"I hope that when the Golden List is released next time, I can secure a spot and obtain a piece of turtle shell for divination."
Donghuang Taiyi thought to himself, then sat cross-legged to regulate his breath. He had been severely injured by the backlash from the Golden List and struck repeatedly by sword energy. His physical state was now even worse than he had anticipated; it was no exaggeration to say he was riddled with wounds.
"There is no need to discuss this further. That person is someone the Yin-Yang School must never provoke. Everyone, focus on healing your injuries; do not intervene in the matter of the Netherworld Sword again."
"Your wisdom is profound, Lord Donghuang."
"Your wisdom is profound, Lord Donghuang."
...
News that the Sword God, ranked first on the Famous Swords Ranking, was actually in Xianyang shocked every faction.
"Damn, Xianyang again? Does Heaven truly favor the Qin State?"
"Half of the world’s famous swords have fallen into the hands of the Qin State, and the rewards from the Golden List also belong to them. Specifically, the top three positions are occupied by the Sword Saint Gai Nie, the First Emperor Ying Zheng, and that mysterious Sword God."
"The Sword God? How could the Sword God, wielder of the Netherworld Sword, appear in Xianyang? Is he merely staying here temporarily?"
"Quick, send men to investigate immediately! We must find out if this Sword God has any connection to the Qin State. If he does not, we must win him over and use him for our own purposes."
The world, which had only just settled, was once again thrown into turmoil because of the "Sword God." The remnants of the Six States and various sects all dispatched spies to secretly infiltrate Xianyang to search for the man who had caused such a sensation.
At this moment, Xianyang was bustling with activity.
Inside a luxurious mansion, a domineering and furious voice rang out.
"Zhao Gao, you eunuch, to be so arrogant before me—are you looking to die?"
*Thump, thump, thump...*
*Thump, thump, thump...*
*Thump, thump, thump...*
"The Six Sword Slaves? What are they? Nothing more than a pack of running dogs!"
Inside the mansion stood a young man of seventeen or eighteen. With delicate features, dark hair, and sharp, starry eyes, he looked down at Zhao Gao in the courtyard. He was Qin Lan, the eldest son of the First Emperor Ying Zheng.
"You break into my mansion in the middle of the night and injure my servants. Zhao Gao, do you know what crime you have committed?"
"Young Master, this was not this old servant's intention. I am merely acting under the First Emperor's orders to invite you to the palace," Zhao Gao explained hurriedly. "Hurry and tidy up, prepare to enter the palace. I still have to notify the other young masters."
Despite his words, his demeanor was incredibly arrogant. This was not a report from a eunuch to a young master; it was more like a senior instructing a junior.
Zhao Gao was this reckless for three reasons: first, he relied on the First Emperor's favor; second, he was the leader of the Net, controlling a mysterious and terrifying power that inspired awe; third, Qin Lan's mother was merely a maid from the Zhao State with no deep background, unlike the other young masters, whose mothers held powerful support both inside and outside the court.
Seeing this, how could Qin Lan not understand Zhao Gao’s intentions? He crooked his finger, signaling for Zhao Gao to come closer. "I didn't hear you clearly. Say what you just said again."
*Uh...*
Zhao Gao paused for a moment before slowly walking forward. Even standing right in front of Qin Lan, he maintained his arrogant posture and said in a shrill voice, "Young Master, this old servant just said—"
Before he could finish, Qin Lan slammed a palm across Zhao Gao's face.
*Bang!*
Zhao Gao was sent flying like a cannonball. In mid-air, several teeth were jarred loose before he crashed heavily to the ground. The ground, paved with bluestone, cracked and splintered outward from the impact.
*Pfft...*
As Zhao Gao struggled to rise, he felt his blood roil. He spat out a mouthful of blood, mixed with his own teeth. The teeth were stained crimson. His right cheek was swollen high, and he looked utterly wretched.
Suddenly, six figures appeared silently in the room, all carrying long swords on their backs, surrounding Qin Lan tightly. Though their builds varied, their presence was unified, as if they had merged with the night; had they not revealed themselves, it would have been nearly impossible to detect their location. They were the top assassins of the Net, Zhao Gao’s trusted aides—the Six Sword Slaves.
Qin Lan recognized them, and a look of contempt curled his lips. "Oh? As the running dogs of your master, do you intend to stand up for him?"
His tone was light, but it contained a murderous intent. Hearing this, the Six Sword Slaves took a step forward in unison, gripping their hilts and releasing a thick, lethal aura. Should Zhao Gao give the order, they would take the life of the person before them without hesitation.
"Stop! Stand down!"
Zhao Gao hurriedly stood, clutching his swollen cheek, and said coldly, "This is Young Master Qin Lan. Offer your apologies at once."
The Six Sword Slaves never questioned Zhao Gao’s commands. They said in unison, "Young Master Qin Lan, we apologize for the offense."
With that, they vanished as quickly as they had arrived.
Zhao Gao approached Qin Lan again, bowed deeply, and said respectfully, "If I caused any offense just now, I beg the Young Master's forgiveness." He continued, "Today, strange omens descended from the heavens, stars fell, the Golden List reappeared, and the Famous Swords Ranking was revealed. The top reward is the 'Nine-Turn Longevity Pill.' This matter concerns the safety of the First Emperor, so I was tasked with summoning you to the palace for consultation. Because your servants blocked my path, I acted in haste to push them aside. I had no intention of causing offense. I hope the Young Master will look into the matter."
As he spoke, Zhao Gao bowed his head low, his posture standard and humble. However, a flash of malice crossed his eyes while he looked at the ground.
"Heh."
Qin Lan sneered to himself, *Trying to fool me with this? How childish.*
He reasoned that if Zhao Gao hadn't summoned them, the Six Sword Slaves wouldn't have appeared. Clearly, Zhao Gao had already ordered them to set a formation; this was a naked threat. Then, Zhao Gao took it upon himself to scold the Six Sword Slaves, intending to act weak and hint that Qin Lan should stop before things went too far and both sides ended up destroyed. Zhao Gao was a master of such psychological manipulation.
Anyone else might have felt fear and chosen to yield. But would Qin Lan ever surrender so easily?
Qin Lan took a step forward, his tone calm. "That slap just now wasn't because you offended me, but because you were venting your anger on my servants."
Zhao Gao was stunned, then bowed and asked, "What do you mean by that?"
Qin Lan sneered, "Why pretend? Our accounts aren't settled yet. You offended me; how shall we resolve that?"
Before the words had even faded, Qin Lan sprang into the air, driving his knee directly into Zhao Gao’s face.
*Boom!*
With a massive sound, Zhao Gao was struck hard. He flipped backward and slammed the back of his head against the ground. Immediately after, Qin Lan grabbed Zhao Gao by the hair and smashed his head against the floor repeatedly.
*Boom! Boom! Boom!*
Each impact made a dull thud, accompanied by Zhao Gao’s shrill screams. Blood splashed, and flesh became a mess. Throughout this, Zhao Gao dared not use his internal energy to defend himself, knowing that if he lost control and injured the Young Master, it would be a capital crime, perhaps even costing him his life.
After the brutal beating, Qin Lan grabbed Zhao Gao by the collar and flung him out of the mansion like a chick, letting him crash heavily onto the ground outside.
Then, Qin Lan’s hearty, low laughter echoed in the courtyard: "Finally, that feels good. That account is settled at last."
"Go on, continue notifying the other young masters. I shall enter the palace to see the Emperor shortly."
Zhao Gao lay on the ground, his head broken and bleeding, his entire body stained with blood. His face, in particular, was swollen like a pig’s head, making him look exceptionally wretched. The surrounding attendants were terrified. One of the retainers who served Zhao Gao wanted to make an impression and rushed forward to help him up, asking with concern, "My Lord, are you unharmed? I..."
Before he could finish, Zhao Gao waved his hand.
"Get lost."
A bone-chilling cold erupted. The retainer was instantly encased in frost, turning into an ice sculpture.
*Crack!*
With a sound, the ice and blood-clotted remains shattered, scattering across the ground. This sight made the other attendants scramble backward, their teeth chattering. They had never seen the Prefect of the Central Army in such a rage.
At this moment, Zhao Gao’s eyes were bloodshot, his teeth clenched. "Very good, very good. As long as it satisfies the Young Master, then that is my duty."
Though he said this, everyone knew Zhao Gao was burning with rage. Yet, he dared not do anything to Qin Lan. Through this event, he had developed a deep sense of dread toward the young man. He had previously heard that Qin Lan was idle and loved only pleasure—nothing more than a wastrel. But looking at him now, how could that be true?
He had been on the verge of death with only a few words; even the threat of the Six Sword Slaves hadn't fazed the man. Was he truly fearless, or was he just foolish? Zhao Gao couldn't fathom it. This was one of the reasons he feared Qin Lan.
As the voice died down, Qin Lan's laughter drifted from the mansion again. "I will remember those words. Whenever I'm in a bad mood, I'll come find Eunuch Zhao to be friends again." He deliberately emphasized the word "Eunuch."
Zhao Gao’s face darkened as he cupped his hands and said, "It would be this old servant's honor. I shall await the Young Master's visit at my home." His voice was hoarse and grating.
"Get lost! And don't forget your place."
"Yes, Young Master," Zhao Gao replied in a low voice.
As he turned to take a few steps, he heard Qin Lan’s cold voice again.
"Clean up the entrance before you go. If I see this mess when I head to the palace later, I’m afraid you’ll be punished."
The meaning was clear: if he didn't clean it up, he would definitely report him to the Emperor.
*Uh...*
When these words were spoken, Zhao Gao’s already dark complexion turned even worse, shifting from green to purple. This was too much! This was bullying him to the extreme! But what could he do?
He gestured to his attendants. "Someone, clean the area in front of the Young Master's mansion."
"Yes, my Lord."
"Yes, my Lord."
Just as the attendants were about to begin, Qin Lan spoke again.
"Eunuch Zhao, why don't you sweep it yourself? Otherwise, if word of the scene you caused at my gate reaches my father's ears, it won't be good. Oh, and since there are no brooms in the mansion, just use your clothes to wipe it clean."
This was psychological cruelty—truly heart-wrenching. Upon hearing this, Zhao Gao felt as if he might vomit blood. But having acted on impulse and made a fool of himself at the gate, he was already stuck in the mud, and Qin Lan had absolute control over his fate.
Zhao Gao could only swallow his anger. He forced a smile, slowly took off his robe, and picked up the bloody flesh and ice fragments from the ground, wiping the stone until it was clean before sneaking away. He truly didn't want to stay for another moment, fearing further humiliation.
For a dignified Prefect of the Central Army to wipe the floor with his own clothes—if this were to spread, would it not be an utter mockery?