A Pawn's Passage

After receiving Qi Xuansu’s message, Han Yongfeng finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Previously, Qi Xuansu had stationed him in Lion City as a contingency measure, which left him uneasy. Now that Qi Xuansu had contacted him personally and ordered his return to Thanglong Prefecture, it suggested the situation had largely stabilized. The struggle between factions would continue, but within certain bounds. Neither side would act recklessly unless pushed to the brink.

As for Shangguan Ya, Han Yongfeng did not find the name suspicious. There were many Shangguans within the Daoist Order who were descendants of the first Earthly Preceptor. So he assumed she was simply another Daoist priest.

Since the Shangguan family belonged to the Quanzhen Sect, Han Yongfeng naturally assumed that Shangguan Ya was likely a reinforcement sent by them to help Qi Xuansu.

The reason she had not gone directly to Thanglong Prefecture but detoured through Lion City was to avoid drawing unwanted attention.

In any case, this was an order from the Second Deputy himself, so Han Yongfeng would follow it to the letter.

Han Yongfeng did not stay at the Nanting Protectorate, but at the Taiping Inn within Lion City. His days there were not dull. Lion City was a thriving port, known as the most prosperous city in Nanyang, surpassing even Thanglong Prefecture. Merchants from all corners of the world gathered there, bringing diverse skin tones, hair colors, languages, appearances, and, of course, goods.

Whenever he was bored, Han Yongfeng liked to stroll through the exotic markets. They were bright and bustling, with many goods on display and strikingly beautiful foreign women to admire. The sights alone were pleasing to the eye.

After receiving Qi Xuansu’s orders, Han Yongfeng carried on as usual, making no effort to search for Shangguan Ya since Qi Xuansu had said she would come to him.

Given Han Yongfeng’s official position, he had no need to hide his whereabouts, so finding him would be simple.

At dusk, the innkeeper came to report that a Miss Shangguan wished to see him.

Han Yongfeng immediately realized this must be the person Qi Xuansu had mentioned, so he told the innkeeper to bring her in.

Soon, a woman wearing a large veiled hat entered the room.

The veil was made of heavy black gauze that not only blocked vision but shielded against spiritual perception, concealing her face entirely.

Han Yongfeng rose to greet her. “Daoist Shangguan, I received the Second Deputy’s order and have been awaiting your arrival.”

The woman lifted the black gauze of her veil, revealing a fair and graceful face, appearing to be somewhere between 30 and 40 years old. She had no expression and a cool and distant demeanor. She wore clear glasses that resembled those for vision correction. But most cultivators would have no need for corrective lenses, so these glasses must have some special function.

However, half her face was corroded and covered in scars. Her lips and nose were hardly discernible. Only one ear and eye on that side remained whole. Upon closer inspection, even that eye was artificial.

Han Yongfeng was not frightened when he saw her disfigured face, but he was still startled because tissue regeneration was not an issue within the Daoist Order. No matter how severe their injuries, they rarely carried lasting scars.

The woman seemed to notice his confusion and explained, “I am Shangguan Ya. My face suffered irreversible damage during an experiment in the Creation Project. Unless I undergo full rebirth or replace my face entirely, it cannot be restored. So I apologize if I’ve startled you or caused discomfort.”

Han Yongfeng quickly said, “Daoist Shangguan, you’re being too polite. I was merely surprised. I’m sorry to hear of your misfortune.”

At the same time, Han Yongfeng thought, A Creation Project experiment? That means she’s from the Huasheng Hall. I’ve heard that they conducted bizarre and often dangerous research, sometimes even fatal. But weren’t such hazardous experiments shut down? Clearly, that was only for show. Behind the scenes, they still did as they pleased. Thank goodness I’m not part of Huasheng Hall.

Shangguan Ya revealing her face had been a gesture of sincerity in her greeting. She lowered her veil once more and said, “I’ve been ordered to proceed to Thanglong Prefecture and report to Second Deputy Qi. Please, lead the way.”

“Do we depart now?” Han Yongfeng asked.

As he spoke, Han Yongfeng quietly gauged the woman’s cultivation. But to his surprise, he could not discern it at all. He was at the ninth-level of the Guizhen stage, just a step below the Xiaoyao stage of Heavenly Beings. If she were only in the Xiaoyao stage, he should at least be able to sense the depth of her cultivation.

He thought, Could Daoist Shangguan actually be at the Wuliang stage? Good heavens! That would make her the equivalent of a Deputy Hall Master in Huasheng Hall. Second Deputy Qi must have strong connections to be able to command someone of this caliber!

In truth, Shangguan Ya was not a Deputy Huasheng Hall Master. But she was nearly equivalent in status, serving as the Deputy Leader of the Heaven Tribe, which was one of the divisions of the Eight Tribes under Madam Qi. When Madam Qi was absent—which was often—Shangguan Ya managed the Heaven Tribe’s affairs. Were it not for Madam Qi’s superior cultivation and unique standing, her inconsistent, carefree ways would long since have cost her authority, leaving Shangguan Ya in full control.

Aside from that, Han Yongfeng had guessed one thing right. Shangguan Ya was definitely a descendant of the first Earthly Preceptor, who became the person in charge of creation projects. The members of the Eight Tribes had originally been Daoist disciples. It was only after the Holy Xuan dismantled the original creation project that the Eight Tribes broke off from the Daoist Order due to irreconcilable differences in ideology. Hence, it was not surprising for the descendants of the first Earthly Preceptor to join the Eight Tribes.

Although Madam Qi had haggled and feigned reluctance during her negotiation with Qi Xuansu, she had shown great sincerity by sending Shangguan Ya in her stead.

Shangguan Ya said tersely, “We’d best get going.”

Han Yongfeng replied, “Alright.”

The two left the Taiping Inn and headed straight for the port outside the city.

Qi Xuansu had departed from Lion City aboard the Yinglong Warship to return to Thanglong Prefecture due to an emergency. Thus, he left his flying ship here for Han Yongfeng. Should anything go awry, Han Yongfeng was to take the flying ship and flee to seek Zhang Yuelu’s aid in Lingnan.

A few Spirit Guards had remained aboard to keep the flying ship in working order.

At the port, some Black Robes under the Nanting Protectorate’s command stood guard.

They all recognized Han Yongfeng. So with him leading the way, no one questioned Shangguan Ya’s identity. The two boarded the flying ship and took off into the night sky.

The distance from Lion City to Thanglong Prefecture was not far. Moreover, Daoist flying ships could travel freely without regard for borders or checkpoints.

Inside the cabin, Shangguan Ya carefully surveyed her surroundings. She had been on flying ships before, but never one of this caliber that was built exclusively for Mansion Masters, Chief Deputies, and Second Deputies. Most compartments had been merged. Unnecessary walls were removed to transform the space into large halls, bedrooms, a study, an alchemy room, and many more. The decor was exquisite and luxurious, and the embedded formations were intricate, making the flying ship feel more like an airborne manor, perfectly suited for Daoist elites to cultivate or handle work affairs during their journey.

With just a short rest, one would arrive at the destination. It was a far cry from flying there with one’s own energy. The comfort and convenience were unparalleled.

Such luxury could not be bought, so it was no wonder why so many within the Daoist Order dreamed of rising through the ranks. Just one step up meant an entirely different world of privilege.

At that thought, Shangguan Ya could not help but sigh inwardly.

A Second Deputy Mansion Master who was not yet 30 years old only meant that he had a boundless future.

Soon, the flying ship crossed into the Yu Kingdom’s borders. The small kingdoms of Poluo were nothing compared to the vast Central Plains. Their land size was so small that their capital city was often visible once crossing the national border.

Since Qi Xuansu had declared martial law, the Purple Flood Dragon flying ships circled over Thanglong Prefecture. When they spotted Qi Xuansu’s approaching White Carp, they immediately intercepted it for inspection.

Shangguan Ya stayed inside the cabin, not showing herself. Meanwhile, Han Yongfeng came forward to register their arrival. The Spirit Guards recognized him as one of the two superintendents who had accompanied Qi Xuansu to Poluo. They had also recognized the Second Deputy’s flying ship. Thus, they raised no further questions and allowed passage.

The flying ship entered Thanglong Prefecture, but it did not dock at Guijian Lake. Instead, it descended directly into the Water Palace. That was the Water Palace’s natural advantage. By contrast, the Fire Palace had no such luxury.

It was pouring at the moment in Thanglong Prefecture. But Qi Xuansu still waited for them in the rain without an umbrella.

Han Yongfeng was the first to disembark. He bowed deeply from afar and greeted, “Second Deputy!”

Qi Xuansu raised a hand as a signal to forgo formalities. “Has Daoist Shangguan arrived as well?”

“Yes.” Han Yongfeng replied.

Qi Xuansu gave a slight nod.

Only then did Shangguan Ya emerge from the cabin, descending the ramp at an unhurried pace.

Without Qi Xuansu’s instruction, an attendant had already stepped forward to hold a large umbrella over Shangguan Ya, shielding her from the wind and rain. Whether she needed it or not, the gesture showed proper respect.

Shangguan Ya did not shy away from such courtesy. After all, she much preferred well-mannered people over arrogant ones.

She bowed respectfully. “Greetings, Second Deputy Qi.”

Qi Xuansu smiled. “My mother has always regarded you as a younger sister, Daoist Shangguan. Strictly speaking, that makes me your nephew. The journey must have been tiring. I’ve already arranged a banquet to welcome you.”

Shangguan Ya did not refuse and merely said, “You flatter me.”

Qi Xuansu gestured invitingly. “You deserve it.”