Hearing the news, the princesses and noble ladies put on worried expressions to match the situation.

Among them, some remained aloof as the matter didn’t concern them, some secretly rejoiced at the potential benefits their fathers and brothers might gain, while others feared the impact on their luxurious lifestyles.

Only Lin’an showed genuine concern and worry for her elder brother.

Huaiqing was also truly worried and concerned, but not for Emperor Yongxing. Rather, she viewed the situation from a higher strategic perspective.

“If this news spreads, will the ministers force His Majesty to issue an edict of self-blame?”

“Some might seize the opportunity to criticize His Majesty, claiming that his call for donations angered the ancestors. Those officials who are dissatisfied with His Majesty now have grounds for attack.”

“His Majesty has only recently ascended to the throne. Such an incident is a major blow to his authority.”

As they discussed the matter in a flurry of voices, Huaiqing noticed Lin’an’s face quickly crumpling, her brows furrowing with anxiety.

Since Emperor Yongxing’s ascension, Lin’an had become increasingly concerned with state affairs, paying attention to both major and minor matters.

This wasn’t due to a sudden ambition or thirst for power.

When Emperor Yuanjing was in power, she only needed to be a carefree songbird, with neither the need nor the qualification to participate in state affairs.

Now that Emperor Yongxing sat on the throne, natural disasters and human calamities plagued the aging dynasty like a disease.

As the Emperor’s blood sister, she couldn’t help but worry as her brother faced these pressures head-on, walking on thin ice.

When he first ascended the throne, he had been full of passion for governing well. But now, after the initial burst of energy had waned, the new emperor showed signs of fatigue.

Especially since Prime Minister Wang had fallen ill and could no longer work through the night as before, the emperor’s pressure had only increased.

As Emperor Yongxing’s sister, Lin’an naturally couldn’t remain carefree and act like an unburdened princess anymore.

In truth, it was simply because Emperor Yongxing couldn’t give her a sense of security, causing her to constantly worry about her brother.

During Emperor Yuanjing’s reign, although the dynasty’s situation wasn’t good and national power was declining, Yuanjing was an emperor who could keep his ministers in check.

At this moment, a eunuch brought hot tea to the Grand Princess.

Huaiqing casually accepted it and took a small sip, then keenly noticed confusion and surprise flash through the eunuch’s eyes.

She narrowed her eyes slightly but showed no other reaction as she set down the teacup, saying indifferently:

“It’s too hot.”

The eunuch bowed deeply: “This slave deserves death.”

Huaiqing made a sound of acknowledgment, showing no intention to punish him. She crossed her hands over her lower abdomen and concentrated on considering the problem of the Yongzhen Mountain River Temple.

Tap tap… She knocked on the tea table, and the chatter of the noble ladies immediately ceased.

“Could it be an earthquake?” she asked.

Lin’an shook her head: “According to the Imperial Guard’s report, they didn’t detect any earthquake. The palace didn’t experience any tremors either, only Sangbo.”

Sangbo was very close to the imperial palace and the Imperial Guard camp. If it had been an earthquake, it was impossible that neither location would have felt anything.

Lin’an hesitated briefly, then leaned close to Huaiqing’s ear and whispered:

“I heard from Zhao Xuanzhen that the Founding Emperor’s statue cracked.”

“The Imperial Sword has disappeared.”

Huaiqing’s pupils contracted slightly as she stared at Lin’an with a serious expression.

Lin’an’s oval face was equally serious as she tapped her head emphatically.

If this was the case, the matter was most likely related to the Imperial Observer. Besides him, no one in the world could freely command the Imperial Sword… The Imperial Observer had taken the Imperial Sword, and then at the Yongzhen Mountain River Temple, all the ancestor tablets had fallen, and the Founding Emperor’s statue had cracked…

What current situation would require the Imperial Observer to use the Imperial Sword? No, it might not be for his use—given the Imperial Observer’s status, he shouldn’t need the Imperial Sword…

Could it be Xu Qi’an?!

Huaiqing’s mind conjured up a handsome, philandering face. Taking a deep breath, she banished that face from her thoughts.

Then, using the excuse of relieving herself, she left the side hall. In the spacious and quiet washroom with its hanging yellow silk curtains, she removed the fragrance pouch from her waist and took out the Ground Book fragment from within.

[One: The Imperial Sword is missing. Does anyone know the details?]

After waiting for a moment, there was no response.

Huaiqing frowned slightly and transmitted another message:

[One: This matter is of great importance.]

Still, no unusual response.

[Five: The Imperial Sword is missing? Then hurry up and find it.]

Finally, someone responded, though unfortunately, it was just Lina.

[Five: Number One, what major event happened in the imperial palace? Isn’t the Great Tang’s Imperial Sword sealed in Sangbo? How could it just go missing? That’s Sangbo we’re talking about.]

[Five: If even the Imperial Sword can be stolen, then your Great Tang emperor better be careful. Thieves who can steal the Imperial Sword might steal his head too.]

She rambled on and on.

Not worth wasting time with her, impossible to explain clearly… Huaiqing resignedly typed:

[We’ll discuss this matter later.]

She carefully put away the Ground Book fragment.

…

In the Imperial Study.

The royal family members had gathered together, with three generations present, including Emperor Yongxing’s grand-uncle Prince Li, his uncle Prince Yu, and his brothers.

The atmosphere in the hall was solemn as the princes in their casual wear furrowed their brows.

“Has the Astronomical Bureau sent any reply?”

“The Imperial Observer hasn’t responded.”

The princes were disappointed and angry, yet helpless. Even when Emperor Yuanjing was in power, the Imperial Observer had been dismissive of him and the royal family.

“What about the Imperial Sword?”

“The Imperial Observer took the Imperial Sword half a month ago. He informed me of this matter.”

The questions and answers continued for a moment before the princes and nobles fell silent.

“If not an earthquake, what else could have angered the ancestors? We said earlier not to call for donations as it would lose people’s hearts, but Your Majesty wouldn’t listen to this prince’s advice. Now the ancestors are angry, alas…” another prince said in a deep voice.

Hearing this, the assembled princes and nobles glanced at Emperor Yongxing but remained silent.

All the ancestor tablets falling was an extremely serious incident.

If such an event occurred in a great noble family, the family might be forced to abdicate their position.

The nature of being a nation’s ruler meant it couldn’t easily change hands, but even so, the royal family members’ gazes toward Emperor Yongxing were full of blame and reproach.

They believed he wasn’t a wise ruler.

After a brief silence, the white-haired Prince Yu said:

“Could this matter be related to the Yunzhou lineage?”

The princes were startled.

Since Xu Qi’an’s incident of executing the former emperor, and Xu Pingfeng’s emergence, everything related to him had been exposed to the light.

Important figures in the court and the small circle at the core of dynastic power, such as the Grand Secretaries and these princes, knew that the lineage from five hundred years ago had been lying dormant in Yunzhou, plotting rebellion.

“Is Prince Yu suggesting this involves the struggle for national destiny?”

“That Xu Pingfeng is the Imperial Observer’s senior disciple, and artificers are closely tied to national destiny…”

“To the Founding Emperor, that lineage from five hundred years ago are also descendants of the Ji family…”

The more Emperor Yongxing listened, the darker his expression became.

The Fourth Prince’s eyes flashed as he said solemnly:

“Uncles, what should be done about this matter?”

His current title was Prince Yan.

The Great Tang’s royal titles generally only included Prince and Noble Prince, with Noble Prince being the title for legitimate sons of princes other than the crown prince.

Prince Yu pondered for a moment, then said:

“First, this matter must be kept secret. Issue an order that anyone who spreads it will be executed without mercy.”

“The call for donations has already caused widespread discontent among officials and commoners. We can’t give the ministers an excuse to attack Your Majesty. This incident is also a major blow to Your Majesty’s authority.”

Tap tap tap… The sound of a walking stick striking the ground drew everyone’s attention. The princes and nobles couldn’t help but look toward the old man sitting in a large sandalwood chair to Emperor Yongxing’s left.

An elderly man in casual clothes, with sparse white hair and a face covered in wrinkles and age spots.

Prince Li.

Emperor Yuanjing’s uncle, an octogenarian, is now the highest-ranking member of the royal family by generation.

During the Northern Prince incident, this old prince had even acted out a play in cooperation with Emperor Yuanjing.

“This is not merely about Your Majesty’s authority, nor is it about those brush-wielding officials who eat imperial grain,” Prince Li’s voice was hoarse but exceptionally loud as it echoed through the Imperial Study.

The old man tremblingly stood up, looked around, and said solemnly:

“That lineage from five hundred years ago has been lying dormant in Yunzhou, gathering strength. At this crucial moment, the ancestor tablets have fallen, and the Founding Emperor’s divine form has cracked…”

“Yongxing, this means the ancestors are dissatisfied with you, the Founding Emperor is dissatisfied with you.”

Emperor Yongxing’s face changed dramatically: “Grand Uncle, you…”

Prince Li’s words, in any other situation or time, would have been treasonous.

But in this context, with these events, his words were entirely appropriate, and the royal princes would only think he was right.

Prince Li continued:

“This is a family matter of our royal clan, it must be kept secret. But you must issue an edict of self-blame and stop soliciting donations from officials. Furthermore, Your Majesty should spend three days in penance at the ancestral temple, seeking the ancestors’ forgiveness.”

Emperor Yongxing’s face darkened: “Grand Uncle, I have just ascended to the throne, how can I issue an edict of self-blame…”

Since his ascension, winter disasters had swept through the Central Plains, causing people to go hungry, countless deaths from cold and starvation, and refugees everywhere.

He had just regained some prestige through the donation-based disaster relief.

Issuing an edict of self-blame now, for a new emperor, wasn’t just about losing face.

It was almost like saying: I am unfit to be emperor!

How could he accept this?

“As a minister, this prince shouldn’t say Your Majesty is wrong. But as a grand uncle, as a descendant of the Ji family, can this prince not speak? Even if the former emperor were still in power, this prince would similarly make him kowtow to the ancestors and beg forgiveness.”

Prince Li struck his walking stick forcefully: “Yongxing, since you sit in this position, you must bear the responsibilities that come with it.”

Taking advantage of his age! When Father was cultivating the Dao, why didn’t you dare to advise him? You’re just bullying me because my foundation isn’t stable, forcing me to bear the blame for “angering the ancestors”… Emperor Yongxing’s forehead veins pulsed.

A prince stepped forward and called out:

“Your Majesty, the ancestors’ attitude affects national destiny. You must not take it lightly, cannot let the Yunzhou lineage gain an advantage.”

Emperor Yongxing sat down dejectedly:

“I understand. If it will satisfy the ancestors, what does it matter if I issue an edict of self-blame or spend three days in penance?”

…

In the dense forest.

Jingxin swept his gaze around, passing over Li Miaozhen, Chu Yuanzhen, and Hengyuan before looking back at Li Lingsu, saying:

“There’s something strange about the mirror in his hand.”

As soon as he finished speaking, a fierce wind swept up, and White Tiger rode the wind toward Li Lingsu, moving so fast that even the Fourth-rank martial artists present couldn’t react.

“No killing!”

Jingxin pressed his palms together, employing his precepts.

No killing—the precept restrained Li Lingsu’s killing intent, dispelling his thoughts of counterattacking to ensure the White Tiger could land a fatal blow and eliminate the greatest threat.

After all, Qihuan Danxiang was a Fourth-rank Heart Insect Master; making someone lose consciousness silently was exactly the kind of technique that could deal with them.

Li Lingsu sneered “Hmph” and golden light burst from his dantian, dissolving the power of the precept into nothingness.

A Golden Core breaks all laws!

Simultaneously, Li Miaozhen extended her arm toward White Tiger, her pupils becoming transparent and hollow, devoid of emotion.

In an instant, White Tiger’s clothes tightened, his belt trying to strangle him, his shoes automatically flying off to strike his face, his hair wrapping around his neck strand by strand, blocking his eyes.

The qi within his body reversed flow, out of control.

This prevented his attack on Li Lingsu from succeeding.

Taking advantage of his junior sister’s assistance, Li Lingsu retreated on his flying sword while a miniature version of the scoundrel leaped from his brow, its small hand reaching for White Tiger’s forehead.

Thump thump thump… Liu Hongmian rapidly stepped along tree trunks, using a martial artist’s explosive power to catch up with Li Lingsu’s physical body.

She leaped high, her waist sword transforming into sharp radiance.

Besieging Wei to rescue Zhao.

“Whoosh!”

A swordlight shot in from the side.

Liu Hongmian, relying on her Fourth-rank martial artist’s physical body, remained fearless, planning to endure the sword energy and slash Li Lingsu’s physical body.

Clang!

The iron sword indeed failed to break through Liu Hongmian’s physical body, but her eyes suddenly became dull, her body like a runaway carriage, stiffly crashing toward Li Lingsu, unable to swing the soft sword in her hand.

The Human Path’s heart sword struck at the primordial spirit.

“Wake up!”

Jingxin shouted lowly, like a great bell, bringing Liu Hongmian back to her senses.

He flexibly employed the Seventh-rank wizard’s brainwashing ability to help Liu Hongmian break free from her dazed state.

At this moment, Liu Hongmian was less than ten feet from Li Lingsu’s physical body; one burst of sword energy from her soft sword could easily kill him.

Liu Hongmian swung her soft sword without hesitation.

Clang! Just then, a golden hand reached out and crushed the sword’s energy.

“Amitabha, the female benefactor, avoid conflict, harmony is precious.”

Hengyuan’s face was full of compassion as he backhandedly slapped Liu Hongmian flying.

He had successfully cultivated the Vajra Divine Skill, officially entering the Fourth rank in combat power.

At this moment, Li Lingsu’s Yuanying successfully patted White Tiger’s forehead with its small hand.

Silently, without any qi fluctuation, a phantom figure suddenly shook free from the back of White Tiger’s head—his primordial spirit.

This primordial spirit separated from the physical body above the waist, while the lower half stubbornly remained within the body.

A martial artist’s primordial spirit was tenacious; even a Daoist Yuanying couldn’t easily shake it completely free from the body.

The Huntian Divine Mirror flashed with light, capturing the primordial spirit into the mirror before it could return to White Tiger’s body.

White Tiger’s towering and mighty form crashed down, unconscious.

Meanwhile, Jingyuan, who was about to come to assist, was intercepted by Dong Fangwanqing.

Faced with choosing between allies and her lover, she unhesitatingly chose the latter.