Chapter 7

In the morning, the sunlight was clear and bright.

Xia Si, dressed in a moon-white robe, appeared on a small hill outside of Xianyang.

"It's been a long time since I've been to Xianyang. I hate the atmosphere here."

Xia Si's eyes were like spring water as she gazed at the distant grand city.

"Lü Buwei and Muyang Jing are unparalleled masters, and Wang Jian, who has risen rapidly, also has the momentum to devour everything. Moreover, the Qin military and royal family must have hidden forces, and the national treasures of Qin are a deterrent to the world.

I'm very curious, why do you insist on coming to Xianyang now?"

Another figure suddenly appeared beside Xia Si.

This figure seemed to stand in a thick fog, slightly hunched, and in the glaring sunlight, it appeared somewhat blurry, with a cold and lifeless aura.

"Because of the danger in Xianyang, I invited you, Shan Kui, to come along. If something really happens, we can retreat together."

"Maybe not."

Shan Kui shook his head slightly: "You haven't answered why you have to come now."

Xia Si pursed her moist lips: "Why don't we discuss your questions in detail on the bed tonight?"

Shan Kui chuckled: "You, a woman who devours men without leaving bones, still lack the skill to tempt me. If your Yin Mother from the Yin Women Sect came, it might be different.

I'll accompany you to Xianyang this time, but you must keep your promise and tell me where Bao Si's tomb is afterward."

Xia Si laughed lightly and suddenly transformed into a wisp of smoke, floating toward Xianyang without touching the ground.

Two hours later, the two entered a building in the city.

"Greetings, Lady."

Inside the room, a tall and slender middle-aged man, dressed in merchant attire, bowed deeply to Xia Si.

"What major events have happened in Xianyang recently?"

Xia Si sat down at the head of the table without any courtesy, lazily stretching her legs, revealing a section of evenly proportioned calves that were blindingly white.

The middle-aged man in front of her, however, did not look at her, keeping his eyes on his nose and his nose on his heart as he responded:

"The biggest event in Xianyang recently is the return of the Crown Prince of Qin. The second is Wang Jian's continuous breakthroughs in the Holy Realm of military arts. It is said that his Yin-Yang techniques will also enter the Holy Realm. He is truly an unparalleled genius.

The latest order from the sect is to monitor Wang Jian's movements. If there is an opportunity, the Yin Mother may personally take action to eliminate him."

Xia Si made no comment, covering her red lips with her hand and yawning. She casually asked, "Is the Crown Prince of Qin staying in the Xianyang Palace?"

The middle-aged man replied, "Yes, he has been in the Qin Palace for a few days. However, the King cares for him greatly and has also granted him a palace outside the inner palace."

Xia Si still looked listless: "I'm a bit tired from the journey these past few days. Have someone prepare hot water for me to bathe."

The middle-aged man bowed and was about to leave when Xia Si added, "Also, have someone investigate who led the team that infiltrated the Zhao camp to rescue the Crown Prince of Qin. The more detailed, the better."

The middle-aged man agreed repeatedly and bowed out, never once looking at Xia Si's position.

"You flaunt your charm for nothing. Your reputation is so fearsome that your subordinates fear you like a tiger, not daring to look at you."

After entering the room, Shan Kui, who had seemingly disappeared into the shadows, suddenly appeared, grabbing a fruit from the table and taking a bite, juice dripping down.

"Your purpose in coming to Xianyang is the Crown Prince of Qin?

He has been a hostage in Zhao for many years. Isn't he already a waste? What value does he have for you to risk coming to Xianyang?"

Xia Si smiled, slipping her small feet out of her lotus-patterned short boots, crossing her legs, and gently swinging them:

"In Handan, I once cooperated with Zhaoyan, the son of Pingyuan Jun, to send a Yin Woman to extract the essence of the Crown Prince of Qin, Zhao Huizhong. At the time, I thought we had succeeded. But later, I found out that the essence stolen by the Yin Soul was just a decoy.

I won't let anyone who dares to deceive me off the hook."

"Is that all? Is it worth you personally chasing him to Xianyang?" Shan Kui clearly didn't believe her.

Xia Si stood up and said, "Believe it or not, it's up to you." She walked out directly.

...

Lü Buwei walked calmly to Zhangtai Palace, first paying respects to King Zhuangxiang and Zhao Ji, and only then did he turn his gaze to Zhao Huizhong.

Zhao Huizhong was also observing this powerful figure he had heard much about over two lifetimes.

"I've heard Wei Yang speak of the process of welcoming the Crown Prince back. He praised the Crown Prince highly. Now that I see you, I know that Wei Yang's words were not exaggerated. The Crown Prince is indeed worthy of being the son of the King and the Queen," Lü Buwei said slowly.

Zhao Huizhong smiled, "I haven't thanked the Chancellor for your efforts in arranging the troops to rescue me from Handan.

If it weren't for the Chancellor, I would probably still be a hostage in Handan."

The two engaged in polite conversation, the atmosphere warm and harmonious.

There followed a series of pleasantries and formalities.

King Zhuangxiang remarked:

"Years ago, when I was a hostage in Zhao, it was you, Sir, who risked your life and spent all your wealth to save me and bring me back to Xianyang. Now, Huizhong has been saved again by your efforts."

Lü Buwei seemed about to speak but was stopped by King Zhuangxiang raising his hand:

"Although you didn't say it, I know that these past few days, you were not in Xianyang but had also infiltrated Zhao, restraining the great military masters of Zhao. Otherwise, Huizhong's return would not have been so easy."

Lü Buwei bowed deeply but said nothing.

Then King Zhuangxiang turned to the main topic: "I have called you here to discuss a matter."

Lü Buwei calmly replied, "The King may command."

King Zhuangxiang: "Yesterday, I took Huizhong to the ancestral temple to guide his cultivation and explain the initial part of the Immortal Platform chapter. Chancellor, you may guess what changes Huizhong has undergone after yesterday's cultivation?"

When Lü Buwei entered, he had already sensed the abundant vital energy in Zhao Huizhong's body, far exceeding that of ordinary people.

Combined with the expressions of King Zhuangxiang and Zhao Ji, it was clear that Zhao Huizhong had achieved remarkable results in his cultivation.

What surprised Lü Buwei was the stark contrast with the information he had previously received about Zhao Huizhong's damaged foundation.

He suppressed his astonishment: "Judging from the King's expression, has the Crown Prince shown exceptional talent in cultivation?"

King Zhuangxiang smiled contentedly: "Huizhong broke through several levels on his first day of cultivation and has now reached the third level of the Immortal Platform chapter."

Lü Buwei was genuinely shocked. Given his relationship with King Zhuangxiang, he was not entirely unfamiliar with the cultivation methods of the Immortal Platform chapter.

The Crown Prince of Qin had broken through to the third level in a single cultivation session!

He subconsciously narrowed his eyes, two sharp, almost tangible rays of light flashing in the depths of his pupils.

"Calling the Chancellor here is not only to share my joy but also to discuss the next steps for Huizhong."

"Does the King plan to have the Crown Prince familiarize himself with state affairs to prepare for the future?" Lü Buwei asked.

"Indeed. Since Huizhong has shown exceptional talent in cultivation, I plan to have him start with matters related to cultivation. What do you think, Chancellor?" King Zhuangxiang said.

Zhao Ji, standing nearby, perked up her ears, clearly very concerned about the arrangements for her son.

Lü Buwei suggested, "The King can cultivate the Crown Prince in two aspects:

First, starting today, the Crown Prince can attend court to familiarize himself with the ministers. Although the Crown Prince has returned to Qin, he lacks close confidants in our state. The King can also order eligible young men to enter the palace to study with him, or have the Crown Prince enter the Imperial Academy to study with the descendants of our state's noble families and generals.

This will not only demonstrate the King's attitude toward the ministers but also allow the Crown Prince to interact with more peers, from whom he can select the best to assist him in the future."

"Agreed."

King Zhuangxiang nodded: "Chancellor, please continue."

"Second, our state was founded on martial prowess. To train the Crown Prince, it would be best to involve him in military affairs."

"I suggest starting with the Night Guard, or directly involving him in the military.

In both cases, the Crown Prince can exercise royal authority and perform supervisory duties." Lü Buwei said calmly.

Zhao Huizhong had remained silent throughout, but now, seeing that King Zhuangxiang was about to decide his next steps, he spoke up: "Father, may I be allowed to choose what I will do?"

King Zhuangxiang replied, "Of course. I will have someone compile the relevant information, and you can choose from it. You must take your supervisory duties seriously."