The King's Visit! . . .
Bu Jingtian had been a formidable figure in the realm of cultivation. He had long surpassed the limits of the Sky Origin Stage. Still, he had never taken the final step required to attain the coveted Heavenly Spiritual Body. This ultimately prevented him from advancing to the Dream Origin Stage, and it was a source of deep regret.
Cha Eun Xiao's case was markedly different. He had achieved the Heavenly Spiritual Body before reaching the limits of the Sky Origin Stage. This distinction set him apart.
"Such rapid progress," Cha Eun Xiao remarked, taking a deep breath.
He had eagerly anticipated this moment but had initially believed it would take at least a year to reach this level, no matter how diligently he worked or how fortunate he was.
In reality, a year was an unrealistic and extravagant expectation.
However, to his astonishment, he had achieved it with ease, taking a significant step closer to heaven.
"I must put in more effort with the girl tonight. Perhaps it will help me break through a few more levels," he mused. Despite the impropriety of such thoughts, he found it difficult to restrain them.
As he dwelled on these notions, he felt an intense warmth in that region, nearly losing control. He swiftly activated the East-rising Purple Qi to calm the sensation and succeeded in suppressing it.
"People say that men are often captivated by women's allure. It's hard to get it out of your mind... Indeed," Cha Eun Xiao chuckled, sporting a mischievous grin.
The next moment, he returned to his usual demeanor, focusing on the matters at Ling-Bao Hall. Several days had passed since the reward warrant was dispatched, yet no news had been received.
The assassins targeting him were meticulous in their preparations, conducting thorough surveillance, establishing lookout positions, gathering intelligence, assessing terrain, and devising escape routes. Their caution stemmed from the gravity of their actions, which had profound implications for their lives. They could not afford to be careless, which left Cha Eun Xiao with ample leisure time.
Meanwhile, a group of individuals congregated at the gates of General Cha's residence.
The blood guards promptly reported the situation to Song Jue, who was initially shocked and later puzzled.
"The King has arrived!"
Song Jue's thoughts raced. [Why is the King here when Cha Nantian isn't home?]
Still, Song Jue was the highest-ranking individual on the premises. Even when his cultivation was yet to fully recover, he never held the King in high regard. Now, with his capabilities restored, he certainly had no reason to be apprehensive.
In truth, if the King were aware of Song Jue's true abilities, it would be the King who should be concerned.
"Your Majesty, how may I assist you?" Song Jue respectfully bowed, escorting the King to the inner hall.
The King had formed a blood brotherhood with Cha Nantian and was thus well-acquainted with Song Jue. He did not perceive Song Jue as a mere steward and was not affronted by the informal address. On the contrary, he found it refreshing. Frowning, he explained, "Nothing of great consequence. Recent events have left me feeling somewhat bored. I simply wanted to engage in leisurely conversation with someone. I surveyed the capital and found few individuals with whom I can genuinely converse. Brother Song, you are a unique individual. I thought I would visit and catch up. It's not easy to find a moment of leisure in such a busy life."
Song Jue deduced, [The King knows who I am. That's fair. However, we are not close enough for him to pay me a visit for a friendly chat.]
[There must be an important reason behind his visit.]
Song Jue was prepared for the forthcoming conversation. [He previously visited General Cha's residence before the Second Prince's demise.]
[I cannot conceal that fact.]
[When he left, the entire royal family met a tragic end.]
[House of Cha is undoubtedly under scrutiny.]
[Yet... so what?]
General Cha played a pivotal and essential role in the ongoing conflict. Song Jue was largely unconcerned about the King's perceptions.
[If I'm sufficiently provoked, I can eliminate all your sons, not just one. What can you do to me?]
A seething anger smoldered within Song Jue.
Song Jue remained oblivious to the four martial artists standing beside the King, their expressions etched with astonishment. The idea that the King would extend such politeness to a steward of Cha Nantian was beyond their wildest imaginings. The King, in this instance, treated Song Jue as an equal in the realm.
[Is this steward a figure of great significance?]
Master Sun, the most formidable martial artist among the quartet, scrutinized Song Jue from head to toe, his eyes filled with perplexity.
In the next breath, the King requested that the four of them depart, leaving him to engage in a private conversation with Song Jue. The martial artists were hesitant, unsure if leaving the King alone with Song Jue was prudent. The King, however, displayed a placid demeanor and uttered, "Observe carefully. If he intended to kill me, he could have done so countless times over. Since he has never made an attempt on my life, he will not do so now. Depart."
Submissively, the four martial artists exited the room, remaining vigilant from a distance, their eyes trained on every nuance.
With their departure, the King fixed his gaze on Song Jue and inquired, "Brother Song, I've come to inquire about a matter. Please tell me the truth."
In a composed tone, Song Jue responded, "Your Majesty, please proceed with your questions. I shall divulge all that I know."
"I wish to know what transpired on the day when the Second Prince visited this residence. What were his words and actions?" The King's gaze was averted, focusing on some indistinct point.
Song Jue responded coolly, "On the day of his visit, the Second Prince expressed a desire to recruit Xiao Xiao. He sought an alliance with someone from House of Cha, a reasonable proposition. Following the decimation of the three noble clans by the two great sects, the three princes found themselves on equal footing. Thus, it is unsurprising that the Second Prince sought to secure additional support."
The King erupted in a fit of rage, hurling a curse laced with fury.
In the Royal Clan, the painful and inescapable conflicts between fathers and sons or among siblings were some of the most agonizing events. The King had gone to great lengths to prevent such confrontations. Even when clashes arose between his sons on several occasions, he feigned ignorance. Regardless of his attempts to mediate, the outcome had been inevitable. All three of his sons had found themselves in dire straits.