Chapter 313: The State Tutor

The Grand Dao Academy of Chen Guo.

The Nine-Star Tide has ended, and the once-turbulent Grand Dao Academy has gradually settled.

During the Nine-Star Tide, Xu Jin, the top scorer of the autumn examination at the Grand Dao Academy, died in battle, sparking massive uproar, with countless disciples debating and sighing in regret—but it came quickly and faded just as fast.

In just over a dozen days, the Grand Dao Academy had fully returned to calm; Xu Jin was not the only one who died in battle. After pensions and rewards were properly distributed, most disciples resumed their regular lives: cultivating, engaging in combat drills, studying star patterns, and rigorously practicing star arts.

The only ones still mourning Xu Jin were probably those of the Flying Swallow Academic Hall.

Even after more than a dozen days, the entire Flying Swallow Academic Hall remained lifeless; even Deputy Academic Head Liu Feiyan had taken a leave of absence for over ten days.

The senior sister, Yang Miao, had yet to return from her campaign in the star realms; the second senior sister, Tang Chuo, constantly brought up the senior brother, and sorrow echoed throughout the Flying Swallow Academic Hall.

Inside Danxia Hall, the State Tutor Cheng Yuexiao had, unusually, brewed a pot of tea and was sipping it leisurely.

Seeing the Lord's calm demeanor, Peng Lao chuckled, sat across from Cheng Yuexiao, poured himself a cup, and asked with a smile, "My Lord, how has that boy been lately?"

Peng Lao could not possibly be kept in the dark about Xu Jin's matter.

Currently, quite a few in Chen Guo know Xu Jin is feigning death: the State Tutor, Peng Lao, Left Sacrificial Wine Master Meng Yanhui, Kou Jing, and Ji Bang.

Peng Lao cannot be bypassed; some matters still require Meng Yanhui's handling.

Originally, Cheng Yuexiao planned to place Xu Jin's father and Jiang Er under the protection of Meng Yanhui's son, who guarded a fifth-rank star domain—but that domain experienced heavy turmoil during the Nine-Star Tide and became unsafe, so they turned to Ji Bang instead.

Kou Jing was an unexpected choice.

Yet these four men can be absolutely trusted; the Grand State Tutor Cheng Yuexiao personally sealed them with the Nine Sheng Bells, so Xu Jin's secret is safe.

"He's fine. He's been settled in the Chen Guo war zone and is now deeply cultivating."

"By the way, what about Jiang Er? Is she settled? I'm not worried about that boy—I'm most concerned about my adopted granddaughter. She hasn't forged her star yet, her cultivation base is low, she's young, and her mind is heavy." Peng Lao chuckled.

"Ji Bang says everything is arranged. She will send a letter every month to confirm her safety."

As they spoke, starlight flashed outside the hall—Left Sacrificial Wine Master Meng Yanhui had arrived.

Meng Yanhui entered, sat at the tea table, drank a cup, then said with a hint of helplessness, "My Lord, His Majesty still refuses to affix his seal. He says he can enfeoff anyone—but not Xu Jin."

"He says commoners may seek vengeance through blood ties, yet here he is, the Emperor of Chen Guo, forced to posthumously honor the man who killed his own son—what logic is that?"

After speaking, Meng Yanhui looked helplessly at Cheng Yuexiao. "My Lord, what should we do?"

Chen Guo's rewards are nearing their end.

This round of rewards combines the outcomes of the Lou Gong Battle and the Nine-Star Tide.

During the Nine-Star Tide, aside from the incident in Danyang County, Xu Jin's achievements were modest—but his feats during the Lou Gong Battle were far beyond what even a once-in-a-generation merit could reward.

Not even mentioning the conquest of a fourth-rank star domain, the capture of five third-rank star domains alone qualifies as five once-in-a-generation merits.

But given the current Emperor Gan'an, State Tutor Cheng Yuexiao reported only two third-rank star domains conquered in the battle report, and petitioned for Xu Jin to be enfeoffed as a First-Class Marquis based on two once-in-a-generation merits.

According to Chen Guo law, posthumous enfeoffment for the fallen is elevated one rank.

Thus, the petition was for Xu Jin to be enfeoffed as a Third-Class Duke of Chen Guo.

Yet Emperor Gan'an has delayed affixing his seal.

On this point, even Cheng Yuexiao is powerless.

Enfeoffment is the Emperor's exclusive right; he cannot influence it in the slightest.

Cheng Yuexiao gently set down his teacup. "No matter. Xu Jin doesn't need this posthumous honor! Later, even being enfeoffed as a Prince may be trivial. Yanhui, notify all: the Grand Dao Academy's secret council will convene. All provincial and prefectural heads, mountain heads, supervisors, and Star Patrol Commandants of Chen Guo's Grand Dao Academy must attend."

"Yes."

Meng Yanhui rose, received the order, and immediately went to arrange it.

An hour later, inside the Grand Dao Academy's secret council chamber, hundreds of Chen Guo's high-ranking officials sat together, including both Sacrificial Wine Masters, seated below the dais.

On the entire dais stood only one chair.

Right Sacrificial Wine Master Song Bing glanced around, puzzled—this council had been announced without warning.

Suddenly, starlight descended—State Tutor Cheng Yuexiao had arrived. Everyone immediately rose to greet him.

"Gentlemen, time is precious. I will not waste words—let me get straight to the point!"

"In the Lou Gong Battle, our Chen Guo claimed first place; during the Nine-Star Tide, we united our strength to protect our nation and people, achieving glorious victories.

To secure Chen Guo's future development, the following adjustments are made."

"Senior Academic Head Kou Jing is reassigned as Right Deputy Commander of the Star River Battlefield's Chen Guo War Zone. Right Sacrificial Wine Master Song Bing is reassigned as Right Deputy Commander of the Chen Guo War Zone's Lei Bao Army. Both must assume their posts within three months."

A string of reassignments followed—some were delighted, others surprised.

But the most stunned was Right Sacrificial Wine Master Song Bing.

His eyes darkened instantly.

This sudden reassignment to the Star River Battlefield left no doubt: the State Tutor had just kicked him out of the Grand Dao Academy.

He had no desire to go to the Star River Battlefield.

If he had broken through to seventh rank, perhaps he would have welcomed it—but before that, he refused to go!

Yet he could not defy the order.

He wondered whether Emperor Gan'an could overturn this decision.

Then Cheng Yuexiao announced a series of further personnel changes.

Deputy Director of the Inspection Bureau Dong Zhao was promoted to Senior Academic Head; former Senior Academic Head Gao Xuan was promoted to Right Sacrificial Wine Master.

This announcement stunned many.

Gao Xuan, long regarded as a figurehead, now appointed to the powerful position of Right Sacrificial Wine Master—what did this mean?

The personnel changes ended amid murmurs, but Grand State Tutor Cheng Yuexiao's actions were far from over.

Inside the Chunyu Bureau, Grand Commander Luo Bing was raging.

"Are you all just eating your meals?

Are you deaf or blind?

For half a month, not one of you has found the whereabouts of Xu's father and daughter.

What have you been doing?

Do you need the Emperor to cut off your heads before you finally work hard?"

His subordinates dared not even breathe.

This matter was impossible to handle.

Ever since someone discovered Jiang Er had been taken away by Peng Lao, no one dared investigate further.

Who is Peng Lao?

Investigating Peng Lao? That's suicide.

"Three days. I give you three more days. If you still can't find them, before my head falls, yours will—"

Suddenly, Grand Commander Luo Bing fell silent, as if his throat had been clenched shut.

A terrifying aura spread slowly. Everyone looked up to see Grand State Tutor Cheng Yuexiao standing above the Chunyu Bureau's courtyard, coldly gazing down at Luo Bing.

Luo Bing forced a smile, but could not speak.

He had been immobilized by the State Tutor's star energy.

A sixth-rank ninth-layer peak cultivator—Cheng Yuexiao's power over him was effortless.

"The Five Regional Commandants remain. Everyone else, disperse." Cheng Yuexiao spoke.

Within the Chunyu Bureau, beneath Grand Commander Luo Bing, five Regional Commandants were appointed to oversee intelligence from Chen Guo's four regions and the Star River Battlefield.

As ordered, the hall emptied, leaving only Grand Commander Luo Bing and the five Regional Commandants.

Grand State Tutor Cheng Yuexiao hovered above the hall, looking down at them. "From today, the Chunyu Bureau is under my full control. All affairs of the Chunyu Bureau must report directly to me. All intelligence sent to the imperial palace must first be submitted to me for review before forwarding."

"Understood?"

At these words, Luo Bing's eyes churned with shock—but he could not utter a word, only frantically gesturing to the five Regional Commandants to object.

The five Regional Commandants looked at the overwhelming State Tutor Cheng Yuexiao, then recalled his usual gentle demeanor, and finally one dared to speak: "My Lord, this violates protocol. The Chunyu Bureau answers to the court. We are the Emperor's personal troops. Only His Majesty may make such a decision."

Cheng Yuexiao did not even glance at him. "This protocol ends today."

A single glare silenced the man's remaining words. "Also, to prevent you from pretending obedience while secretly resisting, from today, surrender your soul cores to my control, then swear a soul-core oath regarding this matter—I will seal it with the Nine Sheng Bells." As he spoke, the Nine Sheng Bells materialized.

This display shocked Luo Bing again—they were serious.

Controlling soul cores, combined with the Nine Sheng Bells' seal—these two methods together meant they would be entirely obedient to the State Tutor.

Any message sent to the Emperor must pass through the State Tutor.

But the Chunyu Bureau is the Emperor's personal troops!

Among them, there must be loyalists to the Emperor.

"Begin! Release your soul cores!"

Grand State Tutor Cheng Yuexiao barked, fixing his gaze on the five Regional Commandants.

In the next instant, three of the five Regional Commandants exchanged glances, then moved simultaneously.

All three hurled sixth-rank star talismans at the Grand State Tutor.

After launching the three talismans, they fled at lightning speed.

Cheng Yuexiao didn't even look. The Nine Sheng Bells emitted starlight ripples—the terrifying energy of the three sixth-rank talismans vanished instantly.

Boom!

The next instant, the fastest-fleeing Regional Commandant was blasted back.

As he crashed into the hall, his body shattered into pieces—dead on impact.

He was the ringleader.

The other two were thrown back as well, spewing blood, grievously wounded.

Peng Lao's figure appeared outside the Chunyu Bureau, coldly observing the group inside.

"Final chance. Surrender your soul cores—or I'll replace you with five new Regional Commandants." Grand State Tutor Cheng Yuexiao said.

Loyalty has always had a price.

When someone died horribly right before their eyes, the remaining four Provincial Governors immediately made their choice.

They willingly released their spiritual cores, allowing Peng Lao to imprint each with sealing constraints, then sealed by the State Master's Nine Sheng Bells.

After completing this, Cheng Yuexiao released his control over the Grand Governor Luo Bing, then looked at Luo Bing and said, "Grand Governor, do you wish to follow their fate, or cooperate with me and surrender your spiritual core to my disposal?"

Luo Bing let out a bitter laugh. "State Master, are you planning to declare yourself independent, or become a regent?"

Hearing this, Cheng Yuexiao smiled. "Surely, Grand Governor, you've heard of the events these past days?"

"Of course, I've heard some."

If Luo Bing, Grand Governor of the Spring Rain Bureau, didn't know what had happened within Chen Guo, he might as well quit—there'd be no point in the Spring Rain Bureau existing.

"Then what do you think?"

"State Master, His Majesty has his own reasons! But no matter what, His Majesty remains our sovereign of Chen Guo!"

"Moreover, has the State Master never read history?"

Throughout history, every regent who seized power met a terrible end!"

And if mishandled, the whole realm will rise against him!"

"State Master, please reconsider!" urged Grand Governor Luo Bing.

Smiling, Cheng Yuexiao sat down in Grand Governor Luo Bing's chair, then looked at the trembling Luo Bing. "Grand Governor Luo, I've discovered it's quite pleasant to be a regent."

Within my power, I can do whatever I please!"

So I'll remain a regent."

Then, Grand Governor, will you cooperate?"

Or shall I arrange for you to die suddenly, and replace you with someone else?"

Luo Bing stared at Cheng Yuexiao in shock, unable to stop his bitter laugh.

The former State Master Cheng Yuexiao, though formidable in aura, had always been gentle with others; now, his sharpness was exposed, making Luo Bing dare not meet his gaze, let alone resist.

In truth, the old State Master, who spoke reason and upheld rules, was deeply respected—but never feared.

But now, this new State Master, who ignored reason and rules, made Luo Bing both revere and fear him.

Glancing at the corpse on the hall's floor, Luo Bing sighed helplessly and willingly released his spiritual core. "State Master, please proceed."

At once, State Master Cheng Yuexiao completed his control over Grand Governor Luo Bing.

From this moment on, the Spring Rain Bureau was fully subdued.

And from this moment on, the one in the palace would become, in a certain sense, deaf and blind.

He would know only what Cheng Yuexiao allowed him to know.

Of course, not entirely.

Within the palace, there still existed a spy network.

"Two matters. First, from today, begin eliminating the Imperial Palace Bureau's personnel. No need for open war—just cut them out. You know how."

"Second, as previously instructed: any arrangements from the palace must be reported to me first. You may act, but what you report and how you report it must be approved by me." Cheng Yuexiao ordered.

"Yes, your servant obeys."

Watching Luo Bing's attitude, State Master Cheng Yuexiao smiled in satisfaction. A clever man was easy to handle.

The Spring Rain Bureau was settled. Cheng Yuexiao was about to leave, but before stepping out, he suddenly asked, "By the way, besides ordering you to pursue Xu's father and daughter, has His Majesty assigned you any other tasks?"

It was a casual question—but as soon as he asked, Luo Bing's expression turned hesitant. Cheng Yuexiao's brow furrowed. There was indeed another order.

"Speak."

"State Master, His Majesty specifically instructed that you must not be told, and that the matter must be kept secret."

Cheng Yuexiao turned sharply toward Luo Bing. A single cold snort shattered Luo Bing's resolve, and he whispered, "State Master, six days ago, His Majesty secretly sent men to massacre the Xu family village. He ordered me to assist in silencing the news. To this day, the outside world remains unaware."

Cheng Yuexiao whirled around, glaring furiously at Grand Governor Luo Bing. His gaze alone made Luo Bing break into cold sweat.

"You should be grateful I seized control of your spiritual core first—otherwise, you'd already be a corpse!"

"Who did he send?"

"Eunuchs Sun Rang and Li Teng. Li Teng arrived faster—he personally slaughtered over twelve hundred in the Xu village. Now, His Majesty has promoted him to the new Chief Eunuch of the Inner Court!" Luo Bing whispered.

In the next instant, State Master Cheng Yuexiao, holding the Nine Sheng Bells, shot toward the palace.

Inside the palace, as soon as Cheng Yuexiao's starlight landed, the hunched figure of the Chief Eunuch appeared. "State Master, if you wish to meet His Majesty, please announce yourself first."

"Chief Eunuch, I'm not here to see His Majesty. I've heard a new Chief Eunuch and Deputy Chief Eunuch have been appointed. I'd like to meet them—there's something I wish to ask."

"That's easily done. If the State Master wishes to see them, they'll come to pay their respects."

"Good. I'll wait."

Orders were passed down the chain, and a reply came quickly.

The two Chief Eunuchs were currently attending His Majesty and could not leave.

"Oh? Then I haven't seen His Majesty in a long time. I might as well pay him a visit." Cheng Yuexiao said, then strode toward the Hezheng Hall.

The hunched Chief Eunuch hurried after him.

Once inside the hall, he vanished into the shadows.

Inside the Hezheng Hall, Emperor Gan'an sat behind his desk, flanked by the two new Chief Eunuchs. Seeing State Master Cheng Yuexiao enter, their expressions tightened.

"Your servant pays homage to His Majesty."

After bowing, Cheng Yuexiao added, "I've heard His Majesty has appointed a new Chief Eunuch of the Inner Court. To facilitate future transmission of imperial decrees, I've come to meet him."

Emperor Gan'an said, "Li Daban, the State Master has summoned you. Go and see him."

"Your Majesty," Li Teng said nervously. He knew what he had done—and now, with the State Master calling him by name, fear gripped him.

He didn't even know how much the State Master knew.

Classic guilt-ridden cowardice.

"I'm right here," Emperor Gan'an said. "You're an inner court servant; the State Master is a pillar of the court. Your Star-Plucking Tokens are linked. You'll be working together. I'll rely on both of you."

He cursed the coward inside his mind, but still gave him support.

The implication: I'm here. Have no fear—the State Master won't harm you.

State Master Cheng Yuexiao smiled, pulling out his Star-Plucking Token. "Indeed, it will be convenient to stay in contact."

Glancing at Emperor Gan'an, then at the hunched Chief Eunuch hidden in the hall's shadows, the new Chief Eunuch Li Teng bowed to the Emperor, gathered his courage, and took small steps toward State Master Cheng Yuexiao. He bowed and said, "Your servant greets the State—"

BOOM!

At the very moment Li Teng bowed, Cheng Yuexiao's overwhelming aura erupted without warning—a star-powered hand clamped down on the Chief Eunuch's skull.

CRACK!

Before he could react, the sevenfold seventh-rank Chief Eunuch's head exploded. Simultaneously, the Nine Sheng Bells materialized and crashed down, pulverizing Li Teng's body and shattering the nascent Nascent Soul that had just formed.

Emperor Gan'an stared, dumbfounded. The hunched Chief Eunuch had already stepped between him and Cheng Yuexiao.

(End of Chapter)