Chapter 34

The Fire Shark warship continued to advance. After two days, it had traveled over four thousand miles, finally crossing through Stone Province and arriving at Xian Province.

Xian Province was once a country, vast and expansive, dozens of times larger than Stone Province. The land was flat and fertile, with a moderate climate. Rivers crisscrossed the land like a network, making it rich in resources and its people fierce and combative.

Logically, Xian Province could have been divided into many smaller provinces. However, due to the initial pacification, too many people were killed, and forcibly dividing the province might have sparked further unrest, so it was left as it was.

The canal's waters became calmer and wider upon entering Xian Province, resembling a vast lake or ocean, giving the impression of boundless horizons. The river surface was bustling with numerous boats, causing the Fire Shark warship to slow down.

These boats included official ships, merchant ships, military ships, and civilian ships, transporting supplies from all directions.

With a major battle imminent, there were many business opportunities, and many merchants wanted to come here to make a fortune.

On the canal, there were also many military ships maintaining order. These iron-clad, wheel-driven ships were equipped with iron cannons, their black barrels threatening all lawbreakers.

However, all military ships made way for the Fire Shark warship and even cleared the path ahead.

The Fire Shark warship flew a dragon flag with the words "Imperial Envoy" on it, representing the imperial envoy's inspection, and everyone had to give way.

Suddenly, a large ship approached from the front, flying a royal flag.

The large ship was accompanied by smaller boats that shot over to the Fire Shark warship. A person on one of the small boats called out, "By the order of Prince Fan, we have come to welcome the Imperial Envoy. Prince Fan has prepared a banquet and invites the Imperial Envoy to attend and discuss matters."

Lou Baoyue sat calmly on the ship and heard clearly, "Let Prince Fan's ship lead the way. We will meet the local officials. After all, we need their cooperation to handle our mission."

"Will the third prince give me a hard time?" Gu Chensha's face showed no smile as he pondered how to deal with Gu Fansha. "I don't know the third prince's exact cultivation level. What do you know?"

This third prince is not someone to be trifled with. I offended him by renovating my residence, and he will surely make things difficult for me.

"The third prince's cultivation is roughly at the Fourth Transformation of the Dao Realm, capable of swallowing gold and transforming rocks, with his internal organs refined like a furnace. Of course, this is just the surface information. He is a deep and calculating person, and he must be hiding his true strength. According to my estimation, he might have reached the Fifth Transformation, where he can gather the essence of a hundred orifices. He is striving for the Sixth Transformation, where he can store innate qi, which is a fundamental change," Lou Baoyue said calmly. "But give me three to five years, and I will surpass him."

The first five transformations of the Dao Realm focus on refining the body. Only at the Sixth Transformation does one refine qi into innate qi, storing it within the body. At this level, one can tear enemies apart with a mere gesture from a hundred paces away.

At this level, Gu Chensha is no match.

He knew that his strength was far inferior to the third prince, and he would have to rely on his wits to navigate the situation.

The Fire Shark warship followed Prince Fan's ship to the shore. The dock had been cleared, and a crimson carpet was laid on the ground. Officials of all ranks stood on both sides.

With the Imperial Envoy's arrival, the officials of Xian Province dared not be negligent.

"Welcome, Imperial Envoy!"

Seeing Gu Chensha and Lou Baoyue disembark, the officials knelt on the ground.

"Rise," Lou Baoyue said, then ignored the officials and looked at the group approaching from a distance.

The leader was dressed in battle armor, wearing a yellow cloak and a purple-gold crown. He looked to be in his early twenties but exuded a steady and dignified presence, with a faint halo surrounding him, making him immune to evil. This was the third prince, Gu Fansha.

"Ha ha ha, Nineteenth Brother, Baoyue, I never thought Father would send you here. I've been keeping an eye out since receiving the imperial edict. I heard you were attacked by the remnants of the Black Sha bats on your way. Are you all right?" Gu Fansha approached, his voice full of concern, but to the uninitiated, it might have seemed like a brotherly greeting.

But Gu Chensha knew that the third prince was devious and dangerous, unlike the tenth prince, Gu Zhensha, whose character was quite different.

"Thank you for your concern, Third Brother. I'm fine," Gu Chensha replied, observing the situation.

"Things are urgent, so I won't say much. Since Father has sent you to inspect the region and pacify the people, there is a major issue at hand. I have prepared a banquet. Let's eat and talk," Gu Fansha's face suddenly turned murderous, showing his true colors.

"I agree," Lou Baoyue said, stepping forward without hesitation.

Gu Chensha remained silent, following alongside. Although he was also an imperial envoy, his roots were shallow, and he needed to stand firm and respond to challenges without provoking trouble. He let Lou Baoyue take the lead.

Not far from the shore was a grand palace, surrounded by soldiers. The music of court rituals filled the air, creating a grand atmosphere.

"If I didn't have the title of imperial envoy, I would probably be ignored. The third prince wouldn't even acknowledge me. This grand reception is necessary for him to avoid criticism from the censors and the press, which would damage his reputation," Gu Chensha thought as he took his seat at the head of the table, looking down at the many officials below. This was his first time sitting in such a high position, ready to discuss state affairs.

He saw that everyone had their own hidden agendas, and he was alone, with no one to trust.

"Is this what it feels like to be an emperor?" Gu Chensha mused briefly but quickly regained his composure. He saw that Lou Baoyue was experienced, often issuing commands, indicating that she frequently handled missions and was adept at her role.

Xian Province had twenty-four provinces, and each provincial governor was present. Additionally, the generals in charge of the military in each province were also gathered.

With the canals connecting the regions, ships could travel two to three thousand miles in a day and night, making it convenient for officials to meet within a province.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I have been sent by the Emperor to pacify the region and inspect Xian Province, ensuring a stable rear for the army's campaign next year. The court will use the nation's full strength to exterminate the barbarians, which is a national policy," Lou Baoyue began, her tone sharp, creating a solemn atmosphere. The officials looked to the third prince, Gu Fansha, hoping he would defuse the situation.

"Baoyue, there's no need to be so hasty. The Nineteenth Brother is also appointed by Father to pacify Xian Province. I heard he awakened the bloodline of the Giant Spirit God, and the people who worship the Giant Spirit God revere him as a deity," the third prince smiled, interrupting Lou Baoyue. "Nineteenth Brother, what do you think?"

"I am inexperienced and have never handled a mission. Father sent me here to learn. I have no insights," Gu Chensha waved his hand. "I will follow the orders of Princess Fuyue. She is the commander."

By saying this, he disregarded his princely dignity, which would likely result in a poor evaluation. This was something other princes would avoid, but he didn't care. He wanted Lou Baoyue to handle the situation so he could stand firm.

The third prince, Gu Fansha, frowned. His intention was to exploit Gu Chensha's eagerness to establish himself on his first mission, creating a rift between him and Lou Baoyue. If the two imperial envoys disagreed, it would be difficult for them to challenge his control in Xian Province. However, Gu Chensha's self-deprecating response, showing complete deference to Lou Baoyue, was a clever move to appear incompetent in front of the officials, leaving no room for criticism.

"Very well, let's eat and talk," the third prince clapped his hands, and graceful, beautiful maidservants brought in fruit platters, but no meat.

The fruit was extraordinary, emitting a fragrant aroma that invigorated the senses.

The officials below received three jujubes, each the size of a thumb, bright red and vibrant, as if burning.

Lou Baoyue, Gu Chensha, and Gu Fansha received three jujubes and a green peach. The green peach was translucent, with swirling purple and green qi, clearly a rare treasure.

"These are Fire Jujubes and Purple Green Immortal Peaches," the third prince introduced. "I captured them from a barbarian tribe's temple. The elders of the temple carefully cultivated these trees to worship their deities and train experts. The Fire Jujubes contain fire elemental qi, which can strengthen the body and internal organs. One jujube is equivalent to ten years of cultivation. The Purple Green Immortal Peaches are even more remarkable, with the purple and green qi having incredible effects, sought after even by Dao Realm experts."

Gu Chensha didn't hesitate, taking a bite of the peach. "Thank you, Third Brother. I'll enjoy this first."

He had read about the Purple Green Immortal Peaches in books. They were rare, often revered as divine trees by the barbarians. The trees naturally absorbed elemental qi, and people could cultivate under them, benefiting from the tree's qi, which accelerated their progress.

Many barbarian experts had enlightened under Purple Green Divine Trees.

The Purple Green Immortal Peaches were the fruit of these trees, taking thirty years to bloom, thirty years to bear fruit, and thirty years to mature. In other words, one peach took a hundred years to grow.

The barbarians built temples around Purple Green Divine Trees, keeping them off-limits to outsiders.

After eating the peach, qi swirled in his body, like dragons and snakes weaving through his meridians. Gu Chensha used his mind to observe and found that the purple and green qi harmonized, refining his flesh and blood.

"This kind of treasure, the third prince wouldn't easily bring out in such a setting. I'm fortunate to have it," he thought, then ate a Fire Jujube, which melted in his mouth, warming his body and invigorating his senses.

The officials also seized the opportunity, eating the Fire Jujubes and some even hiding the remaining two to take home.

Fire Jujubes were not ordinary. Only the third prince, with his wealth, could provide them. Other officials found them difficult to obtain, as they were often kept by powerful families for their own use or to cultivate disciples.

"Alright, now that everyone is full, let's get to business," Lou Baoyue said, and the hall fell silent, the officials suddenly tense.

"Governor of Bannan Province, step forward," Lou Baoyue pointed to an official. "On the third day of last month, the Black Sha cult incited unrest in Taixian, Anxian, and Chaxian counties in Bannan Province. Barbarian spies fanned the flames, causing chaos in the three counties, turning them into cult altars. Thousands of people were killed and sacrificed in just one month. As governor, why didn't you send troops to suppress the cult?"

"I had already prepared and sent troops to surround the counties to prevent the cult from spreading," the Bannan governor replied calmly. "However, the cult has many experts, and I couldn't suppress it immediately."

"Why didn't you report the unrest? Were you afraid of being dismissed by the court?" Lou Baoyue's tone grew more severe.

"I had no such intention," the Bannan governor replied firmly. "I was considering the bigger picture, fearing that news of the unrest would cause panic in the capital, damaging the court's prestige. This was to maintain stability."

"Nonsense!" Lou Baoyue was furious. "Governor of Bannan, your negligence has led to the suffering of hundreds of thousands of people. Do you realize that every day of delay means more people are slaughtered like animals? This is a heinous crime. Take him away."

"Wait!" the third prince, Gu Fansha, interrupted, and the hall became tense.