57: Chapter 57 The Seventh Prince

In the late spring season, a lingering mist and rain enveloped the Imperial City. A warm breeze swept through, sending willow catkins fluttering across the streets.

Yanyu Tower, situated in the bustling heart of the Imperial City, was a premier den of luxury where refined scholars, celebrities, and Jianghu heroes gathered. By day, literati composed lyrics and scholars discussed the Dao; by night, the aroma of wine overflowed and the sound of music never ceased.

The entire pavilion featured upturned eaves and painted rafters, with rows of windows thrown open to welcome guests from all directions. Inside, the noise was deafening as the elegant scent of tea, the mellow aroma of strong liquor, and the sweet fragrance of exquisite pastries intertwined with the laughter and chatter of the passing guests, creating a harmonious bustle.

Those who frequented this place were all members of the Xia Kingdom's elite circles. Scions of noble families in brocade robes were graceful and refined in speech; Jianghu Martial Artists carrying swords were high-spirited, discussing the martial path; and scholars in long robes sipped tea and recited poetry, laughing and chatting freely.

The Lingyun Private Room on the top floor of Yanyu Tower was the only sanctuary in this noisy pavilion. Heavy, embroidered curtains hung low in layers, airtight, isolating all the rolling Mortal World and worldly clamor below.

Near the window, amidst the dappled shadows, a figure in white leaned against the frame, his posture relaxed and ethereal.

The man wore moon-white cloud-patterned casual clothes; the fabric was warm and elegant, and the patterns were low-key and restrained. From a distance, his features were handsome and gentle, his temperament calm and otherworldly, with a hint of scholarly air between his brows.

This person was none other than the current Seventh Prince of the Xia Kingdom, Prince Jing, Xiao Jingming.

His slender fingertips gently toyed with a lustrous black jade chess piece, his thumb rubbing the delicate, warm stone in a lazy and relaxed motion. After a moment, he turned around, his wrist dipping slightly as the piece landed softly on the sandalwood chessboard before him.

Clack.

The sound of the move was extremely light, almost inaudible in the silent private room.

Black and white pieces were scattered across the board, revealing a partial endgame, yet the subsequent moves were slow to come, as if the player had no heart for the match and was merely using the game to pass the time.

Suddenly, in the shadows of the room's corner, an all-black figure silently materialized. He lowered his voice and reported solemnly, "Your Highness, news has arrived. Lin Qing reached the Qinghui Post House outside the city this afternoon."

The moment the words fell, the warm and leisurely atmosphere in the room shattered abruptly.

Xiao Jingming slowly looked up. The eyes that had been filled with a gentle smile just a moment ago instantly shed all laziness and indifference. Deep within those seemingly shallow eyes, a boundless cold abyss surged—profound, icy, and dark, harboring unknown, heaven-toppling schemes and ambitions.

A clear, thin voice slowly rang out:

"Lin Qing's talent is simply too much of a Prodigy; he must never be recruited by the Crown Prince."

"The Crown Prince has been secure in the East Palace for years. In his haste to recruit Lin Qing this time, he used some unsavory methods, which I fear have already caused Lin Qing to feel resistance." Xiao Jingming's gaze pierced through the window lattice, looking toward the towering and solemn walls of the Imperial City in the distance. "The Crown Prince seems to have gained a man, but in truth, he has already sown the seeds of estrangement. In this way, we may not be without an opportunity."

The spring breeze passed through the window again, brushing his wide sleeves and making them flutter. No one knew that beneath this gentle skin lay an ambition to encompass the four seas and claim the world.

"Pass my order." Xiao Jingming withdrew his gaze. "Secretly arrange for people to contact Lin Qing. There is no need to force an alliance; just deliver my invitation. This man, I want to speak with personally."

"Yes!" The black-clad secret guard bowed and took the order, his figure flickering as he quietly vanished into the shadows.

...

Suburbs of the city, Qinghui Post House.

The twilight was heavy, and the night grew darker.

The East Palace eunuch, who had been ordered to escort Lin Qing back to the capital during the day, had already returned to the East Palace with his retinue to report.

This journey of over twenty days was, for this eunuch who was used to acting arrogantly by relying on the power of the East Palace, the most frustrating and agonizing period of his life.

As a close attendant of the East Palace, he represented the Face of the heir apparent. Ordinary Jianghu Martial Artists and scions of noble families would treat him with respect and caution. Only Lin Qing remained aloof and unyielding from beginning to end, not giving the East Palace any Face at all.

On the road, he had followed the Crown Prince's orders to drop hints several times, reminding Lin Qing to observe the etiquette of a subject and lean toward the East Palace after entering the capital. His words contained hidden pressure and recruitment, but Lin Qing ignored them all, closing his eyes to rest without even lifting an eyelid.

When passing through prefectures, local officials would rush to curry favor, specially preparing exquisite meals and beautiful lodgings. He deliberately invited Lin Qing to the banquets to help the East Palace win people over, but Lin Qing bluntly stated that simple food was enough and turned back to his room to rest, brushing off his Face in public.

Unwilling to give up, he once tried to use the rules of the East Palace to constrain Lin Qing's words and actions. However, Lin Qing's martial edge was sharp and cold, and his aura pressed down on him so intensely that he could only give up resentfully in the end.

Repeated instances of being ignored, contradicted, and losing Face in public left this East Palace eunuch full of resentment, yet helpless.

So, after settling Lin Qing in, he rushed back to the East Palace without stopping. He wasn't afraid of Lin Qing running away; firstly, if Lin Qing dared to flee, those he knew would certainly be implicated; secondly, since Lin Qing had come to the Imperial City, he naturally wouldn't do something like fleeing.

As the night deepened, everything around Qinghui Post House was silent, save for the evening breeze rustling the trees outside the courtyard.

Inside the station guest room, Lin Qing was covered in a large black robe, his hood pulled low to hide his entire Face.

Taking advantage of the dead of night when no one was around, Lin Qing's figure blurred as he noiselessly slipped out of the guest room. His Movement Technique was light and agile, landing without a sound as he headed straight for the Imperial City's black market.

During the twenty-odd days of traveling to the Imperial City, he had already reached a Breakthrough to the Fourth Rank with the help of the body quenching milk. This trip to Zangxiao Pavilion was intended to purchase those two Earth Rank martial arts. Once the matters in the Imperial City were settled, he planned to set out and leave the Hundred Thousand Mountains.

The route to Zangxiao Pavilion this time was something he had learned from a waiter at the station for ten taels of silver. That waiter, who hosted people from all walks of life year-round, not only precisely informed him of Zangxiao Pavilion's location but also thoughtfully prepared this black robe to help hide his tracks.

The black market of the Imperial City under the cover of night had dim lights and secretive crowds, exuding an air of mystery and solemnity everywhere.

Lin Qing, in his black robe, kept a low profile and expertly navigated the intricate alleys, walking straight into Zangxiao Pavilion.

The servant on duty in the pavilion was already accustomed to all kinds of night visitors. With a calm expression and no questions asked, he bowed and led the way, taking him directly to an independent private room deep inside.

The layout of the private room was orderly, identical to other Zangxiao Pavilion locations. In the center stood a simple wooden table with a wooden chair in front. Behind the table, in the shadows, sat a figure completely wrapped in a black robe, their aura obscure.

Lin Qing took off his hood, revealing his handsome, clean, yet sharp and calm youthful Face, and composedly sat down on the wooden chair before the table.

The black-robed person behind the table recognized Lin Qing instantly upon seeing his Face. He immediately stood up, bowed slightly, and said respectfully, "Please wait a moment, Young Master."

After speaking, he quickly retreated through the back door of the room.

In just a moment, the back door clicked softly, and an old, steady figure walked slowly into the room.

It was an elder with half-white hair and beard and a peaceful Face, his aura steady and restrained.

Martial arts foundation, intelligence experience, and the calculation of human hearts all required the accumulation and polishing of time. Therefore, the high-level members of Zangxiao Pavilion generally looked like this. Ordinary young people could hardly manage a pavilion branch or handle intelligence transactions; only an elder who had weathered decades of storms could stabilize the situation.

After entering, the elder cupped his hands and bowed to Lin Qing:

"Young Master Lin Qing, visiting late at night—may I ask what business brings you here this time?"

Lin Qing's gaze was calm as he got straight to the point:

"I want two Earth Rank martial arts. Additionally, I need a detailed dossier on all the current princes of the Xia Kingdom, including their temperaments, factions, shrewdness, past experiences, and political networks."

As his voice fell, he reached into his robe and pulled out a thick stack of silver notes, placing them gently on the table. The amount was ample, enough to pay for this transaction.

The elder's gaze swept over the silver notes. His expression remained unchanged as he nodded slightly. Without further questioning, he turned and quickly left through the back door to retrieve the martial arts and intelligence scrolls.

Lin Qing sat quietly in his chair, a flicker of light in his eyes. Checking the princes' information was naturally to find someone to help him handle the aftermath. Otherwise, if the Crown Prince suddenly died and he fled far into the Hundred Thousand Mountains, the Imperial Family would easily find trouble for his acquaintances.

With his current strength, he didn't fear the Xia Imperial Family. He already had Blood Qi Soaring to the Heavens at the Third Rank; now that he had reached the Fourth Rank, his Blood Qi power had undergone another explosion. Within the borders of the Xia Kingdom, he should be invincible now.

However, he saw no need to fight the Xia Imperial Family to the death. For one, if he killed until royal heads rolled, who would govern the Xia Kingdom then? Secondly, although the Crown Prince was base, the Xia Imperial Family was actually not bad; otherwise, there wouldn't be a Zhenwu Division to restrain Martial Artists and protect the lives of ordinary people.

A moment later, the elder returned, holding three neatly bound booklets, and placed them gently on the table.

"Young Master, the two Earth Rank martial arts, plus the most complete secret files on the Xia Kingdom's princes, are all here."

Without a word, Lin Qing tucked the booklets into his robe, put on his hood, and with a swift movement, turned and left decisively.

The elder stood in place, watching Lin Qing's departing back and sighing inwardly. Having provoked such a young Prodigy, the Crown Prince's position was likely going to be hard to keep.

...

Meanwhile, inside the majestic East Palace, the lights were brightly lit.

The head eunuch who had returned during the day was bowing his head, reporting the details of the trip to the Crown Prince seated above, his words filled with subtle slander and resentment.

"Your Highness, that Lin Qing is truly too arrogant and wild, filled with the ferocity of the mountains and possessing no sense of hierarchy or etiquette!"

The eunuch's voice was feminine, every word carrying dissatisfaction:

"For over twenty days, your servant repeatedly tried to persuade him with Your Highness's kindness and treated him well, yet he always met me with a cold Face, showing no respect for the East Palace."

"Ordinary scholars and Martial Artists would be grateful and bow in loyalty upon receiving Your Highness's favor. Only this boy, conceited because of his talent, is completely obstinate. Although he followed us into the capital, he has not a shred of intention to submit!"

The Crown Prince, seated in the main seat, heard these words, and his Face suddenly turned cold and dark, his aura instantly becoming sharp.

Bang!

With a loud crash, he suddenly raised his hand and slammed it heavily onto the gold-painted sandalwood desk. The cups on the table rattled, and tea splashed everywhere.

“Hmph! A mere commoner from the countryside, who by luck gained some cultivation, dares to put on an air of lofty purity before this Prince. He doesn't know the height of the heavens or the depth of the earth!”

Coldness surged in the Crown Prince's eyes, his anger fully revealed.

He pondered for a moment and then gave a cold order:

"Pass my command. In three days, set a banquet at Yanyu Tower to host Lin Qing."

"If at the banquet in three days, he is still stubborn and fails to recognize the situation..."

Killing intent was laid bare in the Crown Prince's eyes, every word chillingly cold,

"Then let Elder Mo take action and slay this boy on the spot! No matter how high the talent, if one is arrogant, untamable, and cannot be used by me, there is no benefit in keeping them—only future trouble!"

The attendants in the hall all bowed their heads and held their breath; no one dared to make a sound. Within the East Palace, a murderous aura suddenly arose.

...

The night grew even deeper. Past the third watch, Qinghui Post House was silent.

Lin Qing had already returned from the black market. He quietly went back to his room, closed the doors and windows, and flipped through the secret files of the princes in his arms.

Just then, the night wind stirred slightly, and an extremely obscure figure in black quietly arrived outside the window.

Although Lin Qing had not yet condensed Divine Thought, his five senses were already sharp to the extreme, far exceeding ordinary martial experts.

Before the other party's figure had even fully approached, the faint air fluctuations and the light sound of footsteps had already entered his perception.

At this moment, his right hand gripped the hilt of the long saber at his side, and his Blood Qi quietly circulated, his edge restrained but ready to strike.

However, the aura of the person outside the window was peaceful, with no killing intent.

A moment later, the visitor raised a hand and lightly tapped on the wooden window lattice.

Tock, tock, tock.

Three light taps, the rhythm steady and the etiquette perfect.

Lin Qing's eyes flickered. He temporarily suppressed the killing intent around him, wanting to see what the purpose of this late-night visitor was. He stood up, stepped forward, and pushed open the wooden window.

The window opened to reveal a black-clad figure standing with a bow, his aura restrained. It was the secret guard who had been beside Xiao Jingming.

The man looked up and respectfully handed over a neatly sealed plain letter, his tone humble and steady: "Young Master Lin Qing."

"My master specifically ordered me to come and invite you to a banquet for a meeting tomorrow."

Lin Qing reached out and took the letter, his fingertips rubbing the paper's surface. His expression was calm as he spoke softly, "Who is your master?"

The secret guard did not hide it and told him directly: "My master is the current Seventh Prince, Prince Jing, Xiao Jingming."

Hearing this name, the contents of the Zangxiao Pavilion secret files he had just flipped through surfaced in Lin Qing's mind.

In the files, the evaluation of the Seventh Prince, Xiao Jingming, was extremely mild: gentle as jade, indifferent to fame and fortune, no heart for court power struggles, and a preference for scenery, poetry, and books. He was the most detached and least threatening of all the princes.

A deep, sharp glint flashed through Lin Qing's eyes, and a faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips.

Gentle and inactive? Detached from the world?

To be able to silently lie low in the capital where the undercurrents of imperial power struggles were surging, to secretly observe the situation, and to take the first step in recruiting him—where was there even a hint of being indifferent to fame and fortune?

This Seventh Prince hid too deeply; even Zangxiao Pavilion, with its intelligence spread throughout the court, had been deceived by him.

His thoughts shifted, and Lin Qing already had a decision in his heart. There was no need for him to choose deliberately anymore.

He looked up at the black-clad secret guard:

"Go back and tell your master that I have accepted this invitation."