Chapter Fifty-Seven: Preparations Before the Battle (Part Two)

After leaving the Hall of Seven Sorrows, Azure Dragon made straight for his own assigned region. The moment the gate swung open, he addressed the staff, who were engrossed in reviewing case files: “Put aside your current tasks and transcribe this letter into a thousand copies, then distribute them among the various sects. Immediately!”

In unison, everyone replied, “As you command!”

The foremost among them took the letter from Azure Dragon, and the team began copying it at once. Azure Dragon appeared to casually leaf through the pile of secret reports on the table, but suddenly his eyes caught something extraordinary.

Seeing everyone busily copying the letter, he discreetly slipped that report into his robe and hurried out.

His office was closest to the Hall of Seven Sorrows; in just a moment, Azure Dragon knocked on its grand doors.

“Enter,” Chu Shanhe had barely spoken before expressing surprise, “Didn’t I tell you to coordinate with the nearby factions? Is there something urgent?”

“Chief Inspector, please look at this.” Azure Dragon did not answer Chu Shanhe’s question, instead presenting the secret report he had just found.

Chu Shanhe glanced at the ordinary-looking report, somewhat puzzled. However, Azure Dragon’s reliability was beyond question, so he opened the report casually, only to be shocked by its contents.

“What!?” Halfway through, Chu Shanhe exclaimed; this news demanded his full attention.

“That scoundrel Hua Wenkai has deceived the court and everyone. He claimed the Young Lord was dead, ha! Ha ha ha ha!” Chu Shanhe’s laughter grew wild as he spoke.

“Why does the Chief Inspector laugh?” Azure Dragon asked, perplexed. “If the Young Lord still lives, he is an unpredictable threat. Should he unite with the surrendered soldiers of the Su family, we could face more traitors than Wenshan Yuan and Tang Jiuyuan.”

“Do you truly believe that boy could threaten the empire?” Chu Shanhe shook his head, his smile full of disdain. “Never mind the investigative prowess of the Embroidered Guards; even if he survives and grows, what power does he have to lead these rebels against the court?”

Azure Dragon wanted to protest, but Chu Shanhe cut him off with a wave. “Enough. I know you don’t want Ming left with hidden dangers. But that boy is no more than a pebble; he cannot stir great waves.”

He shifted tone, continuing, “Besides, I do intend to apprehend him.”

“What should we do, then?” Azure Dragon asked.

“No, I want to bring him before the Emperor, so all the ministers may see. The dignified heir of the Su family—a great catch—escaped the Embroidered Guards, who then declared the Su clan utterly annihilated, leaving not a single survivor.”

At the mention of the Embroidered Guards, Chu Shanhe could not hide his hatred, “This time, I will ensure Hua Wenkai never rises again. Deceiving the ruler, slaughtering thousands of the Su clan—he must bear these two crimes!”

“Yes!” At the mention of the Su family, Azure Dragon’s face betrayed a hint of reluctance. As Chu Shanhe finished, he bowed and prepared to carry out the task.

“Wait.” Chu Shanhe stopped him. “Azure Dragon, I know Su Qing once did you a great kindness. But at times like this, personal grudges must be set aside.”

Azure Dragon’s heart jolted at the words; though his face had shown nothing, Chu Shanhe had seen through him.

He turned and spoke solemnly, “I have no bias, Chief Inspector. Everything I do is for you and for the Six Gates.”

“Good. Remember, the Six Gates will always welcome you. This is your true home.” Chu Shanhe smiled gently.

“I understand. My life belongs to the Six Gates; I would never betray it.” Azure Dragon bowed deeply and departed without a backward glance.

Chu Shanhe watched Azure Dragon’s retreating figure, his gaze growing ever more profound.

“Do you not trust him?” A seductive voice sounded behind Chu Shanhe.

He smiled ruefully, “You never enter through the front door. Have you finished the affairs in the west?”

“Only those you distrust enter by the front door. For someone as loyal as I am, why bother with the rear?” Her voice was soft and alluring, magnetic enough to captivate any ordinary listener.

But Chu Shanhe merely snorted, dispelling her charm entirely.

“Hmph! After all this time, you still remain so aloof,” she finally stepped forward, revealing herself.

Her glossy black hair fell gracefully from behind her ear, framing her slender neck; her curved brows were like crescent moons, and above her shining dark eyes, her lashes quivered slightly. Her jade-like face carried a faint blush of peach.

Apparently just returned from the west, her face was free of makeup, lending her a fresh, natural beauty, like a lotus blooming under the sun—radiant and captivating.

She wore a brocade martial outfit, sharp and efficient, contrasting with her voice. Yet the charm between her brows aligned with her earlier demeanor.

She looked at Chu Shanhe with a plaintive expression, “I've come such a long way, didn’t even have time to touch up my appearance, just to see you—how can you treat me so coldly? It breaks my heart.”

Her sorrowful look could stir any man’s protective urge.

Unfortunately, Chu Shanhe was immune.

He replied coldly, “You act as if you've never seen a man. Is it just me?”

“Ha, men.” Vermilion Bird glanced at Chu Shanhe dismissively, falling silent.

“What did you find in the west?” Chu Shanhe pressed.

Vermilion Bird’s eyes sparkled mischievously, “Oh, I found something—just not sure what you'll offer in exchange?”

“Here.” Before she could finish, a crystal-clear jade bottle flew into her hands.

“But... I haven’t even said what I want!” Vermilion Bird began to protest, but Chu Shanhe’s next words brought her to attention.

“You will follow Azure Dragon now. Ensure his mission is completed flawlessly. If necessary, you may act on his behalf.”

“Why? Azure Dragon never makes mistakes. What do you need me for?” Vermilion Bird detected Chu Shanhe’s dissatisfaction, though Azure Dragon’s performance was well-known. She was genuinely puzzled.

“Take a look at this.” Chu Shanhe handed her the secret report Azure Dragon had delivered.

Within the time it took to finish half a cup of tea, Vermilion Bird understood.

“You think Azure Dragon will spare the Young Lord of the Su family because of old ties?” Her brows furrowed in disbelief.

“Yes.”

“But Azure Dragon has been loyal to the Six Gates for years; to you as well. Why send me to watch him?”

“This matter concerns not only our reputations, but the very survival of the Six Gates.” Chu Shanhe sighed deeply, speaking earnestly, “The Six Gates today are not what they were in my father’s time. Since Hua Wenkai became commander of the Embroidered Guards, we have suffered greatly. This is not only his fault.”

“Why, then?” Vermilion Bird’s almond-shaped eyes pressed for more.

“Because of the Chu family,” Chu Shanhe reminisced, “Chu was once a hidden powerhouse in Ming. My father insisted on serving as an official and founded the Six Gates, forcing our family into the public eye. As our influence grew, the emperor began to move against us. Hua Wenkai is just a dog bred by the empire. The emperor used him against the Su family, so he killed Su Qing. Now the emperor wants to strike at Chu, so Hua Wenkai targets the Six Gates.”

“So you wish to pull the dog’s teeth? But he is the emperor’s dog—striking him is like slapping the emperor’s face. If that widens the rift between you and the emperor, what then?”

Despite her repeated questions, Chu Shanhe replied patiently, “The emperor’s health is failing. If we topple Hua Wenkai, it will be ten or twenty years before he can raise another.”

“That’s true. The emperor is indeed harsh with us now; if we don’t act, we may never get such a chance again.” Vermilion Bird pondered silently.

After a while, she lifted her head, resolute. “Very well, I'll accept this mission. If Azure Dragon discovers me, I’ll have to suspend it—he is a pillar of the Six Gates, after all.”

“Agreed.” Chu Shanhe nodded.

“Farewell.” Vermilion Bird bowed, tossed a secret document onto Chu Shanhe’s desk, and left.

“Vermilion Bird, don’t disappoint me,” Chu Shanhe said playfully, watching her depart.

“It seems you don’t trust your subordinates much,” a sinister voice suddenly appeared at his side.

“Can you guess what I want you to do?” Chu Shanhe was unfazed by the sudden presence, still watching Vermilion Bird’s exit and speaking lightly.

“I suppose you want me to watch those two. If either betrays the public trust, I’ll deal with them on the spot.” The chilling voice was like a demon from the depths of hell, laying bare Chu Shanhe’s true intent.

“Then go.”

No sooner had Chu Shanhe spoken than the voice vanished from the Hall of Seven Sorrows.

He sighed, patting the wolf-headed armrests of his throne, feeling the vast loneliness of the empty hall.

Five days later, Six Gates Subdivision, Shengzhou

Upon receiving the “cordial invitation” from the Six Gates, the various sects of Shengzhou sent their representatives to meet.

All the martial factions were gathered on the parade ground, with only a three-story pavilion standing before them, its balconies lined neatly with Six Gates officers.

Fully armed, they stood tall beneath the midday sun.

Below—

“Hey, Daoist Chen, you’re here too?”

“Ah, it’s Brother Guangran—so you were invited as well.”

“What a coincidence! It’s been years since we three last met since Qian Yunshan parted ways. I’ve missed you dearly.”

...

“Quiet! Quiet!” A sudden shout rang out as a man in black armor appeared atop the pavilion.

His flowing black hair and handsome, elegant features gave him an air of dignified grace. Looking down at the crowd, his faint smile made it clear he held these martial heroes in scant regard.

Seeing Azure Dragon’s aloof demeanor, the crowd felt slighted, their anger rising.

A burly man strode forward, demanding of Azure Dragon, “Who are you to summon us here?”

Azure Dragon cleared his throat, looking down at the man, “My name is not for your ears. Step back.”

He had barely finished when a sharp arrow whistled through the air, piercing the burly man’s chest and striking his heart.

With a crash, the man’s massive body collapsed, lifeless.

“How can the Six Gates act so brazenly, showing no respect for us martial folk!”

“Yes, yes! The Six Gates dare to strike us—could this gathering be a massacre of the martial world?”

The sudden death stunned the crowd with the Six Gates’ iron-fisted methods, but also raised a terrifying suspicion: the court was planning a purge of the martial world.

Though such a thing hadn’t happened for a millennium, it had occurred once before.

As panic spread, Azure Dragon saw the moment was ripe. He strode forward calmly, addressing the anxious crowd.

“Do not be alarmed. The Six Gates do not mean to trouble you. Gathering you here is not to intimidate, but to present a great opportunity.”

His words calmed the crowd like medicine, quieting their chaos instantly.

“May I ask who you are, and why you’ve summoned us?” A white-haired elder emerged, his voice deep and powerful, revealing his superior inner strength.

He stepped before the crowd, bowing to Azure Dragon atop the pavilion, who returned the gesture.

“It’s an honor, Elder Gongyang,” Azure Dragon replied politely, “I assure you, there is no deception.”

“As for the purpose,” Azure Dragon smiled, “The Six Gates are assisting the imperial army in suppressing the rebels. All sects near Shengzhou must cooperate fully, obeying every directive from the Six Gates.”

He produced a square token—unremarkable, yet sufficient to command all Six Gates forces across the southern four provinces.

“This...” Gongyang Chun fell into deep silence.

Behind him, dissent erupted.

“Why must we submit to the Six Gates?”

“Indeed! Why must we obey your orders?”

“You cowards want us to die for you!”

“Let us go! Otherwise—”

As chaos returned, Azure Dragon showed no panic—only a scornful smile.

“A bunch of worthless rabble, thinking they can escape imperial control. Clearly, you do not know the meaning of death.”

“Do it.”

With a whisper, hundreds of arrows shot from the pavilion like meteors toward the crowd.

“Ah!”

“Help!”

“Let me out!”

“I’ll fight you!”

...

All who resisted or tried to flee were blocked by Six Gates experts.

These were not members of the Four Courts or Eight Gates—most were mere wandering cultivators. Their lives or deaths mattered little. That was why Azure Dragon could order their slaughter without restraint.

The true major sects had already negotiated privately, leaving these lesser figures to be brought under unified control.

As the crowd on the field scattered in panic, the rain of arrows suddenly stopped.

Azure Dragon’s voice rang out once more, “Elder Gongyang, I respect you as a renowned figure. Your decision will determine their fate.”

“Think carefully. Will you accept the Six Gates’ command, or not?”

His words, cold and deliberate, chilled the crowd to the bone.

“Elder Gongyang, please agree.”

“Yes, the court is cruel, but as long as the mountain remains, wood can be found. Please, agree.”

Amid the persistent pleas, Gongyang Chun’s face changed again and again. At last, he sighed, as if resigned, “Very well, I agree.”

Azure Dragon smiled with satisfaction. “Excellent! Since Elder Gongyang has agreed, please enter the pavilion so we may discuss the details of our next move.”

The remaining martial artists breathed sighs of relief; some even collapsed to their knees.

As Azure Dragon turned to leave, he handed an unopened envelope to a subordinate, instructing, “Elder Gongyang has done well. This is his reward. Slip it to him when others aren’t watching.”

“Yes!”

Azure Dragon chuckled, glancing back at the survivors.

“Sometimes, those in power allow the lowly to live simply because they deem it a favor. The people will forsake everything to receive it, and once granted, they rejoice—forgetting to resist.”

Shaking his head, Azure Dragon walked alone into the depths of the pavilion.