Shi Lang taught Shi Ting for a day, and the girl managed to step into the realm of a sword master. Although she had no sword arts, her basic understanding was solid. Shi Lang told her not to get overconfident or to chase fancy sword arts and neglect basic sword skills.
Shi Ting adhered to his advice. She knew that all that she was, it was thanks to him. The family was relieved to see the young girl finally growing up. Shi Yua was keen on making connections, but she did not leave behind her path in martial arts. She carried a sword with her, but she loved using a whip.
Shi Lang taught her the skills he had acquired in the lower realms and gave her tips on getting into the enemy’s mind. The impact was visible. In the past month, Shi Yua has improved considerably, and now her skills have reached a level where no one in the family or city can hold her hand.
Shi Yua was not pompous about it. She was very calm and composed. Shi Ning and Shi Wie were the jealous ones. After dinner, the two intended to find Shi Lang when they spotted the Terran sitting in the yard with his eyes closed. He seemed to be deep into meditation.
The girls were thinking about returning when Elder Yu appeared behind Shi Lang and said, “Young Friend Shi Lang, can I have a few moments of your time?”
Shi Lang opened his eyes and greeted the old man as he stood up from his meditative stance. He asked calmly, “Please tell me, Senior Yu.”
Elder Yu said, “In the past few years, the first and second princes have profusely contended for the Throne. They have gained support from the Spirit Heart Sect’s elders too.”
Shi Lang nodded and asked, “So, is there something I can do with this matter?”
The young man could tell that this old man was fishing for something. Such sensitive issues were not to be mentioned until you sought something. Shi Lang knew this because he had been through such situations in the federation. So, he did not take the bait but put his line.
Elder Yu smiled silently and said, “The third princess has no interest in the Throne and the kingdom. The biggest threat is the fourth prince. He might end up dead if we cannot have steady support.”
Shi Lang raised his brows and asked, “What do you mean he will die?”
Elder Yu sighed and said, “The first two princes have already assassinated two of their siblings, and even the duke’s house was not spared. This blind internal power struggle has caused a lot of trouble at the borders, and the enemies are slowly advancing on us.”
Shi Lang was surprised and asked, “Since these people already have support from the Spirit Heart Sect. Why don’t they interfere?”
Elder Yu shook his head and said, “The elders only support their favored candidates in life-threatening situations. They have no interest in embroiling in the territorial strife. The spirit heart sect’s status is undisputed; even if the two nations drown in blood, not even one drop will flow toward them. On the contrary, they are looking for a chance to come and encroach on our territory.”
Shi Lang nodded and said, “This is how the strong become strong. They watch the weak fight amongst themselves and wait for the right time to make their move.”
The old man nodded. Shi Lang asked, “What help do you need from me?”
Elder Yu said, “If you can make it through the test of the Sword Hall in the spiritual heart sect, you can have a chance to meet the Sect leader, Jian Xuetian.”
Shi Lang nodded for the old man to continue. Elder Yu followed, “If you even manage to become the in-name disciple of the Sect Leader, then you will have a reputation that would scare the two princes. I will not ask you to ally with us, but let us borrow your name. To prevent the death threat on his highness.”
The young man sighed and began to walk around the garden. From the corner of his eyes, he found Shi Ning and Shi Wie standing in a hidden corner. He smiled and beckoned them over. The two of them froze in their spots and walked over hesitantly. Elder Yu smiled at the two ladies.
The two bowed and greeted him while looking at Shi Lang, thinking why they were called out. Shi Lang asked, “Elder Yu, if I managed to become someone whose name alone could make the two people shiver in their boots, and the fourth Prince was to ascend the Throne? What will I get?”
Elder Yu was shocked by this counter-proposal. He did not expect that Shi Lang would make such a bold claim. Elder Yu did not know what to say and asked, “I do not know what could make up for this favor.”
Shi Lang nodded and said, “Three things, listen and tell me if the Fourth Prince will grant me these.”
Elder Yu nodded, and the terran said, “First, Shi Ning is to be trained and supported to rise to the rank of a General.”
He did not wait for the Elder to reply and continued, “Second, Shi Wie will be trained to become the imperial physician. Third, the kingdom will not go after the Shi family. Fourth, I want the third promise in writing; you do not have to worry. I will not let the Shi Family ever contend against the Throne. They will be loyal to the line of the Fourth Prince.”
Elder Yu was surprised, and Shi Ning and Shi Wie watched the scene with their eyes wide open. They could not believe what was going on. The old man shook his head, and Shi Lang said, “Elder, please consult with the fourth prince. I will wait for his answer, and if he agrees, you will have my support and loyalty. However, do not think that the Throne will ever get to make the Shi family a scapegoat for anything.”
The old man nodded and vanished from his place.
…
The morning came quickly, and Shi Lang left to meet Xiao Nan. The lady also finished her work and said, “Do not worry. The trap has been set.”
𝓞𝑣𝗅xt.𝕔𝑶𝕞
Shi Lang nodded and asked, “Say, Nan, did the Jiang family bite it?”
Xiao Nan smiled satisfactorily, “Yup, they did. I asked a few people inside the Xuan and Ling mansion to supply the goods, and they have been deployed in the pond’s surroundings.”
Shi Lang nodded and leaned back in the chair. Xiao Nan asked, “Lang, I have a question about my cultivation.”
The terran nodded, and the lady asked, “What makes an illusion stronger? If I create a shallow one out of my imagination, I cannot hold an enemy for more than ten seconds. What am I doing wrong?”
Shi Lang said, “What is the reason behind your attempt?”
Xiao Nan thought and said, “Confusing the enemy.”
Shi Lang shook his head, “The meaning of an illusion is to confuse the enemy. Your motive to create an illusion is to kill the enemy.”
Xiao Nan was surprised, and Shi Lang said, “I will show you something, then you will find what is a real illusion like.”
Xiao Nan raised her brows, and the next moment, she found herself standing in a plain where thousands of people were killing each other. Shi Lang said, “This is the most rudimentary illusion, as you can still hear me.”
Xiao Nan nodded, and the scene changed slightly. Blood followed around, and screams sounded more realistic. This time the scene scared her. A few moments later, the scene became even more real. She was breaking into a cold sweat, and gradually her face turned pale.
The next moment, the illusion vanished, and Xiao Nan found herself sitting in her cabin, and her body was drenched in a cold sweat. Shi Lang was still sipping before her, saying, “This is not my strongest illusion. It worked on you because you are on a lower realm than I am.”
Xiao Nan was still in shock, and her shivering did not stop. Shi Lang picked up a sugar cube and flicked it on her forehead. Xiao Nan snapped out of her daze and said, “You are a monster.”
Shi Lang sighed and said, “You must suffer from these illusions. You will always be green if you keep things happy and pink.”
Xiao Nan did not wish to debate with this guy anymore. He was not someone she could deal with. Suddenly, the door was knocked, and an attendant came inside.
“Young Miss, something happened.”
Xiao Nan raised his eyes and asked, “What happened?”
The attendant said, “Someone from the Jiang Family has arrived inside the city and they have gone to the Ling family.”
Shi Lang and Xiao Nan stood up and immediately changed their clothes and put on their masks to go out and see the situation.