Late at night at the Imperial Observatory.

Minister Song had fallen into a deep sleep slumped over his desk, various alchemy equipment scattered across it, the charcoal in the pill furnace still warm.

At some point, Minister Song suddenly awakened to find a figure in white standing beside him.

Looking closely, he realized it was Senior Brother Sun, his face haggard, eyes dim, silently watching him.

A white ape stood beside him.

“Senior Brother Sun, why have you returned?”

Minister Song yawned and said:

“Weren’t you fighting in Qingzhou? Don’t tell me you’re here for more equipment. Please spare me—didn’t I just give you a batch recently? This junior brother only sleeps one hour a day, even iron men need rest.”

He complained grumblingly.

Sun Xuanji remained silent. The white ape beside him hesitated, then said softly:

“Teacher Judiciary… may have perished.”

The complaints stopped abruptly. Minister Song froze.

At that moment, Sun Xuanji collapsed with a thunderous crash, blood seeping from his seven apertures as his life force rapidly ebbed away.

Minister Song’s heart trembled as he frantically fumbled through his storage bag for medicine pills while stammering:

“W-what happened, Senior Brother Sun…”

Guardian Yuan stood to the side, watching Sun Xuanji, and said quietly:

“To investigate the truth of the Judiciary’s fall, he went to the battlefield himself.”

After checking his pulse, Minister Song’s heart sank to the depths.

Sun Xuanji’s essence had been wounded, his meridians completely severed, his internal organs failing, and his primordial spirit weakened to the extreme.

Such injuries would be life-threatening even for an artificer.

That he could still return to the Imperial Observatory with a white ape was probably due to some lingering obsession.

Guardian Yuan saw Minister Song’s thoughts and said softly:

“It was the wildfire of revenge that supported his return to the Imperial Observatory.”

…

Below the Star-Observing Tower.

Zhong Li stared blankly at Minister Song, her eyes bright beneath disheveled black hair, seeming to shimmer with moisture.

“Teacher Judiciary… is dead?” she murmured.

Minister Song made a sound of assent, his voice low. His face showed no grief, but its numbness was worse than grief.

“Xu Pingfeng, the Earth Sect Leader, Galore Tree Bodhisattva, and White Emperor—that White Emperor from Yunzhou.” Minister Song said quietly:

“Senior Brother Sun saw them. They killed Teacher Judiciary.”

Seeing Zhong Li’s prolonged silence, Minister Song said:

“I’m going to the palace to inform the young emperor.”

He turned and left, leaving the underground chamber in eternal silence.

After a long while, Zhong Li lifted the wooden box beside her, gently caressing its surface as tears surged forth:

“You must take revenge, you must avenge Teacher Judiciary…”

…

As dawn approached, torches burned on Beijing’s city walls in the depths of winter, unable to dispel the bone-chilling cold.

Dew had soaked the wall’s surface, freezing in the cold night, making the walls as hard as steel.

The soldiers on duty gripped their spears with hands covered in chilblains, occasionally breathing hot air into their palms or extending their hands toward the torches for warmth in the severe cold.

“Clop clop clop!”

Hoofbeats approached from the distance, reaching the ears of the guards on duty.

In the cold night, a lone rider galloped to the city gate, suddenly reining in his horse. Under the watch of the wall guards, he shouted hoarsely:

“Open the gate! Urgent dispatch, eight hundred li…”

In the imperial bedchamber, the Yongxing Emperor was awakened by Zhao Xuanzhen. He wearily pinched his brow, suppressing his temper, and said heavily:

“What matter wakes Us at this hour?”

Usually, daring to disturb the emperor’s rest at this hour meant either the sky was falling or one didn’t want to live anymore.

The Yongxing Emperor didn’t believe this dog servant was tired of living, so the answer must be the former. Thus his tone was quite grave, his expression serious.

Zhao Xuanzhen’s face was as white as paper:

“Your Majesty, urgent reports from the Cabinet—Qingzhou has fallen…”

The Yongxing Emperor sat stunned at his bedside, pupils dilated, expression frozen.

“Your Majesty, Your Majesty.”

Zhao Xuanzhen called twice before the Yongxing Emperor responded with an “Ah” as if awakening from a dream.

“The memorial is in the imperial study…”

Before he could finish speaking, the Yongxing Emperor threw off his covers, pushed past Zhao Xuanzhen, and rushed barefoot toward the imperial study wearing only white undergarments.

The imperial study connected to the bedchamber, one inside and one outside. He quickly ran out of the bedchamber and arrived at the study.

He walked straight to the desk and picked up the memorial placed there, his face grim as he began reading.

The memorial was divided into three parts:

First was the casualties of Qingzhou’s defenders. Of the thirty garrisons in Qingzhou, plus troops dispatched from the capital and various provinces totaling ninety thousand, sixty percent were lost. The remaining thirty thousand troops had retreated to defend Yongzhou.

Second, concerned the Judiciary—Yang Gong believed something might have happened to him and hoped the court could quickly confirm his situation.

Third was Yang Gong’s statement, essentially expressing his shame before the emperor and state, seeking only death to apologize to the world.

By the time the Yongxing Emperor finished reading, his hands had begun to shake.

“Nonsense! The Judiciary is Great Feng’s guardian deity, ranked First Grade. Within Great Feng’s borders, who could match him? This Yang Gong spreads demonic rumors—We shall have his head, grant his wish for righteousness!”

The Yongxing Emperor’s face was ashen as he slammed the desk forcefully.

Now anyone who dared speak of harm befalling the Judiciary would learn the meaning of imperial wrath.

At this moment, the commander of the palace guard hurriedly entered and reported:

“Your Majesty, Minister Song from the Imperial Observatory seeks an audience outside the palace.”

Minister Song has come—surely there must be news of the Judiciary, the Judiciary sent him with a message… The Yongxing Emperor’s spirits lifted as he called out loudly:

“Quickly, quickly invite him in!”

He immediately ordered the eunuchs to present the imperial tablet.

A quarter-hour later, the guard commander returned with Minister Song. The former remained outside while the latter crossed the threshold, stepping on crimson carpets into the imperial study.

“Minister Song, is there news of the Judiciary?” the Yongxing Emperor stepped forward and asked immediately.

He stared intently at Minister Song, his eyes filled with hope.

In contrast, Minister Song appeared like a stray dog, his face deathly pale with dark circles under his eyes.

“Your Majesty, Teacher Judiciary… has perished…”

The Yongxing Emperor collapsed into his chair as if his bones had been removed.

After a long while, he rose in a fury, pointing at Minister Song and roaring:

“Nonsense! Minister Song, do you know what you’re saying? The Judiciary was your teacher—you dare curse him?”

He stood up, forcefully waving his sleeves as he bellowed:

“Within Great Feng’s borders, who could match the Judiciary? Tell me, who could match him?”

Minister Song spoke woodenly:

“Senior Brother Sun has conducted preliminary investigations. Teacher Judiciary… he truly seems to have perished. That day, Yunzhou showed strange phenomena, fate energy dispersed, and after Teacher Judiciary’s presence vanished, it never reappeared.”

The Yongxing Emperor slowly slumped in his chair, mumbling:

“The Judiciary, how could he… who could kill him…”

Minister Song said numbly:

“The number of extraordinary experts among the Yunzhou rebels far exceeds imagination.”

The Yongxing Emperor sat dazed for a long time, then began to tremble slightly as if unable to withstand the cold.

Immense fear enveloped him.

…

The next day, news of Qingzhou’s fall and the Judiciary’s death spread throughout Beijing’s official circles, causing massive shock.

The officials gathered at the Meridian Gate, requesting an audience with the emperor, but were blocked outside.

The Yongxing Emperor had fallen ill—frightened into illness.

By dusk, the ministers finally saw him in the imperial study. Overnight, the Yongxing Emperor seemed to have been drained of all vitality, his gaze scattered, his face pale.

The ministers were shocked. First Minister Qian Qingshu said sorrowfully:

“Your Majesty, please take care of your dragon body!”

The Yongxing Emperor gave a bitter laugh:

“Dragon body? At this time, do I still care about this vessel of flesh and blood?”

“Ministers, the Judiciary is dead—what are we to do? Qingzhou has fallen, and the rebels face Yang Gong at Yongzhou’s borders. Once they secure Qingzhou, they will surely return in force, eventually reaching the capital.”

The Judiciary had been Great Feng’s final backbone.

Left Censor Liu Hong said:

“Your Majesty, we still have Xu Yinluo. We are not without fighting strength.”

The Yongxing Emperor shook his head slightly:

“Though Our cultivation is shallow, We know what a Third Grade warrior can and cannot do.”

“When even the Judiciary died at rebel hands, what can Xu Yinluo do?”

Liu Hong was momentarily speechless.

The atmosphere in the imperial study grew heavy and silent.

After a long while, the Minister of Justice said quietly:

“Your Majesty, perhaps we should sue for peace.”

“Sue for peace…” The Yongxing Emperor’s eyes brightened momentarily before he shook his head, giving a bitter smile:

“The rebels come with fierce momentum, seeking to seize Our Great Feng’s realm and replace us. How could they agree to peace?”

“Your Majesty, how can we know without trying?” someone said.

“We are weary,” the Yongxing Emperor said dejectedly. “Let Us consider it.”

…

Imperial City, Princess Huaiqing’s Residence.

A plain horse carriage stopped outside the residence. Liu Hong, who had succeeded Wei Yuan’s position as leader of the former Wei faction, dismounted and went straight inside.

Passing through the front courtyard, he came to the reception hall.

In the spacious and elegant hall, Princess Huaiqing, wearing plum blossom palace attire and bearing a cold demeanor, sat beside her desk, having waited for some time.

“This Princess has already been to the Imperial Observatory and seen Minister Song and Sun Xuanji. The Judiciary is likely… truly in grave danger.”

The Princess’s expression was unusually grave as she looked at Liu Hong entering the hall:

“What are His Majesty’s and the ministers’ attitudes?”

Liu Hong sighed:

“Without the Judiciary, His Majesty and the ministers have lost their backbone—and their courage. The Minister of Justice proposed peace talks. His Majesty didn’t agree, but he didn’t oppose it either, only saying he would consider it.”

“Peace talks…” Huaiqing murmured. After a moment, she shook her head:

“The rebels aim for the Central Plains, aim for the throne. How could they agree to peace? Even if they agree, they would make outrageous demands, first extracting benefits, and then granting temporary peace. It would be like cutting flesh with a dull knife—just a slower death.”

Liu Hong gave a bitter laugh:

“Your Highness, you see this clearly as an observer.”

“His Majesty held no morning court today—he’s ill, frightened into illness. At this moment, if the rebels actively propose peace, he would agree regardless of the cost, like a drowning man grasping at straws.”

Speaking thus, Liu Hong’s face was filled with worry:

“But His Majesty’s fear is not without reason. With even the Judiciary dead, who can oppose Yunzhou?”

“Xu Yinluo is but a Third Grade warrior, and though the Imperial Preceptor is Second Grade, would she truly fight to the death for Great Feng? Even if willing, she likely lacks the ability.”

“Your Highness, you’ve always been resourceful and clever. Tell me, how can we break through this impasse…”

During the discussion in the imperial study, he hadn’t opposed peace talks—not because he agreed, but because he too didn’t know what to do.

Huaiqing remained silent for a long while before slowly saying:

“Better to die as jade than survive as tile!”

…

Qingzhou.

At the Provincial Administration Commission, Qi Guangbo sat behind what was formerly Yang Gong’s desk. Below were various generals, with Ji Xuan in the seat of honor on the left and Ge Wenxuan on the right.

Of these two, the former had captured cities and pursued fleeing Qingzhou soldiers all along the way, establishing brilliant military achievements.

The latter had followed Qi Guangbo in capturing Wan Prefecture, achieving great merit. Combined with his status as Xu Pingfeng’s disciple, his position in the army was extremely high, only slightly below Ji Xuan.

As for the Dark Tortoise Cavalry and Vermillion Bird Flying Cavalry, they belonged to Xu Pingfeng and were not present.

“This isn’t a military tent meeting—no need for formalities.”

Qi Guangbo smiled: “Taking Qingzhou was thanks to all you brothers. Tonight we’ll reward the army—fine wine, food, and women, everything you could want.”

The generals laughed and called out loudly:

“Thank you, Grand General!”

Qi Guangbo nodded:

“However, after today, you must restrain your soldiers. They can no longer plunder the common people. Qingzhou will be our territory from now on, understand?”

“Yes!”

The generals acknowledged.

Zhuo Haoran, flush with success, asked:

“Grand General, when will you lead us north? They say the capital is the Central Plains’ most prosperous city. The brothers can hardly wait.”

Someone laughed:

“When we reach the capital, don’t you dare run wild? The capital is indeed prosperous, but fresh young women are more tempting than gold and silver. It would be a real shame to harm or kill them. I want to taste what noble ladies are like myself.”

Immediately someone cursed laughingly:

“Worthless creature! If you’re going to bed someone, bed those of golden branches and jade leaves—princesses, noble ladies, and imperial concubines. Aren’t they more tempting than mere noble women?”

Raucous laughter erupted.

After taking Qingzhou, the Yunzhou army’s morale soared. From generals down to common soldiers, all were eager to march north, wishing they could charge straight to the capital.

But wishes aside, warfare had its principles. Now that the rebels had taken Qingzhou, they needed to secure this territory—pacify the people and gentry, repair city walls, collect provisions, and so on.

All these things took time. They weren’t foreign raiders who could simply grab people and possessions and then leave in haste.

Ge Wenxuan raised his finger and tapped the table.

As the clamor subsided slightly, he seized the moment to say:

“Grand General, this subordinate believes we needn’t be idle during the reorganization period.”

“We can send people to infiltrate Great Feng’s various provinces and spread news of the Judiciary’s death. This will both create chaos and boost our Yunzhou army’s momentum.”

Qi Guangbo gave an approving response: “An excellent plan.”

Ji Xuan then said:

“In this battle, our army’s casualties were not small. We must replenish our forces, and recruit refugees. But refugees have limited fighting strength—supplementing our middle-rank fighting force is a problem.”

Though Qi Guangbo already had ideas, he still asked:

“What suggestions does Zisu have?”

Ji Xuan said: “We can recruit martial artists from the jianghu.”

This was practically a tradition of Hidden Dragon City. Among the generals present, over half had originally been wanderers from the jianghu who had drifted to Yunzhou before joining Hidden Dragon City.

Qi Guangbo nodded, looked around at everyone, and suddenly asked:

“What do you all think will be the Great Feng court’s reaction to losing the Judiciary?”

Zhuo Haoran laughed heartily:

“The little emperor probably scared himself incontinent.”

The generals all chimed in:

“Without the Judiciary as guardian deity, Great Feng is just a sick tiger with its claws pulled—all show and no substance.”

“Only Xu Qi’an can hold things together now.”

“Pah, what can he hold together? A Third Grade warrior may be formidable, but before the Imperial Preceptor, he’s truly not worth mentioning.”

At this point, Ji Xuan gave a derisive laugh:

“He truly can’t stir up any waves now. The Demon-Sealing Nail the Imperial Preceptor planted in his body can firmly suppress him at the Third Grade boundary.”

Ge Wenxuan smiled and followed up:

“The Imperial Preceptor truly sees through everything.”

Seeing the topic straying, Qi Guangbo raised his hand slightly. As the clamor subsided, he said:

“You speak truly. The Great Feng court, from the emperor down to the officials, must be anxious now. So, what if we were to actively propose peace talks?”

Everyone was stunned.