"Your subject, Jing Wudi? Your Majesty?"

Yu Shenzi thought he was hallucinating. Whose Majesty? Could it be Fan Li? No, that was impossible!

Although the Azure Cloud Sect lived in seclusion, avoiding the conflicts of the outside world, they still sent disciples out to gather supplies and information. They knew the general state of affairs. There was no imperial clan with the surname "Fan."

‘Fan Li is only at the Golden Core realm. There's never been an emperor at such a low cultivation level. Has Jing Wudi gone mad? Or is there something wrong with my ancestral Longevity Broth recipe?’

Yu Shenzi’s mind was in turmoil. He would rather doubt his ancestors than believe Fan Li was an emperor.

However, Fan Li’s next words confirmed the unbelievable truth.

“Rise, my subject,” he said, gesturing for Jing Wudi to stand.

“Long live Your Majesty!” Jing Wudi bowed again, then rose to his feet. He glanced at Fan Li, then at Lu Fubao. Uncertain of her status in this new kingdom, he didn't bow to her, but his eyes still held respect and loyalty.

Fan Li was elated. Although the Dark Heaven Sect was reduced to a single member, Jing Wudi had finally submitted.

"Ding!" The familiar system notification sounded.

"Congratulations, Host! You have successfully recruited Jing Wudi! The Great Jin Censorate mission is complete! Reward: Fish-Gut Sword, a Heavenly-grade, first-rank assassination weapon."

Fan Li felt a weight settle in his sleeve. He retrieved the object and examined it. It was a sheathed dagger, simple and unassuming, almost mundane in appearance. This was the hallmark of a true assassination weapon. Ornate and flashy blades were often more for show than practicality.

“Jing Wudi.”

“Your subject is present!”

Fan Li smiled, ignoring Yu Shenzi’s stunned expression, and spoke with the authority of an emperor.

“I hereby appoint you as Director of the Great Jin Censorate. Rank: Third Grade. You are bestowed with the Fish-Gut Sword. We depart for the capital immediately.”

Jing Wudi knelt once more. “Your subject obeys. Thank you, Your Majesty!”

He raised his hands and received the Fish-Gut Sword.

“Fan Li, my frie- I mean…” Yu Shenzi began, but Jing Wudi’s murderous glare cut him short.

What was going on?

He had fought Jing Wudi numerous times. The man was at the ninth rank of the Divine Transformation realm, always a step below Yu Shenzi’s own cultivation. Even with the Dark Heaven Sect’s unique and deadly techniques, Yu Shenzi had never felt truly threatened.

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But just now, a single glare from Jing Wudi had sent chills down his spine. He felt as if his head were about to roll.

Could it be that his injuries had somehow triggered a breakthrough?

“Wudi, show some respect to your elder,” Fan Li said.

“Yes, Your Majesty.” Jing Wudi’s killing intent vanished instantly.

Yu Shenzi felt the pressure lift, letting out a sigh of relief. He shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts, and asked, “Fan Li, my friend, what is going on?”

“Are you referring to the Fish-Gut Sword?” Fan Li asked, either genuinely misunderstanding or deliberately changing the subject.

“The Fish-Gut Sword is seven inches long, one inch wide, and weighs one jin and seven liang. A Heavenly-grade, first-rank weapon, it possesses unique poison and bleeding effects.”

As expected, the mention of a Heavenly-grade weapon distracted Yu Shenzi. His expression flickered with envy and regret.

‘No wonder! Jing Wudi survived a near-death experience and gained such good fortune! Simply for pledging allegiance, he receives a Heavenly-grade treasure? My Azure Cloud Sect has existed for over a thousand years, and we don't possess a single treasure of that rank.’

Despite his envy, Yu Shenzi wouldn't kneel before Fan Li for such a trinket. Then, he noticed something missing.

“Where is the ice coffin? And where are Jing Ke’s remains?"

Fan Li had also noticed that both the coffin and the body were gone.

“The ice coffin has melted,” Jing Wudi said emotionlessly.

“Impossible!” Yu Shenzi exclaimed. “It was carved from a single block of black ice and recently replenished with spiritual energy. It couldn't have melted!”

Jing Wudi simply glanced at him and offered no explanation.

“I have inherited my ancestor's secret technique, Yi River's Chill. His remains have served their purpose and returned to the earth.”

Fan Li wasn't surprised. He had suspected that the Dark Heaven Sect's insistence on reclaiming Jing Ke's remains held a deeper meaning, a secret only a descendant of Jing Ke could unlock.

He glanced at Yu Shenzi with a hint of sympathy. The Azure Cloud Sect had wasted over a thousand years chasing a dead end.

“Senior, it’s time for me to depart,” Fan Li announced.

“You… You're leaving?” Yu Shenzi’s mind was reeling from the day’s events.

They had unfinished business. Fan Li owed him a significant sum. Besides, Yu Shenzi had grown rather fond of the young man and his refined demeanor. He felt a strange reluctance to see him leave.

He opened his mouth, but the words to demand payment wouldn't come out. He wanted to ask Fan Li to stay, but couldn't bring himself to voice the request. He hadn't forgotten Fan Li’s attempt to recruit him, an offer he had politely declined. Had Fan Li given up, or was he simply biding his time?

‘The Dark Heaven Sect is gone, and Jing Wudi is leaving with Fan Li. Will my Azure Cloud Sect remain alone in these vast mountains, surrounded by nothing but silence and emptiness?’

“Have you forgotten something, Senior?” Fan Li asked with a smile. “I still owe you a considerable sum. Don't you want it?”

Yu Shenzi’s face flushed crimson. Fan Li had brought up the matter himself. As the leader of a respectable sect, how could he possibly refuse?

“You must leave, my friend, and I won’t try to stop you. As for the payment… I trust your integrity. When you have time, send someone to deliver it.”

He glanced at Jing Wudi. This errand seemed perfectly suited for the former Dark Heaven Sect leader. After all, he was familiar with the Southern Ridge Mountains.

“Such a large sum shouldn't be entrusted to others,” Fan Li shook his head.

“I humbly request that you accompany me, Senior. After all, from now on, we are neighbors. Consider it a visit to familiarize yourself with the area, so we can stay in touch.”

Yu Shenzi was confused. “Neighbors? What do you mean?”

The Southern Ridge Mountains stretched for tens of thousands of miles, but only the Azure Cloud Sect and the Dark Heaven Sect resided within its depths. There was no one else.

Fan Li chuckled. “A hundred miles north of the Azure Cloud Sect, I have built a grand city. Please join me, Senior. First, to see the city and offer your valuable insights. Second, the supplies I owe you are stored in the city’s treasury. You can collect them yourself.”