Treading in the Shadows
Qing Cang Palace, Imperial Capital.
The muscular youth, Long Ping’an, knelt anxiously before Prince Qing Cang. “Godfather, it’s been several months. Instead of dwindling, the crowd outside has only swelled.”
In stark contrast to Long Ping’an’s worried expression, Prince Qing Cang appeared unperturbed. Casually humming, he poured water on the flowers, his plump form exuding an air of nonchalance. “It doesn’t matter. The area around the imperial residence is mine. Have those restaurants, gambling dens, and brothels increase their rates. They’ve become too greedy. Increase them fivefold.”
“Godfather, we’re under scrutiny. Should the six clans settle their feud with the three sects, we’ll be their next target. And that person in the palace… time isn’t on our side.”
Prince Qing Cang chuckled, spraying the water on the petals. “What would you have me do? The time isn’t right for any action on my part. And Ping’an, how are you so certain the person in the palace is running out of time?”
Long Ping’an hesitated, then responded, “Rumors have been rampant for years. Otherwise, would the six royal clans dare to be this audacious?”
Prince Qing Cang’s tone turned grave. “Tread carefully. Those who consistently operate in the shadows often become consumed by them. The Sacred Heart Sect’s fanaticism will be their undoing.”
Prince Qing Cang’s meaningful words caused Long Ping’an’s body to stiffen. “I’ll heed your advice, foster father.” He cupped his fists and left quickly.
“What a headache. I’ve become a bird in a cage…”Prince Qing Cang looked in the palace’s direction. “I underestimated this young emperor.”
…
“Achoo!”
Within the confines of the imperial palace, the little emperor sneezed, his small frame wrapped in a blanket. Holding a pile of memorials, he mused aloud, “Who’s talking about me? Could it be my good imperial uncle…”
A disembodied voice whispered, “Qing Cang has lain low for many years, nursing old grudges. Having seen through a plan he’s harbored for over three hundred years, how do you expect him to react?”
The little emperor retained his poise. “Ancestor, how should I proceed?”
The voice sounded almost amused. “You have an idea, don’t you? Why seek my counsel?”
Caught off guard, the little emperor stammered, “If I had any inkling, I would’ve acted…”
Interrupting him, the ancestor pressed, “Then why did you give him the flowing rainbow dragon scales?”action
The little emperor chuckled. “You truly are astute, Ancestor.” He sighed wistfully, saying, “The owner of those scales… such a figure appears once in millennia.”
“Indeed, to singlehandedly take down six ancient kings is unheard of,” the ancestor’s voice echoed with a mix of awe and caution. “Can you confirm who that person is?”
The little emperor hesitated for a moment. “I’m not sure. They bear the dragon energy, but locating the dragon clan is a feat in itself. The Kun Peng wings, however, are distinct to Qingzhou.”
The ancestor prompted, “But?”
The little emperor replied, “It’s just too obvious, too straightforward. It feels like a misdirection. That person might be human, master of the art of camouflage and deceit. Befriending such a being requires true sincerity.”
The ancestor’s tone grew solemn, “Then do as you wish. My only piece of advice is it’s best not to make an enemy of such a figure.” His voice dissolved into the echoing silence of the royal study.
…
Meanwhile, atop the Hundred Spirit Mountain, the king corpse hovered, casting its gaze below.
“You dared to come…”
The earth rumbled in response, causing a cacophony of bird calls and the distant sound of beasts. As dust clouds billowed, a force emanated from the heart of the mountain, revealing its source — the white-robed king.
The king corpse watched with composed anticipation as the mountain’s peak was torn asunder.
Inside the now-exposed mountainside, the white-robed king’s eyes flared with determination. “Rise!”
With a single command, the massive mountain was repelled, its aura reverberating like a relentless drumbeat through the range.
He hadn’t had time to summon his king realm puppet, yet his enemies were already upon him. They had tracked him with an alarming speed, perhaps due to some divine power technique.
The king corpse, unfazed by the massive mountain hurtling towards him, simply extended his arm, releasing a devastating punch.
Boom!
The mountain shattered, raining down as meteor-like fragments, while the white-robed king’s enraged countenance was visible amongst the falling debris. He had been merely days away from empowering his king realm puppet.