Chapter 305: All Ministers Are Fighting to the Death

Above Jinshan County City's Xu family, more than a dozen figures were locked in pairwise combat!

Except for that sixth-rank eunuch and Ji Bang.

There were also six fifth-rank eunuchs.

The six fighting them were old acquaintances of Xu Jin.

The current head of Jinshan Dao Academy, Cao Chun; the Star Patrol Director Tian Zhang; even the deputy head Feng Shu was fighting, along with two other fifth-rank experts Xu Jin didn't recognize— one of them was likely arranged by Ying Ge.

Without doubt, this squad of eunuchs had been sent by the foolish emperor.

Suddenly, Xu Jin's heart tightened— his sister Jiang Er?

But thinking of Peng Lao, Xu Jin felt reassured.

This foolish emperor was inept and unwise in everything else, yet when dealing with people like Xu Jin who had fought to the death for Chen Guo, his actions were swift and precise.

Suddenly, Xu Jin thought of four words: internal betrayal, external tolerance!

He felt strikingly similar to certain emperors from his past life.

In the past, reading history and certain records, seeing emperors act like fools who nearly sold out their nation, he had long been filled with rage, wishing he could storm forward and slap them awake.

Like Zhao Ji, or the emperor who begged for his city's surrender!

Reading about them made one sigh in helpless grief.

Now, experiencing it firsthand, it was a hundred times more agonizing than reading history—he longed to immediately cut down this foolish emperor and devour his flesh!

Looking at these eunuchs sent by the foolish emperor to attack his own father, Xu Jin's fury surged violently—he wanted to kill them all right then and there!

But reason still cooled him down.

The Grand Master had gone to great lengths to help him shed his skin, feign death, and escape.

If he let anger expose himself now, all that effort would be wasted.

He could betray anyone, but never the Grand Master.

Xu Jin was no saint, but those who had been good to him must never be let down!

So Xu Jin immediately used the Star-Plucking Token under his Qitian Sheng identity to send a starlight message to the Grand Master, informing him of the situation and asking for his advice.

Communication took only a few breaths—the current battle situation remained stable.

Many things, many people, often fall apart simply due to lack of communication, with misunderstandings growing larger and larger.

One doesn't speak; the other doesn't ask.

In the end, the misunderstanding grows so vast it becomes irreparable!

Not just friends—many lovers, many spouses, suffer the same fate!

【Ji Bang and his men can kill these eunuchs without issue. If you wish to intervene, absolutely do not reveal yourself—only assist indirectly. Also, after the battle, you may meet Ji Bang. Your identity cannot be hidden from him, because your father and sister will be personally placed under Ji Bang's care.】

【Meanwhile, meeting Ji Bang will only benefit you, your father, and your sister's safety.】

The Grand Master's reply came swiftly—Xu Jin read it once and understood instantly.

A living Xu Jin has value to Ji Bang.

A dead Xu Jin means only a sliver of sentiment—once that is spent, it vanishes, inevitably affecting his father and sister's safety.

But as long as Xu Jin lives, his father and sister's safety is greatly secured.

Xu Jin fully understood this.

You cannot expect everyone to treat you unconditionally well—not everyone is Ning Yuchan!

The next instant, the hidden Xu Jin moved.

He instantly activated Earth Magnetic Core.

The flying eunuch Li Yuanzheng suddenly sank, plummeting violently—he had been trying to evade Ji Bang's attack, but this sudden change forced him straight into it.

One intervention, and he was already critically wounded!

The next instant, Xu Jin activated his Soul-Star Art with controlled energy fluctuations—Po Sha!

Blood gushed from Li Yuanzheng's eyes, ears, nose, and mouth—then Ji Bang struck him down with overwhelming force.

Ji Bang frowned sharply, scanning all directions.

Strange!

He had expected to need time and his emblem to kill Li Yuanzheng—yet it had been so effortless!

"Director Ji, it's me—finish the battle first!"

Xu Jin's soul-voice echoed—Ji Bang's eyes instantly hardened.

He had always heard others speak of Xu Jin's achievements and strength, and though he believed them, at most half.

After all, most people's words needed at least a 30% discount, sometimes even 50%.

But now, with just one small assist, Ji Bang realized the Grand Master and others hadn't exaggerated Xu Jin's power at all.

This was incredible!

Merely a slight coordination had let him effortlessly slay a sixth-rank late-stage expert.

Then—

The rest of the battle became simple: Ji Bang, a sixth-rank ninth-layer peak, unleashed full power, and the remaining six fifth-rank eunuchs were slaughtered in the shortest time possible.

Cleanup was naturally left to Ji Bang.

Xu Jin informed Ji Bang, then quietly went to see his father, Xu Dajiang.

Sneaking into the room where his father stayed, Xu Jin gave a strange smile.

His father's recent life seemed quite comfortable.

Two women, each around thirty, clung to him trembling on either side—clearly terrified by the commotion outside.

Xu Dajiang was frightened, yet still composed.

After all, he was the father who had fought shoulder-to-shoulder with Xu Jin.

Warmth surged—Xu Jin instantly made the two women fall into deep sleep, then suddenly revealed himself as his father stared in surprise.

【Grand Master, Tianyang Star Lord has suddenly descended upon Wan Yi and entered the imperial palace directly.】

At this moment, Cheng Yuexiao had already dealt with the sixth-rank Star Gates in Yanzhou, finished his performance, and arrived at the gorge outside Yangjiang County City, continuing to clean up the mess left by Emperor Gan'an.

With over a hundred thousand casualties, it was no light task.

Suddenly, the message on the Star-Plucking Token made Cheng Yuexiao's brow tighten—this was from Peng Lao.

Due to Tianyang Star Lord's sudden arrival.

Peng Lao had entered the main tower of the Chen Guo Star-Plucking Tower and remained on high alert—should Tianyang Star Lord make any move, he would strike back immediately.

But what puzzled Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao was: why had Tianyang Star Lord gone to the palace now?

Logically, even if Tianyang Star Lord killed Emperor Gan'an, it would be useless.

Then again, if Tianyang Star Lord truly killed Emperor Gan'an, it would actually be a good thing!

But clearly, Tianyang Star Lord wouldn't do that!

If he truly meant to assassinate the emperor, he and Cangming Star Palace had done it twenty years ago when they stormed the Chen Guo imperial palace together!

They wouldn't have waited until now!

Then—

Suddenly, Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao realized a possible scenario!

The next instant, Cheng Yuexiao gave brief instructions, then flew rapidly toward Yangjiang County—he must return to Wan Yi immediately!

Even for Cheng Yuexiao to teleport back to Wan Yi, he was bound by the Star-Plucking Tower's teleportation rules.

From the main tower, one could teleport to any branch tower—but returning from a branch tower required step-by-step progression: first to the Danzhou branch tower, then back to the main Chen Guo Star-Plucking Tower.

By the time Cheng Yuexiao completed his return journey, half a minute had passed.

Stepping out from the main Chen Guo Star-Plucking Tower, Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao calmed his breath, swallowed an elixir to recover slightly, then transformed into starlight and shot straight into Wan Yi's imperial palace.

In the past, Cheng Yuexiao would land outside the palace gates and send word for an audience.

He had always been very careful about imperial etiquette in this regard.

He could land anywhere in the palace at will, but that might make Emperor Gan'an feel unsafe—so each visit, he landed at the gates, requested permission, then entered. But now, given this foolish emperor's actions, Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao chose to enter the palace directly.

From afar, Cheng Yuexiao sensed the presence of Tianyang Star Lord and the foolish emperor—both in Hezheng Hall. Starlight descended toward Hezheng Hall.

But before he landed, a figure suddenly appeared in midair, blocking Cheng Yuexiao.

"Grand Master, entering the palace without notification is excessive, isn't it?" It was the palace's eighth-rank chief eunuch.

"Chief Eunuch, over sixty thousand civilians in Yangjiang County died, nearly half a million nearly sacrificed—I come now as their representative, demanding answers from His Majesty." Cheng Yuexiao did not retreat a step; as he stepped forward, the Nine Sheng Bells materialized.

The chief eunuch fell silent for a long moment, then whispered, "His Majesty has his reasons. Please, Grand Master, calm your anger. Are you merely here to question him?"

"Do you think I would assassinate the emperor?" Cheng Yuexiao sneered. "Or has His Majesty done something so grave that even I, as Grand Master, cannot tolerate it?"

The chief eunuch glanced back toward Hezheng Hall. "Grand Master, harmony between sovereign and minister benefits the nation!"

Then he stepped aside. "Grand Master, let me add one thing: you may question him—but if you intend harm to His Majesty, I will die on the spot before I yield."

Cheng Yuexiao nodded slightly, then descended into Hezheng Hall, holding the Nine Sheng Bells.

Inside Hezheng Hall, Emperor Gan'an and Tianyang Star Lord were chatting merrily, both smiling broadly—clearly, their conversation had been very pleasant.

Seeing Cheng Yuexiao arrive, Tianyang Star Lord bowed slightly to him, then bowed slightly to Emperor Gan'an. "Since Grand Master Cheng has arrived, my business with His Majesty is concluded. I shall take my leave."

Here, Tianyang Star Lord glanced at Cheng Yuexiao's grim expression and added, "Should His Majesty need anything, send word—I will arrive instantly."

"Star Lord, take your leave."

"No need to see me off."

The next instant, Tianyang Star Lord stepped into starlight and departed—but before leaving, he cast a meaningful glance at Cheng Yuexiao, his eyes brimming with triumph.

"Your Majesty, I have a question I beg you to answer."

"Grand Master, please sit!"

"Your Majesty, regarding this matter!"

"National Master, please sit first!"

Emperor Gan'an firmly pointed to the seat, ordering Cheng Yuexiao to sit down, then replaced the teapot with a fresh one and personally brewed tea for Cheng Yuexiao—but Cheng Yuexiao showed no intention to drink; all he wanted now was to denounce this foolish monarch and strip him of power!

But Emperor Gan'an gave Cheng Yuexiao no chance to speak; instead, he lifted his teacup and asked, "National Master, it has been many days since we last sat together like this."

"Sit together?"

Cheng Yuexiao sneered, "When have I had time to sit idle?!"

"I wish to ask Your Majesty: while I fight to the death on the frontlines, why do you betray your people and sell the nation?"

Hearing this, Emperor Gan'an did not grow angry; he merely smiled. "National Master, I have a question—I ask you to answer it."

"National Master, what difference do you see between your current National Dao Academy and the Lingji Star Palace or the Tianyang Star Palace?" asked Emperor Gan'an.

"There must be differences."

"But in my view, there is no difference!" Emperor Gan'an cut him off again, bluntly stating, "The old National Dao Academy was mine—it was my imperial guard camp."

"Now, the National Dao Academy has become just like the old Lingji Star Palace and Tianyang Star Palace—nearly towering above me!"

"National Master, do you know that even when the Lingji Star Palace and Tianyang Star Palace were at their strongest, the National Dao Academy could still stand against them?"

"Whether the Lingji Star Lord or the Tianyang Star Lord, both were outsiders."

"But National Master, your prestige within Great Chen has already far surpassed mine!"

"Thus, many ministers—including the Three Kings and Seven Marquises of the Star River Front—have submitted memorials accusing you of harboring ambitions to seize the throne!"

Cheng Yuexiao's eyes instantly widened in shock—he harbored ambitions to seize the throne?!

This was simply...

"National Master, don't rush to anger. Try to think from my position—if you sat on my throne, wouldn't you think the same?"

"Now, even my imperial edicts cannot enter the National Dao Academy!"

"Peng Tiesheng has grown so arrogant he claims even I cannot enter the National Dao Academy!"

"Is this still my National Dao Academy?"

"Is this still my royal land?"

"I demand your answer, National Master!" Emperor Gan'an barked.

At first, Cheng Yuexiao was stunned by Emperor Gan'an's questions—but he quickly recovered.

"Your Majesty, instead of reflecting on your own actions, you blame me, a minister who fights for the nation—what logic is this?!"

"National Master, I have a second question: why, after twenty years, has my title as Emperor still not been restored?"

"So much so that now, the Star River Command only knows of Great Chen's National Master—and not its Emperor. How do you explain this?" Emperor Gan'an's expression turned sharp, now outright accusing.

"Does Your Majesty not know why your imperial title was stripped away?"

"Should not a subject relieve his sovereign's worries?" Emperor Gan'an retorted.

"Your Majesty, I am working hard. According to plan, within three to five years, I can restore your title as Emperor of Great Chen!"

"Plan!"

Emperor Gan'an sneered. "No longer needed—I have solved it myself!"

"Whether restoring my imperial title, acquiring the seventh-rank Earth Source Star Glyphs I need for my breakthrough, or achieving the political balance the court demands—I have resolved it all!" As he spoke, Emperor Gan'an suddenly burst into laughter.

"Solved?" Cheng Yuexiao's gaze trembled, disbelief flickering in his eyes.

"Do you not believe me?"

"Please, Your Majesty, explain!" Cheng Yuexiao's voice trembled.

"The Tianyang Star Lord will soon restore my title as Emperor of Great Chen and return him to the Star River Command. He has also granted me the seventh-rank Earth Source Star Glyphs!"

"Once all this is complete, I will elevate the Tianyang Star Palace to the state temple!"

"Just as the Lingji Star Palace once was!"

"Your Majesty!"

Cheng Yuexiao roared, suddenly rising to his feet.

In that instant, the hunched old chief eunuch materialized, intending to shield Emperor Gan'an—but the emperor shoved him aside, his palm suddenly revealing a radiant jade seal shimmering with starlight!

"Dare he commit regicide?!"

"Your Majesty, while all our ministers fight to the death, how can you invite the enemy into your home?!"

"How can you speak so, National Master? Two decades ago, the Lingji Star Palace towered over Great Chen for hundreds, even thousands of years. Now, adding the Tianyang Star Palace—what difference does it make?" Emperor Gan'an declared with self-righteous certainty.

"Your Majesty!"

Suddenly, Cheng Yuexiao stared at Emperor Gan'an, then turned to glance toward the direction where the Tianyang Star Lord had vanished, and roared, "Your Majesty—what did you give up to make the Tianyang Star Lord offer such a promise?!"

As he spoke these words, Cheng Yuexiao's voice shook.

For he had just envisioned a terrifying possibility.

Emperor Gan'an stood with his hands behind his back, walked to the window, and gazed out as if surveying his realm, then spoke calmly, "Not much—only half a percent."

"You, National Master, commanding four percent, failed to accomplish this."

"The Tianyang Star Lord, with only half a percent, succeeded!"

"National Master, tell me—is this deal fair?"

In the next instant, the color drained from National Master Cheng Yuexiao's face; his expression turned ghastly.

(End of Chapter)