Chapter 395: Three Games of Go (Requesting Monthly Tickets)

Xu Jin had assumed that after Emperor Gan'an broke through, he would either release him or deal with him.

During Emperor Gan'an's breakthrough, Xu Jin had already prepared responses for every possible scenario.

But strangely, he seemed to have been forgotten.

An entire night passed, and Emperor Gan'an paid him not the slightest attention, let alone set him free.

Only a mid-aged eunuch of sixth-rank late stage, accompanied by a few others, faithfully guarded outside his courtyard.

Xu Jin had intended to remind Emperor Gan'an.

But through his Mingji Star Glyphs, Xu Jin sensed that during the night after the breakthrough, Emperor Gan'an had not slept at all.

He hadn't rested, nor had he cultivated—he had simply been busy all night.

What exactly he was doing, Xu Jin could not discern.

And he dared not try to sense further.

Emperor Gan'an had already forged his Nascent Soul.

It was certain that his Nascent Soul cultivation base was weaker than Xu Jin's, yet still not to be underestimated.

Moreover, within the palace lurked an eighth-rank cultivator; Xu Jin dared not probe Emperor Gan'an's movements too boldly.

But Emperor Gan'an's behavior was highly unusual.

Normally, after a breakthrough, one could consolidate their cultivation, stabilize their realm, rest and sleep to recover their spirit, or even celebrate by summoning the imperial concubines for a grand, unobstructed gathering.

Yet he had spent an entire night working.

There was no war, no urgent state affairs?

Why would an emperor need to work overtime?

He had worked all night, and even early in the morning, he was still busy.

This gave Xu Jin a sense of storm clouds gathering, wind filling the tower.

He had originally planned to intervene subtly—perhaps by having the eunuch guarding him deliver a reminder—but now, he remained calm and composed.

Better to wait and observe.

According to Emperor Gan'an's earlier demand to the Blood God Subling, the deadline was no later than April 30.

Today was already April 28; perhaps Emperor Gan'an's move would come within these next two days.

If he was simply left forgotten inside the palace, it would make his own actions easier.

The only downside was that he couldn't cultivate freely—wasting precious time.

The mid-aged eunuch guarding Xu Jin's courtyard occasionally glanced toward the Star Gazing Tower, then back at the courtyard behind him.

Since their master had not summoned them, they dared not approach or disturb.

Of course, if the man inside caused trouble, they would have an excuse.

But this man was quiet, so they could only remain still.

The entire day, the palace remained eerily quiet.

Yet Emperor Gan'an was busy; at noon, Xu Jin boldly used his Mingji Star Glyphs to sense his movements—and discovered Emperor Gan'an was busy, holding the Star-Picking Token.

He didn't know what he was contacting.

Xu Jin contacted State Tutor Cheng Yuexiao.

The State Tutor's advice was clear: Xu Jin should continue waiting, and not act rashly.

However, the State Tutor's concern was for Xu Jin's safety.

Emperor Gan'an had just broken through to seventh-rank—he was brimming with confidence. If Xu Jin approached him now, things could turn dangerous.

Emperors were the most capricious of all.

In the evening, inside the Star Gazing Tower, Emperor Gan'an, having just consumed a Soul-Replenishing Elixir, suddenly felt his Star-Picking Token vibrate violently three times.

He immediately sank his spiritual sense into it—and his face lit up with joy.

【Your Majesty, I and Master Chi of the Wood Spirit Palace are ready. If your side is prepared, Master Chi and I will depart and arrive at Wanyi in half an hour.】 The Sumeru Palace Master had sent a message.

【Master Luo, proceed at once. I am fully prepared. As soon as you depart, my arrangements will be activated one by one.】

【Good. Master Chi and I are departing now—we will arrive at Wanyi in half an hour.】

【Then I shall await your arrival, both Masters.】

The moment the Starlight Message ended, Emperor Gan'an could not contain his joy and called out, "Old Retainer."

The instant his voice rang out, the Old Retainer appeared silently behind him, bowing slightly, "Your Majesty, your humble servant is here."

"Old Retainer, they have begun their move. As planned, you must act now," said Emperor Gan'an.

"Ah."

The old retainer sighed softly. It was too late to persuade; the arrow was already nocked. He was a palace servant, bound for life to the imperial family. Now, he could only give his all and step into the game.

"I understand. I shall depart at once. But after I leave the palace, I beg Your Majesty to activate the Palace Defense Array. Now that you've broken through to seventh-rank, with the State Seal to assist, activating the Defense Array will ensure even an eighth-rank cannot harm you," the Old Retainer advised.

It was a sound suggestion, yet after a single breath of thought, Emperor Gan'an rejected it.

"Old Retainer, it is not that I am overconfident. But activating the Palace Defense Array creates too much disturbance.

At this moment, activating it without cause will invite suspicion—and alert Cheng Yuexiao.

So, not now.

We can activate it after the battle begins."

Here, Emperor Gan'an paused. "As for my safety, rest assured. I have just broken through to seventh-rank, I am within the palace, and I am protected by the State Seal and the Seven-Star Divine Artifact. Even without the Defense Array, I can handle an eighth-rank."

After breaking through to seventh-rank, Emperor Gan'an's confidence had indeed soared.

Yet as an eighth-rank himself, the Old Retainer knew well: eighth-ranks differed greatly from one another, and seventh-ranks did too.

Take Cheng Yuexiao—he had slain an eighth-rank while still seventh-rank.

And the late Grand Eunuch Chu and the other seventh-rank eunuchs? They hadn't even withstood one of Cheng Yuexiao's slaps!

But true top-tier eighth-ranks and seventh-ranks remained few.

Across all of Wanyi and its surroundings, no cultivator existed who could break into the palace and harm Emperor Gan'an.

Even Peng Lao of the Danxia Palace in the State Dao Academy could not.

Four months ago, the Old Retainer had witnessed Peng Lao's abilities—he was formidable.

But even if he breached the palace, he would still be no match for a sovereign adorned with these divine artifacts.

Moreover, if Cheng Yuexiao were in danger, who would bother coming to the palace?

Thus, Emperor Gan'an's safety should be secure.

This was no longer twenty years ago.

"Then I shall depart. Your Majesty, please be cautious. If anything unusual occurs, signal at once—I shall return to the palace within two or three breaths," said the Old Retainer.

"Old Retainer, rest easy."

After a slight bow, the Old Retainer left the Star Gazing Tower—but he did not fly directly out of the palace. Instead, he took four young eunuchs with him and strolled slowly toward the Western City Star Patrol Camp.

The night had just fallen.

Thanks to Xu Jin's extraordinary sensing range from his thirty-six Mingji Star Glyphs, he sensed at once that the eighth-rank Old Retainer had left the palace.

This filled him with both shock and joy.

He immediately understood: Emperor Gan'an's grand scheme was truly beginning.

For in the past twenty years, the Old Retainer had left the palace only once—so rarely it was almost unimaginable.

Now that he had left, it was a sign.

But it was also Xu Jin's opportunity.

Just as he was about to send a Starlight Message to the State Tutor, his own Star-Picking Token vibrated violently—it was a message from State Tutor Cheng Yuexiao.

【Xu Jin, the Old Retainer has left the palace. So far, he is openly heading toward the Star Patrol Camp—he must be going to see Grand Commandant Pei. But I don't know why.

Xu Jin, remember: under no circumstances may you act without my order!

The Old Retainer's departure is an opportunity.

But normally, he can return to the palace in no more than two or three breaths.

Once the situation becomes clear, and after you've delayed him, I will inform you.】

【I understand. I await your word.】 Xu Jin grasped the State Tutor's meaning and knew the danger well.

Unless he could kill Emperor Gan'an in one strike, without delaying the Old Retainer, he was walking straight to his death.

Wait and observe. Wait for the right moment.

The Star Patrol's Central Command Hall.

The palace's eighth-rank Old Retainer arrived in person with Emperor Gan'an's imperial decree; Grand Commandant Pei Ze, as head of the Star Patrol, was obligated to personally greet and receive him.

This was the dignity due to an eighth-rank—and the last dignity of imperial authority.

"Old Retainer, why have you left the palace today? To deliver an imperial edict? Or to offer guidance?" Pei, dressed in full battle armor, greeted him as an imperial envoy.

"This day, I leave the palace by imperial command—not for anything important. I've been ordered to play three games of Go with Grand Commandant Pei." The Old Retainer said.

"Oh? The imperial order is merely to play Go?"

"To play Go."

"Then the imperial command must be obeyed. Old Retainer, please."

Grand Commandant Pei Ze immediately led the Old Retainer to a quiet chamber, where servants swiftly set up the Go board and served tea and snacks.

A dozen breaths later, Grand Commandant Pei held white stones, the Old Retainer held black—and they were already locked in fierce battle on the board.

Yet the instant they began playing, Grand Commandant Pei Ze subtly shifted his thoughts and sent a Starlight Message to State Tutor Cheng Yuexiao.

In the Danxia Palace, State Tutor Cheng Yuexiao received Pei Ze's Starlight Message at once.

But the moment he read its contents, a grim expression crossed his face, his expression turning deeply complex.

In the end, these complex emotions dissolved into a faint, bitter smile.

How bitter that smile was, only Cheng Yuexiao knew.

"Lord, what's wrong?" Peng Lao, hidden in the shadows, noticed the anomaly and asked at once.

Cheng Yuexiao turned to look at Peng Lao and said bitterly, "The Emperor sent the Elder to the Star Patrol Camp to meet with Grand Marshal Pei, but the mission he was given? He was ordered to play three games of weiqi with Grand Marshal Pei!"

At these words, Peng Lao's face changed. "Three games of weiqi?

Isn't that an order for the Elder to stall Grand Marshal Pei?

To stall an eighth-rank? What is this fool emperor planning?

Is he going to move against you, the State Tutor?

He's brought in outsiders!

He's brought in outsiders to deal with you, State Tutor!"

Hearing this, Cheng Yuexiao said nothing, only his expression grew even more bitter.

He hadn't expected that the first thing Emperor Gan'an did after breaking through to the seventh rank was to kill him, the State Tutor of Chen Guo!

Ridiculous!

Absolutely ridiculous!

As for why he reached this conclusion, it was simple!

Within Wan Yi City, there are currently three eighth-ranks: the Elder, Grand Marshal Pei, and State Tutor Cheng Yuexiao.

These three eighth-ranks are like three pillars holding the sea steady.

Now, State Tutor Cheng Yuexiao and the imperial palace are locked in irreconcilable conflict.

But whoever moves against whom, they cannot bypass Grand Marshal Pei Ze.

Now, the Elder—who hasn't left the palace in twenty years—has emerged, only to play three games of weiqi with Grand Marshal Pei.

The only possible purpose? To stall Grand Marshal Pei.

What can be done after stalling Grand Marshal Pei?

Within all of Wan Yi, the only scenario requiring the stalling of eighth-rank Pei Ze is when targeting State Tutor Cheng Yuexiao.

But who could possibly defeat State Tutor Cheng Yuexiao?

Only an outside force!

"Lord, make your decision! The Elder and Grand Marshal Pei are only playing three games—our time is running out," Peng Lao said.

In the next instant, State Tutor Cheng Yuexiao rose abruptly, his bitter expression vanishing. "I, Cheng Yuexiao, am no indecisive man! I simply never imagined that twenty years of loyalty between sovereign and minister would vanish overnight."

"Peng Lao, the enemy approaches. Go to the Star-Gazing Tower's main hall and hold your position. When they arrive, break through immediately." State Tutor Cheng Yuexiao ordered.

"Rest assured, Lord. Once the enemy arrives, I will complete my breakthrough and join the battle within a hundred breaths," Peng Lao said.

"Good. And you, Peng Lao, rest easy—within Wan Yi, even if all three Star Juniors arrived, none could kill me within a hundred breaths!" Cheng Yuexiao smiled.

In the next instant, Peng Lao bowed deeply to State Tutor Cheng Yuexiao, then instantly dissolved into starlight and vanished.

Afterward, State Tutor Cheng Yuexiao sent out several orders via the Star-Gazing Talisman.

Not long after, three seventh-ranks from the Chen Guo Dao Academy—Director Ji Bang of the Wan Yi Dao Academy, Left Sacrificer Meng Yanhui, and Supervisor Chen Liao—arrived simultaneously at Danxia Palace.

But Cheng Yuexiao first received Meng Yanhui and Supervisor Chen Liao.

"An outside enemy is coming. When they arrive, no matter what happens, you two must hold the Dao Academy, command the Academy's great array, and allow no one a single opening.

Externally, repel all intruders; internally, suppress all unrest." Cheng Yuexiao ordered.

Meng Yanhui and Chen Liao exchanged glances, their expressions turning grim. "We humbly accept the State Tutor's command."

After they left, Cheng Yuexiao invited Ji Bang into the hall.

"State Tutor, please give your orders."

Cheng Yuexiao glanced at Ji Bang, then whispered, "Ji Shu, Xu Jin is currently inside the palace."

"What?"

Ji Bang's face turned pale; his eyes flickered, and he already understood the situation roughly.

"State Tutor, he's only fifth-rank. Is his strength enough?"

"Before breaking through to fifth-rank, he could instantly kill a late-stage sixth-rank," State Tutor Cheng Yuexiao said.

This eased Ji Bang slightly, yet he cursed aloud: "That girl Hongli—she's heartless! She didn't even bother to warn me."

"Not warning you? That's the real blessing," Cheng Yuexiao said.

Ji Bang paused, then nodded. "True."

"Ji Shu, I called you here for one thing: if full-scale war breaks out, and things go wrong on their end, please step in and rescue that boy." Cheng Yuexiao instructed.

"I understand! I'll prepare at once."

"Good!"

The Ji family had placed heavy bets on Xu Jin; asking Ji Bang to assist him was naturally the best choice.

After Ji Bang left, Dong Zhao and Liu Qingzhu, having received orders, arrived at Danxia Palace.

After State Tutor Cheng Yuexiao gave them instructions, both wore grave expressions, accepted their orders, and secretly departed Danxia Palace to prepare.

With all arrangements made, State Tutor Cheng Yuexiao brewed himself a pot of tea, sipped slowly, and waited in silence.

In the Star Patrol Camp, the first game of weiqi between the Elder and Grand Marshal Pei had ended, lasting less than half an hour.

The Elder lost by a single stone.

"Grand Marshal Pei, let's play again."

"Elder, please."

The second game began.

And at the very moment the second game began, State Tutor Cheng Yuexiao suddenly looked up at the sky—outside Wan Yi City, two brilliant streaks of starlight shot toward the city like falling meteors.

"They've come!"

As Cheng Yuexiao rose, he immediately sent two starlight messages. The first went to Grand Marshal Pei Ze.

【Grand Marshal, since the Elder is playing three games with you, play all three—don't let a single stone go missing.】

Grand Marshal Pei, mid-game, scanned the message and understood at once; he sent a starlight reply to State Tutor Cheng Yuexiao.

【State Tutor, rest easy. By imperial decree, all three games must be completed—neither the Elder nor I may leave the camp until the last stone is placed.】

At the same moment, Xu Jin received State Tutor Cheng Yuexiao's starlight message.

【In ten breaths, act as you see fit.】

Upon receiving the message, Xu Jin instantly brightened.

Simultaneously, inside the Star-Observing Pavilion, Emperor Gan'an watched the two brilliant streaks in the distance, his expression growing excited.

Excited—and thrilled!

"Finally—it's beginning!"

(End of Chapter)