyed? Its millennia-old lineage isn’t weak, and other sects balance each other!”

Xuan Yuan Fengtai snorted, disdainful.

Si Kong Yan chuckled softly. “According to our original plan, during the Five Sects War, all soul-transformation elders were barred from fighting—to preserve your finest assets.”

“Then, at the right moment, we’d stir chaos—cause soul-transformation elders to fall or be gravely wounded—so you could appear privately as a savior and win their loyalty.”

He sighed. “But plans change. The Canglan Mountain beast tide, the death of cultivation-slicing elders, the Linggu Mountain secret realm—all these upheavals have left me overwhelmed.”

Xuan Yuan Fengtai nodded slightly. “I only heard of these events after arriving in the Eastern Region. But so what? The broad strategic picture hasn’t changed much.”

He shifted tone, his gaze turning sharp. “Si Kong Yan, don’t forget how you reached soul-transformation peak. I chose you as my proxy—I can choose another.”

Si Kong Yan nodded quickly. “Of course I know. But Your Highness, you’ve just arrived—you may not yet understand everything.”

“The Tianji Sect’s master, Xuanji Zi, has died. The Qingyu Immortal Sect’s leader has less than ten years left. And both sects have almost no soul-transformation elders remaining.”

“What?” Xuan Yuan Fengtai’s face filled with shock.

Si Kong Yan continued, “All this is due to the Linggu Mountain secret realm. I had no choice—too many outsiders arrived. If we restart war now, others will reap the benefits.”

Xuan Yuan Fengtai frowned. “What exactly happened in Linggu Mountain? Did you find out which cultivation-slicing elder died?”

Si Kong Yan shook his head helplessly. “Honestly, I’m still clueless. Your Highness, as a prince, didn’t your royal grandfather ever mention anything? He was there too.”

Xuan Yuan Fengtai sighed. “My grandfather despised court intrigues in the capital—he volunteered for border duty. Even if he uncovered something, he’d never tell us.”

“Tell me—what was in that Linggu Mountain secret realm? How did it bring down both sect leaders? This is ruining my plans!”

Si Kong Yan gathered his thoughts, then spoke slowly. “I entered it. Inside… there was a ghost emperor…”

Half an hour later, Xuan Yuan Fengtai paced back and forth over the water, hands clasped behind his back, expression grim.

“So Tianji Sect is now leaderless. Qingyu Immortal Sect will soon replace its master—and they’ve reached a compensation agreement with Taiqingmen. They must be seething with humiliation!”

He muttered to himself, “This might still be a good opportunity. Though we’ve lost several soul-transformation elders, it doesn’t matter. My plans extend far beyond Lingyun Prefecture—I’m already far ahead of the others.”

Xuan Yuan Fengtai grew more excited, his eyes gleaming.

“You don’t need to worry about your side. Now, the only thorny issues left in the Eastern Region are Taiqingmen and Jin Leizong. Perfect!”

Xuan Yuan Fengtai spun sharply toward Si Kong Yan. “I’ll visit Tianji Sect and Qingyu Immortal Sect next.”

“When I return, we’ll discuss the next steps. Just serve me well—I guarantee you’ll reach cultivation-slicing.”

Si Kong Yan immediately rose, face beaming with delight. “I thank Your Highness!”

But Xuan Yuan Fengtai frowned, studying him with suspicion. “Your sudden deference is… unsettling.”

“Before, you were defiant—claimed we were merely partners, not master and servant.”

Si Kong Yan’s face beamed with obsequious smiles. “When I was still in soul-transformation late stage, you mentioned a secret method to break through to cultivation-slicing—I thought it too distant.”

“But now that I’ve reached soul-transformation peak, cultivation-slicing suddenly feels within reach…”

Xuan Yuan Fengtai burst into loud laughter.

“Good. A man must be greedy to obtain what he wants!”

Si Kong Yan nodded eagerly. “Yes, yes—I’ll rely entirely on Your Highness from now on.”

“Enough. When I return, we’ll talk details.” Xuan Yuan Fengtai, in high spirits, waved his hand and summoned his three guardians, turning to leave.

Sikong Yan beamed with a smile, bowing respectfully as he watched the group depart.

Once their silhouettes vanished completely, his smile vanished instantly, replaced by a flash of murderous intent.

“Uncle—”

Nannan had been standing quietly aside; now she timidly tugged at Sikong Yan’s sleeve.

Sikong Yan gently stroked Nannan’s small head, suppressing all emotion, and asked softly: “Little Nannan, do you want to eat fish?”

Nannan shook her head, her face twisted in disgust. “No, fish bones will pierce my throat.”

Sikong Yan burst into laughter. “Some fish do have many bones, but the one I’ll catch for you is different—it’s tender and juicy, and eating it might even cure your illness.”

At this, Nannan’s eyes flickered with hesitation. She whispered: “Uncle, if I get better, will you take me to find Papa?”

Sikong Yan extended a finger and lightly pinched her tiny nose, smiling. “Of course. But your father’s appearance has changed—do you think you’ll still recognize him?”

Nannan nodded vigorously, full of confidence. “I’ll know him for sure! Papa smells awful—that’s the easiest thing to recognize!”

Sikong Yan laughed again, his eyes brimming with affection. “Good. After you eat the fish, Uncle will take you to find your father—give him a big surprise.”

“That’s wonderful! Nannan will finally see Papa!” Nannan danced excitedly around Sikong Yan.

A faint smile lingered on Sikong Yan’s lips as he lifted his gaze toward the opposite bank of the river.

There, a white-robed figure stood motionless.

“Time to catch fish,” Sikong Yan murmured low, a flicker of barely perceptible madness flashing in his eyes—gone in an instant.

…

Above a mountain range!

Several figures sped through the air, casting swift shadows as they darted through the dense forest.

“Your Highness, there are almost no remaining Nascent Soul cultivators from both families now—is it really worth courting them at this point?”

One of the bodyguards couldn’t help speaking up.

Xuan Yuan Fengtai said: “There’s no such thing as ‘worth it’ or ‘not worth it’—only whether you have a long-term vision. Sometimes, an ant you’ve never even noticed can have an unexpected impact at a critical moment.”

Xuan Yuan Fengtai lightly flicked his sleeve, his expression brimming with confidence and arrogance—as if all things under heaven lay within his control.

The bodyguard bowed respectfully. “Your Highness is wise; this servant’s vision is too narrow… Who!”

In the next instant, the three instantly went on high alert, shielding Xuan Yuan Fengtai at the center.

Before them, a white-robed figure had appeared out of nowhere, standing mid-air, his face shrouded in a faint white mist that perfectly concealed his features.

Xuan Yuan Fengtai frowned. Though wary, a spark of curiosity ignited within him.

“May I ask, sir, why are you blocking our path?” Xuan Yuan Fengtai asked.

The white-robed figure slowly raised his right hand, and in his palm, a long white sword materialized out of thin air.

His voice was icy: “You only look ahead, never behind? Is that how the Xuan Yuan clan behaves?”

Upon hearing this, the four instinctively turned their heads.

Behind them, a black-robed figure wearing a black hood had silently appeared.

On his shoulder rested a blood-red broadsword, hovering motionless in midair.

Their sudden appearance was too eerie—they had sensed nothing, despite their cultivation.

“This… is a restriction seal? Your Highness, beware!” One of the bodyguards seemed to realize something, his face turning pale as he shouted a warning.

The enemy not only knew they were imperial family, but had set this seal here—clearly they were prepared.

Xuan Yuan Fengtai’s expression grew grave. He stepped forward and bowed to the two figures—the white and black demons.

“Sir, I wish to know which of my brothers or younger cousins hired you? Whatever price they paid, I’ll pay triple. How about it?”

Xuan Yuan Fengtai spoke calmly, eyes fixed on the two.

The moment he finished speaking, the white-robed figure moved.

His sword erupted in blinding light, runes flashing along its blade—he became a streak of white lightning, lunging straight at Xuan Yuan Fengtai.

His speed was so great it tore the air, producing a piercing whistle.

“Protect the Prince!” The three bodyguards shouted in unison, instantly spreading out to shield Xuan Yuan Fengtai at the center.

One of them rapidly formed hand seals; spiritual power surged around him, and in an instant, a yellowish earth shield coalesced, enveloping all four.

The white-robed figure’s sword slammed into the shield with a thunderous crash. The impact made the shield shudder violently, rippling outward.

Then, the sword’s glow intensified, and a powerful sword intent erupted—thin as silk, fine as thread—seeping directly into the shield.

The three bodyguards’ faces turned ashen.

“Governor-level combat power! Your Highness, beware—he’s not an ordinary Nascent Soul peak!” one cried in shock.

Xuan Yuan Fengtai’s face darkened.

At the same time, the black-robed figure behind them moved.

He gripped the blood-red broadsword with both hands and swung it hard—a massive crimson sword qi roared forth.

The sword intent surged like a torrent of blood, carrying endless slaughter aura, sweeping toward the shield.

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

Facing attack from both sides, the three bodyguards each took their roles.

One stepped out of the shield, launching eighteen green swords in direct counterattack against the white-robed figure.

Another emitted a soft golden glow, within which faint Sanskrit chants resonated; a monk’s staff emerged from his third eye and struck the black-robed figure.

“Your Highness, go!” The third continued maintaining the yellow shield, grabbing Xuan Yuan Fengtai and pulling him back.

But suddenly, a faint, translucent light barrier appeared before them, its glow shifting subtly into three colors.

“Damn! It’s a three-color restriction seal!” The bodyguard shoved Xuan Yuan Fengtai behind him and launched brute-force attacks.

Too bad he wasn’t a formation master—without finding the core, all attacks were futile.

Every damage inflicted was instantly repaired.

“Forget it. How can I be sure there aren’t others waiting outside? Better to fight to the death than be picked off one by one!”

Xuan Yuan Fengtai spoke, then turned to face the two combatants, his body suddenly radiating the aura of Nascent Soul early realm.

Faintly, imperial light swirled around him.

The bodyguard nodded. “Your Highness, stay here. Let this old servant handle it!”

With that, he charged toward the white-robed figure.

In an instant, battle raged—intent, divine arts, primordial spirits all unleashed.

Meanwhile, several flashes of light sped past overhead—but no one looked down, for to them, everything appeared normal.

…

In less than half an hour, the battlefield turned dire.

The black-robed figure’s killing intent burned like solid black flames; each swing of his blood-red broadsword shattered the air into fragments.

And with every passing moment, he grew fiercer—until finally, he unleashed a torrent of blood-soaked fury, striking with thunderous force.

One bodyguard had no time to defend—he could only watch helplessly as the blood blade roared toward him, slicing diagonally from shoulder to waist.

Blood gushed wildly. His primordial spirit barely escaped when a mass of purple flame shot from the black-robed figure’s eyes.

The bodyguard’s primordial spirit fled in terror—but was swiftly caught, clinging like a parasite, burning fiercely.

Amid a shrill scream, the bodyguard’s primordial spirit was utterly incinerated, vanishing from heaven and earth.

Then, the black-robed figure glanced calmly at Xuan Yuan Fengtai and made a throat-slitting gesture before turning away to rejoin the white-robed figure.

Together, they swiftly turned to slaughter the remaining two bodyguards.

Seeing how effortlessly they had eliminated one bodyguard, Xuan Yuan Fengtai finally felt dread—his earlier composure gone.

His spine was drenched in cold sweat; the wet clothing clinging to him sent shivers through his body.

He had faced assassinations before—but they were always swiftly dealt with by his loyal bodyguards.

He never imagined one day his own bodyguards would be so powerless before their enemies.

(End of Chapter)