Chapter 20: The Young High Priestess

The Eastern Lord rolled her eyes at the indignant Moon Goddess—this was Sister Jingni’s army, what did it have to do with the Moon Goddess?

“What use is it to tell me all this? Matters of the Moon Goddess’s protection aren’t your concern! The Eastern Sovereign has already agreed to the exchange—we’ll be leaving soon enough!”

The Eastern Lord felt as if her little sister had changed, as if she were now an outsider. The thought of returning darkened the Moon Goddess’s expression as well. Having witnessed the domineering eagle of the North, she realized that even the most powerful kings of the seven states were nothing in her eyes.

Lost in thought, the Moon Goddess fell silent, and the Eastern Lord’s mind drifted as well. After relaying news of the carriage back home, they had convinced the Eastern Sovereign to abandon thoughts of direct confrontation.

“But what is that man thinking? I’m afraid that in ten years, this vast desert will be his. The seven states are bound for misfortune.”

This unremarkable youth, in the Eastern Lord’s eyes, now stood on par with the kings of the seven states.

Watching her husband lapse into another daze, Jingni mused that he had seemed preoccupied since yesterday. Recalling how sweetly the Moon Goddess called him brother-in-law, and how close the two stood together, a faint pang of jealousy tugged at Jingni’s heart.

“Are you troubled about the Moon Goddess? You shouldn’t worry about my feelings. Since ancient times, kings have kept harems of countless beauties.”

Jingni smiled, but her eyes betrayed her sorrow. How could an unclean assassin like herself be worthy of becoming his queen?

Her distraction did not escape Lin Shu’s notice.

“Hey, don’t let your mind wander, my love. There’s nothing between me and the Moon Goddess. I don’t need a palace full of consorts—I just want you by my side.”

Jingni’s eyes softened, yet she shook her head. “I don’t believe you. Even the way you look at those sisters has changed.”

Recalling how he too occasionally admired the sisters’ figures, Lin Shu could only give a wry smile. “Don’t overthink it. No palace, no harem could compare to you. Beauties are easy to find—a true heart is hard to win.”

To win a single heart and never be parted until old age—thinking back to the unrequited love of his past life, Lin Shu understood more than ever that a true heart was the rarest treasure.

With her nose prickling, Jingni lowered her head and nestled into Lin Shu’s embrace.

“All right, don’t trouble yourself. Tell me honestly, have you ever thought of taking them as well?”

Jingni did not expect to have Lin Shu all to herself, but she could not easily share him either.

The Eastern Lord was serene and full-figured, the Moon Goddess lively and enchanting—each sister possessed her own unique charm.

Lin Shu didn’t mind what might happen, but he had no intention of winning their hearts. As the most outstanding disciples of the School of Yin and Yang, he dared not trust them easily. Even if they were willing to stay, they likely had their own purposes—one day, they might turn on him.

If that day came, would he be able to kill or release them? He was a man of deep feeling—it would be hard either way. He couldn’t steel his heart.

“Don’t worry. I just admire them—my intentions go no further.”

Seeing his solemn expression, Jingni nodded and let the matter drop.

“But it seems you have something on your mind, don’t you?”

Lin Shu smiled at her. “No one knows me better than you! It’s just not the right time to say. I’ll tell you everything once they’ve gone.”

At this, his heart leaped with joy as he thought again about—

Level 3 Carriage:
Technology: Pinnacle of Mechanical Civilization

Storage space: ten thousand meters
Living space: one hundred meters
Detection range: ten kilometers
Eavesdropping range: one kilometer
Force field radius: one hundred meters
Maximum force: one hundred thousand jin (fifty tons)
Physical defense: equivalent to ten meters of armor
Energy defense: limitless, unbreakable
Enemy psychic absorption: three thousand per second

The power of the flying carriage thrilled Lin Shu so much he could barely sleep. He longed to share his joy, but dared not reveal his secrets.

When Jingni returned last night, Lin Shu considered inviting her to share the master bedroom in the living space. Unfortunately, with two spies still around, he didn’t want the School of Yin and Yang to covet his carriage. He didn’t fear them, but he had no desire to be constantly watched.

Lately, the Moon Goddess had stopped transmitting messages to her fellow disciples, though Princess Yan and the Eastern Queen kept frequent contact with the School.

Knowing her husband harbored many secrets, Jingni restrained her curiosity.

“The disciples have already set out. Princess Yan and the Moon Goddess should be leaving soon. I do want to meet this Young Commander Xiao Yi you often mention.”

Her bright eyes fixed on Lin Shu, Jingni longed to know who this Xiao Xiao was, to make him speak of her so often.

“They should arrive any day now.” The thought of Xiao Xiao coming filled Lin Shu with excitement, though he felt reluctant at the sisters’ departure.

On the carriage platform, the Moon Goddess repeatedly tried to open the door, but since Lin Shu was in a confidential discussion, she could only stew in silence. Soon enough, the door unlocked.

“Hmph, brother-in-law, what were you hiding in there for?”

Perhaps embarrassed by her own thoughts, the Moon Goddess blushed.

The Eastern Lord gave a dismissive smile—since ancient times, beauty brought disaster. With Lin Shu’s lack of restraint, there would be trouble at home, and perhaps even upheaval among the factions.

The Moon Goddess’s affectionate gaze stirred guilt in Jingni, who had once doubted her.

“Xiao Yue, it’s a pity you’ll soon have to return to the Central Plains.”

Hearing this, the Moon Goddess’s expression darkened further.

“Yes, sister. The convoy escorting the Young Commander has already departed—they should reach the North soon.”

The Eastern Lord’s feelings were mixed. She sensed that the couple was eager for them to leave.

“Lin Shu, the Eastern Sovereign has sent word: Xiao Yi is a disciple of the School of Yin and Yang, but from now on, the School will no longer interfere with the Young Commander’s affairs.”

In order to maintain his plan, the Eastern Sovereign had let the former Young Commander abdicate, and now Xiao Yi had officially taken the role.

Lin Shu frowned, grasping the Sovereign’s intentions.

“Hmph! Tell your Eastern Sovereign not to entertain any fantasies about me or Xiao Xiao. If I catch him, he’ll regret it.”

The Eastern Sovereign’s identity was shrouded in mystery—should he never reveal himself, Lin Shu would have no way to find him, but if he dared appear, escape would be impossible.

Such disrespect toward the School’s leader changed the Eastern Lord’s face immediately.

“No need for you to worry, Northern King Lin. The School of Yin and Yang has ruled the martial world for generations—we know the rules.”

Princess Yan also wondered, if the Sovereign and Lin Shu fought directly, who would prevail? Yet she doubted the Sovereign would risk it. Even she had no confidence in the outcome.

The Sovereign was strong, but she could still match him for a time—this carriage, no, this demon-carriage, however, left her powerless to resist.

Hearing Lin Shu’s disdainful tone, the Moon Goddess felt not only vexation, but growing dread. By his words, the Sovereign was nothing to fear. In only a few days, Lin Shu had grown more arrogant and domineering—unless he truly possessed the power to be fearless.

...

On the border of Yan State, several carriages stood by a forest stream.

A handsome youth watched a veiled maiden intently. She stood in a violet dress, calm and still, her face expressionless, as natural as the grass and trees around her.

The more he looked, the more familiar she seemed.

“Xiao Yi, so it really is you! Wonderful! I’ve finally found you!” He edged closer, his joy overflowing.

After leaving the School in confusion and reaching Yan State, Xiao Ling learned from Elder Yun Zhongjun that the new Young Commander was indeed Xiao Yi.

The School realized that if they met the Northern King, it could not be concealed, so they revealed it in advance.

Xiao Xiao had not yet killed Xiao Ling, nor had she become so cold and lonely, but she was still unwilling to speak much to him.

When he tried to take her hand, her calm face flashed with anger.

With a sweep of her green spirit whip, Xiao Ling was sent flying several meters—unhurt, but unable to move for a while.

She spared a glance for the strange fool, then at fourteen years old returned to her carriage, ignoring him.

How amusing! Truly amusing! Xiao Ling, now that the Young Commander has succeeded, regaining her old memories will not be so easy.

Yun Zhongjun chuckled—his recent frustrations slightly eased. This was hardly an enviable mission. What kind of mysterious power could subdue the Eastern Lord and Moon Goddess in an instant? Perhaps it rivaled the Sovereign’s own mystery. Soon, they would face this unknown force, and Yun Zhongjun could not help but worry.

Back in the carriage, the troubled Young Commander thought of the Sovereign’s orders.

[Young Commander, your mission is to infiltrate the Northern King Lin’s side. At all costs, earn his trust and uncover all secrets of his mysterious power for the School of Yin and Yang.]

The Sovereign’s command was simple, yet engraved deep in her soul—she longed to resist, but had no strength to do so.

There seemed to be another voice inside her, urging her to break free, but she could not tell what bound her.

The Snowland King Lin? What a loathsome mission.

With a faint sigh, the Young Commander closed her eyes to meditate. The strange voice within kept disturbing her mind, leaving her no peace except in meditation and making her indifferent to all else.