"That's it—the residence of Minister Wang Hao."
Atop a high-rise in Mingdu, a spatial gate silently opened—unnoticed by anyone below.
Chen Junting peered down at a courtyard nestled among the buildings.
It's a siheyuan-style compound.
He was surprised. In a city obsessed with soul engineering, such traditional architecture still existed? Sun Moon Empire rarely preserved historical relics.
"How do we get in?" Gu Tianchen asked, scanning the inner ring streets subtly blockaded by soldiers. "Another spatial gate?"
"Wait," Chen Junting said calmly. "We don't know if anyone's inside. Yuhao, scout with your soul skill—and link to my sea of consciousness. Old Gu, stay alert."
"No problem."
"Got it."
Huo Yuhao nodded, his first soul ring flaring. The moment he connected with Chen Junting, spiritual energy surged outward, projecting a 3D map of their surroundings into both their minds.
Images flashed rapidly.
Soon, they had their answer.
After linking Gu Tianchen too, a spatial gate yawned beneath them—swallowing all three.
Darkness, then light—they stood in the courtyard.
Immediately, Huo Yuhao wrinkled his nose, voice hushed: "The stench of blood is overwhelming."
"And heavy yin-cold aura," Chen Junting added, already moving toward a dried bloodstain. Corpses were gone, but everything else remained untouched. He picked up a tattered flag bearing Xing Luo's insignia, gloves shielding his hands. A cold smile curled his lips.
"What amateurish framing."
"Brother Junting," Huo Yuhao and Gu Tianchen approached, seeing the flag. "Would anyone even believe this?"
"Why wouldn't they?" Chen Junting tossed the flag back—it was likely planted by evil soul masters or Sun Moon officials as "evidence." He crushed his gloves into dust, letting the particles scatter. "The masses are blind and herd-minded. Xu Tianran doesn't need truth—just an excuse. Eliminate rivals and pin it on Xing Luo—on all Three Great Empires. When war comes, he'll have righteous justification."
"Even without pretext, war would start. But with one, Sun Moon's people see it not as invasion—but as vengeance. Their war fervor soars. That's strategic advantage."
"So we…"
"Don't expose it now," Chen Junting cut in. "Why Xing Luo's flag? Remember—teams that lose must leave Mingdu. Xing Luo defied that, staying behind. Perfect pretext for Sun Moon. Expose it? They'll accuse you of deflecting blame."
He scoffed. "Who would the people believe? Sun Moon, of course."
Gu Tianchen sighed. "This is infuriating."
Chen Junting shook his head, thinking: Since Ju Zi's death, Xu Tianran's grown far more aggressive than in the original timeline. If he's purging officials this early, his brothers won't be spared.
"Let's go."
"Where?"
"Back to the hotel. I need to see someone."
A spatial gate opened. They stepped through—and vanished, leaving the courtyard undisturbed.
—
"Master."
Beneath his black hood, Zhang Xuan (Bloodbear Douluo) bowed reverently.
Chen Junting wasted no time. "Has the Holy Spirit Cult moved recently?"
"Unknown, Master. My duty is guarding their disciples. For minor matters, elders and Worships handle things without disturbing the sect."
So even Thunderclap Douluo's unreliable, Chen Junting mused. Huo Yuhao's intel confirmed Thunderclap remained stationed at the Xi Shui Alliance, uninvolved.
Seeing Chen Junting's silence, Zhang Xuan offered: "If Master wishes, I'll return to inquire. My standing ensures cooperation."
"Do it. You have three hours."
Not out of impatience—but Xu Tianran might finish his purge before Zhang Xuan returned.
Zhang Xuan left instantly.
Chen Junting sat cross-legged, meditating while awaiting news.
Two hours later, he opened his eyes.
A burly figure knelt before him. "Master."
"Report."
"Xu Tianran plans to eliminate the imperial princes, framing the Three Great Empires. But he ordered the Fifth Prince spared."
As expected. Chen Junting's mind raced. Sparing him isn't mercy.
He recalled: Xu Tianran was a eunuch. To secure the throne, he'd need an heir—requiring a healthy prince to "borrow seed" from.
"Is the Fifth Prince gifted?"
"Innate Level 7 soul power. Martial Soul: Purple Brilliant Heaven Destroying Dragon." Zhang Xuan handed over a dossier.
Chen Junting skimmed it: Xu Tianhe, 14, Level 32 Soul Elder.
"No wonder Xu Tianran chose him—a healthy clone of himself."
The paper crumbled to ash in his grip.
A chilling smile spread.
Xu Tianran… you've dug your own grave. Let me turn your scheme against you.
------------------------------------------------------
40+ Chapters Ahead: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow
There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)