The wind on the mountaintop was strong, dispersing the heavy, suffocating stench of blood.
However, the bodies lying on the ground, their pitiful and gruesome appearance, seemed eerie.
In their lives, these people wielded immense power, controlling the world with a wave of their hand.
But in death, they were nothing more than bloody corpses, no different from ordinary people.
Ning Sihua swept her gaze over the bloody scene, sighing with emotion. "Friend, with only Qi Gathering cultivation, you can integrate the essence of heaven and earth into your sword technique. It is truly unimaginable."
Su Yi sheathed his Yuxuan Sword and said, "Are you here just to watch the battle?"
"Of course not," Ning Sihua replied frankly. "The Cloudlight Marquis and I have come for a matter to discuss with you."
Su Yi shook his head. "We can talk about it tomorrow."
"Why tomorrow?" Ning Sihua was puzzled.
Su Yi lightly patted his stomach and said, "Because I haven't had breakfast yet."
Everyone: "..."
Everyone thought that Su Yi's refusal to Ning Sihua was due to other arrangements for today, so they listened attentively. They never expected that he was simply hungry...
Tea Jin felt a little embarrassed inwardly, wondering if the snacks prepared for Young Master today weren't enough?
Zhou Zhili showed a guilty expression and said, "It's my lack of preparation. I disturbed Brother Su early in the morning."
"Stupid," Su Yi glanced at him and said, "I was just finding an excuse. I didn't want to get involved in anything today."
He thought for a moment and sighed lightly, "But now it seems that it's better to be direct."
Seeing Su Yi's words reaching this point, Ning Sihua's lips twitched slightly, and she said, "Fine, the Cloudlight Marquis and I will visit you tomorrow."
It made sense to think about it. After experiencing a tea gathering today that caused such a commotion, how could Su Yi possibly have the mood to deal with other matters?
Ning Sihua felt relieved with this realization.
"Can this damn beast... uh, can Qing Er give me a ride?" Su Yi's gaze turned towards the green-scaled eagle.
When they first met, it was fine to call it a damn beast.
But now that they were acquainted, it seemed inappropriate to continue using that term.
The green-scaled eagle trembled all over, feeling both surprised and astonished. How could such an arrogant fellow voluntarily change the way he addressed it?
"It's Qing Er's honor to provide transportation for you, friend," Ning Sihua smiled.
"Thank you."
Su Yi waved his hand to Tea Jin not far away. "Let's go."
Only then did Zhou Zhili and the others realize that Su Yi didn't want to stay here any longer and intended to leave.
Soon, under the watchful eyes of everyone, Su Yi and Tea Jin boarded the back of the green-scaled eagle and ascended into the sky.
A sense of melancholy inexplicably arose in Qing Jin's heart.
For some reason, when Tea Jin left with Su Yi just now, she was reminded of the scene on the boat when she refused to be his maid.
"This Su young master is truly an extraordinary person of the mortal world," Marquis Yun Guanghou, Shen Jiusong, exclaimed.
He had been secretly observing the battle earlier, witnessing Su Yi's scene of killing numerous masters with his sword. Now, having had a close encounter, he felt even more keenly the extraordinary aspects of Su Yi.
"We'll leave when Qing Er returns," Ning Sihua said, standing by the cliff, gazing into the distant sea of clouds, silently.
In some ways, she and Su Yi had similarities. For example, both were too lazy to bother with mundane conflicts and had no interest in conversing with people like Zhou Zhili.
It was not that they scorned others, but they regarded each other as people from two different worlds.
"Your Highness, today's matter is concluded. How do you plan to clean up this mess?" Shen Jiusong looked at Zhou Zhili with interest.
The deaths of Kang Shanjing from the Qianlong Sword Sect, Yue Changyuan from the Su family in Yujing City, and Qin Changshan, who was invited by the Second Prince, were all involved in this incident. The troubles behind this implicated the Qianlong Sword Sect, the Su family in Yujing City, and the Second Prince's faction. Each of these forces had terrifying foundations.
The deaths of Governor Xiang Tianqiu and the four patriarchs of the top families in Gunzhou City, including Yu Baiting, were bound to be revealed.
When the news spread, Gunzhou City would be thrown into great turmoil!
It could be said that today's events were a huge storm vortex, and anyone involved would inevitably be plagued by disaster.
After a moment of silence, Zhou Zhili pretended to be casual and said, "To be honest, I haven't figured out how to resolve this situation yet. However, even if there are endless consequences, I will bear them alone."
Shen Jiusong smiled and said, "Your Highness, during this leisure time, would you be willing to listen to my views on this matter?"
Zhou Zhili's spirit was lifted, realizing that Marquis Yun Guanghou intended to guide him. He immediately clasped his fists and said, "Please enlighten me, Marquis."
Zheng Tianhe, Mu Zhongting, and the others also showed a listening expression.
Shen Jiusong pondered for a moment and said, "In my opinion, when the outcome of this matter is determined, the position of the Governor is no longer important."
He looked at Zhou Zhili and continued, "Do you know why His Majesty appointed you as the Governor of Gunzhou?"
"It is a test from my father," Zhou Zhili replied without hesitation.
"Correct. Since it is a test, when Your Highness emerges victorious in the confrontation with the Second Prince, it is equivalent to gaining the recognition of His Majesty," Shen Jiusong said slowly. "In such a situation, even if troubles arise, His Majesty will handle them for you."
"Is that... possible?" Zhou Zhili was stunned, seemingly unable to believe it.
Shen Jiusong smiled and said, "In the eyes of His Majesty, who holds dominion over the world, an imperial prince who has undergone a test and emerged victorious is the most important!"
Pausing for a moment, he continued, "In this situation, the Qianlong Sword Sect, the Su family in Yujing City, or even the powerful forces in Gunzhou City, as long as they are smart enough, they will know that Sixth Prince, you are different from before. If they want to retaliate against you, they will have to pass His Majesty's test first!"
Zhou Zhili's spirits were uplifted, murmuring, "Indeed, I hadn't considered this before..."
"If my deduction is correct, once Your Highness returns to Yujing City, you may be able to feel the power of recognition from His Majesty," Shen Jiusong said with a smile, clasping his fists. "I am here to offer my congratulations in advance for Your Highness's rapid rise."
Zhou Zhili hurriedly said, "Marquis, you're flattering me. I know my own abilities. As long as my father doesn't punish me, I am grateful beyond words."
Shen Jiusong laughed heartily and said, "Punish? His Majesty has paid little attention to worldly matters in recent years, dedicating himself to the path of cultivation. Unless something unexpected happens, since His Majesty has tested you and the other princes, it may mean that he has already begun preparing for the establishment of an heir."
Establishing an heir!
Everyone couldn't help but gasp in astonishment.
Emperor Zhou, in the prime of his life, was a talented and wise ruler. Who would have thought that the Emperor had already started considering the issue of succession?
Zhou Zhili stood there stunned, his chest heaving.
As the saying goes, those in power are easily confused. With Shen Jiusong's reminder, he suddenly realized why his father had sent him to appoint the Governor of Gunzhou.
"Thank you, Marquis, for your guidance," Zhou Zhili deeply bowed, full of gratitude.
Shen Jiusong reminded him, "Your Highness, don't get too excited. This is just one test, and recognition from His Majesty does not mean you have a chance at the position of 'heir.'"
Zhou Zhili took a deep breath, calming his inner excitement, and said, "Previously, I was never valued by my father, and my position in the imperial family was far inferior to that of my elder and second brothers. Now, if I can gain some recognition from my father, I am already very happy!"
Shen Jiusong smiled and said, "When His Majesty was still a prince, he was in a similar situation as you, and his position was not favorable. However, in the end, with the assistance of Grand Preceptor Hong Canshang, King Tung Hai Ge Changling, and the head of the Su family, Su Hongli, he gradually ascended the dragon throne."
"I believe that in the future, Your Highness will also have the opportunity to achieve all of this!"
Upon hearing this, Zhou Zhili's body trembled, his thoughts in turmoil.
Shen Jiusong no longer said much and took out a white jade pendant with blood-colored tassels hanging from it. He handed it to Mu Zhongting, saying, "The position of Governor represents the majesty of the Great Zhou Court. If you encounter any trouble in the future, you can use this token. The Red Scale Army stationed here will assist you."
Mu Zhongting was taken aback for a moment, then quickly clasped his fists and said, "Thank you, Marquis!"
He had previously worried about how to secure his position as the Governor of Gunzhou after experiencing today's bloody events.
But now, with Shen Jiusong's support, things were different!
This meant that even the local powerhouses like the Yu family, Zhao family, Bai family, and Xue family would not dare to confront him easily!
Chang Guoke and Qing Qin witnessed these scenes, and a faint speculation arose in their hearts. There was no way Yun Guanghou's actions were solely because he favored the Sixth Prince's future.
Otherwise, why didn't Yun Guanghou come forward to support the Sixth Prince before this tea gathering?
If there was a reason, there was only one possibility.
That was, due to Su Yi's relationship, Yun Guanghou took the initiative to show his support for the Sixth Prince!
If not for that, as a local lord, he wouldn't need to involve himself in this muddy water.
Moreover, the scene where Yun Guanghou and Ning Xiehua greeted Su Yi before the start of this gathering had been witnessed by everyone!
A clear cry rang out as the Green Scale Eagle returned from the distant horizon and gracefully landed on the mountaintop.
"Let's go."
Ning Xiehua walked onto the back of the Green Scale Eagle on her own.
"Farewell, everyone."
Shen Jiusong clasped his fists toward the crowd and then went to join Ning Xiehua.
Soon, the Green Scale Eagle carried the two of them away into the sky.
"Your Highness, should we also leave?"
Zheng Tianhe asked softly.
At this moment, only they remained on the mountaintop of Xishan.
Zhou Zhili fell silent for a moment, murmuring with a sense of emotion, "I will not forget today..."
After speaking, he turned and walked down the mountain.
Zheng Tianhe, Chang Guoke, Qing Qin, and Mu Zhongting followed behind him.
At the foot of the mountain.
It had already become chaotic, with constant discussions and commotion.
The influential figures from the six counties of Gunzhou had long realized that the tea gathering had ended, but they didn't know the outcome of the conflict.
If it weren't for the Red Scale Army guarding the paths leading to the mountaintop, someone would have rushed up there to see what had happened.