CHAPTER 1791: CHAPTER 1792: CHANGES IN THE DAO SECT

Xia Country, Capital City.

The news of the Luo Clan’s downfall has, over the past half month, gradually flowed into Kyoto through various special channels.

It’s unclear whether someone leaked the news secretly or if it was a deliberate move by the Xia Country’s authorities, but those with keen interest have somewhat sensed this great turmoil is inseparably connected to the Xia Country’s government.

In the face of these gradually spreading rumors, the Dragon Soul Department has remained silent, as if completely unaware of everything happening externally.

Their odd attitude only fuels wild speculations and makes people increasingly feel something is off.

Amidst the swirling storm over the capital, another explosive piece of news swiftly spread through the city.

But this isn’t a rumor spread in private whispers; it’s like a huge stone thrown into a lake of hidden currents, instantly sparking waves upon waves.

"How can it be? Is this news true? Are you sure it isn’t just the Qingcheng Sect? Did the other two also clearly state their stance?"

Fourth Prince Zhao Shijue listened to the sudden news, his eyes wide, unable to believe what he heard.

The Martial King who delivered the message nodded heavily: "Your Highness, it’s absolutely true. Before coming to report, I specifically went to the Nine Heavens Tower and exchanged intelligence with others to confirm before daring to report to you."

Zhao Shijue, somewhat lost, listened to the sudden news and sat down heavily onto the exquisitely crafted century-old sandalwood chair.

Having just sat down, Zhao Shijue suddenly realized something, turned his head towards the messenger, and asked.

"You just mentioned Nine Heavens Tower? Could it be that this matter has already spread throughout the Capital City?"

The Martial King was stunned upon hearing this and, realizing something amiss, was forced to nod stiffly.

Bam!

A valuable blue-and-white porcelain cup on the tea table was instantly smashed to the ground, and as expected, the furious Zhao Shijue shouted in anger.

"What a bunch of idiots! Such important news, how can it be that it’s only reaching me now!"

"I’m at fault, Your Highness; the news was so shocking that I dared not report it lightly. Your Highness, do you think this could also be related to..."

"Nonsense! Qingcheng, Quanzhen, Wudang, these three sects jointly renounced the title of the head of the Dao Sect. The formerly ’Four Major Taoist Sects’ have instantly turned into a situation dominated by Mount Longhu alone. If it weren’t for His Majesty’s intentions, who else in the world today could achieve such a thing? You?"

The more excited Zhao Shijue became, the more uncontrollable his tone, forcing the Martial King to step back, not daring to further offend the furious Zhao Shijue at this moment.

Even though Zhao Shijue was anxious, he had no intention of venting his anger on the Martial King; his mind raced as he pondered who successfully helped Zhao Xuanzhen with this crucial task without anyone knowing.

"Ye Qingci? No, impossible! Even if her father supports her from behind, she couldn’t accomplish such a feat. Long Xuan?"

Zhao Shijue thought about the man who had briefly appeared in the Capital City half a month ago and then vanished without a trace but dared not confirm this speculation.

He had never underestimated Long Xuan, and since Long Xuan was originally a disciple of Mount Longhu, achieving this with full support from His Majesty wasn’t impossible. However, thinking of the troubles that must have been encountered, he found it hard to believe that Long Xuan could accomplish such a major task without a sound.

Suddenly, a figure flashed in Zhao Shijue’s mind, causing him to stride out of the mansion.

The Martial King, seeing this, hurriedly followed: "Your Highness, where are you going?"

"Imperial Academy, Yaoguang Dojo."

Zhao Shijue said as he walked out of the mansion, fully aware that he might not meet that elusive State Preceptor, but such a major matter couldn’t let him wait in vain here.

But just as he stepped out of the mansion and sat in a black state vehicle, he suddenly thought of something.

"Wait."

"What else do you command, Your Highness?"

The driver, already prepared to head to the Imperial Academy, stopped the car and patiently asked Zhao Shijue.

"Not going to the Imperial Academy anymore. Change our route to Mount Qilong, Tian Heng Saint Envoy’s residence."

The black state vehicle sped away, and although he knew how long it would take to reach the destination, Zhao Shijue kept checking the time along the way.

For the first time in his life, he felt so irritated by the Capital’s ban on flying.

However, even so, Zhao Shijue forced himself to endure, knowing that at such a critical time, he couldn’t afford to give anyone any handles against him.

"We’ve arrived."

As the black state vehicle stopped in front of Su Chengyu’s residence, most of Zhao Shijue’s previous restlessness dissipated.

Though he forcibly calmed himself down, he knew that in order to meet that person, he absolutely must not reveal too many flaws.

However, what Zhao Shijue didn’t expect was that as he got out of the car, he wasn’t greeted by Su Chengyu, who had already sensed his arrival, but by another figure who coincidentally came to this place.

"Cold Moon Envoy?"

Zhao Shijue had anticipated encountering some other people who would come to inquire, such as Zhuang Yihan from the Dragon Soul Eighteen Guards, but never expected to see Ye Qingci.

As soon as Ye Qingci, who had long noticed Zhao Shijue’s arrival, turned and said calmly: "Greetings, Prince Jue."

Given the circumstances and rank, as an emissary of the Demon Slayer Department, Ye Qingci could forgo most formalities when facing a prince, not to mention his current Earth Immortal Realm strength which further exempted him from numerous rules.

It’s fair to say that even if Ye Qingci wanted to ignore Zhao Shijue, the prince couldn’t have any grievances.

Moreover, the courtesy Ye Qingci still extended was a clear indication of acknowledging the subdued relationship between Zhao Shijue and Su Chengyu.

Zhao Shijue, though unseen, clearly understood that the relationship between Ye Qingci and the newly appointed Saint Envoy he supported was more intimate than he initially assumed.

Understanding this, Zhao Shijue spared the superficial pleasantries and spoke directly: "Cold Moon Envoy, are you also here to inquire from Tian Heng Saint Envoy about the Qingcheng Sect being removed from the Four Major Daoist Sects?"

Ye Qingci nodded: "Sort of. It’s inconvenient to talk here; let’s talk inside."

Overjoyed at these words, Zhao Shijue replied, "Then I’ll trouble the Cold Moon Envoy to lead the way."

Today, Su Chengyu could be said to be the legitimate Saint Envoy titled ’Tian Heng’ by His Majesty. The gate was no longer one that others could enter at will, and although Zhao Shijue had established a cooperative relationship with Su Chengyu, given the special nature of this situation, he worried about being turned away.

With Ye Qingci leading the way, they quickly entered the mansion after the formation guarding the entire place opened up, and it shut again behind them.

Stepping into the courtyard within the residence, Zhao Shijue found a group of people already gathered there, including several familiar faces. He couldn’t help but laugh dryly.

"Could it be that I’m the last to arrive?"

Ye Qingci glanced at everyone present, their expression remaining calm, and softly said, "Later or sooner, it makes no difference. After all, you won’t see the person you wish to find."

"What do you mean?"

Zhao Shijue raised his head in surprise, and everyone in the courtyard turned their curious gaze toward Ye Qingci.

Only then did Ye Qingci continue addressing everyone: "As you’ve seen, Su Chengyu is not currently in the capital. The news circulating outside about Tian Heng Saint Envoy returning to the capital is merely a deceit for His Majesty."