"Judging from the appearance of the Third Prince, he doesn't seem interested in the Eight Great Profound Artifacts at all."
Finally, Murong Zeyu voiced his inner doubts.
Among the four nations, the Eight Great Profound Artifacts held great fame, and any cultivator would desire to possess them.
"It's not that I'm not interested," said the Lord Lintian, "but not everyone has the destined opportunity to obtain the Eight Great Profound Artifacts. They are merely auxiliary tools. A shrewd and capable individual who consolidates power can become an unbeatable weapon, just like water. Water can carry a boat, but it can also overturn it."
Lord Lintian had no objections to allies with a shared goal making contributions.
If Murong Zeyu wanted to become emperor, he would have to be even more ruthless and cunning than he currently was. Otherwise, all his efforts would be in vain.
Murong Zeyu glanced at Lord Lintian. In just a few days, Lord Lintian seemed to have changed, but he couldn't pinpoint exactly how.
He was a person with great ambitions, willing to do anything to achieve his goals. To attain the throne, he wouldn't adhere to the conventional path as defined by others. As long as he could obtain the throne, he wouldn't care even if it meant sacrificing countless lives. That was his sole pursuit in this world.
"Third Prince, our goals are the same. You haven't forgotten, have you?" Murong Zeyu added.
A hint of curiosity appeared on Lord Lintian's face. Slowly, he said, "Indeed, our goals are the same, but the paths we take may differ."
A glint of shrewdness flashed in Lord Lintian's eyes. Yes, their goals were the same.
Before achieving this goal, he still needed a puppet to cooperate with him. After careful consideration, Murong Zeyu was the best candidate for this puppet.
"Why don't you try a different approach, Your Majesty, instead of fixating on the Eight Great Profound Artifacts?" Murong Zeyu countered. He too desired to explore a different path, but he feared it would lead him to a point of no return without a foolproof plan.
"The people's aspirations still lie with the imperial authority. As long as you incite their sentiments and capture their hearts, making them dissatisfied with Murong Shaofeng, that would be a more formidable weapon than a double-edged sword."
Upon hearing this, Murong Zeyu wore a satisfied smile.
"Your words have enlightened me, Third Prince. It seems I should indeed take a different path."
"Even if we choose a different path, we still need sufficient funds. Have you made the necessary preparations, King Yu?"
When it came to money, Murong Zeyu's brows furrowed more than when mentioning Murong Shaofeng. After all, Murong Shaofeng had Su Zimo's help in his business. Over the years, Murong Shaofeng had accumulated substantial wealth.
"Your Majesty still has another identity, right? You can utilize that identity to cooperate with Su Zimo, while I cooperate with you. Then, everything will be resolved, won't it?"
Murong Zeyu hadn't forgotten the position of the Nightshade Pavilion's Master that he had arranged for Lord Lintian. It was much better for him to approach Su Zimo with another identity rather than using Lord Lintian's own identity.
"I am currently working on that matter. Rest assured!"
How could Lord Lintian not understand Murong Zeyu's intentions? Having learned about Su Zimo through his investigations, he knew that cooperation with her was not something that could be rushed. Thinking back to the last time they opened for business, Su Zimo's indifference indicated that it would take some effort to strike a deal with the Bright Moon Villa.
"I leave this matter entirely in the Third Prince's hands. I await your good news, Third Prince."
Murong Zeyu stood up, as the discussion had reached its conclusion. He intended to leave.
"Take care, King Yu."
Lord Lintian said expressionlessly.
After Murong Zeyu left, Yafei emerged from the inner room.
"Your Majesty," Yafei called softly.
Lord Lintian smiled and waved to Yafei, "Yafei, come here."
Yafei's face briefly showed a shy blush as she obediently walked over to Lord Lintian's side.
"Ah!" Yafei exclaimed as she found herself sitting on Lord Lintian's lap.
"Your Majesty, you're so naughty," Yafei said with a coy smile, her face flushed.
"Yafei, women like you can't keep their mouths shut. You clearly enjoy it, yet you insist on calling us men naughty."
"Since you know, why reveal it? Aren't you just embarrassing Yafei, Your Majesty?"
Yafei boldly raised her head and locked eyes with Lord Lintian. Recently, the Lord had become increasingly powerful, and the frequency of his demands during the nights had also increased. But even in the depths of their passion, he called out another woman's name, Su Zimo. However, what did it matter? The one who experienced joy was still her, Yafei. Su Zimo would never surpass her, Yafei.
"I assume you heard the conversation between this king and King Yu just now."
Lord Lintian's hand gently brushed over Yafei's cheek. Suddenly, Su Zimo's smiling face flashed through his mind, causing his hand to pause briefly.
"I think the Lord wants to use King Yu. But Yafei is afraid that King Yu's hidden cards are more than what we can see on the surface," Yafei said softly, trembling slightly under Lord Lintian's teasing. Her voice became even softer.
"As for Murong Zeyu's meager hidden cards, I don't put them in my eyes. Right now, he can provide a large amount of funds for us to cooperate with Su Zimo. I will eventually reveal all his hidden cards," Lord Lintian said.
"Lord..." Yafei started to speak, but Lord Lintian interrupted her, saying, "Yafei, now is not the time to discuss this matter. Do you know what you should do?"
Lord Lintian's breath became slightly rough, and there was a hint of wickedness in his tone as he freed one hand to unfasten Yafei's robe.
"Lord, you don't mean to... do it here?" Yafei couldn't believe it. She looked up and saw the woman with a beautiful smile in the painting on the wall. Her heart ached. Was it really going to happen here?
"Yafei, why not? No matter where we are, I can bring you great satisfaction," Lord Lintian said, tormented by loneliness and discontent deep in his heart. The person in his arms was not the woman he loved, but it didn't matter where it happened. He sought release from his inner solitude and dissatisfaction.
In the palace, Chunyu Qinghua and Emperor Haoyue were still troubled by Jun Yuerong's matter. In the grand hall, although the candles illuminated the space like daylight, the hearts of the people remained dark.
Emperor Haoyue paced with his hands behind his back. "Qinghua, do you think this is an act orchestrated by Rong'er herself, or has she already died?"
Emperor Haoyue asked casually, and Chunyu Qinghua's lips twitched. He stared deeply at Emperor Haoyue, who was walking back and forth.
"Qinghua doesn't dare to make a hasty conclusion," Chunyu Qinghua replied, cautiously.
Emperor Haoyue suddenly stopped, frowned, and looked at Chunyu Qinghua with a hint of doubt in his eyes. "Qinghua, when did you start playing along with me like this? Don't worry, you don't have to act like this. Just express your opinion."
Chunyu Qinghua pondered for a moment and said, "Your Majesty, regarding the princess's matter, Qinghua thinks that it is very likely that she has encountered an accident. Throughout the entire process, only Su Zimo's two sons witnessed everything. Based on what happened last night, the Lord of Yun City and Su Zimo are unrivaled, and they have no intentions toward Haoyue Kingdom..."
"Hmm!" Emperor Haoyue's eyes turned cold upon hearing this.
"Qinghua, these are not the words that should come out of your mouth."
Emperor Haoyue coldly interrupted Chunyu Qinghua's words.
"Do you know what you're saying?" Emperor Haoyue looked at him icily.
Chunyu Qinghua suddenly knelt down and said, "Qinghua deserves to die!"
He thought that Emperor Haoyue wouldn't say anything after hearing such words. Unfortunately, he knew Emperor Haoyue too well. The weight of Princess Zixi in his heart was truly incomparable.
"Your Majesty! Qinghua was only speaking the truth!" Chunyu Qinghua said when he heard Emperor Haoyue's silence.
Emperor Haoyue looked at him deeply and said, "Qinghua, get up!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty, for not blaming me!" Chunyu Qinghua stood up, still lowering his gaze.
"Your Majesty," at this moment, Qin Feng, one of Emperor Haoyue's secret guards, respectfully walked in. Qin Feng was dressed in black, with his head and face covered, revealing only a pair of sharp eyes.
"What's going on?" Emperor Haoyue frowned when he saw Qin Feng.
"Reporting to Your Majesty, the Shadow Guards noticed that someone from the Ghost Palace infiltrated the capital and headed towards the Mingyue Villa," Qin Feng said respectfully.
"It seems that Su Zimo has offended quite a few people. While he offended the Tianmen Sect, he also offended the Ghost Palace here," Emperor Haoyue said nonchalantly, casually moving his steps but exuding a powerful aura.
"Those who have the ability will naturally offend others. The Lord of Yun City has obtained such a talented wife, which can be considered an added advantage," Chunyu Qinghua spoke again.
"Haha!" Emperor Haoyue laughed. "Talented wife, Qinghua, are you being sarcastic or praising?"
"Naturally, it is meant as praise," Chunyu Qinghua bowed his head and said respectfully.
"Qin Feng, continue your investigation. Report immediately if anything happens," Emperor Haoyue ordered.
"Yes, Your Majesty!" Qin Feng turned around and left.
A hint of worry flickered across Chunyu Qinghua's face.
"Your Majesty, it's already late. Let's end the discussion here tonight and thoroughly deliberate on the princess's matter tomorrow."
"Very well! I am also tired," Emperor Haoyue sighed and rubbed his forehead. There was not a single peaceful day in his life.
The night was terrifyingly dark, and the melodious chirping of nightingales sounded like ghostly wails, breaking the silence of the night.
A black shadow darted by like a gust of wind, too fast to be captured.
The man in black swiftly entered the underground palace.
Inside the spacious underground palace, the lights were bright.
The man entered a room through an arched doorway.
Jun Yuerong was currently practicing meditation with crossed legs.
"Yuerong." Upon hearing the man's voice, Jun Yuerong didn't immediately open her eyes. She took her time before slowly opening them, but her initial excitement was absent.
"Why would Brother Hua come at this time?" she asked.
"Hmph! Brother Hua, since you didn't want to help Yuerong, why do you care about Yuerong's affairs now?" she retorted.
"Yuerong." The man called out helplessly.
"When did I say that I didn't care? By acting recklessly like this, you will only expose yourself faster!" Jun Yuerong exclaimed.
"But I don't want to spend my entire life in this underground palace," Jun Yuerong shouted at the man.
"Hua, if you truly love Yuerong, then don't stand in her way."
Jun Yuerong raised her gaze and looked at the man with a sad expression.
The man looked at her with heartache, gently touching her beautiful cheek with his large hand.
"Yuerong, I never said I wouldn't help you, or that I don't love you, it's just..."
"Just what? Brother Hua, do you know how many years Yuerong has been waiting for this day, how many years of suffering?" Jun Yuerong questioned the man with a loud voice, filled with excitement.
"Yuerong, I know everything, I've seen it all," the man said, embracing Jun Yuerong and lightly kissing her eyes, comforting her softly.
"Hua, Su Zimo possesses the Eight Profound Artifacts, didn't you say that? The Eight Profound Artifacts possess extraordinary powers. Why don't we obtain the Eight Profound Artifacts first and make further plans?"
Upon hearing this, a gleam of excitement flashed in the man's eyes. This could be a way for Jun Yuerong to alleviate her inner hatred.
"Ling'er, Su Zimo has the Xuanbing Snow Lotuses. If we can't obtain them secretly, then let's obtain them openly. Su Zimo loves doing business, and her unique business methods rarely fail. She collects a large number of spirit herbs and medicinal ingredients in the mortal realm to refine pills for her son. This time, let's use these herbs and ingredients as bait to lure Su Zimo out and seize the Xuanbing Snow Lotuses."
Upon hearing this, Jun Yuerong stopped crying and smiled admiringly at the calm man. He always had a way to turn the worst situation into the most advantageous one.
"Hua gege, we have quite a few spiritual herbs and medicinal ingredients in the Ghost Palace. Hasn't Su Zimo never seen Rong'er before? After Rong'er disguises herself, she can personally go and talk to her. It's just a small trade, but it involves our future fate. Jun Yuerong will naturally be willing," said Jun Yuerong with a smile.
"Very well! Let Rong'er handle this personally. It will surely succeed, and I will secretly arrange everything for you," the man sighed in his heart. He wondered how he could make Jun Yuerong give up her dream of becoming the empress. He loved her and didn't want her to go down a path of no return.
The man felt a hint of uneasiness. He knew that his support for Jun Yuerong's actions in the past was wrong, but it was the only reason he could think of to console her tormented heart.
"Hua gege, Rong'er knows that you love her the most," Jun Yuerong said, happily leaning against the man's chest.
But her eyes coldly swept over everything in the underground palace. She didn't want to have any involvement with other people, but unfortunately, the allure of the Eight Profound Artifacts was too great for her. She had also discovered the hidden value behind those artifacts. Since that was the case, she would make good use of them.
At the Mingyue Villa, "Princess, why have you been following me?" Murong Shaofeng, who was usually gentle and elegant, couldn't tolerate Nalan Lixin's constant presence.
He had been busy preparing for the upcoming meeting with the Star Moon Kingdom, as Su Zimo would accompany him for a few days. He was paying extra attention.
Nalan Lixin pouted and lowered her head. In her heart, she bitterly smiled. She knew this man didn't like her, yet she hoped he would treat her with some kindness because she was a princess. But she was wrong. Despite Murong Shaofeng's gentle and agreeable appearance, she realized that his heart was cold, and his smiles were reserved only for Su Zimo.
Even though she knew Murong Shaofeng's feelings, Nalan Lixin didn't expose it. She preferred to pretend that she didn't know anything and stay by his side.
Knowing that defending herself would be futile, why bother speaking further?
"Your Highness, can't you see the meaning behind Lixin's actions?" Nalan Lixin looked deeply at Murong Shaofeng. She couldn't believe that he couldn't see it.
Murong Shaofeng's eyelids twitched, and he coldly replied, "I am ignorant and don't understand the princess's actions. There are boundaries between men and women, and I hope the princess will show some self-restraint." With that, Murong Shaofeng walked away without looking back.
Nalan Lixin tried to follow, but she was stopped by Zhu Yan.
Biting her lip, Nalan Lixin watched Murong Shaofeng's resolute figure leave. Love that couldn't be easily given up, anyone would feel heartache. They say decisions made lightly would lead to a lifetime of regret, but perhaps by taking the initiative once, she could salvage all the regrets.
If that's the case, then she would bear the painful consequences that would come afterward.
In Yun City, Mu Yunxuan woke up early, and Qingfeng would always report the events of the night to him.
"Your Majesty, a large group of Ghost Palace members infiltrated near the Mingyue Villa last night."
"The Ghost Palace is also targeting the Mingyue Villa?" Mu Yunxuan squinted his eyes.
"The Ghost Palace rarely shows itself in the martial world. Their sudden appearance is very suspicious. According to past investigations, the Ghost Palace's master is a woman. It seems they are also after the Eight Profound Artifacts in Mo'er's hands."
"Very likely. Many people in the martial world have been trying to find out about the Eight Profound Artifacts recently, and they all believe that they are in Lady Su's possession. The Ghost Palace must have made preparations after receiving the news."
"Qingfeng, have someone closely monitor the actions of the Ghost Palace. We can deal with them after tonight."
Mu Yunxuan gave his orders.
"Yes, Your Majesty," Qingfeng turned to leave, his footsteps hastening.
The Yunxiao Palace fell into silence, so quiet that only the sound of their heartbeats could be heard.
Mu Yunxuan frowned, looking around. He became instantly alert.
The trees in the courtyard suddenly moved without any wind, and leaves started falling one by one. Something was amiss.
Just as Mu Yunxuan was feeling perplexed, the fallen leaves flew back into the air, swirling wildly and transforming into a mass of sharp blades, thrusting towards Mu Yunxuan like a green dragon.