Gate of God

Chapter 556: A Dramatic Change in Identity

Flame Capital City, within a rustic and elegant compound.

A white figure could be seen in the courtyard, filled with the fragrance of flowers. Under the illumination of the moonlight, a long shadow could be seen.

“Young Master!” A figure walked towards the entrance of the courtyard and immediately knelt down.

“Is it all prepared?” The white figure slowly turned around and stared at the figure who just entered the courtyard. The white veil on her face fluttered ever so slightly.

“Young Master, everything is ready. However, there was a fire at the Crown Prince Residence tonight. Domain Chief Ying Feng is worried that it may affect our plan. Hence, he sent me to ask for Young Master’s opinion,” The figure said.

“Hm… it is normal that Domain Chief Ying Feng will have this worry. Has the issue been thoroughly investigated?” The white figure nodded before asking.

“The security alert around the Crown Prince Residence is high. There are more guards than usual after the fire. Hence, despite plating spies in the Crown Prince Residence way beforehand, we have only found a few things. First, there were two spots that caught fire, with the majority of the damage being done to the study room. Secondly, the secret chamber that was revealed underneath the main study room was instigated by a few letters Fang Zhengzhi claimed to have picked up. Lastly, no one knows about the specific details of the letter, although the Emperor was infuriated upon seeing the content.”

“Letter?”

“Yes, from what I know, the content of the letter should have direct connections with the secret chamber underneath the study room. Fang Zhengzhi claims that he found those letters on the site. However, I believe that Fang Zhengzhi had prepared the letters way beforehand, and took the chance to present it to the Majesty. Although…”

“Although what?”

“Although the Majesty had found the secret chamber according to the content of the letter. He did not enter the secret chamber and conduct an investigation. This was akin to not punishing the Crown Prince despite concrete evidence that he was in cahoots with some courtiers. He simply let him go scot free. Hence, from my perspective, Fang Zhengzhi’s plan must have failed!”

“Failed?” The white figure started thinking after hearing those words. After which, the figure then shook her head and said, “Many a time, things that seemed to have failed on the surface might be very successful. Perhaps there are still some things we have not realized. You mentioned that Fang Zhengzhi found more than one letter, am I right?”

“Yes!”

“A few letters… I understand now! You can stop the investigation into the case. How is the situation over at Ten Mile Lake? Is Yan Qianli still at Ten Mile Lake?” The white figure nodded and continued asking.

“Yes, based on what I have investigated, Yan Qianli should be returning to the capital after staying at Ten Mile Lake for three days. However, no one knows why she had not returned to the capital.” The other figure then answered.

“It seems like an accident will happen for our plan this time around,” The white figure then closed her eyes and frowned slightly.

“Then… should we still continue on our plan?”

“Yes. Do everything as per normal. No plan can be perfect. There is bound to be some accidents. I do not mind this one bit,” The white figure shook her head and said.

“Yes! Then I will report back to the Domain Chief!” The figure then nodded before leaving.

The white figure then once again opened her eyes and lifted her head to look at the bright moon and glimmering stars, “Fang Zhengzhi, both of us have chosen the “sparrow” role this time around. However, who will be the true sparrow?”

She sat down elegantly and strummed the Chinese instrument delicately, immersing herself in the melodious tune.

It was not a long distance from the Crown Prince Residence to the palace. However, Fang Zhengzhi had been walking for a full 30 minutes and they had not reached their destination.

The reason was simple…

The Emperor Lin Mubai was walking very slowly.

How then, can Fang Zhengzhi walk fast?

Of course, Lin Mubai was not really walking. He was seated comfortably in a huge carriage. Fang Zhengzhi, Yan Xiu, Ping Yang and the rest were also on this same carriage.

It was extremely spacious and decorated with luxurious statues. Even with the six of them in it, there was still plenty of space.

“Father, do you have something to say? Why did you call everyone in?” Ping Yang blinked her eyes and stared at Lin Mubai, who was keeping his eyes half-closed.

“Of course!” Lin Mubai opened his eyes and stared at Ping Yang. Following which, he patted Ping Yang lightly on the head and cast his glance at Fang Zhengzhi, saying, “Fang Zhengzhi, speak. What do you want from me?”

“A mansion hundred over square miles in area!” Fang Zhengzhi immediately said without any hesitation.

“Hundred over square miles? Are you trying to build a palace?” Lin Mubai stared at Fang Zhengzhi in shock before gritting his teeth and said, “Alright, I’ll allow it. However, Flame Capital City do not have such huge land space for you. You find your own place and I’ll send people over to build it for you!”

“It would be for naught if I merely have the residence. I need servants who can clean and serve me in the residence,” Fang Zhengzhi added.

“Rest assured. Since I have already promised you a residence, I will definitely give you servants and a cook as well. It comes as a package!” Lin Mubai could feel his wealth slowly depleting.

“I also want to abolish tax for the Northern Mountain Village and the other eight villages within a ten-mile radius from it!”

“I can understand that you would want to abolish tax for the Northern Mountain Village. After all, that is where you were born and raised. But why the eight villages within a ten-mile radius as well?” Lin Mubai was perplexed at the request.

“Because I can!” Fang Zhengzhi calmly replied.

Lin Mubai was dumbfounded and gritted his teeth while he said, “Alright then, because you can. I will promise you all of that. Do you have anything else you want?”

“Nothing else.” Fang Zhengzhi shook his head.

“No more? Are you sure? I have such a big secret in your hands. The notorious Fang Zhengzhi only wants a mansion and some tax-free shenanigans from me? I was already prepared to part with a huge proportion of my wealth. Are you sure you are going to let me go so easily?” Lin Mubai said in disbelief.

“There is truly nothing else I want,” Fang Zhengzhi once again shook his head.

“Alright then, since you are done, I will promise you all this on one condition!” Lin Mubai smiled as his eyes gleamed.

“I will not do anything too troublesome!” Fang Zhengzhi seemed to have predicted Lin Mubai would have a request. He did not seem surprised.

The Emperor?

All who were able to sit on the throne were considered a dragon amongst men. That meant that they were extremely shrewd and intelligent!

Since he had already promised to part with a mansion more than hundred square miles in area, why would he not request something from Fang Zhengzhi as well?

“It won’t be troublesome at all,” Lin Mubai gave a mysterious smile.

“Then please speak.”

“It would be enough for you to know this fact. I am tired and wish to return to the palace now. I will send my instructions to Ping Yang Residence a few days later. You guys may return as well.” Lin Mubai did not intend to continue the conversation. He merely stared at Fang Zhengzhi then at Ping Yang.

“Father, will third brother…” Ping Yang opened her mouth to speak as her pair of clear eyes sparkled with worry.

“One can forgive a sin committed by the heavens, but not one committed by himself! I only hope that he learns his lesson from this incident!” Lin Mubai spoke as his face was overwhelmed with worry.

“Then…” Ping Yang was slightly hesitant.

“It is late. Let’s all go back and rest,” Lin Mubai said.

“Then, we will be going!” Ping Yang nodded and stopped asking.

Yan Xiu and Nangong Mu did not say anything as well. In fact, they kept silent the moment they boarded the carriage.

Similarly, Wen Dabao also fell silent the entire time. He had an incredulous look on his face. This was because he still had not figured out what exactly happened.

Didn’t the Emperor say to accompany him for a walk?

Was this all?

Furthermore, why did the Emperor bestow Fang Zhengzhi with a mansion hundred square miles wide in area? He even abolished tax for the Northern Mountain Village and many other villages. He even thought that these requests were too little?

What was going on? Might it be due to the letters?

Those letters…

What exactly did they contain?

Furthermore, what did Ping Yang’s words meant? What did the Emperor mean as well? What did he mean by one could forgive a crime committed by the heavens, but not one committed by oneself?

Wen Dabao stared at Ping Yang, then at Fang Zhengzhi, Yan Xiu and Nangong Mu.

He was completely confused.

Two days later.

Law of Dao Imperial Examinations had officially begun.

These two days could be said to be the busiest two days for Flame Capital City. There had been many interesting happenings that filled the teahouses and restaurants with unending discussion topics.

However, on the official date of the Imperial Examinations, all the focus was still rightfully turned back onto the most prestigious examination in the Great Xia Dynasty.

Since early morning.

The Flame Capital City was in a lively and busy state. Countless students planning to sit for the examinations stood waiting at the entrance of the Imperial Academy, waiting to enter the examination grounds.

Nangong Mu, who was dressed inconspicuously, also stood within these candidates.

He did not make any attention-grabbing actions. However, he still attracted lots of attention and became the topic of discussion the moment he appeared.

“The last time, Nangong Mu got the top three in the Theory Examination. However, he was unlucky in the Combat Examination as he met Fang Zhengzhi, resulting in his disappointing overall results. Nangong Mu should be able to clinch the top place this time around!”

“I don’t think that would be a problem. I’m just curious how much Nangong Mu had grown in two years?”

“Two years ago, Nangong Mu had already reached the pinnacle of the Heavenly Reflection State. Could he have reached the Supernatural State by now?”

“I don’t know… After all, it is too difficult to progress from the Heavenly Reflection State to the Supernatural State. Alas, he is Nangong Mu, the brother of the prodigy Nangong Hao. No one knows.”

“That’s right. After all, he is Nangong Hao’s brother!”

The candidates discussed softly within themselves. However, no one dared to approach him, only observing him from afar.

At that moment, three other figures also appeared from afar.

They were Fang Zhengzhi, Yan Xiu, and Ping Yang.

The still looked the same. However, the situation this time was different from the Imperial Examinations two years ago. Fang Zhengzhi’s appearance immediately caused the prospective candidates to make way for him.

“It’s Fang Zhengzhi!”

“Why is he still here? Didn’t he already pass the Imperial Examinations?”

“Perhaps, he is only here to see Nangong Mu.”

All the candidates stood at two sides of the Imperial Academy and stared at the three of them with a hint of curiosity in their eyes.

Fang Zhengzhi did not care about the discussion going on within the candidates.

He then walked towards Nangong Mu and stared at the closed front door of the Imperial Academy before pouting in dissatisfaction.

“Open the door!” Fang Zhengzhi shouted at the guards on two sides of the entrance.

“Open the door?”

“He is telling the Imperial Academy guards to open the door?”

“Are you kidding, who does he think he is?”

Everyone was shocked upon hearing Fang Zhengzhi’s words. They then started looking at him with a condescending look on their faces.

However, the moment the guards heard Fang Zhengzhi’s words, they exchanged glances before quickly opening the door of the Imperial Academy.

“Lord Fang, please!” The guards shouted with respect after opening the door.

The scene was clearly observed by all the candidates. They looked at the scene with widened eyes and dropped jaws, unable to react to the situation.

Fang Zhengzhi, on the other hand, did not hesitate and entered the Imperial Academy immediately.

Everyone was dumbfounded.

“He went in?”

“Why can he enter? I thought the Imperial Examination had not yet started!”

“What is going on?’

The candidates stared at one another with a perplexed expression.

But the truth was that…

Fang Zhengzhi had entered the Imperial Academy.

Furthermore, he entered it through the front door righteously, together with Yan Xiu and Ping Yang at his side. He also experienced no obstructions at all.

After a moment, the sound of a gong came from the inside of the Imperial Academy.

All the candidates seemed to be rudely awakened from their thoughts as well. They stopped thinking about Fang Zhengzhi and started recollecting their thoughts.

At that moment, the door of the Imperial Academy opened from the inside.

Two lines of guards swiftly walked out from the Imperial Academy. Dozens of Imperial Academy Invigilators clad in black robes followed after.

After which…

Everyone was once again dumbfounded.

Apart from the guards and the invigilators, there was one more person walking in the middle of this huge congregation. He was wearing a brand new black Imperial robe with a dazzling “Li” word carved on the chest area.

He was also holding a golden scroll on one hand.

“Fang Zhengzhi!”

“He… might he be…”

“How can this be!”

“Fang Zhengzhi is the Chief Examiner for this Imperial Examination?”

All the candidates stared at Fang Zhengzhi with widened eyes. They had never expected such a thing to happen.

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Chapter 557: Times Have Changed

Fang Zhengzhi…

The Chief Examiner?

This was unbelievable no matter how you looked at it.

The Imperial Examination was of utmost importance in the capital. The person who passed the Imperial Examination would be able to become an official in court. The Chief Examiner was the person who wielded the highest authority in this highly regarded examination.

He could destroy a candidate’s future with just a sentence or conversely, he could pave the way for another candidate if he wanted to. It was not an understatement to say that the Chief Examiner was the most important figure in this examination.

“This is not possible, this is an illusion!”

“How can Fang Zhengzhi be the Chief Examiner this time. He is not even 18 years old!”

“How can this be? This must be the first time since the founding of the Great Xia Dynasty that the Chief Examiner for the Imperial Examination is younger than 18 years old!”

All of the candidates stared at Fang Zhengzhi, who was standing in the middle of all the invigilators. After all. This was absurd.

‘Master Fang, can we begin?” Just as the candidates were having doubts, an invigilator walked towards Fang Zhengzhi and asked in a respectful manner.

“Yes, you may begin,” Fang Zhengzhi nodded his head and handed the golden scroll in his hand over.

“Yes!” The invigilator took over the golden scroll with both hands before slowly retreating back two steps. He then coughed softly before he opened the scroll, “By orders of His Majesty, Fang Zhengzhi has been bestowed the title of Chief Imperial Messenger of the Imperial Academy. He is a Rank 2 Official and currently enjoys the royal endowment. He will also be the Chief Examiner for this Law od Dao Imperial Examination!”

“Royal Rank 2 Official!”

“Oh my dear lord, he is really the Chief Examiner for this Imperial Examination!”

“A Chief Examiner younger than 18 years old. This must be the first since the founding of the Great Xia Dynasty. Furthermore, he has already been bestowed the title of a Rank 2 official and has the royal endowment! This is akin to the treatment received by the Six Council Officials!”

As the candidates listened to the content of the royal message, they were all dumbfounded. This result was not something they had expected.

This was because…

Just a few days ago…

When Fang Zhengzhi entered Flame Capital City together with Chi Hou and Yan Xiu from the Divine Constabulary, he was still a criminal. However, he was now already the Chief Imperial Messenger of the Imperial Academy, the Ministry of Rites Official, and enjoying the royal endowment.

How preposterous was that?

No one would believe it. However, the truth was right in front of their eyes.

At that moment, all the candidates stared at Fang Zhengzhi, the youngest Chief Examiner of the Imperial Examinations in the history of the Great Xia Dynasty, the person who was in control of their fates.

Thoughts then flashed through their mind.

Capital Examinations Double Roll Champion, Prefectural Examinations Double Roll Champion, Imperial Examination Double Roll Champion and Court Examination Double Roll Champion. This was the greatest achievement ever in the history of the Law od Dao Examination. Till date, no one had ever surpassed that amazing feat.

Furthermore, he was also the main architect of the Southern Region Battle scheme and the guy who once fought with half- saint demon Can Yang. Just one of this achievement would be enough to impress anyone.

However…

When all of these accolades were concentrated on a single individual, he then had the power and capabilities to become the youngest Chief Examiner for the Imperial Examinations.

The candidates exchanged glances and thought of the same thing. It was that Fang Zhengzhi had somehow become a mentor they must be grateful to if they passed this exam.

This was because their rankings in this examination would be personally handled by Fang Zhengzhi. In that case, wouldn’t he be the mentor that all the successful candidates had to be grateful to?

Just thinking about calling a person younger than them their mentor…

The candidates felt dejected and worthless.

“It is about time. Let’s begin the examinations.” Fang Zhengzhi stared at the crowd of silent candidates and waved his hands, seemingly uninterested.

In fact, he had no interest in being the Chief Examiner whatsoever.

However…

This was the Emperor Lin Mubai’s request.

He had already accepted the gift of the hundred square miles mansion. Furthermore, the Majesty had personally sent the royal message down to Ping Yang Residence. He had no choice but to accept it.

“Yes!” The invigilator nodded and immediately rang the second bell, signaling the candidates to enter the examination grounds.

Gong!

The sound of the giant cymbal reverberated through the academy.

At that same time, all the candidates recollected their thoughts. When their gaze once again fell back onto Fang Zhengzhi who was in the middle of all the invigilators, no one else had any doubt in their hearts.

That was because, despite their will, it was not something that they could change.

Furthermore, casting aside Fang Zhengzhi’s background and character, he definitely had the capabilities and rights to be the Chief Examiner.

The reason was simple. He was the first person in history to have ever completed all six Imperial Examinations in one sitting and attained a perfect score in all of them.

This reason alone would suffice.

If such a person could not become the Chief Examiner, then who could?

Once the gong chimed, the Imperial Academy’s door opened as the guards and the invigilators separated themselves into two neat lines.

Fang Zhengzhi then stood in the center of the entrance. The proper decorum of the Law of Dao Examinations dictated that all candidates taking the examination would have to give a scholar salute to the Chief Examiner before entering the examination grounds.

The candidates queued up orderly and respectfully greeted Fang Zhengzhi and allowed themselves to be checked by the guards. Fang Zhengzhi was also unexpectedly serious, putting on a stern expression and keeping his back upright.

“Hm…”

“Very good!”

“Good job! Work hard!”

“Get a good grade!”

Under the warm encouragement of Fang Zhengzhi, all the candidates entered the examination grounds with slightly more confidence.

Nangong Mu seemed to have accepted this as well. After getting checked by the guards, he walked towards Fang Zhengzhi and bowed respectfully just like the other students.

Following which, he then waited patiently for Fang Zhengzhi’s words of encouragement.

He waited…

Then a voice rang beside his ears.

“Do you wish to be the champion? Just draw three circles on your exam paper!”

Nangong Mu felt his legs go wobbly and almost fell to the ground. He then stared calmly at Fang Zhengzhi, who was currently smiling cheerily at him.

What did this mean? The Chief Examiner was helping a specific candidate pass the examination? Three circles to be the champion? As he stared at Fang Zhengzhi’s face, Nangong Mu was fell speechless.

Alas…

This guy was truly shameless.

How could he have said those words in a setting as serious as the Imperial Examination? Furthermore, he was the Chief Examiner and he said it right in front of all the candidates.

“I want to prove myself using my own strength!” Nangong Mu said as he gritted his teeth.

“Hmm, commendable. Alright then, don’t blame me later on if I don’t recognize your script and decides to fail you,” Fang Zhengzhi shook his head and said regretfully.

Nangong Mu did not reply to that sentence and walked into the examination ground with a darkened face.

As the candidates listened to the conversation between Nangong Mu and Fang Zhengzhi, their faces also darkened. Could they really get the champion if they drew three circles?

No one could answer this question.

However, this information was like the plague. It instantly spread throughout the entire Imperial Academy. As long as one drew three circles on the paper, they would be able to get champion on the Theory Examination.

And the person who said this was none other than the Chief Examiner this time, Fang Zhengzhi, Master Fang!

“Shameless! Why would the Emperor choose this person to become the Chief Examiner? This is… this is just an insult to this highly regarded procedure that has been running through the Great Xia Dynasty for the past decades!” One of the courtiers shouted in rage as he heard this news.

This was especially so after the news of the three circles reached his ears. He felt a wave of rage and shame overwhelming him.

The few other courtiers that sat beside him also shook their heads as they were deep in discussion. They naturally disapproved of this action as well.

“However, while Fang Zhengzhi is really quite shameless, if we simply look at proficiency level in the Law of Dao, he is no doubt the most proficient in the entire Great Xia Dynasty,” The other courtiers said after thinking for a moment.

“Hmm indeed. If we look at the Law of Dao alone, I’m afraid that even Nangong Hao and Chi Guyan might not surpass Fang Zhengzhi!”

“Yes, Fang Zhengzhi’s proficiency in the Law of Dao is at least a hundred times higher than me!”

All the courtiers nodded their heads at this point.

While he was shameless,

Some things were true as well.

Completing six Imperial Examination papers within four hours was a feat that was unprecedented and probably impossible to surpass. To say that he would take the top place in the Great Xia Dynasty was not an overstatement.

“But his proficiency in the Law od Dao does not make him a good Chief Examiner. The character, sternness, and reputation of the Chief Examiner are important as well,” The enraged official was clearly displeased.

“Times has changed. It might not be bad that the Emperor is trying new things. It has been long since the court had seen some new blood,” The courtier patted his enraged friend on the shoulders as he said.

“Yes, Fang Zhengzhi was given the title of a Rank 2 Official this time and was even given the royal endowment. This is akin to the treatment received by the Six Council Officials!”

“I believe that Fang Zhengzhi is already not too far away from the Six Council Officials seat.”

“If that is the case, it would be terrifying. A member of the Six Council Officials, the Chief Imperial Messenger of the Imperial Academy, the mentor of the scholars, privilege of choosing the people he wants and favorable treatment from both the Emperor and Princess Ping Yang. Who… who else could go against him in court?”

“Should we get on his good side beforehand?”

“I feel that…”

“I’m sorry, guys! I have something on at home, I will be going!”

“I also remembered some urgent matters I have to settle, I will be going!”

“I’ll be going!”

“I mean… no one wants to foot the bill?” The enraged courtier widened his eyes and watched as his comrades leave one after another. He then stared at the table filled with delicacies and caressed his money pouch before his face went pale.

Flame Capital City, Royal Palace.

When everyone was concerned with the Imperial Examinations and Fang Zhengzhi, the royal palace seemed incredibly peaceful and calm.

Rows of royal guards clad in shining golden armor roamed the palace in an orderly and stern manner. Their spears reflected the blinding sunlight, casting warm glows all around.

The morning court session had ended even before the sun rose. Once the Imperial Examination began, the courtiers would also not enter the palace to request an audience with the Emperor.

For the palace which was usually filled with people….

It was truly a peaceful and calm day.

“We can finally rest for a day!”

“Yes, usually we would have to pick up courtiers after courtiers in and out of the palace. We cannot even stop to rest for a moment! My throat always feels like it is going to go hoarse any moment. It is finally time to rest!”

“Yes, it is only during the day of the Imperial Examination. After today, checking the scripts and reporting the scripts would be another long day of work.

The eunuchs who were in charge of sending messages in the palace yawned while they engaged in small conversations.

The female servants also got a rare break and they found a place with warm sunlight to rest. They stretched their tired bodies as they enjoyed the fragrance of the flowers coming from the Imperial Garden.

“How comfortable!”

“The concubines are all concerned about the Imperial Examinations. This puts a lot of pressure off our backs. We don’t have to serve them every moment of the day anymore.”

“At least we won’t get beaten up today!”

The servants showed an expression of bliss and relaxation.

While they were serving the concubines, they would often get a beating if the concubine got angry. However, today was different. All the concubines seemed to be wishing for good luck and would refrain from doing such actions.

After all, although they were in the palace.

Most of them were of noble backgrounds and would have one of their family members participating in the examinations. If they could pass the examination and become a member of the courtiers, it would be beneficial to the concubines themselves as well.

The palace today was neither crowded nor sinister. One could not hear the desperate screams of the female servants when they were getting beaten, nor could they hear the shrill voices of the eunuchs as they shouted.

Everything seemed exceptionally peaceful.

And at the entrance of the royal palace, on top of the high castle walls was a figure with an expression starkly different from the eunuchs and the female servants.

The golden armor enhanced her delicate and exquisite figure.

She had that heroic presence and coupled with her refined eyebrows, would send chills down anyone’s spine.

She was the commander of the Royal Guards, Chen Feihua.

She was also Imperial Concubine Hua Fei, the Emperor Lin Mubai’s favorite concubine.

“Reporting to the commander, it is time for your break!” At that moment a royal guard swiftly moved towards Chen Feihua and whispered.

By normal standards, Hua Fei was definitely of a higher rank than the commander of the Royal Guards,

However…

As long as Chen Feihua was wearing the armor of the Commander of the Roya Guards, no one in the palace was allowed to call her Hua Fei. Even the Emperor Lin Mubai had to call her the commander!

Naturally, this rule would not apply to the courtiers.

In Chen Feihua’s words, she was only in charge of the palace. She then should not have authority over what the courtiers outside of the palace and the Emperor’s children should call her.

“Alright, I got it,” Chen Feihua nodded and stared at the patrolling royal guards with an expressionless face.

Chapter 558: Time and Night Descends

A moment later, after Chen Feihua cast her glance through the entire palace, she retracted her gaze and swung her arms to release some tension before walking down the castle wall.

“Inform Vice Domain Chief Bai that he will be on shift tonight!”

‘Yes!” The guard nodded and answered immediately after receiving the command. He then quickly ran to report the message.

Chen Feihua then slowly walked deeper into the palace. After half an hour, she finally arrived at an elegant antique room.

The moment the few guards standing near the room saw Chen Feihua, they stood up in respect and pushed the door open carefully.

Chen Feihua then walked into the room.

A few female servants closed the door and helped Chen Feihua remove the armor on her body. They then helped her change into a dress before placing a pot of freshly brewed tea and a scroll in front of her.

“Is your Highness not on duty tonight?” The female servant lightly asked.

“No.” Chen Feihua shook her head.

“Then do you want me to inform Eunuch Wei, to call the Emperor here tonight?” The female servant nodded before asking.

“There is no need to. Please leave me. Without my command, do not let anyone disturb me.” Chen Feihua once again shook her head.

“Yes!” The few female servants then immediately retreated out of the room.

Chen Feihua’s eyes had never left the scroll that was passed to her. She used her porcelain-like fingers to gently flip the scroll.

In the palace filled with deceit, bribery, and schemes, Chen Feihua strived to do her best and fulfill her responsibility, as though nothing else mattered.

Within the Imperial Academy.

The Imperial Examination had already started. Countless candidates stared at the paper in front of them and were burying their heads in their essays. This Imperial Examinations contained six parts, as usual, and were as difficult as its predecessors.

All the candidates frowned upon seeing those questions.

“It is too difficult!”

“I’ve heard that in the previous examination, Fang Zhengzhi completed all six parts in four hours. I have no idea how he could have done it!”

“It is incredible!”

After experiencing the difficulty of the paper first-hand, all the candidates had a newfound respect for the Chief Examiner Fang Zhengzhi.

If their image of Fang Zhengzhi only came from rumors before this.

For example, he was a shameless individual born in a peasant family in the wilderness. He paid no attention to decorum and had never received any formal education growing up.

However…

Staring at the six-part paper in front of them, they knew that it was this exact person that did what they could never do in their lifetime. This was the person that became the Chief Examiner of the Imperial Examination, the Chief Imperial Messenger of the Imperial Academy and the mentor of the scholars before he even turned 18 years old.

Gong!

The sound signaled that it was nearly time to hand in the papers.

All the candidates were flustered. They stared at their half-completed paper and felt despair and dejected.

It was too difficult, they were not even close to completing the paper. The time given to them was merely four hours. It was too difficult to complete all the questions within the time limit.

Not to mention checking their work or paying attention to the nuances of the questions.

Were they really going to hand in their paper like this?

A decade of studying beside the cold and lonely window frame, just for a moment of fame in the Imperial Examination.

However, if they did not even complete the paper, how could they possibly make it to the roll? How could they then, gain fame and power?

“Three circles!”

As though struck by an epiphany, all the candidates with empty spots on their papers thought of this line Fang Zhengzhi said. As long as one drew three circles on the paper, they would have a chance to be conferred the title of champion in the Imperial Examination.

But, how should we draw these three circles?

Where then, should we draw them?

This was another difficult problem!

“Let’s go!”

“I am considered to be an exceptional artist, three circles is by no means difficult! Did he think this will be difficult enough to stop me?”

“I am going to draw the three most beautiful circles in this examination hall!”

As all the candidates put down their pens, the circles on their papers started appearing on by one. Following which, the sound signaling the candidates to hand in their papers rang.

Gong!

The candidates heaved a sigh of relief and looked at the circles on their paper with satisfaction. They then stared at the time and realized that it was almost noon.

Handing in a collecting the papers did not take too long.

As the candidates handed in their papers and sealed it with their names, a thick stack of exam papers were collected by the invigilators and kept into a secure room.

More than ten Imperial invigilators were already sitting in front of the table and looking at the thick stack of exam papers while rubbing their palms. It was time to showcase the results of their decades of study.

Fang Zhengzhi, Ping Yang and Yan Xiu then sat above them.

Normally, the moment the Imperial Examination concluded, the busiest procedure of script checking would begin. After all, it would not be long before they had to release the results. They only had time until the following day to do so. This meant that by sunset tomorrow, they had to finish vetting all the hundred over scripts.

Time could be said to be very tight.

“Master Fang, shall we start vetting right away?” An invigilator stared at the collected scripts before asking Fang Zhengzhi.

“There is no rush, let’s eat first.” Fang Zhengzhi had already sat down for long enough. He even felt an ache in his thighs and butt region. It would be impossible for him to begin the vetting procedure right away.

“This… Master Fang, vetting of the exam scripts had been an important and rushed event in the past years. If we deliberately set aside time to eat, I’m afraid time-wise…” The invigilator then stopped talking.

In the past, the vetting procedure was extremely insane. Eating was the least of their worries, all the invigilators had merely four hours to sleep each day.

To think that Fang Zhengzhi would suggest eating…

This undoubtedly raised doubts and worry in the minds of the invigilators. After all, they were not Fang Zhengzhi and would not be able to withstand the wrath of the Emperor. If the vetting of the scripts were indeed delayed, they would be the one getting punished.

“Relax, we have enough time,” Fang Zhengzhi said as shook his head, seemingly unworried.

“This…” The invigilators stared at each other as though they wanted to say something. However, once they cast their glance back at Fang Zhengzhi, they swallowed their words.

As for Ping Yang…

She looked like she was not able to stand it anymore as well.

Her aim of accompanying Fang Zhengzhi to the Imperial Academy was merely to experience what it was like to invigilate an Imperial Examination. As for the vetting of scripts, she had no interest in that.

“Yan Xiu, I am slightly hungry as well. Where are we headed to for lunch?” Ping Yang rubbed her stomach and stared at the nonchalant Yan Xiu.

“Unravel Restaurant,” Yan Xiu answered without any delay.

“Unravel Restaurant? Hm, not bad, although that place is slightly further away, their stewed pork appeals to my taste buds. Let’s go to Unravel Restaurant for lunch then. I am treating!” Ping Yang nodded in satisfaction before waving to the invigilators cheerily.

“Then let’s go to the Unravel Restaurant for lunch. All of us.” Fang Zhengzhi agreed with Ping Yang’s decision and walked towards the entrance.

All the invigilators stared at the three of them, dumbfounded. They were planning to go to the Unravel Restaurant which was so far away just to have a meal when the time was so tight?

This was something that was unprecedented.

However, the Chief Examiner had already spoken. They naturally could not go against his orders. After all, Fang Zhengzhi was the Chief Imperial Messenger of the Imperial Academy, that was to say, their boss.

Therefore…

All of them headed out of Imperial Academy.

Under the horrified and perplexed gazes of the candidates who just left the academy, they head towards the Unravel Restaurant.

“What is happening? The invigilators are not going to vet the scripts?”

“They went out together?”

“Are they actually going to eat?”

“That cannot be. In the past, weren’t the invigilators extremely busy? How can they have time to go out for a meal?”

All the candidates had an incredulous expression on their face.

After which, they saw a bunch of invigilators led by Fang Zhengzhi and Ping Yang walked a total of an hour before they stepped into a place called Unravel Restaurant.

“They are really going to eat!”

All the candidates stared at the scene with widened eyes.

At the same time, the candidates who were celebrating the end of their examinations in the Unravel Restaurant also stared at the scene with shock. They were staring at Fang Zhengzhi and the invigilators entering the restaurant.

“Am I seeing things?”

“I think I am too!”

“The invigilators are actually coming to such a far place just to eat. Shouldn’t they be vetting the scripts in the academy?”

No candidates believed what they saw. However, the truth was that the bunch of invigilators, Fang Zhengzhi and Ping Yang included just brazenly walked into a room on the second floor.

Then…

The Flame Capital City burst into a fanatical discussion once again!

Almost all the courtiers received the same news. After the Imperial Examination, not only did Fang Zhengzhi not vet the scripts, he even went to a restaurant in the South of the city called the Unravel Restaurant to have lunch.

“What is Fang Zhengzhi thinking? Isn’t he afraid that he would not have enough time?”

“The Majesty gave him such an important job but he is making a fool out of himself! Heading halfway across the city just to have lunch? I have to reprimand him for this!”

“Forget it, he is now protected by the Emperor. Even the Crown Prince cannot do anything to him, you reprimanding him? Do you still want to live?”

“Just what, I want to see if he truly can finish vetting all the scripts in the allocated time. If he doesn’t, how is he going to explain to the Majesty?”

The courtiers felt that Fang Zhengzhi’s actions were unruly and disrespectful. However, under such circumstances, they could do nothing to change the situation.

Therefore…

They could only wait.

…

Fang Zhengzhi took his time with the meal. After the main course, he even ordered a plate of fruits and only finished his meal after two hours.

The invigilators were already extremely anxious and some could not even sit still. By the time they exited the restaurant, the sun was already setting and the sky had begun to turn dark.

“Master Fang, shall we vet the scripts now?”

“There is no rush, let’s take a nap and start vetting tomorrow,” Fang Zhengzhi shook his head before burping and stretching his body. He seemed relaxed.

Waking up early in the morning then invigilating.

How troublesome.

This was what Fang Zhengzhi was thinking at the moment. If possible, he truly did not want to be involved with something that requires so much effort but gives so little in return.

“Master Fang, please spare us. We are merely invigilators! If we delay the vetting of the scripts, we may be beheaded!”

“Yes, Master Fang, we better start vetting the scripts now!”

“We have to release the results the following day, if we only have a day to vet tomorrow, it will be impossible to finish vetting all the scripts!”

The courtiers almost knelt down to beg for Fang Zhengzhi to start vetting the scripts.

The important of the Imperial Examinations knew no bounds.

If they did not complete the vetting within the allocated time, no one knew what the consequences were. In fact, it had never happened.

“Fang Zhengzhi, are you sure that you can finish vetting all the scripts within a day?” Ping Yang stared at the pained expression on the faces of all the courtiers before casting her glance at the relaxed Fang Zhengzhi. She then grew slightly doubtful. After all, she had some understanding regarding the vetting of the Imperial Examination scripts.

“One day?” Fang Zhengzhi pouted before saying, “I am thinking of vetting all the scripts in four hours. How tiring must it be to vet for a full day!”

“Four hours?”

“How can this be, there are a few hundred scripts waiting for us to vet! From the initial vetting to the second stage, every script has to pass through at least five invigilators. After which, we still have to…”

“That is impossible!”

The other invigilators also widened their eyes upon hearing this brazen declaration.

If there was an answer script, then it might be possible to finish vetting all the scripts in a day. However, the Imperial Examination required answers that were up to interpretation.

In others words, many things require careful consideration and logical reasoning.

Under such circumstances, it required a few invigilators to discuss and finally agree upon whether the candidate’s interpretation was of first-class or second-class and so on.

Furthermore, every script had to be vetted by more than five invigilators. When all give invigilators were done, they would then send it over for the second-round of vetting.

Let’s not say four hours…

Time would be extremely tight even if they had two days.

“Master Fang, this is not a joking matter. May Master Fang return to vet the scripts immediately. We are prepared to sacrifice out sleep and give it our all!” A courtier said with ambition and resolve.

“Yes, please order for us to return and start vetting the scripts!” The other invigilators nodded in agreement and shouted.

“You guys truly don’t want to rest for the night and want to start immediately?” Fang Zhengzhi stared helplessly at this bunch of invigilators as he said.

“Yes!” The invigilators nodded.

“Alright then, let’s start now!” Fang Zhengzhi stared at the sky and finally agreed.

“Thank you, my lord!” All the invigilators heaved a sigh of relief upon hearing Fang Zhengzhi’s agreement. They then hurried back to the Imperial Academy.

Ping Yang, on the other hand, followed behind curiously.

As for Yan Xiu, he seemed exceptionally calm and not worried at all.

It did not take long for the invigilators to return to the Imperial Academy. They ran back to their tables and stared at the huge stack of scripts as a worried expression inevitably appeared on their faces.

“Start vetting!” Fang Zhengzhi gave the command.

“Yes!” The invigilators nodded and started giving out the scripts.

“Pick out the scripts that have circles on them. Then, discard all of them,” Fang Zhengzhi said as he stared at the invigilators allocating the scripts.

“What?”

All the invigilators were dumbfounded at this request. They all stopped in their tracks and stared at Fang Zhengzhi with widened eyes, not able to react to the situation.

All those who drew circles on their scripts would fail the test?

What was going on?

They had all heard Fang Zhengzhi mention that those who drew circles would have the chance at getting the champion spot! They were even prepared to pay extra notice to those who drew circles on their paper.

Why did Fang Zhengzhi suddenly change his mind?

“Master Fang, this… might not be very appropriate?”

“Yes, will it be fair if we do this?”

“Although this would ensure that we have enough time, but if we really go through with this…”

The invigilators all voiced out their concerns. This method of script vetting was undoubtedly too flippant for an exam as prestigious as the Imperial Examination.

Was this guy really just going to just fool around?

At that moment, all the invigilators had this thought in their mind. They stared at Fang Zhengzhi’s flippant demeanor and helplessly sighed.

“It seems like you people don’t believe my judgment. Let’s do this. Pick a few random scripts with circles on them and take a look. You will believe me then.” Fang Zhengzhi could, of course, guess their thoughts upon seeing the expression on their faces. However, he was not eager to explain himself. He merely pointed to the stack of scripts in front of them.

Although the invigilators had doubts about Fang Zhengzhi’s speech, they still acted quickly.

Following which…

All of them started frowning.

he scripts circulated amongst the invigilators and were eventually cast aside.

“What is this person writing?”

“He dared to hand in a script with such a huge part unanswered?”

“This… they are all…”

After the invigilators were done with ten scripts, the expression on their faces changed. They stared at the scripts with circles on them and fell speechless.

“Do I have to say it again?” Fang Zhengzhi smiled and looked at the invigilators below.

“No… you don’t have to!”

“Master Fang’s insights is truly incomparable!”

“The scripts with circles are truly not worthy of consideration. Master Fang is right! There is no unfairness in this!”

The invigilators then exchanged glances and nodded.

“Then let’s begin,” Fang Zhengzhi nodded.

“Yes!” The invigilators immediately replied.

Following which, the scripts with circles were singled out and cast aside. A few invigilators who were still not bought over briefly glanced through these scripts as they were put aside.

However, they all shook their head in disagreement.

After the filtering, only around sixty scripts remained. All the scripts with circles were singled out and placed at one side.

It was naturally much easier to vet sixty scripts than the hundred over that they were tasked to do originally.

Four hours later.

The list of names who passed the Imperial Examinations was finalized.

“Alright then. We are almost done. You people finalize the list and send in the results to your Majesty!” Fang Zhengzhi stared at the list and stretched before preparing to leave the area.

The moment Ping Yang heard this sentence, she immediately opened her eyes. It was almost four hours since the vetting began, she had already become impatient. If not for her curiosity with Fang Zhengzhi’s vetting methods, she would already have returned to Ping Yang Residence.

“Can we leave already?”

“Yes!” Fang Zhengzhi nodded.

“We are done?” Ping Yang still could not believe her ears.

“Yes, we are all done,” Fang Zhengzhi nodded once again.

“That cannot be! You really completed the vetting process in less than four hours. If this new reaches my father, god knows how he will react.” Ping Yang said. She was truly surprised at his efficiency.

“You will know when he gets the results.” Fang Zhengzhi waved his hands as he said.

“Yes. I will definitely report this matter to my father personally,” Ping Yang nodded her head as she listened, as though she had accomplished this feat herself.

This two people held a light-hearted conversation as they left, with Yan Xiu following quietly behind.

When the three of them left the room…

The invigilators all exchanged glances and could see the same perplexed yet impressed look on each other face.

“Is this Fang Zhengzhi?”

“The Chief Examiner who is younger than 18 years old, the new Chief Imperial Messenger of the Imperial Academy!”

“Your Majesty truly has an eye for talent… it is not something we commoners can do!”

“He completed the vetting in less than four hours. If not for the fact that I witnessed it first hand, I would never have believed it!”

If the invigilators had any qualms about Fang Zhengzhi being the Chief Examiner, they were all completely eradicated at this moment. No one had any more objections.

Within four hours…

The results for the Imperial Examinations were out!

This was an unprecedented happening in the Great Xia Dynasty since its founding.

“Fang Zhengzhi, can you please tell me. How are you so sure that the scripts with circles are definitely the ones that failed? What if there are some hidden gems within the stack, wouldn’t that be…” After walking out of the Imperial Academy, Ping Yang seemed to become more aware of the situation and asked.

“A person who thought about cheating even in a Theory Examination would never be a true scholar. Do you then think he would work for the palace conscientiously and with fervor?” Fang Zhengzhi looked at Ping Yang and answered.

“Hm… now that you mention it, it seems to make sense. Even if we truly left out some hidden gems along the way, based on this act alone, we can determine his flawed character and cast him aside!” Ping Yang was stunned for a moment and immediately regain her usual playful demeanor. She then said, “Shall we go back to the residence for a meal?”

“The time is just about right!” Fang Zhengzhi did not reply to Ping Yang’s question. He merely looked upwards and stared at the darkened sky.

A star shined brightly in the horizon.

It was extremely bright.

However, what is signified was also the darkness of the sky.

“Time? What do you mean it is about time? Are you actually saying…?” Ping Yang stared at Fang Zhengzhi with a perplexed expression. Following which, a brilliance flashed through her pair of clear blue eyes.

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Chapter 559: That Which I Seek Is The World!

“Yes.” Fang Zhengzhi nodded.

“But, didn’t father already…” Ping Yang knew what Fang Zhengzhi was trying to say. However, she still shook her head in disbelief.

“What’s meant to come will come,” Fang Zhengzhi said calmly.

“If we had already predicted it beforehand, why don’t we want to stop it?” Ping Yang stared at Fang Zhengzhi with a perplexed expression.

“How can you stop that which has not happened?”

“But in that case…”

“Some things cannot be prevented even if you know them in advance. That is because once he had that thought, there is no way he won’t try to accomplish it. It is only a matter of time.: Fang Zhengzhi explained once again.

Yan Xiu nodded his head in agreement upon hearing this. However, he still chose to remain silent.

“What about you? Do you have such thoughts?” Ping Yang cast her glance onto Fang Zhengzhi anxiously.

“A long time ago…”

“What about… what about now?”

“Who would have completely no desire for the throne? However, after giving it some thought, I feel that I might not be all that suitable for that seat.” Fang Zhengzhi said in a rare serious tone.

“Not suitable?”

“Yes, I will have to wake up before the sun rises every morning to do the morning court session. I will have to stay at the same place the whole time and also defend myself against people plotting against me. It is too tiring!”

“Too tiring… is that even a reason?” Ping Yang blinked her eyes in confusion. She had grown up in the royal family since young and naturally knew the importance of the throne seat.

Alas, she was born in the royal family.

God knows how many of her blood brothers had fought over that seat their whole lives. Many even ended up dead or being banished due to their actions. However…

Someone was telling her that the throne seat was too tiring.

This reason was slightly incredulous.

“Yes, that is my reason,” Fang Zhengzhi nodded and repeated with conviction.

“Yan Xiu, do you think that is even a reason?” Ping Yang gave up on Fang Zhengzhi and immediately turned to ask Yan Xiu, who was standing by her side.

“Yes,” Yan Xiu nodded without hesitation.

“Why?” Ping Yang could not seem to understand as she asked.

“That is because I feel it is tiring as well,” Yan Xiu once again replied.

“You also feel that it is tiring? Are you telling me… you are also aiming… no that is not right. If you truly want the throne seat, that means that King Yan also… that is not right as well! How can King Yan have such thoughts…”

“The tiredness I’m referring to is the Western Liang throne seat!” Yan Xiu stared at the confused Ping Yang and explained.

“The Western Liang King Yan seat? How tiring can that be? You have the elite Yan cavalry and you get to rule over the entire area. Wait a minute, are you telling me… you don’t wish to inherit the throne?”

“Yes.” Yan Xiu nodded once again.

“How can you not? You are a son of Yan! Furthermore, King Yan will never agree to your decision!”

“Yes, he will not.”

“Then can you go against King Yan’s will? I clearly remember that you listen to your grandfather all the time!” Ping Yang was even more confused upon hearing those words.

“I don’t know,” Yan Xiu shook his head.

“Alright then, I will take it that that is a joke. Oh, Fang Zhengzhi, since you have already guessed… tell me, what should we do next?” Ping Yang pouted as she turned to look at Fang Zhengzhi.

“I have no idea,” Fang Zhengzhi answered truthfully.

“You have no idea?” Ping Yang’s eyes widened as they were filled with disbelief.

“Of course I have no idea. How would I know how and what to do in this kind of scenario?” Fang Zhengzhi replied with a straight face.

“How can you not know? If you do not know why didn’t you stop this from happening!” Ping Yang immediately became anxious and her face turned slightly red.

“I refuse to answer what I have already answered.,” Fang Zhengzhi stared at Ping Yang condescendingly.

“You shameless person, don’t play suspense with me, the princess! Alright then, how much silver would it take for you to tell me the plan!

“I truly have no plans,” Fang Zhengzhi laid out his hands helplessly as he said.

“Really?”

“That’s right, it’s very real.”

“Then what do we do? Are we really going to stand by and watch?”

“That was what I was planning to do.”

Ping Yang’s lips trembled for a few moments as she stared at Fang Zhengzhi with her pair of crystal clear eyes, as though trying to see through his thoughts. However, she gave up eventually and said, “No way, I cannot just sit by and do nothing!”

“And what are you going to do?” Fang Zhengzhi stared at Ping Yang expectantly as he asked.

“This…” Ping Yang was stunned as her face blushed. As Fang Zhengzhi had said, what could she do without a plan?

However…

She would not want to just stand by and do nothing!

“Do you truly wish to do something?” Fang Zhengzhi stared at Ping Yang’s blushed face and sighed as he asked.

“Of course!” Ping Yang said with a straight face.

“Then try to think of a plan with your witty brain.”

“Think? Think what?”

“What would you have done if you were orchestrating this plan?” Fang Zhengzhi asked.

“If I am orchestrating? This…” Ping Yang fell silent and started thinking. After a moment, she shook her head and said, “This is too difficult, it is almost impossible. Even if we take out father’s own prowess, the royal guards themselves would be a problem!”

“So, what would be the greatest problem?”

“Naturally the royal guards!” Ping Yang did not hesitate to reply.

“Mmm…” Fang Zhengzhi nodded.

“What does mmm means? Are you saying… that’s not possible. The royal guards have been in the hands of Aunt Hua all these years. How can they betray father!” Ping Yang said in disbelief.

“Yes, if they will not betray the Majesty, then what should we do?”

“This…” Ping Yang was once again startled. Fang Zhengzhi’s words swirled around in her brain. If they would not betray the Emperor, then what was the next step?

Time flew.

At that moment…

A brilliant light shone within the palace. That light was blinding and appeared out of nowhere into the horizon, illuminating the sky right above the palace.

“Hmm?” A group of people passing by the Imperial Academy stared at the light emerging out from the palace with a surprised expression. “What is happening to the palace?”

It was impossible to stay calm.

This was because this was Flame Capital City, and that place is none other than the palace!

In actual fact, not only were they surprised, the entire Flame Capital City was shocked at the sudden appearance of that light.

“There is a duel within the palace?”

“Are you telling me… there are assassins?”

“That cannot be! The royal guards are present, who will dare to infiltrate the palace?”

“But that light just now… what is going on?”

Everyone stared at the light in awe while feeling extremely puzzled.

In Flame Capital City, when all the courtiers saw this light, they immediately frowned. Unlike the commoners, they knew exactly where this light was coming from.

Most importantly…

They could see the significance and power of this light!

“The palace!”

“Who is it?”

Flame Capital City, within the barracks stationed outside the East gate.

This was the main base of the city guards. At that moment, all of them were also looking in the direction of the light.

All of them were also equally astonished.

They were the city guards!

Their job was to protect the safety of Flame Capital City. However, their job scope had never included guarding the safety of the palace. This was because the palace had always been personally guarded by the royal guards.

However, this did not mean that they would do nothing while they watch a battle happen in the palace where the Emperor, also known as the son of the heavens was living in.

“Seal the gates!” A commander immediately ordered.

The first thing to do when the palace was in trouble was to seal the city gates. This could prevent the assassins from escaping and also defend against further aggression.

After all…

No one could confirm that there would be no further backups from outside of Flame Capital City.

“Halt!” A voice rang at this time. Following which, a figure appeared behind the commander. He was clad in a silver armor and a ferocious beast carving could be seen on his helmet.

This was the hallmark of power, a trademark armor of King Duan.

“Respect for King Duan!” The commander immediately turned and knelt down.

“I have received information that someone will be assassinating the Majesty tonight. All the city guards stay alert!” King Duan Lin Xinjue waved his hands at the commander before leaping into the middle of the city guards.

All of the city guards had a shocked expression on their faces upon hearing Lin Xinjue’s words. To think that there were people who wanted to assassinate the Emperor!

How could this be?

They were in Flame Capital City!

There were countless city guards and even royal guards stationed within the palace. How could someone think about assassinating the Emperor under such impenetrable defense?

“All the city guards at my command!” King Duan Lin Xinjue did not feel the need to explain to the city guards. He simply flashed the city guard token.

“Yes!” All the city guards stared at the city guard token in King Duan Lin Xinjue’s hand and recollected themselves. Their eyes shone with a firm resolve.

The command was absolute!

This was their duty as soldiers and also something that they repeated every night.

Anyone holding the city guard token would be the arbiter of their fate.

Moreover, the person holding the token now was King Duan Lin Xinjue. They naturally obeyed without hesitation.

“The first squad, surround the East gate and prevent the assassins from leaving!”

“Yes!”

“The second squad, head towards the South gate…”

“Yes!”

“Third squad…”

“Yes!”

“The rest, follow me into the palace to save the Emperor!” King Duan’ gaze seemed exceptionally cold at that moment.

“Yes!”

Once all the city guards heard Lin Xinjue’s command to seal off the four palace gates and charge into the palace, they headed straight out of their barracks and charged towards the palace.

The sky was still darkening.

A bright moon slowly rose.

There were no signs of rain, although a light breeze graced Flame Capital City. The moonlight shone onto the ground and illuminated a dark figure on top of a building not far away from the palace.

He wore his court attire neatly and a bright sapphire was engraved onto his headwear. A light brilliance shone within the crystal.

Behind him, there were ten other black-masked figures. They had their swords on their back and their eyes shone mercilessly with bladed resolve.

Su Qing!

A man who rose from a Rank 4 Official to the Chief of the Northern Lands Five Constabularies in merely a year. He should be in prison now, but…

He was standing on top of the building.

“It has finally begun!” Su Qing cast his glance on the majestic castle walls as he said. He could not see what was happening within the palace. This was because the law of the Great Xia Dynasty dictated that the buildings around the palace must be of a lower height than the castle walls.

However, he simply stood silently on top of the building and stared into the tall castle walls as a cold-blooded smirk appeared on his face.

“My lord, King Duan had started his actions!” A figure landed on top of the building like a dragonfly skidding through the water. He was incredibly silent with his movements.

“I got it.” Su Qing nodded.

After the figure heard Su Qing’s reply, he then quickly retreated, as though he had never appeared on the building.

“Soon, just a while later. Just a while later and the results will be out!” Su Qing muttered softly.

A while later, he cast his gaze away from the castle wall and subconsciously stared at a huge building from afar.

On the entrance of that building were three turquoise-colored, elegantly written characters.

The Imperial Academy!

“Chief Imperial Messenger of the Imperial Academy? Chief Examiner, Rank 2 Official with royal endowment, all accomplished under the age of 18. I’m afraid such accomplishments are unprecedented in the entire history of Great Xia Dynasty.”

“Very well!”

“At the very least, you are qualified to be my opponent!”

“However, that is only the beginning. How can a cricket block a battering ram? What you seek is merely official rankings. However, that which I seek is the world!”

“How then… can you hope to defeat me?”

“Fang Zhengzhi, no matter how arrogant and intelligent you are, if you cannot control the world, how can you become my opponent?”

“You will not stop me this time!”

The side of Su Qing’s lips lifted ever so slightly, revealing a cold-blooded sneer. At the same time, his eyes seemed to glow in a chilling brilliance, which appeared even more sinister under the illumination of the moonlight.

Chapter 560: The Perfect and Unassailable Plan

Flame Capital City, Within the palace.

Over twenty masked black figures were staring at a middle-aged man clad in golden armor. Their gazes were cold and without mercy.

Behind the middle-aged man were a few hundred royal guards. However, the royal guards were all lying on the ground and drenched in perspiration.

This was a strange scene.

This was the palace within the Flame Capital City!

Normally, this area was controlled by the royal guards. However, the royal guards did not seem to have the advantage in this situation. Conversely, they seemed to be unable to move at all.

“Bai Qi, is there any point in struggling?” A masked figure with sharp gaze walked forward as he cast his gaze on the middle-aged man clad in golden armor.

Beside the black figure was another one of his comrades, though this figure had a more gentle and feminine gaze.

The two of them looked slightly different from the rest. Their clothing seemed to be a lot more elegant. Clearly, it was made from a higher quality material.

“You recognize me?” The golden armored man struggled to keep himself from fainting and supported himself with one hand on the ground. He perspired profusely though he still managed to stay upright.

“Of course, why would I not recognize the vice-commander of the royal guards?” The masked figure smiled gently though his expression remained stern.

The feminine black figure neither spoke nor utter even a sound.

Same goes for the other masked figures.

“Who exactly are you guys?” Bai Qi’s mouth trembled as he spoke. He seemed extremely weak.

“Aren’t you supposed to be more concerned about what we have done to you?” The masked figure stared at the trembling Bai Qi and asked.

“Hmph! I have no interest in these lowly tactics!” Bai Qi gritted his teeth and muttered.

“Is that so? Then we shall not waste any more time.” The masked figure nodded his head and walked towards Bai Qi one step at a time.

“Tell me. How did you people do it? All the royal guards on shift today were all poisoned. How could you people have known who are the guards on duty?”

“It seems like the vice commander is still slightly curious, am I right?” The masked figure walked as he sneered. A cold-blooded smile appeared on his face.

On the other hand, Bai Qi gritted his teeth and kept silent.

The masked figure stared at Bai Qi and finally stopped in his tracks. He then slowly bent forward and whispered into Bai Qi’s ears.

“What? You guys…” Bai Qi’s eyes widened as his eyes widened in horror, “Good move, but I don’t believe that you can bribe everyone in the kitchen as well as the people in charge of delegating the shifts in the royal guards!”

“Bribe? Haha, that is too troublesome. It would be simpler if we have their family members as hostages!” The masked figure once again lifted his head and laughed.

“You guys… the families of the royal guards are protected by the kingdom. This information could not have been leaked. How did you get them?”

“That is something you don’t have to know!” The masked figure did not wish to continue the conversation any further and lifted his hand, “Vice commander Bai is truly loyal. Even after being poisoned by the lethargy powder, you are still standing in our way. I will send you off quickly!”

“Hmph!” Bai Qi’s eyes widened and stopped talking.

At that moment, another figure appeared right in front of the masked man and blocked his hand which was just inches away from Bai Qi.

The masked figure was startled and immediately looked to his side.

It was the feminine figure that was standing beside him all these while.

“It seems like… someone cannot bear to see this! Alright then, we will keep him alive!” The masked figure’s eyes then glowed before his hand fell onto Bai Qi’s neck.

Smack!

Bai Qi then fainted onto the ground.

Two other black masked figure then stepped forward and brought out a metal chain to secure Bai Qi to a wall, making sure that he would not be able to move even if he woke up.

“Is this alright?” The masked figure then stared at the feminine figure beside him.

The feminine figure did not answer. She merely walked further into the palace, around half of the remaining masked figures immediately followed her footsteps.

The masked figure sniggered before nodding to his followers behind him to catch up with the group in front.

Countless royal guards were down on the ground.

Many of them struggled to lift themselves off the floor. However, fatigue overwhelmed their bodies and they were drenched in perspiration.

The eunuchs and female servants were horrified to see the scene. However, there were also a few of them who were searching for water to give to the royal guards.

At that moment…

Over a thousand black figure also appeared from afar. They moved forward in small groups of hundred and in unison steps. They were also incredibly fast.

“The master orders to kill off all who dares to approach the royal guards!”

“Yes!”

A few black figures sped through the area.

The eunuchs and female servants who were feeding water to the royal guards lost their lives immediately. Their eyes were still wide opened in shock.

But blood was already gushing out from their throats.

“Ah! Murder!”

“Run! There are assassins, fast… catch them quickly!”

“Protect the Emperor!”

A few eunuchs and female servants screamed hysterically as they ran in all directions. However, they could never be faster than the black figures.

All the eunuchs and female servants who even uttered a sound fell dead onto the ground.

Until…

None of the eunuchs and female servants dared to approach the royal guards or even utter a single word. All of them clasped their mouth tightly with their hands with widened eyes and trembling bodies.

At that moment, two masked figures walked forward from afar. One of them had eyes as sharp as an eagle, while another one had a feminine and gentle gaze. Behind this two black figures, there were over twenty other black figures.

All the eunuchs and female servants stared at the new group of black figures in horror as the bowed forward in fear. They kept their bodies on the ground the entire time.

However, the two figures did not even bother with the eunuchs and female servants. They did not even look at the blood on the ground. They merely walked forward, deeper into the palace with every step.

Flame Capital City, Entrance of the Imperial Academy.

Ping Yang kept her gaze on the light coming from the palace as she opened her mouth slightly, looking extremely shocked.

“Third brother, he truly… but how did he get past the royal guards?” Ping Yang seemed to have recollected herself after a while and asked.

“The easiest way is to poison them. Spiking their meals!” Fang Zhengzhi stared at Ping Yang and casually mentioned.

“Spiked?” Ping Yang’s eyes widened and seemed to have remembered something. “If third brother wants to spike the royal guards, it would be a simple task. But in that case, how would father protect himself? Without the royal guards… no, I have to save him!”

Ping Yang said as she prepared to rush back to the palace. However, the moment she moved a step forward, she stopped in her tracks as her pair of clear crystal eyes widened once again.

“City guards?” Ping Yang stared at the city guards who were congregating together from afar. Anyone would be surprised to see this scene.

But quickly…

Ping Yang’s eyes lit up as well.

That’s right, there were the city guards as well! Sixth brother’s city guards!

Ping Yang had hesitated no more. She immediately rushed towards the city guards and ignored Fang Zhengzhi and Yan Xiu.

“Stop right there!” Ping Yang hollered as she stood right in front of the city guards.

“Princess Ping Yang? Your Highness… we have an urgent military mission. May the princess let us pass!” A guard stopped in his tracks as he saw Ping Yang in his way. He did not dare to charge his way through. After all, Ping Yang had quite the reputation in Flame Capital City.

“Stop whatever urgent military matter you have. Return to the palace immediately to protect my father. If anyone disobeys me, they will suffer my wrath!”

“This… Princess Ping Yang, our mission is to seal off the West gate of the palace. As for protecting the Majesty, King Duan and the other city guards are on their way!”

“Hm? You say you are headed towards the West gate?”

“That’s right! Princess Ping Yang, rest assured the Majesty will be saved. With King Duan there, he will never let the Majesty come to any harm. I will be going now!” The city guard then wasted no time and charged forward.

The rest of his team also followed along, charging past Ping Yang.

As for Ping Yang…

She was already dumbfounded and could not react in time as she stared at the city guards rushing past her.

“City guards sealing the west palace gate? Sixth brother is protecting father? This… how did sixth brother know that third brother will…” Ping Yang’s lips muttered and could not wrap her head around it.

Fang Zhengzhi and Yan Xiu reached Ping Yang at that moment. As he stared at the leaving city guards, Fang Zhengzhi frowned.

He knew who the city guards obeyed. There was only one person who could mobilize such a huge team of city guards to seal off the palace gates. That person was none other than King Duan Lin Xinjue.

City guards…

Palace!

Fang Zhengzhi’s eyes widened and sparkled. He seemed to have realized something.

“I see! That is how it is!”

“Have you figured out something? Quick, tell me! What is happening? Why would sixth brother send people to surround the palace and even go into the palace to protect father?” Ping Yang seemed to be awakened from her thoughts upon hearing Fang Zhengzhi’s voice and asked.

“It seems like King Duan had also realized something will be going on tonight!” Yan Xiu’s voice rang instead. At the same time, he frowned, as though he was deep in thought.

“Sixth brother knew as well?” Ping Yang was once again surprised. After which, she shook her head violently and asked, “Why would sixth brother know?”

“This is no longer important. The important thing is that… what is King Duan’s motive for entering the palace?” Fang Zhengzhi waved his hand and interrupted Ping Yang.

“Are you telling me is not to protect father?” Ping Yang stared at Fang Zhengzhi with a puzzled expression.

“Don’t you feel that everything is a set-up?” Fang Zhengzhi did not answer her question directly. Instead, he asked her a thought-provoking question.

“A set-up? What do you mean?” Ping Yang seemed to be confused.

“Think about it. If you could orchestrate this entire thing, would you allow the Crown Prince to usurp the throne while informing King Duan to protect the Emperor?” Fang Zhengzhi hinted.

“This… of course not! Why would I do that? Wouldn’t that mean I have achieved nothing?” Ping Yang replied without hesitation.

“No! They accomplished a lot. In fact, it is orchestrated in a much more sophisticated and unassailable manner than we would have ever imagined. It could be said that it was a perfect plan!” Fang Zhengzhi shook his head and said.

“A perfect and complete plan?” Ping Yang could not seem to understand. How would this become a perfect plan? Where was the sophistication and how could it be unassailable?

“Yes, it is indeed perfect. No matter which side won, he will benefit from the result. However, this plan… there must be something else to follow-up with!” Yan Xiu nodded in agreement as he said.

“What are the both of you talking about? Why can’t I understand? What winner? What follow-up?” Ping Yang blinked her eyes as she stared at Fang Zhengzhi and Yan Xiu with a perplexed expression.

“I cannot explain. I have only understood a small part of the plan up till now. I have not deciphered the details and intricacies of the plan yet,” Yan Xiu shook his head and stared at Fang Zhengzhi, asking, “Have you understood it?”

“Not yet, but almost!” Fang Zhengzhi shook his head as well.

“Why would both of you say that the plan is unassailable if you have not even understood it?” Ping Yang was dissatisfied at Fang Zhengzhi’s and Ping Yang’s words.

“There is something called reaping the benefits at other’s expense, do you understand what that means?” Fang Zhengzhi asked.

“Of course I do. It means to watch both parties conflict and only interrupt when they are already heavily injured to receive the greatest benefits!” Ping Yang replied immediately.

“Hm, you are right, but just a bit off. This plan can refer to more than two parties, and can even go up to four or five parties If needed…” Fang Zhengzhi nodded as he replied.

“Three to five parties?” Ping Yang’s eyes widened in shock.

“Have you heard of a story in the Law of Dao? This was the exact plan the Qin Dynasty used to unify all the countries. Before they attacked a country, they would first promise the other countries great benefits. Following which, they would destroy all the countries at once while they were suspicious and defensive against the others. This was what preceded the Great Qin Dynasty!”

“Yes, of course, I have heard about this. But what has this got to do with what we are dealing with?” Ping Yang stared at Fang Zhengzhi quizzically.

“It is the same plan, except that the people and the situation now are slightly different. However, it is as perfectly executed as it was by the Qin Dynasty. Furthermore, it will never fail!” Fang Zhengzhi took a look at Ping Yang then at the stars on the horizon and continued, “Such a plan would be impossible to foil if we do not understand the full procedure!”

“Impossible to foil?” Ping Yang trembled upon hearing those words.

“Yes, impossible to foil,” Fang Zhengzhi nodded as he said.

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Chapter 561: Usurpation and Simply Passing By

“What do we do then? Are we really going to just stand by and watch?” Deep down, Ping Yang wanted to trust Fang Zhengzhi. However, if he was planning to make her sit through all this without making a move, she would absolutely be unwilling to.

This was because…

The person in the palace was her father.

The father who doted on her so much.

When someone seemed to have missed out on some memories most people had, such as the warmth of a mother’s love, the significance of the father was unbelievably huge. Their entire understanding of family probably only revolved around her father’s love.

Despite the fact that she was born in a royal family.

“Actually, I was thinking…” Fang Zhengzhi was just about to say they should just stand by and watch when he looked towards Ping Yang. Upon seeing the anxious expression on her face, he swallowed his words and decided it was better for him to be sensitive.

From Fang Zhengzhi’s perspective…

He had no intention of getting involved in this battle.

It was normal for people to fight over the throne.

All who managed to sit on the throne had deployed some sort of unscrupulous tactics and spent countless hours working their way towards that goal. This was true even for Emperor Tai Zong, the widely-respected emperor in the previous generation.

He only managed to ascend the throne after the Xuanwu Gate incident.

Those who succeed become Kings, while those who fail become known as invaders and usurpers.

If Emperor Tai Zong did not instigate the Xuanwu Gate incident, there might not be the glorious age of Control by Zheng Guan, when the country enjoyed swift economic progress, cultural advancements, and a corruption-free government. Who could then fault Emperor Tai Zong for his actions?

“What do we do?” Ping Yang heard Fang Zhengzhi’s words and once again cast her glance over at him, her eyes filled with anticipation.

Fang Zhengzhi then lifted his head slightly and stared at the night sky before saying, “If we cannot be the one that reaps the benefits at the end, we only have one other role left to assume!”

“What role is that?” Ping Yang was puzzled.

“A Passer-by!”

Palace, Throne room.

This was the place where the morning court sessions were conducted. Normally, Lin Mubai should not be sitting on his throne seat now. However, he was right there, on top of the luxurious seat with dragon carvings in the throne room.

He wore his golden dragon robe neatly. Eunuch Wei stood beside him.

Apart from the both of them, there were no other people in the throne room. The giant throne room looked slightly empty, too empty in fact. It gave off a claustrophobic pressure despite the spaciousness.

Until…

Two masked figures walked into the palace.

“How insolent, who dares to barge into the throne room!” Eunuch Wei’s voice rang the moment the two masked figures walked into the room.

At the same time, he stepped forward. Not a hint of surprise or fear could be seen from his eyes.

Following Eunuch Wei’s holler, the two masked figure also stopped in their tracks. They did not intend to move closer towards Eunuch Wei or Emperor Lin Mubai.

Emperor Lin Mubai then raised his hands.

Eunuch Wei stopped speaking upon seeing the signal and retreated to his original position.

“Since you have already arrived, do you plan on keeping your mask on?” Lin Mubai stared at the two masked figures and said.

The two masked figures then exchanged glances before they slowly took off their mask, revealing two young faces

The person on the left had a gaze as sharp as an eagle and a face like porcelain, while the person on the right had thin lips and long, slanted eyes, looking slightly feminine.

It was Crown Prince Lin Tianrong!

“Didn’t I order you to reflect within your residence? Why did you come?” Lin Mubai nodded and did not pay attention to the person on the left. He merely fixed his gaze upon Lin Tianrong.

“Why would father ask when you yourself know best!” Crown Prince Lin Tianrong’s eyes darted around as he answered. He looked slightly flustered.

“Get the hell out of here,” Lin Mubai spoke without much fluctuations in his voice, although his words spoke for themselves.

He tolerated no nonsense.

He also did not wish to discuss this matter any further. He merely used a few non-elegant words to tell Lin Tianrong what he had to do.

This was the Emperor.

The prestigious Emperor revered by many.

Despite the fact that he had no protectors around him and that all his royal guards were robbed of their fighting capabilities, his presence was still overwhelming.

The voice echoed across the throne room.

Lin Tianrong’s expression changed immediately and subconsciously took a step backward. He perspired profusely on his face as hesitation flashed across his eyes.

“The Great Xia Emperor is truly something!” The eagle-eyed figure suddenly spoke and stared at Ling Tianrong with a condescending look, “Crown Prince my lord, are we going to get the hell out?”

“Shut up!” Lin Tianrong spoke coldly and took a step forward back to his original position. He then stared at his father with a chilling gaze and said, “Father, I have no intention of going back if I am already here.”

“Scram!” Lin Mubai once again shouted. His tone was obviously a lot more intense than the previous one. At the same time. A ray of golden light could also be seen enveloping his body.

An immense pressure seemed to be gushing wildly from his body.

Lin Tianrong was once again taken aback. He subconsciously wanted to take a step back but before his feet landed, he retracted his movements and stood his ground.

“Father, there is no changing the results. As long as you willingly give up the throne, I will spare your life!” Crown Prince Lin Tianrong trembled as he said those words, though his gaze seemed exceptionally determined.

This sentence…

He had longed to say this sentence many times, though he always suppressed his desire to say them. This was because he was the Crown Prince, he could wait, until the day when he officially and rightfully claims his throne.

When Lin Mubai finally decided to pass down his treasured seat.

However, he could no longer wait.

This was because his Crown Prince seat was in jeopardy. If not for his pathetic pleadings and taking advantage of his mother to seek forgiveness, he might already be stripped of his Crown Prince title.

How then, could he continue to wait?

“Crown Prince, please return to your residence immediately. The Emperor is magnanimous and will not punish you severely. You cannot go down this path!” Eunuch Wei could not help but remind Lin Tianrong upon hearing his words.

“Haha… punish me severely?” Lin Tianrong laughed and revealed an insane and insolent expression. “If I, the Crown Prince becomes the Emperor, what kind of punishment will you be giving me?”

“Crown Prince…” Eunuch Wei was about to persuade Lin Tianrong again when he saw Lin Mubai’s expression and swallowed his words.

“Father, the entire palace is under my control. The moment you die, the throne seat of the Great Xia Dynasty will become mine. I hope that father will consider my suggestion. If father will willingly give up your seat, I will definitely not hurt…”

“Shut your goddamn mouth, do you know what crime you are committing now?” Lin Mubai interrupted Lin Tianrong before he could finish and asked sternly.

“What crime? This crime is slightly serious, isn’t it? Contacting the neighboring states, usurping the throne, I believe the lightest punishment for that will simply be to delay my death sentence. Am I right?” Ling Tianrong answered seriously after thinking for a few moments.

“It seems like you’ve come prepared!” Lin Mubai nodded as he heard those words. At the same time, the golden brilliance enveloping his body disappeared.

Lin Tianrong sneered upon seeing this scene.

It was as though he had already seen the dawn of victory. If Lin Mubai would give up his throne willingly, that would be for the best.

After all…

Not many people knew Lin Mubai’s true strength.

However, there was no doubt that if Lin Mubai were to fight with all his might, the throne room would be dyed a bloody-red. How then, would he be able to conduct the morning court session tomorrow as the new Emperor?

Lin Tianrong did not want o wait any longer.

He had already prepared the speech he would give tomorrow morning. Furthermore, he had already prepared everything beforehand, even coming to the battlefield with his dragon robe.

Hiss!

A crisp sound rang throughout the throne room.

Lin Tianrong tore off the black suit he had been wearing and revealing a luxurious golden robe underneath. It was shining brilliantly and decorated with majestic dragons and soaring clouds.

“Preparations? Of course, I am prepared. Father was killed by assassins from the neighboring countries. When your filial son reached the palace, a will was all I saw. Oh… that’s right, there is one thing missing from the will, the royal seal. I will have to trouble Eunuch Wei to help me, the Crown Prince… wait a minute, that’s not right. May I trouble Eunuch Wei to help me, the Emperor, stamp the seal of approval!”

“Crown Prince you…” Eunuch Wei stared at the golden robe Lin Tianrong was wearing and the scroll he held in his hand with a horrified expression.

Wearing the dragon robe and bringing a fake will into the throne room!

These actions had demonstrated that Lin Tianrong was fully prepared for this day. At the same time, it also meant that there was no possibility of redemption.

“Do not call me the Crown Prince anymore, call me Your Majesty!” Lin Tianrong said coldly as he brandished a long sword in his hand. The sword shone with a chilling gleam.

As Lin Tianrong flashed his weapon, twenty other masked figures also walked into the throne room. All of them wore a black suit and held different kinds of weapons on their hands.

However, the only difference about their weapons from Lin Tianrong’s sword was that…

Their weapons were already stained with blood. The blood dripped down onto the royal floors of the throne room, tainting the room with the stench of fresh blood.

“Father, haven’t you always loved that woman? Didn’t you almost give up the throne seat just for her? Why don’t you give it up for real this time? You can find her, as long as you give the seat to me. You can be released from this shackle and find her without a care for the world. Isn’t this what you always wanted?”

Lin Tianrong’s voice was filled with hatred and menace, his facial expression twitching ever so often. This was a release of pent-up rage for the past few years, the outburst of a poisonous venom brewing for a long time.

“Presumptuous!” A roar could be heard and at the same time, a golden light illuminated the entire throne room. This light was emanated by a golden dragon, a dragon formed from the concentration of golden light particles.

Chapter 562: Eye of the Dragon

The dragon leaped majestically as the clouds soared!

When the golden light took the form of a dragon, pieces of white clouds started appearing in the throne room, engulfing the entire throne room in an instant.

Roar!

A desolate roar could be heard.

Two blood-red circles lit up amongst the golden light. They seemed arrogant and unfeeling. As the dragon soared around the throne room, the red light moved along as well.

Boom!

Sounds of thunder could be heard from the clouds, especially places where the clouds were especially thick. The rumbling sounds of thunder could be heard from the throne room.

Following which, a claw emerged from the mist.

The claw was coated with a chilling metallic surface. It seemed otherworldly, something that could not have been formed by accumulating the natural energy of the earth. It seemed like a ferocious beast, a truly fearsome one.

What a strange scene.

When the twenty black figures saw this scene, they subconsciously lowered their bodies under the immense pressure. Even their weapons seemed to be trembling ever so slightly in their hands.

“What… is this?”

“A real dragon?”

From their perspective, the moment they stepped into the throne room, they were left with no choice. They had to continue on the path they chose no matter how difficult it was.

However, they were still completely stunned when they saw the claw emerging from the mist.

Alas…

The shock did not last long.

They still moved in unison after a moment.

All of them were enveloped in a brilliant glow. This was the hallmark of the Rebirth State. Lin Mubai was facing over twenty Rebirth State individuals himself.

“Don’t be afraid. This is merely father’s protective artifact the Green Dragon Eye. Take note of the two golden light, do not make contact with the red light!” Lin Tianrong stared at the roaring golden dragon above him and retreated quickly behind the twenty black figures.

Green Dragon Eye.

It was the most precious treasure in the Great Xia Dynasty. No one knew its exact power and strength. However, it’s value was definitely way above the ten treasures.

Furthermore, no one had ever seen the true form of the Green Dragon Eye. This was because the Emperor had never revealed its true form to anyone.

The reason was simple…

The Green Dragon Eye was a gift from Ping Yang’s mother to the Emperor.

Emperor Lin Mubai would never allow the courtiers and his children to see such a precious object, much less reveal its true power without a proper reason.

“Green Dragon Eye?” The twenty black figure exchanged glances as they dispersed themselves across the throne room. They pointed their weapons in unison towards Lin Mubai.

“Kill!”

“You unfilial son!” Lin Mubai stared at Lin Tianrong who had already retreated to the entrance of the throne room as his eyes glimmered with golden brilliance. He then stood up from his dragon throne.

Every step he took, he walked closer towards Crown Prince Lin Tianrong.

At that moment, the twenty black figures also made their move. Twenty shimmering light charged towards Lin Mubai like shooting stars in the night sky.

They were fast.

However, the golden dragon circling above the throne room was faster.

At the moment when the twenty black figures attacked, the golden dragon also stuck out its claw from the mist and blocked the spot right in front of the incoming brilliance.

Boom!

Boom! Boom!

Consecutive rumbling sounds echoed through the throne room.

At the same time, two beams of red light rained down from the sky.

Strangely…

Underneath the blood red light, one could see chilling fangs similar to that of a real dragon. It looked sinister and terrifying.

“Ah!”

A black figure screamed in pain.

At the same time, a ball of blood-red flame rose in the throne room. It was formed from the complete combustion of the black figure’s body.

That ball of red flame seemed to have risen from the ground, but also looked as if it was emitted from the black figure’s body naturally from the high-temperature combustion.

“Help, help me…” The black figure muttered a few words as a ball of demonic red flames appeared from his mouth, until he could no longer speak.

Thump!

A light thud could be heard.

A charred body then appeared on the floor of the throne room.

The remaining black figures then stopped in their tracks as they looked at their comrade with widened eyes. They were all in shock as they stared at the piece of charred flesh.

He was a Rebirth State individual!

Let’s not even mention a Rebirth State…

Even Supernatural State beings were known to possess extremely high self-rejuvenation capabilities. However, a Rebirth State individual was now instantly burnt into a piece of charred flesh.

How could they not be horrified?

“What exactly is the Green Dragon Eye?”

“What was that demonic red flame just now?”

“Is this the true form of the Green Dragon Eye?”

All the black figures lifted their heads in unison and stared at the soaring dragon amongst the clouds. A tinge of hesitation rose in their hearts.

This was because they had already faced off against the Green Dragon Eye.

For just one round.

But all their attacks were successfully blocked. Furthermore, even one of their comrades died. One of them had failed to survive when they commenced a unison attack.

Lin Mubai did not intend to stop walking.

He still moved towards Lin Tianrong one step at a time. He did not seem to pay any attention to the black figures in front of the Crown Prince.

“Quick, stop him, even if he is the almighty father, he cannot possibly use the Green Dragon Eye forever. Attack him consecutively and we will eventually wear him out!” Lin Tianrong stared at Lin Mubai, who was closing in and retreated a few more steps. He only stopped after stepping onto the ledge of the throne room.

He knew that the Green Dragon Eye was Lin Mubai’s most treasured object.

He also knew that it was the greatest treasure that belonged to the Great Xia Dynasty.

However…

He did not know the full extent of its power. To think that it would be able to kill off a Rebirth State individual while blocking off the attacks of another twenty figures with similar power.

The greatest treasure.

Who would inherit it?

“As long as we kill father, this Green Dragon Eye will be mine!” Lin Tianrong stared at the dragon soaring above and said greedily.

“Onward!” The eagle-eyed figure finally said something. He used his sharp gaze to stare at the soaring dragon as well, though he seemed a lot calmer and composed when compared to the Crown Prince.

He did not retreat.

He did not even move his feet.

He merely stood at his original position and waved to the twenty black figures.

“Go!” The twenty figures were filled with determination upon hearing his words. They then lifted their heads to look at the soaring dragon above as their eyes shone with a bladed resolve.

They did not have any more hesitation…

No one retreated as well.

The shimmering brilliance once again enveloped their body and illuminated the entire throne room.

At that moment, they only had one thought in their minds.

Only one party shall live!

Roar!

The dragon made its move again.

This time, it came down straight from the clouds, tumbling its gigantic body around. The golden scales shimmered with molten fiery, as though a layer of molten gold was just poured over it.

When the dragon appeared, a few purple lightning also struck from within the clouds, heading towards the black figures who were shimmering with brilliance.

Boom!

Boom! Boom!

A series of rumbling sounds could be heard once again.

Rubble flew across the throne room as the jade engraved onto the pillars and walls fell onto the ground. The thick majestic ground was now filled with craters of varying depths and sizes.

Thump! Thump!

The sound of bodies falling to the ground happened almost instantaneously. Amongst this wreckage, two blood-red light could still be seen, staring silently at the entrance of the throne room.

As the feet shuffling against the gravels echoed through the throne room, a figure bathed in a golden light emerged from the wreckage.

The golden robe was overflowing with brilliance and above him, a dragon soared ever so majestically, it’s pair of blood-red eyes shimmering coldly.

“Unfilial son, do you know, how much I do not want to revoke your title!” Lin Mubai stared at Lin Tianrong and said with an indifferent tone.

“Not revoking my title? Haha, if you do not wish to revoke my title, why would you reveal my secret chamber underneath my study room. If not for the fact that I mentioned mother, you would have already punished me for the crime of collusion!” Lin Tianrong leaned against the entrance to the throne room weakly, though he spoke with conviction and determination.

“Collusion? If I have to punish you, I will punish you for colluding with neighboring countries in a conspiracy to usurp the throne!” Lin Mubai said as he flung something into the air.

In an instant…

A few letters landed in front of Lin Tianrong.

Lin Tianrong was shocked at this action as his eyes flashed with uncertainty. He could recognize the letters in front of him. They were none other than the ones Fang Zhengzhi gave Lin Mubai a few days ago.

This was the exact reason his secret chamber was discovered and was given the punishment of house arrest in front of all the courtiers.

Now, those letters were right in front of him.

He hesitated. However, he still reached out for the letters in the end and opened them. Following which, his eyes widened.

Those letters were like the harbinger of hell.

“How could this be? This is not possible!” Lin Tianrong immediately threw the first letter onto the ground and tore open the second one.

Then the third and the fourth…

It did not take long for the letters that were picked up by Lin Tianrong to once again end up on the ground. The only difference being that they were now torn open.

Lin Tianrong’s expression had also totally changed.

If he was displaying a firm and determined expression previously,

Then at that moment…

He was fearful, extremely fearful of what he just read!

“This cannot be…impossible. This is preposterous, you are lying to me! Yes, that’s right you are a liar!” Lin Tianrong’s voice echoed through the night sky, his face becoming sickly pale.