Chapter 105: This Kid Has an Uncanny Foresight! (Please Subscribe)

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In the end, Qin Yanqiu was never brought into this secret chamber as a bridal chamber.

Cheng Guang feigned a serious injury and, to maintain the ruse, had to rest in this secret chamber for a day before finding an opportunity to leave.

The wedding had been completed, and soon they would depart for the capital.

After returning to the capital, another wedding ceremony would be held; consummating the marriage then would not be too late.

Cheng Guang pondered this as, after Duke Cheng Shiyuan left, he sat cross-legged on the bed in the bedroom and examined the task he had just completed.

The reward for teaching Qin Gaozhi a lesson was a demon-transforming armor, a rare treasure on par with the Concealment Pearl.

The quality was quite fine.

Judging by the name, it seemed to be a piece of armor.

But what exactly did "demon-transforming" mean?

Could it be taken literally?

Cheng Guang mused but did not hesitate. With a slight mental command, he spoke to his mind: "Claim reward."

As the words fell, golden radiance began to shimmer before his eyes.

Streams of golden light flowed like silky water from the void, gradually revealing the form of a tall, imposing, and slightly fierce-looking armor.

The armor's surface was a dark red, seemingly forged from various demon bones and pelts, interwoven with mysterious metals, each plate engraved with complex runes.

Cheng Guang slowly reached out and touched the armor.

At his fingertips, the armor emitted a translucent flowing light, solidifying from its previously ethereal golden glow.

It settled solidly into Cheng Guang’s hands, bringing a cold, heavy sensation to his palm.

Simultaneously, a message appeared in his mind:

[Demon-Transforming Armor: Heavenly-grade rare treasure. This armor can record the appearance, bone structure, and aura of any demon race. The wearer can transform into the recorded demon’s form and inherit 30% of its strength.]

Hissing softly...

It could record any demon’s appearance, bones, and aura...

In other words, it could perfectly disguise oneself as a certain demon race.

Not only that, the armor allowed the wearer to inherit 30% of that demon’s power.

This was impressive.

The greatest risk when disguising as a demon was revealing flaws when acting, but this armor’s strength inheritance helped cover that.

Though 30% might not seem much, it depended on the demon’s level.

If it were a Demon Emperor, even 30% of their power would be formidable beneath the gods.

Cheng Guang clicked his tongue, genuinely impressed.

No wonder it was a heavenly-grade rare treasure.

Because it was a rare treasure, it required a master.

He dripped a drop of fresh blood onto the armor.

At once, the blood was absorbed.

Simultaneously, Cheng Guang felt he could now control the armor at will and fully understood its usage.

Currently, the armor had not recorded any demon race, so transformation was impossible.

To record a demon, one needed to extract the demon’s bloodline condensed into a demon pellet and fuse it into the armor.

Cheng Guang moved his mind and donned the armor.

He raised his arm and noticed a medium-sized groove in the palm of the armor, just the right size for a demon pellet.

Notably, the armor could only record one demon race at a time. Updating the recorded demon would replace the previous one.

To revert or change again required acquiring and absorbing a new demon pellet.

Lower-ranked demon pellets were easy to come by without much difference.

But for Demon Emperor-level pellets, swapping demons was a serious consideration.

This was a kind of fortunate dilemma.

Cheng Guang smiled wryly, unbothered; Demon Emperor pellets were not easily obtained.

If he acquired one, he would likely not replace it anytime soon unless finding a pellet from an even stronger demon.

Demon Emperors were the strongest forces among the demon races; no known stronger beings existed.

So, he need not worry about that yet.

That said, even a Demon Emperor’s pellet was hard to obtain.

At the royal festival earlier, the Emperor of Da Yan and Cheng Zhihai had jointly slain a White Tiger Demon Emperor.

In decades, only this one Demon Emperor had been killed within Da Yan’s borders.

To get a Demon Emperor’s pellet, Cheng Guang knew he would need to put in considerable effort.

If possible, he hoped to acquire the White Tiger Demon Emperor’s pellet from the Da Yan Emperor.

Though the hope was slim.

Ordinary demon pellets were plentiful in the Northern Defense City alone, accessible at will.

But higher-grade pellets above eighth rank were rarer.

Ninth-rank demon pellets were even more scarce.

So one could imagine how precious Demon Emperor pellets were.

Even if Cheng Guang wanted one, it was unlikely the Da Yan Emperor would part with the White Tiger Demon Emperor’s pellet.

“Not having a Demon Emperor pellet isn’t too bad. I’ll ask Duke Cheng if I can get one or two ninth-rank demon pellets. With a ninth-rank pellet, inheriting 30% strength might still give me the power of an eighth-rank martial king,” Cheng Guang muttered, retracting the demon armor.

The armor could fold into a steel bead the size of a jade orb, expanding to cover his body at a thought.

This was extremely convenient.

Otherwise, he would have to store it in a ring and wear it when needed, which was troublesome.

Saving steps was always better.

Cheng Guang made the steel bead into a bracelet pendant, wearing it on his wrist, then planned to cultivate for a while.

The secret chamber was sealed on all sides, lit only by several long-burning lamps providing faint light.

Cheng Guang could not see outside nor know the time.

He settled down to cultivate patiently.

Time passed unknowingly.

Suddenly, a familiar, emotionless, icy system voice sounded in his ears.

[Year 34 of the Saint Ascension Calendar, September 3rd. On the 63rd day of your Heavenly Being realm, you taught Qin Gaozhi a lesson. Through him, you learned that the internal chaos in the Great Yan Dynasty, the sudden withdrawal of troops from the border battlefield, and the subsequent demon siege of Northern Defense City were all orchestrated by a hidden mastermind.]

[At that time, despite being besieged, the high-ranking Northern Expedition generals, including Duke Cheng, did not face inevitable defeat. Persistence would have allowed them to hold out until the internal chaos ended and reinforcements arrived, forcing the demons to retreat.]

[However, on the day the Great Yan Dynasty quelled internal unrest, soldiers inside Northern Defense City opened the gates, allowing demons to enter.]

[Among those who opened the gates was Qin Gaozhi. When questioned why he left the city defenseless, risking death, Qin Gaozhi could not explain.]

[He vaguely recalled being heartbroken over Qin Yanqiu’s death, falling into a despair so deep he fell asleep and dreamed. Upon waking, he had already opened the gates.]

[Many soldiers shared this state, grieving Qin Yanqiu’s death, suffering mental decline.]

[From Qin Gaozhi’s words, the mastermind behind these events was formidable.]

[Qin Yanqiu’s death removed the uncontrollable factor of the secret realm. While it appeared accidental, it was likely a design.]

[Someone used Qin Yanqiu’s death to manipulate soldiers like Qin Gaozhi, weakened by grief, to control them invisibly.]

[They opened the city gates, letting demons into Northern Defense City.]

[You cannot fathom who could pull such strings under Duke Cheng’s watch.]

[Asking Qin Gaozhi yielded no answers. The mastermind who targeted Qin Yanqiu, manipulated Qin Gaozhi, and avoided Duke Cheng’s notice was likely a high-ranking Northern Expedition general.]

[You intend to uncover this general and give them a fitting lesson, but…]

[All high-ranking Northern Expedition generals, including Duke Cheng, died back then.]

[Thinking of this, you feel a chill: what sort of person would sacrifice everything to betray and kill all the Northern Expedition generals?]

[Your resolve is shaken, but you are determined to expose the traitor.]

[Three-star mission: Find the mole within the Northern Expedition Army.]

[Mission reward: General’s Talisman.]

After reading the system’s task message, Cheng Guang remained silent for a long while.

He realized that he had thought Qin Yanqiu’s death was merely an accident, never suspecting invisible hands driving it.

Qin Yanqiu died because of the secret realm, which appeared randomly. How could someone design to lure her there?

He recalled that in the Tukso Palace secret realm, aside from Qin Yanqiu and demons, almost no Northern Expedition soldiers appeared.

Besides those already thrown into the alchemical furnace by the Red-robed Taoist, the only possibility was that Qin Yanqiu alone was inadvertently trapped.

Tsk...

Cheng Guang clicked his tongue, feeling something was deeply wrong.

After all, Qin Yanqiu was the Valkyrie of the Northern Expedition, commanding thousands though not tens of thousands.

Out on a mission, only she was caught in the secret realm while others were safe.

Was this reasonable?

Obviously not.

If the mastermind could target Qin Yanqiu, why not her accompanying soldiers?

Likely, the mastermind intended to manipulate Qin Yanqiu’s soldiers.

Those closest to Qin Yanqiu, grieving her death, were easy to control.

Thus, the mastermind excluded most of her soldiers from being killed outright, preferring to control them mentally.

Cheng Guang’s thoughts soon gave him a headache.

Though complicated, he sorted through the clues.

Among the Northern Expedition generals, aside from Duke Cheng, only Qin Yanfeng — Qin Yanqiu’s father — was truly familiar with her.

Who could strike Qin Yanqiu without touching her soldiers and avoid Duke Cheng’s notice while controlling Qin Gaozhi and others?

Only Qin Yanfeng.

But...

Could it be?

Cheng Guang frowned, unable to believe it.

Who was Qin Yanfeng?

He had joined the Northern Expedition only decades ago but earned great merits, trusted by Duke Cheng, ranking among the highest generals.

Duke Cheng had agreed to Cheng Guang marrying Qin Yanqiu largely out of respect for Qin Yanfeng.

Qin Yanfeng was young and might become the second Heavenly Being among the Northern Expedition generals after Duke Cheng.

Such a man...

Even if he withdrew quietly, he would be highly respected and well taken care of.

Who would believe he was a traitor?

Moreover, if Qin Yanfeng truly was the mole, why would he betray his own daughter and all the generals?

What grudge could he have with the Northern Expedition to such an extent?

Cheng Guang could not understand.

From Qin Yanfeng’s past behavior, nothing seemed amiss.

His respect for Cheng Guang was genuine.

His love for Qin Yanqiu was genuine.

His hope that Qin Yanqiu would be happy in marriage was genuine.

If all this was fake...

Then Qin Yanfeng was truly terrifying.

Why go so far?

Cheng Guang had no answers.

At the same time, though puzzled, he had to stay vigilant.

The system task’s previous heir couldn’t identify the real mastermind, but Cheng Guang could.

Though he could not confirm yet, he must remain cautious.

He had already informed Duke Cheng of the impending chaos in the Great Yan Dynasty.

Duke Cheng may not have told all the generals, including Qin Yanfeng, but surely warned them to prepare.

Other generals would probably not think much of this order.

Yet the mole would realize Duke Cheng knew something.

What the mole would do next was unknown.

If the mole was truly Qin Yanfeng...

His plan was likely to first trap and kill Qin Yanqiu.

Then use the mentally weakened soldiers to silently control them, open the city gates, forcing the defenders to fight demons outside.

Finally, betray Duke Cheng and kill all the Northern Expedition’s top generals.

But now...

Because of Cheng Guang’s interference,

Qin Yanqiu lived,

Qin Gaozhi died.

What Qin Yanfeng would do next was uncertain.

Cheng Guang recalled Qin Gaozhi was an important pawn.

Though not powerful, as Qin Yanfeng’s adopted son, he had high status and command.

He was assigned as a hundred-man commander on the city walls, controlling the gates.

Perhaps Qin Yanfeng had arranged this.

Cheng Guang sighed deeply, eyes complicated.

If the mole were someone else, he might feel less troubled.

But if Qin Yanfeng was truly the mole, the trouble was immense.

He doubted Duke Cheng could accept this.

Even if Cheng Guang told Duke Cheng directly that Qin Yanfeng was a traitor, Duke Cheng, who doted on Cheng Guang, would not believe it, and might scold Cheng Guang for nonsense.

This was awkward.

Cheng Guang rubbed his forehead, unable to understand why Qin Yanfeng would do this.

His status was so high, his power nearly reaching Heavenly Being rank.

Why ruin his future and drag Duke Cheng and the Northern Expedition generals to death?

Though confused, Cheng Guang knew he must make decisions.

Duke Cheng must not die now; the Northern Expedition was crucial capital.

In future chaos, having the Northern Expedition might allow him to vie for power in this world.

Even if exposed, with or without Duke Cheng’s support, his own strength and resources would let him survive well.

With these thoughts, he sighed silently and closed his eyes to cultivate.

Time passed.

Two days later, Cheng Guang left the secret chamber.

Duke Cheng had found a reason, claiming it took half his life to heal Cheng Guang’s injuries.

Despite this, a lingering malaise remained.

Qin Yanfeng, for his son’s mistake, knelt in front of Duke Cheng’s mansion for a whole day, begging forgiveness.

Upon hearing this, Cheng Guang’s lips twitched oddly, eyes showing strange light.

If Qin Yanfeng was the mole, his acting was excellent.

Far better than Cheng Guang, a latecomer.

Though his true identity might be a traitor, his behavior showed no sign of it.

Perhaps it was Qin Yanfeng’s genuine character that earned Duke Cheng’s trust.

Until Qin Yanfeng revealed himself, Duke Cheng would never believe he would betray the army and seek Duke Cheng’s death.

Cheng Guang’s expression remained pale, feigning recent recovery.

His act was meant to soothe Qin Yanfeng.

Duke Cheng feared Qin Yanfeng’s adopted son might be harmed by Cheng Guang, so Qin Yanfeng cooperated.

But now...

Qin Yanfeng’s identity as the mole was almost certain.

So there was little difference whether Cheng Guang acted or not in front of him.

Still, before others, the act must continue.

At least the image of the gentle, noble heir must be preserved.

With his status, he would never do anything to harm Qin Yanfeng’s son deliberately.

Under careful servant escort, Cheng Guang returned to Duke Cheng’s mansion bedroom.

Only two days had passed.

The newlywed atmosphere had somewhat faded.

Besides the wedding feast ending quickly, the death of Qin Gaozhi and Cheng Guang’s near-fatal stabbing on the wedding day dampened spirits.

After all, being nearly assassinated by a general’s son on the wedding day was unsettling.

Many soldiers could not feel joy.

It also troubled Duke Cheng deeply.

Many soldiers were relieved Cheng Guang was unharmed; otherwise, Duke Cheng would not let it go easily.

Many would lose their lives.

Cheng Guang pondered as he entered the courtyard.

Just stepping in, he saw Qin Yanqiu quietly seated at an ancient table in the pavilion, polishing a gleaming long sword.

She wore silver moon armor, her face like the clear moon, breathtakingly beautiful, seeming like an immortal indifferent to worldly affairs, yet radiating deadly aura.

Qin Yanqiu’s expression was not sorrowful.

News of her nominal younger brother Qin Gaozhi’s death had likely reached her but stirred little emotion.

Whether by cold nature or concealment was unclear.

Cheng Guang glanced at Qin Yanqiu, then at Qing Luan behind her.

Qing Luan’s eyes were red, dabbing tears with an embroidered handkerchief.

“Why was the heir injured? I heard it was severe, and even Duke Cheng couldn’t fully heal him. I wonder how he is now.”

“I heard the assassin was the heir’s fiancée’s brother. Did you know why he tried to kill the heir?”

Qing Luan murmured anxiously.

Usually spirited, she now seemed like a timid lamb before Qin Yanqiu.

Worry for Cheng Guang brought tears, softening her demeanor.

Qin Yanqiu did not respond.

Her cold face shifted as she sighed.

“I don’t really know my brother. We didn’t spend much time together. How would I know his thoughts...”

Mid-sentence, her beautiful eyes lifted, sensing something outside the courtyard.

Her icy expression grew uneasy.

She did not know how Cheng Guang, the noble heir, regarded her.

On the wedding day, he left soon after sending her to the bridal chamber.

She thought he might be uninterested in her.

Still, she wanted to confirm, thinking he might be attending to other generals.

But as night fell, he had not returned.

Qin Yanqiu felt she understood Cheng Guang’s thoughts.

Just when she relaxed, she heard of Cheng Guang’s accident.

That was why he had no time for her.

Facing Cheng Guang again, she was uncertain of his intentions.

After hesitation, her brows softened, and on her cold face appeared a faint, unfamiliar smile.

She nodded slightly to Cheng Guang in greeting.

Though Cheng Guang did not care about her thoughts, he felt the need to explain.

He returned her smile and sat beside her gracefully.

Qing Luan noticed Cheng Guang’s return when Qin Yanqiu looked outside.

Though pale and slightly injured, Cheng Guang’s presence eased her worries.

If Qin Yanqiu were absent, Qing Luan would have cared for Cheng Guang more openly.

But with Qin Yanqiu there, she dared not breach etiquette, only giving concerned looks.

Cheng Guang caught her gaze, smiled faintly, and said, “I’m fine.”

Qing Luan was a bit flustered he spoke to her before Qin Yanqiu.

Cheng Guang laughed lightly, ignoring her anxiety, turning his gaze back to Qin Yanqiu.

“This wedding was delayed by some matters. Let’s postpone the bridal chamber until the capital ceremony.”

“If you can’t wait, tonight is fine too.”

Cheng Guang spoke plainly.

Qin Yanqiu was slightly taken aback but nodded.

“I thought you weren’t interested in the bridal chamber, or in me.”

“Whatever you think, I’ll follow.”

Cheng Guang was straightforward, expecting blushing but receiving none.

Qin Yanqiu’s response was direct, unlike most women’s coyness.

Like her character: preferring action over words.

Cheng Guang smiled, shook his head, saying nothing more.

They were still somewhat unfamiliar, and Qin Yanqiu was taciturn.

Idle, Cheng Guang chatted casually.

After a while, he left the courtyard to find Duke Cheng Shiyuan.

Because of Qin Yanfeng and impending chaos in Northern Defense City, Cheng Guang had little interest in romance.

He intended to subtly mention the mole in the Northern Expedition Army to Duke Cheng, seeing if the duke suspected anyone.

If he did, Cheng Guang could steer suspicions toward Qin Yanfeng, easing acceptance.

If not, Cheng Guang would watch Qin Yanfeng closely and proceed cautiously.

He also wanted to obtain a few ninth-rank demon pellets from Duke Cheng to utilize the demon armor.

Even if fighting broke out in Northern Defense City, danger would be inevitable.

Though Duke Cheng would protect him, having strength reassured him.

Relying solely on guards was not Cheng Guang’s style.

With these thoughts, he headed toward the great hall where Duke Cheng was.

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Unconsciously, Cheng Guang arrived at the great hall.

Entering, he saw Duke Cheng Shiyuan seated at a desk, wearing a plain robe.

Duke Cheng was flipping through documents, frowning occasionally, troubled by something.

He did not greet Cheng Guang immediately.

Cheng Guang was patient, seating himself quietly nearby, pouring tea, and waiting.

After a moment, Duke Cheng sighed, his aged but dignified eyes showing surprise before suppressing it.

He closed the documents and looked toward Cheng Guang, his frown easing.

“Grandson, you just left the secret chamber. Why not get some fresh air? Why come to me again?”

Cheng Guang smiled, “I came to see Grandfather about something.”

Duke Cheng smiled and shook his head.

“You always bring bad news to this old man.”

“The unrest you mentioned in the Great Yan Dynasty... I sent men to investigate. It seems you were right; things are unstable recently.”

“However, no sign yet of troop withdrawal from the border battlefield. It might happen but is uncertain.”

“I’ve ordered tight defenses nearby. If anything changes, we will respond immediately.”

His voice showed emotion; his eyes revealed shock.

He could not fathom how Cheng Guang obtained such intelligence.

Duke Cheng prided himself on good intelligence.

He could learn about major events through Cheng Zhihai and the Lantern Division.

Yet, thanks to Cheng Guang’s tip, he had men investigate and only then discovered the dynasty’s unrest.

Otherwise, he would not have known.

He marveled at his grandson’s capability.

Finding the Demon Emperor’s smuggling port, uncovering the missing crown prince, and now predicting unrest.

If not his grandson, he might dig into Cheng Guang’s secrets for the source of his insight.

Cheng Guang saw Duke Cheng’s admiration but said nothing.

He did not intend to explain how he got the information.

As Duke Cheng’s heir, he need not.

Even if Duke Cheng probed, he would find nothing.

The system was beyond Duke Cheng’s understanding, even as a Heavenly Being.

Cheng Guang smiled.

“Grandfather, don’t say I always bring bad news. There’s good news too.”

Duke Cheng glanced at him, sipping steaming tea.

“What good news?”

“Yanqiu is pregnant?”

Cheng Guang was slightly embarrassed.

“Not so soon.”

“We haven’t consummated yet. If she were pregnant, I’d doubt the child’s mine.”

Duke Cheng laughed heartily, then eyed Cheng Guang with concern.

“Why haven’t you consummated? Something on your mind?”

Cheng Guang thought Duke Cheng was a bit bothersome but not offended.

He shifted aside, avoiding Duke Cheng’s gaze.

“I plan to wait until this matter is settled and we return to the capital.”

“Things aren’t resolved yet.”

“Grandfather, something big is about to happen.”

Duke Cheng frowned, sensing Cheng Guang’s seriousness.

A big matter?

What could it be?

The dynasty’s unrest, troop withdrawal, demon siege — weren’t these enough?

He looked at Cheng Guang, waiting.

Cheng Guang did not hesitate.

“Grandfather, do you suspect a mole within Northern Defense City’s expedition army?”

“Spy?” Duke Cheng’s dignified face twitched, eyebrows raising, his graying beard trembling.

He was startled but waved dismissively.

“No, that’s impossible.”

“I built the Northern Expedition from scratch.”

“All soldiers are people I know well. No mole could exist.”

Cheng Guang felt helpless.

Duke Cheng refused to believe a mole existed.

Even so, saying Qin Yanfeng was a mole would be unbelievable to Duke Cheng.

That made things difficult.

Cheng Guang frowned, speechless.

Duke Cheng was curious why Cheng Guang said this and what the big matter was.

He asked casually, “Grandson, you think there’s a mole in our Northern Expedition? Is that the big matter?”

Under Duke Cheng’s gaze, Cheng Guang felt pressure but remained calm.

He nodded slightly.

“Yes, there is.”

“Grandfather, aren’t you curious why I targeted Qin Gaozhi so deliberately?”

Duke Cheng seemed to understand.

“Are you saying Qin Gaozhi is the mole?”

“He’s not worthy. Even if he were, he couldn’t cause much trouble.”

Cheng Guang inhaled deeply.

“Qin Gaozhi isn’t, but his backer is.”

“His backer?” Duke Cheng was stunned.

He was not dull and quickly grasped Cheng Guang’s meaning.

He frowned, gathering energy to seal the hall from outside.

With solemn eyes, he asked Cheng Guang:

“Are you saying your uncle Qin is the mole?”

Cheng Guang observed Duke Cheng’s expression.

He saw seriousness, not disbelief.

It seemed Duke Cheng could accept the news quickly.

That was strange to Cheng Guang.

Duke Cheng just looked at him, reading his thoughts from his eyes.

He smiled wryly and said:

“What do you take me for?”

“I don’t believe there’s a mole, but you’re my grandson. If you say so, I’ll lean toward your view.”

“As the future heir of the Duke’s household, you must have confidence.”

Cheng Guang relaxed and nodded.

“Uncle Qin is very likely.”

Duke Cheng asked, “Any proof?”

Cheng Guang’s face faltered, embarrassed.

He shook his head.

“No.”

Duke Cheng sighed.

“No proof? Even if I believe Qin is a mole, so what? I can’t just arrest and kill him.”

“The soldiers would think I’ve lost my mind.”

Cheng Guang said, “Just be vigilant and cautious.”

Duke Cheng nodded, thoughtfully sipping tea, dispersing the surrounding energy.

“Grandson, I understand. Don’t spread this. I’ll investigate myself.”

“Your uncle Qin has followed me for over twenty years.”

“His time is neither short nor long. He has great merits. If he’s a mole, I don’t know why.”

“Go on now.”

Duke Cheng likely felt overwhelmed with mounting problems and had no time for idle talk.

Cheng Guang saluted and prepared to leave.

Just then, a soldier burst in, bowing loudly:

“My lord! Trouble!”

“The Great Yan Dynasty has withdrawn troops from the border battlefield!”

“Many demons have flooded into the Great Yan borders, and a large horde is heading toward Northern Defense City!”

The news struck like thunder.

Duke Cheng’s breath caught; the tea at his lips went untouched.

He set the cup down, eyes wide with shock, looking at Cheng Guang.

“My grandson is truly prophetic!”

“The Great Yan Dynasty really withdrew troops!”

Duke Cheng’s heart surged wildly.

He had not yet confirmed the withdrawal, and now it had already happened!

Unbelievable!

...

(End of chapter)

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