Chapter 22 - Moral Kidnapping

The thinking here is reciprocal. Since the Qi refiner, being on the weaker side, could morally pressure Chen Xia, then Chen Xia could turn it around and pressure him back. The Qi refiner's expression darkened as he clenched his cane and angrily said, "My life as an overseas Qi refiner, in exchange for the lives of two or three thousand people of the Song Dynasty, isn't a bad deal."　　"Alright, as long as you think it's worth it." Chen Xia nodded sincerely, then yawned, looking bored as he leaned back against the wall casually. "I'll give you two choices: go back, or die here."　　The old man's expression wavered as he thought for a long time before speaking in a low voice, "I came to seek justice for the fifty-six Qi refiners who died."　　"You still don't understand the situation." Chen Xia rubbed his eyes and asked the old man, "Would you be threatened by an insect?"　　"If you want to kill these people, go ahead. I can't stop you. But if I kill you, you won't be able to stop me either. And afterward, I'll personally visit overseas and wipe out your Qi refiners. Does that sound alright?"　　The old man's hands holding the cane began to shake. He realized that Chen Xia truly didn't care about the lives of these two or three thousand people. Chen Xia's demeanor was completely relaxed, with no intention of intervening. But he was the National Advisor of the Song Dynasty—how could he be so indifferent?!　　Chen Xia turned his head to the girl in the pear-yellow dress and asked, "Are you afraid of dying?"　　The girl was stunned for a moment, not understanding, but nodded nonetheless.　　"Then stick close to me, and I'll make sure you survive."　　Upon hearing this, the girl instinctively moved closer to Chen Xia.　　Suddenly, the old man grew furious, chanting something under his breath as he made a gesture with his hands. "Qi—"　　He didn't finish the word.　　Because half of his head was already gone.　　Chen Xia stood in front of him; it had been a casual, effortless action. The remaining half of the old man's mouth curled into a twisted grin. "You do care after all. We have another Qi refiner who will cast his spell any moment now!"　　"Alright." Chen Xia nodded calmly, showing no reaction.　　A faint sound about eight hundred meters away reached Chen Xia's ears clearly.　　At that moment, dragon-like energy surged up from the ground, instantly surrounding the figure in question and restraining them.　　The old man's half-decayed body couldn't hold on any longer, and he breathed his last.　　Chen Xia, with a trace of regret, said, "I couldn't stop you initially, but it's a pity you lost your focus and slowed down."　　The officers from the Patrol Department hurried forward, dispersing the crowd and then gathered around Chen Xia, kneeling and bowing, "We failed to protect you, National Advisor. Please forgive us."　　Chen Xia paused, amused, "I really don't need your protection. Go home and rest."　　"Thank you for your mercy, National Advisor!" the officers responded, bowing their heads in gratitude.　　Chen Xia said nothing more and returned to the royal city, settling into the luxurious bedchamber Song Wei had prepared for him, ready to resume his seclusion.　　That night, a timid knock came at his door, followed by a soft voice.　　"National Advisor, may... may I come in?"　　Chen Xia recognized the voice but couldn't quite recall it, so he nodded and replied, "Come in."　　The door opened gently, revealing a pair of shapely legs, barely covered by a short hem, then a graceful figure, and finally a pretty face.　　"It's you," Chen Xia realized; it was the girl he had met earlier, who had easily swallowed a sugar pear in one bite.　　The girl, blushing deeply, kept her head down, too shy to look at Chen Xia as she greeted him softly, "Greetings, National Advisor."　　Chen Xia casually asked, "What's your name?"　　"Huang Qingyue," she answered in a soft voice, trying not to disturb him.　　Chen Xia stood up and walked closer to her, intrigued. "Earlier, when you bought that candied haw, you managed to swallow the whole pear at once, didn't you?"　　"Yes…" Huang Qingyue nodded shyly, blushing even more, redder than the candied fruit.　　"Good." Chen Xia adjusted his pants with a smile, "Could you perform that trick again, but this time, without the candied haw?"　　"Huh?" Huang Qingyue blinked in confusion, wondering what he meant. "If not the candied haw, then what?"　　Chen Xia thought for a moment, then said, "With skills like that, swallowing candied haw is a waste of talent. Besides, there's something I've always wanted to try."　　"Wha... what?" Huang Qingyue looked up in confusion, sensing that there was a hidden meaning in his words.　　"This is something no man could refuse." Chen Xia grinned, then continued, "Can you swallow a whole roasted pig in three bites?"　　"Huh?" Huang Qingyue stared in shock at the roasted pig before her, completely baffled. But she still ate it, finishing it in only two bites.　　"A natural talent!" Chen Xia praised.　　With her cheeks puffed out from chewing, Huang Qingyue could only respond with quick chews.　　They sat there, staring at each other.　　"So, why are you here?" Chen Xia finally asked.　　Huang Qingyue lowered her head, speaking softly, "My father sent me, saying the National Advisor took a liking to me and told me to…to serve you."　　As she said this, she grew even redder, so embarrassed she couldn't lift her eyes.　　It was a maidenly charm.　　Chen Xia nodded, acknowledging it. "I did take a liking, after all. Anyone who can eat a whole roast pig in two bites clearly has my respect."　　Huang Qingyue blushed even more, her head almost pressed against her chest as she explained shyly, "I'm... a bit gluttonous. I must have embarrassed you, National Advisor, but I'm here to…serve you."　　Her voice dropped as she said "serve," unable to say it louder.　　"And how exactly do you plan to serve me?" Chen Xia asked, amused.　　"However you want," she replied quietly, still not daring to meet his gaze.　　"Good." Chen Xia nodded. "Do you play chess?"　　"My father taught me; I know a bit," Huang Qingyue replied.　　"Alright."　　Chen Xia brought out a chessboard, set up the pieces, and invited her to play. "We're just sitting around; let's play a few rounds."　　Huang Qingyue nodded earnestly, sitting properly. "Please, National Advisor, you go first."　　"Then I won't hold back." Chen Xia held his rook and declared, "I'll drift and capture your general!"　　Huang Qingyue froze, confused.　　Huh?　　In the Upper World.　　At the Fuyao Immortal Sect.　　An elder in luxurious robes traveled across a sea of stars by boat, arriving before a cave. Straightening his clothes, he respectfully called out, "Elder Wang Mu, I seek an audience with the Holy Maiden."　　"No need for an audience. Whatever it is, say it here; the Holy Maiden has no time. I'll convey the message."　　The cave door opened with two eyes, looking at the elder as it spoke.　　"Alright," the elder agreed reluctantly. "There will be a Holy Assembly of Ten Thousand Sects. The sect leader asked me to inform the Holy Maiden to prepare, so she can make connections with other sects."　　"Just tell the sect leader to prepare for the assembly. Don't add all these personal comments," the cave door replied impatiently.　　The elder scowled but held his tongue, walking away quickly.　　The cave door didn't bother relaying the message to Xu Zhen.　　Xu Zhen heard it all, but she simply didn't want to deal with this elder. Since arriving at the Fuyao Immortal Sect over thirty years ago, she had grown accustomed to flattery and schemes, knowing that most elders saw her only as a valuable connection. As a low-level yet talented Holy Maiden, she was exactly the type they wanted to approach.　　Fortunately, her title allowed her to ignore them and focus on cultivating in peace.　　Xu Zhen blinked, then asked the cave door, "Xiao Wu, what level do I need to reach to leave freely?"　　The door thought for a moment before replying hesitantly, "At least the Sea Reversal Realm…No, even that might not be enough. The Heaven-Mending Realm may still be insufficient. The safest bet is the Emperor Realm."　　Xu Zhen furrowed her brows, feeling as if her question had been in vain.　　She sighed.　　Thirty years might be a short span to cultivators, but to Xu Zhen, it felt long.　　It was the length of longing, stretching year after year.　　If longing were a river, then hers would be an ocean by now.　　The more she explored the Immortal Realm, the more she missed her days in Weixi Town, and the more she missed Chen Xia.　　She missed the one who genuinely cared for her, Brother Xia.　　And, naturally, her feelings remained unchanged.　　No one had ever managed to replace the general with a crown prince after checkmate.　　But Huang Qingyue witnessed it firsthand. After playing chess all night and finally checkmating Chen Xia, she was just beginning to celebrate when Chen Xia produced a smaller "king"piece, calling it the Crown Prince and naming it "Emperor II."　　Huang Qingyue was on the verge of tears,Sitting up straight, she looked at Chen Xia seriously and replied, "Please, I beg of you, spare my life."