Upon learning that Young Master Qin Lan had been demoted to Dongjun as punishment for reprimanding Zhao Gao and Hu Hai, he smiled faintly.
He considered Young Master Qin Lan exceptionally bold and intended, once matters concluded, to go to Dongjun to exchange musical skills with him, seeing whether his new sword manual could rival Young Master Qin Lan's mastery of the zither.
Gao Jianli was an important leader of the Mohist School who had come to Xianyang to track down the Sword God.
However, even with the Emperor mobilizing the Shadow Secret Guard and the Imperial Guards, the Sword God remained unfound, making him realize how difficult it was to trace the elusive figure.
The "Seven-Stringed Formless Zither Sword Manual" in his possession was a top-tier swordsmanship technique obtained from the Water Cold Sword; it could blend into zither music to release sword Qi of seven different attributes, possessing extraordinary power.
Within the Mohist School, there had been discussions on who should go to Xianyang to find the Sword God, and Gao Jianli had volunteered himself at the time, with one of the primary reasons being his desire to test his zither skills against Young Master Qin Lan.
Never had he expected that Young Master Qin Lan would be dispatched to Dongjun instead.
He thought to himself that he must accelerate his search for the Sword God.
After hastily finishing his breakfast, he paid the silver coins and left, vanishing into the crowd.
Inside the residence of the Administrator of the Central Carriage, the martial arts practice room was stiflingly hot, yet Zhao Gao sat in meditation to regulate his breathing. An aura of extreme frost emanated from his body, and the surrounding objects instantly frosted over.
His internal injuries, accumulated from the cane beating, flared up, and he spat a mouthful of blood.
Upon regaining consciousness, his eyes were bloodshot and filled with hatred; he vowed to track down the murderer of Number Six, and prepared to unleash his revenge upon Young Master Qin Lan.
Outside the door lay six corpses, clearly slain in an instant with no opportunity to struggle.
Zhao Gao ordered the retainers in his estate to pay close attention to the movements within the city and to notify him immediately if any powerful martial artists appeared.
Meanwhile, within the Yin-Yang School aboard the Mirage, Gan Luo reported to Donghuang that investigations revealed the death of Number Six was the work of Dongjun. Although the perpetrator had concealed their tracks well, it still could not escape his detection.
A triumphant smile played upon his lips as he spoke.
Ever since that upheaval, the Toad Palace had been destroyed, and Dongjun Feiyan had left the Yin-Yang School.
The position of Dongjun had remained vacant ever since, and he and another colleague had engaged in a bitter rivalry for years, all out of covetousness for that rank.
For only the Dongjun was qualified to cultivate the secret technique of the Yin-Yang School: Soul-Seizing Dragon Flight.
"Can this matter be confirmed?"
Donghuang Taiyi asked calmly.
Gan Luo nodded resolutely. "Your Excellency Donghuang, I am willing to stake my life to guarantee that the one who slew Number Six is none other than Dongjun Feiyan."
"Very well. Go arrange to have this news leaked to Zhao Gao."
A chilling smile crept onto the corner of Donghuang Taiyi's mouth.
Dongjun Feiyan had been taken away by the Sword God, and now Dongjun Feiyan had killed Number Six.
Upon learning of this, Zhao Gao would inevitably mobilize the Net to hunt down Dongjun Feiyan, which in turn would draw out the Sword God, and the two would inevitably clash.
Regardless of the outcome, it would be advantageous to the Yin-Yang School.
Xinghun immediately grasped the underlying implications and broke into a grin. "As you command, Your Excellency Donghuang."
With that, he turned and left.
Just as he was about to step across the threshold of the Golden Crow Palace, he heard Donghuang Taiyi's meaningful voice reach him: "Perform well, and the position of Dongjun shall be yours and yours alone."
Xinghun hurriedly expressed his gratitude. "Thank you, Your Excellency Donghuang."
Accompanied by a heavy sound of closing doors, a powerful force propelled him outward, and the great doors shut automatically.
Before long, numerous figures from the Net appeared within Xianyang City, as if searching for something.
All factions were restless and spoiling for action.
Yet the mastermind behind all of this, Young Master Qin Lan, was lounging leisurely inside a carriage as it drove out of Xianyang City, heading toward Dongjun.
The luxurious carriage sped forward, crushing the muddy road and producing a harsh noise.
Outside the carriage windows, soldiers were fully armed and watching their surroundings vigilantly.
They wore silver armor, donned tiger-visaged masks, and clutched their weapons, forming an elite vanguard.
Inside the carriage, however, it was a completely different scene. Yan Ji half-reclined there, adorned in gorgeous attire whose skirt outlined her slender legs, making her appear exceptionally alluring.
Qin Lan lay across her lap, basking in her fragrance.
"Young Master, when shall we return to Xianyang?"
Yan Ji peeled a grape and offered it to him.
Her voice was soft and captivating, resembling babbling brook water.
Qin Lan opened his eyes slightly, ate the grape, and said meaningfully, "When it is time to return, naturally we shall return."
He understood his imperial father's intentions: the situation in Xianyang was complex, with various factions intertwining.
And since he himself was always stirring up trouble, it was far better to be temporarily transferred to Dongjun under the pretext of guarding the meteorite Golden List, letting Wang Li lead the Hundred Battles Armor-Piercing Forces to ensure his safety.
Once the situation in Xianyang stabilized, he would naturally be summoned back.
Qin Lan stretched his body, slowly opened his eyes, and gazed directly at Yan Ji with a playful smile at the corners of his lips: "Are you still reluctant to leave Xianyang?"
Yan Ji chuckled lightly, brimming with exotic charm: "Wherever Young Master goes, this handmaiden follows. Not only did Young Master save my life, but you also protected my younger brother. Such deep kindness can only be repaid by following you for the rest of my days and serving Young Master with all my heart."
Her words were saturated with genuine emotion.
She originated from Baiyue.
In the past, the State of Han had attacked Baiyue, and the ravages of war had scorched the land, reducing her homeland to ruins and leaving her family dead or wounded, with only a younger brother whose fate remained unknown.
Just as she plunged into utter despair, a mysterious figure cloaked in profound iron black armor and wielding a profound iron battle saber appeared, single-handedly slaying eight thousand White-Armored Guards, severely injuring the Marquis of Blood, and rescuing her from the battlefield.
Before parting, that person gave her only a single task: to protect the young Young Master Qin Lan, and promised to assist her in finding her younger brother.
Years later, under her meticulous care, her brother grew up and was now a member of the Nether Iron Cavalry.
These profound debts made her resolve to repay them with her life.
Hearing this, Qin Lan smiled indifferently. "It seems you were rather concerned about my itinerary after all."
Yan Ji smiled brightly. "Young Master worries too much; I was merely asking out of curiosity."
With that, she peeled an orange and handed it to Qin Lan. "Young Master, have a taste."
Qin Lan took a bite, leaned back against her lap once more, and continued, "Oranges are warming in nature, and coupled with the fatigue of travel, one shouldn't eat too many."
Yan Ji chuckled softly. "How could Young Master ever grow overheated? Dongjun borders the sea and enjoys a cool climate; if you truly grow overheated, I shall accompany you for a swim in the ocean."
Her demeanor was gentle, making one feel as though bathed in a spring breeze.
...
The journey proceeded smoothly.
The sun sank in the west, painting the sky with a vast expanse of rosy clouds. The rankings on the Sword List flickered continuously in the afterglow, shifting constantly—some rising, some falling—while only the top twenty positions remained as unyielding as solid rock.
The apex of the list was not only expansive but also radiated a dazzling golden glow that drew the eye from afar.
...
Outside Linzi City in Dongjun.
Qin Army soldiers maintained a strict defense, inspecting passing pedestrians and demanding proof of passage before allowing entry.
The pass was similar to an identity document, with a wooden tablet carved with information such as name and place of origin.
Yet today's security was even stricter than usual, with siege engines already deployed, creating an intensely taut atmosphere.
The ordinary citizens were filled with perplexity: "What is going on? Why make such a grand display? Even the Hundred Battles Armor-Piercing Forces have been mobilized!"
Someone remarked, "I hear some miscreant intends to steal the meteorite boulder; since this object manifests the Golden List, it naturally attracts covetous eyes."
Another countered, "That's not it. Rumor has it that the First Emperor's eldest son, Young Master Qin Lan, is about to arrive in Dongjun, which is why elite troops were mobilized to welcome him."
"Regardless, we'd best steer clear."
...
atop the city wall, a general clad in silver armor possessed a treasured sword at his waist, blue bracers on his arms, and a helmet tucked at his hip, revealing a resolute expression.
He had a shock of peculiar blue hair with silvery-white tips; he was the Commandant of Dongjun—Zhongli Lai.
At this moment, his gaze was sharp, and a trace of puzzlement furrowed his brow.
"This shouldn't be. By all calculations, Qin Lan ought to have arrived by now, so why is there still no sign of him?"
He muttered to himself with a solemn expression.
Footsteps approached from afar, heavy and rhythmic, vibrating the earth and swaying the tree shadows.
Suddenly, the sound of hoofbeats echoed from the distance, clearly audible.
The earth trembled, and branches and leaves fluttered through the air.
Suddenly, the 24th iteration of the Sword List updated, and the new ranking descended. [Chapter 4]
Looking as far as the eye could see, a troop of iron cavalry escorted a carriage as it galloped forward amid billowing dust.
Witnessing this spectacle, Zhongli Lai broke into a smile and let out a long breath of relief. "They've finally arrived. If anything had gone wrong on the road, I wouldn't have been able to report to the General."
Before his voice had even faded, he had already donned his helmet and slung his quiver across his back.
"Open the gates! Welcome Young Master Qin Lan!"
He commanded in a deep voice.
"Understood!"
As the order was given, hundreds of soldiers clad in silver armor and awe-inspiring presence stood at attention. The city gates swung wide, awaiting Qin Lan's arrival in silence.
Before long, the carriage carrying Qin Lan came to a smooth halt before the city.
Zhongli Lai stepped forward and cupped his fists in salute: "Zhongli Lai, Commandant of Dongjun, respectfully welcomes Young Master Qin Lan."
Oh?
Inside the carriage, upon hearing the name Zhongli Lai, Qin Lan narrowed his eyes slightly, pondering inwardly: "To actually have him come and meet me—quite an interesting turn of events."
In his memories, Zhongli Lai was a man of upright character who disdained flummery, frequently clashed with his superiors, and had been passed over for major responsibilities.
Yet his archery was superb, his strikes swift and fierce, and he excelled at surprise attacks.
Overall, he was a piece of timber worth carving.
At this thought, Qin Lan spoke up: "Many thanks for your trouble, Commandant Zhong. Lead the way."
"As you command, Young Master."
Zhongli Lai answered respectfully. "The Supreme General has prepared a banquet and has awaited Young Master for quite some time. Please follow me."
With those words, he took the lead and guided the way.
Escorted by the elite troops of two great powers, Qin Lan's carriage slowly entered Linzi City.
Time flew by, and half a month vanished in the blink of an eye.
Undercurrents surged beneath the surface in Xianyang City, with various factions constantly rubbing against one another, yet they could never locate the trace of the number one on the Famous Swords Ranking—the Sword God.
Consequently, speculations arose that the Sword God might have already quietly departed.
As soon as this word spread, the once-turbulent city of Xianyang gradually returned to tranquility.
Tonight, the moonlight was chilling, resembling both smoke and mist.
Major factions kept their eyes locked tightly on the movements of the Famous Swords Ranking.
Half a month having passed, the rankings on the Famous Swords Ranking remained as unpredictable as ever.
Exploration had revealed that defeating the current holder of a famous sword allowed one to climb the ranks.
Consequently, swordsmen across the realm went utterly mad, scouring everywhere for famous-sword holders to challenge, hoping their rankings could be sustained for half a month.
For the Famous Swords Ranking refreshed every half a month, and each refresh granted rewards corresponding to one's rank.
Having endured half a month of frenzy, tonight happened to be the moment of the ranking's refresh.
"Good heavens! Those famous-sword holders are simply too powerful; I had only just challenged my way to the very bottom spot, and before I could even strike, I was crushed."
"Lately there's been a madman on the Famous Swords Ranking—the master of Juque has stubbornly slaughtered his way from the two-hundredth rank all the way to fifty-eighth; he's sheer monster!"
"I am utterly beaten. Tell me, just how formidable is that Sword God? It's simply unimaginable."
"Nonsense, once the Cultivation Ranking comes out, we'll know. I reckon he's at least a martial artist of the Myriad Phenomena Realm."