Chapter 864: The Black Lotus of Truth

Yang Chuan, Xiao Nanfeng, and Liu Miaoyin departed from the Imperial Court together as they headed to the north.

"Xiao Nanfeng, just how deep is your grudge with Han Gucheng that you need my help to kill him now?" Yang Chuan asked curiously.

"That lunatic killed his own wives and son, but he blames me for it. There's no way I'm going to live my life always looking over my shoulder for him. Since he wants a fight to the death, I'm more than happy to oblige—and once again, I'll need your help," Xiao Nanfeng replied.

"No problem. As long as there's something in it for me and you owe me a favor, I'm in," Yang Chuan said nonchalantly.

Although Xiao Nanfeng's cultivation was relatively weak, all things considered, his resourcefulness made him a valuable ally, and Yang Chuan saw the benefit in deepening their relationship.

Xiao Nanfeng nodded, thinking highly of Yang Chuan's character. If Yang Chuan could help him eliminate Han Gucheng, the favor would be well worth it.

"So, where are we headed now?" Yang Chuan asked.

"To Snowborne," Xiao Nanfeng replied.

"Oh?" Yang Chuan's expression grew serious.

"I hope he's still there," Xiao Nanfeng said gravely.

The trio flew toward the northern continent, heading into a vast, icy expanse where a group of Dazheng forces had already gathered.

Upon their arrival, they launched an all-out assault on a heavily fortified area.

With a loud boom, the massive barrier protecting Snowborne was shattered, revealing a sprawling complex of crystalline halls. Inside, administrators, clerks, and lower-ranked cultivators looked on in panic.

"Who are you? Do you have any idea where you are? Do you want to die?!" one of the administrators shouted.

Xiao Nanfeng grimaced. "We're too late. Han Gucheng was on guard."

"Have the strongest cultivators of Snowborne already evacuated?" Yang Chuan asked, quickly piecing the situation together.

Sure enough, after swiftly taking control of the site, they found that Snowborne's most valuable resources and personnel had already been moved elsewhere. The remaining people were relatively insignificant, as were whatever items had been left behind.

"Han Gucheng must have fled before we got here. What's your next move?" Yang Chuan asked Xiao Nanfeng.

Xiao Nanfeng frowned. "Han Gucheng's no idiot. He's highly alert and extremely skilled at hiding. If he's decided to lay low, he'll be nearly impossible to find."

"Even you don't have any recourse against him?" Yang Chuan asked, intrigued.

"Not at the moment. I'll think of something. Sorry to have wasted your time."

"No worries. If you don't need me at the moment, I'll be heading back, then," Yang Chuan said.

Xiao Nanfeng nodded and saw Yang Chuan off.

After delegating the cleanup efforts at Snowborne to his subordinates, he departed with Liu Miaoyin.

"Disappointed about the wasted trip?" Liu Miaoyin asked.

Xiao Nanfeng shook his head. "I expected this. If I were Han Gucheng, my first move after acquiring the Superior's cursed effigy and the charm of heavenly law would be to go into hiding, consolidate my power, and finally emerge invincible."

"So, what now? Han Gucheng was already strong to begin with. Now that he has both the Superior's cursed effigy and the charm of heavenly law over reincarnation, the longer he hides, the stronger he'll become. We're in the open, while he lurks in the shadows like a wolf ready to strike. When he does, it'll be a killing blow," Liu Miaoyin said with concern.

"I know, but I won't be sitting idly by, either. I plan to bait him out."

"Will that work? He's willing to abandon everything, including three of his divine empires and even his own family. What else could you possibly use to draw him out?" Liu Miaoyin asked skeptically.

Xiao Nanfeng pondered for a moment before replying, "You're right. He's an incredibly tough opponent to deal with right now, but just because he seems invincible doesn't mean that we do nothing. We'll take action where we can and leave the rest to fate."

"I'll help you," Liu Miaoyin offered.

"Thank you," Xiao Nanfeng replied with a smile.

The two cultivators soon arrived in Dahan.

At the city lord's manor in an Immortal city, Wen Zhong was waiting for them.

"Your Majesty, you're finally here," Wen Zhong said, smiling.

"What's the situation like?" Xiao Nanfeng asked.

"When I learned that Han Gucheng had sacrificed Han Bing on the primordial altar, I knew that things would get messy. Sure enough, Dahan's sea of fortune collapsed, and everyone now knows that the Immortal Emperor of Dahan is dead. Until recently, we had been using Han Bing's name to rally the empire's officials to our cause, but his sudden death has thrown everything into disarray."

"Han Gucheng sacrificing Han Bing was unexpected even for me. Go on," Xiao Nanfeng said.

"We naturally won't allow those officials who have already thrown in their lot with us to back out now. However, Han Bing's death has had severe ramifications, and I was forced to rush over to deal with the aftermath.

"What's the problem now?"

"We managed to recruit nearly half of Dahan's key officials using Han Bing's name and by collecting compromising material on them—but with Han Bing gone, some are already wavering in their loyalty. I fear some may only pretend to submit while plotting against us in secret."

Xiao Nanfeng nodded. "Sorting out the truly loyal from the deceptive will take considerable effort, I fear."

Liu Miaoyin interjected, "If you're worried about traitors among your subordinates, I can help."

"Oh?" Both Xiao Nanfeng and Wen Zhong turned to her.

"I have a technique known as the Black Lotus of Truth. If someone willingly accepts my black lotus into their soul, it can reveal whether they're lying when I question them," Liu Miaoyin explained.

"A lie detector?" Xiao Nanfeng murmured, intrigued.

"The Black Lotus of Truth?" Wen Zhong echoed, equally curious.

"Shall we try it out?" Liu Miaoyin asked, smiling.

Wen Zhong looked toward Xiao Nanfeng, who nodded in agreement. Wen Zhong then instructed his subordinates, "Bring the city lord and the four military commanders here."

"Understood!"

Very quickly, five men were brought up to Xiao Nanfeng.

Wen Zhong explained the situation to them. "You've all pledged loyalty to us, and we need to ensure your sincerity. Please don't resist."

The five men looked uneasy but had no choice but to agree. Wen Zhong held significant leverage over them, after all.

"Go ahead, Senior Miaoyin," Xiao Nanfeng said.

Liu Miaoyin raised her hand. Five phantasmal black lotuses appeared in her palm. With a wave, they flew into the men's bodies. A faint black glow emanated from each lotus as they trembled slightly.

"Don't resist," Liu Miaoyin instructed.

Though they were hesitant, the five men complied. The lotuses melded with their souls.

Soon, the black glow faded, and everything seemed back to normal.

"Alright. Ask your questions," Liu Miaoyin said.

Wen Zhong nodded and addressed the five men. "Do you truly pledge loyalty to Dazheng?"

The question startled them; they clearly weren't expecting such a direct interrogation.

"We do pledge loyalty to Dazheng," they replied.

Suddenly, two black lotuses appeared above the heads of two of the men. The lotuses rotated ominously as they glowed faintly.

"They're lying," Liu Miaoyin said.

Everyone turned to the two men, who began to protest vehemently.

"No, I'm not lying! I really am loyal to Dazheng!" one cried out.

"I killed Han Gucheng's guards myself! How could I be lying? I really am willing to serve Dazheng!" the other shouted.

Even so, the black lotuses above their heads continued to rotate and glow.

"My black lotuses examine one's heart. You won't be able to lie to me," Liu Miaoyin said, shaking her head.

"Seize them!" Wen Zhong commanded.

Dazheng's forces immediately moved in, subduing the two men despite their desperate attempts to escape.

"This is slander! A black lotus proves nothing!" one shouted.

"Right, you're framing us!" the other accused.

The two men refused to acknowledge that they had been lying.

The three remaining officials, visibly uneasy, began to question the accuracy of the black lotuses. "Could there be a mistake? After all, they—"

Wen Zhong interjected firmly, "We don't make false accusations. Since you've proven your sincerity, we'll let you handle interrogating these two traitors."

The three men exchanged glances with each other before agreeing to Wen Zhong's proposal. This was clearly intended to be an opportunity for them to gain merit for themselves. "We accept."

Wen Zhong assigned them several of his subordinates for the interrogation.

Though it would take some time to get results, Wen Zhong and Xiao Nanfeng fully trusted in Liu Miaoyin's abilities. The two men had to be lying.

"Senior Miaoyin, how many times can you use the Black Lotus of Truth in a day?" Xiao Nanfeng asked.

"There's no limit."

"Oh?" Xiao Nanfeng responded in surprise.

Wen Zhong's eyes widened in surprise. "If that's the case, we may be able to solve one of our greatest challenges with your help."

He had his own methods of verifying the loyalty of his subordinates, but it would take a great deal of manpower, resources, and time. Liu Miaoyin's help would be invaluable.

Xiao Nanfeng paused in thought before asking Liu Miaoyin, "Senior Miaoyin, do you have any plans for the near future?"

"None for now. I'll assist you in the meantime," she replied with a smile.

"Why not establish a kingdom of your own?" Xiao Nanfeng suggested.

"Oh?" Liu Miaoyin frowned in confusion.

"Dahan is too far from Dazheng, so I'd have to appoint someone to oversee it. If you're willing, Senior, I would gladly have you take charge. You'd be the perfect candidate."

"Me? I don't think I'm suited for that," Liu Miaoyin replied, somewhat surprised.

"Why not? No one would suspect you of being my ally. After all, as the former hegemon of your era, people would surely assume you're acting independently. Besides, our bond is strong enough to make this arrangement work."

"Should I drop my pride, then?" Liu Miaoyin murmured.

"We're close enough that pride isn't an issue, surely?"

Liu Miaoyin hummed in contemplation. "If it helps you, I'm willing to give it a try."