A Brewing Storm

A Brewing Storm...

Chu Tianjiao exited his father's chamber. Little did the people of Chu know that their Emperor was plagued by a debilitating illness, confining him to his sickbed. Even the most potent medicinal elixirs had failed to alleviate his condition.

The Emperor of Chu could still recall how this illness had manifested after the death of Qin Wu, gradually deteriorating to its current dire state.

Outside a majestic hall, Chu Tianjiao stood, flanked by Blooded Imperial bodyguards who stood like immovable sentinels at the entrance.

"First task: assemble 10 Yuanfu-level Dragon Guards. Starting today, no one is allowed near my father. I repeat, no one."

"Second task: relay my order to the front lines, activate the beheading plan."

"Third task: notify the Black Stronghold to bolster their defenses and keep a close watch on Qin Wu. He must not escape under any circumstances."

"Fourth task: deploy agents to monitor the influential military clans in the Royal Capital. If their families show any signs of suspicious activity, take control or eliminate them all."

Chu Tianjiao paused briefly before continuing, "Fifth task...forget it. I'll personally negotiate with the Nine Mystical Palace."

This time, the Emperor Star Academy had snatched the top spot, but the Nine Mystical Palace wouldn't let their plans crumble. It was time to root out this troublesome academy from Chu. Luo Tianya and Luo Qianqiu were certain to lend their support in this endeavor.

The statue-like guards silently dispersed, vanishing as if they were never there, to carry out Chu Tianjiao's orders.

Chu Tianjiao turned his head, casting a satisfied gaze into the depths of the grand hall. He couldn't help but smile, confident that no one could breach the heavily guarded room.

As Chu Tianjiao's orders began to take effect, the Chu Country seemed to hum like a well-oiled machine. Even the Sky Transport Network, the largest transport company, buzzed with activity.

While Chu Tianjiao's commands reverberated through the nation, in the heart of the Dark Forest, that silent, gloomy prison remained as cold and unwavering as ever, as if it had existed since time immemorial.

Outside the Black Stronghold, a horse-drawn carriage arrived, bearing a passenger who brandished an authoritative medallion. Soon, the gates of the Black Stronghold creaked open, allowing a line of shadowy figures to step out and venture inside.

This mysterious group came to a halt outside a specific cell. The occupant of that cell sat on the cold, unforgiving ground. It was none other than Qin Wu.

"Open the door," the person wielding the authority medallion demanded, their voice as icy as a winter's night.

The prison warden stared at the figure, hesitating for a moment, but eventually complied, reaching for his keys to unlock the cell door.

The authoritative figure pressed on, their voice unwavering. "Remove his chains."

"Impossible," the prison warden protested, his belief that no one held such authority steadfast.

Puchi! Without warning, a long spear thrust into the prison warden from behind, piercing through his heart. An unknown hand clamped over his mouth, silencing his death cries. The warden crumpled to the ground, his eyes closing forever.

The figure with the medallion swiftly rummaged through the lifeless warden's pockets, retrieving the key to unlock Qin Wu's chains and replacing his tattered garments with a fresh set.

Qin Wu remained still, his eyes closed, as one of the mysterious figures dressed him in the new attire, their movements practiced and unremarkable.

"Prison break!"

Suddenly, alarm bells rang out among the patrolling guards. The enigmatic group sprang into action, exuding an aura of lethal intent.

Qin Wu's eyes flickered open. There was no glint of sharpness in them, only a profound calmness.

"Is everything ready?" Qin Wu inquired.

"Not yet," came the response. But Qin Wu remained unfazed, as though everything were proceeding according to his expectations.

"Ever since young master Qin Chuan's rescue and the balance was upset, Chu Tianjiao has been on the move. If we don't act swiftly, he may silence the esteemed General at any moment. We have no choice but to expedite our plan," the figure explained, continuing to address Qin Wu as 'General,' as he had for years.

"In the end, must we really make an enemy of Chu?" Qin Wu sighed.

"From the moment the Wu King passed away, our path was set. The twelve generals swore to avenge the Wu King's death, and when the next generation of generals came of age, they too swore the blood oath. It's because the General has always borne the burden silently, refraining from giving the final order. My father, along with several others, had no choice but to feign retreat as a means of advancing, building their forces in secret and embarking on this long, ceaseless vigil."

The figure spoke in hushed tones, his words carrying a heavy weight, hinting at a profound secret behind the Wu King's demise.

Once, the Wu King had shaken the world, helping the previous Emperor conquer nations and defeating adversaries in every direction.

But once all the hares were gone, the hounds would be stewed and devoured. This piece of history remained confined to the generals who had stood at the front lines during those war-torn times.

As for the common citizens of Chu, the truth had been twisted by the time it reached their ears. The real events were shrouded in obscurity, and beneath the calm exterior, a tempestuous storm brewed.

Outside the Black Stronghold, a tempest of murderous intent erupted as an enigmatic battalion of soldiers arrived. These troops were encased entirely in gleaming metal, their features concealed by helmets, exuding an awe-inspiring, unfathomable power. They were shock troops, the elite among the elite.

After the Wu King's passing and the Qin Residence's relocation to Sky Harmony City, these elite soldiers no longer answered to the Qin Residence, dispersing across the land.

Chu Tianjiao, however, remained privy to these matters. In a nation as prosperous as Chu, its network of informants was formidable.

Therefore, Chu Tianjiao had no intention of killing Qin Wu and Qin Chuan. He understood that Qin Wu's death would thrust Chu Country into a maelstrom of chaos. The power lurking in the shadows was more than capable of toppling the imperial regime.

Both Chu Tianjiao and Qin Wu held their positions, creating a precarious equilibrium. However, the Jun Lin Banquet had caused a rift in this delicate balance, pushing it to the brink. That's when Chu Tianjiao decided to act, breaking the silence.

Today, the Sky Transport Network's messengers discreetly disseminated intelligence throughout Chu and even crossed its borders. It was as though a monstrous storm was on the horizon.

Yet, only a select few in Chu were aware of these developments, while the majority of citizens continued their daily lives, oblivious to the impending upheaval. Even Qin Chuan remained in the dark, as Qin Wu had never broached the subject with him before.

The same held true for Qin He and Qin Ye, who were still stationed at the front lines, far from the capital.

Qin Wentian, on the other hand, remained in the dark about the unfolding events. In his mind, Grandpa Qin was a gentle and amiable figure who bore no resemblance to the battle-hardened generals who had weathered countless wars. To him, Qin Wu was a man of peace and solitude, known for his friendly demeanor. Beyond that, Qin Wentian struggled to recall any vivid memories of his grandfather. Even Qin Chuan, his father, didn't engage with Qin Wu frequently. Their interactions were rather infrequent.

Within Qin Wentian's residence on the Emperor Star Academy's grounds, Qin Yao had set up a table with food and wine. The three of them savored their meal, relishing the simple joy of dining together as a family.

"The commemoration festival is approaching once again. Another year has flown by. I wonder if your mother is still in Sky Harmony City," Qin Chuan mused, a tinge of sadness in his voice. It had already been a year, and he knew his wife must have been deeply concerned about him.

"Father, Mother should have returned to Sky Harmony City by now. When do you plan to visit her? Let's go see Mother and bring her some joy," Qin Yao suggested, using her chopsticks to offer her father some vegetables.

"Yes," Qin Chuan agreed with a nod. "We must also find news about your second and third brothers. And, of course, your Grandpa Qin Wu is still enduring his confinement in the Black Stronghold."

"Grandpa will be alright," Qin Yao reassured him.

Qin Wentian flashed a reassuring smile, his attempt to comfort Qin Chuan evident in his expression.

"You're a good child. When you grow even stronger, even the Royal Clan of Chu will tremble before you," Qin Chuan affectionately ruffled Qin Wentian's hair. Over the past year, Qin Wentian had shed much of his youthful innocence, his features gaining maturity. Yet, in his father's eyes, he would forever remain a child.

During their journey back, Qin Yao regaled Qin Chuan with tales of Qin Wentian's newfound prowess, filling his heart with pride and gratitude. He hadn't anticipated that, in just a year, his son would reach such remarkable heights.

"Junior Brother Qin," a voice called out from a distant pavilion, drawing their attention.

Qin Wentian approached the figure, who was part of the team investigating the assassination attempt and was responsible for his security.

The Emperor Star Academy treated the assassination attempt with utmost seriousness, and the investigation had progressed significantly. The figure shared an update with Qin Wentian.

"Thank you for your hard work," Qin Wentian acknowledged, his eyes gleaming with resolve.

"And one more thing," the figure continued, "Xiao Lǜ has sent a demand to the Emperor Star Academy, requesting that Qin Yao return with them to Snowcloud."

"Tell them to get lost," Qin Wentian retorted, his eyes growing colder. The incident during the Jun Lin Banquet had made Xiao Lǜ's intentions clear.

"The academy will handle it. And one last thing, Elder Ren is inquiring about when you plan to visit the Heavenly Star Pavilion. I think that's the real reason I'm here today," the senior chuckled. Ren Qianxing hoped Qin Wentian would ascend to the seventh level of the Heavenly Star Pavilion as soon as possible.

"Understood, I'll head there soon," Qin Wentian replied. He, too, was eager to unravel the mysteries of the seventh level that had prompted the Nine Mystical Palace to use underhanded methods to ensure Luo Qianqiu's victory in the Jun Lin Banquet.

"Alright, keep up the good work," the senior encouraged, patting Qin Wentian on the shoulder before departing. Inwardly, he couldn't help but feel curious about the secrets concealed within the seventh level of the Heavenly Star Pavilion. Regrettably, he lacked the qualifications to enter, as he hadn't emerged as the champion of the Jun Lin Banquet.