Back at the Imperial Capital. After returning to his temporary residence at the relay station, Song Zining began going through the doc.u.ments after dinner.

Late in the quiet night, someone knocked on the door and entered without waiting for a reply.

He closed the door carefully and sat down beside Song Zinings table. Marshal Song, you instructed me to come here in secret. Is there anything you need?

The one before him was, surprisingly, Duke Wenyuan. He had been in the Imperial Capital during this period, waiting for his crimes to be pardoned.

Song Zining said, Duke Chen, you really contributed a lot in the recent period.

Chen Tongqi replied, It was always Sire Qianye fighting at the forefront. We merely followed him and picked up some benefits, its no big contribution.

Song Zining nodded. Duke Chen, your crime warranted the execution of your entire clan and confiscation of properties. After risking life and limb in Blacksun Valley, your contributions were just about enough to cancel out your charge.

Duke Wenyuan was shocked. What? Were there new variables?

Song Zining replied, Of course there are, it depends on how you act. I wonder how you see Qianye?

Chen Tongqi said, Sire Qianye is a rare genius with a good temperament. After you and Marshal Jundu were injured, the Empire only regained a series of victories after his arrival. Although Im also a divine champion, I am vastly inferior and wont even last three moves against him.

After a brief pause, he said emotionally, Frankly speaking, Sire Qianye killed his way through countless enemy defenses and marched us straight into the central region. With two thousand men, he forced a force hundreds of times the size to cower in their fortress. Why were his accomplishments wiped away? Wont this demoralize the three thousand men who walked into hell with him?

Song Zining knocked on the table. Duke Chen, forgive me for being blunt. Your charges havent been cleared at the moment, so youll invite trouble on yourself if you speak recklessly.

Chen Tongqi said casually, I already have enough troubles, no? What if I invite a bit more? Besides, how can I call myself a warrior if I dont even dare speak up for Qianyes contributions?

Song Zining asked, Back then, Qianye sent Liu Chengyun back to the Empire and canceled his contributions. When you and Duke Minghai returned, later on, the man shared a fair bit of his own contributions with you two. Why is that?

Are you investigating me?

This issue is related to your future at this point, I hope you can tell me the truth.

Chen Tongqi said after some thought, Liu Chengyun was the first to shrink back when Qianye was selecting men to charge with him. He had also acted against orders several times before that, so he had to be punished. Duke Minghai and I followed Sire Qianye to the end without the slightest bit of cowardice. We dared not refuse the reward he granted us, and we dared not say no when he asked us to leave. We would only drag him down by staying behind.

Song Zining nodded. This is the reason for your new crime.

Chen Tongqi was puzzled. Whats the crime?

Song Zining placed a doc.u.ment in front of the man. The latter cried out after a mere glance, Colluding with other races and submitting false contribution reports?

He slammed the table furiously. Which other race? Who did this duke collude with?

The surrounding scenery shifted ever so slightly as Song Zining deployed his domain, isolating the inside environment. After everything was safe, he said, That other race is Qianye.

Chen Tongqi was startled for a moment. He then stood up, livid, and slammed the table again. Preposterous! Sire Qianye accomplished so much for the Empire. How dare you people treat him like that after his death? Do you not have a shred of conscience? Theres simply no way the Empire couldve gained a foothold in Blacksun Valley if it wasnt for him.

Song Zining replied calmly, This letter was penned by Liu Chengyun. It has already been rejected.

Chen Tongqis expression darkened, and his voice grew cold. Old Liu must be tired of living. At first, he couldve lived for a couple more years, but I dont mind sending him on his way!

Why would you go so far?

These despicable people. Ruining my life is fine, but hes trying to ruin Sire Qianyes name! Every day hes alive is another day of injustice.

Song Zining said slowly, Duke Wenyuan, youre determined, but you must be wary of your strategy. You wouldnt be in such a state if you hadnt been so rash. From what I know, you werent a part of the core schemers.

Duke Wenyuans expression shifted slightly. In the end, he said with a sigh, My temper has always gotten me in trouble all these years. I owe the Profundity Monarch for recognizing me, how could I betray him? I didnt utter a single word no matter how they interrogated me, and that landed me where I am now.

Song Zining put away the doc.u.ment, saying, There are people pulling the strings. Liu Chengyun was merely pushed onto the stage to be the gunman. Your past crime, though, can only be reduced and not completely acquitted.

Duke Wenyuan said, Im sure you have a plan, can you give me some advice?

Song Zining said slowly, My advice is to admit to the charges.

Duke Wenyuan was surprised. This what about my family members? Some charges couldnt be easily admitted to.

Your family is small, with little more than a hundred core members. Although the crime itself wont change, your contributions in the new world are enough to change the punishment. We can go from forced labor and military service to exile. You will remain in the army and serve the Empire.

Exile? Where to?

The neutral lands.

Duke Wenyuan started to understand. He said after some thought, Then Ill trouble you to take care of my family.

He had given it some thought. The neutral lands was Song Zinings domainthere would be no suffering for his family there, but they would be in the seventh young masters hands. Only then would Song Zining feel assured enough to make him run certain errands.

As expected, Song Zining said, Youre quite familiar with Blacksun Valley, so I will transfer you over to a new post there. Afterward, I have other arrangements for you. Youll know when the time comes.

I obey. Duke Wenyuan bowed with cupped fists and left.

Song Zining produced a paper and wrote down several names on it. Duke Wenyuans name was on it as well. Most of the names on the list had been marked with only two left.

He took a look at the list, then struck off Ji Tianqings name. Ill let the elder prince talk to her. It will be whatever he wants to tell her.

He lit up the list and watched the paper burn to ashes before turning in. An icy blue sword appeared over his neck just after he had laid down.

Song Zining didnt panic. I was thinking when I should go see you. Who wouldve thought youd come to me first?

Li Kuanglans expression was cold. I shouldve just cut your head off, but Ill spare you until the situation is cleared. You will answer everything I ask, you can forget about seeing the sun tomorrow if Im not satisfied with the answers.

Song Zining pushed the blade a bit out of the way and sat up. Ask away.

Is Qianye gone?

Song Zining thought about it for a good while. No one saw it, but there were heavenly monarchs at the scene. According to them, Qianye should be dead now.

I dont want to hear should. I want to know if hes really

Song Zining asked, Shouldnt you be asking the Empress?

Li Kuanglans hands trembled for a bit. I dont know if shes really doing things for the child and myself. I really dont know! I heard you were back, so I came to see you.

Song Zining sighed. I might not know more than you do. What I do know is that someone is already making a move on his enterprise.

A cold gleam appeared in her eyes. Who?

I cant tell you yet. Ill handle matters and tell you if I need your help.

Okay, I trust you.

She had always been swift and decisive. Seeing that there was no more information to be gleaned from Song Zining, she turned around and left.

Song Zining could no longer sleep at this point. He simply stood at the window, gazing at the bright moon in the sky.

A clear voice suddenly echoed in his ears, Not bad, you didnt say things you shouldnt.

Song Zining looked back with a wry smile. Empress, were in the Imperial Capital right now. Its not too appropriate to run out in the middle of the night, is it?

The one who had appeared behind him was, quite shockingly, the Empress. She was clad in casual clothing, but that did little to hide her kingdom-toppling beauty.

She said, I can go anywhere in the capital as long as I avoid those old fogeys.

Song Zining said respectfully, Congratulations on the great achievement in divination.

Empress Li sighed. So many things have happened of late. Theres no way I can remain in the Empress position if I dont break through. I saw everything youve been planning these days. Dont let things get too far out of hand, or Ill have a hard time helping you.

Song Zining said, I didnt sense a thing. Looks like Im far inferior in terms of divination.

There was no telling whether or not the Empress believed Song Zinings humble words. She merely said with a smile, The Three Thousand Flying Leaves, the three thousand great dao. The art you cultivate is not inferior to the Li clans own, its not hard to surpass me in the future. Now that youve picked this path, there wont be anyone in this generation to inherit the Art of Heavens Mystery.

Song Zining said, The Art of Heavens Mystery is a divine art, only a handful of people throughout history have managed to cultivate it. Perhaps only a peerless genius like Marshal Lin can reach its peak. Im still lacking in talents, so it will be beyond difficult for me to cultivate that art.

Empress Li sighed. Your talents are not inferior to Marshal Lins, but since youve chosen your path, no one can force you.

Perhaps I might come around one day.

I hope so.

Song Zining said, You must have a reason for coming to see me late at night. What do you need? I will do whatever is in my power.

Empress Li said, Theres definitely something, and theres no room for you to refuse. Our Li clan has a child of great talent. Ive been giving this a lot of thought these days, I want to find him a good teacher. After all, the scope of our Li clans knowledge is a bit too narrow. Are you willing to fill this position?

Song Zining went into a daze. Could it be that child?

Empress Li was quite direct. Qianye and Kuanglans kid.