205: Anger and Scheme

The stagnant air in the study was torn open by the sound of Zhu Changpo's departing footsteps, then it closed heavily again, as if even the morning light was dragged into an invisible vortex by this gloom.

Situ Jun stood before the window, his back as solid as a mountain.

Although he had tried his best to restrain the surging hostility around him, that invisible pressure was still like thick ink that wouldn't dissolve, making the rising morning sun outside the window lose some of its warmth.

His fingertips rubbed the several eye-catching cracks on the Jade Slip; the cold touch was like Li Xuan's hypocritical decree, piercing into his marrow bit by bit.

"Help the Dynasty obtain the Legacy, and perhaps be reinstated?"

Situ Jun let out a cold sneer in his heart; how was this a deal?

It was clearly a step-by-step death warrant!

Using Princess as a hostage to lure him deep into the dangerous lands of the Southern Frontier. Then, using the name of "dereliction of duty" to strip him of the Northern Frontier City he had painstakingly built! Even if the Legacy wasn't obtained in the end, Li Xuan could logically take back the military power of the Northern Frontier, and would even be happy to see him buried in the chaos of the Southern Frontier.

One ring linked to another, extremely vicious!

"Li Xuan... do you really think I'm meat on a chopping block, to be slaughtered at your will?"

A low, raspy cold laugh rolled through his throat:

"Unfortunately, for all your calculations, you failed to account for the fact that my Cultivation is not at the Golden Core Stage!"

He slowly turned around, the churning anger in his eyes having settled into a bottomless cold pool, so deep it made one's heart skip a beat.

His gaze swept across the shattered teacup on the desk; the cold tea soaked the broken white porcelain, just like the hypocritical veil of warmth between him and the royal power, now completely shattered, leaving only cold calculations confronting each other in the air.

"Creak—"

The study door was gently pushed open a crack, and Shen Xingwan's worried, pretty face peeked in.

She didn't dare come in, only standing at the door, her clear eyes like a startled fawn, cautiously looking at him with a silent inquiry.

The morning light outlined her slender figure, her moon-white skirt fluttering lightly against the threshold in the breeze, like a secluded orchid quietly poking into the edge of a storm, carrying its own tranquility.

The ice in Situ Jun's eyes quietly melted a corner the moment it touched her figure.

He took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the surging killing intent and anger in his chest, and managed to squeeze a gentle smile onto his face, beckoning to her:

"Xingwan, come here."

Only then did Shen Xingwan gently push open the door and walk quickly to his side, her gaze keenly catching the lingering coldness between his brows and the shattered teacup on the table.

Her heart tightened, and she subconsciously reached out to cover his clenched fist, which felt ice-cold to the touch.

"Husband... is it... did something happen in the Northern Frontier?" Her voice was soft and light, with cautious comfort.

Situ Jun took her cool hand in his, pulled her into his arms, wrapped his other arm around her waist, and rested his chin on the soft crown of her head.

The clear, light fragrance of her hair lingered around his nose, as if this thread of warmth could extinguish the flames in his heart.

"Yes."

He gave a low response and did not hide it:

"Li Xuan has dismissed me from my position as the City Lord of the Northern Frontier."

Shen Xingwan's body tensed instantly, and she suddenly looked up at him, her eyes full of shock and disbelief:

"What? He... how dare he?! Now that the unrest in the Southern Frontier has not been settled, to temporarily replace the City Lord of the Northern Frontier, to change generals at the last minute—isn't he afraid the Northern Frontier will be... by the Great Zhou..."

Before she could finish, her voice was trembling with anger, the indignation she felt for him written clearly on her face.

"He is playing with fire."

Situ Jun's voice calmed down, but the coldness beneath that calm was even more intense:

"He's betting that the Zhou Dynasty won't invade, and even more, he's betting he can use the Great Zhou's blade to eliminate my influence in the Northern Frontier. Taking a step back, even if the Great Zhou doesn't invade the Northern Frontier, his actions are nothing more than wanting to shake my Foundation and force me to risk my life in the Southern Frontier so he can completely control the Northern Frontier."

When he looked down, he met her cheeks, flushed with anger, and her clear eyes reflecting his slightly cold, hard silhouette.

The surging violence in his heart strangely calmed down a few more points.

He gently stroked her lower abdomen; it was still flat, yet it already carried the most precious future of him and her, as well as the reason why he had to become stronger and colder.

"Don't worry."

His voice grew softer, carrying an unquestionable power:

"The Northern Frontier will always be Situ Jun's Northern Frontier. Even if Li Xuan is the Sovereign, his hand cannot reach in. Zhu Changpo has already gone back to take charge; I have my own arrangements. He thinks dismissing me can take away the Northern Frontier? Wishful thinking!"

Feeling the warmth from his palm and that steady certainty, Shen Xingwan's rapid heartbeat gradually calmed down.

She believed in his ability and felt even more heartache for the pressure he was under. She gently pressed her cheek against his solid chest, listening to that steady and powerful heartbeat, and said softly:

"Husband, no matter what happens, I am by your side."

These words were like the warmest spring, instantly filling Situ Jun's heart, which had been scorched by anger.

He tightened his arms, holding her firmly in his embrace, as if embracing the whole world and drawing the courage to oppose the entire Dynasty.

"I know."

His voice was slightly raspy, carrying deep attachment:

"Therefore, the trip to the Southern Frontier is something I must do, and I am determined to succeed. It's not just for the Legacy Li Xuan wants, but for us, for our child, for... Princess and the child in her womb."

A flash of complex pain and determination crossed his eyes.

Princess was trapped in the deep palace, pregnant, and her situation would only be more dangerous and difficult than Shen Xingwan's.

He had to be faster and stronger!

He not only had to obtain power sufficient to deter Li Xuan but also possess the capital to bring her out of the Royal City openly and safely!

Shen Xingwan felt the change in his emotions and understood in her heart. She gave a soft "mm," not asking for details, but just leaning close to him, giving him silent support.

The two embraced quietly for a moment, and the cold, murderous atmosphere in the study was actually mostly dissipated by this silent warmth.

"Alright."

Situ Jun released her, reached up to tidy the slightly messy hair at her temples, his tone having returned to its usual steadiness:

"Don't let these matters disturb your mind. Didn't the Embroiderer say she would take you to pick fabrics for new clothes? Go on, pick more colors you like, festive ones are fine too."

Shen Xingwan looked at his deliberately relaxed expression, knowing he was changing the subject because he didn't want her to worry too much.

She nodded obediently, broke into a smile, and tried to dispel the gloom between her brows:

"Okay, I'll go now. Husband, you..."

"I'll handle some matters and come shortly," Situ Jun said warmly, watching her turn and leave.

The moment the door closed, the gentleness on his face instantly vanished, replaced once again by a deep and inscrutable cold hardness.

He walked behind the desk and sat down, his fingertips lightly tapping on the tabletop in a rhythmic sound, much like his rapidly spinning thoughts.

Northern Frontier:

Zhu Changpo is taking back a large number of Medicinal Pills and treasures to enhance Cultivation; in a short time, he can promote five to eight Golden Core Cultivators.

The risk is enormous, but the reward is even higher!

Once successful, the Northern Frontier will be impregnable.

He needed to deduce the steps in more detail to ensure nothing went wrong.

At the same time, the "Shadow's" mission to protect Princess must be absolutely secret and efficient; any slight leak could put Princess in danger.

Royal City:

The movements of Li Xuan and that mysterious State Preceptor are of the utmost importance. Especially the details of the State Preceptor's Cultivation, which directly relates to the outcome of future conflicts. He needed the intelligence network to probe further into the core of the Royal City.

Southern Frontier:

Wang Cheng's side is a key link. Bai Yu and the others are deep in dangerous territory and must have sufficiently strong support and cover. The manpower Wang Cheng took to the Southern Frontier are the nails Situ Jun secretly planted.

He needed to immediately draft a detailed set of instructions, clarifying Wang Cheng's direction of action, contact methods, and timing for support. At the same time, regarding the information on Daoist Ming Ya's Legacy, he also needed to use all his power to gather it, knowing himself and his enemy.

East Lin City:

The manor seems peaceful on the surface, but undercurrents are surging. The news of Shen Xingwan's pregnancy is an absolute secret that must not be leaked! The Embroiderer is meticulous and must have guessed something; he could secretly entrust her to pay more attention to Xingwan's diet and daily life.

Clear threads intertwined, collided, and took shape in Situ Jun's mind.

He picked up a blank Jade Slip, and his Divine Sense, like a Dragon or snake, began to imprint one instruction after another.

Runes flowed on the Jade Slip, carrying cold decisiveness for slaughter, much like a blade about to be unsheathed...