Chapter 302: Target: Execute the Corrupt Emperor

"Grand Master, spare my life!"

"Grand Master, it was His Majesty who ordered me."

Chu Zheng managed only half a plea before the Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao crushed his skull outright; the nascent soul barely formed was utterly incinerated into nothingness by a wisp of crimson flame in the Grand Master's palm!

Though he had questioned nothing, Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao knew everything.

Cheng Yuexiao, face dark as iron, fell silent for a breath, then whispered, "Clear the area."

Xu Jin understood the Grand Master's intent: everyone involved, everyone present, was to be left alive.

The Grand Master stood motionless, flicking his fingers lightly; each flick shattered a skull.

Xu Jin did the same.

In less than ten breaths, hundreds of fourth-rank cultivators and the remaining dozen or so fifth-rank ones were all exterminated.

Some who realized what was happening tried to flee—but there was no possibility of escape.

"Save the people!"

At the same time, the Grand Master issued another order to Peng Lao, the guardian of the State Dao Academy.

With a sweep of his wide sleeves, roaring flames ignited along the edge of the Ten Thousand Spirits Blood Array.

In the next instant, Xu Jin and the Grand Master rushed into the pile of unconscious civilians, using star force to gently lift each one, then arranging them neatly in rows.

The more they saved, the darker their faces grew.

The casualties were horrific.

These unconscious civilians had been carelessly piled together.

The unlucky were either crushed to death, had their necks broken by compression, or suffocated.

The unconsciousness itself was not the main issue—it was merely poisoning.

Both possessed immense star force, especially the Grand Master, who could effortlessly lift and place a thousand civilians aside with a single gesture.

Within dozens of breaths, over a hundred thousand unconscious civilians lay scattered across the entire valley like corpses.

Yet during the rescue, the two discovered that several thousand civilians had died accidentally.

The Grand Master said nothing, but Xu Jin's chest burned as if engulfed in roaring flames.

When the last civilian was saved, Xu Jin spun sharply toward Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao.

"Grand Master, should this dog emperor die?"

"He should."

"Then what are we waiting for! Grand Master, why wait any longer? Kill this dog emperor and install a new ruler!" Xu Jin's eyes blazed with fury.

Upon hearing this, Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao let out a long sigh.

Xu Jin grew frantic. "Grand Master, if we don't kill this dog emperor, are we keeping him for the New Year? If you fear bearing the blame, let me do it! 【30】 Cover for me—I'll sneak into the palace and assassinate this dog emperor!"

Cover for me—I'll sneak into the palace and assassinate this dog emperor!

Hearing this, the Grand Master sighed again.

Xu Jin snapped. "Grand Master, I understand your feelings, but I feel you're being foolishly loyal!"

"Foolishly loyal?"

Cheng Yuexiao smiled bitterly. "Do I look like a foolishly loyal man? If I were, Chu Zheng wouldn't be dead."

"Then why—"

"Xu Jin, do you truly believe the imperial family can be slaughtered at will by you and me? Or do you think the Chen imperial house has endured for a thousand years?" asked Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao.

"Grand Master, if there's trouble, just say it plainly!"

In the next instant, Cheng Yuexiao sent the Nine Sheng Bells before Xu Jin. "Do you know one of the conditions for inheriting and subjugating this state-defending Dao artifact, the Nine Sheng Bells?"

Xu Jin was puzzled.

"These Nine Sheng Bells were forged by the founding emperor of Chen Guo himself, a state-defending Dao artifact. The first seal upon it forbids the subjugator from striking at the holder of the State Seal, from harming the Chen emperor."

When I subjugated this state-defending Dao artifact, that restriction was also sealed within my body."

Glancing at Xu Jin, Cheng Yuexiao added, "I know what you're thinking—discard the artifact, that's all! But you can't discard it."

The State Seal and the state-defending Dao artifact are mutually dependent; if I voluntarily abandon the Nine Sheng Bells without the State Seal's cooperation, the bells will instantly destroy my soul core!"

The founding emperor of Chen Guo eliminated the possibility of a state master rebelling from the very root!"

Here, Cheng Yuexiao's face darkened with anger. "As you say, if I could, why would I keep such a tyrant who slaughters his own people?"

Xu Jin frowned. "So this Nine Sheng Bells, though a state-defending Dao artifact, also controls you?"

"Controls?"

Cheng Yuexiao shook his head. "Not control—only limits the possibility of the wielder rebelling."

"Grand Master, if that's so, you can't act—but I can! Take me into the palace—I'll assassinate this dog emperor!"

Looking at the tens of thousands of corpses from Yangjiang County, Xu Jin's desire to kill Emperor Gan'an burned hotter than ever.

"Your future is vast—you don't need to die for this tyrant!"

"Die for him?"

"Within the palace, there is an eighth-rank retainer. And within the palace, I cannot act. Moreover, even if you sneak in invisibly, you cannot kill Emperor Gan'an."

A sovereign's protective treasures are immense.

Not even you—or a seventh-rank—could succeed in assassination," said Cheng Yuexiao.

"Then—"

Xu Jin stared at the corpses littering the ground, his hatred fierce. "Are we just going to let this go?"

"Impossible!"

Cheng Yuexiao shook his head. "This tyrant will pay for this—but for now, due to the Nine Sheng Bells' restriction, I cannot punish him. But I can weaken his authority; when the right opportunity arises, I will force him to abdicate!"

"But to execute this tyrant—we must wait for a future chance!"

"Grand Master, if I ever get the chance, I will bring this tyrant's head here to atone before the tens of thousands of innocent dead of Yangjiang County!" said Xu Jin.

In truth, Xu Jin harbored an even harsher thought.

If he ever got the chance, he wouldn't just kill this tyrant—he would sever his bloodline, even destroy the imperial succession itself!

"This matter must wait. For now, let's speak of you. Your situation has become extremely perilous," said Cheng Yuexiao.

"Me?" Xu Jin hadn't yet grasped it.

"Before I killed Chu Zheng, that fool must have already reported this situation to the tyrant!"

Meaning, the tyrant now knows I came here—and knows you ruined his plans and killed Prince Xin, his beloved son!"

During the rescue, Cheng Yuexiao had already spotted the corpse of Prince Xin.

"Just as I cannot act against this tyrant, he cannot touch me—but you are in grave danger!"

The previously planned soul-trial in the alien realm is no longer safe."

Nor is your hidden cultivation at the State Dao Academy."

Seeing Xu Jin frown, Cheng Yuexiao added, "You don't think Chen Guo is ruled by me alone, do you?"

The Chen imperial family's influence remains extremely, extremely strong."

Only since this tyrant's abysmal conduct twenty years ago has imperial power slightly waned—but its influence is still beyond your imagining."

In short, if this tyrant gives an order, whether you're in the State Dao Academy or the alien star realms, someone will always find a way to target you to please him."

They may not kill you—but they'll leak your whereabouts."

They'll use any means necessary!"

The empire's imperial authority is far stronger than you realize. Understood?"

For example, the governors of each star realm under Chen Guo's command, even the commanders of the Chen Star River battlefield, the Three Princes and Seven Marquises—all still pledge loyalty to the Chen emperor, not the State Dao Academy!"

I have at most supervisory authority; some are even my equals—I cannot even supervise them!"

Only in the mortal realm does the State Dao Academy hold greater influence."

Do you understand?"

Xu Jin smiled bitterly.

Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao had spoken so much, explained so thoroughly—simply to ease Xu Jin's heart.

He was telling him: killing Prince Xin had brought great disaster upon himself.

Not a single word of blame—only concern for Xu Jin!

"Then what does the Grand Master suggest?"

"I still say: you need time to grow! Once you mature fully, this tyrant will mean nothing—all danger will vanish!"

And what you need most is time!"

So I now advise you to immediately carry out my first plan: the Golden Cicada's Shell Shedding!"

"Golden Cicada's Shell Shedding? Is there time? Will anyone believe it?" asked Xu Jin.

"As long as you vanish, as long as you're officially declared dead, who cares if they believe it—as long as it buys you time!"

Of course, if possible, make it convincing," said Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao.

Suddenly, Xu Jin's heart tightened. "Grand Master, if I vanish, won't my sister and my father be in danger?"

"Indeed."

Cheng Yuexiao nodded heavily. "Under normal circumstances, your father and sister would be perfectly safe once inside the State Dao Academy."

But now, the one targeting them is this tyrant—I cannot protect your sister and father at every moment!"

So they must be arranged for too!"

Don't worry—I'll handle it."

And once you vanish, they'll be secondary targets—easier to arrange."

Hearing this, Xu Jin glanced toward the imperial capital of Wan Yi and spat, "Then let this foolish emperor live a few more days!"

As he spoke, State Tutor Cheng Yuexiao handed Xu Jin a Splitting Charm. "Xu Jin, I've decided. In southern Danzhou, there's still an unsealed sixth-rank star gate—go there."

"This is a Splitting Charm. When the time comes, drip a drop of your essence onto it, and you'll perfectly mimic your appearance. At the sixth-rank star gate, pretend you've been ambushed by a sixth-rank cultivator, die tragically, then vanish using your invisibility technique."

Cheng Yuexiao added, "This won't fool the foolish emperor, but it will deceive the Two Star Palaces. You'll have time to cultivate and raise your cultivation base."

"Once you break through to sixth rank—even fifth rank—the situation will improve dramatically!"

As he spoke, Cheng Yuexiao handed Xu Jin over a dozen jade tablets. "These were prepared earlier for your Golden Cicada Escape plan—you didn't choose them, so I didn't give them to you."

"But now, you'll need them!"

"After you successfully carry this out, leave immediately, return home to see your father, give him your final instructions, then operate under the identity of Qitian Sheng."

Time is urgent—act now!"

Suddenly, Cheng Yuexiao remembered the two assassins from the Sun Yang Star Palace sent to kill Xu Jin—they couldn't be far away now—and he formed a new idea.

"When you teleport, make a grand show of it—reveal your identity even more thoroughly," Cheng Yuexiao warned.

"Understood!"

In the next instant, Xu Jin took a deep breath and flew first toward the Star Ascension Tower branch in Yangjiang Commandery.

On the way, he encountered two squads of Danxia Guards—likely sent by the State Tutor to clean up the aftermath in Yangjiang Commandery.

Behind him, Cheng Yuexiao's expression grew even darker.

He still had to clean up after this foolish emperor!

This was a family disgrace—and a national shame.

It must be handled quietly.

If it became public, the other three houses might unite again against Chen Guo's brutal actions.

Then they'd have a just cause.

And once the truth was revealed, Chen Guo's people would lose all faith in their ruler.

In the end, it would be Chen Guo's common folk who suffered.

As Cheng Yuexiao flew onward, his inner bitterness was beyond description.

He never imagined that after being stripped of his title as Emperor by the Star River Command, Qian'an Emperor would sink so low.

Xu Jin's emotions were equally complex.

This single day and night had been more surreal than all his past experiences combined.

His entire life's fate had undergone a radical turn.

Originally, Xu Jin had intended to cultivate in a foreign land—to experience strange customs, taste exotic delicacies, admire foreign beauties, rapidly boost his cultivation, then return to serve Chen Guo and the Grand Dao Academy.

Now, everything had changed.

He must hide his true identity.

And his cultivation goal had changed.

In truth, since arriving in this world, Xu Jin's goal had always been simple.

At first, he wanted to cultivate; later, he wanted to become a powerful cultivator, to experience the glory of treading upon starlit clouds.

Then, he simply wanted to grow stronger, to wield greater power.

But now, Xu Jin had a clear goal: cultivate fiercely, kill the foolish emperor!

In the shortest time possible, raise his cultivation base, then slay Qian'an Emperor—unless he killed this tyrant, Xu Jin's heart would remain blocked, his anger unrelieved!

The moment he set this goal, Xu Jin stepped into the Yangjiang Commandery Star Ascension Tower branch and teleported to the Chen Guo Danzhou Star Ascension Tower branch.

Upon appearing at the Danzhou Star Ascension Tower branch, Xu Jin immediately flashed his badge. "Grand Dao Academy's True Disciple Champion, Xu Jin, here by order to reinforce Danzhou! Where is the guide officer?" His roar echoed across the entire Danzhou Star Ascension Tower plaza, instantly drawing every eye.

Some knew Xu Jin; some didn't—but now, everyone knew.

The title "True Disciple Champion" alone was enough to draw attention.

In an instant, Xu Jin's name spread through Danzhou.

Moments later, the guide officer arrived, confirmed Xu Jin's reinforcement destination, and pointed out the location of the sixth-rank star gate.

Then Xu Jin transformed into starlight and swiftly raced toward the sixth-rank star gate.

Moments later, Cheng Yuexiao, now disguised in another form, appeared outside the Danzhou Star Ascension Tower branch. A few breaths later, he too darted toward the sixth-rank star gate—but his Star Ascension Token flickered incessantly.

He didn't know if his impromptu plan would succeed—he could only take it one step at a time.

【Xu Jin, wait for my order—engage in battle first. When I give the command, execute the Golden Cicada Escape plan.】

【Understood.】

Five hundred li north of Gu'an County in Yangjiang Commandery, the Sun Yang Star Palace's Seventh Elder, Xia Zhong, and Hu Jinshan, who had been flying for nearly two hours, both felt their Star Ascension Tokens flicker.

【Elder Xia, new intelligence: Xu Jin has shifted to reinforce the sixth-rank star gate in southern Danzhou. There may be sixth- or even seventh-rank Chen Guo cultivators there—proceed with caution and act according to circumstances.】

The Sun Yang Star Palace's Sixth Elder, Xia Zhong, frowned. 【Is this intelligence reliable? And where is Cheng Yuexiao? Don't tell me he's luring us into a trap?】

【Cheng Yuexiao's whereabouts are unknown, but he's likely still commanding at the Grand Dao Academy in Chen Guo. Would you, if you were him, sacrifice Xu Jin as bait?】

Elder Xia, this is a rare opportunity!

Still, proceed with caution.】

This was the starlight message from the First Elder, Wang Kan.

In the next instant, Xia Zhong and Hu Jinshan immediately changed course.

At the same moment, the Star of the Azure Heavens' Seventh Elder, Huang Kejia, received similar intelligence.

(End of Chapter)