Chapter 539: Seizing the Order

Jin'er, so far, the governor's mansion still harbors six eighth-rank experts; based on aura sensing, the Left and Right Protectors should both be present. Additionally, twelve seventh-rank mid-to-late-stage cultivators and ten seventh-rank early-stage cultivators have been sensed, along with forty sixth-rank cultivators.

Those guarding the entrance to our meditation chamber are all sixth-rank.

Xu Jin returned to Shi Lie's residence in Blood Moon City, relying on information extracted from Shi Lie's interrogation.

Though he had no family, this fellow was fond of comfort.

Besides servants, he kept six concubines.

At once, upon Xu Jin's return in his guise, the concubines flocked around him.

"Get out of my way!"

Xu Jin's face darkened, radiating lethal aura.

The concubines who had gathered instantly recoiled in fear, kneeling and prostrating themselves; the servants and steward dared not even breathe.

Shi Lie, due to his blood poison, was capricious in mood, so his subordinates feared him deeply.

Xu Jin's behavior now was perfectly acceptable.

"I will enter deep cultivation for three days. Do not disturb me under any circumstances." Xu Jin barked, then, guided by the Mingji Star Pattern's sensing, pushed open the door to the designated meditation chamber and activated the disturbance-prevention alarm array.

Only then did Shi Lie's concubines exhale in relief and scatter in all directions.

Inside the chamber, Xu Jin sent a message to his master, Qi Seeing Qi Shanye, instructing him to continue surveillance, then took a deep breath to calm his mind and reanalyze the current situation.

Amid great matters, one must maintain inner stillness—that was Xu Jin's new standard for himself.

He asked himself several questions: Are there other ways to obtain the Thousand Star Order?

How can I ensure safety?

Survival comes first.

Even as he answered these questions himself, Xu Jin's mind had already formed a concrete action plan.

Immediately afterward, Xu Jin contacted Grand Master Cheng Cheng Yuexiao.

{Grand Master, I have exited the Limit-Breaking Realm and faked my death. If you intend to act against Emperor Da Hong, you may begin. }

{That's excellent! What is your current condition? Are you safe? Do you need assistance? } Grand Master Cheng Cheng Yuexiao, overjoyed, immediately inquired after Xu Jin's state.

{I'm currently fine, but I estimate my new identity won't last long before exposure. Before that happens, I intend to accomplish something major. } Xu Jin said.

{Something major? Fine, I trust you to handle it—but if you have time, briefly outline your plan. I can help you spot gaps. }

{Understood. }

Xu Jin swiftly relayed his preliminary plan to Grand Master Cheng Cheng Yuexiao, who scanned it once and immediately raised a question.

{You plan to forcibly seize the Thousand Star Order, selecting five targets. You chose the strongest, yet avoided Qi Seeing Qi Shanye and Mo Ji. If you intend to take Qi Seeing Qi Shanye and Mo Ji with you, this is acceptable. }

{But if you leave them behind, this may work short-term—but upon closer inspection, inconsistencies may arise, drawing suspicion toward them. }

Xu Jin was startled—he had not considered this.

His own action plan was thorough, but those for his master and his uncle were insufficient.

{There are two solutions: First, during the event, have Qi Seeing Qi Shanye and Mo Ji fight you—you severely injure them to earn even greater trust. But this carries risk for you. }

{Second, you mentioned earlier that the process of assimilating the Thousand Star Order varies in speed. Have them fully exert themselves to accelerate assimilation and depart early. } Grand Master Cheng Cheng Yuexiao offered advice.

{I understand. Thank you, Grand Master. }

Xu Jin had learned again—or rather, he had grown a little more in this regard.

{Master, how long will it take you and Uncle Mo Ji to fully assimilate the Thousand Star Order at full speed? } Xu Jin immediately contacted Qi Seeing Qi Shanye.

{Our divine soul cultivation base is strong, and our recent gains are significant. I just tested it—without holding back, we can complete assimilation in three quarters of an hour; with slight restraint, no more than half an hour. }

{How does that compare to Lian Xiang? }

{Lian Xiang's divine soul cultivation is at the peak of fourth-rank ninth layer, and he has only just begun forming a nascent soul prototype. His speed is certainly much slower—likely around one hour. As for the two seventh-rank early-stage cultivators, they haven't even formed a nascent soul prototype yet. }

{Master, then you and Uncle Mo Ji should fully exert yourselves. Leave the governor's mansion half an hour from now. I will act only after you've departed. }

{Agreed. Leaving early allows us to prepare to support you, just in case. }

Xu Jin accepted his master's goodwill, telling him to prepare—but he knew it might not be needed.

Then, Xu Jin began preparing for his own upcoming operation.

First, he needed to establish escape and combat nodes.

The Seven Kill Escape Dragon Stakes must be fully prepared.

His Seven Kill Escape Dragon Stakes could be deployed up to a hundred li away, with a maximum of five stakes.

Xu Jin moved constantly across all directions of Blood Moon City.

He planted one Dragon Stake each in three directions outside the city.

Then, Xu Jin infiltrated the Blood Moon Army camp and planted another Dragon Stake—this one intended to create confusion at a critical moment.

If Xu Jin concealed himself within the camp and suppressed his aura, even the Left and Right Protectors would need to sweep their divine senses inch by inch to possibly detect him.

Xu Jin planted his final Dragon Stake silently outside the rear wall of the governor's mansion, less than three hundred meters from the meditation chamber where Qi Seeing Qi Shanye and the others were cultivating.

Having completed all this, three quarters of an hour had passed. Xu Jin silently slipped to the headquarters of the Blood Hawk.

The moment the Mingji Star Pattern spread, it sensed the aura of Blood Hawk's Grand Commander, Zhong Ji.

Since the target was present, Xu Jin would execute his plan when the time came.

With time still remaining, Xu Jin reviewed his plan again, checking for flaws.

The Danxia Palace of the Chen Guo Dao Academy.

Grand Master Cheng Cheng Yuexiao frowned slightly as he gazed at his own Star-Picking Order.

Fifteen minutes ago, he had sent a starlight message to Tianyang Xingjun Zhuang Zhen, formally stating that a matter of critical importance to the Da Hong Empire's security required consultation—requesting an immediate reply.

Yet fifteen minutes had passed, and Tianyang Xingjun Zhuang Zhen had not responded at all.

Normally, among power-holders of their caliber, communication did not require urgent messages.

Because those of their rank rarely contacted each other—and when they did, it was always for something major.

{Could Tianyang Xingjun Zhuang Zhen be in seclusion, breaking through? }

That possibility existed.

Tianyang Xingjun Zhen'e had said his breakthrough was imminent, yet had not yet achieved it; Tianyang Xingjun Zhuang Zhen might be growing anxious as well.

But this matter had strong time sensitivity.

Emperor Da Hong Yang Yun was no ordinary figure.

He was surely monitoring Xu Jin's movements.

Whether it was him or Emperor Da Hong Yang Yun, both understood: if Xu Jin met with misfortune, it would mark the beginning of a great upheaval.

Though Grand Master Cheng Cheng Yuexiao could not yet foresee Emperor Da Hong Yang Yun's response, Yang Yun must have preparations ready—the longer he waited, the more prepared Yang Yun would be.

Therefore, he must notify Tianyang Xingjun Zhuang Zhen immediately.

From the perspective of righteousness, this was about eliminating a threat to the current human race—clearing internal dangers before the great war.

From Chen Guo's interests, if Emperor Da Hong Yang Yun encountered trouble, regardless of whether Tianyang Xingjun Zhuang Zhen wished it or not, Da Hong Empire would inevitably descend into internal chaos for a time—granting Chen Guo precious time to develop.

After consideration, Grand Master Cheng Cheng Yuexiao resent the message to Tianyang Xingjun Zhuang Zhen, marked as URGENT!

After sending it, he waited in silence.

At their level, contacting someone once was sufficient; contacting twice was already the limit.

More than that would be inappropriate.

It was unfortunate he could not contact others—if he could, he would have reached out to the Grand Elder of the Star-Picking Tower.

After sending the URGENT message, time ticked away second by second, yet there was no reply.

Inside the imperial palace of Chang Le City, Da Hong Empire, Emperor Da Hong had already returned.

He had transferred all the palace's treasured artifacts into his own space pocket.

Though he had contingency plans, he would likely not acquire such vast treasures again for a long time.

Wei Zhong entered the hall and bowed, "Your Majesty, the Second Prince has arrived outside the hall awaiting audience. Additionally, eleven high-ranking ministers and generals who long ago sided with the Star-Picking Tower have gathered at the Orchid Fragrance Hall under various pretexts, awaiting your summons."

"Your Majesty, we may launch at any moment."

{And what of the main tower of the Star-Picking Tower? } Emperor Da Hong Yang Yun asked.

{Your Majesty, arrangements are complete. Once the signal is given, the assassins will act. The official explanation will be that a fire-star jade tablet was accidentally detonated, triggering a star explosion that damaged the main tower of the Star-Picking Tower, causing it to cease operations for approximately half a minute. } Wei Zhong said.

{Half a minute is sufficient. }

Emperor Da Hong Yang Yun nodded. {Then launch. }

{Your servant obeys. }

Almost the instant Wei Zhong gave the order, the assassins began executing their assigned actions in sequence.

In a quiet chamber outside the Orchid Fragrance Hall, a temporary star-gate array was being rapidly activated by an assassin using a large quantity of star jade tablets.

Instantly, a spatial star gate radiating immense star energy appeared above the Orchid Fragrance Hall.

Almost as soon as it formed, dozens of powerful beams of starlight surged forth from within.

They were met by pre-positioned alien beings.

The moment the gate opened, they charged out.

Instantly, alarms blared throughout the imperial palace, chaos erupted!

The alien beings immediately targeted the dozen or so high-ranking Da Hong officials who had emerged from the Orchid Fragrance Hall due to the disturbance.

Among them was Prince Shou, the Second Prince of the Da Hong imperial family, Yang Shao.

Inside the Blood Moon City governor's mansion, Left Protector Fan Kai and Right Protector Lin Lin Mingshi were both pleasantly surprised upon hearing reports that the Thousand Star Order had been fully assimilated by Qi Seeing Qi Shanye and Mo Ji.

{Half an hour? So fast? Show me. } Fan Kai said.

In the next instant, both Qi Seeing Qi Shanye and Mo Ji produced a cluster of starlight in their hands—a three-dimensional octagonal shape, within which the ancient seal characters "Thousand Star" shimmered and rotated.

{It seems your divine soul cultivation has advanced further recently. Your Lord Lingji Star Pattern from the Cheng Po Star Sect is indeed extraordinary. }

Unfortunately, it cannot be transmitted.

Fan Kai felt a pang of regret; they knew the true identities and origins of Qi Seeing Qi Shanye and Mo Ji, which was why they had invested so heavily in cultivating them.

Both were outcasts and fugitives of this world—brother shouldn't laugh at brother—so they shared a natural psychological alliance, making them more trusting and hopeful toward these two, especially after controlling their spiritual souls.

They had once considered seizing the Cheng Po Star Pattern, but were told it was under extremely strict spiritual soul seals, and its transmission method was uniquely peculiar—they wouldn't teach it anyway.

The two understood.

Because this was normal: like the Blood God Sect's secret star patterns, such as the Blood-Dripping Divine Pattern, no one without the sect master's permission could transmit it.

Even if transmitted, one couldn't learn it.

A corresponding catalyst was also required.

"Now that the two of you have obtained the Thousand Star Token, this is precisely the time for curiosity."

"Return and thoroughly study the Thousand Star Token, explore deeply, and see how to use it to drastically elevate your cultivation base in a short time."

"The stronger your combat power, the more useful you are to us."

"Go quickly," said Right Protector Lin Lin Mingshi.

After bowing to him, Qi Seeing Qi Shanye and Mo Ji departed. Barely five breaths after leaving the governor's mansion, they sent a message to Xu Jin and began preparing methods to extract him in case of emergency.

On the other side, at the Blood Jackal headquarters, Xu Jin also received a message from his master, Qi Seeing Qi Shanye.

"Master, return to the military camp first and prepare accordingly. Remember: without my notice, do not attempt to extract me! If I need help, I will call for you," Xu Jin instructed.

"Rest assured."

After sending the starlight message, Xu Jin took a deep breath—he was about to act.

According to the latest information from his master, there were still six Gao Jie within the governor's mansion.

Among them, two were Gao Jie late-stage, three were Gao Jie mid-stage, and one was Gao Jie early-stage; the number of Qi seven cultivators had not decreased.

There were quite a few.

Especially the two Gao Jie late-stage—Left and Right Protectors—posed a tremendous threat to Xu Jin.

Therefore, Xu Jin's first move today was to lure the tiger away from the mountain!

The next instant, Xu Jin silently infiltrated the quiet chamber of Zhong Ji, the Grand Commander of the Blood Jackal headquarters, then tapped on the door.

"Grand Commander, it's me?"

"Who?" Grand Commander Zhong Ji snapped open his eyes mid-cultivation, starlight surging around him—he was already on alert.

The next instant, Xu Jin pushed the door open.

"Qi Jin?"

The moment he saw Xu Jin, Grand Commander Zhong Ji's face turned pale. "You're not—"

BOOM! BOOM!

Two thunderclaps, separated by half a breath, struck one after the other.

The first Five Element Divine Thunder obliterated Grand Commander Zhong Ji into ashes.

With Xu Jin's current cultivation base, what difference did it make if Zhong Ji defended at full strength?

Especially since he had merely raised his protective starlight.

The second Five Element Divine Thunder struck a moment later, perfectly reducing Zhong Ji's nascent soul to nothingness as it fled.

First Thunder of the Token Seizure: strike the Grand Commander first!

Almost simultaneously, the rolling thunder of the Five Element Divine Thunder echoed across the entire Blood Moon City.

In an instant, Blood Moon City awoke like a beast startled by thunder—starlight of all colors surged skyward from within and without, accompanied by shouts, cries, and chaos.

At that same moment, the overwhelming auras of the Gao Jie and mid-to-late Qi seven cultivators rose like rain.

Simultaneously, Xu Jin silently activated the Seven Kill Escape Dragon Stake he had prepared in advance.

A faint spatial ripple passed—Xu Jin appeared three hundred meters behind the governor's mansion.

The instant he landed, he activated invisibility and suppressed his aura to its maximum.

The faint spatial ripple was masked by the overwhelming auras of the Qi seven and Gao Jie cultivators who had surged skyward in response to the thunderclap.

At the same moment, inside the governor's mansion, the Left and Right Protectors, who had been discussing the secrets of the Spirit Record Star Palace, exchanged glances upon hearing the terrifying thunderclap and simultaneously shot into the sky above the mansion, their gazes fixed on the source of the thunderous star-art disturbance.

(End of Chapter)