Chapter 395: The Wind Rises

Xu Jin had originally thought that after Emperor Qian'an made his breakthrough, he would either release him or deal with him.

During the process of Emperor Qian'an's breakthrough, Xu Jin had already thought through how to respond to various different situations.

But strangely, it seemed as if he had been forgotten.

A night had passed, and Emperor Qian'an had completely ignored him, let alone released him.

Only that middle-aged eunuch of the late Refine Star stage, accompanied by a few others, was faithfully guarding outside his courtyard.

Xu Jin had originally wanted to remind Emperor Qian'an.

But through his Mingji Star Pattern, Xu Jin discovered that Emperor Qian'an had not slept at all throughout the night following his breakthrough.

He hadn't rested, but he hadn't cultivated either; he had simply been busy all night.

As for what exactly he was doing, Xu Jin could not sense it clearly.

Nor did he dare to try.

Emperor Qian'an had already forged his Yuanling.

What could be confirmed was that his Yuanling cultivation was weaker than Xu Jin's, but it was not to be underestimated.

Furthermore, there was still an Eighth Tier expert in the palace, so Xu Jin did not dare to be too reckless in directly perceiving Emperor Qian'an's every move.

However, this behavior of Emperor Qian'an was somewhat abnormal.

Normally, after a person makes a breakthrough, it would be fine to consolidate their cultivation and stabilize their realm, or to rest and sleep to recover their spirit, or even to summon palace concubines for a wild celebration.

Yet, he had been busy all night.

There was no war, and there were no urgent government affairs?

Why would an emperor need to work overtime?

He had been busy all night, and even early in the morning, Emperor Qian'an was still busy.

This gave Xu Jin a feeling that a storm was coming.

Originally, he had wanted to use some means, such as having the eunuch guarding him send a reminder, but now, he remained calm and composed.

It would be better to stay here and watch how things developed.

According to the requirements Emperor Qian'an had previously given for the Blood God Child Talisman, the deadline was April 30th at the latest.

Today was already April 28th; perhaps Emperor Qian'an's actions would take place within these next two days.

If he were to be forgotten in the palace like this, it would actually be convenient for him to act.

It was just that he didn't dare to cultivate freely, which was a bit of a waste of time.

The middle-aged eunuch guarding outside Xu Jin's courtyard would occasionally look toward the direction of the Star Gazing Pavilion, and then look back at the courtyard behind him.

Since their master had not summoned them, they did not dare to go forward and disturb him.

Of course, if the person he was guarding behind him caused trouble, he would have an excuse.

But since this person was very quiet, they could only stay quiet as well.

For the entire day, the palace remained very quiet.

But Emperor Qian'an was busy; at noon, Xu Jin boldly used his Mingji Star Pattern to sense Emperor Qian'an's movements, only to discover that while the Emperor was busy, he was busy holding the Star-Plucking Token.

He did not know who he was contacting.

Xu Jin contacted the Grand Master Cheng Cheng Yuexiao.

The Grand Master's opinion was also very clear: for now, Xu Jin should continue to wait and not act rashly.

However, the Grand Master was considering Xu Jin's safety.

Emperor Qian'an had just broken through to the Seventh Tier and was at a moment of extreme self-confidence; if Xu Jin were to actively approach him, it would be hard to say what might happen.

Emperors are the most fickle of all.

At dusk, inside the Star Gazing Pavilion, Emperor Qian'an, who had just swallowed an elixir to recover his spirit power, felt his Star-Plucking Token suddenly vibrate violently three times.

Emperor Qian'an immediately sank his divine sense into it, and upon seeing the message, his face lit up with joy.

【Your Majesty, Palace Master Chi of the Wood Spirit Palace and I are prepared. If there are no issues on your end, Palace Master Chi and I will depart and arrive at Dachen Wan Yi in half an hour.】 The Palace Master of Mount Sumeru had sent a letter.

【Palace Master Luo, please depart. I am prepared on my end. As soon as you depart, the arrangements I have made can be set in motion one by one.】

【Very well, Palace Master Chi and I will depart now and arrive at Dachen Wan Yi in half an hour.】

【Then I shall await the arrival of the two Palace Masters in Dachen Wan Yi.】

The moment he ended the starlight transmission, Emperor Qian'an joyfully called out, "Old Tribute-Bearer."

The instant the voice rang out, the Old Tribute-Bearer appeared silently behind Emperor Qian'an, then bowed slightly, "Your Majesty, your servant is here."

"Old Tribute-Bearer, the other side has already begun to act. According to the plan, you need to act as well," Emperor Qian'an said.

"Sigh!"

The Old Tribute-Bearer let out a soft sigh. Matters had reached this point, and the arrow was on the string; he could no longer persuade him. He was a servant of the palace, serving the imperial family for his entire life, and at this moment, he could only do his best to enter the game himself.

"Your servant understands; your servant will depart now. However, after I leave the palace, I request that Your Majesty activate the palace's defensive array. Now that Your Majesty has broken through to the Seventh Tier and has the State-Protecting Jade Seal to assist, if you activate the palace's defensive array, even an Eighth Tier expert would not be able to harm Your Majesty," the Old Tribute-Bearer advised.

This was an extremely sincere piece of advice, but after pondering for only a breath, Emperor Qian'an rejected the Old Tribute-Bearer's suggestion.

"Old Tribute-Bearer, it is not that I am arrogant. It is that the commotion of activating the palace's defensive array is too great.

At this time, activating the palace's defensive array for no reason would inevitably attract all sorts of speculation and might even alert Cheng Cheng Yuexiao.

Therefore, it cannot be opened for now!

It will not be too late to open it after the battle begins."

Having said this, Emperor Qian'an paused, "As for my safety, please rest assured, Old Tribute-Bearer. I have already broken through to the Seventh Tier, I am within the palace, and I have the State-Protecting Jade Seal and Seven-Star Spirit Treasures to protect me. Even without the palace's defensive array, I can handle an Eighth Tier expert."

After breaking through to the Seventh Tier, Emperor Qian'an's self-confidence had indeed exploded.

But as an Eighth Tier expert, the Old Tribute-Bearer was extremely clear that there was a huge difference between Eighth Tier experts, just as there was a huge difference between Seventh Tier experts.

Like Cheng Cheng Yuexiao, who, when at the Seventh Tier, could slay an Eighth Tier expert.

And like the previously killed Attendant Chu and the group of Seventh Tier eunuchs, who couldn't even withstand a single slap from Cheng Cheng Yuexiao!

However, top-tier Eighth Tier and Seventh Tier experts were, after all, limited.

Counting all the forces in Dachen Wan Yi or the surrounding areas, there were no experts capable of breaking into the palace and harming Emperor Qian'an.

Even that Peng Lao from the Danxia Palace of the National Dao Academy could not do it.

Four months ago, the Old Tribute-Bearer had witnessed Peng Lao's methods; his strength was not bad.

But even if he broke into the palace, he would not be a match for His Majesty, who was armed with various treasures.

Moreover, once Cheng Cheng Yuexiao was in danger, that person would have no time to come to the palace.

Therefore, there should be no problem with Emperor Qian'an's safety.

Now, it was no longer twenty years ago.

"In that case, your servant will go. Please take extra care, Your Majesty. If there is any abnormality, sound the alarm immediately, and your servant will be able to return to the palace within two or three breaths," the Old Tribute-Bearer said.

"Please rest assured, Old Tribute-Bearer."

After bowing slightly, the Old Tribute-Bearer left the Star Gazing Pavilion. However, he did not fly directly out of the palace; instead, he took four young eunuchs and slowly headed toward the Star-Patrol Guard camp in the west of the city.

At this time, night had just fallen.

Thanks to the super-strong sensing range brought by Xu Jin's thirty-six Mingji Star Patterns, Xu Jin sensed the situation of the Eighth Tier Old Tribute-Bearer leaving the palace at the first opportunity.

This both shocked and delighted Xu Jin.

He also immediately understood that the major event Emperor Qian'an was about to carry out might truly be starting.

Because in the twenty years that this Old Tribute-Bearer had been in the palace, the number of times he had left could no longer be described as "few"; in twenty years, he had only left the palace once.

The fact that he was leaving the palace now was a sign.

But at the same time, this was also his opportunity.

Just as he was about to send a starlight transmission to the Grand Master, Xu Jin's own Star-Plucking Token vibrated violently first; it was a starlight transmission from the Grand Master Cheng Cheng Yuexiao.

【Xu Jin, the Old Tribute-Bearer has already left the palace. Currently, it appears he is heading openly to the Star-Patrol Guard camp; he should be going to find Commander-in-Chief Director Pei Ze, but I do not know for what purpose.

Xu Jin, remember, without my orders, you must absolutely not act on your own!

Although the Old Tribute-Bearer leaving the palace is an opportunity.

Under normal circumstances, the Old Tribute-Bearer can return to the palace in at most one or two breaths.

Once the situation becomes clear and the Old Tribute-Bearer is held back, I will notify you.】

【I understand, I will await your news.】 Xu Jin understood the Grand Master's meaning and was also very clear about the danger here.

Unless he could slay Emperor Qian'an in one move, otherwise, without holding back the Old Tribute-Bearer, it would be suicide.

Stay calm and watch, and wait for the right time.

Star-Patrol Guard Central Command Hall.

Since the Eighth Tier Old Tribute-Bearer from the palace had arrived in person with Emperor Qian'an's hand-written order, Director Pei Ze, as the Commander-in-Chief of the Star-Patrol Guard, naturally had to welcome him in person and receive him himself.

This was the dignity of an Eighth Tier expert, and also the final dignity of imperial power.

"I wonder what decree the Old Tribute-Bearer is here to convey today? Or perhaps what guidance you have to offer?" Because he was an imperial envoy, Commander-in-Chief Pei wore his full battle armor to welcome him.

"I have come out of the palace today under imperial decree, but there is no major matter; I am simply here under imperial decree to play three games of chess with Commander-in-Chief Pei," the Old Tribute-Bearer said.

"Oh, the imperial decree is just to play chess?"

"To play chess."

"Since that is the case, the imperial decree cannot be disobeyed. Please, Old Tribute-Bearer."

Commander-in-Chief Director Pei Ze immediately invited the Old Tribute-Bearer into a quiet room, where someone had already set up the chessboard and served tea and snacks.

After a dozen breaths, the Commander-in-Chief took the white pieces, and the Old Tribute-Bearer took the black, and they were already locked in battle on the chessboard.

But the very instant the two began to play, Commander-in-Chief Director Pei Ze's heart stirred slightly, and he had already sent a starlight transmission to the Grand Master Cheng Cheng Yuexiao.

At Danxia Palace, the Grand Master Cheng Cheng Yuexiao received the starlight transmission from Commander-in-Chief Director Pei Ze at the first opportunity.

The instant he saw the specific content of the starlight transmission, a bitter look appeared on Grand Master Cheng Cheng Yuexiao's face, and his expression became incomparably complex.

In the end, these strands of complex emotion turned into a bitter smile.

As for how bitter this smile was, only Cheng Cheng Yuexiao himself knew.

"Palace Master, what is it?" Peng Lao, who was hidden in the shadows, discovered the abnormality and hurriedly asked.

Cheng Cheng Yuexiao looked back at Peng Lao and said bitterly, "His Majesty sent the Old Tribute-Bearer out of the palace to the Star-Patrol Guard camp to see Commander-in-Chief Pei, but the matter to be handled is said to be an imperial order to play three games of chess with Commander-in-Chief Pei!"

Once these words were spoken, Peng Lao's expression changed, "Play three games of chess?

Isn't this ordering the Old Tribute-Bearer to hold back Commander-in-Chief Pei?

Holding back Commander-in-Chief Pei, who is an Eighth Tier expert—what is this foolish emperor trying to do?

Could it be that he is going to make a move against you, Grand Master?

He has invited outsiders!

He has invited outsiders to deal with you, Grand Master!"

Hearing this, Cheng Cheng Yuexiao did not commit, his expression only becoming more bitter.

He also had not expected that the first thing Emperor Qian'an would do after breaking through to the Seventh Tier would be to kill him, the Grand Master of Chen Guo!

Ridiculous!

Too ridiculous!

As for why he judged it this way, it was very simple!

In Dachen Wan Yi City, there were currently three Eighth Tier experts: the Old Tribute-Bearer, Commander-in-Chief Pei, and the Grand Master Cheng Cheng Yuexiao.

These three Eighth Tier experts were like three pillars holding up the sea.

Now, Grand Master Cheng Cheng Yuexiao and the palace were at odds, like fire and water.

But no matter who was dealing with whom, they could not bypass the Star-Patrol Guard Commander-in-Chief Director Pei Ze.

Now, the Old Tribute-Bearer, who had basically not left the palace in twenty years, had left the palace to play three games of chess with Commander-in-Chief Pei.

Then the purpose could only be to hold back Commander-in-Chief Pei.

What could be done after holding back Commander-in-Chief Pei?

In all of Dachen Wan Yi, only when dealing with Grand Master Cheng Cheng Yuexiao would there be a need to hold back the Eighth Tier Commander-in-Chief Director Pei Ze.

However, who could deal with Grand Master Cheng Cheng Yuexiao?

It could only be external forces!

"Palace Master, make up your mind! The Old Tribute-Bearer is only playing three games of chess with Commander-in-Chief Pei; there is not much time left for us," Peng Lao said.

The next instant, Grand Master Cheng Cheng Yuexiao suddenly stood up, the bitterness on his face wiped away, "How could I, Cheng Cheng Yuexiao, be a person of indecision! It's just that I didn't expect that twenty years of friendship between monarch and subject would be lost today."

"Peng Lao, external enemies are arriving. You go to the main building of the Star-Plucking Tower to hold the fort, and when the enemy arrives, you shall make your breakthrough," Grand Master Cheng Cheng Yuexiao ordered.

"Palace Master, rest assured. Once the enemy arrives, I can complete my breakthrough and join the battle within a hundred breaths," Peng Lao said.

"Hmm, Peng Lao, rest assured as well. Now, as long as I am within Dachen Wan Yi, even if three Star Lords were to arrive in person, they would not be able to kill me within a hundred breaths!" Cheng Cheng Yuexiao laughed.

The next instant, Peng Lao bowed to Grand Master Cheng Cheng Yuexiao and instantly turned into starlight and disappeared.

Subsequently, Grand Master Cheng Cheng Yuexiao sent out several orders one after another through the Star-Plucking Token.

Before long, three Seventh Tier experts of the Chen Guo National Dao Academy—the Dachen Wan Yi Dao Academy Dean Director Ji Bang, the Chen Guo National Dao Academy Left Libationer, and the Chen Guo Grand Master Academy Supervisor Chen Liao—arrived at Danxia Palace simultaneously.

However, Cheng Cheng Yuexiao first met with the Left Libationer Meng Meng Yanhui and the Supervisor Chen Liao.

"External enemies will arrive shortly. At that time, no matter what happens, you two are to hold the National Dao Academy and preside over the National Dao Academy's array; you must absolutely not let anyone take advantage of the situation.

Externally, resist all enemies who trespass; internally, suppress all disturbances," Cheng Cheng Yuexiao ordered.

Meng Meng Yanhui and Chen Liao looked at each other, their expressions becoming incomparably solemn, "We respectfully accept the Grand Master's orders."

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

"Grand Master, please give your orders."

Cheng Cheng Yuexiao looked at Director Ji Bang and said in a low voice, "Uncle Ji, Xu Jin is currently inside the palace."

"What?"

Director Ji Bang's expression changed drastically. As his gaze flickered, he already roughly understood what the situation was now.

"Grand Master, he is only at the Fifth Tier; this combat power, I'm afraid it's not enough, is it?"

"Before he even broke through to the Fifth Tier, he could already slay late-stage Sixth Tier experts," Grand Master Cheng Cheng Yuexiao said.

This made Director Ji Bang breathe a slight sigh of relief, but then he started cursing, "That girl Ji Hongli is truly heartless; she didn't even know to leave a message for me."

"Not leaving a message is actually a great blessing," Cheng Cheng Yuexiao said.

Director Ji Bang was startled and nodded, "That's true."

"Uncle Ji, I asked you to come for one thing: if a major battle truly breaks out, and if things are truly going poorly on that side, I ask that you take action to support that kid," Cheng Cheng Yuexiao instructed.

"I understand! I will go and make preparations now."

"Good!"

The Ji family had placed a heavy bet on Xu Jin; asking Director Ji Bang to support Xu Jin was naturally the best choice.

After Director Ji Bang left, Dong Zhao and Liuzhou Qingzhu, who had received the orders, arrived at Danxia Palace.

After Grand Master Cheng Cheng Yuexiao gave them instructions, the two showed solemn expressions; after accepting the orders, they secretly left Danxia Palace to make preparations.

Everything was arranged properly, and Grand Master Cheng Cheng Yuexiao brewed a pot of tea for himself, drinking alone and waiting quietly.

In the Star-Patrol Guard camp, the first game of chess between the Old Tribute-Bearer and Commander-in-Chief Director Pei Ze had already ended, taking half an hour.

The Old Tribute-Bearer was defeated by a single piece.

"Commander-in-Chief Pei, again."

"Please, Old Tribute-Bearer."

The second game of chess began.

And the very instant the second game began, Grand Master Cheng Cheng Yuexiao suddenly looked up at the sky; in the night sky outside Dachen Wan Yi City, two incomparably brilliant starlight beams rushed toward Dachen Wan Yi like shooting stars.

"They're here!"

As Cheng Cheng Yuexiao stood up, he immediately sent out two starlight transmissions; the first starlight transmission was to Commander-in-Chief Director Pei Ze.

【Commander-in-Chief, since the Old Tribute-Bearer wants to play three games of chess with you, then play three games of chess; not a single piece less.】

Commander-in-Chief Director Pei Ze, who was playing chess, swept his heart over it and understood, simultaneously sending a starlight transmission back to Grand Master Cheng Cheng Yuexiao.

【Grand Master, rest assured. With the imperial decree before us, for three games, not a single piece less, the Old Tribute-Bearer will not be able to leave the camp.】

At the same time, Xu Jin also received the starlight transmission from Grand Master Cheng Cheng Yuexiao.

【After ten breaths, you may act according to the situation.】

Xu Jin, having received the starlight transmission, was instantly delighted.

At the same time, inside the Star Gazing Pavilion, Emperor Qian'an watched the two incomparably brilliant shooting stars in the distance, his expression becoming excited.

Both excited and thrilled!

"Finally, it's about to begin!"

(End of chapter)