Chapter 17 : Intresting
My messed-up idea to join the Heavenly Dou empire using Qian Renxue started when I heard Dai Weisi had a secret meeting with the crown prince Xue Qinghe a few years back.
I had found this because I had been a member of his inner circle.
Of course, the true content of the meeting was a question mark for me like everyone else. It was given considering the secretive nature of the meeting.
Anyway, I was sure that both crown prince's met, hidden from the eyes of everyone. Meaning, it was also a potential point for a recruitment to be done. Especially when one had the chance to turn civilian member of the inner circle on the other side into a spy.
Back then, I knew that the Heavenly Dou empire's crown prince would be killed and replaced by Qian Renxue using the assassination of the Heavenly Dou emperor as a distraction.
My confidence laid in one thing- the secretive nature of royalty.
Qian Renxue replacing the crown prince itself was a miracle in my eyes. I didn't believe that the Spirit Hall could know every single thing about the crown prince. Especially, a possible recruitment of a spy or secret missions.
In truth, I was shit scared.
It was a familiar feeling that came from my weakness. A feeling which had been following me ever since I have been into this world. In fact, I truly felt and understood my weakness in the last few months.
I was practically praying for my stunt here to succeed. If it did, I was fucking confident I can start depending on my strength to survive rather than torment myself with various schemes and ploys.
"So, did you accomplish your mission?"
I felt like my lips will break into a smile that will rival the joker himself.
As an answer to my master's question, I went on a long list of achievements. "Yes, sir. As per your orders, I had ignited a bloodshed between the nobles of Star Luo empire. However, it seems the true power behind the empire moved to end the bloodshed in a swift manner. Still, I got the knowledge of martial souls of 42 noble clans in Star Luo empire. Most importantly, I got the complete information on the scandals, weakness and strengths of 289 key figures in the empire, including all the princes of Star Luo empire....."
I don't know what everyone was feeling, but I went on and on about the spiritual resources and soul beast layout of the entire Star Luo empire. Especially the dispute between the nobles and the shares of these key resources.
"...So, my prince. With these, I am sure that you can attain your dream."
So, I kept kneeling, not even asking for a reward.
I hoped she made up some parts of the story herself, linking the facts she herself knows. The information I gave was 78% truth, and the rest were educated and logical conjectures I made. Still, this information alone could plunger the Star Luo empire into a brief period of chaos, all the way from the common citizen to the emperor itself.
Qian Renxue didn't show a single flaw in her disguise of crown prince Xue Qinghe. I was sure she must be itching to ask questions but couldn't do so without compromising herself.
I was waiting for the question towards me, especially regarding the so-called deal, but she changed the target of enquiry rather fast.
"Hmm, I am sure I didn't tell you to bring such a large group of soul masters. Especially a hunting team."
I could feel the hunting team grew stiff at those words, but the next words nearly gave me a heart attack.
"Hmm, aren't you lying quite a bit?"
I wanted to run right away or even start a battle right that instant. But, the fact was that I told very little lies in the conversation till now. I know for sure because the AI cross-referenced these details multiple times.
Then, it meant she doubts the fact I even met the crown prince. No, she might have a doubt, but it was not a complete suspicion. Rather, she must also had a scare about the current situation, considering her disguise might break.
She might be testing things to make me spill the details. Still, the absolute surety with which she was saying that I am lying made me scrap my initial plan.
Initially, I planned to say that the crown prince saved my life using his emerald swan martial soul from a deadly disease. But lying so much might really be counterproductive.
So, I choose the truth, "My prince as I much as wanted to serve you, I can't do so because of the relations and bonds I have in the Star Luo empire."
True, I wanted to get into the Heavenly Dou empire but couldn't do so.
"In fact, I didn't want to really cause chaos in the Star Luo empire. No, it is better to say that I didn't want to betray my former home and I planned to forget the deal you gave. However, circumstances forced my hand and here I am seeking shelter. But, I say this with all my heart, I really admire your dream, sir."
Except for the lie about the deal, I only said the truth. The point was to know if I sold the story right.
SIGH
The wind from the open door made me realize I was soaked wet from fear until Xue Qinghe stood in front of me with a frown.
Fuck, she suspected me.
"So, what do you think is my dream? Or do you believe in the lie I said during the deal that day?"
What deal?
Bitch, could it there really be a deal? How come I didn't know?
I didn't even meet the dead prince, so I was a complete blank regarding him except the canon details regarding him.
A detail that was supported by the marital soul knowledge I possess.
Crown prince Xue Qinghe had an emerald swan. The world's most famous healing type spirit beast. In some places, it was called as the symbol of peace.
Most importantly, the canon said something about the original crown prince to be a peaceful guy.
So, I cast my final die, "It is obviously something that good men like you can dream. Peace. With my information, you will have an edge in bending and forcing the Star Luo empire towards peace. Especially when you see the gift I prepared for you."
-------------Crown prince Xue Qinghe/ Qian Renxue-----------------------
..... Especially when you see the gift I prepared for you."
SIGH
I hate to say this, but that woman was right. Infiltration was a tough job. Especially when infiltrating the identity of the crown prince of the Heavenly Duo empire.
Each day I was finding something new about the crown prince, hence, each day a new avenue for my disguise to break.
I controlled the suffocating feeling in my chest and addressed the spy of Xue Qinghe. "Oh, what is the gift? Now, you are having me curious. Especially after you pulled a stunt like this."
I must say it was a quiet surprise to hear such a large group turning traitor from the Star Luo empire. Though, I wonder how he planned to convince Xue Qinghe to accept them all.
The girl, Ye Lingling, was fine but the others were not worth the effort. Unless or until, Zhang Kiri shows something that could move me.
Tch, once more, I started thinking myself like Xue Qinghe. I internally repeated to myself, I am Qian Renxue, the future angel god.
"If you don't mind, my prince, my gift is on the outskirts of the city. If you will follow me, you will definitely find it worth your while."
I lifted my hand to stop the Nine heart saint from punishing him from his insolence. Now, this is the latest obstacle in my mission to take over the Heavenly Dou empire.
I nodded and told him, "Lead the way."
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Even as I sat in my carriage, I felt more and more confident in my guess regarding the soul master leading the way.
Truth
My Angel marital soul was good at detecting the truth from lies, but I wish it could directly point the lie.
Zhang Kiri was a liar, a selfish and secretive one at that. Of all the things he said to me, 1 in 10 were a lie.
The problem was that each sentence could be taken into multiple meaning if I take them as a lie. His manner of speaking was all too familiar. He was like all the nobles I met in my time as Xue Qinghe.
A disgusting parasite who wanted to use me.
No wonder, grandfather believed that the age of empires was long overdue. In my time, I will complete the goal of the Qian family.
Feeling the vast soul power brimming with the sacred power of Angel, I knew that my time in the vile court had one use at least. Crossing all this filth helped me train my domain well.
Walking among filth but staying pure through one's sheer will. Such is the essence of an angel martial soul.
My ancestors were right in describing the martial soul as such. While my soul power grew rapidly in spirit hall, it was in the court that I truly started understanding the sacred attribute.
No wonder, grandfather was adamant that I undertook this disguise mission. Meaning that woman didn't want to me grow properly.
My blistering rage was compounded by a sound from outside the carriage. "You dare kid. Do you know who I am? I am the great Flender, the sage of …"
While the name was familiar and the information filtered into my brain, I couldn't bother with it right now.
I stepped out of the carriage, letting my aura go. As much as I wanted to unleash my soul power, I couldn't. The identity of crown prince would do.
As I controlled myself, I saw the familiar face of Flender, one of the famous triangle of the golden dragon.
A powerful sage with the capacity to have a triple fusion.
Looking at the soul master behind Flender made me understand the gift that Zhang Kiri was talking about.
"Well, Well, Well. Prince Dai Mubai, isn't this is a surprise?"
Whatever conversations that have been going on without me, they stopped and focused on me.
Flender, the four eyed owl of the golden iron triangle, wanted to protect the young prince. Now that I remember, I heard he travelled in the Star Luo empire when the golden triangle trio went their separate ways.
Perhaps it was a favour or friendship that had him so protective.
I said to him, "There is no need to glare at him so much, Mr Flender. I just want to talk with the prince."
However, the 7 rings that surrounded him didn't budge, nor did the soul power that got ready to strike.
"Crown Prince Xue Qinghe, Little Flender and his disciple greet you."
Well, this was troublesome. His close relationship with the lightning dragon clan makes him a pain to deal with. Of course, it didn't mean I should let a chance like this slip through. A prince of the Star Luo empire had far too many uses.
A hint of killing intent rose in me when I imagined how solidified my position would be in the eyes of father. The other prince of the empire were far too greedy for the throne.
Father. NO, he was the emperor of the Heavenly Duo empire. I was Qian Renxue. My father was Qian Wuji.
"....3 days to arrive here. So, I can say with complete confidence that today is the first time you met Dai Mubai, Mr Flender. In fact, I don't think Dai Mubai knows much about you either. Much less for him to be your disciple."
Even, I could piece something like this together.
Still, at the least I could be assured that Zhang Kun was not a spy from Star Luo empire. after all, even the empire was not so cruel to use one of its heir to insert a spy.
However, it was ironic that the spirit hall was the one who did the same thing.
Zhang Kiri scoffed at Flender. "Come on, old guy. It is not like Dai Mubai's life is in danger. After all, killing him is a complete waste."
Though, I felt something different from Zhang Kiri. He was greedy. Something my martial soul granted me was a ability with which I can read people who are weaker than me.
Fear and hope, I could understand, but the greed was rather puzzling until I remembered the info that the second prince of the Star Luo empire released. Zhang Kun stole his spirit bone.
While it was a common scenario in the world, the fact he did it without destroying the prince's body or cultivation was an impressive feat.
His hunger for power was like those parasite nobles, but I agreed with uncle She Long's evaluation of him being quite talented.
As if feeling my thoughts about him, Uncle She Long let out his presence, so that I could feel it.
I felt a smile come on my face. Uncle She Long and Uncle Ci Xue, two Title Doulou who choose to forsake valuable time to cultivate and followed me. All so that they could protect me, advise me and ensure that I succeeded.
So, I asked them for their opinion using the secret method that Grandpa taught me.
'So, uncles, what do you think we should do with them?'
I didn't even need to specify because my uncles knew what I was asking them about.
'Prince Dai Mubai can be sent to the spirit hall. Keeping him here in Heavenly Dou empire is too much of a risk for the Xue Qinghe identity. So, I recommend we send him towards Spirit Hall. Considering how desolate he feels, it is easy to make him loyal to the spirit hall.'
'In fact, I recommend taking him back to the empire but stage an incident that drives him towards spirit hall.'
'No, we might even use this chance to end the ambitions of prince Xue Gong.'
I nodded to show my agreement with the idea. As for how to make Xue Gong to hold responsibility for Dai Mubai defecting to spirit hall, it was a simple thing.
Then I would no longer have any competitors for the throne. No matter how low the chances are, I would not allow them to exist.
However, the problem child still remained.
I really don't know what to do with Zhang Kun. Thankfully, their advice cleared my thoughts.
'He is power hungry and cunning. Not an undesirable trait, but he is peculiar.'
'Very peculiar,'
I felt my eyebrows rose in question, which made the unsuspecting Flender and Dai Mubai, who has been waiting for my decision freeze in a flight or fight response.
Once more, I realize how weak the soul masters are compared to me. I had the confidence to crush Flender on my own. Spirit sage or not.
I could understand why they feel that Zhang Kun was peculiar. He gained spirit bone from the second prince and most importantly; I had a feeling he took Dai Mubai's spirit bone.
I could feel a spirit bone reeking of Dai Mubai's soul power on Zhang Kun. That explained his confidence behind his statement- Flender met Dai Mubai today.
It seemed he knew Dai Mubai was here and even took away his spirit bone. Though, considering the lack of intense hatred from Dai Mubai, I felt that the third prince didn't even know that his spirit bone was taken by Zhang Kun.
Quite ironic, two of the spirit bones meant for the princes, were in the hand of a refugee from Star Luo empire. Though, it made me wonder why Dai Mubai didn't fuse with his spirit bone, which was gifted to him.
But it would make no difference considering the fate of the second prince.
So, what does that make? 2 spirit bones above 10,000 years.
'No, make that 3. The kid has 3, and he fused them all into himself. Both legs and one hand.'
'Every single one of them is without doubt above 10,000 years.'
Now, that was really interesting. Uncles, who did you think could arrange for 3 spirit bones above 10,000 years in this world?
'Hmm, the pope and the Worship Hall, leaders of the top 3 clans. For a single attribute, the leaders of the 5 elemental academies can also arrange that.'
But, not even a single one of them, including my grandfather, will waste them on an ordinary tiger martial soul with innate soul power 5.
'Yes'
'Yes'
Not to forget the apparent self-made soul skill and the healer's knowledge.
So, this Zhang Kun was ambitious, selfish, but talented and resourceful enough to realize them.
I took a deep breath and said, "Zhang Kun, why don't you bring the third prince Dai Mubai with us to the Heavenly Dou academy? I am sure he won't mind the new place of study."
Zhang Kun bowed with a smiling face. However, I could feel his intense excitement and pride in accomplishing something. Of course, the surge of greed was the most intense of them.
I turned towards Mr Flender and prince Dai Mubai, who bowed down to accept the message. Good, if they refused, Uncle She Long was ready to kill them.
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It was a peaceful journey back home.
Enrolling Zhang Kiri, Ye Lingling and Dai Mubai in the Heavenly Dou academy was much easier when compared to the exhausting journey.
Ye Lingling was comfortably getting along with the Nine Heart saint.
As for Dai Mubai, I was not that concerned about a soul master who has already given up on himself. The sheer smell of alcohol and scent of prostitute houses from him made me realize he was a piece that might be useful while being malleable.
But, my worry was this kid, Zhang Kun. The sheer intensity of the confidence he was radiating was awfully interesting and dangerous.
As for the Flender, the soul sage, he had been placated with an awful amount of money and a complete deed of the land his academy currently occupied.
Of course, Uncle She Long' s aura pressing on him might have helped that along well. Though, I wonder if we are being too bold. Any leak of the uncle's presence was a risk.
As if knowing my thoughts, Uncle Long's spirit power whispered into my ear, 'No worries. If the disguise is in danger, we will take action personally. Have some trust in this old man."
Even me, the so-called greatest genius in the history of spirit hall, envied this power and confidence of Title Douluo. No wonder soul masters won't hesitate in committing every manner of atrocity if there was a slightest chance in reaching Title Doulou.
Looking at Zhang Kun, who pulled off turning coats from the service of crown prince of Star Luo empire to the service of crown prince of Heavenly Dou empire, I asked him, "So, what is it you wanted so badly for you to come here?"
My angel martial soul allowed me to read the people well. That woman said that I was a natural leader. While I hate her, I could agree with her.
So, I understood him enough to know that he wanted access to the Heavenly Dou academy rather than me. In fact, I could feel his resentment towards me for keeping him in my eyesight as if he was a dog.
Zhang Kun said, while giving out the most amount of greed I ever felt, "I wanted a girl. So, I came here to woo her."
Ok, I might not know him as much as I wished. Because, I could feel that he was telling the truth.
Author's note: Feedback on the chapter. Please.
[Zhang Kun
Age: 11 years, 8 months
Martial soul: Tiger
Spiritual Power: Spirit Origin peak
Soul Power: 26
SOUL SKILL
Self-made soul skill: Rippling wave
Self made soul skill : Sun-Moon Impact [Half made]
1st soul ring [900]: Ice control
2nd soul ring [900]: Flame cover
Equipment: Magic silver alloy Hammers: Spirit refined [Blood sacrificied]
SOUL BONES
Wind tiger Left leg soul bone [20,000]: Skill- Legs of Wind.
Wolf taken Right Leg soul Bone [30,000]- Madness.
Scorpion tiger left arm bone [10,000]- poison hook
Occupation: Grandmaster Blacksmith/ 5th rank [Needs mirror clones for spirit refinement]]