A Pawn's Passage

No matter how intricate the schemes, martial power was still the main foundation.

Not long after Great Sage Jiang departed from Thanglong Prefecture, Qi Xuansu also followed suit and left, leaving only Xu Jiaorong behind to hold the fort.

In fact, even before setting out, Qi Xuansu had already deployed all the manpower he could mobilize, including Lin Yuanmiao and the Three Prodigies.

Strictly speaking, it would not be accurate to call it a deployment, as there was no clear superior-subordinate relationship between these parties. It was more of a cooperation.

All Three Prodigies traveled to Poluo to help Qi Xuansu. Zhang Yuelu’s aid was due to their relationship. But the other two only helped because they expected a share of the credit.

They were not taking advantage of Qi Xuansu. Instead, this was a win-win arrangement. After all, Qi Xuansu could not claim absolute victory by relying solely on his own strength to face two Pseudo-Immortals. Thus, by bringing in Li Changge and Yao Pei, he could also mobilize the forces behind them. The two prodigies themselves were also formidable individuals, which was a great advantage.

At times, appropriately sharing credit could unite more people and reduce friction.

Last time in Fenglin, Li Changge and Yao Pei were unable to participate throughout due to several reasons, allowing Qi Xuansu to shine.

Out of personal consideration—and to secure a semi-immortal object—Qi Xuansu shared part of the credit with Zhang Yuelu. Thus, during the Golden Tower Council deliberations, both the Zhengyi Sect and the Quanzhen Sect stood on his side, with only the Taiping Sect voicing opposition. The Quanzhen Sect supporting one of their own was only natural, while the Zhengyi Sect’s support of Qi Xuansu was reciprocating goodwill.

Although Qi Xuansu belonged to the Quanzhen Sect, he did not hold particularly deep loyalty to any of the three sects. He was more like those from the Grand Master’s lineage, maintaining a relatively neutral stance. As his status rose higher, he increasingly felt that unity carried profound significance.

Although the Three Prodigies had all arrived, a group of dragons could not be without a leader. Qi Xuansu remained in Thanglong Prefecture to see Great Sage Jiang off, so Zhang Yuelu took the lead at Wu’an Prefecture. That was because both Lin Yuanmiao and Little Yin listened only to Zhang Yuelu and would not obey Yao Pei or Li Changge.

Moreover, by regulations, Zhang Yuelu held the highest rank, cultivation, and official position. Little Yin was merely a fourth-rank Jijiu Daoist master. While Lin Yuanmiao was a second-rank Taiyi Daoist master, on par with Zhang Yuelu in rank, he was merely a nominal Deputy Palace Master, while Zhang Yuelu was a Second Deputy Mansion Master.

Qi Xuansu had already handed the Scripture of Zuriel to Lin Yuanmiao. At critical moments, Lin Yuanmiao could activate part of Lin Lingsu’s might as the former Jin Dynasty Imperial Preceptor.

With such arrangements, Qi Xuansu was relatively at ease. Should any sudden situation arise, Lin Yuanmiao could hold off one opponent, while the Three Prodigies could join forces on the other. They would at least be able to put up some resistance rather than being utterly helpless.

Qi Xuansu boarded the flying ship, with Chen Jianchou close at his side. There were also several Spirit Guards accompanying them.

However, Qi Xuansu still left a few second-rank Spirit Guards behind in Thanglong Prefecture, lest someone take advantage of its temporary lack of leadership to cause trouble.

The flying ship lifted into the air.

Wu’an Prefecture was only about 100 kilometers from Thanglong Prefecture, so they arrived in the blink of an eye.

In this extremely brief moment of respite, Qi Xuansu did not make further plans nor ponder anything else.

Everything that needed planning had already been planned. What remained was executing it.

Qi Xuansu casually opened a novel that Chen Jianchou had bought for him—a story written by an old acquaintance, Mo Qingdi.

Since they were former classmates, Qi Xuansu had not forgotten to support Mo Qingdi and bought several volumes of the latter’s books. But Qi Xuansu was simply too busy to actually read them.

After only a few pages, Qi Xuansu found it difficult to continue.

Seated beside him, Chen Jianchou could not help but ask, “Chief Deputy, is this book not good?”

Qi Xuansu did not answer directly, but countered, “Have you read it?”

“I have.” Chen Jianchou nodded. As a secretary, merely knowing his superior’s preferences was not enough. He had to understand them, so one way of doing so was reading the books his superior liked.

Qi Xuansu asked again, “What do you think of it?”

Chen Jianchou chose his words carefully. “It’s alright. Chief Deputy, do you think it’s bad?”

Qi Xuansu closed the book in his hands. “All these books follow the same formula. An ordinary boy suddenly gains a fortuitous encounter—either a white-bearded old man or some heavenly artifact—and then soars straight to the top. That boy inevitably offends a few young masters from noble clans, families whose fathers are ministers or lords, or whose ancestors have ascended to immortality. These people, who have supposedly seen the wider world, insist on competing with this amateur out of sheer spite, disregarding their family fortunes and possessing no real ambition. They are neither proper young masters nor true prodigies, no different from street ruffians. These so-called sect masters and emperors are nothing more than brawling brutes in Jianghu.”

Chen Jianchou asked cautiously, “Is there something wrong with that?”

Qi Xuansu scoffed. “Don’t you think Old Mo is mocking me?”

“How could that be?” Chen Jianchou let out a sheepish laugh. “Chief Deputy, if you are displeased, should I have a word with the Qingping Bookstore?”

Qi Xuansu waved his hand. “I was just being sensitive. I’m sure he doesn’t dare mock me.”

When the flying ship landed, Zhang Yuelu did not come to receive him. After all, there was no need for such pomp. It was more important to keep a close watch on Wang Jiaohe and the others.

However, there was still someone waiting there, someone who took Qi Xuansu by surprise—Du Fuzhou.

Du Fuzhou was Sun Yaozhen’s Daoist companion and Du Yuhua’s son.

Logically speaking, there should have been an alliance between the Wang, Sun, and Du families. Yet whether it was because Du Yuhua was shrewd and far-sighted or because he truly had no ambitions, after thorough investigation, he was found to have no issues at all. On the other hand, Sun Yaozhen, Wang Jiaoyan, and Wang Jiaoying were arrested; Wang Danqing was placed under house arrest; Sun Jiaofeng was dead; while Sun Heyu and Wang Jiaohe were preparing a desperate last gamble.

Qi Xuansu’s original intention had been to uproot all three families completely, but in the end, only two were taken down, while the Du family remained untouched.

He had discreetly asked Great Sage Jiang and Sage Donghua whether the investigation should continue further. But both superiors gave the same definite answer. This time, their main targets were the Wang and Sun families, and there was no need to dwell on the Du family.

Sage Donghua even explained the reason to Qi Xuansu. After the former Great Sage of the Poluo Daoist Mansion had ascended, his memorial tablet and portrait were still enshrined in the Ancestral Hall. He had rendered meritorious service to the Daoist Order, and the verdict was already sealed, so one should not smear the reputation of a predecessor. Moreover, many of the Great Sage’s disciples and old associates were still alive and held high positions, so their sentiments could not be ignored. In addition, Du Yuhua had already corrected herself in time, recognized her mistakes, and expressed willingness to repent. Knowing one’s fault and amending it was the ultimate goal.

Thus, Qi Xuansu understood just how deep the lingering grace of a Great Sage could be. There was a saying that the benevolence of a gentleman lasts five generations before it fades. This was only the third generation of the Du family, so it still carried weight. As for whether Du Yuhua truly recognized her errors or genuinely repented, it was not important compared to the Great Sage’s reputation.

This was why Qi Xuansu did not pursue the matter further. Moreover, based on the evidence he had, Du Fuzhou truly seemed unproblematic. Qi Xuansu was not a ruthless inquisitor, so he would not fabricate charges to frame someone.

What Qi Xuansu did not expect was for Du Fuzhou to seek him out proactively. After all, matters had not yet been settled. With his Daoist companion arrested, Du Fuzhou should have kept a low profile.

Qi Xuansu stepped down from the flying ship and got straight to the point. “Daoist Du, what brings you here?”

Du Fuzhou’s attitude was extremely deferential. “My mother wishes to request an audience with you, Chief Deputy Qi.”

Qi Xuansu frowned slightly. “Let’s meet another day.”

Du Fuzhou added, “Mansion Master Wang is also there.”

Qi Xuansu’s expression immediately turned grave. “Daoist Du, you should know why I am here. Let me also remind you of one thing—there is no good ending to deceiving the Golden Tower Council and playing both sides.”

Du Fuzhou hastily explained, “Chief Deputy Qi, you’ve misunderstood. It wasn’t my mother who invited Mansion Master Wang. He went over uninvited. My mother is alone and powerless, so how could she possibly refuse Mansion Master Wang? She truly had no choice, which is why she sent me here to wait for your arrival.”

Qi Xuansu’s expression eased slightly. He turned to Chen Jianchou and instructed, “Contact Second Deputy Zhang and the others. Find out exactly what’s going on.”

Chen Jianchou acknowledged and left. He soon returned with a reply, “Second Deputy Zhang and the others are keeping watch on Sun Heyu. Only Little Yin has been left behind.”

Qi Xuansu immediately understood Zhang Yuelu’s intention. Once Wang Jiaohe and Sun Heyu split up, dividing their own forces would only weaken both sides. By concentrating their strength on watching a single target, they would instead gain the advantage.

Sun Heyu was injured and was certainly weaker than Wang Jiaohe. With Lin Yuanmiao holding him head-on and the Three Prodigies providing support, restraining the Old Sage from the flanks, success was almost guaranteed. At the very least, this would ensure the smooth capture of one target. They could not let two escape.

Leaving Wang Jiaohe to Qi Xuansu was also a tremendous vote of trust in him.

Of course, it was not a matter of Qi Xuansu facing Wang Jiaohe alone. They had left Little Yin with him as well. Thus, Qi Xuansu could use the same method he had used to deal with True Lord Siming on Wang Jiaohe.

It was clear that Wang Jiaohe was deliberately seeking him out.

However, Qi Xuansu did not rush to meet Wang Jiaohe. Instead, he first brought Little Yin over. Otherwise, it would truly be like delivering a lamb into a tiger’s jaws. By himself, he was no match for Wang Jiaohe. Chen Jianchou remained behind on the flying ship, responsible for communications.

Little Yin was delighted to see Qi Xuansu.

To her, Zhang Yuelu and Qi Xuansu each had their own merits. The former’s advantage was her generosity. Moreover, she kept her word and followed through with promises. But her flaw was that she meddled too much and was overly strict. The latter was the exact opposite. His strength was that he did not meddle or control Little Yin much, while his flaw was being stingy and petty. Or rather, he was just poor, with no money to give.

Recently, Little Yin had saved up some money while staying with Zhang Yuelu. But because Second Deputy Zhang was overly strict, Little Yin had no chance to spend it. What was the point in money if it couldn’t be spent? At times like this, Little Yin missed Old Qi.

At this time, Qi Xuansu painted her a rosy picture. “Let’s handle the serious business first. As long as you cooperate with me and we succeed, you can do whatever you like in Nanyang!”