Chapter Thirty-Nine: Lord Chang'an

"Little Uncle-Master, during this morning's court session, Marquis Wenxin spoke with great indignation. He argued that the various states had formed an alliance to attack Qin without cause, and he intends to reorganize the grand army to pass through Hangu Pass and strike eastward to avenge the previous humiliation."

Settling into the spacious Talent Recruitment Hall, it was clear that Bai Hai was a thoughtful host. The room was vast, easily several hundred square meters, and could accommodate two people with ease. Having met with the disciples of the Taoist school in Xianyang the previous evening and exchanged some insights, I had returned here.

Spreading my spiritual perception, I noted that the residence of Gai Nie of the Ghost Valley was not far from my own. As Bai Hai had mentioned, there were still nearly ten days before the Qin State began its great recruitment event, as those coming from distant states like Yan, Wu, Yue, and Qi would take much longer to arrive.

The morning sun rose, casting a myriad of rainbow rays across the universe. Standing by the window with eyes slightly narrowed, I focused on my cultivation, inhaling and exhaling the primordial energy of the world. Not far behind me, Zong Qiong was diligently practicing his inner cultivation method to enhance his strength.

"The recent alliance of states attacking Qin and pushing as far as Xianyang must have left a deep wound on Lu Buwei. This counterattack is a logical response. Moreover, Qin has the capability, and the King of Qin will likely agree."

Upon hearing this, I remained composed. My internal energy continued to circulate as I replied calmly. After all, the previous coalition against Qin was merely the result of Lord Chunshen of Chu letting his ego get the better of him, wanting to outshine Lord Xinling of Wei, believing that if the other could do it, he could as well.

Unfortunately, Huang Xie, Lord Chunshen, was no Wei Wuji. According to recent news I had gathered from the State of Chu, Huang Xie was nearing his end. Once he passed, the State of Chu would truly fall into irreversible decline.

***

Under the farming and warfare system that had been in place for over a hundred years in Qin, the efficiency was remarkable. Scarcely a day had passed since Zong Qiong informed me of Lu Buwei's desire to retaliate against the coalition when the military orders were already issued.

General Meng Ao and Zhang Tang were to lead an army of fifty thousand to attack Zhao. Why Zhao?

The commander of the previous coalition against Qin was the Zhao general Pang Nuan. As a descendant of Pang Juan, a successor of the Ghost Valley from a century ago, Pang Nuan's ability was unquestionable. Had Lord Chunshen not fled without a fight last time, the outcome might have been different.

Three days later, another order was issued: Lord Chang'an, Cheng Jiao, and General Fan Yuqi were to lead another fifty thousand troops as reinforcements, lest General Meng Ao suffer a defeat at the hands of Pang Nuan and delay the campaign.

"Lord Chang'an, Cheng Jiao!"

"Master Gai Nie, what do you make of Marquis Wenxin recommending Lord Chang'an to lead the campaign against Zhao?"

***

My cultivation had reached the perfection of the Spirit-Severing Mysterious Realm, and the next step would be to comprehend the Void and return to the Source, though that was impossible in the short term. I could only continue to contemplate the principles left by the sages and refine my internal techniques.

With time on my hands, I had visited Gai Nie twice over the past two days. I was quite curious about the disciples of the Ghost Valley. Whether discussing military strategy, political maneuvering, governance, or cultivation, his insights were truly unique.

It was no wonder he was chosen as a disciple of Guiguzi to inherit their traditions; his talent was extraordinary. For the State of Qin, the Ghost Valley represented a strategic asset—unmatched in intellect and brilliance.

Facing the sunlight, I lay languidly on the branch of a large tree in the courtyard, waving one hand before my chest. Green leaves twirled playfully in my palm as I watched Gai Nie practicing his swordsmanship, and I asked casually.

"Lord Chang'an, Cheng Jiao, is a prince of Qin and the younger brother of the King. Although he is unfamiliar with military affairs, this could serve as a trial for him. Perhaps in the future, he could mirror the role of the strategist Chu Li-ji during the reign of King Huiwen."

"Why do you ask, Master Xuanqing?"

After two or three days of acquaintance, Gai Nie had almost forgotten my actual age, treating me as a genuine master of the Taoist path. He had initially assumed that an eight-year-old child was merely a child.

However, my manner of speech and behavior had earned his respect. While military and political theories could be dismissed as "armchair strategy," my cultivation level could not be faked. Although he had not tested me, he suspected I had already entered the Spirit-Severing Realm.

Even with his own talent, his master had told him it would take five to ten years to reach that level. He had not yet fully perfected his Hunyuan Innate ability or his "Hundred-Step Flying Sword."

Hearing my words, he reined in his sword stance. The light of the blade vanished, and the dark blue cloak he wore shimmered as he moved. His handsome face betrayed a hint of contemplation as he replied.

He did not know much about Lord Chang'an, but the prince's status was noble. While leading an army without military experience was irregular, having Fan Yuqi by his side should prevent any major issues.

"Eight years ago, King Zhuangxiang of Qin had five sons. The eldest, Zheng, became the King of Qin; the second, Cheng Jiao, became Lord Chang'an; the third was Prince Xiang; the fourth was Prince Hai; and the fifth was Prince Qing."

"Shortly after King Zheng ascended the throne, the latter three princes perished, leaving only Lord Chang'an. If the King of Qin had recommended him to lead the army, there would be nothing strange about it."

"But it was Marquis Wenxin who recommended Lord Chang'an. Given that, Master Gai Nie, do you still believe he will become a second Chu Li-ji?"

***

My voice was clear and youthful, yet it echoed distinctly in Gai Nie's ears. While I knew from my foresight that Lord Chang'an would likely never return, the ruthlessness of Marquis Wenxin was striking.

Eight years ago, had my master not intervened, I would have perished at the hands of the "Net." Bearing the memories and body of Prince Qing, I remembered that night all too clearly.

"This... Master Xuanqing, do you believe the Marquis would move against Lord Chang'an? If so, eight years ago would have been a perfect opportunity. Why would he wait until now?"

"Besides, Lord Chang'an poses no threat to the King of Qin. With Generals Meng Ao, Zhang Tang, and Fan Yuqi accompanying him, the campaign against Zhao is surely safe!"

This was the first time Gai Nie had heard such secrets. A look of surprise flickered across his handsome face, which was illuminated by a faint white glow. He shook his head slightly, disagreeing with my assessment.

His magnetic voice was compelling, a testament to the teachings of the Ghost Valley—much like how Zhang Yi, with only his tongue, had expanded Qin's territory by a thousand miles.

"Safe? The Battle of Changping was over twenty years ago. The State of Zhao has recovered some of its strength. Fifty thousand troops under General Meng Ao alone will not be enough."

"As for Fan Yuqi, whom you mentioned as a safeguard for Lord Chang'an, he is the key to my concern. Perhaps you have not been in Qin long enough to know him well."

"To my knowledge, Fan Yuqi has frequently slandered the Marquis in private, disgusted by the corruption in the palace. If one were looking for a general to attack Zhao, Wang Jian or Meng Wu, the son of General Meng Ao, would be no less capable than Fan Yuqi."

As I spoke, I sat up on the branch, flicking my fingers to send leaves flying—a colorful, intricate display of softness and strength. I looked at Gai Nie with a faint smile on my petite face.

My words were subtle, but given Gai Nie's intellect, he would understand. Eight years ago, Lu Buwei had just become Chancellor and needed the Queen Dowager's support. As the Queen Dowager's youngest son, Lu Buwei had not dared to act against him then.