Zong Shou nodded. This matter was clear to both parties, and there was no need for concealment; open discussion was best.

"The Tai Ling Sect harbors malicious intent, and I believe Your Highness is fully aware of it by now. What are your thoughts on the matter?"

Yin Quan, this time, remained silent for a moment. "Although the Tai Ling Sect conspired with my Ninth Brother against this King, I am not necessarily bound to become an enemy of the foremost Daoist sect. You may leave today, and I shall pretend I saw nothing—"

Zong Shou smiled, realizing this was a negotiation tactic. Ordinarily, he should offer some assurances to steady the Prince of Han's resolve. However, for him, offering such pledges was something he genuinely wished to avoid.

"On the contrary, I believe Your Highness should seek the aid of my Cangsheng Dao. You should deal with Yuan Jiuchen instead!"

"Oh? I am willing to hear your reasoning!" Yin Quan's first reaction was not anger, but curiosity. Just as before, if this young man lacked confidence, he would never utter such words. Thus, his tone only carried a slight increase in weight.

"If that is the case, then let Elder Tan speak his logic first. I have studied history, and the struggles for the throne have always been the most brutal. Regicide, fratricide, matricide—these acts are recorded endlessly in the annals. Even if Your Highness wishes to avoid offense now, will the Tai Ling Sect truly let Your Highness go unharmed in the future? Forgive my bluntness, but even if your Ninth Brother spares your life later, you are destined for a life of desolation!"

As Zong Shou spoke, he inwardly lamented that this was precisely why he was reluctant to remain the Demon King—he did not wish for his future descendants to engage in such mutual destruction. Yet, constrained by the dying wish of 'Zong Shou,' he was bound to guard the foundations of Qiantian Mountain.

Yin Quan’s expression barely shifted. "These are mere speculations on your part. Furthermore, Yuan Jiuchen is a trusted general of mine—"

"A trusted general? A trusted general whose friendship with the Tai Ling Sect runs deep. If this man can betray my Cangsheng Dao, why could he not betray Your Highness? Moreover, speaking practically, if Your Highness intends to ascend the throne, it is far better to have one more friend than one more rival. While my Cangsheng Dao will not assist you, neither will we become your enemy."

Before the words even settled, Yin Quan’s eyes shifted almost imperceptibly. Zong Shou knew such threats were prone to provoking resentment, so he swiftly changed his tone. "Does Your Highness not wish to remain here in Xiqin City for a while longer? Is marching to the capital now truly wise?"

Yin Quan was momentarily stunned. Naturally, he wished to linger in his fiefdom as long as possible.

Appearing glorious by going to the capital was a first among the princes. But before he knew of the connection between the Tai Ling Sect and the King of Liao, he could have remained complacent. Now, however, his heart had sunk to the very bottom. —It was not good news at all, but something that could easily disqualify him!

Yet, with invitations from court ministers and permission from his Imperial Father, refusing seemed impossible. Could this Tan Qiu possibly have a solution? With the strength of the Cangsheng Dao, perhaps they could truly help him.

Zong Shou calmly poured himself a cup of tea, neither arrogant nor rushed. Only when Yin Quan sighed and looked at him with a questioning gaze did he speak softly, "Your commanding general is assassinated, and the territory under your jurisdiction is plagued by the rebellion of Cangsheng Dao brigands. If the local situation is unsettled, surely that is a sufficient excuse? Does Your Highness truly trust placing your main army under Yuan Jiuchen's command?"

At this moment, not only Yin Quan but also the elder named Li showed a slight stir, exchanging glances. In truth, they would have arrived at this solution themselves after a few days. However, it seemed nothing was more suitable than the simultaneous demise of Yuan Jiuchen and the unrest caused by the Cangsheng Dao.

"Yuan Jiuchen, if I recall correctly, is a traitor to your Cangsheng Dao. Isn't it only natural for you to clean up your own ranks?"

This time, the elder named Li spoke. Zong Shou merely sneered coldly and replied without hesitation, "My Cangsheng Dao can kill him today, or kill him tomorrow; we are under no obligation to choose the timing before Your Highness sets off—"

After uttering this, Zong Shou refused to say another word, holding his teacup without drinking, merely inhaling the faint, ethereal fragrance. He allowed the Prince of Han to consider the matter thoroughly.

The issue was that there were fewer than ten days left before Yin Quan was due to depart for the capital! And regarding Yuan Jiuchen, this Fourth Prince likely harbored a hatred deeper than the Cangsheng Dao themselves—he would be killed without question.

A moment later, Yin Quan exchanged a look with Elder Li. After his expression shifted several times, he finally let out a wry laugh.

"You win, sir! I just wonder what your Cangsheng Dao expects from me?"

"We request that you release the three million people under Helian Tieshan, allowing them to leave. And also, those dozen or so sect brothers of mine who were detained a few dozen days ago—"

At this point, Zong Shou paused, genuinely uncertain what he should extract from the Prince of Han. The Cangsheng Dao was wealthy, and while this Prince was prosperous, his achievements over just a few decades might not yet surpass those of Zong Shou and the current Qiantian Mountain. The sect might look down upon minor benefits. If he asked for too much, the Prince of Han would likely refuse.

Glancing over Yin Quan, Zong Shou’s gaze finally settled on the jade pendant at the man’s waist, causing his pupils to contract slightly.

"In truth, the Cangsheng Dao and Your Highness are merely seeking what each needs. My Cangsheng Dao asks for no compensation from Your Highness. However, I have a fondness for minerals and stones. The personal jade pendant that Tan Qiu admired so much—I would be honored if Your Highness would bestow it upon me—"

Yin Quan was startled, then his expression relaxed. These conditions were well within his expectations and were not excessive.

Without hesitation, he unfastened the jade pendant from his waist and tossed it casually to Zong Shou. This jade was merely of superior quality, perhaps a shade better than the finest mutton-fat jade, but hardly a rare treasure. Then, his expression turned solemn. "Then when does your Cangsheng Dao plan to make its move?"

After Zong Shou took the jade, he squeezed it lightly, recognizing instantly that it was indeed the item from his memory—there was no mistake. This jade pendant was an unexpected bonus this time.

He wished to examine it more closely, but immediately felt two cold gazes pressing down on him from above. Zong Shou let out a silent laugh, tucking the item away. "They say it’s better to act than to wait for an auspicious day. Didn’t Your Highness already agree a few days ago to mobilize troops to assist Ji Lingzi, even lending out the Dingxi Iron Cavalry?"

Zong Shou glanced towards the window, seeing the heavy, ceaseless downpour.

"The matter of the King of Liao will eventually startle the snake. To avoid complications arising from delay, why not today?"

In a few brief exchanges, the fate of Yuan Jiuchen was decided. Zong Shou’s eyes narrowed slightly. This continuous rain was also an unexpected blessing—Heaven was aiding him— After today, he would finally be able to break free!

※ ※ ※ ※

"Why doesn't this plum rain ever stop this year?"

About two hundred and thirty li from Xiqin City, under a sky pouring with rain and flashing with thunder, a contingent of nine thousand cavalry stood silently on the plains beside the riverbank.

They remained completely motionless, like statues carved from stone.

At the forefront were Yuan Jiuchen and Ji Lingzi. Beside them stood two others, side-by-side. All wore armor equivalent to sixth-tier spirit artifacts, possessing imposing bearing and a fierce aura that subtly hinted at a history of bloodshed. If observed closely with spiritual sight, one could even perceive a sharp essence of blood-lust piercing toward the heavens—a common sign among generals seasoned in combat.

The speaker was one of the men in his early thirties, possessing a refined countenance.

Ji Lingzi swept his gaze briefly over the two newcomers. One was Xiao Ze, the commander of the Dingxi Iron Cavalry, leading a thousand horsemen whose strength was no less than the Zixiao Sword Cavalry. The other, complaining casually out of boredom, was equally formidable: Boli, the commander of the Prince of Han's personal guard. Though Boli's words complained about the weather, they were actually expressing dissatisfaction with their Tai Ling Sect.

"Two sirs, please remain patient. In two days, it will be the day the three million convicts are executed. I estimate that the Cangsheng Dao will make their move today or tomorrow. I ask that you two endure two more days of hardship; the Tai Ling Sect will reward you richly afterward!"

Boli finally quieted, sharing a knowing smile with Xiao Ze beside him. He then looked toward the Li River not far away. The rain these past few days had been intense, and the flood crest of the Li River was rising rapidly. Fortunately, this matter no longer required the Prince's concern.

Just as he thought this, two rays of brilliant light suddenly descended from the distant sky, landing and hovering before him and Xiao Ze, respectively.

Boli accepted the items with a puzzled look, and moments later, his expression became exceedingly strange. He glanced at Xiao Ze, his colleague, who remained utterly composed, betraying no sign of reaction, as if nothing had happened.

Ji Lingzi was also curious about the two communication talismans and tentatively asked, "Sirs, is this perhaps an order from His Highness?"

Boli smiled, his expression instantly returning to normal, and nodded. "Indeed! It says we are to finish our task soon and return to escort His Highness to the capital. His Highness seems to wish to depart early—"

Upon hearing this, Yuan Jiuchen's eyes instantly brightened, and he cast a surprised glance at Boli. Ji Lingzi was also pleased, though a strange feeling lingered in his chest. But after thinking carefully, he couldn't pinpoint the source of the unease. He dismissed it as paranoia and paid it no further mind.

Dozens of breaths later, a group of scouts was seen galloping through the rain not far off. Upon approaching, the leading scout commander rode up to the four elders, cupped his hands in a salute on horseback.

"Reporting to the esteemed sirs, approximately seventy li downstream, the river embankment suddenly breached. By the time I arrived, the floodwaters were nearly submerging Helian Tieshan—"

The four men present were stunned, wondering what had happened to Helian Tieshan—was this deliberate or an accident? Ji Lingzi’s look of surprise lasted only a moment before he let out a cold laugh. "I recall that Helian Tieshan is situated seventeen zhang below the water level? This means the Cangsheng Dao must have also prepared countless large vessels?"

The scout commander immediately bowed again, his eyes showing awe. At that very moment, over three hundred ships, each capable of carrying a hundred thousand shi of cargo, were swept downstream and had already reached Helian Tieshan!