9: Chapter 9 Three-Way Struggle

The aftermath of the Yunlai Pavilion incident swept through the capital at an alarming speed.

By the next morning, the news had spread through every street and alley.

Lingxiao Sect Genius Zhou Xian had his cultivation Foundation crippled on his own turf; it was said he was still lying in bed, on the verge of death.

The one who acted was an unremarkable old servant by the Seventh Prince's side.

And that old servant, according to those present—was at least at the True God Middle Stage.

For a moment, the whole city was in an uproar.

At the entrance of that shabby residence in Yongan Ward, a continuous stream of visitors appeared for the first time. Some wanted to curry favor, some wanted to pry for information, and some came on behalf of their masters to test the waters. Following Xiao He's instructions, the doorkeeper blocked them all, simply stating that His Highness the Seventh Prince was unwell and would not see guests.

The visitors were turned away but dared not show the slightest dissatisfaction.

That was someone at the True God Middle Stage.

In the entire Great Yan Dynasty, how many Old Ancestors at or above the True God Middle Stage were there in total?

With such a level of existence hidden beside the Seventh Prince, who would dare to act recklessly?

...

Third Prince Mansion.

Third Prince Xiao Yu's Face was so gloomy it looked like it could drip water.

He had already smashed three sets of tea cups on the table. No one dared to step forward to clean up the broken porcelain scattered all over the floor.

"Zhou Xian was crippled? A True God Middle Stage old servant? Old Seven has such a person hidden by his side?"

He almost roared it out.

The aides beside him were as silent as cicadas in winter, none daring to respond.

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

"What about Zhou Tong? What did he say?"

An aide said cautiously, "Elder Zhou... has closed his doors and won't come out. It's said that after his son was carried back, he locked himself in his room and won't see anyone."

Third Prince Xiao Yu sneered.

"Scared? A dignified True God Early Stage, so frightened by an old servant that he doesn't dare to leave his house?"

The aides looked at each other, thinking: If you had an opponent at the True God Middle Stage, wouldn't you be scared?

Third Prince Xiao Yu was silent for a moment before slowly asking, "Have you found out the background of that old servant?"

"No," another aide said. "I sent people to investigate, but that man seems to have appeared out of thin air. Three months ago, someone saw him in a dilapidated Taoist temple in the south of the city. Before that, there are no records at all."

Third Prince Xiao Yu's brow furrowed.

"Three months ago... wasn't that at the time of Old Seven's coming-of-age ceremony?"

"Exactly."

Third Prince Xiao Yu stood up, walked to the window, and looked at the sky outside.

"Old Seven... just how many secrets are you hiding?"

He murmured to himself, a complex look flashing in his eyes.

There was wariness, anger, and a faint hint of—

unease.

If that old servant really was at the True God Middle Stage, then his previous plans would be completely ruined.

A head-on confrontation? That would be seeking death.

Killing with a borrowed knife? Who would be willing to offend a True God Middle Stage?

Could it be... just let it go like this?

"Your Highness," an aide suddenly said, "I have a plan."

Third Prince Xiao Yu turned around: "Speak."

"No matter how strong that old servant is, he is only one person. In the Seventh Princes Mansion, besides him, there is only that guard at the Void God Late Stage. If we can lure that old servant away..."

Third Prince Xiao Yu's eyes lit up: "Lure him away? How?"

The aide smiled slightly: "Has Your Highness forgotten? In three months, it will be the Lingxiao Sect's triennial 'Trial Assembly'. At that time, geniuses from all Sects and schools will gather at the Lingxiao Sect to compete for spots to enter the Secret Realm. For such a grand event, the Old Ancestors of the True God Realm will all go to observe."

Third Prince Xiao Yu's eyes flashed.

"You mean... have that old servant go to the Lingxiao Sect?"

"Exactly," the aide said. "If the Lingxiao Sect invites him in the name of the Sect, and that old servant doesn't go, he won't be giving the Lingxiao Sect Face. If he does go, the Seventh Princes Mansion will only be left with that guard at the Void God Late Stage. At that time, we can..."

He made a gesture.

Third Prince Xiao Yu pondered for a moment and slowly nodded.

"Feasible."

He looked at the aide: "Go handle it. Find a way to have the Lingxiao Sect step forward and invite that old servant to participate in the Trial Assembly."

"Yes!"

...

Crown Princes Mansion.

Crown Prince Xiao Jing listened to Xie Duan's report and remained silent for a long time.

"True God Middle Stage... Old Seven actually has such a figure by his side."

Xie Duan said, "Your Highness, the Seventh Prince has hidden himself too deeply. I suspect he has been playing the fool all these years, secretly accumulating strength."

Crown Prince Xiao Jing nodded.

"I have the same feeling."

He stood up and paced a few steps.

"The matter with the Baili Clan, I have always felt it was fishy. That ledger was delivered too opportunely, as if it had been prepared long ago. Looking at it now, it's likely Old Seven's handiwork."

Xie Duan said, "Your Highness, what should we do now?"

Crown Prince Xiao Jing stopped, a sharp light flashing in his eyes.

"Old Three must be gnashing his teeth in hatred for Old Seven right now. Having suffered such a big loss, he won't let it go."

He turned around and looked at Xie Duan.

"Go to Yongan Ward and deliver a message for me."

Xie Duan was stunned: "Deliver a message? Does Your Highness want to see the Seventh Prince?"

"Not see him." Crown Prince Xiao Jing smiled slightly. "It's to show goodwill."

"Show goodwill?"

"Yes," Crown Prince Xiao Jing said. "Tell Old Seven that I want to join forces with him to deal with Old Three. After it's done, I will guarantee him the position of an Imperial Prince."

Xie Duan hesitated: "Your Highness, will the Seventh Prince believe it?"

Crown Prince Xiao Jing laughed.

"Of course he won't believe it. But whether he believes it or not isn't important; what's important is—he needs to know that I am willing to cooperate with him. Old Three hates him now, but I am showing him goodwill; how will he choose?"

Xie Duan realized: "Your Highness wants to drive a wedge between the Seventh Prince and the Third Prince?"

"It's not just driving a wedge," Crown Prince Xiao Jing said. "I also want to see what kind of person Old Seven really is. If he agrees, I'll have a chance to find out his background. If he doesn't agree, I lose nothing."

He waved his hand.

"Go."

...

Yongan Ward, Seventh Princes Mansion.

Basement level.

Crown Prince Xiao Xuan sat in the main seat, listening to Zhao Gao's report on the movements of various parties.

"...The Third Prince smashed three sets of tea cups and is said to still be losing his temper in his room. The Crown Prince's side sent Xie Duan, who is waiting outside, saying he has a message to deliver."

Crown Prince Xiao Xuan smiled slightly.

"Let him in."

A moment later, Xie Duan was led in.

He came to this underground hall for the first time, and seeing the huge sand table and the walls full of weapons, his pupils shrank slightly.

How was this the basement of a shabby residence?

This was clearly a Military Headquarters!

"His Highness the Seventh Prince." He composed himself and bowed.

Crown Prince Xiao Xuan raised his hand: "Mister Xie, there's no need for such formality. Please sit."

Xie Duan took his seat and got straight to the point: "Your Highness, the Crown Prince asked me to bring a word—he wants to join forces with you to deal with the Third Prince. After it's done, he will guarantee you the position of an Imperial Prince."

Crown Prince Xiao Xuan raised an eyebrow and smiled.

"The Crown Prince thinks highly of me."

Xie Duan said, "Your Highness, the Crown Prince is the Eldest son of the legal wife, which is right and proper. Although the Third Prince is powerful, he lacks that legitimacy. If you join forces with the Crown Prince, the chances of winning are extremely high."

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

Strategist Jia Xu stroked his beard and said, "Mister Xie, how does the Crown Prince want to join forces?"

Xie Duan said, "As for the specifics, the Crown Prince said we can talk in detail. As long as Your Highness the Seventh Prince is willing, everything is negotiable."

Strategist Jia Xu laughed.

"Everything is negotiable? Mister Xie, those words are far too perfunctory."

Xie Duan's expression remained unchanged: "Mister Jia, you're mistaken. The Crown Prince is sincere about cooperating with the Seventh Prince, otherwise he wouldn't have sent me personally."

Crown Prince Xiao Xuan waved his hand, interrupting them.

"Mister Xie, go back and tell the Crown Prince—I appreciate his kindness. But as for joining forces, allow me to consider it."

Xie Duan was stunned: "Your Highness..."

Crown Prince Xiao Xuan smiled slightly: "I am a person who likes to take things slowly. If the Crown Prince really has sincerity, he might as well wait a while longer."

Xie Duan looked at him and sighed inwardly.

This Seventh Prince was indeed not someone to be trifled with.

Neither agreeing nor refusing, just keeping him hanging.

He rose to take his leave.

...

After Xie Duan left, Strategist Jia Xu smiled and said, "Your Highness, with this move, you've kept the Crown Prince hanging as well."

Crown Prince Xiao Xuan said indifferently, "The Crown Prince wants to use me to deal with the Third Prince; why can't I use him? Let him wait. Once the Third Prince's side makes a move, we'll decide which way to go."

He paused and looked at Zhao Gao.

"What's the movement on the Third Prince's side?"

Zhao Gao said, "My people have found out that the Third Prince is planning something—to have the Lingxiao Sect step forward and invite Senior Jiang to participate in the Trial Assembly three months from now."

Crown Prince Xiao Xuan raised an eyebrow.

"Trial Assembly?"

"Yes," Zhao Gao said. "The Lingxiao Sect's triennial grand event. Geniuses from all Sects and schools will go to compete for spots to enter the Secret Realm. At that time, the Old Ancestors of the True God Realm will all go to observe. The Third Prince wants to use this opportunity to lure Senior Jiang away."

Strategist Jia Xu laughed.

"Lure Senior Jiang away and then act against Your Highness? That's quite a clever plan."

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

"What does the military strategist think?"

Strategist Jia Xu pondered, "If Senior Jiang goes, Your Highness will only have General Lu Bu left. Although the Void God Late Stage is not weak, if the Third Prince sends someone from the True God Realm, General Lu Bu won't be able to stop them. If Senior Jiang doesn't go, it won't be giving the Lingxiao Sect Face, and the Third Prince can take the opportunity to incite the Lingxiao Sect's dissatisfaction toward Your Highness."

Crown Prince Xiao Xuan smiled slightly.

"A dilemma."

"Exactly."

Crown Prince Xiao Xuan stood up and walked to the window.

"Then let him invite."

Strategist Jia Xu was stunned: "Your Highness?"

Crown Prince Xiao Xuan turned around, his gaze calm.

"Master Jiang will go."

Strategist Jia Xu's brow furrowed slightly: "But on Your Highness's side..."

"Don't worry," Crown Prince Xiao Xuan said. "Before Master Jiang leaves, he will set up a Formation. Master Lu Ban's armaments are also almost finished. How has the White Robe Army's training been these past few months?"

Chen Qingzhi stepped forward: "Your Highness, the five thousand men of the White Robe Army have all been equipped with the new Repeating Crossbows created by Master Lu Ban. In a frontal charge, they can break through a Ninth-Rank Military Formation of equal numbers."

Crown Prince Xiao Xuan nodded.

"That's enough then."

He looked at Strategist Jia Xu.

"Strategist, tell me, if the Third Prince knows Master Jiang has gone to the Lingxiao Sect, what will he do?"

Strategist Jia Xu's eyes lit up.

"He will send people to attack Your Highness."

"Correct," Crown Prince Xiao Xuan smiled slightly. "He thinks it's an opportunity, but little does he know—"},{

He paused.

"It is also our opportunity."

...

That night.

South of the city, Taoist temple.

Crown Prince Xiao Xuan came here again.

Jiang Ziya was still sitting cross-legged on a futon. Seeing him enter, he nodded slightly.

"Your Highness."

Crown Prince Xiao Xuan sat down opposite him and explained the Third Prince's scheme.

Jiang Ziya smiled slightly after hearing it.

"Your Highness wants me to go?"

Crown Prince Xiao Xuan nodded.

"If Master Jiang goes, the Third Prince will surely act."

Jiang Ziya looked at him, his gaze deep.

"Is Your Highness not afraid that something will truly happen while I am away?"

Crown Prince Xiao Xuan laughed.

"Master Jiang, do you think anything will happen to me?"

Jiang Ziya was silent for a moment, then suddenly laughed.

"No."

Crown Prince Xiao Xuan said: "Then is Master Jiang willing to go?"

Jiang Ziya nodded.

"Since Your Highness has ordered it, I shall naturally comply."

He paused and looked at the fishing rod beside the couch.

"However, before I leave, I will leave something for Your Highness."

Crown Prince Xiao Xuan raised an eyebrow: "What thing?"

Jiang Ziya smiled slightly.

"A talisman."

He raised his hand, his thin fingers slowly tracing in the Void Realm.

Streaks of visible golden light flowed from his fingertips, interlacing in the air into a complex and profound rune.

A moment later, the rune took shape, turned into a golden light, and sank into Crown Prince Xiao Xuan's brow.

Crown Prince Xiao Xuan only felt a warmth in his brow, which then returned to normal.

"Master Jiang, this is..."

"A Protective Talisman," Jiang Ziya said. "If Your Highness encounters a life-or-death crisis, it will trigger itself and can block a full-strength strike from a True God Late Stage. It's only for one use; once used, it's gone."

Crown Prince Xiao Xuan's heart jolted.

Can block a full-strength strike from a True God Late Stage?

What a Heaven-Defying treasure!

"Master Jiang, this..."

Jiang Ziya waved his hand.

"This is all I can do. The rest depends on Your Highness."

Crown Prince Xiao Xuan took a deep breath and bowed solemnly.

"Thank you, Master Jiang."

Jiang Ziya smiled slightly.

"You're welcome, Your Highness."

...

Three days later.

The Invitation from the Lingxiao Sect arrived at the Seventh Princes Mansion.

Inviting "Old Mister Jiang" to participate in the Trial Assembly three months later, with the first seat in the observation gallery and extremely grand treatment.

Crown Prince Xiao Xuan handed the Invitation to Jiang Ziya.

Jiang Ziya took a look and smiled slightly.

"I will go."

...