The morning light was dim, heralding a cold day ahead. Inside the tent, Qi Zhengyan’s hands shifted through various mystical seals, each one exquisitely intricate and imbued with the essence of flowing water and the natural bloom of flowers.
A chilling wind gradually rose, sweeping through the tent and forming a vortex at its center, icy and bone-piercing.
Silently observing this scene, whether it was Jiang Zhiwei, Ruan Yushu, or Zhao Heng, all recalled Qi Zhengyan’s behavior over the past half-day, their minds filled with confusion and an absurd sense of disbelief. How had he suddenly become so meticulous and precise in his actions, so thoroughly different from his previous self?
The only thing unchanged was his usual lack of expression, still habitually concealing his emotions and speaking as little as possible whenever he could.
What had happened to him in the past year?
They all looked toward Meng Qi, signaling him to find an opportunity to ask. Although unwilling to admit it, Meng Qi still had to acknowledge that he was the team’s link and lubricant, the confidant, the neighborhood committee aunt…
Indeed, he needed to have a serious conversation with Senior Brother Qi again! Meng Qi had already been thinking about this.
The wind grew darker, the vortex twisting into a human shape, emitting a voice filled with shock, fear, anger, and confusion: “Lord!”
This was not a soul’s memory, but merely the lingering thought at the moment of death, the voice echoing within the tent. It was sealed by Meng Qi and Jiang Zhiwei together, not a sound escaping.
“Lord?” Zhao Heng was most sensitive to such titles. “Miao Cong is the only son of Miao Hu, the future leader of the Nine Mountains Army. Who else would he call ‘Lord’?”
Qi Zhengyan remained expressionless: “Therefore, the one killed was not Miao Cong.”
Not Miao Cong? Did this imply that Miao Hu had issues?
If this had nothing to do with Miao Hu, how could the identification of the body have been faked?
“It’s no wonder they targeted us immediately upon our arrival at the camp,” Jiang Zhiwei said, her brows relaxing. “It must be because we were newcomers who wouldn’t recognize Miao Cong, making it easier to frame us without suspicion.”
Ruan Yushu stroked her zither strings with her right hand, adding, “If we hadn’t reacted quickly enough, the following actions by Liang Ye would have pretended to be accidental, destroying the most obvious features of the corpse.”
Then, when Miao Hu reconfirmed it was his son, no one would doubt it!
Qi Zhengyan loosened his hand, and the cold wind dissipated, the voice fading away: “The face had already been damaged, so we could only judge the identity by his appearance and the vitality of his blood and flesh.”
The matter seemed clear now. Miao Hu had secretly killed a certain outsider, disguised him as his own son to frame someone else, intending to provoke conflict and create internal strife. If successful, the rebel army would fall apart; if not, he could still have an excuse, avoiding attacks and leaving himself an escape route.
“We must inform Du Huaishang and Wanshi Zhenren of this and see how they plan to respond,” Meng Qi thoughtfully said. Now that Du Huaishang had mostly recovered, he could wield his divine weapon, making it the perfect time for a sudden appearance to suppress the situation.
The matter of spies and internal conflict couldn’t be delayed too long; it needed to be resolved swiftly. Otherwise, with imperial forces attacking externally and infighting internally, merely holding the camp would be a miracle, let alone turning the tide and crossing the river to strike the capital!
Straightening his posture, Meng Qi once again emitted an invisible, colorless light from behind his head, leaving a projection seated in the tent while his true self stealthily made his way to the central command tent.
Du Huaishang was now able to walk, his vertical brow mark open, revealing a golden eye within, where golden flames seemed to burn, with a golden crow dwelling inside.
After properly thanking Meng Qi, Du Huaishang listened as Meng recounted the lingering thought.
Du Huaishang’s expression darkened, realizing that during his unconsciousness, the rebels’ morale had been unstable—but had it reached this extent?
Hu Zhigao and Hou Yue exchanged glances. Had Miao Hu really defected to the imperial court?
Wanshi Zhenren paused, then sighed bitterly with a wry smile: “This old Taoist previously thought Miao Hu had just lost his only son and would be irreconcilably opposed to the court, considering temporarily supporting him if internal conflict arose and the Heaven King hadn’t awakened. Who knew we nearly fell into a trap and ended up serving the court ourselves?”
Silence filled the tent. Du Huaishang’s awakening seemed to have done little to improve the situation, as internal conflict loomed like an arrow ready to fly, with one major faction already rebelling!
After a moment of contemplation, Du Huaishang glanced at Meng Qi: “What if we test Miao Hu’s resolve again?”
Losing such a major ally was not what he wanted!
Meng Qi agreed. The rebel army was already in a weak position, and internal strife would only hinder their mission.
Of course, if it proved irreparable, they must act decisively, swiftly resolving the issue without hesitation or sentimentality. Four united top-tier experts were definitely better than five with one harboring ill intentions!
“The Shadow King hasn’t been dead for more than half an hour, so the spy here definitely hasn’t received the news yet,” Meng Qi said, recalling many similar stories. “Why not let Du Tianwang continue pretending to be unconscious? Let Wanshi Zhenren invite Miao Hu to discuss surrender, observe his attitude and actions. At a crucial moment, you can suddenly rise, suppress him with your aura, and dispel his wavering thoughts.”
Wanshi Zhenren and Du Huaishang exchanged a glance and slowly nodded.
…
Soon, Hou Yue stealthily led Miao Hu into the central command tent.
First, he subtly hinted that Du Huaishang was severely wounded and unlikely to recover, leaving the Red Robe Army leaderless. Then he mentioned that Wanshi Zhenren had requested a secret meeting with the Nine Mountains Marquis.
Miao Hu understood the implication, his heart stirred, yet confident in his abilities. He immediately concealed his aura, quietly slipping out of his tent to follow Hou Yue to Du Huaishang’s bedside.
Glancing at Du Huaishang, whose eyes were closed, breath weak, and wounds still bleeding, Miao Hu immediately understood. He looked at Wanshi Zhenren with a sorrowful expression: “It’s truly heartbreaking to see Du Tianwang dying for the people.”
Wanshi Zhenren sighed deeply: “Unfortunately, not everyone in the rebel army is righteous. Morale is unstable, and everyone has their own agenda. The army is on the verge of disintegration, and this old Taoist cannot bear to witness this. I must make one last effort.”
“Zhu Shou is arrogant and greedy, Feng Jingtang is narrow-minded, and Liu Shunshui is short-sighted, only caring about his own small plot of land. Only Marquis Miao, with great benevolence and righteousness, broad-mindedness, the longest history of rebellion, the highest reputation, and the strongest power, is capable of uniting everyone.” Wanshi Zhenren solemnly bowed. “I beg Marquis Miao to take on this responsibility for the sake of the rebel army and the people, and this old Taoist will certainly support you wholeheartedly.”
Miao Hu’s seemingly aged face changed expressions repeatedly, showing surprise, joy, and concern.
Seeing his reaction, Wanshi Zhenren’s heart sank, sensing something was wrong!
Just then, Miao Hu declared with great righteousness: “I am truly honored by your trust, Master. To be honest, the death of my son Cong was actually a fabrication.”
Eh… Wanshi Zhenren and others were momentarily stunned—Miao Hu had actually admitted it!
Miao Hu lamented bitterly: “I failed to notice my son was kidnapped, and through Liang Ye’s threats, I was manipulated into causing internal strife.”
“This old man has only this one son. In my distress and confusion, my judgment was clouded, and I boarded the pirate ship. But after hearing your sincere words, I suddenly realized: my family’s matters are trivial, while the affairs of the world are paramount. For the sake of the rebels and the people, this old man should act as if I never had this son!”
He spoke passionately, presenting himself as sacrificing his family for the greater good.
A true hero! Wanshi Zhenren, Du Huaishang, and Meng Qi, who were secretly observing, couldn’t help but feel this way.
Such an opportunity might come only once in a lifetime, and a son could always be born again!
“Excellent! Marquis Miao is indeed a man of great benevolence and righteousness, making us all feel ashamed!” a familiar voice entered Miao Hu’s mind. He turned his head and saw Du Huaishang stepping from behind the tent, holding the golden “Chengtian Sword,” his aura vigorous, majestic, and noble.
“Du Tianwang?” Miao Hu was momentarily speechless, instinctively turning his gaze toward the sickbed. There, the figure lying had transformed into a dashing, white-robed man of extraordinary handsomeness, a faint smile playing on his lips.
Du Huaishang expressed his emotions openly: “Thanks to the help of my master, I have long recovered from my injuries. Hearing that the rebel army was unstable inside, harboring spies, I decided to test the situation. I didn’t expect Marquis Miao to be so wise and righteous, making me feel truly ashamed!”
Marquis Miao’s expression slightly changed. He glanced at Du Huaishang’s divine weapon, then at Wanshi Zhenren and the mysterious master Meng Qi, before quickly regaining his composure and stepping forward with a “surprised” expression: “Such tests are inevitable. If I were in Du Tianwang’s position, I would do the same. Seeing Tianwang’s recovery and resumption of leadership, this old man feels truly relieved!”
He then pointed at Meng Qi: “Didn’t I meet this master last night?”
“I am simply called ‘Yuan Shi.’ Last night, I only left a projection to confuse the enemy while my true self infiltrated the imperial camp. Fortunately, I succeeded in killing the Shadow King, helping Du Tianwang fully recover,” Meng Qi concisely explained the situation to instill confidence in Miao Hu—that the court was actually fragile and the rebel army was beginning to grow stronger.
Sure enough, Miao Hu was immediately stunned: “He killed the Shadow King in the imperial camp?”
Was the divine weapon fake? Were the Martial Emperor and other top-tier experts fake? Was the Shadow King, a second-tier expert, fake?
“This matter cannot be concealed for long. Before long, Marquis Miao will be able to confirm it yourself,” Wanshi Zhenren calmly said.
Miao Hu suppressed his shock and doubt, deeply looked at Meng Qi, and bowed: “Now that Tianwang has recovered, this old man will follow your lead!”
He paused and added: “But before that, could you help this old man rescue my son?”
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