Within the Han King's residence in West Qin City, under the dim glow of the lamps, a youth clad in kingly robes gazed at the two figures before him, his expression uncertain.

As the master of this residence, Yin Quan, the Fourth Prince of the Great Shang Dynasty, though already half a century old, retained the appearance and physique of a man in his twenties. This was the result of achieving a supreme martial cultivation level, granting him the power of arrested aging.

Before his desk sat two individuals. Ji Lingzi of the Grand Spirit Sect exuded a deep, confident aura, neither arrogant nor subservient. Beside him, Yuan Jiuchen sat bolt upright, his features betraying a degree of careful deference.

"If His Highness the Han King would but lend us the Eight Hundred Iron Cavalry of the Western Garrison, Ji Lingzi is confident we can severely wound the Azure Life Sect! The Azure Life Sect harbors wolfish ambition, seeking to overturn propriety and establish a world of equality—how absurd! His Majesty already harbors deep disgust for these seditious rebels. If we can present the heads of those five hundred Azure Life Sect traitors, it will surely bring great joy to the Dragon Countenance, and Your Highness will undoubtedly receive commendation."

Yin Quan showed no sign of being moved, instead musing, "Commendation? Spare me. I now seek only to avoid blame, not to earn merit. The rebellion at Yan City Pass was quite enough for one lifetime. However, I recently heard that your group suffered heavy losses in your recent skirmish with the Azure Life Sect in Lewu County. Is this true? I heard that your strength far surpassed that of the Azure Life Sect at that time."

Ji Lingzi suddenly clenched his fist. News of that defeat had already spread, causing a great stir among the sects of the Cloud Realm, and could not be hidden from this Han King, who viewed the western provinces as his own domain.

"It is true! But precisely because we suffered one defeat, our chances of victory are now greater. Since Ji Lingzi has been tricked once, he will never be tricked a second time! If Your Highness does not trust me, can you not trust the strength of the Grand Spirit Sect?"

The Han King Yin Quan offered no comment, only a flicker of curiosity appeared in his eyes. He then smiled and asked, "In that case, where does your esteemed sect plan to make its move?"

"Helian Tieshan!"

Ji Lingzi answered without hesitation. "Currently, the enemy is in the dark, and we are in the light. The initiative rests in their hands. If my sect is to defeat the Azure Life Sect, we cannot simply wait for them to make their move to assassinate the Grand Marshal. Helian Tieshan is a necessary objective for the Azure Life Sect to save! By holding the lives of three million people hostage, I wonder if the heroes of the Azure Life Sect will choose to save them or not? Ji Lingzi comes here also to request an order. I ask that Your Highness execute all these convicted citizens of Yan City Pass within the next few days!"

"Execute them?"

Yin Quan's pupils contracted, followed by a slight sneer. "Your Grand Spirit Sect is indeed ruthless. These are the lives of three full millions. Are you not afraid that if this news spreads, the reputation of the foremost Daoist sect will suffer?"

"Since antiquity, those who achieve great things do not quibble over minor details! As far as I know, the forces sent by the Azure Life Sect number nine hundred. A mere three million lives, if it means crippling these demonic rebels, the foundation of Great Shang will certainly become more stable. Does the Han King not agree?"

Ji Lingzi said this lightly, seemingly unconcerned by the ridicule in his words towards Yin Quan.

"Even if it spreads, so what? How can the absurd rumors and ramblings of a few commoners shake the foundation of my Grand Spirit Sect? The Han King, I assume, would not engage in such self-serving acts!"

The sarcasm on Yin Quan's lips deepened, yet he did not refuse; instead, a subtle sign of interest emerged. He fell into deep contemplation, and after a long pause, shook his head. "I need to consider this matter more carefully. You two shall wait two days for my reply—"

Upon hearing this, Yuan Jiuchen visibly relaxed. He exchanged a glance with Ji Lingzi across the table; both understood that His Highness the Han King was already leaning toward acceptance. For such a monumental affair, involving the maneuvering of two great powers, it was natural for Yin Quan to require two days for thorough consideration; there was no need for further urging. They both rose, bowed respectfully, and took their leave.

Not long after these two departed, an elderly man, appearing to be around seventy, stepped out from behind a screen and sat down nearby.

Yin Quan showed no surprise. Frowning deeply, he picked up a bamboo slip from his desk. It was something submitted a month prior by a minor constable from Lewu County. Recorded with spiritual sense, it was the most detailed piece of intelligence he had received regarding the battle east of Lewu City.

"Unmatched in battle array, grasping the ultimate Sword Intent at the Sixth Tier! It is said this man's sword has already acquired sentience, showing faint signs of spiritual communion. Tan Qiu? Heh! The Azure Life Sect has produced another heaven-blessed talent. Elder Li, what do you make of this?"

"In the Battle of Lewu City, the Grand Spirit Sect lost too much and is eager to turn the tables," the elder surnamed Li replied succinctly after being seated. "Precisely because Tan Qiu is so outstanding, a tree that stands too tall in the forest, the Grand Spirit Sect is desperate to suppress him! This time, their request for Your Highness's aid is genuine—"

Yin Quan nodded slightly. He had guessed as much. "Then, should I agree, or should I simply stand by and watch?"

"There are pros and cons to both! Your Highness has already struck against the Azure Life Sect; there is no need to make an irreconcilable enemy of them. However, it would not be a bad thing to extort some manpower and wealth from the Grand Spirit Sect—"

Mid-sentence, the elder surnamed Li saw a hint of anger in Yin Quan's eyes. He chuckled, realizing his non-committal words had annoyed the Prince.

"But before Your Highness makes a final decision, perhaps you should look at this first?"

Yin Quan uttered an "Mm" and accepted the item. In his hand was an invitation card. As he opened it, his eyelids twitched slightly.

"Mystic Sound Pavilion? Tan Qiu?"

"This Mystic Sound Pavilion is an establishment of the Light Music Gate—"

"I know, but that Tan Qiu truly has the audacity!"

Yin Quan's eyes were filled with astonishment. "He wants to meet me at the Mystic Sound Pavilion in three days?"

"More than that!"

The elder surnamed Li, too, showed disbelief as he spoke next. "He even sent word to the old man, asking me to dispatch men to Liaoyang, saying there will be a good show to watch in three days."

"Liaoyang? Is that not the fiefdom of my Ninth Brother?"

Yin Quan grew even more astonished, his expression shifting rapidly. After a long time, his composure returned, and he asked coolly, "Then, Elder Li, how do you think I should handle this matter?"

The elder surnamed Li understood well that the Prince had already made up his mind, but he pretended not to know, replying with a faint smile, "It wouldn't hurt to agree with Ji Lingzi for the time being. As for meeting Tan Qiu, that is also permissible. If Your Highness is willing, perhaps keeping this man would be beneficial."

Yin Quan gave a light, profound laugh. He thought the same—Tan Qiu must have an agenda, and he could not refuse the meeting.

The Mystic Sound Pavilion was one of the most renowned pleasure houses in West Qin City. Yin Quan had visited a few times in his younger years, but after the great upheaval at Yan City Pass, he had not stepped foot inside again.

Disguised as an ordinary wealthy merchant, traveling light, he arrived at the back alley of the Mystic Sound Pavilion. Someone was immediately there to guide Yin Quan and his retinue straight to the fifth floor.

Everywhere they looked were exquisite beauties capable of captivating the heart. The gentle, meandering sound of zithers, stirred by this decadent music, made the mind sway. Yet, the thought that some of these women might be disciples of the Light Music Gate brought Yin Quan a secret pang of regret, like lamenting, a beauty wasted on a traitor.

Upon reaching the fifth level, the space was open. Only on one side sat a youth, appearing to be about fifteen, quietly in place. Even upon the arrival of Yin Quan's party, he did not rise or salute, merely sitting still.

Without any signal, the dozen or so retainers accompanying Yin Quan dispersed, searching the floors above and below.

A moment later, they all returned, nodding to the elder surnamed Li beside Yin Quan. This was to inform the two that there were no experts above the Seventh Tier present in the Mystic Sound Pavilion, nor any traps.

Yin Quan couldn't help but smile slightly. The Azure Life Sect was being reasonably considerate.

He hesitated no longer, walking directly to the main seat and sitting down. Then, with a mocking glint in his eyes, he looked at the youth in the blue robe. The young man certainly had an extraordinary bearing, his aura restrained and steady. But where did this fellow derive the confidence to believe that Yin Quan would refrain from simply killing him?

"You are Tan Qiu. What business do you have with me?"

Zong Shou, who had been half-closing his eyes, seemed to wake as if from a dream upon hearing this. He glanced toward the railing outside.

"It is not yet the hour of Zi. His Highness the Han King has arrived early. How about waiting a quarter of an hour first—"

A surge of anger instantly rose on Yin Quan's face; he felt murderous intent surging like a tide within his chest. He had indeed arrived early. But in this world, apart from his Imperial Father and a few ancient ministers in court, who dared to speak to him in such a manner?

However, the elder surnamed Li beside him subtly shook his head and signaled with his eyes.

Yin Quan frowned, forcefully suppressing his rage. He too fell silent, waiting quietly. This youth was utterly unwavering, surely possessing some hidden reliance. He wanted to see what reason Tan Qiu would offer in a quarter of an hour that would prevent him from acting lethally.

For a time, the atmosphere on that floor grew intensely cold, silent enough to hear a pin drop.

As time passed, Yin Quan's expression gradually calmed. Conversely, the murderous intent emanating from his surrounding retainers grew thicker.

Just then, a talisman suddenly descended from the sky, landing directly in the elder surnamed Li's hand. The elder first trembled, his expression changing drastically. His mind was so shaken that his internal energy went haywire, causing him to shatter the corner of the desk with the accidental force. Without the slightest delay, he respectfully handed the talisman to Yin Quan.

Yin Quan took it with a look of confusion, and his face immediately turned pale, his expression becoming wooden. After a long while, he recovered, but his face remained utterly devoid of color.

"—The direct disciple of the Grand Spirit Sect, the Supreme Purity Wind-Riding Sword! What a Ninth Brother, what a Grand Spirit Sect. These past years, you have truly been playing with Yin Quan in the palm of your hand—"

Hearing this, Zong Shou also 'revived' from the deathly stillness. He inclined his head slightly toward Yin Quan, a minimal gesture of respect. "I am a simple man from the wilderness, unversed in manners; I beg Your Highness's pardon! Tan Qiu comes today on behalf of my Azure Life Sect to discuss certain matters with Your Highness."

Yin Quan's pupils contracted. At this moment, he had no heart to dwell on the youth's disrespect. He likely understood that many disciples of the Azure Life Sect did not observe rites or respect the monarch, believing in the equality of all people, and thus viewing him, the Han King, as just another commoner.

He snorted coldly, then took a deep breath. "Then, Chief Tan, is your purpose here concerning Yuan Jiuchen and the Grand Spirit Sect?"