The grand hall was shrouded in an eerie silence.
Even the air seemed to crackle with tension.
The kneeling Second Prince, Xiao Xie, Third Prince, Xiao Ru Jin, and Seventh Prince, Xiao Ru Feng, all remained silent.
The shadowy Grand Eunuch, Zhuo Qing, who stood beside them, finally spoke, his voice low and menacing:
“Your Majesty, this old servant has a suggestion. May I speak?”
Emperor Tai An waved his hand, “You’ve served by my side for many years, Grand Eunuch. If you have something to say, speak freely.”
Zhuo Qing’s eyes flickered towards the kneeling Qing Wang, Xiao Xie, a glint of calculation in his gaze.
He then glanced at the Langya Wang, Xiao Ru Feng, a flicker of ruthlessness hidden in the depths of his eyes:
“Your Majesty, this old servant personally buried the body of the Western Chu Sword Immortal in Western Chu. The Sword Immortal followed the path of the sword, while the Confucian Immortal, the one who escaped, walked the path of Gui Dao."
“Therefore, the Confucian Immortal likely survived using some arcane, forbidden art. He possesses the art of Yao Ren, capable of leading an entire army on his own. Now that we know he’s alive, we must kill him!"
Zhuo Qing’s words were laced with killing intent.
The atmosphere in the hall grew even heavier.
Emperor Tai An’s eyes reflected a thoughtful gleam.
How could he not know?
The terror that the Confucian Immortal's art of Yao Ren held.
Back then, Western Chu had relied on a formidable army of tireless, fearless Yao Ren to hold back the North Li Imperial Dynasty's 300,000 troops for months.
That war had left North Li severely wounded, its recovery still incomplete.
This had directly resulted in North Li's inability to wage war against South Jue.
Emperor Tai An's dream of unifying the world had been put on hold for so long.
Killing Gu Chen was indeed the best option.
However, what Emperor Tai An truly feared was this:
A Confucian Immortal with the art of Yao Ren had been hiding in Qian Dong City for years, even teaching the Western Chu Sword Song to the Bai Li Dong Jun.
Did the Marquis of the West possess this art of Yao Ren?
Thinking of the "Breaking Wind Army" armed with the art of Yao Ren, Emperor Tai An felt a throbbing headache.
“Father, I believe that a living Confucian Immortal holds more value than a dead one. Perhaps we should try to negotiate and bring him back to the Imperial City?”
At that moment.
Langya Wang, Xiao Ru Feng, the gentle one, suddenly raised his head and spoke.
Before Emperor Tai An could respond, Qing Wang, Xiao Xie, spoke with a hint of mockery:
“Bringing back a Great Xiao Yao Realm Confucian Immortal to the Imperial City is akin to inviting a wolf into the fold. Ninth brother, your idea is too naive!"
Emperor Tai An continued to twirl a precious jade ring on his finger.
His eyes fell upon the Third Prince, Jing Yu Wang, Xiao Ru Jin, who had remained silent till now: “Third son, what is your opinion?”
“Reporting to my father, in my humble opinion, the Confucian Immortal Gu Chen is a huge threat. We should try to acquire his art of Yao Ren, but regardless, Gu Chen must die.”
“Furthermore, the young Marquis from the Marquis of the West’s Fu, who enjoys the Emperor’s favor, must be brought to Tian Qi. His presence can serve as a counterbalance!"
Emperor Tai An stopped twirling the jade ring, seemingly having made a decision:
“Good. As Ru Jin has suggested, we will try to obtain the art of Yao Ren and kill the Confucian Immortal Gu Chen. Bring back Bai Li Dong Jun from the Bai Li Clan!”
“I will personally ask a few Imperial Family Hu Dao Zhe to undertake this task. The Shadow Sect, the Dark River, and the Celestial Observatory will also provide their full cooperation!”
“As for who will be in charge........”
Emperor Tai An paused, his eyes sweeping across the three kneeling princes.
Qing Wang, Xiao Xie’s heart began to beat faster.
He desperately hoped that his father would choose him to be in charge.
After all, this matter involved a Confucian Immortal, an entire Marquis of the West’s Fu, and an art capable of creating an invincible army – the art of Yao Ren.
It also involved the Shadow Sect, the Dark River, and the mysterious Imperial Family Hu Dao Zhe.
If handled well, it could bring him endless benefits and a chance to touch the heart of the enemy nation's power!
Xiao Xie felt this way, and Xiao Ru Jin felt the same!
Only Xiao Ru Feng felt incredibly troubled.
Before coming here, his master had told him that the three-year Academy Grand Exam was approaching, and he seemed to have taken a liking to the young Marquis from the Bai Li Clan, wanting to take him as a disciple.
Now, this incident had happened.
Caught between the Imperial Family and his master!
This prince was caught in the middle, unable to please either side!
Therefore, Xiao Ru Feng didn’t want to take on this task at all!
However, Emperor Tai An quickly decided who would be in charge:
“I remember! Cheng Xuan is at the Famous Sword Villa. He has brought much glory to our Tian Qi Imperial Family! And it’s not far from Qian Dong City, the Marquis of the West’s Fu!”
“Therefore, I will entrust the task to the Tenth Prince, Wu Wang, Xiao Cheng Xuan!”
Upon hearing this, everyone was taken aback.
Xiao Xie was filled with anger, his head bowed, his expression darkly sullen.
Xiao Ru Jin’s face also darkened.
As for Xiao Ru Feng, he was simply surprised. His father's decision seemed to have a deeper meaning.
Was this a test for his tenth brother?
The Eunuch, Zhuo Qing, felt a sinking sensation in his heart, a hint of fear creeping into his gaze as he looked at Emperor Tai An.
Zhuo Qing understood that he had been tricked by his Majesty this time.
His ambition had been too hasty, leading him to be drawn into a whirlpool with a predetermined outcome.
His Majesty's ability to weigh and manipulate situations was truly...
Terrifying!
................
ps: This is an extra chapter. Happy New Month! May all readers have smooth sailing! Please vote for this chapter! I'm begging you for monthly tickets!