BXBX NOVEL Book 2: Chapter 68: The Imperial Palace
Currently posing as Ling Buyang, Zhang Xuan realized that the person in front of him had called out his true identity. There was no point in hiding any longer.
"I am Sun Lianxiang. It’s an honor to meet my benefactor…"
Seeing his uncertain expression, Sun Lianxiang quickly removed the veil covering her face, revealing a stunning visage. She was none other than the consort of Han Qianye, the Prince of Pingyuan, whom Zhang Xuan had previously encountered in White Roc City when he had saved her father, Sun Chengyou.
"It’s you?"
Zhang Xuan suddenly understood and shook his head. "Saving your father was a compensated act, so I wouldn’t call it a favor."
"Without your treatment, my father would have been buried, and while he wouldn\'t have truly died, it would have been no different from his children personally killing him. You prevented that tragedy, and for that, I am eternally grateful…"
Sun Lianxiang bowed deeply.
"Miss Sun, there\'s no need to be so formal."Zhang Xuan nodded and shifted the conversation. "Is your visit today purely to express gratitude?"
"Of course not…"
Sun Lianxiang shook her head and glanced around cautiously. Lowering her voice, she said, "Yesterday, His Majesty Han Qianchou summoned City Lord Yu Longqing and Dean Lu Mingrong to the imperial palace. He has almost confirmed your true identity. I’m worried they mean to harm you. I came secretly to warn you—leave as soon as you can. If they rally their forces, even the strongest of fighters won\'t escape!"
"City Lord Yu and Dean Lu were captured?"
Zhang Xuan’s face darkened.
"Yes…"
Sun Lianxiang nodded. "I came here in secret and can’t stay long. Farewell!"
"Thank you, Your Highness, for the warning. I am deeply grateful!" Zhang Xuan clasped his fists in respect.
Reveiling herself, Sun Lianxiang turned and left.
Watching her figure recede, Zhang Xuan didn’t return to the discussion hall. Instead, he began analyzing the situation at hand.
Though his strength was formidable, capable of fighting even a First Level Star River Realm expert, opposing an entire dynasty was still beyond him. More importantly, any battle would expose his identity as a Chaotic Fate Practitioner, making him an enemy of the entire Source World.
With Kong Shi yet to be rescued, getting entangled in endless pursuit would only complicate matters.
However, fleeing as Sun Lianxiang suggested, though safe, would mean abandoning City Lord Yu and Dean Lu—individuals who had risked much to help him. Leaving them to suffer was not something he could accept.
What should he do?
"It’s just one dynasty. If they really want to die, I wouldn’t mind wiping them out!"
A glint flashed in Zhang Xuan’s eyes. Knowing someone was targeting him gave him time to prepare. With Mo Qing around, Yue Longxiao wouldn’t dare act recklessly. Leaving the courtyard temporarily wouldn’t draw suspicion. He could use this chance to rescue his allies. ɽ
"Wait a moment. If Han Xiao killing Mo Qing is unbelievable, what if Mo Qing died in the imperial palace?"
Just as he considered storming the palace, a thought struck him.
Han Xiao’s reputation as a formidable fighter was well-known in Hanyuan City. While defeating elders like Chai Yunsheng and Liu Bingshan was plausible, slaying someone as strong as Mo Qing quietly was not. However, if Mo Qing was killed by the imperial family, it would seem far more plausible.
If he successfully pinned the crime on the imperial family, Han Qianchou and the others would face retaliation from the Mo Dao Sect. This would not only clear Zhang Xuan’s name but also keep him safe.
"That’s the plan!"
With a decision made, Zhang Xuan wasted no time. He called for Sun Qiang to gather Zhao Ya and the others before stepping into the discussion hall himself.
"Vice Hall Master Ling…" Yue Longxiao stood and cupped his hands.
Zhang Xuan nodded and, with a serious expression, approached Mo Qing while subtly blocking Yue Longxiao’s line of sight.
"Senior Brother, I need to discuss something with you…"
He lowered his voice. Yue Longxiao could vaguely see Mo Qing’s head bobbing up and down as though nodding in agreement.
The sight left Yue Longxiao astonished.
His body remained unmoving, yet his head could sway so fluidly. How flexible must one be for that? Incredible!
After a while, Zhang Xuan turned, looking apologetic. "Sect Master Yue, I must trouble you a bit. My senior brother and I have something to attend to, and we may be gone for a while. If you’re staying, I’d appreciate you watching over the others."
"What’s the matter? If I can help, please let me know!" Yue Longxiao offered hurriedly, wary of them taking Mo Qing away under false pretenses.
"It’s a private matter; His Majesty has summoned us. It’s not convenient for outsiders to intervene," Zhang Xuan explained. "To avoid misunderstanding, I’ll leave Zhao Ya and the others here. If you have time, perhaps you could guide their cultivation?"
Zhao Ya and the others entered the room, following Sun Qiang. Upon seeing the gathered group, they respectfully bowed.
"Since you’re leaving them here, I won’t interfere further…" Yue Longxiao relaxed, content that Zhang Xuan hadn’t whisked them away.
After instructing Zhao Ya and the others, Zhang Xuan turned to Mo Qing. "Senior Brother, shall we?"
"Let’s go."
Mo Qing picked up his Mo Dao, stood, and strode out. Zhang Xuan followed closely.
"Vice Hall Master Ling, Elder Mo Qing, wait! I have something to report…" Unable to sit still, Han Xiao quickly followed them.
Watching the group leave, Yue Longxiao remained seated, a slight frown on his face. Yet seeing Zhao Ya and the others still present, he quickly dismissed his concerns.
"My only interest is those three geniuses. Whatever they do doesn’t concern me!"
Stepping outside, Zhang Xuan activated his spatial storage, placing Mo Qing’s lifeless body and Han Xiao’s corpse within. With Han Xiao’s approval, he had already claimed the reward for slaying Mo Qing. In the Mo Dao Sect’s records, Mo Qing was officially dead.
Disguising himself as Mo Qing, Zhang Xuan donned the elder’s robes and took up his Mo Dao. Not even Han Xiao, were he alive, would recognize him now.
"Sun Qiang, take care of Zhao Ya and the others. If Yue Longxiao acts strangely, intervene immediately."
"Rest assured, Young Master! With me and the Blackscale Phoenix Eagle here, even if the Sect Master is strong, we can hold him off!"
Sun Qiang responded confidently.
Having advanced to the Dharma Aspect Realm alongside the Blackscale Phoenix Eagle, they could delay Yue Longxiao long enough if necessary.
Zhang Xuan nodded and vanished from the courtyard.
Though only in the Second Stage of the Nine Levels of the Source Pool Realm, his combat abilities rivaled Star River experts. At full speed, he moved like a shooting star.
After twenty breaths, a magnificent palace appeared before him—the imperial palace.
In a deserted alley, Zhang Xuan placed Han Xiao outside to stand guard before stealthily scaling the palace walls.
Triggering the defenses with a well-aimed stone, Zhang Xuan observed the activated formations, deducing weaknesses to locate the most heavily protected areas. This method quickly brought him to the heart of the palace.
The silence was eerie; not even birds chirped.
"This must be the place…"
He examined the expansive courtyard filled with ornate buildings but devoid of guards. Carefully, he moved closer to the grand hall. Just as he was about to enter, footsteps echoed nearby.
Quickly concealing himself, Zhang Xuan saw a golden-armored guard bowing before the doors.
"Your Majesty, as expected, the target has been captured…"
"Bring them in!"
A commanding voice responded. Moments later, the guard returned with a woman in a tattered green dress—Sun Lianxiang.
Her once-regal appearance was gone, replaced with disheveled hair and a frightened expression.
"Step forward, Your Highness," the guard ordered, shoving her forward.
Sun Lianxiang stumbled but steadied herself, gritting her teeth. "I can walk myself."
Approaching the door, she pushed it open, revealing the interior of the hall to Zhang Xuan’s watchful eyes.
Author\'s Note
Hello, readers! The BOTI Translator Team is so excited to share this chapter with you. Don’t forget to give us a 5-star rating on NovelUpdates. Thank you!