Chapter 407 She's neither like you nor like me
Gu Jun deliberately dragged his badly injured body without resting, looking like he really wanted to capture Bai Kou. Using the excuse that he couldn't trust anyone, he insisted on getting Su Feng to hand over the patrol rights for this area.
Su Feng naturally refused and began arguing with him.
The Golden Armor Army had just suffered so many casualties outside the city, and everyone else was holding their breath. The Imperial Guards, on the other hand, felt that the Golden Armor Army was taking advantage of the situation to steal credit, as they had also suffered considerable losses outside the city. As a result, both sides were quite angry, and they almost came to blows during their argument.
The deafening noise and the clamor of the five elements outside successfully summoned Nangong Ming from inside the mansion.
Nangong Ming glanced at the golden-armored soldiers and Imperial Guards who were grabbing each other by the collar, then looked at Su Feng and Gu Jun at the center of the fight, and asked in a cold voice, "When did you take up a post in the Imperial Guard?"
When Su Feng saw his father come out, he realized that things were going to get out of hand. Gu Jun was trying to cause a big enough commotion to get his father to intervene.
Before Su Feng could answer, Nangong Ming glanced at the other golden-armored soldiers. The soldiers, who had been exuding a fierce aura just moments before, were now all quiet.
"Tonight, you have failed to capture either the wanted criminals of Taiyi or the escaped fish of Xuankui, yet you still have time to argue and quarrel here."
"What would you do if His Majesty found out?"
Su Feng began, "Father..."
Before he could finish speaking, Nangong Ming ignored him and said bluntly, "Since none of you want to do anything, then for the safety of His Majesty and the Prince's Mansion, I have no choice but to send the people of the Prince's Mansion to search."
"Cao Yan, take the people from the Third and Sixth Departments out, find Xuan Kui's men, and then come back."
Cao Yan stepped forward and accepted the order: "Yes."
After Cao Yan received the order, Jiang Chi and the other three groups set out. The Nangong sorcerers, who had been waiting in the shadows, also appeared. The people of the Nangong Royal Palace instantly surrounded the Golden Armor Army and the Imperial Orchid Guard.
Nangong Ming turned to leave, but just then he ran into Yu Sui, who had come to watch the commotion.
"Father," Yu Sui greeted with a smile.
Seeing her smiling face, Nangong Ming's brows furrowed unconsciously.
In the pitch-black night, wisteria vines bloomed on the artificial hills on both sides of the wide stone path, with several small night lights hanging from them. The interplay of light and shadow cast a faint, blurry halo around the two of them, making them difficult to see clearly.
Yu Sui stopped at the entrance of the artificial hill passage and looked up at the man who was standing a few steps ahead.
"Are you here to help your second brother?" Nangong Ming asked.
"Is there anything I can help you with, Second Brother?" Yu Sui asked innocently. "I'm under house arrest by you, and I can't even leave the house."
Nangong Ming said, "Then go back to your room and stay there."
"Aren't they arresting Xuan Kui outside?" Yu Sui asked with a worried expression. "What if Second Brother doesn't know that Xuan Kui is related to our family and arrests him by mistake?"
Nangong Ming said with an inscrutable expression, "It's none of your business to worry about this. When you were in Taiyi, you didn't prevent anything from happening."
"Even saints cannot do this, Father, yet you have such high expectations of me. Aren't you overestimating me?" Yu Sui looked at him without any remorse.
"My expectations of you were indeed too high." Nangong Ming scrutinized her, then suddenly smiled. "You've reached the tenth realm?"
Han Ziyang, who was still in Yu Sui's house, listened to the conversation between Yu Sui and Nangong Ming with Gongsun Qi through the Listening Wind Ruler.
Gongsun Qi lowered her eyes. Had she reached the tenth realm?
Han Ziyang sneered inwardly, "Your parents aren't much better off."
Yu Sui pretended not to hear and looked at Nangong Ming, saying, "Didn't you already find out in the council hall?"
Nangong Ming: "In less than a year, you have cultivated the Light Core Realm to the tenth level. If others knew this, they might praise you as a genius."
He spoke slowly and deliberately, showing no joy at the fact that his daughter had become a genius. His expression was calm, and his eyes even held a hint of deep thought.
"Father, do you think my tenth realm cultivation was brought about by the Breath of Earth?" Yu Sui suddenly asked.
That's exactly what Nangong Ming thought.
He believed that the Sage Changgen was hiding something from him, and the key point might be the Breath Soil.
Even if you pried open Nangong Ming's head, he wouldn't have imagined that someone could regenerate a light core. Of all the known information, the only thing to suspect was that half of the Breath Soil.
Nangong Ming said, "According to Elder Chang's explanation, the Breath of Earth absorbed your Five Elements Qi, which prevented you from generating Five Elements Light Cores for Qi Refining. Now that the Breath of Earth has been sealed, you have made rapid progress."
Yu Sui laughed and said, "Doesn't this just prove that the incomplete Breath Soil hindered me, and that you were wrong back then? I actually have a very high talent for cultivation."
Did I see it wrong?
Nangong Ming calmly said, "Your main point is that I misjudged your talent back then?"
"Isn't that the truth?" Yu Sui said softly, "If you had seen my talent from a young age..."
"Is that truly your talent?" Nangong Ming interrupted her, "What did Elder Chang give you in terms of cultivation?"
Yu Sui gazed at him quietly, but found it amusing.
Nangong Ming began to distrust Changgen the Sage, and even doubted him.
After Chang Gensheng concealed Mei Liangyu's true identity, Nangong Ming began to suspect that Chang was also hiding something about his own daughter.
Because of Chang Gen's master-disciple relationship with Mei Liangyu, and his obsession with that child, if Mei Liangyu wanted the Breath of Earth, or if Chang Gen wanted to use the Breath of Earth to please Mei Liangyu...
The difference between a shrewd, suspicious person and a petty, suspicious person lies in a single thought.
“He is my master, so he will naturally give me a lot of things in cultivation. Moreover, now that my master wants to talk to my senior brother, he has to go through me. Father, if you want to investigate the problem of the Breath Soil in my body, why don’t you go and ask my master directly?” Yu Sui looked at Nangong Ming and said the last sentence with a profound meaning, guiding him to continue to doubt the Saint Changgen.
In Nangong Ming's eyes, his daughter, who had become arrogant and conceited after gaining power, was clearly less likable than her former timid and cowardly self.
"Sui Sui, I once taught you that you should be smart when you need to be." Nangong Ming didn't think that Yu Sui's current provocative behavior was smart.
“Am I not smart enough?” Yu Sui looked at him in confusion. “After I learned that you were going to kill me and give the Breath Soil to Mother, I have been showing you my value.”
Nangong Ming saw this, of course, but he dismissed it with disdain and instead said, "If I want you to die, then you will die no matter what, regardless of your value. Sui Sui, what you don't understand is that the choice is not in your hands."
So you shouldn't be overly arrogant in front of me, but should continue to be cautious and pitifully beg me not to kill you.
Yu Sui seemed to be showing off her value to Nangong Ming, but she was provoking him at every turn. How could Nangong Ming tolerate such an attitude from her?
Within the Nangong Prince's Mansion, among his children, Nangong Ming would never allow anyone to be above him.
"It seems I was wrong." Yu Sui slowly lowered her head, hiding herself in the darkness under the artificial hill. Her words were soft, but her heart was clear.
She never imagined that Nangong Ming would not kill her.
Because she understood Nangong Ming's ways of doing things better than the other children, and knew his desire for absolute power. Unfortunately, she was also that kind of person, who liked everything to happen before her eyes and under her control, so she would never entrust the right to life and death to others.
What stands between Yu Sui and Nangong Ming is a struggle for life and death, not a fight between father and daughter.
The bond between father and daughter is something no one has, and no one has time to have.
“You’re not wrong either. At least I’m willing to give you a chance now.” Nangong Ming raised his head slightly, still calm and composed, looking down at the girl from above.
Do you want me to be eternally grateful to you?
Yu Sui's lowered gaze was a silent mockery, and she stepped aside as Nangong Ming walked past.
The light from the nightlights hanging from the wisteria vines shone on the uneven rocks of the artificial mountain. Nangong Ming walked into the passageway of the artificial mountain, where two figures were in the shadows, like ghosts.
"So, is the current situation that the prince wants to kill her and take the Breath Soil?" Han Ziyang thought Yu Sui couldn't hear him and discussed with Gongsun Qi, "That conversation just now didn't sound like something a father and daughter would say. What father would speak to his daughter in that tone?"
Gongsun Qi did not respond.
From the conversation just now, he could feel more clearly Nangong Ming's condescension and indifference towards Nangong Sui. From the very beginning, this person had never shown any affection for Nangong Sui as a "father and daughter".
People like them are always resolute and ruthless when it comes to things they hate or don't want.
Was it only Lady Su who didn't want this daughter who split the Breath of Earth in two? Nangong Ming didn't want her either.
“For Nangong Ming, it would naturally be best to master the complete Breath Soil,” Gongsun Qi said calmly. “But Su Xing can help him stabilize the six states with half a piece of Breath Soil, so there is no need to give her the complete one.”
“Madam Kesu’s health is getting worse and worse,” Han Ziyang said. “Last time, she was coughing up blood before she could even speak. She is weak and frail, and it seems like she won’t last much longer.”
Gongsun Qi said, "If he wants to save Su Xing, he must kill Nangong Sui."
Han Ziyang chuckled strangely: "A father who likes to have children is better than a father who wants to kill his children."
"What nonsense are you talking about?" Yu Sui said gently. "After your background is exposed, do you think your father will kill you?"
Han Ziyang: "..."
He picked up the wind-listening ruler, his face filled with shock: "You can hear me? Wasn't I communicating telepathically with the Yin-Yang Monster?"
Yu Sui: "Of course."
Gongsun Qi suddenly said, "The Wind Listening Ruler is like her pet."
Yu Sui: "I'll take that as a compliment."
Han Ziyang tossed the Wind-Listening Ruler back onto the table, looking at it as if it were some kind of monster, both wary and curious.
Nangong Sui could locate objects using the Wind Listening Ruler, and he could convince himself that it was because he had an inside contact in the Communication Academy's Shushan area. But now, the fact that three people were transmitting their voices together using the Wind Listening Ruler was beyond his comprehension.
Yu Sui originally intended to cause trouble for Qing Kui tonight, but Han Ziyang's arrival and the information revealed by Gongsun Qi made her forget about Qing Kui.
Now that Nangong Ming has taken action, the area around the Prince's Mansion has been taken over by the Nangong family's sorcerers, making it easy for Qingkui to return.
Yu Sui walked to the gate of the Prince's Mansion, looked at the departing golden-armored soldiers, and his gaze fell on Gu Jun, who was covered in blood.
Is he a member of Xuan Kui's faction or the Nangong family's faction?
...
Gongsun Qi stayed near Yulan Si, waiting for someone to come and meet Geng Hanfu.
He stood on the rooftop overlooking the Yulansi Building, intently sensing the traces of the sword shadows.
Those struck by the Heavenly Fire Flowing Flame tonight all bear the mark of his sword. Geng Han, who bears the mark, is encased in the Imperial Orchid Palace, while the others are scattered in the center of the capital.
They have them at the Prince Nangong's residence, and they also have them at General Zhongli's residence.
Zhongli's home?
Gongsun Qi looked thoughtfully toward the location of the General's Mansion and removed the sword shadow left on Zhongli Shan.
Zhong Lishan returned to the manor covered in injuries and immediately went to report to his father, but his father was nowhere to be found. He heard from the Qinglong Army soldiers who were stationed at the general's manor that the general had taken the young lady to the palace.
Xuan Kui exposed evidence that Zhong Lixu had hoarded orchid poison, but Zhong Lixu had already left the capital several months ago, saying she went to the border town to recuperate.
Zhong Lishan believed that his father's entry into the palace was to deal with the slanderous rumors that the Zhongli family was involved with Xuan Kui Lan Poison.
"Then why did my sister enter the palace?" he asked, frowning.
The Azure Dragon Army replied, "Miss suddenly suffered an eye ailment, so the general took her to the palace to see Venerable Qin to recover."
Venerable Qin?
Qin Shan, a master of esoteric arts?
Before Zhong Lishan could sort things out, he saw Wen Yangxiu waving at him from under the eaves of his sister's courtyard, so he went over to her.
"What do you know?" Zhong Lishan asked directly.
"Don't worry, with your father here, what serious trouble could possibly happen to this family? Tell me first, what's the situation outside the city? I see patrol teams everywhere." Wen Yangxiu rubbed his hands together, his brows furrowed with worry.
"The person has been rescued." Zhong Lishan raised his blood-covered arm. "Can't you see how badly I'm injured?"
"I thought you were deliberately holding back, how come you're really injured?" Wen Yangxiu asked in surprise. "Who came?"
“I couldn’t see clearly.” Zhong Lishan shook his head. “I only know that they are sorcerers from the military and the Taoist schools of ghosts.”
"Are they still in the capital?"
"I don't know, they should be able to escape," Zhong Lishan said, but then asked, "Did Meimei bring them? Are these people related to Xuan Kui?"
“Xuan Kui? Of course not!” Wen Yangxiu denied, but then paused and asked Zhong Lishan hesitantly, “Don’t you know?”
Zhong Lishan felt like everyone tonight was playing riddles with him. Although he really wanted to know who Mei Liangyu had found to rescue Shi Yuezhen, he patiently and calmly asked, "Is there anything I should know?"
“Meimei’s background.” Wen Yangxiu sighed. “Before your father entered the palace, someone came to report that His Majesty Qingyang already knew about Meimei’s background and summoned the Grand General to the palace for a talk.”
Wen Yangxiu had known Zhong Lishan for several years through Mei Liangyu and knew of their deep friendship. Not wanting their relationship to deteriorate amidst the suspicions and rumors of others, she chose to stay and tell Zhong Lishan herself.
Zhongli Que's courtyard was planted with many flowers. The night lamp on the eaves attracted a few fireflies. The night breeze carried the delicate fragrance of flowers, and the cool wind brushed against Zhongli Shan's cheek.
Whether it was the flowers tonight, the wind under the eaves, or the fireflies and lamplight, all of these, accompanied by Wen Yangxiu's narration, left a deep impression on Zhonglishan.
...
After Nangong Ming finished talking with Yu Sui, he went to Madam Su's courtyard.
Madam Su already knew that her eldest daughter was in trouble. Upon seeing Nangong Ming, even though she was feeling unwell, she immediately stood up from her chair to greet him.
"Your Highness, she..."
"What's the rush?" Nangong Ming glanced at the woman with a worried look in her eyes. "This time, no one lost an arm or a leg."
Madam Su's face paled upon hearing this, as she keenly sensed the displeasure hidden beneath Nangong Ming's calm words.
She wanted to ask more questions, but Nangong Ming remained silent, taking a seat in the main room and closing his eyes to rest.
After hesitating for a while, Madam Su finally spoke softly: "Today, I met with the princess."
"You haven't seen her in so long, you were so excited you dropped the bowl?" Nangong Ming said calmly.
Madam Su's heart trembled. Standing in front of Nangong Ming, she pursed her lips and said, "Since you know what she talked about with me, what does Your Highness think?"
"What are you thinking about?" Nangong Ming asked casually, seemingly not taking the sharp conversation between the mother and daughter seriously.
Madam Su hardened her heart and asked directly, "The princess already knows about our plans for the Breath of Earth. Do you still insist on your previous ideas?"
Nangong Ming did not answer.
A long and eerie silence fell over the room. Madam Su could not tolerate his ambiguous attitude and raised her voice: "Your Highness."
Nangong Ming slowly opened his eyes.
The woman's voice, though emphasized, carried a trembling tone.
The woman's fear was reflected in Nangong Ming's eyes.
Her tone was firm, but her eyes trembled, and her fingers clenched tightly in her sleeves, desperately seeking an answer that could soothe her.
Nangong Sui should look like this when facing himself.
“She’s not like you.” Nangong Ming stared at Madam Su thoughtfully. “She’s not like me either.”
"What?" Madam Su's face turned pale. She thought that these words meant that he doubted the child's parentage. She was about to speak in anger when she heard Nangong Ming say calmly, "So she will die, but you won't."
Madam Su got the answer she wanted, but she didn't get the relaxation and peace of mind she had imagined. Instead, she felt somewhat bewildered and couldn't believe that she had so easily obtained the man's promise and affirmation.
Nangong Ming closed his eyes again and stopped speaking.
It wasn't until Jiang Chi brought the injured Chu Jin back that the eldest daughter, despite the pain of her five elements being reversed, stood in the room, covered in cold sweat, but dared not look him in the eye.
Chu Jin's face clearly showed that she had messed up; she was filled with regret and pain, but powerless to do anything about it.
She was prepared to accept her father's scolding and anger, but Nangong Ming closed his eyes for a moment and did not open them to look at her.
"Is it because of Wenren Xu again this time?" Nangong Ming's voice was unreadable.
Chu Jin, enduring excruciating pain, replied, "I heard Wenren Xu had returned, and my original intention was to go and investigate, but I didn't expect Yu Lansi to launch a surprise attack, and then I ran into him again..."
“Xuan Kui is where you prove your strength, and I won’t interfere too much. So, I won’t interfere too much with the trouble you cause in your own field.” Nangong Ming didn’t listen to her explanation and said coldly, “Today I’m having the Nangong family clear the way for you to return home, and tomorrow you’ll have to hand over Xuan Kui’s people to make up for it.”
Chu Jin's lips turned slightly pale, and after a few moments, she replied, "Thank you, Father."
Nangong Ming got up and walked out, not glancing at Chu Jin once: "You can be a real young lady from the royal family, or you can be a fake one."
If Xuan Kui Bai Kou's true identity is exposed, then she can only be a fake young lady from the royal family.
Chu Jin understood the meaning behind those words, and her expression changed instantly.
As Nangong Ming walked out of Madam Su's courtyard, he said to Jiang Chi, who was following behind him, "Take some men and keep an eye on the princess. Report her every move promptly."
Jiang Chi answered "yes" without changing his expression, but inwardly he clicked his tongue, thinking that this task was somewhat tricky.
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