Chapter 589

Linghu Qingqing wants a confession.

Translation: Linghu Qingqing wanted a confession.

So a confession was soon obtained.

Translation: So a confession was soon obtained.

Faced with a life-or-death choice for his entire family, and then brutally tortured by the most cruel instrument, plus the Linghu Elder's soul-search threat, Sima Yan stammered and revealed everything he knew.

Make sure to include all clauses, using Linghu Elder and Sima Yan.

Thus: "Faced with a life-or-death choice for his whole family, and then brutally tortured by the most cruel instrument, plus the Linghu Elder's soul-search threat, Sima Yan stammered and told everything he knew."

Indeed, he is a member of the Flying Swallow.

Translation: "Indeed, he was a member of the Flying Swallow."

Their goal is to support the imperial family, regain the throne, and let the Divine Emperor of the Great Jin Divine Nation possess the majesty of the founding Divine Emperor, commanding the world, rather than now, when power is usurped by the two ministers, the Left and Right Premiers.

The Founding Divine Emperor of the Great Jin Divine Nation and the two ministers, the Left and Right Premiers.

For the Sima imperial clan, this is a most noble and exalted mission.

Translation: "To the Sima clan royalty, how noble and exalted a mission this is!"

Consequently, many collateral descendants of the Sima imperial clan, those considered elite, have flocked to join the Flying Swallow.

Translation: "So many collateral descendants of the Sima clan royalty, those who counted as elite clan members, flocked to join the Flying Swallow."

They, together with large numbers of talented youths selected from poor and common families across the Great Jin Divine Nation, after secret training, become generation after generation of Flying Swallow members, having done many things in secret for the Sima imperial clan.

Translation: "They, together with large numbers of talented youths selected from poor and common families across the Great Jin Divine Nation, after secret training, became generation after generation of Flying Swallow members, secretly doing many things for the Sima clan royalty."

For example, in recent years some members of the Hu clan of Jinhua Prefecture have gone missing.

Translation: "For example, in recent years some members of the Hu clan of Jinzhou Prefecture have gone missing."

For example, in recent years some members of the Linghu main line have perished.

Translation: "For example, in recent years some members of the Linghu main line have perished."

For example, in recent years some generals loyal to the Linghu family have been assassinated.

Translation: "For example, in recent years some generals loyal to the Linghu family have been assassinated."

Even, in the Linghu fiefdoms, rare heavenly treasures have been stolen, precious minerals illicitly mined, secret texts copied, and so on—many actions that have caused significant losses to the Linghu main line are the work of the Flying Swallow.

Translation: "Even, in the Linghu fiefdoms, rare heavenly treasures were stolen, precious minerals were illicitly mined, secret classics were rubbed copies, and so on—many affairs that caused considerable loss to the Linghu main line's strength were done by the Flying Swallow."

Sima Yan's cultivation is high; among the great-grandsons of Sima Xiu, he was the first to enter the Womb Treasury realm.

Translation: "Sima Yan's cultivation is high; among the great-grandsons of Sima Xiu, he was the first to step into the Womb Storage Realm."

Moreover, he is a fervent worshipper of the founding Divine Emperor's ancestor of the Great Jin Divine Nation; he firmly believes that the Sima imperial clan's bloodline is the most noble on earth. Therefore, for the benefit of the Sima imperial clan, he can sacrifice anything.

Translation: "Moreover, he is a fanatical worshiper of the founding divine emperor ancestor of the Great Jin Divine Nation, firmly believing that the Sima clan royalty's bloodline is the most noble on earth. Therefore, for the benefit of the Sima clan royalty, he can sacrifice anything."

Thus Sima Yan became a mid-level leader of the Flying Swallow outside Anyang City, mastering many of its channels and files, and he has indeed done much for the Flying Swallow. He even…… a dozen years ago, two promising youths of the Linghu clan were mysteriously beaten to death, and it was Sima Yan who personally dealt the blow.

He even… a dozen years ago.

Thus: "Therefore Sima Yan became a mid-level leader of the Flying Swallow outside An'yang City, mastering many of the Flying Swallow's channels and files, and he indeed did many things for the Flying Swallow. He even… over a decade ago, two Linghu youths with great potential were mysteriously beaten to death, and that was Sima Yan's own hand."

This time, the physical body of Silver Fish Child was secretly transported here by a higher echelon of the Flying Swallow, so that Sima Yan could properly safeguard it.

Translation: "This time, the physical body of Silver Fish Child was secretly conveyed by higher echelons of the Flying Swallow, to be safely kept by Sima Yan."

As for Silver Fish Child's soul, Sima Yan truly does not know where it is…… but one would think it is in the hands of the Flying Swallow's higher-ups, after all, her body was sent by them.

Translation: "As for Silver Fish Child's soul, Sima Yan truly does not know where her soul is…… but one would think it is in the hands of the Flying Swallow's higher ups, after all her body was sent by them."

Within a short quarter of an hour, forced by his family's life-or-death dilemma with no choice, and terrified by torture, Sima Yan revealed his innate cowardice and weakness between life and death, and finally confessed everything he knew.

Translation: "Within a short quarter hour, forced by his family's life-or-death choice to have no choice, and then terrified by torture into losing his courage, Sima Yan revealed his innate timidity and weakness between life and death, and finally confessed everything he knew."

All of his subordinates' contact methods, as well as the residences and identities he knows of some subordinates, etc.

Translation: "All his subordinates' contact methods, as well as the residences and identities he knew of some subordinates, etc."

Moreover, he claims to have mastered all the superiors' contact methods and meeting places, even the residences of the two superiors he has seen in Anyang City, etc.

Translation: "Also, he said he mastered all superiors' contact methods and contact places, even the residences of the two superiors he had once seen within An'yang City, etc."

What astonished Linghu Qingqing was that one of Sima Yan's superiors is actually a direct-line member of the Sima imperial clan with considerable authority, a steward of the Imperial City's Internal Affairs Hall, and also holds a princely title.

Translation: "What surprised Linghu Qingqing was that one of Sima Yan's superiors turned out to be a direct-line Sima clan royalty with considerable authority, a hall overseer of the Imperial Palace Internal Affairs Hall, and also held the title of prince."

Coincidentally, a few days ago Linghu Qingqing led people to pressure the palace against Sima Fa; subsequently Sima Fa fled with the Floating Pagoda Tower, whereupon Linghu Qingqing immediately ordered the arrest of every Sima clansman in Anyang City and sent them to a carefully prepared detention facility outside the city.

Translation: "Coincidentally, a few days ago Linghu Qingqing led people to pressure the palace against Sima Fa, after which Sima Fa fled with the Pagoda; Linghu Qingqing immediately ordered all Sima clan members within An'yang City to be arrested one by one and then sent to a carefully prepared prison outside the city."

Yet this princely steward of the Internal Affairs Hall, along with several of his direct descendants, did not appear on the arrest list.

Translation: "Yet this prince with real power in the Internal Affairs Hall, and his several direct-line descendants, did not appear on the arrest list."

"It's him, Sima Ha—who would have thought that this usually mild-mannered fellow is actually a hidden pawn of the Sima clan?" Linghu Qingqing sneered: "I just don't know whether Sima Xian knows about this fellow's affairs or not."

Sima Ha and Sima Xian.

"If Sima Xian knew of the existence of the Flying Swallow, I would have to admire him; truly he is no less than the Divine Emperor of our Great Jin, feigning foolishness so convincingly."

Translation: ""If Sima Xian knows of the Flying Swallow's existence, I, old man, cannot help but admire—truly worthy of being the Divine Emperor of our Great Jin, feigning a foolish ruler so convincingly.""

Shaking his head, Linghu Qingqing gave another strange laugh: "If he doesn't know, then it's really interesting—he, Sima Xian, doesn't even realize that his own royal relatives have formed a Flying Swallow whose strength is not inferior to that of the Fox Tail, operating in secret… What does that mean?"

Translation: "Shaking his head, Linghu Qingqing gave another strange laugh: ""If he doesn't know, then it's really amusing—he, Sima Xian, doesn't even know that his own royal relatives have organized a Flying Swallow whose strength is not inferior to the Fox Tail at all, secretly causing trouble…… What on earth does this mean?""

"If it weren't for me digging up the Flying Swallow for him, would his Sima clan itself have to undergo a dynastic change?"

Translation: ""If it weren't for me, old man, digging out the Flying Swallow for him, would his Sima clan itself have to undergo a change of dynasty?""

Linghu Qingqing laughed especially cruelly: "Having said I'd kill half, I will kill half… Go, in front of those Sima clansmen outside the city, pick out half of the elderly, women, and children and kill them. See if they can endure without revealing their identities, see if they can continue to preserve the Flying Swallow's secrets."

Translation: "Linghu Qingqing laughed especially cruelly: ""Said we'd kill half, so kill half…… Go, in front of those Sima clan members outside the city, pick out half of the elderly, weak, women and children and kill them. See if they can bear not revealing their identities, see if they can continue to keep secrets for the Flying Swallow.""

With a cold snort, Linghu Qingqing muttered: "You, follow me to see our Retired Emperor."

Translation: "Snorting coldly, Linghu Qingqing murmured: ""You, follow me to see our Grand Emperor.""

Outside the city, the former royal garden where Sima Fa had confined Sima Xian is now surrounded by the Green Hill Corps; the few eunuchs and palace maids inside are being held in custody, and around Sima Xian are burly, stout women meticulously trained by the Linghu clan, each as fierce as a tiger.

Surrounded by the Green Hill Corps, burly and stout stalwart women as fierce as tigers.

Thus: "Outside the city, the imperial grove where Sima Fa once confined Sima Xian has now been surrounded by the Green Hill Corps; the few eunuchs and palace maids inside are being held under centralized guard; beside Sima Xian are nothing but burly, stout women carefully trained by the Linghu clan, each as fierce as a tiger."

In the rear garden of the estate, by a clear, bottom‑visible small pond, Sima Xian sat bored at a stone table, head down, blankly watching the koi swim to and fro. On his body were affixed several black talismans of neither metal nor jade; black electric arcs flickered, like shackles binding him tightly, sealing all his magical cultivation.

Translation: "In the rear garden of the grove, by the clear-to-the-bottom little pond, Sima Xian sat bored at a stone table, head lowered, blankly watching the koi swim to and fro in the water. On his body were fiercely affixed several strips of black talismans neither metal nor jade; black electric gleams flickered, like shackles binding him tight, sealing all his magical power."

Three or four hundred heavily armored women, each with a grim visage, stared expressionlessly at Sima Xian.

Translation: "Three or four hundred heavily armored stalwart women each had grim faces, expressionlessly staring fixedly at Sima Xian."

They have received a death order: Sima Xian's status is so important that he cannot be easily killed, harmed, or allowed to escape; no matter what he eats, drinks, or relieves himself, someone must always be at his side.

Translation: "They had received death orders; Sima Xian's status is extremely important—he must not be lightly killed, injured, or allowed to escape; no matter his eating, drinking, urinating, or defecating, someone must always be at his side."

Sima Xian is accustomed to a life of leisure; when beautiful women surround him, his mood is naturally wonderful.

Translation: "Sima Xian was accustomed to leisurely enjoyment; when surrounded by beauties in daily life, his mood was naturally wonderful."

But now a group of women who are not exactly ugly yet quite fierce and ferocious never leave his side; one can imagine his state of mind.

Translation: "But now a group of women not exactly ugly, yet quite fierce and brutal, stalwart women who never leave his side all day—one can imagine his mood."

"Do you still consider me your sovereign?" After a long while, Sima Xian finally sighed softly: "What do you think? How should you act? Is it that unfilial son Fa who sent you here? Let him come; I wish to see him!"

Translation: ""You… still consider me your Majesty?" After a long while, Sima Xian finally sighed faintly: ""You, what are your thoughts? How will you act? Is it that unfilial son Fa who sent you here? Let him come; I want to see him!""

Hurrying to the rear garden gate, Linghu Qingqing happened to hear Sima Xian's words and felt a great relief in her heart.

Translation: "Striding quickly to the rear garden gate, Linghu Qingqing happened to hear Sima Xian's words and felt his heart loosen greatly."

According to intelligence, Sima Fa flew away with the Floating Pagoda Tower, leaving no trace; however, looking at the direction, it is certainly not toward this grove, meaning Sima Fa fled with the tower but did not fall into Sima Xian's hands?

Translation: "According to intelligence, Sima Fa flew away with the Pagoda, leaving no trace; but looking at the direction, it was indeed not heading toward this grove, meaning Sima Fa fled with the Pagoda, yet did not fall into Sima Xian's hands?"

Thus, excellent!

Translation: "Thus, excellent!"

The Sima clan may still have other trump cards, even a final desperate one, but is Linghu Qingqing not now gradually weakening their trump cards? Heh, plus the incident six thousand years ago in the Eastern Palace, when the Eastern Palace Crown Prince Sima Shen took those imperial treasures away, it's hard to say how much strength the current Sima clan still possesses.

Translation: "The Sima clan might still have other trump cards, even a last-ditch trump card, but is not Linghu Qingqing now gradually weakening their trump cards? Heh, plus the incident six thousand years ago in the Eastern Palace, when the Eastern Palace Crown Prince Sima Sheng took those imperial treasures away, it's hard to say how much strength the current Sima clan still has."

"Retired Emperor, Your Divine Majesty… has unfortunately perished, hasn't anyone told you this news?" Linghu Qingqing strode forward with big steps, standing before Sima Xian, composed and even looking down on him with a hint of superiority.

Translation: ""Grand Emperor, Divine Emperor…… he has unfortunately perished, hasn't anyone told you this news?" Linghu Qingqing strode forward to stand before Sima Xian, composed, even with a hint of looking down on him."

"Linghu Qingqing!" Sima Xian slowly rose to his feet, looking thoughtfully at the women beside him: "These madwomen who have suddenly appeared these past few days—are they your people?"

Translation: ""Linghu Minister!" Sima Xian slowly rose, looked thoughtfully at the stalwart women beside him: ""These mad women who have suddenly arrived these past few days—are they your people?""

Linghu Qingqing smiled at Sima Xian: "Your Majesty, do you know of the Flying Swallow?"

Translation: "Linghu Qingqing smiled at Sima Xian: ""Your Majesty, do you know of the Flying Swallow?""

Everyone is smart; of course, in Linghu Qingqing's mind, she naturally considers herself the smartest, while Sima Xian is rather obviously a bit slow, though not beyond redemption, so some idle talk need not be answered—for instance, these women are certainly sent by Linghu Qingqing; since Sima Xian himself is asking, she need not reply.

Translation: "Everyone is smart; of course, in Linghu Qingqing's mind he naturally considers himself the smartest, while Sima Xian is obviously somewhat slower, but he hasn't reached the point of being beyond help, so some nonsense need not be answered. For example, these stalwart women are certainly sent by Linghu Qingqing; since Sima Xian himself asked that, Linghu Qingqing need not answer."

"Flying Swallow?" Sima Xian stared blankly at Linghu Qingqing: "What is the Flying Swallow?"

Translation: ""Flying Swallow?" Sima Xian blankly stared at Linghu Qingqing: ""What Flying Swallow?""

"Over these years, especially the past two hundred or more, the Flying Swallow has caused considerable trouble for my Linghu clan." Linghu Qingqing raised her eyebrows, wearing a smile of "as expected," and gave a teasing look at Sima Xian: "It seems Your Majesty the Retired Emperor truly does not know of the Flying Swallow? That is interesting, for among them are many members of the Sima imperial clan, and they even raise the banner of supporting the imperial house..."

Translation: ""In recent years, especially the past two hundred or more, the Flying Swallow that has caused considerable trouble for my Linghu clan." Linghu Qingqing raised his eyebrows, wearing a smile as if indeed so, gave a teasing look at Sima Xian: ""It seems the Grand Emperor truly does not know of the Flying Swallow? This is interesting, for among them are so many Sima clan royalty members, and they even fly the banner of supporting the imperial family...""

Sima Xian's face suddenly changed: "Within my Sima clan, is there someone… plotting rebellion?"

Translation: "Sima Xian's face suddenly changed: ""Within my Sima clan, is there someone… plotting rebellion?""

Linghu Qingqing laughed and clapped approvingly: "Interesting, interesting, indeed interesting, hahaha, Retired Emperor, minister here will not stand on ceremony; I need you to issue an edict, write it quickly, write it fast, otherwise…"

Translation: "Linghu Qingqing laughed and clapped approvingly: ""Interesting, interesting, indeed hilarious, hahaha, Grand Emperor, minister here will not stand on ceremony; I need you to issue an edict, write it quickly, write it fast, or else…""

Sima Xian did not ask about the edict's content, but instead countered Linghu Qingqing: "Otherwise, what then?"

Translation: "Sima Xian did not ask about the edict's content, but instead countered Linghu Qingqing: ""Or else what?""

A woman glanced at Linghu Qingqing, her eyelid twitched, and she lunged forward, a brutally designed serrated short sword thrusting from behind and piercing Sima Xian's left knee with a "puff" sound.

Translation: "A stalwart woman glanced at Linghu Qingqing, his eyelid twitched, and she strode forward, a ferociously shaped serrated short sword 'puff' piercing straight through Sima Xian's left knee from behind."

Sima Xian let out a piercing wail, thudded onto one knee, cold sweat pouring forth in streams, his face instantly contorting and turning deathly pale.

Translation: "Sima Xian let out a miserable wail, 'thud' dropping to one knee on the ground, cold sweat 'swish-swish' bursting forth, his complexion instantly contorted and turned deathly pale."

"Actually you're useless. Even when you sat on the throne before, you were of no use." Linghu Qingqing shook her head and sighed: "However, I… no, We want to obtain the Great Jin Divine Nation's state altar artifacts through the most orthodox and formal means, and that requires your Sima clan's cooperation!"

Translation: ""Actually you're useless. Even when you sat on the throne back then, you were useless." Linghu Qingqing shook his head and sighed: ""However, I… no, We want to obtain the Great Jin Divine Nation's state gods' artifacts through the most orthodox, formal means, which requires your Sima clan's cooperation!""

"Others not cooperating doesn't matter; you must cooperate… once you do, I can legitimately face those heavenly deities and receive the authority they bestow. Do you agree?"

Translation: ""Whether others cooperate or not doesn't matter, but you must cooperate…… once you do, I can then righteously face those heavenly deities and accept the authority they bestow. You say, isn't that so?""

Linghu Qingqing smiled at the grim‑faced Sima Xian: "For example, control of the Sun Golden Shuttle, the right to perform ancestral temple sacrifices, and other special privileges that only imperial blood can activate."

Translation: "Linghu Qingqing smiled at the ashen-faced Sima Xian: ""For example, control of the Sun Golden Shuttle, the right to perform ancestral temple sacrifices, and other special privileges that only imperial blood can activate, etc.""

"Although I have already obtained the tacit consent of the present deities, there are still procedures to be followed that even the deities cannot bypass. This, of course, requires Your Majesty's cooperation."

Translation: ""Although We have already obtained the tacit consent of today's gods, there are still some procedures to go through, which even today's gods cannot bypass. This, of course, requires Your Majesty's cooperation.""

Spreading his hands, Linghu Qingqing said softly: "But Your Majesty surely knows that even if you refuse to cooperate, there is actually a way for my Linghu clan to smoothly replace the Sima clan and become the master of this fertile land… though you have never mentioned it to me, I know, I understand, and I actually do not mind resorting to such thunderous measures."

Translation: "Spreading his hands, Linghu Qingqing said softly: ""But Your Majesty surely knows as well, even if you do not cooperate, there is actually a way for my Linghu clan to smoothly replace the Sima clan and become the master of this fertile land…… but that method you have never mentioned to Us, yet I know, I understand, and I actually do not mind employing such thunderous means.""

Sima Xian looked at Linghu Qingqing with a strange expression: "Slaughtering ninety percent of the previous dynasty's imperial bloodline as an offering to the gods, thereby gaining legitimate divine authority… you mean this path? Tsk, can you carry it out?"

Translation: "Sima Xian looked at Linghu Qingqing with a strange expression: ""Slaughtering ninety percent of the previous dynasty's royal bloodline as an offering to the gods, thereby gaining legitimate divine authority over the nation…… you mean this is the path? Tsk, can you carry it out?""

Sima Xian shook his head with feeling: "Ninety percent of the imperial bloodline—over the years, the imperial family has intermarried with aristocratic clans; how many people actually possess imperial blood? Even if the imperial jade discs and golden registers record such lineage, many now hold high positions in great clans, heh heh, and many of those bearing imperial blood are still loyal hounds of your Linghu clan—would you strike them? Dare you?"

Translation: "Sima Xian shook his head with feeling: ""Ninety percent of the royal bloodline—over these many years, intermarriage between royalty and aristocratic clans, how many possess royal blood? Even if the imperial jade discs and golden registers record these bloodline identities, many now hold high positions in great clans, heh heh, many who possess royal blood are still loyal hounds of your Linghu clan—can you strike them down? Dare you?""

Linghu Qingqing grinned and said softly: "So, I have been hesitating how to become, as gently as possible, the rightful master of this state altar in accordance with reason and law; the spirit covenant between the deities and the founding Divine Emperor is overly strict, making full inheritance of that covenant somewhat difficult."

Translation: "Linghu Qingqing cracked a grin and said softly: ""So I have been hesitating how to become, as gently as possible, the rightful and lawful master of this land of state and gods, the divine covenant signed by the gods and the founding divine emperor being overly strict; wanting to fully inherit that covenant is somewhat difficult.""

So, you see, I even tolerate you, this retired Emperor Emeritus, and you can still live here peacefully and leisurely.

But, but, I can't bear it anymore!

I must become the Divine Emperor of the Qingqiu Divine Kingdom, and the woman I love must become the Empress of the Qingqiu Divine Kingdom!

I can no longer tolerate her being harmed, being spied on, being used as a tool to attack me, threaten me, and obstruct me.

So, Sima Xian...

Linghu Qingqing grabbed Sima Xian's throat, as if dragging a dead chicken, and hauled him away from Lin Garden in large strides.

Outside Lin Garden, several hilltops were moved aside by great supernatural power, revealing a vast expanse of flat land.

Numbering in the millions, the Sima imperial clan of Anyang City were gathered; among them, a large number of the elderly, weak, women, and children were escorted over, with each person having several expressionless elites of the Qingqiu army standing beside them.

Linghu Qingqing choked Sima Xian's neck, dragging him out of the gate of Lin Garden; Linghu Jian, his face twisted, stood at the doorway, looked back at his father, then at the deathly pale Sima Xian, took a deep breath, and roared: 'Execute!'

Blade light flashed, and hundreds of thousands of heads fell to the ground.

The bloody aura shot up to the heavens; Sima Xian stared wide-eyed and spat a mouthful of blood far away: 'Linghu Qingqing, you old dog... When I ascended the throne, I wished to tear your corpse into ten thousand pieces!'

Linghu Qingqing laughed radiantly, shaking his head as he said: 'Your Majesty, Your Majesty, when you ascended the throne under the gaze of the myriad gods, what could you do? Don't forget that back then, your elder brother, the former Crown Prince Sima Shen, fled Anyang City in panic under the charges of "defiling the gods" and "colluding with demons."'

Back then you were suspected of consorting with demons, yet you still want to oppose me? It's utterly bewildering!

'Execute, keep executing... Sima clan members, look closely—you know what I want, you know my purpose.' Linghu Qingqing screamed hysterically: 'Hand over what I desire, or else every direct-line descendant of the Sima clan's Anyang branch will die... Then I will issue an order to the world: all those bearing the surname Sima must die!'

Again, a flash of blade light, then another...

Because the mortal body of Yin Yuer had been recovered but her divine soul was missing, Linghu Qingqing became somewhat hysterical.

Again, blade light flashed fifteen times in succession; finally, a mournful howl came from afar: 'What you want is merely that woman's divine soul... She is in this king's hands... Linghu Qingqing... You have slaughtered my Sima clan like this—you will die a bad death, you will die a bad death!'