Chapter Thirty-Five: Undercurrents Stirring (I)

When Tao Ming appeared at the Qiluo Manor, every informant within the estate sent word outward. Night had barely fallen, and all families of any standing in the Heavenly Saint Imperial City had already learned that the Holy Maiden had arrived at the Qiluo clan.

Emperor Qiao Lingcang received the secret report and entered the Imperial Library alone. After confirming repeatedly that no one else was present, he walked to the antique shelf, reached for a jade vial on the third tier, and twisted it.

As the vial turned, a square entrance opened in the floor before the shelf, revealing a pitch-black space and faintly discernible steps leading down. Without hesitation, the Emperor descended the staircase. Once fully inside, he pressed a hidden mechanism on the right wall, and the entrance overhead swiftly closed.

The stairs were shrouded in darkness, utterly impenetrable. The Emperor spoke softly, “Immortal Master, your disciple has something to report.”

As soon as his words fell, a pale, ghostly light rose around him. The Emperor’s spirits lifted, and he hurried down the stairs.

After descending fifty or sixty steps, he reached a stone chamber. In its center stood a stone platform, upon which sat an elderly man, hair and beard white, eyes closed, seemingly at death’s door.

The Emperor knelt reverently before the platform, head bowed. “Immortal Master, I have received a secret report—the Holy Maiden has arrived at Weishui. I have already dispatched men to welcome her.”

The elder did not open his eyes nor speak, yet a hoarse voice echoed, “You must bring the Holy Maiden safely before me. Once I return to the celestial realm, I shall guide you there as well.”

The Emperor’s heart stirred with excitement, but he kept his head lowered. “Rest assured, Immortal Master. I guarantee nothing will go amiss.”

“Withdraw now. Bring the Holy Maiden next time.”

“Your disciple obeys.” The Emperor rose and left the stone chamber.

He reappeared in the Imperial Library. When the floor before the shelf returned to normal, joy broke across his face and he murmured to himself, “Thirty thousand years—at last, hope of ascension!”

He remembered his father’s reluctant expression upon passing the throne, and muttered resentfully, “Hmph, only I remain, yet he begrudged me the crown. When I ascend, my holy name shall echo throughout Weishui.”

After a brief pause, the Emperor summoned Dragon Scale One, the commander of the Imperial Dragon Guard, who waited outside. He instructed, “In one hour, take three hundred Imperial Dragon Guards and accompany the Seventh Prince to the Qiluo clan to escort the Holy Maiden back. Bring the Violet Glass Treasure Carriage. On your return, take your time—let the Holy Maiden enjoy Weishui’s scenery.”

Dragon Scale One replied and proceeded to the Dragon Guard barracks to gather men.

The Emperor sent a servant to the Seventh Prince’s residence with an urgent summons.

The Seventh Prince, Qiao Kongqing, already aware of the news, hurried to the palace, feigning ignorance. “May I ask why Father has urgently summoned me?”

The Emperor glanced at the prince’s slightly tousled hair. “Were you asleep?”

The Seventh Prince silently thanked himself for rumpling his hair beforehand, and replied respectfully, “I retired early tonight.”

Qiao Lingcang probed, “You do not know why I called you?”

The Seventh Prince feigned confusion. “I truly do not know.”

Suddenly, the Emperor lost interest in probing. “The Holy Maiden is at Qiluo Manor. You and Dragon Scale One are to take three hundred Imperial Dragon Guards and welcome her. Bring the Violet Glass Treasure Carriage, and allow her to enjoy the sights of Weishui on the return.”

The Seventh Prince showed just the right degree of delight. “The Holy Maiden is Weishui’s blessing. I will ensure her safe return.”

The Emperor waved him off. “Go, tidy yourself up, and bring fewer attendants.”

The Seventh Prince bowed, turned to leave, but heard the Emperor’s icy voice: “If the opportunity arises, eliminate the Holy Maiden’s mother.”

He paused, answered, and exited the Imperial Library.

...

At the Qin residence, the family head Qin Youchuan spoke to his fifth son, “Sihai, the Holy Maiden has arrived at the Qiluo clan. The Emperor will surely send the Seventh Prince to welcome her. Take men yourself and ensure her safe return.”

Qin Sihai hesitated, “Father, the Holy Maiden is Thirteenth Brother’s granddaughter. Shouldn’t his men go instead?”

Qin Youchuan snorted coldly, “Siyu and his wife are still recovering from their injuries. I’ve yet to settle that score with the Su family. You focus on welcoming the Holy Maiden, I’ll handle the rest. Furthermore, Tao Ming accompanied her to the imperial city—her life must be protected as well. She is a Qin descendant; I will not allow the royal family to decide her fate.”

“I understand, I will prepare at once.”

Qin Youchuan exhorted, “Be cautious. Bring the Holy Maiden back safely.”

Qin Sihai answered, bowed, and withdrew.

...

The Su family, Star-Picking Courtyard.

Su Nanxing lay on his bed, staring vacantly at the ceiling.

Ever since his mother, Qiao Ruowei, tricked him back to Weishui and sealed his cultivation while he was unguarded, he had been confined to his courtyard, idle all day, with only sleep and daydreams to occupy him.

He only regretted not training harder before—he was no match for his own mother.

Qiao Ruowei visited morning and evening, alternately threatening and cajoling him, urging him to agree to marry Qiao Qingyao. Fortunately, he had threatened suicide and held out so far.

Qiao Qingyao was the eighth daughter of Sixth Prince Qiao Kongjin, and also Qiao Ruowei’s niece—Su Nanxing’s cousin—over fifty years his senior.

Thinking of Qiao Qingyao made Su Nanxing’s skin crawl.

She was beautiful enough, but her simpering speech was unbearable. Aside from her royal status, she was a third-tier expert, yet always acted bullied and was quick to tears, thoroughly off-putting.

Tao Ming was so much better!

He wondered how she and Ruoran were faring.

Ruoran should be starting kindergarten now, shouldn’t she?

As he pondered this, the door swung open. Su Nanxing, still staring at the ceiling, said, “I don’t want to eat.”

The Su family head, Su Yanfeng, regarded his lifeless son and reflected on his wife’s usual fierceness, feeling a complex mix of emotions. He spoke, “Seventeen.”

Su Nanxing turned at the sound, quickly rising to salute, “Father.”

“Not fond of confinement, are you?”

“Rhetorical question,” Su Nanxing grumbled inwardly.

Su Yanfeng, ever indulgent toward him, let it pass. “There’s something I need you to do.”

Su Nanxing rolled his eyes, but recalled how Tao Ming did it, thinking she looked especially lovely doing so.

Su Yanfeng frowned, “Why don’t you answer?”

“There are plenty of older brothers—why me?”

Su Yanfeng’s expression turned grave. “Seventeen, this concerns the Su family’s survival. Take it seriously.”

Su Nanxing straightened, “Please instruct me, Father.”

Su Yanfeng fell silent, and Su Nanxing did not press him.

After a short wait, Su Yanfeng beckoned Su Nanxing closer and spoke quietly, “This is crucial and must be kept secret. Your brothers are watched constantly; any absence arouses suspicion. But you—everyone assumes you’re not at the Su residence. Sending you is safest.”

“Father, what is it?” Su Nanxing’s face grew solemn.

Su Yanfeng lowered his voice further, “The Holy Maiden arrived at the Qiluo clan this afternoon. The Emperor will send the Seventh Prince to meet her. For a millennium, no holy beast has appeared. Now, the Holy Maiden carries the Qin bloodline—our Su family cannot let the Qin clan dominate. You and Fengying are to take five hundred death warriors and eliminate the Holy Maiden.”

Su Nanxing thought it over. “Father, this is critical. Please prepare a Ten-Step Death Trap array as well, to ensure absolute success.”

Su Yanfeng was pleased, “Seventeen, I’ll lift your restriction now.”

With the seal lifted, Su Nanxing felt his senses sharpen and the world seemed clear again.

“Seventeen, come with me.”