That was a fine idea, one he turned over and over in his mind. It carried risks, but he knew he could, at the very least, retreat unscathed.

Once the decision was made, Ji Changkong immediately contacted Duan Haoshan and Duan Lingyue, tasking them with using the Duan family’s network to pass certain messages toward the Chen family and Xuanyuan Valley on his behalf. Though Duan Haoshan and Duan Lingyue had no idea what he was truly planning, they followed his instructions precisely. Carrier hawks were dispatched immediately to relay the messages he dictated.

With all arrangements set, Ji Changkong ignored the protests of Duan Haoshan and Duan Lingyue, leaving through the Duan family’s secret passage once more. He materialized in the busiest and most prosperous thoroughfare of Tianshui City?

Having experienced a previous foray into the Tianshui City Imperial Palace with Huangfu Zhu, this time he proceeded with practiced ease, moving unhurriedly toward the palace grounds. As he drew near the Imperial Palace, he keenly sensed numerous eyes tracking him from the shadows. A host of powerful masters instantly converged, concealed in every surrounding nook and cranny.

A faint, composed smile playing on his lips, Ji Changkong soon appeared before the main gates of the Palace. Someone within must have already received word, as the palace guards stood rigidly prepared. The moment Ji Changkong showed himself outside the gates, they shouted in unison: “Are you the envoy from Xuanyuan Valley?”

Following that loud challenge, many others, through overt or subtle means, secured their positions in various hidden spots, subtly surrounding him.

Twelve Six-Harmony Heaven Soldiers, five Seven-Star Heaven Soldiers, and one Eight Trigram Heaven Soldier—this was the hidden strength lurking in the dark.

“Indeed. I am Ji Changkong, come specifically to pay my respects to Her Majesty the Empress.” Ji Changkong remained unperturbed, holding his head high as he surveyed his surroundings, his gaze lingering for a moment on the spot where the Eight Trigram Heaven Soldier was concealed.

Merely a fledgling in the Eight Trigram realm, perhaps only just mastering the ability to let his Divine Soul wander under the moonlight? After letting his soul sweep through that area once, Ji Changkong secretly assessed the true cultivation level based on the fluctuation of the person's soul energy.

That individual clearly sensed Ji Changkong’s probing soul presence, but he dared not make any rash move outside the Palace. Instead, he cautiously concealed himself further, subtly retreating a short distance to the rear, his intentions unknown.

“Please, enter.” The guards at the entrance appraised Ji Changkong for a moment. The leader bowed deeply, courteously stepping aside to gesture for him to enter the palace.

Ji Changkong accepted the invitation without ceremony, offering a slight nod before proceeding swaggeringly toward the Imperial Palace.

As he brushed past the Captain of the Guard, Ji Changkong clearly saw a sudden, icy sharpness flash in the man's downward-cast eyes. The guard’s very aura tightened, his pores seemingly standing on end in alarm, as if bracing for a sudden attack from Ji Changkong.

Shaking his head with a slight chuckle, Ji Changkong said lightly, “I would trouble someone to show me the way. It is my first time inside the palace; I’m afraid I might get lost, hehe.”

The Captain of the Guard tensed even more cautiously. Upon hearing this, he quickly replied, “Just proceed straight ahead, and someone will guide you.”

“Oh, I see.” Smiling, Ji Changkong did not linger. He slowly moved deeper into the palace grounds, glancing around East and West.

One after another, powerful figures—from outside the palace walls, from the Huangfu family compound behind it—began to enter the palace, some overtly, others through covert pathways.

Because of his arrival, the Imperial Palace functioned like a massive, intricate machine suddenly operating at high speed.

In the main audience hall, Empress Huangfu Yue sat high on her throne. Flanking her were several palace eunuchs with sinister expressions; their faces were a dark, ashen color, lending an unnerving, chilling aura to the scene. The Prime Minister, Wang Pai, displayed an air of elegance, his slender eyes flashing with sharp insight as he intently watched Ji Changkong stride in.

“I pay my respects to the Empress. May Your Majesty—” Ji Changkong began his greeting, bowing deeply.

“Insolent!” Before Ji Changkong could finish his address, a eunuch by Huangfu Yue’s side shrieked in a high-pitched voice, “In the main hall of the Imperial Palace, you dare not kneel and kowtow? You scorn Imperial Authority—your crime deserves death!”

Huangfu Yue narrowed her eyes, allowing her Divine Soul to drift out, sweeping over Ji Changkong as he stood erect. A strange thought suddenly surfaced in her mind: Where have I seen him before?

Her cultivation technique was quite miraculous, granting her exquisite control over her Divine Soul, and she faintly sensed a familiar aura. Unfortunately, when she tried to focus, she could not be certain. More importantly, her memory was sharp; she had never encountered Ji Changkong before.

“Though I am a citizen of the Water Cloud Kingdom, I am also a cultivator pursuing the ultimate path of the Heaven Soldier. My reverence for Her Majesty the Empress is sufficient, even if I do not display it outwardly. I trust Your Majesty will not mind,” Ji Changkong stated, neither arrogant nor servile.

Hidden in the shadows behind Huangfu Yue, there were at least four other Eight Trigram Heaven Soldiers concealed. Adding Huangfu Yue herself and Wang Pai, the main hall now held six Eight Trigram Heaven Soldiers, plus dozens of Six-Harmony and Seven-Star Heaven Soldiers. At this moment, the palace was truly an impregnable fortress; unless one was a Nine Palace Heaven Soldier, no one could easily leave.

Despite this overwhelming situation, Ji Changkong remained perfectly composed, showing no trace of fear or cowardice.

Huangfu Yue felt a flicker of surprise. Although she was thoroughly informed about every detail concerning Ji Changkong, she had not expected someone so young to maintain such composure under such heavy pressure. She inwardly offered a slight compliment. Comparing Ji Changkong to the third generation of the Huangfu family, she suddenly realized that not a single member of that generation could maintain such a calm demeanor in her presence.

What a pity. A pity you are the grandson of Gu Yu. A pity you are the new generation of the Ji family’s Xuanyuan heir. Otherwise, I might have allowed you to act as freely as you wished within the kingdom. Huangfu Yue shook her head internally, then waved her hand dismissively. “Although I rule the Water Cloud Kingdom, I am also one among the myriad Heaven Soldiers of the world. I am certainly aware of certain customs here. Let us dispense with the formalities where possible.”

As soon as she spoke, the chattering old eunuch immediately lowered his head and fell silent, appearing as docile as a cat.

“Ji Changkong, do you know why I summoned you here?” Huangfu Yue narrowed her slender eyes, her expression suddenly turning serious. The commanding aura inherent to those long accustomed to supreme authority immediately manifested.

Glancing at Wang Pai beside her, Ji Changkong smiled faintly. “It should concern the matter of Prime Minister’s disciple, Xu Wei, correct? That man colluded with certain elements of the Southern Yi Ten Thousand Poisons Sect, using despicable methods to force the former Lord of Qingyan City, Nie Yuanshan, into seclusion, thereby seizing the position of City Lord himself. I knew of his dealings with the Ten Thousand Poisons Sect, which is why I sought to eradicate this scourge for the sake of the nation.”

Having prepared his justification long before arriving, Ji Changkong answered without hesitation as soon as Huangfu Yue inquired.

“Xu Wei was taught directly by me. He is quite rigid and lacks cunning intrigue; it is impossible for him to have colluded with the Southern Yi!” Wang Pai stepped forward and scoffed, “Furthermore, Xu Wei is the City Lord of Qingyan. If he has indeed erred, it is for the nation to investigate his responsibility, not for you to unilaterally mete out punishment!”

“Xuanyuan Valley is a blessed land within our Water Cloud Kingdom, and it contributed significantly during the last invasion by foreign Heaven Soldiers. I acknowledge this fact,” Huangfu Yue stated, fixing her gaze on Ji Changkong. “However, Xu Wei is a City Lord. Regardless of whether he is truly at fault, only I have the authority to decide his punishment. Ji Changkong, although you are an important figure in Xuanyuan Valley, you have violated the laws of the nation. I must hold you accountable.”

Knowing this outcome was likely, Ji Changkong was not surprised. He smiled, “May I ask how Your Majesty intends to punish this humble one?”

“First, you will be detained. After I have clarified Xu Wei’s situation, I will determine your final sentence.” Huangfu Yue frowned, adopting an air of official impartiality. She raised her hand. “Guards! Take Ji Changkong and confine him to the special dungeon prepared for Heaven Soldiers. Ah, given Ji Changkong’s profound cultivation, to prevent any treacherous thoughts, send him to the Still Water Prison.”

Outside, three guards, all possessing the cultivation of the Seven-Star Heaven realm, walked in with grim expressions. They produced specialized shackles that had been prepared in advance, positioning themselves with extreme caution to make their move.

Simultaneously, the four Eight Trigram Heaven Soldiers behind Huangfu Yue, including Huangfu Yue and Wang Pai themselves, immediately prepared to act covertly. They waited for the slightest sign of resistance from Ji Changkong, ready to strike together to weaken his power in the shortest possible time.

To everyone’s astonishment, under the watchful eyes of Huangfu Yue, Wang Pai, and the others, Ji Changkong proactively extended his hands, smiling. “If I am guilty, I must accept the consequences. I came here precisely to confess my guilt. Come on, put the restraints on me.”

The three cold-faced guards—perhaps acting under specific prior orders—were completely focused. Their hidden weapons were already charged with sufficient Yuan Power. The slightest sign of non-cooperation from Ji Changkong would trigger them to coordinate with the many masters in the hall, attacking Ji Changkong with their utmost strength.

Ji Changkong’s sudden compliance completely disrupted their carefully choreographed plan. The three guards, who had already built up their Yuan Power, were forced to abruptly rein it in at the critical moment.

The three cold-faced guards suddenly flushed, their bodies trembling uncontrollably. One of them, exerting too much force to stop the flow, lost momentary control. The backlash of Yuan Power struck him like a heavy blow, causing him to let out a muffled groan and stagger back a step.

Watching the three guards wear expressions of extreme awkwardness, Ji Changkong inwardly sneered. I knew you all wanted to strike first; now you’ve suffered the consequences yourselves! Serves you right for being unlucky!

“Come on, shackle me! Why the hesitation? Am I going to have to do it myself?” Ji Changkong chuckled with amusement.

The three guards finally managed to regain their composure, their faces turning ashen. They glanced furtively at Wang Pai, and seeing him shake his head slightly, they cursed silently while moving to cuff Ji Changkong. Then, under the covert escort of several Eight Trigram Heaven Soldiers, they marched Ji Changkong away to the Still Water Prison, reserved for Heaven Soldiers of high cultivation.

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