Chapter 9

In the city of Chang'an, at the Wang family residence.

In the study, Wang Gui sat at the head of the table, his face calm, but his eyes flickered with a cold light, like a venomous snake waiting to strike, quietly observing the man in brocade before him.

The man in brocade looked somewhat distressed and respectfully said, "Father, I recognize the confidant sent by the County Magistrate of Chang'an. It can't be fake. He said that among those we sent, only Hou San survived. According to Hou San, the others were killed during the confrontation. I know the strength of that little rascal. He has some skills, after all, being personally taught by Qin Rong, but he can't be that strong. Could he have really mastered some supreme sword technique?"

"Hou San, tell me exactly what he said, word for word."

"Hou San said that the bastard's martial arts were bizarre and unprecedented. They seemed grand and open, like military techniques, but each move was lethal, with the shadow of an assassin. The techniques were unpredictable and impossible to guard against. You know Hou San's abilities and temperament. He is arrogant and doesn't easily admit defeat. For him to give such an evaluation, the opponent must be extraordinary. However, it doesn't match the facts. There is only one explanation: he must have truly mastered some supreme sword technique."

Wang Gui remained silent, his eyes cold, and no one knew what he was thinking.

After a moment, the man in brocade said, "Father, the Cui family also sent people, the Three Demons of the Yellow River, who entered before ours. Hou San said they were already dead when they arrived, and it was that little rascal who did it. Without mastering a supreme sword technique, he couldn't have done it. The secret of a divine weapon combined with a supreme sword technique is enough to shock the world. In ten days, many people will likely flood into Chang'an."

Warriors are fond of divine weapons and secret manuals, just as scholars are fond of poetry and Confucian sayings. Wang Gui naturally understood that a divine weapon could drive many people mad, especially if it could lead to a supreme sword technique. He said coldly, "What do you think about this?"

The man in brocade quickly replied, "We must obtain the divine weapon before the auction. Once the bidding starts, the price will be impossible to estimate. If we give up, our Wang family will lose face completely."

"This boy, what a schemer!" Wang Gui said with hatred.

"Father, do you mean this is all his plan, aimed at our Wang family?"

Wang Gui nodded and said solemnly, "He's not stupid. First, he gained fame through a competition, then deliberately exposed the Xuan Niao to draw our attention. Next, he set up a trap to capture those we sent, and finally, he deliberately left Hou San to spread the word. His goal is to tell the world that he has mastered a supreme sword technique from the divine weapon. By delaying the auction for ten days, he wants to attract more people to compete. If we want to win, we must pay a high price. If we don't win, we will lose our thousand-year reputation and become a laughingstock. I didn't expect such deep scheming from a boy of fourteen or fifteen. He will surely become a great threat in the future. We must eliminate him at all costs!"

"Hiss?"

The man in brocade's eyes turned cold, and he said, "This boy has already made the Wang family his enemy. Not eliminating him will indeed be a great threat. Fortunately, we still have ten days to plan."

"Besides our Wang family, many others will likely take the opportunity to act. Be extremely cautious and leave no traces. The one in the Taiji Hall is not a merciful person and might be setting a trap."

"Understood, I will prepare immediately!"

...

At the Wei Wang's residence.

Prince Li Tai and a group of confidants were reciting poetry and drinking merrily. Suddenly, a man in fine clothing said, "Wei Wang, I heard that the Yiguo Gong residence has a divine weapon that once shattered the Cui family's prized Red Blood Saber. The young master of the Qin family even claimed that the divine weapon was left by a pre-Qin alchemist and that he created a supreme sword technique from it, using it to kill the Three Demons of the Yellow River and several others. This divine weapon is certainly extraordinary."

"I have also heard of this. What do you intend to do?" Li Tai asked, holding a wine cup, his eyes half-closed, hiding his thoughts.

"In response to Wei Wang, there are many capable civil servants around you, but the number of military generals is somewhat lacking. Generals love battle and weapons. If Wei Wang obtains the divine weapon and befriends a powerful general, there will be unexpected benefits."

Li Tai's half-closed eyes suddenly brightened, and he smiled.

The others instantly understood the deeper meaning behind "unexpected benefits" and laughed along.

One person chimed in, "Wei Wang, this is an excellent suggestion. If the young master of the Qin family can create a supreme sword technique from the divine weapon, other generals can too. By gifting them not only the divine weapon but also a supreme martial art, you will surely win the loyalty of great generals. With military support, it will indeed be an unexpected benefit. Let's drink to it!"

"Come, let's drink!"

Wei Wang raised his wine cup with a smile, though he didn't say it outright, his meaning was clear.

The people present all raised their cups in agreement.

"To Wei Wang!"

...

At the Crown Prince's residence.

In the bedroom, Crown Prince Li Chengqian was rolling around with someone under the canopy. A voice came from outside the door, "Your Highness, Du Daoren requests an audience, saying there is an urgent matter."

Anyone would be angry to be interrupted in the middle of a good time. Thinking of the great cause, Li Chengqian suppressed his anger, got up, and casually tidied his clothes before going to the outer hall. He saw his confidant Du He enter and asked, "What's the matter?"

"Your Highness, I am willing to die, but I must disturb you."

"Speak."

Li Chengqian sat at the head of the table, waved for the servants to leave, and looked at Du He.

After the servants left, Du He quickly whispered, "Your Highness, I have reliable information that Wei Wang plans to obtain the divine weapon from the Yiguo Gong residence to befriend a general. If he gains military support, it will be a great threat."

"What... he dares?"

Li Chengqian's face changed dramatically, and he stood up abruptly. "Go to the Qin residence and tell them that this Crown Prince is interested in the divine weapon. Offer any conditions. Also, pass on the message that this Crown Prince admires him!"

"Lord Qin has passed away, and the Qin family has lost its foundation. Qin Haidao is now like a floating weed. If the Crown Prince offers a significant promise, he will surely be loyal. With a powerful general, the great cause is within reach. I will go immediately." Du He bowed excitedly and hurried off.

Li Chengqian looked out the window, pondered for a moment, and murmured, "Qin Haidao... I didn't expect a divine weapon to stir up the storm in Chang'an. It seems everyone underestimated you. I hope you don't refuse my offer."

...

At the Jiangxia Wang's residence.

Li Daizong led the visiting Li Xiaogong into the study, dismissed the servants, and asked, "Brother, it's rare for you to visit. What brings you here today?"

"Have you heard of the divine weapon at the Qin residence?" Li Xiaogong asked straightforwardly.

"I've heard a little. What's the matter?" Li Daizong asked curiously.

"This is your chance to rise again."

"Why do you say that?" Li Daizong's face changed. Since last year, when he was dismissed from office by Emperor Li Er for corruption and extravagance, Li Daizong had realized that his power threatened the emperor. He had been low-key and restrained, staying at home and cultivating himself, waiting for the right moment. But the wait was long and he was getting impatient.

Li Xiaogong, who had a similar experience, naturally understood Li Daizong's thoughts. As close brothers, he said frankly, "The divine weapon is extraordinary and should be a national treasure. We must obtain it. Additionally, the young master of the Qin family publicly claimed to have created a supreme sword technique from the divine weapon and used it to kill the attackers. I checked the records at the Chang'an County Magistrate's office, and it was indeed the young master. This shows that the divine weapon has great secrets, possibly left by a pre-Qin alchemist."

"Is that so?" Li Daizong was somewhat surprised.

"Would I lie to you? The imperial army is suitable for war, but it lacks skills in assassination. The young master of the Qin family, at fourteen or fifteen, could create a supreme sword technique and kill notorious criminals. If we work together to obtain the divine weapon and create a sword technique suitable for assassination to present to the emperor, our return to power is hopeful. Moreover, the divine weapon might contain methods for immortality, left by a pre-Qin alchemist. Though it seems far-fetched, what if it's true? The emperor will surely be pleased, and we will gain his trust, no longer living in fear."

"Thank you, Brother!"

Li Daizong bowed solemnly, his eyes shining. Money was not what he lacked; he was one of the wealthiest in the royal family. He didn't necessarily need to serve in office, but he must show his loyalty and gain the trust of the emperor to secure the future of his descendants.