Volume 1, Chapter 20: The Emperor's Partiality

Facing Long Zhan’s stern and righteous questioning, Ling Qingxue’s gaze tightened.

The reason she had come here was because her sect, the Dao Sect, had received news that the Sword Casting Division’s director, Jian Donglai, had expended countless human and material resources to forge a Heavenly Sword, which was soon to be unveiled. The power of the Heavenly Sword was earth-shattering; whoever possessed it could command the world. The martial arts circles, the various schools of thought, and major powers were all focused on this, arriving in the capital one after another. Her master had divined that the Heavenly Sword belonged to Long Zhan and had thus ordered her to assist him in securing it.

Long Zhan had clearly also received the news, hence his questioning now. In the past, she would have told the truth, but now, she had been ambushed by a villain and suffered severe internal injuries. And that villain was highly likely to be Long Zhan himself.

Ling Qingxue forced a breath, feigning composure. "It is nothing. A minor injury that will heal with some meditation; it will not affect the contest for the Heavenly Sword."

Long Zhan glanced at his senior sister’s flushed complexion. "Then please meditate, Senior Sister. I shall not disturb you further."

Long Zhan turned and left, and only then did Ling Qingxue slowly let out a breath of relief. Outside the door, Long Zhan lamented the missed opportunity. A woman is most vulnerable when injured or heartbroken. If his fourth senior sister’s injuries were more severe—ideally, if she were unconscious—he would have had a chance to claim her. After all, having lost the Dragon-Nurturing Holy Body of his fifth senior sister, his martial arts progress had slowed significantly. Although Ling Qingxue lacked the Dragon-Nurturing Holy Body, he still coveted her unfathomable "Mirror Flower, Water Moon" technique. Most importantly, Ling Qingxue was aloof and treated him like nothing; such a woman was all the more satisfying to conquer.

"No matter. As long as she is here, there will be opportunities. One who aspires to great things must be patient."

As Long Zhan consoled himself, he saw his subordinate bringing over a man dressed as a eunuch.

"Eunuch Zhang?"

"Commander Long, I am here to deliver an imperial decree."

The decree was unfurled. As the eunuch read it aloud, Long Zhan’s heart sank. The decree stated that since a series of murders had occurred in the capital, the骁骑营 (Xiaoji Battalion) could not shirk its responsibility. He was fined half a year’s salary and ordered to find the true culprit within three months alongside the Metropolitan Prefecture.

Long Zhan gripped the decree tightly, his face dark. He had just received news of Ling Qingxue’s return, injured, and knew the plan to frame Zhao Wujiang had failed. He had not expected the dog Zhao Wujiang to escape unscathed while he himself suffered such repercussions. He had never had any real conflict with Zhao Wujiang, but he always felt that Zhao Wujiang was merely a stepping stone on his path to success. Now, this stepping stone was repeatedly in his way, and the fact that he couldn't eliminate him only added to his frustration.

"No, this brat must be removed, or it will affect my Daoist heart."

The only consolation was that the advantage remained with him. The bias in the Emperor’s decree was clear; it was intended to protect him.

***

At the Prince of the North’s mansion, Zhao Wujiang, having already heard the contents of the decree, let out a scoff. What a selfless Emperor... so blatantly biased? Both were tasked with finding the murderer, yet he, Zhao Wujiang, was given three days, while Long Zhan was given three months?

"Your Highness, please calm your anger," the old steward said, offering a large bowl of oyster, goji berry, and ginseng tea.

Zhao Wujiang downed it in one gulp and slammed his hand on the table. "Drinking tea won't calm a damn thing!"

With that, he turned and walked toward the dungeon where Liu Ruyan was being held, as if he had made a firm decision. The more the old Emperor feared him and his late father, the Prince of the North, the more quickly he needed to grow and possess formidable strength. When an enemy suspects you have the power to threaten them, you had better have it, rather than trying to prove you don't!

Liu Ruyan was stunned by Zhao Wujiang’s fierce momentum. Her tattered clothes could barely cover her body, and she leaned against the stone wall, covering herself in panic. "You... what are you going to do?"

"Demoness, I need you to assist me in my cultivation!"

***

Early the next morning, in the Imperial Palace’s Hall of Deliberation, the head eunuch’s voice rang out like a signal flare, echoing down the levels: "Summon Zhao Wujiang to appear!"

Standing far outside the hall, Zhao Wujiang began to ascend the steps. Since his father’s death, as the heir, he was required to attend the court, but only to show his face. He always stood at the very back, and no one paid him any mind. But this time, the old Emperor had specifically summoned him; it could not be for anything good.

The latest news had spread throughout the capital: because the Harsan mission had been placed under house arrest, the already leaderless war situation in the North had become increasingly unstable. The island nation of Harsan demanded that the Great Xia dynasty return the entire mission, including Qianye Rizhao, within ten days, or the war would resume with Harsan attacking with all its might.

Today’s morning court was primarily to discuss the Harsan mission and the northern war. Many ministers argued that if Harsan wanted to fight, then let them! Great Xia would never bow down. However, if the mission were not returned, the North would need a commander-in-chief. Who should that be? After all, the position of Northern Commander carried the weight of replacing the Prince of the North. It was a position of royalty and nobility! Moreover, the million-strong Northern Army was composed of gods of war forged in blood. Whoever led them would possess power akin to rebellion. Thus, the officials were busy recommending their own kin for the position.

***

Seeing the ambition of these people, Li Zaiyuan knew that the position of Northern Army Commander was the foundation of Great Xia. But these were civil officials, and none of their sons were fit for the post. The only one he deemed capable was Long Zhan.

"Long Zhan, are you willing to go?"

Long Zhan immediately bowed, knowing this was a golden opportunity to ascend to the heavens—an opportunity only someone of his destiny deserved. "Long Zhan is willing to shed blood to guard the North for Great Xia!"

Hearing the Emperor’s personal choice and Long Zhan’s eager acceptance, the other officials fell silent, though their eyes were filled with envy. This lad had only just arrived in the capital and was already being promoted repeatedly, now favored by the Emperor. His life seemed to have a cheat code!

"In that case, you shall..." Li Zaiyuan was about to issue the decree.

Suddenly, a voice came from outside the hall: "Wait!"

Li Zaiyuan and the gathered officials looked out. Zhao Wujiang was walking up the hundred stone steps, his gaze firm. It was he who had shouted.

"This heir is somewhat similar to the late Prince of the North, but his presence is far inferior..."

"He’s just a weakling; how could he ever match the spirit of the old Prince?"

The courtiers looked at him with contempt; the Prince of the North’s only son had a notorious reputation in the capital. Long Zhan stood among the officials, glancing coldly at Zhao Wujiang. He wondered what kind of trick this brat was trying to pull.

Li Zaiyuan sat on the dragon throne, watching Zhao Wujiang approach. In a trance, he seemed to see his sworn brother, Zhao Tiexiao. Zhao Wujiang seemed to already possess a hint of that same aura.

"Subject Zhao Wujiang pays respects to the Emperor."

Zhao Wujiang flicked his robes, grabbing the hem with his left hand as if to kneel. Li Zaiyuan showed a facade of benevolence. "No need to kneel..."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Zhao Wujiang’s knees, which had just begun to bend, snapped straight instantly, showing no sign of the kneeling gesture he had initiated.

Li Zaiyuan spoke in a deep voice: "Speak, why have you come to the hall?"

Zhao Wujiang, who had previously been a mere figurehead without the qualification to address the court, had now taken the initiative.

Zhao Wujiang knew the Emperor looked down on him, but he bowed and said loudly: "I am willing to take my late father’s place, head to the North, and guard the mountains and rivers of Great Xia!"