Drawn into the Whirlpool

Translator: CinderTL

Xu Sanyan took the envelope but didn't open it immediately. Instead, he looked at Bai Wuxia and asked, "Brother Bai, it seems that the prince's subordinates are not exactly harmonious, are they?"

Bai Wuxia nodded and replied, "Of course. Where there are people, there is conflict. Moreover, this is a struggle for the throne—a fight to the death. The intensity of the open and covert battles far exceeds our imagination."

Xu Sanyan nodded silently, then opened the envelope and read it carefully.

The letter contained many things. First, there were words of congratulations, followed by praise, and finally, a subtle expression of the desire to recruit him into their ranks.

The letter specifically pointed out that he was the crown prince designated by Prince Rui and promised many benefits—high positions, wealth, and treasures—but there was no mention of anything related to cultivation.

Xu Sanyan casually handed the letter to Bai Wuxia, who didn't hesitate and took it to read.

After a moment, Bai Wuxia put the letter away and asked, "Brother Xu, are you curious why the Eldest Son didn't use cultivation methods as an enticement?"

Xu Sanyan nodded. That was exactly what he was thinking.

Bai Wuxia smiled and said, "Because everything related to cultivation—whether it's spiritual objects, elixirs, or cultivation techniques—is all in the hands of Prince Rui. The Eldest Son cannot freely distribute them."

Xu Sanyan sneered inwardly. Prince Rui held the most important things in his own hands, undoubtedly guarding against his sons.

Since ancient times, familial bonds in royal families have been thin, and Prince Rui was no exception. Even fathers and sons had to be wary of each other.

Bai Wuxia continued, "When Brother Xu arrives in Xiang City, invitations from various factions will surely come one after another. You'll need to keep your eyes wide open."

Xu Sanyan cupped his hands and said, "Please enlighten me, Brother Bai."

"Enlightenment is too strong a word. Let me briefly explain. In Xiang City, there are five major factions. First, naturally, is Prince Rui—nothing more needs to be said. Second are the cultivators behind Prince Rui."

Xu Sanyan immediately became interested. "Please elaborate, Brother Bai."

Bai Wuxia spoke slowly, "From what I know, there are three cultivators behind Prince Rui—two men and one woman. Under them are seven or eight disciples. These people have sinister methods and must not be offended."

Xu Sanyan nodded.

"Third is the Eldest Son, Yang Xinyi, the crown prince designated by Prince Rui. Most officials lean toward him."

"Fourth is the Third Son, Yang Xinyou, who has long been in command of the army. Many officers in the military were promoted by him, and he has deep authority."

"Fifth… is the Eldest Daughter." Bai Wuxia chuckled.

"A woman?" Xu Sanyan asked in surprise.

"Yes. The Eldest Daughter excels in both civil and martial arts, and she has great vision. She is truly talented, but unfortunately, she was born a woman."

Xu Sanyan silently committed this to memory. These five factions were essentially Prince Rui's family, plus those few cultivators.

After delivering the letter and conveying the Eldest Son's intentions, Bai Wuxia didn't linger and took his leave.

…

Two days later, at dawn, Xu Sanyan and Bai Wuxia rode out of the city on horseback.

"Brother Bai, as the leader of a sect, why is no one here to see you off?" Xu Sanyan joked.

"Isn't it the same for you, Brother Xu?"

"Hahaha…"

The two laughed together, mounted their horses, and galloped south.

Xu Sanyan didn't care about the future of the Guanshan Association. Big Yellow Tooth chose to stay in Taian City to live a peaceful life. The one who would miss him the most was actually Madam Wu.

Perhaps from now on, she would never sleep with a Celestial Realm martial expert again.

Ten days later, the two entered Xiang Prefecture. Bai Wuxia pointed to a city in the distance and said, "That's Wanglong County. Cross it and continue south for a hundred miles, and you'll reach Xiang City."

Xu Sanyan nodded. The journey had been smooth so far. After all, both of them were Celestial Realm martial experts and could handle any danger they encountered.

"It's getting late. Let's stay here tonight and leave early tomorrow. We should be able to reach Xiang City before dark."

Xu Sanyan had no objections, so he urged his horse toward Wanglong County.

Bai Wuxia followed behind, watching Xu Sanyan's back. Suddenly, he spoke up, "Brother Xu, you'll surely be busy tonight. Be careful with your choices. Sometimes, once you're labeled with a certain faction, it's hard to remove."

Xu Sanyan turned his head and smiled, "Don't worry, Brother Bai. I understand."

Bai Wuxia meant that in Wanglong County, there were likely people from other factions waiting to recruit Xu Sanyan.

If he chose another faction, he would directly offend the Eldest Son.

Xu Sanyan had already prepared himself for this and understood the stakes, but he didn't care. He only cared about who offered the best terms and who could satisfy his desires.

This was where he differed from Bai Wuxia.

Bai Wuxia, having reached the Celestial Realm, had likely hit the limit of his cultivation path, while Xu Sanyan was just beginning.

Once Bai Wuxia chose a faction, he couldn't change sides—his fate was tied to theirs.

But if Xu Sanyan broke through to the Foundation Establishment stage, things would be different. He could form his own faction at any time.

According to Bai Wuxia, Prince Rui and the cultivators behind him were equals, more like partners than superiors and subordinates.

If Xu Sanyan reached Foundation Establishment, he would have the confidence to speak with them as an equal.

He believed that day wasn't far off.

In Wanglong County, as soon as Xu Sanyan and Bai Wuxia entered the city gate, a few people nearby compared a portrait of Bai Wuxia and then disappeared into the crowd.

Xu Sanyan's eyes narrowed slightly. He knew these were scouts from a certain faction, waiting specifically for him.

Bai Wuxia cupped his hands toward Xu Sanyan and smiled, "Brother Xu, let's stay separately. I wouldn't want to disturb your affairs."

Xu Sanyan returned the smile. Bai Wuxia was a clever man who knew when to stay out of things. He would surely live a long life.

Xu Sanyan found an inn alone, booked a good room, cleaned himself up, and then sat in the main hall to eat, listening to the chatter of other patrons.

Before long, a young man entered the inn, walked straight to Xu Sanyan's table, and sat down without a word, simply watching him eat.

Xu Sanyan glanced at the man. He was dressed in fine clothes, had a decent appearance, and wore a polite smile. There was a military air about him. Xu Sanyan guessed he was likely sent by the Third Son.

"Waiter, bring a pot of good tea," Xu Sanyan called out.

"Coming right up!"

Soon, the tea arrived. Xu Sanyan poured himself a cup and sipped it. The tea was decent, but it couldn't compare to Bai Wuxia's collection.

The young man across from him was starting to lose his composure. His smile stiffened, and he finally spoke, "Brother Xu, you're really calm. Aren't you curious who I am?"

Xu Sanyan gently blew away the foam on the tea and chuckled, "Haha, you came to me, not the other way around. Who you are doesn't matter to me, does it?"

"Hahaha… Well said, well said."

The young man suddenly laughed. "Brother Xu, not only are you exceptionally talented in martial arts, but your composure is also extraordinary."

"So, why are you here?" Xu Sanyan had no patience for small talk.

The young man's expression turned serious. "I am Yang Xinli, the younger brother of the Third Son, Yang Xinyou. My brother is too busy with military affairs to come himself, so he asked me to bring you some gifts."

Xu Sanyan raised an eyebrow and took a closer look at the young man. Prince Rui really knew how to produce sons—how many did he have?

(End of the Chapter)

---

📖Read (HB) on Pa.treon@CinderTL - c92. [+4]

🔑Early Access at $5.

✍Translated (6) Series, (3K+) Chapters, (4.2M+) Words.

💥Flat 30% Discount on All Tiers Available Till 26th July, Use Code 3KCHAPTERS to Avail.