After carefully assessing his current state, Xia Wuyang realized his strength had more than doubled compared to when he had just broken through to the True Monarch Realm.
In terms of Qi Refining, he possessed an eight-kilometer-long River Spirit Vein. His True Qi reserves were comparable to an ordinary Spiritual Vein over twenty kilometers long, and it was purer and more potent.
In terms of Body Refining, he had reached the eleventh level of the Dragon and Tiger Golden Bell Body. His Spirit Blood was as dense as mercury, his Golden Bell Gang Qi was indestructible, his physical strength could shatter mountains, and his endurance had reached a terrifying level.
In terms of Refining God, he had achieved initial success with the Enchanting Heart Scripture. His Spiritual Power had reached 420 points, placing him in the Two Spirits True Monarch Realm, yet he was comparable to a Middle Level True Monarch of Four Spirits or higher.
He could also cast High Level Illusion Techniques like Heart Prison. His Soul Enchantment Technique was even more formless and traceless, capable of killing without a sign.
Not to mention the boosts from his numerous Companion Talents—Alchemy Genius, Light as a Feather, Seven-Aperture Exquisite, Deep Roots and Strong Trunk, and Mental Force Field—as well as his mastery of Secret Techniques and ultimate skills like the Sword Control Skill, the Nether Enchanting Heart Needle, and the Enchanting Heart Sword Technique...
’I shouldn’t have to fear an ordinary Three Spirits True Monarch now.’
Xia Wuyang estimated to himself, ’As for that old ancestor from the Royal Family, although I still don’t have complete confidence, I at least have the means to contend with him. After all, he’s lived for so many years; he must have plenty of trump cards.’
Emperor Xia, a mere Super Grade Celestial Human, had so many trump cards. How many more would the old ancestor of the Great Xia Dynasty have? Who knew what kind of hidden aces he possessed.
He stood up and stretched his limbs.
A series of crisp cracks, like popping beans, echoed from his joints. The sound was exceptionally clear in the silent Practice Room, carrying a strange, powerful aura.
With a casual wave of his hand, the force of his palm tore a three-foot-long white gash in the air that lingered for a long time. Its power was plain to see.
Xia Wuyang smiled faintly, walked to the window, and pushed it open a crack.
The night wind rushed in, carrying the cool moisture from Taiye Pool. It dispersed the dense Spiritual Qi clinging to him from the Stalactite, preventing any traces from being left behind.
He gazed toward Qianqing Palace, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.
The Netherworld Seed within Emperor Xia was still accumulating power.
’Counting the days, the first symptoms should appear in a few months at most.’
’At that time, His Majesty the Emperor, so focused on finding a chance for a breakthrough, will discover some... interesting changes in his body. I wonder what he’ll think.’
’Meanwhile, my Cultivation is stable and my Spiritual Vein has grown immensely. Next, I should properly consolidate and adapt to prepare for another surge in progress.’
’It’s a shame I don’t have any more Spirit Treasures. It would be great if I did.’
’I need to investigate thoroughly and see where else I can find Spirit Treasures.’
’Pan Mo’s poison has been cured, and she even had a blessing in disguise, breaking through to the Fourth Grade. I finally don’t have to worry about her.’
’As for Yun Liyue, her Sword Control Skill is becoming more refined. Combined with her original Foundation, her strength is not to be underestimated. She can barely protect herself now, not to mention she has the Spirit Talismans I gave her.’
’Then there’s Tantai Zhan’s Imperial Guard, Jiang Mingyuan’s Ministry of War, Zheng Zhicang’s Shadow Guard... My trump cards are increasing, and my influence is growing ever larger.’
Xia Wuyang closed the window and walked back to the Jade Couch.
He didn’t immediately begin to consolidate and adapt his new strength. Instead, he took out a detailed map of White Jade City and slowly unrolled it before him.
On the map, the Imperial Palace, the Ministry of War, the Celestial Treasure Pavilion, the Cao Bang Headquarter, the Yixiang Building... and even some inconspicuous residences and shops had been marked by him with a Vermilion Brush. They would all be useful later on.
「A few days later」
White Jade City welcomed a brief cool spell.
Several days of thunderstorms had washed away the scorching heat in the air. The water level of Taiye Pool had returned to its original height, even rising a little higher than before.
The turbid pool water gradually settled, revealing a hint of its former clarity.
Along the bank, a few newly transplanted clumps of late-blooming lotuses had miraculously sprouted buds. Their tender pink blossoms dotted the desolate scene, bringing a touch of life and attracting many Palace Attendants to admire them.
But the atmosphere within the Deep Palace had grown even more somber than before.
The wars on the northern and southern fronts remained at a stalemate, with almost no hope of victory in sight.
In the Northern Territory, Iron Wall City had become a true fortress. After suffering one defeat, Zhao Rui no longer dared to risk battle and remained holed up inside.
Nearly 200,000 Imperial Guard soldiers stood watch on the city walls day and night, helplessly watching the Northern Desert Riding Patrol swagger, curse, and provoke them from outside. No one responded.
In the Southern Border, the Southern King had yet to recover from his injuries. Lacking food and medicine, his advance was as slow as a snail. The Imperial Court’s edicts urging him to battle came one after another, pressing down on him until he could barely breathe, yet he made no move.
In the Imperial Court, the war faction and the peace faction were arguing again.
The war faction, led by Prince Zhenxi’s Mansion and Prince Zhenbei’s Mansion, clamored for reinforcements, higher taxes, and a chance to wipe away their shame by fiercely retaliating against the enemy.
Meanwhile, the peace faction, led by the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Works, earnestly explained that the National Treasury was empty and the people were suffering. They argued that a prolonged war was unsustainable and that ending the conflict quickly was paramount.
Caught in the middle, Emperor Xia was overwhelmed and deeply troubled.
To make matters worse, he had been feeling that something was off with his body lately, as if something was wrong somewhere.
It wasn’t an illness, but an indescribable sense of fatigue, as if his energy was being secretly drained away, no longer belonging to him.
He assumed it was due to the stress of state affairs. Additionally, in his quest to find a breakthrough, he had been engaging in more carnal activities recently. So, he ordered the Imperial Physician to prescribe some restorative remedies.
Yet amidst this chaos and fatigue, one person remained unusually clear-headed and sharp, living up to the brilliant reputation he had earned a century ago.
「Divine Capture Sect, Celestial Eye Pavilion.」
This was the place where Sun Wuyang, "Celestial Eye," handled his daily duties and deduced cases. It was his nerve center.
Ever since Sun Wuyang, "Celestial Eye," had "discovered" that the previous incidents were the work of foreign enemies and had eliminated a large number of spies from the Northern Desert Da Kuo Royal Court in White Jade City, he had been temporarily appointed by Emperor Xia as the Chief Constable of the Divine Capture Sect, responsible for handling such matters.
The pavilion was situated at the highest point of the Divine Capture Sect’s Headquarter. With windows on three sides, it offered an excellent view, overlooking most of the Imperial City. The scenery was superb.
It was now afternoon. Sunlight slanted in, casting long shadows of the window panes on the polished Purple Sandalwood floor.
The room’s furnishings were simple. Against one wall stood a row of floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, densely packed with tens of thousands of case files, ancient texts, and maps.
In the center was a wide desk, upon which dozens of case files were spread out. A brush, ink, paper, and inkstone were arranged in perfect order.
The most eye-catching object was a bronze Incense Burner. Inside, Sun Wuyang’s specially formulated "Mind-Clarifying Incense" was burning. Its scent was cool, crisp, and slightly bitter, helping one to concentrate and better handle various tasks.
Sun Wuyang sat behind the desk, dressed in a long gray robe. His hair and beard were completely white, his face was gaunt, and a hint of confusion was visible on his features.
He held a newly compiled list in his hand, his brow furrowed. His eyes, renowned as the Celestial Eye, gleamed faintly in the sunlight as he slowly scanned each name on the paper.
After this period of investigation, he had made a new discovery. This time, his target was surprisingly related to Xia Wuyang.
Yun Liyue, Yan Jiuge, Mo Qianqiu, Yue Yulong, Yue Yufeng, Song Yuyan... Behind each name was a brief note.

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