Chapter 63: Xiang Ning’s Unexpected Gain

A secular army halted outside the gates of a mountain sect. At the forefront was a grand carriage, surrounded by attendants and displaying an impressive spectacle. The tall banner bore the character "Chu," standing out conspicuously.

"Your Majesty, the gates of the Fire Sect are just ahead," a deputy knelt on one knee and reported.

Xiang Ning, clad in armor and holding the Overlord Spear, cut a striking figure. Yet her expression was numb, even somewhat sullen.

"Charge in. You all know what to do," she ordered listlessly.

She could scarcely have imagined, even in her wildest dreams, that she, the dignified Emperor of Great Chu, would be compelled by Fan Li to personally lead a campaign.

"Having me lead the army against the Fire Sect? Fan Li, that treacherous villain, does he wish to see me killed?" Such were her thoughts before departing for war.

Now, however, she realized her life was in no real danger. Everything had unfolded as Fan Li promised: the Fire Sect's masters had departed, leaving only low-ranking disciples to guard the gates, none possessing even the strength of the Golden Core stage.

Though the force she commanded was not Chu’s elite guard, they faced the Fire Sect disciples with ease, cutting them down as one might slice through melons.

"Your Majesty, remember: your main task is to loot. Plundering the sect’s wealth is key; destroying them is merely incidental," Fan Li’s instructions still echoed in her ears.

She found it utterly incredible.

The Fire Sect and the Blood Phoenix Lord had gone to Pengcheng, swearing to annihilate the Fan clan and dethrone her, the young emperor. In such a perilous moment, Fan Li remained composed, even sending her to rob the Fire Sect’s treasury?

"As the Son of Heaven, how could I stoop to banditry?" Xiang Ning had protested.

Fan Li replied, "Your Majesty, have a heart. To face our enemies, the Fan family’s savings across generations are being spent on equipment and elixirs. If we don’t loot the Fire Sect to replenish our coffers, are you content to let me suffer losses?"

Xiang Ning had been speechless.

Yet, holding to the principle that anything Fan Li did should be opposed, since he was a traitor, she continued to resist.

"I refuse to do this for nothing! I demand a share of the Fire Sect’s treasures!"

Fan Li was generous: "Fine, we’ll split it seventy-thirty."

"So little? I only get thirty?"

"You wish! Seventy percent is for your loyal minister; you get thirty, and not a coin more!"

Staring at the gates of the Fire Sect, Xiang Ning grew angrier by the moment. She pointed the Overlord Spear at the sect and declared loudly, "All of you, be careful! Kill as you please, but try not to damage any of the Fire Sect’s property—they’re all mine!"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

The Chu soldiers responded half-heartedly.

They had little choice; this was the most uninspiring pre-battle speech they’d ever heard—even a bandit leader would not have stooped so low.

Nonetheless, within half a day, the Fire Sect was wiped out.

All its wealth and assets became spoils of war. Even the main hall and gates were dismantled for building materials and carted away.

...

...

Great Chu, Pengcheng.

After the battle, the Fan residence hosted a banquet in celebration, but Fan Li himself showed little interest.

He took only a sip of watered wine and exchanged a few words with Lü Chunqiu, Cao Liu, and Sun, then asked his elder brother Fan Ming to continue entertaining the guests, while he left for the Jiangshan Pavilion.

As a traveler from another world, Fan Li occasionally suffered bouts of melancholy and loneliness.

He always favored the artificial mountain beside Mirror Lake outside Jiangshan Pavilion; gazing from its heights eased his mind.

Tonight, a cool breeze brushed his face, yet could not dispel the slight intoxication he felt.

For upon ascending the pavilion, he saw a woman in green, seemingly waiting for him.

A single glance, and Fan Li knew she was extraordinary.

Though she was a great beauty, the impression she left was not of her looks, but of stillness.

A dull, rigid stillness, like a glass of plain water—unless one was dying of thirst, she inspired no interest.

How could this be?

Fan Li was puzzled.

How could such a beautiful woman evoke such odd feelings in a man?

He wasn’t a slave to lust, but he had ordinary desires for food and companionship.

"I’m not one of those ‘ascetics’!" Fan Li decided the issue lay with the woman herself.

"Fan Li?"

Qingqiu spoke.

Her voice matched her appearance, but possessed a power to make men "calm."

Fan Li nodded, then asked a question that proved his wits were intact.

"Are you here to kill me?"

Jiangshan Pavilion was the heart of the Fan residence. Without the master's permission, not even Xiang Ning could walk there unharmed; the sentries would never let her ascend alive.

Yet this woman in green awaited him there without his knowledge—how many sentries had died, or had they all been wiped out?

In short, the sentries neither stopped her nor raised the alarm. Fan Li realized just how formidable she was.

Qingqiu shook her head. "I am still investigating. I have no reason to kill you."

"You’re from the Pure Land of Brahma Sound?"

Fan Li felt annoyed.

This woman was quite bold—as if, given good reason, she was absolutely confident she could kill him.

"Yes," Qingqiu answered briskly, seemingly incapable of lying or perhaps simply disdainful of it.

Fan Li thought Qingqiu looked too young, unable to connect her with the Blood Phoenix Lord, more like a Pure Land disciple such as Princess Changle.

"I just killed the Blood Phoenix Lord, and you dare speak to me this way?"

Fan Li tried to intimidate her.

Qingqiu frowned slightly, replying with puzzlement, "Even if you killed Blood Phoenix, why should I fear you?"

Eh?

Fan Li’s intimidation had failed.

She addressed Blood Phoenix by name, clearly as an equal—another Pure Land Lord?

Fan Li recalled that the Blood Phoenix Lord ranked last among the ten Pure Land Lords.

"So quick for revenge? Is Pure Land of Brahma Sound a righteous sanctuary or a den of evil?" Fan Li quickly switched to a stance of justice.

Qingqiu remained silent, watching him.

Fan Li continued grandly.

"The Fire Sect tried to meddle in the Chu succession, the Blood Phoenix Lord bullied the weak. I bore her no grudge, yet she sought to exterminate my clan. Lord, are you here to avenge a villain or uphold fairness?"

"I have long admired the Pure Land of Brahma Sound, a sanctuary of virtuous women. The Blood Phoenix Lord acted alone, I am certain her deeds have nothing to do with your sect."

"Great Chu has always maintained friendly relations with Pure Land. I can guarantee it!"

The crying child gets fed; one does not strike a smiling face.

Fan Li first pleaded his case, then praised the Pure Land.

Ordinary people, even if hostile, would have their animosity lessened by such tactics.

Fan Li stared at Qingqiu, but saw no change in her expression.

When he fell silent, Qingqiu finally spoke: "My name is Qingqiu. From today, I will be investigating the Blood Phoenix Lord’s death in Pengcheng. For convenience, I’ll be staying here. Make sure to arrange my meals and lodging."

Fan Li: "..."

Am I to feed the one who might kill me?