A Pawn's Passage

Two conspiracies running in parallel meant that, aside from the Shadow Tide, there was another force plotting its own schemes. These two threads were not truly parallel and even intersected from time to time. Sometimes they were in conflict, and at other times they might even cooperate.

This explained some of Qi Xuansu’s confusion. Occasionally, his investigations led him onto the other thread, one that had little obvious connection to Kukulkan, whom he was actually investigating. For example, the Hun Manor incident appeared to have almost no direct connection to the Kukulkan case. But it was still too early to say whether there were deeper hidden links beneath the surface.

Qi Xuansu thought of another possibility.

The people on both sides might treat him as a sword, directing him to attack the other side. As such, both sides would be willing to feed him information about their rivals.

Qi Xuansu did not mind being used as a weapon. The process did not matter to him. What he wanted were results. He would first destroy one side, then destroy the other, uprooting both completely and using them as stepping stones. Since these people were so fond of sacrifices, they would certainly make excellent “offerings” for his promotion to an Omniscient Sage.

As he thought about it, Qi Xuansu realized that every time he advanced, there was always a “sacrifice.” Last time, it was Wang Jiaohe. Who would it be this time?

In truth, many people were deceived by Qi Xuansu’s outward appearance. They believed he was a traditionally good person, the sort of gentleman who could be manipulated through propriety. After all, Qi Xuansu did not indulge in luxury or women and generally followed the rules. Many of his outward qualities fit that image.

However, Qi Xuansu was no gentleman. He had a dark side to him. He had never shown mercy to those who crossed him, like the Black Robes who had blocked his path and humiliated him, Wan Xiuwu, Yue Liuli, Wang Jiaohe and his son, Qi Wangui, Li Tianlan, and many others.

Qi Xuansu carried a great deal of hostility within him. He simply suppressed it well. Whenever it erupted, it filled him with the urge to kill. When he learned that Zhou Mengyao had deceived his feelings, he felt not only sorrow but also intense rage, the kind of rage that made him want to chop off Zhou Mengyao’s head and kick it around like a ball.

That was why Qi Xuansu and Zhang Yuelu had once made a peculiar pact. If he betrayed Zhang Yuelu, she could kill him. If Zhang Yuelu betrayed him, then he would kill her. There would be no such thing as remaining friends after a breakup, nor any tangled feelings that could not be severed.

Zhang Yuelu wholeheartedly agreed with this arrangement, which was perhaps the most unusual vow of love imaginable.

In the end, the Daoist Order had simply magnified the upright side of Qi Xuansu’s nature.

Anyone who wished to use Qi Xuansu as a blade would eventually pay a price. Although Zhou Mengyao had not yet paid that price, Qi Xuansu would make sure she did sooner or later.

That supposed bond between master and disciple and all those moments when she had seemingly risked her life to let him escape first were fake. It was all an act. The sole purpose was to burden him with an emotional debt so that she could control and manipulate him.

One day, Qi Xuansu intended to kill Zhou Mengyao. After all, Qi Haoran was his master, and Zhou Mengyao had harmed Qi Haoran. In that case, killing her would serve as revenge for the real Qi Haoran. It would honor the last name they shared and would not betray the master-disciple relationship that had existed, even though they had never truly met.

Playing with a knife was fine, but if one did so poorly, one might end up injured.

Since someone had now made a move, there was no reason for Qi Xuansu not to respond. Acting as the knife in their hands for once was no big deal. He would just turn their scheme against them.

Following the most natural line of reasoning, Qi Xuansu prepared to seek out the master of Hun Manor—Hun Ahau.

Ever since the incident involving Hun Chowen, Hun Ahau had been transferred to New Xijing. On the surface, he still appeared highly influential, serving not only as a senior commander of the Tawantin military but also as a guest of the Western Daoist Order. However, both the Western Daoist Order and Tawantin’s upper echelons knew that Hun Ahau had effectively been sidelined. In Daoist terms, he was under “restricted use.”

As a result, after arriving in New Xijing, Hun Ahau became exceptionally low-profile. Apart from necessary social engagements and official discussions, he spent most of his time behind closed doors, refusing visitors.

Naturally, Qi Xuansu’s stated reason for traveling to New Xijing was not to question Hun Ahau. Rather, it was to investigate the outbreak of the Shadow Tide near the Sun Temple outside the city. News of Qi Xuansu’s investigation into the shadows had already spread over the past few days, so no one found it surprising. On the contrary, it seemed entirely reasonable.

Qi Xuansu then specifically designated Hun Ahau to assist with the investigation. This, too, seemed perfectly logical. Although Hun Ahau was nominally the highest-ranking military commander in New Xijing, he neither wished nor was able to exercise that authority. As a result, he was arguably the least occupied of them all.

Accompanied by Hun Ahau, Qi Xuansu arrived at the Holy Mountain located outside New Xijing.

The temple complex stood atop the mountain. Aside from flying, there were two ways to reach the summit. One was by cable car technology copied from the Northern Continent. Seated within an enclosed carriage, one could pass over the steep cliffs and travel directly to the peak. The other route wound up the gentler side of the mountain, known as the Pilgrimage Road.

Qi Xuansu was perfectly capable of flying to the summit, so there was no need for a cable car. Instead, he chose to ascend by the mountain path.

Hun Ahau had little choice but to accompany him. After all, Qi Xuansu was the Daoist Order’s envoy. He represented the Daoist Order itself, and even the three leaders of the Western Daoist Order had to show him a measure of respect.

Qi Xuansu and Hun Ahau walked in front, while their attendants followed at a considerable distance behind.

No one worried about Qi Xuansu’s safety. After all, Chief Deputy Qi himself had personally taken down the other Hun brother.

In truth, Qi Xuansu was using this opportunity to speak privately with Hun Ahau. “General Hun, what is your opinion of this Shadow Tide?”

Hun Ahau’s expression remained unchanged. “A black sun must be connected to Kukulkan. Perhaps this chief god thinks the original solar emblem was unsatisfactory and wants to replace it with a new one, rather like changing a nation’s name.”

Qi Xuansu chuckled. “That reminds me of Empress Mingkong. I suppose as a woman, she liked novelty. She used 17 era names, changed reign periods 32 times, and even renamed the ministries. In contrast, the current Great Sage Ziji has used the same era name for 45 years without ever changing it. In my view, there is neither good nor bad in changing names. It is simply a difference in temperament between men and women. Kukulkan is a male god, is he not?”

Hun Ahau said, “There are always exceptions in all things. One cannot use individual cases to define absolutes. What if this ancient god happens to be an exception?”

Qi Xuansu glanced toward the end of the mountain path. The majestic temple was already visible in the distance. “The Sun Temple is almost in sight. In every sense, the temple can be regarded as Kukulkan’s private property. If he is merely taking something from his own home, is there any need for all this mystery and theatrics? Is that another exception? If so, there seem to be rather too many ‘exceptions.’”

Hun Ahau glanced at Qi Xuansu. “Chief Deputy Qi, I am not a follower of Kukulkan. I am a soldier of the Tawantin Empire, and I was trained by the Western Daoist Order. As for matters concerning Kukulkan, I know only what I have heard from others.”

Qi Xuansu said, “Very well, let’s not discuss Kukulkan. General Hun, are you familiar with the Heron Society?”

Hun Ahau’s body paused almost imperceptibly. “I have heard of it. In Daoist terminology, it would be described as a secret society.”

Qi Xuansu said, “I have heard that many of Tawantin’s nobles, including members of the royal family, belong to the Heron Society. I have also heard that you are one of its members, General Hun.”

Rather than answering directly, Hun Ahau said, “There are many rumors concerning Chief Deputy Qi as well. Some say your real last name is Yao, while others claim that you are the reincarnation of the Holy Xuan. Are those rumors true?”

“Of course not.” Qi Xuansu denied it outright.

Hun Ahau said, “By the same logic, Chief Deputy Qi, why place any faith in such rumors?”

Qi Xuansu said, “At first, I did not believe them either. However, certain things made me change my mind. Not long ago, I paid a visit to the Hun Manor.”

Hun Ahau abruptly came to a halt and slowly turned his head. His stone face revealed nothing, but his intimidating gaze was fixed squarely upon Qi Xuansu.

Qi Xuansu stopped as well, calmly meeting Hun Ahau’s stare.

As the two men stopped, the attendants following far behind also halted. Each of them behaved as though facing a formidable enemy, yet none dared act rashly.

They could all vaguely sense the immense aura gathering within Hun Ahau, restrained but ready to erupt at any moment, as imposing as a Hall Master of the Western Daoist Order.

In the end, Hun Ahau withdrew his gaze. Whether it was Tantai Ying or Lin Bufan, most people would have felt tremendous pressure beneath those eyes. Yet such tactics were clearly ineffective against Qi Xuansu. Back in Cusco, Qi Xuansu had already proven one thing. His reputation as the Daoist Order’s special envoy was no empty title. When facing Hun Ahau, he showed not the slightest sign of weakness.

More importantly, Qi Xuansu had once used the Guizang Lantern to glimpse Hun Ahau’s inner thoughts. Unaware of how Qi Xuansu had managed it, Hun Ahau had remained deeply wary of him ever since.

The two men continued forward. Seeing this, the attendants behind them breathed a sigh of relief and hurried to catch up, still maintaining the same distance as before.

Qi Xuansu continued, “Behind Hun Manor, I discovered a vast forest. That entire woodland was filled with human-faced fruits.”

Hun Ahau said, “That manor has been abandoned for many years.”

Qi Xuansu said, “I thought you were going to tell me that the manor had been left behind by Chowen.”

A trace of anger flashed across Hun Ahau’s face. “I have not sunk to such depths.”

Qi Xuansu said, “General Hun, you have only been serving as Commander-in-Chief of New Xijing’s military affairs for a few months. That black tree bearing the human-faced fruits could not possibly have grown to such a size in just a few months, let alone produced fruit.”

Hun Ahau fell silent.

The two continued onward in silence until they finally reached the summit, where the temples of the gods stood before them.

At last, Hun Ahau spoke. “Chief Deputy Qi, do you know about the humanoid insects?”

“I do,” Qi Xuansu replied.

Hun Ahau said softly, “That makes things easier, as I will not need to explain the existence of the humanoid insects in detail. Many years ago, the humanoid insects gave me a seed.”

Qi Xuansu said, “So that’s how the Hun Manor gained a grove of human-faced fruit trees.”

Hun Ahau continued, “Human-faced fruit trees feed on yin energy and produce fruits that closely resemble human faces. However, these fruits are of little practical use, and anyone who eats them recklessly may even fall ill.”

Qi Xuansu added, “But if living people are used as fertilizer, that becomes an entirely different matter. General Hun, do you know what crime that constitutes?”