Chapter 392

On April 25, Xu Jin returned to Dachen Wan Yi in just two days.

Compared to his earlier journey from Wan Yi to the Star River battlefield, he took only half the time.

The reason was simple: his treatment had changed.

On the way there, Xu Jin had traveled aboard the Changsheng Starship.

On the way back, he was directly teleported from the Dachen War City's Zhaixing Tower branch to Star River City, where a starship dispatched by the Grand Master was already waiting to pick him up and fly straight to Star River Pass.

This was effectively Xu Jin's personal vessel, as he was the only passenger.

Unfortunately, his Nirmāna space was still too small; otherwise, he would have stored a starship inside it for immediate use—how convenient that would be.

On the evening of April 25, amid torrential rain in Wan Yi, Xu Jin had transformed into an ordinary cultivator returning from the Star River battlefield, entered Wan Yi through its port, concealed his presence, and headed straight for Danxia Palace.

"Hmm?"

Inside Danxia Palace, Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao suddenly turned his head, gazing at the palace entrance; in an instant, he dismissed all attendants, including Pang Yu.

Hidden, Xu Jin watched Pang Yu, his senior brother, leave with a look of surprise, then stepped directly into Danxia Palace.

"So soon? I thought you wouldn't arrive until tomorrow."

Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao casually summoned starlight, revealing Xu Jin's true form.

"Time is tight—I came as quickly as I could."

Xu Jin smiled, but Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao studied him closely, his expression filled with emotion.

Half a year ago, Xu Jin had been forced to fake his death and flee to the Star River battlefield, at the time only at the Second Layer of Fourth Stage Condensation.

Yet in just half a year, Xu Jin had broken through to the Fifth Stage, reaching the peak of Fifth Stage First Layer.

At this pace?

Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao recalled: such a breakthrough speed had never been seen in the entire Chen Guo Dao Academy, nor among any known prodigies of the major Star Palaces.

The current record holder for the fastest breakthrough from Fourth to Fifth Stage among the world's top prodigies was Sun Fujia of the Tianyang Star Palace, who took one year and one month to reach Fifth Stage.

He then broke through to Sixth Stage in three years and two months.

His current cultivation base is unknown, but his breakthrough to Sixth Stage occurred two years ago.

That record has now been shattered by Xu Jin.

In less than half a year, Xu Jin broke from Fourth to Fifth Stage.

But this matter must not be publicized yet.

In Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao's view, Xu Jin's breakthrough to Fifth Stage only granted him minimal self-preservation; true safety would come only after reaching Sixth Stage—or even touching Seventh Stage power.

"Come, have a cup of hot tea—it's a welcome drink."

Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao brewed a cup of hot tea himself and handed it to Xu Jin.

Xu Jin accepted it, sipping as he recounted the events in Lanshan Star Region to the Grand Master, as a formal report.

"By the way, hasn't Senior Brother Pang Yu broken through to Fifth Stage yet?" Xu Jin added after finishing.

When he had seen him at the door, Pang Yu's cultivation was still at the peak of Fourth Stage Ninth Layer.

When Xu Jin entered the Dao Academy last August, Pang Yu was already at the peak of Fourth Stage Ninth Layer; yet after half a year, he still hadn't broken through.

Hearing this, Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao shook his head. "His heart is scattered—he no longer focuses on cultivation. I even regret taking him into Danxia Palace. Had I sent him to the Star River battlefield, though he might have perished, he might have broken through sooner."

"If he doesn't break through next year, find an opportunity to release him."

Xu Jin roughly understood the Grand Master's meaning, then asked, "What about Peng Lao? Why haven't I seen him?"

"He's been in seclusion, training intensely," said Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao. "He says that when he fully comprehends the Eighth Stage Earth Elemental Star Pattern, he may break through to Eighth Stage."

"That's excellent—how far along is he?" Xu Jin asked.

"Still a bit short. Elemental Star Patterns, especially Eighth Stage ones, are extremely difficult. Even I need a full month to fully grasp one. Peng Lao still has some way to go."

"But next month, I'll give him all my Star Dome Meditation time—I suspect he'll break through then."

"But this month, it's unlikely," said Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao.

"Can Star Dome Meditation time alone trigger a breakthrough?" Xu Jin asked, surprised.

"Of course! When comprehending Star Patterns below Seventh Stage, the Star Dome's effect may seem subtle, but for Seventh Stage and above, its power is immense."

"It can multiply efficiency several times over!"

"I've used up my allocation this month; giving mine to him next month should be enough," said Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao.

Hearing this, Xu Jin sat up straight immediately. "Grand Master, your time is used up, but mine is still available! At this critical moment, another Eighth Stage cultivator means greater assurance."

"One hour won't be enough."

Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao shook his head. "I estimate Peng Lao needs at least two hours of Star Dome time to fully comprehend the Eighth Stage Earth Elemental Star Pattern—possibly even three."

"Keep your one hour for yourself."

"Grand Master, my Star Dome Meditation time is also four hours."

"Hmm?"

Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao snapped his head up, staring at Xu Jin in utter shock.

"What did you say? You also have four hours?"

"Has your Zhaixing Tower authority been upgraded?"

"It has."

Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao stared blankly at Xu Jin, bewildered. "How is this possible? According to known pathways, your Zhaixing Tower authority couldn't possibly have upgraded—no authority in the current world has changed."

Xu Jin explained to the Grand Master the key to his authority upgrade.

This left Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao both astonished and delighted.

"Accumulating nine Brilliant Stars grants Silver-Level Zhaixing Tower authority! This is a pathway we've never heard of."

"But to accumulate nine Brilliant Stars is exceedingly rare."

"You are likely the first."

"Even if others learned this path, they could only sigh in despair."

"Even those who gather nine Golden Stars are rare."

"How much rarer still are those who gather nine Brilliant Stars?" said Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao.

"Grand Master, then why wait? Let Peng Lao use it now." Xu Jin said.

"Agreed!"

Moments later, Peng Lao was summoned by the Grand Master; upon seeing Xu Jin, he was naturally filled with astonishment and joy.

When they spoke of the Silver-Level authority, he was stunned for so long he nearly lost his wits!

Because all current Silver-Level Zhaixing Tower authorities obtained theirs by combining Bronze-Level authority with current-world authority.

Someone like Xu Jin who obtained Silver-Level authority directly was extremely rare.

After a few seconds, Xu Jin led Peng Lao directly to the main Zhaixing Tower of Dachen, activated the Star Dome meditation time for him, then returned to Danxia Palace.

"Grand Master, do you have a concrete plan for that matter?" Xu Jin asked.

At these words, Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao's body trembled slightly—this matter was finally about to be implemented.

At this moment, Cheng Yuexiao's emotions were complex.

Twenty years of minister and monarch, to reach this point—it was not what he had wished.

A few months ago, he still harbored illusions.

Hoping to restrict Emperor Gan'an's power and coexist peacefully.

But after speaking with Xu Jin last month, he fully understood: at this stage, peaceful coexistence was impossible.

In truth, he hadn't been unaware.

He had merely clung to illusions.

He often recalled the days twenty years ago, when he and the Emperor, under immense pressure from the Two Great Star Palaces, supported each other, devising ingenious strategies to counter their dark schemes and preserve Chen Guo's strength.

Those days, though fraught with tension, were fulfilling and filled with trust!

How had it come to this?

Memories were memories, reflections were reflections—but Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao was no indecisive man.

Once a decision was made, there was no turning back. "Xu Jin, I've already simulated this scenario countless times. There are two critical points you must know."

"Please, Grand Master."

"First, once you enter the Imperial Palace and conflict arises, neither I nor Grand Commander Pei will be able to assist you. So if the plan is to proceed, the Imperial Palace portion must be completed by you alone."

"Even if you fail in your assassination, you must escape the palace before I can help you—do you understand?"

"Because if anything happens, the State Seal will activate. Once activated, unless summoned by the Emperor, I cannot enter the palace—do you understand?"

Because once something changes, the National Treasure Jade Seal will activate; once it activates, I cannot enter the imperial palace unless summoned by the Emperor, do you understand?" said State Tutor Cheng Yuexiao.

"No!"

Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao shook his head. "You don't understand my meaning. I'm asking: do you have the strength to confront a Seventh Stage cultivator?"

"Emperor Gan'an's cultivation is currently at the peak of Sixth Stage Ninth Layer, but he may break through to Seventh Stage."

"And as Emperor, he possesses countless rare treasures."

"He has at least several life-saving artifacts."

"His combat power must rival that of a Seventh Stage Mid or even Late cultivator."

"Though you can now effortlessly slay Sixth Stage Ninth Layer cultivators, Seventh Stage power is entirely different."

"At Seventh Stage, one can summon the power of heaven and stars."

"Grand Master, to what stage have you comprehended the Lei Xiangxing Star Pattern?" Xu Jin asked, avoiding a direct answer.

"I've just reached Eighth Stage Mid," the Grand Master replied.

"I just recently attained the middle level of the eighth rank," the State Tutor replied.

"Has the State Preceptor awakened the Nine Heavens' Thunder Rhythm?"

"He has awakened it, and accumulated quite a bit," replied State Preceptor Cheng Yuexiao.

"I've accumulated quite a bit too," Xu Jin smiled.

Hearing this, State Preceptor Cheng Yuexiao nodded; he had just forgotten this point: "Even with this advantage, you must never underestimate it! The Imperial family's reserves are profound and boundless."

"I understand."

"Second, we cannot initiate this matter ourselves," said State Preceptor Cheng Yuexiao.

Now it was Xu Jin's turn to be puzzled. "State Preceptor, why is that?"

"It has to do with the eighth-rank old attendant inside the palace. If that eighth-rank old attendant does not leave the palace, sending three of you in would be useless," said State Preceptor Cheng Yuexiao.

Xu Jin frowned; if they couldn't initiate the move, this matter would become passive.

His original plan had been to prepare thoroughly and strike first, eliminating Emperor Qian'an.

"State Preceptor, can't we find a way to lure the eighth-rank old attendant out?" Xu Jin asked.

Hearing this, State Preceptor Cheng Yuexiao shook his head. "Almost impossible! That old attendant rarely leaves the palace, especially since twenty years ago—unless ordered by imperial decree, he never leaves."

He cannot be lured out.

Even if he were truly lured out.

Then we'd still have to consider whether the palace holds traps, do you understand?"

Xu Jin pondered for a few breaths and began to understand State Preceptor Cheng Yuexiao's meaning; he then asked, "State Preceptor, could Peng Lao and I go together? Could Peng Lao hold off that eighth-rank old attendant?"

Even if Peng Lao hasn't broken through to the eighth rank, shouldn't he be able to hold him off?"

"Let me put it this way: with Peng Lao's current strength, outside the palace, he could fight the eighth-rank old attendant evenly, perhaps only slightly at a disadvantage. But inside the palace, Peng Lao wouldn't last ten breaths against that old attendant," said State Preceptor Cheng Yuexiao.

"The gap is that large?" Xu Jin was stunned.

"The palace's array system has ancient origins. When the old attendant is present, he can fully unleash its power.

To be honest, if we truly broke the surface, even within the palace, even without other restraints, the old attendant alone, wielding the array's might, could match me evenly," said State Preceptor Cheng Yuexiao.

Furthermore, atop the four highest corner towers of the palace stand four of the largest Star-Dispelling Crossbows in the known world—each bolt can effortlessly slay an ordinary seventh-rank cultivator, and even threaten an eighth-rank.

But these Star-Dispelling Crossbows consume immense energy, and from activation to star-force infusion to firing, they require fifteen minutes of preparation.

But this is under ideal conditions.

Now, the palace has neglected its military readiness; these Star-Dispelling Crossbows haven't been practiced in years.

I estimate that even in an emergency, amid chaos, it would take at least twenty-two and a half minutes to fully activate them!

When you act, you must pay close attention to this.

Fifteen minutes is the safety window.

Beyond twenty-two and a half minutes, you must consider failure and withdraw at the first opportunity," said State Preceptor Cheng Yuexiao.

"State Preceptor, tell me about the State Seal?" Xu Jin asked.

Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will win a hundred battles.

Since the State Seal is on the same level as the Nine Sheng Bells in your possession, I must understand it thoroughly.

"The State Seal possesses unparalleled spiritual defense!

Whoever possesses the State Seal cannot have their spirit soul controlled by anyone; furthermore, once the State Seal is assimilated, any existing spiritual control over the user vanishes instantly.

It is also the strongest known spiritual defense artifact in the current world.

You must have no doubt about this.

For over a thousand years, the Spirit Record Star Temple has been the state religion of Chen Guo.

Every generation of Star Jun of the Spirit Record Star Temple has bestowed blessings upon the State Seal.

Moreover, the State Seal itself may launch spiritual attacks—you must be cautious," said the State Preceptor.

This answer startled Xu Jin.

It seemed the State Seal had completely nullified his spiritual attack as a strategy.

"State Preceptor, what about the star artifact Emperor Qian'an has assimilated? Any intelligence on it?" Xu Jin asked.

"Star artifact?"

State Preceptor Cheng Yuexiao shook his head. "The imperial family possesses two Seven-Star Spirit Treasures passed down through generations: one is pure defense, the other is auxiliary defense. This is precisely what worries me most.

Because theoretically, Seven-Star Spirit Treasures can withstand a full-power strike from a top-tier seventh-rank cultivator.

Although the power they manifest depends entirely on the user's cultivation base,

their defensive power far exceeds that of sixth-rank star artifacts.

To be honest, if you hadn't acquired the Nine Heavens' Thunder Rhythm as your killing move, I truly wouldn't dare let you undertake this mission.

And these two Seven-Star Spirit Treasures are confirmed.

As for unconfirmed ones—it's hard to say.

The imperial family rules the entire realm; it's possible they've acquired new Seven-Star Spirit Treasures over the years.

So…" State Preceptor's eyes were filled with concern.

"State Preceptor, I understand."

Merely from the intelligence the State Preceptor revealed, the difficulty of assassinating the king had reached an unimaginable height.

Yet, having made the decision, Xu Jin would not retreat.

Thorough preparation was essential.

"State Preceptor, the Blood Spirit Child talisman's messenger won't arrive until tomorrow. I'll go prepare as well—make targeted preparations," said Xu Jin.

"Good."

A few breaths later, Xu Jin headed straight for the Star-Picking Tower.

(End of Chapter)