Chapter 103 – To Set Foot on the Island, Bear My Three Pots
In the Imperial Capital, within the library pavilion.
Kong Nanfeng watched as Chancellor Zhao Kuo flung his sleeve and departed in a huff, then turned back into the pavilion. The Grandmaster reclined in a wooden rocking chair, garbed in voluminous robes. Sunlight spilled onto his serene face, lending him a sense of ease and quiet leisure.
Kong Nanfeng found himself increasingly unable to read the Grandmaster's intentions. In truth, the chaos that gripped the capital had begun the moment the Grandmaster withdrew from public affairs. Were he still active in the imperial court, towering above all officials, the so-called purging storm could never have taken root.
What, then, was the Grandmaster planning?
"Zhao Kuo has left?" the Grandmaster asked.
Kong Nanfeng nodded but refrained from voicing the doubts crowding his heart.
"Good that he's gone," the Grandmaster said calmly. "That man harbors the ambitions of a wolf. The late Emperor had long seen through him. Now, at last, his veiled desires begin to surface."
"Lu Ping'an sent the Northern Cavalry to cleanse the imperial aristocracy in blood, and Zhao Kuo seized the chance to step into the limelight. He… He Shou… was merely a pawn on his board."
"Zhao Kuo wielded the Northern Cavalry like a blade," the Grandmaster intoned slowly, "yet he forgets—a blade beyond one's grasp may turn and sever the hand that holds it."
"He sought to harness the east wind, but forgot to ask—who commands the wind?"
With that, the Grandmaster closed his eyes, as if all that followed had naught to do with him.
Kong Nanfeng remained in silent contemplation, the Grandmaster growing ever more unfathomable in his eyes.
...
Wagon wheels turned, grinding dust and smoke into the earth.
Luo Cheng dragged He Shou along. The once-dignified minister now looked pale as snow, utterly drained of color. He had witnessed noble clan after noble clan fall, watched as one official after another perished in pools of blood.
These men—they were executioners. Ruthless, unyielding executioners.
He Shou's former pride lay in tatters, shredded by the specter of death. Once, he had penned proclamations under the moonlight, filled with heroic flair. But now, those memories seemed laughable. A single decree had upended the capital.
His thoughts turned to the Chancellor who had commissioned that decree. His gaze trembled slightly, then broke into a bitter smile.
The Northern Cavalry had razed countless noble houses, sparing only the Chancellor's residence. For from beginning to end, the Chancellor had kept to the shadows—neither submitting memorials nor spreading rumors.
No, the rumors, the proclamations, the attacks on the National Preceptor—all of it had been orchestrated by the Chancellor, manipulating the court like a grand chessboard.
Why?! Why should he be spared?!
He Shou's eyes filled with venomous hate.
As the last noble clan was wiped out, Nie Changqing stretched lazily atop his carriage. His gaze fell on He Shou.
"And… and Chancellor Zhao Kuo! He's the true mastermind! It was he who ordered me to write the proclamations! He who bade me spread the rumors! Kill him! You must kill him too!" He Shou shrieked, madness overtaking his fear.
Nie Changqing spoke coolly. "We need not move. They're coming for him on their own."
From the far end of the long street, a sea of black-clad soldiers surged forth. Armor clanged as a suffocating murderous aura swept through the air.
...
On Lake Beiluo, a lone boat drifted.
Mo Liqi leaned against the prow, staring blankly at his reflection in the rippling water.
The Mo Clan's Mechanized City had fallen. All he once cared for had become ephemeral mist. From this day forth, no one would assign him missions. Mo Liqi was no longer an assassin.
In a storm of rain, he had madly challenged the Overlord. Yet in that clash, he was like an ant before a dragon—powerless, crushed by overwhelming might.
He had never yearned for strength so desperately.
The face reflected on the water was numb—no smile, no emotion—like a lifeless mask.
At last, he returned to Beiluo City. Returned to the island at the heart of the lake.
He knew that if he sought power beyond the Overlord's, his only hope lay in following Lu Fan, in joining Baiyu Capital.
Suddenly, the waters stirred with a tremor.
Mo Liqi's gaze sharpened as a terrifying aura surged from behind.
He turned to see a towering wave rising across the once-tranquil lake, as if someone had roused the heavens.
Birds scattered in alarm, the flapping of wings echoing in every direction.
The lone boat rocked violently.
Mo Liqi stood, eyes fixed on the dense fog behind him.
A fierce gust swept through, scattering the mist—revealing a colossal figure riding the waves.
"It's him!" Mo Liqi clenched his fists, breath quickening.
The Overlord of the Western Prefecture—Xiang Shaoyun!
...
On the island at the lake's heart, a gentle breeze stirred.
Jing Yue, with a pearwood sword case strapped to his back, felt a sudden chill of foreboding. He turned toward the lake, sensing a thunderous roar hidden in the calm.
"What a formidable presence…" he muttered, warily shifting his weight. His body instinctively sought to retreat—but he resisted.
This was Lake Heart Island. With Young Master Lu present, there was no need to flee.
Nearby, Elderly Lümu stroked the tortoise shell in his hands, having sensed the same terrifying energy. A girl with a pipa on her back huddled closer to him, fear etched across her young face.
Within the tower of Baiyu Capital, Lü Dongxuan opened his eyes.
They were deep and fathomless. He drew a long breath.
The spiritual energy swirling across the island gathered into a vortex, funneling into his body.
He had gleaned enlightenment from the inscribed plaque.
"You have comprehended something? Then you are worthy of ascending Baiyu Tower. Come," came Lu Fan's placid voice, whispering in his ears.
Lü Dongxuan rose, adjusted his robes, and ascended to the second floor.
There, on a finely carved balcony, Lu Fan leaned against the railing, white robes fluttering in the breeze—an image of unrestrained elegance.
"Young Master Lu," Lü Dongxuan greeted with a toothy grin, yellow teeth flashing.
"Since you've joined Baiyu Capital, address me as 'Gongzi,' as they do," Lu Fan replied.
He placed a black piece on the Go board, the other hand lifting a bronze goblet for a leisurely sip.
"Sit."
Lü Dongxuan crossed his legs before the board.
"Did the linked verses bring you insight?" Lu Fan asked.
"I have seen the light! Gongzi, your composition was unmatched, beyond the reach of ancients or moderns. Heaven and earth bear witness—none can rival you!" Lü Dongxuan raised his thumb in praise, yellow teeth bared in a grin.
At the stove, Ni Yu, who was brewing wine, couldn't help but burst into laughter at the blatant flattery.
This old man—was he truly a scholar from the Heaven's Secrets School? His bootlicking was utterly unrestrained!
But in his wheelchair, Lu Fan cast her a glance—half-smile, half-warning.
Ni Yu's laughter… died instantly.
...
Back on Lake Beiluo.
Laughter like thunder rolled across the waters.
"Xiang Shaoyun of the Western Prefecture, passing through Beiluo, comes to pay respects!"
"...Pay respects!"
"...Respects!"
His voice echoed, gradually rippling across the entire island.
Lu Changkong rode a wooden boat, followed by dozens more bearing a thousand elite troops—ready to act should anything threaten Lu Fan.
Xiang Shaoyun strode across the waves, when suddenly his eyes narrowed.
The fog parted, revealing the mystical island shrouded in spiritual energy.
On its shore stood a girl with her hair in a bun, a black pot strapped to her back, her face scrunched in worry as she faced him.
Xiang Shaoyun blinked in surprise.
"Old Nie and Sister Ning aren't here, so Gongzi told me to greet you," Ni Yu said nervously to the towering Overlord striding atop the waves.
On the island, Jing Yue covered his face, utterly bewildered.
Ni Yu… was meant to block the Overlord? Was Gongzi serious? Had she offended him somehow?
Ni Yu took down the pot from her back, gripping it with both hands. With effort, she pointed the pot toward the Overlord.
"Gongzi says you're too arrogant. If you wish to set foot on the island…"
"Bear my three pots."
Her voice trembled slightly, round cheeks quivering with unease. Though she repeated Gongzi's bold words, she lacked any semblance of his composure.
On the lake, Xiang Shaoyun first froze in disbelief—then burst into booming laughter.
And after that—his eyes sharpened like unsheathed blades.