5: Chapter 5 Murder in the City Center

Five days later.

Yongan Ward, Seventh Princes Mansion.

Basement Level One.

Crown Prince Xiao Xuan stood before the sand table, his gaze falling on those densely packed markers. It had been five days, and the hidden spies around Yongan Ward had not decreased, but instead had grown in number. Those from the Crown Princes Mansion, the Third Prince's Mansion, the Lingxiao Sect, and the Baili Clan, along with several forces of unknown identity, rotated day and night, surrounding this shabby mansion so tightly that not even a drop of water could leak out.

"Your Highness," Strategist Jia Xu pointed to several markers, "among these spies, the most troublesome are the people from the Crown Princes Mansion. They are well-trained and experienced, having already mapped out our patterns of activity on the surface. They have records of when we buy supplies each day, when we dump the slop, and when the gatekeepers change shifts."

Crown Prince Xiao Xuan nodded. "What about General Lu Bu?"

"General Lu Bu still moves around the mansion every day, occasionally showing his face. His aura has always been suppressed to the Cave-Heaven Early Stage, so those spies have not become suspicious."

"Very good."

Crown Prince Xiao Xuan turned to look at Master Lu Ban on the other side.

Master Lu Ban was squatting in front of a pile of parts, tinkering with something. Hearing Crown Prince Xiao Xuan call him, he looked up and grinned. "Your Highness, that batch of Qi-Breaking Arrow is almost ready. In another two months, I guarantee you will be satisfied."

"Two months is too slow," Crown Prince Xiao Xuan said. "One month."

Master Lu Ban scratched his head. "One month... that works, but I'll need thirty percent more Materials."

Crown Prince Xiao Xuan looked at Xiao He, who gave a bitter smile and nodded. "I will do my best."

At that moment, Zhao Gao's figure walked in quickly.

"Your Highness, there is new news."

Crown Prince Xiao Xuan's gaze sharpened. "Speak."

"Baili Qingyun," Zhao Gao said. "After that boy was rejected by Zhou Xian, he became fly with rage and has been contacting a group of desperadoes these past few days."

"Desperadoes?" Strategist Jia Xu raised an eyebrow. "What does he want to do?"

"Assassinate Your Highness," Zhao Gao said in a heavy voice. "My people were in a shady inn in the City West and overheard their secret talk. Baili Qingyun offered three hundred thousand taels for Your Highness's head. He has already recruited twelve people, led by a Loose Cultivator named 'Black Tiger,' a Ninth Grade Great Grandmaster Perfection who is said to have killed a powerhouse at the heaven-man realm Early Stage before."

Crown Prince Xiao Xuan's expression remained unchanged. "When will they make their move?"

"It hasn't been determined yet. But Baili Qingyun's people have been tracking Your Highness's movements, seemingly waiting for an opportunity for Your Highness to leave the mansion."

Strategist Jia Xu frowned and said, "Since Your Highness established your mansion, you have never left Yongan Ward. If they keep waiting like this, how long will they have to wait?"

"They won't wait too long," Crown Prince Xiao Xuan said. "Since they have taken the money, they must act. If I never leave the mansion, they will find a way to force me out."

"Your Highness means..."

Crown Prince Xiao Xuan walked to the sand table, his gaze falling on the streets outside Yongan Ward.

"I will give them an opportunity."

...

Two days later.

Yongan Ward, North Street.

This was a narrow street lined with low residential houses and a few scattered small shops. On normal days, people came and went, making it quite lively.

Today was no exception.

Just after noon, an inconspicuous blue cloth carriage drove out of the Seventh Princes Mansion, moving slowly along North Street.

There were only four guards before and after the carriage, led by a tall young man with a long saber at his waist, whose aura was only at the Cave-Heaven Early Stage.

Inside the carriage, Crown Prince Xiao Xuan sat upright, his eyes closed as he rested.

When the carriage reached the middle of North Street, a dozen dark shadows suddenly appeared on the roofs of the residential houses on both sides.

"Do it!"

A burly man at the head shouted fiercely and leapt down from the roof, a ghost head greatsword in his hand slashing down toward the carriage.

Black Tiger.

Ninth Grade Great Grandmaster Perfection.

The other eleven followed closely behind, their sabers and swords drawn as they pounced toward the carriage.

Pedestrians on the street screamed and fled in all directions, and for a moment, everything was in chaos.

However—

At the very moment Black Tiger's greatsword was about to strike the carriage, a cold flash of light streaked past the carriage.

Black Tiger's pupils shrank, and he instinctively pulled back his blade to block.

*Clang!*

In the deafening sound of metal clashing, Black Tiger was sent flying backward, crashing heavily into the wall of a residential house, causing the wall to collapse with a boom.

He struggled to crawl up, and when he looked closely, his pupils suddenly contracted to the size of needlepoints.

That "Cave-Heaven Early Stage" guard was now holding a Painted Halberd, looking at him coldly.

Staining that Painted Halberd was the blood of three of his companions.

"You—!"

Before Black Tiger could speak, that figure had already appeared before him.

The Painted Halberd swept across.

Black Tiger used all his strength to block, but he felt an unmatched, colossal force surge through him. The ghost head greatsword flew from his hand, and he felt a chill in his chest—

He looked down and saw a section of the halberd blade protruding from his chest.

"You... are... Void..."

Before he could finish his sentence, he had already lost consciousness.

General Lu Bu pulled out the Painted Halberd, letting the corpse fall.

He turned to look at the others.

Of the twelve, only nine remained.

Those nine were now so terrified they were experiencing Soul Flying Away and Spirit Scattering, turning around to flee.

But it was already too late.

The Painted Halberd transformed into streaks of cold light, each one taking a life.

Three breaths.

All nine were wiped out.

On the street, blood flowed freely, and corpses were strewn everywhere.

Inside the carriage, Crown Prince Xiao Xuan slowly opened his eyes.

"Leave one alive."

General Lu Bu nodded and walked toward the last assassin on the ground. That person was not yet fully dead; a large gash had been cut into his abdomen, and his intestines were spilling out.

"Who sent you?" General Lu Bu asked.

The man looked at him in terror, his lips trembling, but he could not say a single word.

General Lu Bu frowned, and just as he was about to ask again, the man's eyes suddenly glazed over, his head slumped, and he died.

"Your Highness, he is dead."

Crown Prince Xiao Xuan lifted the carriage curtain and glanced at the corpses covering the ground, his expression calm.

"Baili Qingyun's people."

He lowered the curtain and said indifferently, "Go back."

The carriage turned around and slowly drove back toward Yongan Ward.

On the street, among the crowds hiding in the distance to watch, many people's eyes flickered as they turned and disappeared into the crowd.

They were hidden spies from the Crown Princes Mansion, scouts from the Third Prince's Mansion, and informants from the Lingxiao Sect.

They had seen today's scene very clearly.

...

Half an hour later.

Crown Princes Mansion.

Xie Duan reported the events of North Street to Crown Prince Xiao Jing.

"...Twelve assassins, led by a Ninth Grade Great Grandmaster Perfection, all wiped out in three breaths. When that guard made his move, his aura instantly surged, reaching at least the Void God Middle Stage, or even the Late Stage."

Crown Prince Xiao Jing put down the book in his hand, his brow furrowed tightly.

"Void God Late Stage? Where did Old Seven get a guard of that level?"

"I do not know," Xie Duan said. "I've checked; that guard is named General Lu Bu, and he suddenly appeared at the Seventh Princes Mansion three years ago. At that time, he was only at the Cave-Heaven Early Stage, and after three years, he is still at the Cave-Heaven Early Stage. But looking at it today, he has been hiding his Realm all along."

Crown Prince Xiao Jing was silent for a moment, then said slowly, "What was the reaction from Old Third's side?"

"The Third Prince's people were also at the scene. I estimate he should have received the news by now as well."

Crown Prince Xiao Jing stood up and walked to the window, looking at the sky outside.

"Void God Late Stage... powerhouses of this level are rare even in the entire Imperial Dynasty. Just how many secrets is Old Seven hiding?"

He paused, a sharp light flashing in his eyes.

"Continue investigating. Check General Lu Bu's origins, find out what Old Seven has been doing these eight years. Also, find out exactly who sent those assassins."

"Yes!"

...

Third Prince's Mansion.

Third Prince Xiao Yu's reaction was much more violent than the Crown Prince's.

"Void God Late Stage?!" He slammed his palm onto the table, causing it to shatter. "How could that waste have a Void God Late Stage guard?"

The advisors looked at each other, none daring to respond.

Third Prince Xiao Yu took several deep breaths, forcing himself to calm down.

"Investigate. Go and investigate immediately. Check General Lu Bu's background, and see if Old Seven has been in contact with any suspicious people over the years. Also, find out who sent those assassins; this Prince wants to know!"

"Yes!"

...

Lingxiao Sect Liaison Point.

Zhou Tong listened to his subordinate's report, his expression shifting uncertainly.

"Void God Late Stage... That day when I made my move, the pressure I felt was at least at the True God Middle Stage. Now another Void God Late Stage guard has appeared..."

He looked at Zhou Xian and said in a heavy voice, "That Seventh Prince is much more complicated than we imagined."

Zhou Xian said, "Father, who sent those assassins?"

"Do you even need to ask?" Zhou Tong sneered. "That idiot Baili Qingyun."

"Then we..."

"We do nothing," Zhou Tong said. "Let them engage in dog eat dog. We will just watch."

He paused, a trace of wariness flashing in his eyes.

"But remember, stay far away from that Seventh Prince."

...

Yongan Ward, Seventh Princes Mansion.

Basement Level One.

Crown Prince Xiao Xuan stood before the sand table, listening to Zhao Gao's report.

"The Crown Prince is investigating General Lu Bu's origins, and the Third Prince is investigating as well. Over at the Baili Clan, Baili Yuan does not know about this yet, but he will find out sooner or later."

Crown Prince Xiao Xuan nodded and looked at Strategist Jia Xu.

Strategist Jia Xu stroked his beard and said, "Your Highness, after today, everyone knows you have a Void God Late Stage guard. After keeping a low profile for three months, it has all been exposed at once."

"If it's exposed, then so be it," Crown Prince Xiao Xuan said indifferently. "I never intended to hide for a lifetime."

"Then the next step..."

Crown Prince Xiao Xuan walked to the sand table, his gaze falling on the Baili Clan's marker.

"Baili Qingyun sending assassins to kill a prince is a capital offense."

He paused, a cold light flashing in his eyes.

"It's time to pull in the net."

...

City South, Taoist Temple.

Jiang Ziya sat cross-legged on a futon and slightly opened his eyes.

"The Void God Late Stage has been exposed... that's fine."

He murmured to himself, a trace of a smile appearing at the corners of his lips.

"Let those people keep guessing. The more they guess, the less they will be able to figure out Your Highness's trump cards."

He closed his eyes again.

That fishing rod with its unbaited straight hook still lay across his knees.

...

That night.

Baili Clan.

Baili Qingyun hid in his room, his face pale and his whole body trembling.

The twelve people he sent were all dead.

That guard was actually at the Void God Late Stage.

He couldn't understand it—how could a waste prince have a guard of that level?

"Third Young Master, the Clan Head is calling for you."

The voice of a servant came from outside the door.

Baili Qingyun's whole body stiffened.

It was over.

His father knew.

He arrived at the main hall trembling with fear, and as soon as he entered, a loud slap struck him.

"Idiot!"

Baili Yuan's furious voice shook the very rafters of the room.

Baili Qingyun was slapped to the ground, clutching his face and not daring to make a sound.

"Three hundred thousand taels! Twelve assassins! Assassinating a prince!" Baili Yuan kicked him. "Are you trying to destroy our Baili Clan?"

"F-Father, I-I just wanted to..."

"Wanted to what? Wanted to claim credit for your Crown Prince brother-in-law? Claim credit for your mother's head!" Baili Yuan was so angry his whole body was shaking. "No matter how useless that waste is, he is still a prince! He has the Bloodline of a True God Old Ancestor! You assassinated him; if it's found out, the entire Baili Clan will be buried with you!"

Baili Qingyun's face was pale, and his lips trembled. "T-Then, what should we do?"

Baili Yuan took several deep breaths, forcing himself to calm down.

"That guard is at the Void God Late Stage; everyone saw it in today's battle. The Crown Prince and the Third Prince are both investigating, and they will soon trace it back to us."

He paused, a ruthless look flashing in his eyes.

"There is only one way."

"W-What way?"

Baili Yuan said coldly, "Go to the Crown Princes Mansion and tell the Crown Prince everything exactly as it happened. Beg him to protect you."

Baili Qingyun was stunned. "C-Crown Prince brother-in-law?"

"Yes," Baili Yuan said. "You assassinated the Seventh Prince, nominally to vent his anger for him. If he doesn't protect you, once word gets out, who would still be willing to work for him? He must protect you."

A glimmer of hope ignited in Baili Qingyun's eyes. "T-Then will Crown Prince brother-in-law protect me?"

Baili Yuan was silent for a moment, then said slowly, "He will. But the price..."

He did not finish.

But Baili Qingyun understood.

From now on, he would be a dog in the Crown Prince's hands.

Biting wherever he was pointed, without the slightest defiance.

...

The next day.

Crown Princes Mansion.

Baili Qingyun knelt before Crown Prince Xiao Jing and told him everything exactly as it had happened.

After listening, Crown Prince Xiao Jing's expression remained unchanged; he simply picked up his teacup and took a light sip.

"Get up."

Baili Qingyun felt as if he had been granted a great pardon and stood up trembling.

Crown Prince Xiao Jing looked at him and said indifferently, "You assassinated Old Seven to vent my anger for me?"

"Y-Yes!"

"Very good." Crown Prince Xiao Jing nodded. "In that case, I will naturally protect you."

Baili Qingyun was overjoyed. "Thank you, Crown Prince brother-in-law!"

Crown Prince Xiao Jing waved his hand, signaling for him to withdraw.

Once Baili Qingyun had left, Xie Duan emerged from behind the screen.

"Your Highness, are you really going to protect him?"

Crown Prince Xiao Jing smiled.

"Protect him? Why would I protect him?"

Xie Duan was taken aback. "Then Your Highness just now..."

"That was just to appease him." Crown Prince Xiao Jing put down his teacup, a cold light flashing in his eyes. "Baili Qingyun is an idiot, more than enough to ruin things, but not enough to accomplish anything. Keeping him around will only bring me greater trouble sooner or later."

"Then Your Highness's meaning is..."

Crown Prince Xiao Jing was silent for a moment, then said slowly, "Leak the news to Old Seven."

Xie Duan's pupils shrank slightly. "Your Highness wants to..."

"Let Old Seven deal with Baili Qingyun," Crown Prince Xiao Jing said. "If he dies, it has nothing to do with me. If he doesn't die, he can still give Old Seven some trouble. No matter the outcome, I won't lose out."

Xie Duan suddenly understood. "Your Highness is brilliant."

...

Yongan Ward, Seventh Princes Mansion.

Basement Level One.

Zhao Gao walked in quickly. "Your Highness, news has come from the Crown Princes Mansion."

Crown Prince Xiao Xuan looked up. "Speak."

"The Crown Prince deliberately leaked the news of Baili Qingyun seeking his help to us. At the same time, he released news that Baili Qingyun's assassination of Your Highness was his own idea and had nothing to do with the Crown Prince."

Strategist Jia Xu smiled. "What a fine move of killing with a borrowed knife. The Crown Prince wants Your Highness to deal with Baili Qingyun while he stays out of it."

Crown Prince Xiao Xuan nodded and looked at Strategist Jia Xu. "What does the Military Counselor think?"

Strategist Jia Xu stroked his beard and said, "Baili Qingyun must die. But there is a certain finesse to whose hand he dies by."

"Continue."

"If we kill him, we will be in a deadly feud with the Baili Clan. Baili Yuan is protective and will certainly retaliate. At that time, we will be in a direct conflict with the Baili Clan, and the Crown Prince will watch the tigers fight from the mountaintop."

Crown Prince Xiao Xuan nodded. "And what if we don't kill him?"

"If we don't kill him, he will forever be a blade in the Crown Prince's hands. If he can assassinate Your Highness today, he can assassinate someone else tomorrow. Such a person is a disaster to keep around."

Crown Prince Xiao Xuan was silent for a moment, then suddenly smiled.

"Then let him die."

Strategist Jia Xu was taken aback. "Your Highness's meaning is..."

"But whose hand he dies by won't be decided by the Crown Prince." Crown Prince Xiao Xuan walked to the sand table, his gaze falling on the Baili Clan's marker. "Baili Qingyun sending assassins to kill a prince is conclusive evidence. This matter should be handled by the Imperial Clan Court."

Strategist Jia Xu's eyes lit up. "Your Highness wants to..."

"Zhao Gao, send the bodies of those twelve assassins, along with the tokens of the Baili Clan found on them, to the Imperial Clan Court. Attach a formal complaint—the Baili Clan's Third Young Master, Baili Qingyun, hired assassins to kill a prince, with both human and physical evidence present, requesting the Imperial Clan Court to investigate thoroughly."

Zhao Gao took the order. "Yes!"

Strategist Jia Xu clapped his hands and laughed heartily. "Brilliant! By handing the case to the Imperial Clan Court, Your Highness is handing it to the Imperial Court and to Your Majesty. No matter how bold the Baili Clan is, they would not dare to openly oppose the Imperial Court. The Crown Prince wants to stay out of it? Impossible. Baili Qingyun is his brother-in-law; if he doesn't save him, he will be seen as cold-hearted; if he does, he will be dragged down along with the Baili Clan."

Crown Prince Xiao Xuan smiled slightly.

"Let them fight among themselves."

He turned and looked toward the City South.

"Master Jiang, what do you say?"

...

City South, Taoist Temple.

Jiang Ziya opened his eyes and smiled slightly.

"Your Highness's move is brilliant."

He murmured to himself and closed his eyes again.