Chapter 1605: The Calm Before The Storm

“Do you know why mister did such a thing, Qingyou? Is he actually planning to become an official?”

At the Jixia Academy, Ye Qing and Feng Qingyou were strolling on a small, shaded path. A drizzle was falling from the sky and forming what looked like a thin curtain of water encompassing the mountains and the buildings. It looked like an inkwash painting, beautiful and meaningful.

“I doubt so. The Chief Libationist’s ambition and heart have never lied in the court, and it probably never will.” Feng Qingyou answered after thinking for a moment, “So, he’s probably doing this for some other reason.”

“And what is this reason, exactly?” Ye Qing mused out loud. “Is it to support the new emperor’s reign? Scare the cunning and treacherous? Intimidate the three empires?”

Feng Qingyou smiled. “It could be all of them.”

𝚏𝕣𝕖𝚎𝚠𝚎𝚋𝚗𝐨𝐯𝕖𝕝.𝕔𝐨𝕞

Ye Qing shrugged noncommittally before changing the subject, “I did not think that the Chief Libationist’s political acumen is a match for his fighting skills. He’s making all these waves like it’s nothing. No wonder he is the model of all scholars under the heavens. Everyone only wishes that they are as cunning and resourceful as him.”

He was talking about how the Chief Libationist dealt with the mess Emperor Jing Run had left behind and the aftermath of the incident, of course. In theory, it sounded oh-so-simple, but in reality, it was not easy at all.

For example, he had diminished Emperor Jing Run’s role in this incident and pinned most of the blame on King Taishan. This saved not just the imperial court’s dignity but also prevented greater unrest and public dissatisfaction among the people.

For example, he had built up his own renown to untouchable levels both to unite the people and to throw his metaphorical weight around when necessary. This allowed him to prevent some people from spreading rumors, sowing dissension, and causing chaos.

For example, he had chosen a new emperor in the shortest amount of time possible both to avoid the imperial court entering a civil war and to prevent foreign enemies from taking advantage of their lack of an emperor.

Case in point, Yan, Wei and Qi had coveted Chu for a very long time, and this incident was without a doubt an excellent opportunity. Be it the fact that Emperor Jing Run had colluded with Fengdu, or the fact that Emperor Jing Run was dead, and Chu was currently without its leader, these were golden opportunities the three empires could have taken advantage of. Assuming they had the chance to execute their plans, they could have, in the best case scenario, eliminated Chu effortlessly.

However, none of the great empires had made a move. It wasn’t because they didn’t want to, but because they couldn’t. The Chief Libationist had plugged all of the holes in the dam before they could take advantage of it. So, they could only watch as the opportunity slipped right through their fingers.

In conclusion, the Chief Libationist had eliminated all the negative influence and damage that could have arisen from this incident through the simplest method and in the shortest amount of time possible. It was no exaggeration to say that he had singlehandedly saved Chu.

Sure, the people in the imperial court were acting on his commands, but the ideas were all his. They were at best the puppets doing his bidding.

Of course, the Chief Libationist didn’t want to take control of the imperial court. Unfortunately, Emperor Jing Run had literally sent away everyone who could have made an executive decision, and none of those people were expected to return anytime soon. Therefore, he had no choice but to do it himself.

Besides, one could say that this all happened because he hadn’t educated Emperor Jing Run properly or straightened him when he had the chance to. Strictly speaking, this mess was his fault. So, he had to take responsibility.

Feng Qingyou smirked. “You know you’re going to be in trouble if he hears you, right?”

Ye Qing replied innocently, “What do you mean? I’m paying him a compliment!”

“You better hope you’re complimenting me, boy!” As soon as Ye Qing finished, the Chief Libationist appeared on the end of the path.

It looked like he was walking slowly, but he appeared in front of them in just one step.

“Of course I am, mister.” Ye Qing and Feng Qingyou saluted the Chief Libationist. “This junior has always been impressed by the breadth of your compassion, knowledge and experience.”

“Haha... and here I thought you’re a dumb brute who hasn’t even learned how to pay someone a compliment. I was going to keep you in the Jixia Academy for a few years and educate you on the ways, you know?”

The Chief Libationist let out a laugh that did not reach the eye. “It looks like I was mistaken after all.”

“You flatter me, mister. I’m sure I can dig out a couple more compliments from my shallow mind if you really like them,” Ye Qing joked.

Although he hadn’t interacted with the old scholar for long, Ye Qing was starting to get a feel for his true personality. He knew that the man was truly broad-minded and unbothered by the trifles. That was why he wasn’t afraid to take a little jab every once in a while.

The Chief Libationist waved him off in disgust. “Save it. The chances a dog like you would be able to spit out an ivory tooth is very low[1].”

It was at this moment Feng Qingyou interrupted their banter, “You are back sooner than expected, mister. Have you finished dealing with the matters of the imperial court already?”

“Of course not. Like it’s possible to untangle that giant ball of hair on such short notice.”

The Chief Libationist rubbed his forehead tiredly. “It’s just that Wan Bainian, the Pacification King and more will be returning soon, thank goodness. They can handle the rest of the problems while I catch a few days of rest.”

Feng Qingyou asked, “So, why have you come back today, mister?” The Chief Libationist cast Ye Qing a glance. “What else? To clean up this boy’s mess for him, of course!”

Ye Qing’s cheeky smile faded into a serious expression. “Are they here?”

“But of course,” the Chief Libationist confirmed. “Haotian Hong, Xuanyuan Wang and Yue Hanhai entered Chu a while ago. They will be arriving any moment now.”

Ye Qing was stunned to hear this. “You can sense them entering Chu’s territory, mister? You are truly godlike!”

“Bullshit! Of course I can’t sense that far!” The Chief Libationist explained, “It’s the Beautiful Map of the Realm that detected their presences, not to mention that they aren’t trying to hide themselves.”

Ye Qing was aware of this Strange Artifact. The Beautiful Map of the Realm was connected to Chu’s earthly qi and technically counted as one of Chu’s ultimate treasures. It was capable of detecting any serious natural or manmade disasters that happened within Chu’s borders including detrimental changes to the realm’s earthly qi.

As a Sage’s energies were connected to heaven and earth, everything they did naturally warped the world around them unless they were concealing their energies. Naturally, the Beautiful Map of the Realm could detect them.

Of course, the Beautiful Map of the Realm could not detect anything if a Sage was intentionally concealing their energies. After all, the Strange Artifact’s main function was to detect disasters happening within the borders of Chu, not keeping an eye on Sages.

Therefore, this must mean that the three sect masters weren’t hiding their tracks. Otherwise, the Beautiful Map of the Realm could never detect them.

As for why the three sect masters dared to enter Chu openly and without worrying that their entrance would alert the snake that was Ye Qing, it most likely had something to do with the Chief Libationist.

“I have spoken to them about you and the Earthly Sovereign Bell.”

As expected, the Chief Libationist explained, “That’s why they’re coming to the capital like this. They’re trying to put on a show of force.” Ye Qing saluted the Chief Libationist and apologized, “I’m sorry for making trouble for you, mister.”

“Bah! They are not good enough to be trouble,” The Chief Libationist waved it off and declared domineeringly.

It was at this moment the trio looked into the sky at the same time. The sky was slightly gloomy and clouded because it was raining, but now, a giant hole had appeared in the middle. Dazzling light instantly poured down like a waterfall, chasing away the mist and drying the rain in an instant. The entire sky became clear and sunny just like that[2].

At the same time, purple qi and dark yellow light broke out from the horizon. They weaved all sorts of mirages and slowly unrolled themselves toward the imperial capital like paintings.

“Who dares to disregard the laws of the imperial capital?!”

After everything that happened recently, the Chu officials were high strung as fuck as a matter of course. Naturally, several people responded immediately and took to the skies.

The people living in the imperial capital were even more high strung than them. Everyone looked panicked and afraid.

1. Meaning that it’s very unlikely that someone of inferior character is going to say anything that is worth listening to. ☜

2. God a weather forecaster would lose their job so fast in this world. ☜