Within the grand hall, the east king, Grandmaster Chen Luo, Grandmaster Lu Jiangyin, and important ministers of Great Jin stationed in the Jiang Continent were all in attendance.
Eight days had passed since Wang Huang’s death. The Cloudstride Sect had transported his body, along with the bodies of the three other Savant experts, to Jinyang City.
Throughout these past eight days, a whirlwind of news, both true and false, and even gossip, had swept across the land.
The Cloudstride Sect’s two statements had also reached the capital of Great Jin. Various factions were diligently sifting through this sea of information, hoping to uncover the truth and unravel this perplexing affair. Apart from the undisputed fact that Shadow Blade assassinated Wang Huang, the rest was as elusive as a cloud of fog.
“Your Highness East King, as I previously mentioned, based on the findings of the Intelligence Division and the Ministry of Supervision, a thorough analysis of all available information suggests an 80% probability that Shadow Blade is a Grandmaster hailing from the Cloudstride Sect,” a black-robed man reported with utmost deference.
“But the biggest puzzle lies in the fact that even after meticulously combing through the Cloudstride Sect’s records, we have yet to identify a single expert in their 30s who matches the given description.”
“Similarly, there’s a 20% chance that Shadow Blade is Wu Yuan,” the man in black continued. “But this hypothesis raises even more questions. First, Wu Yuan has never displayed an unbelievable level of power. His growth has been gradual and traceable, the path of a genius.”
“Secondly, a martial arts genius who has shown exceptional talent from a young age might conceivably become a Great Grandmaster by the age of seventeen. However, Wu Yuan remained entirely ordinary until the age of fourteen. This fact is verifiable. So, to transform from an ordinary youth to a Great Grandmaster within a mere three years?” The man in black shook his head. “Ordinarily, it would be deemed impossible.”
The Grandmasters and military officials in the hall fell into deep thought.
The Martial King, who ascended from a mere martial artist to a Heavenly Ranker within a decade, was already a legendary figure. Was it possible that Shadow Blade went from an ordinary youth to a Great Grandmaster in three years? This was a feat that even surpassed that of the Martial King.
“But, a substantial piece of the puzzle is missing.” A man cloaked in black respectfully continued, “If Wu Yuan is indeed Shadow Blade, the Cloudstride Sect wouldn’t have allowed him to reveal himself so prematurely. At least, his participation in the Cloud River battle was uncalled for.”
The assembly contemplated his words. They were not privy to the inner workings of the Cloudstride Sect and could only speculate from the intel gathered.
“East King.” Lu Jiangyin’s voice was grave and solemn, “I am inclined towards the belief that Shadow Blade is a hidden expert within the Cloudstride Sect.”
“Indeed! During the battle at the Cloud River, Shadow Blade was an Integration-level expert,” Chen Luo added quietly. “I don’t believe a sixteen-year-old youth could possess such a terrifying skill level.”
The eyes of the assembly turned towards the east king, awaiting his final decision. After a prolonged silence, East King Jin Jiu made his declaration. “Ensure Wang Huang is granted a first-class marquis’ funeral, and the three Savant experts the same honor. I will petition His Majesty to bestow them posthumous titles, ensuring their families are rewarded.”
This was the respect they were due, though the rewards were ultimately meant to appease the living and quell any discontent.
“Secondly, prepare the army for battle.” East King Jin Jiu spoke softly, “Stockpile supplies and make the necessary arrangements for the arrival of our forces. The Battle of Jiang will proceed as planned.”
“Understood!” The assembly in the hall chorused.
Though East King Jin Jiu did not explicitly say so, his orders indicated his judgment – Shadow Blade was not Wu Yuan! Had the judgment been otherwise, they wouldn’t be preparing for battle but petitioning Emperor Jin, rallying all of Great Jin’s Grandmasters for a surprise attack on Cloudhill. Perhaps, even the Heavenly Rankers would make an appearance.
Even as the crowd dispersed from the grand hall, their chatter fading into the background, East King Jin Jiu remained lost in thought, his brows furrowed with uncertainty.
Is Shadow Blade Wu Yuan? East King Jin Jiu‘s mind swirled with doubts.
Verifying it was simple, a direct assault on Cloudhill would do it.
But if we were to engage in war prematurely, before we are truly prepared, it could potentially ignite a joint retaliation from all nations. East King Jin Jiu sighed inwardly. When that happens, will we have the strength to emerge victorious?
Great Jin stood as an unstoppable force, unrivaled in its power and influence. Yet, it faced enemies on all fronts, save for the West, which had been suppressed by Wu Chenggong. As for the Heavenly Rankers making an appearance?
How can the Heavenly Rankers be summoned so easily?
As one of the Great Grandmasters close to entering the Heavenly Rankings, he was well aware of the many concerns and limitations of the Heavenly Rankers. It wasn’t only Great Jin who had Heavenly Rankers in their ranks. If the Heavenly Rankers of Great Jin broke the tenuous agreement that held them in check, the world would no longer know peace.
As for unifying the world? It would become a fantasy. At least, it wouldn’t be up to him, Emperor Jin, and the other many Land Rankers.
…
The Dong Continent, Stellar Province, the Starcom Consortium Headquarters.
“The Grandmasters in Great Jin have yet to execute a joint operation?”
“It seems Great Jin has come to the same conclusion as our Starcom Consortium: Shadow Blade is likely not Wu Yuan.”
“Shadow Blade might be Wu Yuan, but the possibility is too small.” A group of high-ranking stellar councilors from the Starcom Consortium engaged in discussion.
The highest echelons of the Starcom Consortium were those in the Stellar Council. Even the overseer of the headquarters was one of the 30-odd councilors. Of course, most of them were stationed in various branches, and the major decisions within the consortium were made by eleven rotating councilors.
“That’s enough.” The purple-robed man at the head of the hall swept his gaze over everyone. “There is no need to further escalate this conflict.”
“Great Jin, as always, seeks to determine the fate of the world through its mighty army, rather than resorting to covert measures.” The man in purple robes softly said: “We don’t need to add fuel to the fire. If Shadow Blade is not Wu Yuan, everything remains unchanged.”
“If he is Wu Yuan, then a new Heavenly Ranker is destined to be born. If a new Heavenly Ranker emerges from the Cloudstride Sect? Hahaha, it’ll be a wonderful deterrence measure. He will surely unify the Jiang Continent, creating a true divide in the world. For our Starcom Consortium, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.”
“Spread the word. Our Starcom Consortium has determined that Shadow Blade is not Wu Yuan.” The man in the purple robe hammered his verdict.
“Yes, Overseer!” The ten stellar councilors on rotation rose to their feet.
…
In an endless desert on the Mo Continent.
“Is Shadow Blade that young genius Wu Yuan from the Cloudstride Sect?”
“The chances aren’t high.”
“I’d rather hope so, haha, the more bastard dogs of Great Jin die, the better.” A group of men laughed heartily as they guzzled their drinks.
…
The Jiang Continent, Ninecaves Province, Ninecaves City.
This was the core region of the Baijiang Kingdom under Chu Ping’s rule. In the center of the palace stood the Chu Hall, opulent and imposing.
“I’ve received news from the Starcom Consortium. They believe that Shadow Blade cannot possibly be Wu Yuan,” said a man dressed in a silver robe, seated atop the throne at the center of the grand hall.
With his long hair cascading down, thick eyebrows, and large eyes, the 1.9-meter-tall man exuded a regal stature. This was Chu Ping, the Baijiang King, and also a famed Grandmaster. Ranked 36th in the ‘World Land Rankings’, he was recognized as the only Grandmaster in the vast Jiang Continent who could rival Grandmaster Yu.
“Your Majesty, we mustn’t rely solely on the information from the Starcom Consortium for such an important matter. We should form our own judgment.” A soft-spoken old man with a refined demeanor advised. “The Starcom Consortium may have its agenda. What’s important is how you see the situation.”
“I hope it’s not him,” Chu Ping confessed in a soft voice.
The refined old man gave a slight nod.
“Your Highness, Elder Wu,” A burly man with a booming voice chimed in, “No matter if he’s Wu Yuan or not, it’s to our advantage if Cloudstride Sect produces another Great Grandmaster. Their chances of fending off Great Jin will rise.”
“A seventeen-year-old Great Grandmaster is almost guaranteed a spot on the Heavenly Rankings in the future. If that happens, Great Jin’s chances of expanding eastward would be close to none,” the burly man added in a deep voice.
“But, if he’s truly a seventeen-year-old Great Grandmaster, we might have to submit to him,” Chu Ping’s expression grew pensive.
“Your Highness, you’re overthinking.” The burly man shook his head, “Even if Shadow Blade becomes a Heavenly Ranker and demands our submission, our lives aren’t on the line. But if Great Jin comes to kill us, will we stand any chance of survival?”
Chu Ping was momentarily stunned.
Indeed! Both the Cloudstride Sect and him, Chu Ping, were once part of the Chu-Jiang Empire. Though he had declared himself king and ruled a region, the Cloudstride Sect had never openly opposed him. Both sides competed with each other, each claiming to be the true heirs of the Chu-Jiang Empire. But at the end of the day, they wouldn’t annihilate each other.
However, if Great Jin arrived with their army? It was a dead-end!
“Your Majesty, if your goal is merely to preserve the lineage of Chu-Jiang, what we have now is enough,” the refined old man said softly. “But if you truly wish to restore the empire to its former glory, then the key lies not in others, but in ourselves. True power can only be attained when one grows strong enough to acquire it!”
“200 years ago, Imperator Jin fought alone. Today, the vast territory of Great Jin stands.”
“I understand,” Chu Ping nodded slightly, his eyes full of longing. “Only by becoming a Heavenly Ranker can we rebuild the Chu-Jiang Empire. The Chu-Jiang Immortal Realm will be our biggest opportunity.”
…
The battle between Shadow Blade and Wang Huang sparked a huge commotion throughout the world. The upper echelons of various powers mostly focused on Shadow Blade’s potential and the relationship between Shadow Blade and Wu Yuan, carrying out a large number of covert operations and even fierce battles in secret.
Yet, for the majority of martial artists and common folk in the Jiang Continent, as well as countless others around the world who were aware of the issue, their favorite topic of discussion remained the numerous strange tales and anecdotes surrounding Shadow Blade.
“Wonderful!”
“Ten years ago, Grandmaster Xia Heng died in the Battle of Hillstride at the hands of Great Jin.”
“The Grandmasters of Great Jin are not invincible. Our sect can bring them to their knees as well.”
“Wipe out those bastards!” Within the territory of the Cloudstride Sect, countless martial artists and commoners discussed the topic excitedly. They were originally subjects of the Chu-Jiang Empire. After decades of grueling warfare against the Great Jin Empire, countless martial artists perished in battle, fueling a deep-rooted animosity between the two sides.
If one were to criticize the Chu-Jiang Empire’s bureaucracy as corrupt, then one could commend the Cloudstride Sect’s governance in the past three decades as exemplary. They had not instigated any warfare in 30 years, which somewhat satisfied the people. Who would want to live in a perpetual state of war?
Of course, the majority of the Cloudstride Sect felt resentment and even hostility towards the Great Jin Empire, which aimed to conquer them.
“Across the vast Jiang Continent, apart from Grandmaster Yu and the Baijiang King, no other Grandmaster has managed to achieve the feat of killing another Grandmaster!”
“How rare is the fall of a Grandmaster?”
“I believe Grandmaster Shadow Blade is strong enough to place in the top 50 of the Land Rankings.”
“Or maybe even higher!” In the sixteen provinces of the Jiang Continent, countless martial artists engaged in fervent discussions about the event, with the members of the Cloudstride Sect displaying the most enthusiasm. Most of them had already embraced the idea that Shadow Blade was a member of their sect!