Chapter 545: Debt Collection

In a hall on the Hall of Martial Aspects' island, Ao Canghai sat at the head of the hall as various Martial Aspects lined up on either side of him, listening to Ao Shuai recount what had happened.

Ao Canghai closed his eyes and thought for a moment. "Again, but more detailed."

Ao Shuai blinked, nodded, and recounted everything that had happened within the Palace of the Moon.

Then, Ao Canghai fell deep in thought. Everyone else in the hall waited patiently, no one daring to disturb him.

After quite some time, Ao Canghai finally opened his eyes again. They lit up. "Did Ao Zhou really manage to defeat you, a mid-stage True Immortal, despite just having become a True Immortal himself? It must be true, then."

"Father, what are you talking about? I don't understand," Ao Shuai replied.

"In principle, even if he had obtained the inheritance of the old Dragon King of the Eastern Sea, he shouldn't have been your opponent—unless he managed to gain an ancestral dragon's inheritance from the Eastern Sea Draconic Palace," Ao Canghai elaborated, narrowing his eyes.

"What?!" everyone cried out.

"No wonder. Why do you think Silverfrost died that day? He must have been too greedy. He discovered Ao Zhou's secret and tried to claim it for himself—and gave his life as a result," Ao Canghai continued confidently.

"How did Ao Zhou manage to gain the ancestral dragon's inheritance?!" everyone exclaimed in surprise.

"We sent a delegation to the Eastern Sea Draconic Palace when it opened up, but unfortunately, it was only accessible by Human Immortals and below. Ao Zhou and Xiao Nanfeng once entered the area, and they must have obtained the ancestral dragon's inheritance then," Ao Canghai deduced.

Everyone trusted Ao Canghai intimately; no one doubted him.

"No wonder Ao Zhou knew all my techniques—and used them better than I did! He even knew some of the techniques that you taught me that are only passed down within the royal family!" Ao Shuai exclaimed.

"The ancestral dragons reigned over the world in their era, and are no weaker than the Heavenly Emperor whom we serve now. Isn't it a waste for that inheritance to have landed in Ao Zhou's hands?" One Martial Aspect's eyes glinted.

"Father, the ancestral dragon's inheritance is the paramount treasure," Ao Shuai murmured, greed apparent in his gaze.

Ao Canghai was silent for a moment before he too nodded. "You might have lost to Ao Zhou this time around, but confirming this piece of information is valuable as well."

"The Heavenly Emperor has confirmed Ao Zhou's appointment as Martial Aspect, but we still have a chance of obtaining the ancestral dragon's inheritance. However, Xiao Nanfeng's presence is a huge hindrance for dealing with Ao Zhou," Ao Shuai said.

Ao Canghai raised an eyebrow at Ao Shuai. "Silence. Ao Zhou is a Martial Aspect of the Imperial Court, and isn't to be disrespected. I had better not hear you trying to scheme against Ao Zhou again."

"Father, if you were to receive the ancestral dragon's inheritance, you could grow even stronger!" Ao Shuai protested, unwilling to back down.

"Alright, that's enough. All of you, dismissed. Silverfrost's death is done and over with," Ao Canghai commanded.

"Father!" Ao Shuai cried out.

"Didn't you hear me?" Ao Canghai replied.

Ao Shuai frowned. He had no choice but to leave the hall along with the Martial Aspects in attendance.

Alone in the hall, Ao Canghai sat back in his seat, his eyes closed. He seemed to be deep in thought. He did care about the ancestral dragon's inheritance, but it would hardly do for him to make his real attitude known. He rapped his knuckles against the armrest of his seat, absorbed in planning.

Three days passed in the blink of an eye.

Xiao Nanfeng brought Ao Zhou toward the Hall of Martial Aspects, where a group of officials were waiting for him. One retrieved an imperial edict. "Ao Zhou, receive this pronouncement!"

"Ao Zhou is present!" Ao Zhou bowed.

"By the will of the heavens, the Heavenly Emperor declares that Ao Zhou is awarded the title of Martial Aspect as substitute for the deceased Martial Aspect of Silverfrost."

"I thank the Heavenly Emperor!" Ao Zhou bowed deeply.

"Claim this edict and the Martial Aspect's charm," the official continued.

An official stepped forward with a charm.

As Ao Zhou claimed the imperial edict and the Martial Aspect's charm, a burst of fortune emerged from the sea of fortune high overhead, encapsulating him. Fortune surrounded his body and transformed into a golden dragon of fortune that corresponded to Ao Zhou. It roared, then flew back into the sea of fortune, where it joined its peers.

The officials bowed, then retreated.

"I'm a Martial Aspect now, haha!" Ao Zhou cried out in excitement.

"Don't get too absorbed just yet. In theory, since you're replacing the Martial Aspect of Silverfrost, his manor should now be yours. Claim that first," Xiao Nanfeng said.

"My own Martial Aspect's manor?" Ao Zhou's eyes lit up. "Quick, we have to finish the paperwork now. I want to see if there's any treasure left behind!"

"Do you really think they would leave you any treasure?" Xiao Nanfeng retorted disdainfully.

"Who knows? There just might be something good within," Ao Zhou replied.

The officials of the Hall of Martial Aspects began the paperwork for Ao Zhou immediately, and finished shortly afterwards.

"Martial Aspect Ao Zhou, the Eastern Aspect wishes to give you your manor key himself," the official continued.

"Oh?" Ao Zhou frowned.

"Martial Aspect Xiao, the Eastern Aspect invites you over as well."

"Lead the way!" Xiao Nanfeng instructed.

The official brought the two Martial Aspects to the hall in which Ao Canghai was located. A huge map hung on the northern wall of the hall.

Ao Canghai stood with his hands clasped behind his back. He was staring at the map when Xiao Nanfeng and Ao Zhou appeared.

"I greet the Martial Aspect," Xiao Nanfeng called out, bowing.

"I greet the Martial Aspect," Ao Zhou echoed.

Only then did Ao Canghai turn and look toward Ao Zhou. He did so with such an incredible air of malice that Ao Zhou blanched, all his scales flaring, as if he could sense life-threatening danger.

"What do you want, Eastern Aspect?" Ao Zhou asked.

"I still remember enjoying discussions over wine with your father. To think you've already grown up..." Ao Canghai smiled, and the killing intent he released dispersed like the wind. Even so, Ao Zhou didn't drop his guard. He waited for the Eastern Aspect to continue.

"This is the key to your manor. You'll have half a year without any responsibilities; during that time, prepare yourself to serve the Imperial Court. I have great expectations for you."

Ao Canghai tossed a set of keys toward Ao Zhou, who caught them and bowed. "Understood!"

Then, Ao Canghai turned to Xiao Nanfeng. "Martial Aspect Xiao, you completed your mission admirably. I heard that you chose to claim your full reward in fortune. Were you satisfied with the amount you received?"

"The fortune I received might as well have been the sum total that my kingdom possessed. It was an incredible boon," Xiao Nanfeng replied.

"Are you lacking in fortune?" Ao Canghai asked.

"Is there anyone in this world who wouldn't be happy to receive fortune?" Xiao Nanfeng replied, smiling.

"Quite so. Coincidentally, I have a Martial Aspect mission that deals with fortune. Are you interested?"

"Hm?"

"Do you remember when I had you release Yin Tianci?" Ao Canghai asked.

Xiao Nanfeng frowned. Ao Canghai had claimed great benefits for himself while forcing him to release Yin Tianci's main body. How could he forget?

"Yes, Martial Aspect. Why do you ask?"

"The divine empire of Dayin was three years overdue on its tithe of fortune. I was responsible for the matter. Yin Tianci's avatar showed up on behalf of his father that day offering a deal: if you released his main body, the divine empire of Dayin would immediately tithe its owed fortune in full—and even double it. That was why I accepted his offer."

Xiao Nanfeng waited for Ao Canghai to explain why he was bringing this up now.

"Unfortunately, the divine empire of Dayin went back on its word and did not provide the promised fortune," Ao Canghai continued.

"For daring to cheat the Imperial Court, the divine empire of Dayin ought to be punished! Eastern Aspect, you certainly have the wherewithal to do so," Xiao Nanfeng replied.

"This was a transaction between the divine empire of Dayin and me, not with the Imperial Court. It would be inappropriate to use the Imperial Court's forces to collect on this debt."

Xiao Nanfeng frowned. "In other words, all that extra fortune would have landed in your hands, Eastern Aspect?"

"Not mine—it would belong to the Hall of Martial Aspects, to be distributed by me."

Xiao Nanfeng frowned. That might as well be the same thing—wasn't the Eastern Aspect at least going to own up to his actions?

"A Martial Aspect mission has been posted regarding this issue. I would be happy to grant the additional fortune to whoever manages to recover the tithe," Ao Canghai continued.

"The mission is to serve as a tax collector?" Xiao Nanfeng frowned.

"More or less. 30% of Dayin's fortune is to be tithed to the Imperial Court. If you can collect all of what's owed, you'll be able to keep half of it."

"Eastern Aspect, you think too highly of me. If you couldn't recover the tithe, what would I be able to do? Furthermore, if the divine empire of Dayin is this recalcitrant, wouldn't the Imperial Court simply smite it?" Xiao Nanfeng replied, frowning.

"A past divine empire did get smited by the Imperial Court after failing to pay its tithes for five years straight."

"Oh?"

"The divine empire of Dayin is only three years late at the moment, and the Imperial Court is in no hurry to collect."

"What's the rush, then?" Xiao Nanfeng asked.

"The divine empire of Dayin is situated within the eastern quadrant of the Imperial Court. If it does withhold the tithe for the full five years, the entire Eastern quadrant will appear weak and useless. That's why we have to do something about this," Ao Canghai replied. "Of course, even if you fail this mission, there will be no consequences."

"Oh?"

"As an envoy of the Imperial Court, you're safe from any machinations from the divine empire of Dayin. Will you take on this mission?"

"Might I ask why you've chosen me for this opportunity, Eastern Aspect?" Xiao Nanfeng asked, plastering a smile on his face.

He intuitively sensed that Ao Canghai was up to no good.

"I think you're rather lucky, and you might be able to recover the fortune. Aren't you in need of it? 30% of the fortune that the divine empire of Dayin possesses is a tremendous amount of fortune. If you succeed, you'll have a windfall; if you fail, you won't lose anything. Don't you agree?"

Xiao Nanfeng narrowed his eyes. He didn't believe Ao Canghai at all. It sounded more like he was trying to take advantage of the divine empire of Dayin to get rid of him.

It was clear that he and Ao Canghai would never be on amicable terms. Even if he were to refuse this mission, Ao Canghai would come up with other schemes.

Furthermore, he had to head to the divine empire of Dayin regardless, not just to research the Buddhas of Three Aspects but also for a slew of other matters. He could fit Ao Canghai's request into his schedule.

"Very well. I accept. However, I'm going to have to pick a suitable relic from the public treasury like the Cursed Earth formation from last time," Xiao Nanfeng replied.

"Naturally, naturally!" Ao Canghai smiled.