Chapter 943: Chu Tianban

The next day, Dazheng's army officially made it into Dachi's borders.

Xiao Nanfeng's proclamation and the events at Tianyue had spread throughout Dachi, and Dachi's Immortal cities were all in turmoil.

Thanks to Dazheng's emissaries from its Ministry of Rites, key clans in Immortal city after Immortal city had chosen to side with Dazheng.

Dazheng's army advanced swiftly as the defenses of the major Immortal cities crumbled one after another.

In Dachi's capital, the imperial court was in turmoil. Fewer officials were present in court than usual.

Su Tianxin's main body sat on his draconic throne, brows furrowing as he listened to the officials' arguments below.

"Your Majesty, I request that we confiscate the property and execute the clans of those officials who are avoiding this session of court without reason. We who serve as officials in Dachi must repay your favor with loyalty—yet these officials have abandoned Dachi after hearing mere rumors. They deserve to die!" an official declared angrily.

Clearly, not all the officials believed Xiao Nanfeng's proclamation. Even with the situation in Tianyue as evidence, some remained steadfast and loyal to Su Tianxin. Even so, many officials present were doubtful. While they still attended court, they were no longer unified.

"Let's start with the situation on the frontlines," Su Tianxin said.

"All ten military encampments on the frontlines have experienced mutiny. It's impossible for us to organize effective resistance against the enemy now. Only the garrisons of the individual Immortal cities are holding the line. However, those cities are also in chaos. Major clans have been swayed by Dazheng and are collaborating with Dazheng's army to help them breach the cities," an official reported.

"Which cities have we lost?" Su Tianxin asked.

"Over the past three days, we've lost about ten Immortal cities each day. Specifically, the lost cities are..." the official began.

As the officials presented their reports, Su Tianxin's expression darkened.

He had anticipated that the breach in ethical conduct would lead to rapid defeat, but not this swiftly. This wasn't a war; it was outright treason on a massive scale.

"Your Majesty, if we allow this to continue unchecked, there may be even greater panic and mutiny," the official continued.

Su Tianxin pondered for a moment before responding, "Continue to refute the rumors. Xiao Nanfeng's proclamation is full of nonsense. As for the battle at Tianyue, I was not present. It must have been someone impersonating me, or perhaps Xiao Nanfeng staged the entire event to deceive and manipulate public opinion."

"Understood!"

Even if the battle at Tianyue had been real, denying it outright was the best strategy—and, by this point, his only option.

"Your Majesty, we will do so at once, though such denials may have limited effect now. Do you have other strategies in mind to counter Xiao Nanfeng?" the official continued.

Su Tianxin took a deep breath. "I have a plan already in motion. It will yield results in just a few days' time. Inform the cities and army to remain patient. The truth will soon be revealed."

"Understood!"

𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮

In the imperial study in Yongding, Xiao Nanfeng reviewed a batch of reports, satisfaction flashing in his eyes. Officials stood nearby, filling in additional unstated details.

"Mr. Wen, well done. The Ministry of Rites' emissaries have brought us so much good news. This is all thanks to your efforts," Xiao Nanfeng praised.

Wen Zhong smiled. "This is due to your excellent leadership, Your Majesty, and to Su Tianxin's self-destructive actions. By becoming a pawn of the Heavens, he has lost his moral standing, and the people cannot forgive him. Furthermore, the battle at Tianyue exposed his cruelty and heartlessness, compounded by his own daughter's betrayal. All of this has only solidified the resolve of countless Dachi clans to sever ties with him. We are merely capitalizing on the situation."

"Good. Keep it up. I want Su Tianxin to watch on helplessly as he loses everything he holds dear," Xiao Nanfeng said.

"Understood!" Wen Zhong replied, nodding.

"Also, spread the word that no one is to disparage Su Qingchan any longer. She is already dead. She suffered great tribulations in her lifetime and endured in silent agony even as her heart remained pure. Her noble character should not be insulted," Xiao Nanfeng declared.

"Understood!" an official replied quickly. He was responsible for directing and controlling public opinion.

"Your Majesty, according to our reports, although Su Tianxin is furious, Dachi's imperial palace remains unnervingly calm. He's likely plotting something. We have to stay vigilant," Wen Zhong advised.

"I've been waiting for him to make a move," Xiao Nanfeng replied, nodding.

Wen Zhong bowed.

At that moment, a guard rushed into the imperial study.

"Your Majesty, Chu Tianban, former Northern Aspect of the Imperial Court, seeks an audience," the guard reported respectfully.

"Hm?"

The officials exchanged meaningful glances as they looked toward Xiao Nanfeng.

"Send him in," Xiao Nanfeng instructed.

"Understood!" The guard left hurriedly.

"In that case, Your Majesty, allow us to take our leave," Wen Zhong said.

Xiao Nanfeng nodded.

The officials filed out of the imperial study.

Xiao Nanfeng seated himself at his desk as he waited patiently. Before long, a man in golden robes entered the room. The man was tall and imposing, with a broad smile on his handsome face as he stepped into the study.

"Haha, Eastern Aspect Xiao! Long time no see. Dazheng is more impressive than ever," the man said with a hearty laugh.

This was none other than the former Northern Aspect, Chu Tianban.

"Northern Aspect Chu, long time no see. Please, have a seat." Xiao Nanfeng stood to greet his guest.

The imperial study had a reception area, where palace maids had just prepared freshly brewed tea.

Chu Tianban smiled and followed after Xiao Nanfeng.

The two cultivators had been of equal rank within the Imperial Court. Though they hadn't interacted much, they had had a cordial relationship. Xiao Nanfeng invited Chu Tianban to have some tea.

"What excellent tea! Eastern Aspect Xiao, you certainly know how to enjoy life. Where did you find such a fragrant brew? It leaves a lasting aroma," Chu Tianban murmured.

"If you'd like, Northern Aspect Chu, I'd be happy to provide you with some tea leaves."

His tea wasn't particularly special; Chu Tianban was merely being polite. Xiao Nanfeng reciprocated the gesture.

"In that case, I won't stand on ceremony."

"What brings you here today, Northern Aspect Chu?" Xiao Nanfeng asked, cutting to the chase.

"I came at someone's behest."

"Oh?" Xiao Nanfeng replied curiously.

"Eastern Aspect Xiao, are you familiar with the crown prince of the Imperial Court?"

"The crown prince, Yu Banruo, was the heir to the throne and second only to the Heavenly Emperor himself. Despite his lofty position, I never had the opportunity to meet him, except when he made a brief appearance during the final assembly of the Imperial Court."

Chu Tianban smiled. "Today, I have come on behalf of the crown prince to extend an invitation to a grand enterprise."

"Hm?"

"Crown Prince Banruo intends to succeed his father, the Heavenly Emepror, restore the Imperial Court, govern the world, and challenge the heavens once more. He is currently recruiting the most capable Immortal Emperors and heroes from across the world. While Dazheng remains an ordinary empire, the crown prince believes that you, Xiao Nanfeng, are exceptionally talented and deserving of an invitation."

"Restoring the Imperial Court?" Xiao Nanfeng's eyes widened in surprise.

"Indeed. As the eldest son of the Heavenly Emperor and the crown prince, Banruo sees it as his duty to step forward, restore order to the world, and rebuild the Imperial Court."

"How many have pledged their support?" Xiao Nanfeng asked.

"Immortal Emperors from all four continents have responded to the summons. This invitation is exclusive; few will be eligible. Only a handful of former high-ranking officials from the Imperial Court have been selected."

"Should I feel honored, then?" Xiao Nanfeng frowned.

"Eastern Aspect Xiao, you boast exceptional skill. You are worthy of Crown Prince Banruo's recognition. If you accept, we may be colleagues once more."

"I appreciate the offer and wish you success, Northern Aspect Chu, but I don't intend to take part," Xiao Nanfeng replied, shaking his head.

"Why? Do you doubt Crown Prince Banruo's sincerity? Or do you perhaps not know him well enough? I could arrange for a meeting," Chu Tianban urged.

Xiao Nanfeng shook his head. "It's alright. I simply have my own plans for the future and no desire to serve under anyone at the moment."

After a brief pause, Chu Tianban said, "Crown Prince Banruo's grand endeavor is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You may regret missing out on it in the future."

"I won't regret it," Xiao Nanfeng said, shaking his head.

Chu Tianban sighed. "Very well. I won't press further, Eastern Aspect Xiao."

"Thank you for understanding," Xiao Nanfeng said with a smile.

"That said, Eastern Aspect Xiao, there is one thing you should be aware of."

"Hm?"

"Yesterday, the Immortal Emperor of Dachi, Su Tianxin, submitted an application to pledge allegiance to Crown Prince Banruo. If he is accepted by the crown prince, Dazheng's army will no longer be able to attack Dachi."

"Even Su Tianxin, a pawn of the saints, is an acceptable candidate to the crown prince?" Xiao Nanfeng exclaimed in surprise.

"To lay down the butcher's knife is to attain enlightenment. If Su Tianxin is willing to repent, the crown prince may give him a chance. In the grand scheme of things, all available strength must be directed against the heavens."

Xiao Nanfeng's expression turned dark instantly. "Lay down the butcher's knife? Ridiculous! Do you really think the pawns of the saints, of the heavens, are forgivable? You may not care about them, but I do. If such traitors to humanity can be forgiven, then wherefore the Heavenly Emperor's death? Wherefore humanity's generations of struggle against the heavens?"

"Eastern Aspect Xiao, please don't get so worked up. I'm simply giving you a heads-up," Chu Tianban said.

Xiao Nanfeng shook his head. "I hear you, Northern Aspect Chu, but as long as I have the power to cut down the pawns of the heavens, I shall not refrain from doing so for any reason. Even if Su Tianxin becomes the crown prince's subordinate, I will continue to target him," Xiao Nanfeng said resolutely.

"You're too extreme," Chu Tianban said, visibly displeased.

"We simply view things differently. Thank you for meeting with me, Northern Aspect Chu," Xiao Nanfeng said calmly, lifting his teacup to indicate the meeting was over.

Chu Tianban's expression soured, but he had no choice but to rise upon seeing Xiao Nanfeng's clear dismissal.

"Don't regret this, Eastern Aspect Xiao," Chu Tianban said with a flick of his sleeves as he left the imperial study.

Xiao Nanfeng watched him go, his expression calm but his resolve unwavering.