The scorching new favorite in the palace, Song Tanglu, whose fame was rising rapidly, was still under thirty years old. Even though he had already become the Grand Eunuch of the Inner Court Supervisory Bureau, and was deeply favored by the Empress as the Emperor’s trusted aide, even carrying a secret imperial edict—still, he could only bring a few disguised palace attendants, entering secretly through the side gate of the Beiliang Prince’s Mansion (Northern Coolness Prince’s Mansion). Upon reaching the main hall’s entrance and seeing Xu Xiao, he dared not glance even half a glance more, ordering the imperial guards to remain outside. He himself hurried across the threshold, immediately prostrating himself fully on the ground, his forehead striking the floor so hard it left a vivid red mark. In a low voice, he declared, “Song Tanglu of the Inner Court Supervisory Bureau pays homage to Prince Beiliang and Prince Hereditary!”
Neither Xu Xiao nor Xu Fengnian had taken seats, nor did they step forward to greet this powerful eunuch who wielded great authority. Xu Xiao softly said, “Eunuch Song, rise and deliver the edict.”
The titles “Eunuch Song” and “Grand Eunuch” were not ones that ordinary eunuchs could claim. Within the Tai’an Palace, only a handful could bear such honor. Besides the long-standing and formidable Han Shengxuan, Song Tanglu’s master, the previous head of the Inner Court Supervisory Bureau, second only to the Grand Eunuch of the Rites Supervisory Bureau among the Twelve Bureaus, was one such figure. Bestowed the imperial surname by the Emperor himself, Song Tanglu was now poised to climb even higher, surpassing his master—a feat that left the entire court stunned.
Song Tanglu had already resolved himself before leaving the palace—if he were to read the imperial decree, according to protocol, the feudal prince should kneel. Whether Prince Beiliang knelt or not was of little consequence; after all, Xu Xiao was permitted to carry a sword into court and had the privilege of not kneeling to hear the Emperor’s decree. However, if he were to stand there formally reading the edict, it might appear as if he were showing off his power. From the beginning, Song Tanglu had no intention of giving such an impression, even if it meant violating etiquette. After rising, he quickly drew a yellow-wrapped imperial edict from his sleeve, hurried forward with lowered eyes, and respectfully handed it to Prince Beiliang, completely skipping the act of reading the edict aloud. Xu Xiao accepted the edict and casually passed it to Xu Fengnian, then invited the rather perceptive eunuch to sit. Song Tanglu sat upright, eyes forward, but his peripheral vision caught sight of Xu Fengnian, whose hair was already streaked with frost. He was deeply shocked. Yet, as his eyes flickered, he noticed that the young prince, though seemingly engrossed in reading the edict, had the faintest upward curl at the corner of his mouth. Song Tanglu, who had risen through the ranks of tens of thousands of palace eunuchs to the pinnacle of power through his extraordinary ability to read people’s expressions, immediately realized that the young prince had noticed his unintentional glance. He quickly lowered his gaze, fixating only on his own knees.
Xu Xiao offered a casual greeting: “Eunuch Song, you’ve had a tiring journey.”
Song Tanglu quickly shook his head: “Not at all. It is my duty.”
Xu Xiao asked with a smile: “Why not stay a few more days in Beiliang? I’d be happy to host you properly.”
Startled by the repeated use of his title, the young and powerful eunuch hastily rose and knelt again in apology: “Song Tanglu must return to the capital immediately to report back. I may not even have time for a single meal. I beg Prince Beiliang for your understanding.”
Xu Xiao walked over and helped Song Tanglu up: “No need for such formalities. Let’s keep things simple and comfortable. I won’t delay you from returning. Come, I’ll walk you out.”
Despite years of palace training and a mastery of self-control that rivaled any top-tier cultivator, Song Tanglu was clearly taken aback. He bowed deeply and said respectfully, “It would truly be too much to trouble Prince Beiliang.”
Xu Xiao shook his head and walked out of the hall with Song Tanglu. The imperial guards had already handed over their luggage to the mansion steward. As they walked down a quiet path, showing no signs of being heavily guarded, the guards treaded carefully, taking the opportunity to steal glances at the back of this non-blood-related prince. When they returned to the palace, they would have much to boast about—how they had once stood within ten paces of the mighty Prince Beiliang!
Having spent years in the palace, Song Tanglu was always cautious, subtly trailing half a step behind Xu Xiao. When they reached the main gate, Song Tanglu absolutely refused to let the prince walk him even a single step further. He stopped, and the imperial guards silently filed out, mounted their horses, and waited at a distance.
One guard muttered in awe: “No wonder he’s the general who crushed the six kingdoms of the Spring and Autumn Period!”
Another asked in a hushed voice: “What do you mean?”
The guard replied solemnly: “He walks with killing intent.”
“I didn’t feel anything.”
“You wouldn’t understand. It’s because your cultivation is too low!”
“They say that just a glare from Prince Beiliang can kill a man, scaring people to death. Lucky for us that Eunuch Song didn’t provoke him. Otherwise, we’d all be dead with just one glare!”
An older, more composed guard listened to the younger ones’ foolish chatter and couldn’t help but smile bitterly.
At the gate, Xu Xiao softly said: “They say you, Eunuch Song, were diligent and conscientious while serving in the Seal Office, managing the vast archives, handling the myriad tasks of yellow tags and verification seals with precision. You even wrote fine calligraphy and essays. I’m a rough man; these headaches are beyond my concern, so I won’t dwell on them. But there is one thing I remember clearly—the edict granting my son Fengnian hereditary succession was written by your hand. Someone in my household said it was well-written, and I’ve taken note of that kindness. If you ever need help from my son, the new Prince of Beiliang, just send word. I won’t promise to resolve everything, but I can say he will do his best.”
Song Tanglu was as if struck by lightning, instinctively kneeling again.
Xu Xiao held his hands and chuckled: “A man’s knees are made of gold; why keep kneeling? Song Tanglu, if you ever visit Beiliang again, don’t bother with formalities. It has nothing to do with your status. I’m just unreasonable—I value relationships, not protocol.”
Song Tanglu gritted his teeth and trembled: “In the future, if duty requires it, I will do what I must. But I will never meddle in unnecessary matters. And as for this conversation, I will keep it in my heart, as if the General had never spoken it.”
Xu Xiao nodded: “Then I won’t see you off.”
Song Tanglu bowed like a scholar and turned to leave.
Xu Xiao slowly walked back to the main hall, where he saw Xu Fengnian unpacking his belongings. The young prince was holding the sleeve of a dragon robe, muttering to himself: “Looks good, feels nice too. But I have to be careful when drawing my flying sword from the sleeve—don’t want to tear it and have no one to mend it.”
Xu Xiao teased: “Surely we can find someone to sew it. There are two waves of refugees from the Spring and Autumn Period who fled north. I intercepted many of them in the Northern Desert. The head of our Beiliang Tailor Bureau used to make clothes for the Southern Tang royal family. This time, your royal robe was entrusted to several clever and dexterous women. The old man was only responsible for drawing the patterns. He’s old now, his eyesight isn’t what it used to be, and he feared being executed for a single mistake.”
Xu Fengnian frowned: “Can’t you wear your old robe?”
Xu Xiao laughed: “What kind of new king wears old clothes? Our Xu family isn’t that poor!”
Xu Fengnian put down the imperial dragon robe and hesitated a moment before saying: “I was originally planning to go to the northwest to take control of nearly ten thousand exiled convicts. But since I have to go to the capital for the coronation ceremony, I’ll delay that for now and head to Tai’an City first.”
Xu Xiao asked: “When will you leave? How many cavalry do you need?”
Xu Fengnian smiled: “Tomorrow. What cavalry do I need? I’m not a feudal prince. Going to the capital doesn’t require a grand procession. Besides, if I were to bring nearly a thousand cavalry like Prince Yan Chi, Han the Eunuch might have to hide his head and tail. This time, I’ll open the door and invite the thief in, letting the Cat of Men let loose and kill to his heart’s content.”
Xu Xiao nodded: “Besides your own plans, I’ve secretly assigned Yin and Chou to you.”
Xu Fengnian asked: “What about you? What if Han the Eunuch doesn’t kill me but tries to kill you?”
Xu Xiao asked with a smile: “Do you know why the Sword Sage Li Chungan was sealed beneath the Tingchao Pavilion for twenty years? Do you know who cut off his arm when he descended the Dragon-Tiger Demon-Slaying Platform?”
Xu Fengnian remained silent, his expression dark.
Xu Xiao sat in a chair calmly: “You go to the capital. Don’t worry about my safety. Many have tried to kill me over the years, but I always find ways to deal with them.”
The eerie voice of the secret agent Yin entered the ears of father and son: “Nan Gong Puya has returned to the pavilion. Xuan Yuan Qingfeng is at the pavilion on the lake. Both are severely injured.”
Xu Fengnian asked: “What about Wu?”
Yin answered in a mechanical tone: “He is safe.”
To the secret agents of the Earthly Branches, the lives of their comrades were of little importance.
Xu Fengnian stood up and went to Tingchao Lake. The young secret agent was sulking by the lakeside.
Xu Fengnian approached, and the boy turned his head with a guilty expression. Xu Fengnian smiled: “Go eat your meal, then tomorrow you’ll come with me to the capital. Then you’ll have plenty of chances to fight Han the Eunuch.”
The boy jumped up, his face bright with joy: “Really?”
Xu Fengnian raised his leg as if to kick him into the lake, but the cheerful boy just jumped in himself, splashing happily across the lake with a dog paddle.
Xu Fengnian smiled and walked toward the pavilion. As he approached, he saw Xuan Yuan Qingfeng leaning against a pillar, looking worn out.
Xu Fengnian narrowed his phoenix eyes, lazily sitting down and sarcastically saying: “You, a Fingersky cultivator, and Han the Eunuch, the second strongest Fingersky in the world—surely he’s far more formidable than you?”
Xuan Yuan Qingfeng snapped: “Wait until I reach the Heavensight Realm…”
Xu Fengnian softly said: “You’ve forgotten that Han the Eunuch specializes in Fingersky killing Heavensight? That’s why he’s known as the Invincible (Invincible) below the Immortal Realm. Don’t feel too bitter. In the cultivation world, people compare and get discouraged. There’s always another mountain higher than yours. I know you want to become someone like Wang Xianzhi, but before that, you must be more open-minded. Some things can’t be rushed. There are eight hundred side paths and three thousand lesser ways. You’ve chosen the most perilous one, so you must value your life even more. As for me, I briefly entered the False Heavensight Realm—it was like a fleeting moment, but I can tell you this: once you ascend, you might become the first Heavensight cultivator in three hundred years to face heavenly lightning retribution. The heavens are just and inescapable—you won’t escape it.”
Xuan Yuan Qingfeng’s face turned deathly pale.
Xu Fengnian stood up: “Come with me. Since you’ve pledged your allegiance, I can now confidently make a major deal with you. What I’m about to give you is beyond priceless. So even if you were to offer yourself to me, I wouldn’t consider it a loss.”
Xuan Yuan Qingfeng, for once, did not retort. She silently followed Xu Fengnian, clearly humbled by her failed attempt to kill Han the Eunuch.
Xu Fengnian pushed open the door to the Tingchao Pavilion, leading Xuan Yuan Qingfeng directly to the eighth floor. A dark figure in red robes appeared in the corridor, displaying the compassionate visage of Ksitigarbha. Xu Fengnian smiled: “Don’t try to enter. You’ll only lose your cultivation for nothing.”
He opened and closed the door.
Xuan Yuan Qingfeng saw a scene she would never forget.
Nine jade seals of varying sizes.
Suspended in midair.
Each positioned according to the map of the Nine Kingdoms of the Spring and Autumn Period.
Xu Fengnian stood with his hands behind his back, calmly saying: “The Later Sui, Western Chu, Southern Tang, Western Shu, Northern Han, and Great Wei—these six kingdoms were all destroyed by Xu Xiao. To reward his military achievements, the Liyang court granted five of the imperial jade seals to the Xu family, except for the lost seal of Western Chu. The old emperor specially bestowed five seals to the Xu family. The reason why the Great Chu was considered the orthodox power of the Central Plains was largely due to its inheritance of the Qin Empire’s Seal of Continuity. Later, during the Spring and Autumn Period, each kingdom either copied or recarved their own seals, with various names like “Seal” and “Treasure.” The nine you see here, three are forgeries, made only to complete the number nine. The Tingchao Pavilion has nine floors for a reason. I know what you’re thinking—since the court only gave five, and three were forged, where did the ninth come from? We’re on the same boat, so I’ll tell you the truth. The Beiliang Prince’s Mansion secretly harbors the young princess of Western Chu, who carries its fortune. Do you see that smallest jade seal? Though only four inches square, it is the authentic Yang Seal of the Great Qin Emperor. As for the Yin Seal, I entered the Qin Emperor’s tomb in the Northern Desert, but the person who guided me deliberately withheld much, showing me only a fraction of its vastness. I was too focused on escaping to investigate further. My younger brother, Huang Man’er, is forbidden from reaching the Heavensight Realm. Hong Xixiang took my eldest sister away and, to repay a debt, cut the fate of five kingdoms with his sword. The Beiliang Prince’s Mansion publicly gained nothing, but in secret, the fate was divided seven to three between Liyang and Western Chu.”
Xu Fengnian ignored Xuan Yuan Qingfeng’s stunned expression and pointed at the Western Chu seal: “Before, it had no luster, indistinguishable from ordinary jade. After the Flying Sword of the Cowherd cut its fate, it began to shine. Though it still can’t match the Liyang imitation, it far surpasses the other seven seals in brilliance. This formation is a tool for stealing heavenly fate. Cao Changqing is preparing to restore the Western Chu. He will likely come to reclaim the seal soon. Rather than letting him take it for free, I’d rather sell it to you. Carry it with you for the next two years, slowly absorbing its power. When you reach the Heavensight Realm, use it to withstand heavenly retribution. Though the seal’s fortune is only a fraction of a dynasty’s, if you alone possess it, I estimate you won’t become the shortest-lived Heavensight cultivator in history.”
Xuan Yuan Qingfeng asked softly: “What about your brother, the one my father said was only a Fingersky?”
Xu Fengnian smirked: “At least you still have some conscience. One seal is inevitably lost, but there are still eight others. Besides, my Huang Man’er will never reach the Heavensight Realm. This formation is just a precaution. Moreover, Huang Man’er is different from you. Even if this formation helps him, it’s only a temporary fix. In the end, whether you’re at the Fingersky or Heavensight Realm now, to him, it’s like a child’s plaything.”
Xuan Yuan Qingfeng said calmly: “But I won’t stop at the Heavensight Realm.”
Xu Fengnian smiled faintly, took a step forward, and extended his hand toward the Western Chu jade seal.
As if a dragon were drawing water, the air rippled visibly as the seal was pulled toward Xu Fengnian.
The other eight seals trembled violently.
When Xu Fengnian grasped the seal, the ripples gradually calmed.
He turned and handed the seal to Xuan Yuan Qingfeng.
Her face changed drastically, her entire hand turning from red to purple.
Xu Fengnian smirked: “Too hot? Don’t let go.”
Xuan Yuan Qingfeng endured the searing pain with gritted teeth, angrily asking: “Why does it feel normal in your hands?”
Xu Fengnian replied bitterly: “There’s no one in the world with a fate as blank as mine. Before I intercepted Zhao Kai at the Iron Gate Pass, as the eldest son of Xu Xiao, if I had tried to hold this Western Chu jade seal, I would have had to cut off my arm to survive.”
Xuan Yuan Qingfeng nearly fainted from the pain, but her expression remained calm, and she gripped the seal even tighter.
Xu Fengnian sighed inwardly, thinking she was an unreasonable madwoman, and said: “Half your life is yours, half is mine. Do you agree?”
Xuan Yuan Qingfeng replied directly: “Yes, but only after I reach the Heavensight Realm and survive it.”
Xu Fengnian helplessly smiled: “Would it kill you to give in a little?”
Xuan Yuan Qingfeng snorted coldly, but her narrow autumn eyes held a faint, indescribable smile.
Xu Fengnian walked toward the door: “Wait here and come down yourself.”
As soon as he left, Xuan Yuan Qingfeng gracefully floated out.
Xu Fengnian shook his head, closed the door, and went downstairs, easily finding the White Fox, who was lost in thought on the outer corridor.
Xu Fengnian comforted him: “It’s not shameful to lose to Han the Eunuch, the tenth strongest in the world. It just means you haven’t entered the top ten yet.”
The White Fox, with the Winter’s Embroider (Embroidered Winter) sword at his waist, said nothing and turned toward the building.
Xu Fengnian asked: “I’m going to the capital tomorrow. Han the Eunuch will probably follow. Do you want to come?”
The White Fox stopped: “Are you that afraid of death?”
Xu Fengnian muttered: “Gratitude? Where’s the gratitude?”
The White Fox turned and smiled: “Don’t worry. I won’t let a fight with Han the Eunuch hinder my cultivation or stall my progress. I, like your Beiliang cavalry, walk the path of cultivation through battle. I’ll have many defeats ahead, but as long as I survive, it’s fine.”
Xu Fengnian persisted: “You really won’t go to the capital?”
The White Fox said playfully: “What? Do you think the capital is full of beautiful women and feel embarrassed not bringing me, the most beautiful person in the world?”
A killing intent surged.
Caught red-handed, Xu Fengnian fled down the stairs in a panic.
The White Fox didn’t chase. He stepped across the threshold of the floor, his heart strangely calm, and murmured: “I never thought this place would become home. Where will I die next?”
The sun set, and dusk deepened.
Xu Fengnian unconsciously arrived at a thatched cottage by the lake, surrounded by reeds. He didn’t go looking for Pei Nanwei, who lived there alone, but followed a dirt path leading to the Tingchao Lake. It was likely that she had walked it many times, making it smooth and soft.
The tall autumn reeds gradually turned frost-white, and the wind blew them like snowflakes.
A wooden pier extended several feet into the lake, and Xu Fengnian took off his shoes and socks, lying on his back with his eyes closed.
After some time, he heard soft rustling sounds.
A barefoot woman sat beside him, hugging her knees.
She remained silent for a long time before finally speaking: “Now I’m happy. You’re even worse off than me. This is karma.”
Xu Fengnian didn’t open his eyes, softly saying: “Reed ropes can be used to hang and ward off evil. The tender stems of spring reeds can be used for flute membranes. Whether for Ward Off Evil or flute membranes, reeds aren’t meant for you to make straw dolls to curse me.”
Pei Nanwei rested her chin on her knees, the breeze gently blowing her hair as she softly said: “According to the royal clan’s laws, the feudal princes must go to the capital to meet the Emperor this year. Will you go? If you do, take me with you. I’ve never been to Tai’an City. I want to see it once. After that, I’ll be content to grow old and die here.”
Xu Fengnian stood up, broke off a reed, and sat on the edge of the wooden bridge: “I’m going to the capital, but I won’t take you.”
Pei Nanwei said calmly: “Fine, then I’ll continue making straw dolls to curse you to an untimely death.”
Xu Fengnian turned his head and said: “Believe me, I’ll slap you into the water.”
Pei Nanwei shook her head.
Xu Fengnian turned away, ignoring the woman who never seemed to understand.
Pei Nanwei sat beside him and gently kicked his foot: “Take me with you. This is the only unfulfilled wish I’ve ever had. I can be your servant.”
Xu Fengnian firmly said: “No.”
“Not only will I serve tea and call you Master, but I’ll also massage your shoulders and call you Young Master.”
“Not interested.”
“I’ll play chess with you and help you read.”
“How much is that worth?”
“When you’re unhappy, I’ll smile and endure whatever you do.”
“I pity you.”
“Warm the bed.”
“What?”
“Warm the bed!”
“Alright, it’s settled! We’ll leave for the capital tomorrow. Remember to bring a few elegant and beautiful outfits to change into, and don’t forget your cosmetics. Don’t put on too much, just a little will do. Also, when warming the bed…”
“I’m not going anymore…”
“Really not going?”
“Yes. This place is just fine.”
“You still think you can fight me?”
Xu Fengnian laughed, stood up, bent down, and placed the autumn reed on her knee, then picked up his shoes and socks and left the reed field.
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