Chapter 110: What Kind of Sane Person Sleeps in Armor?

Qin Beifeng could not fathom why the words "a member of the Great Chu imperial family" had come out of Cheng Guang’s mouth.

Even more, he could not comprehend how Cheng Guang knew that there were other shadows lurking behind him.

Bewilderment, shock, and astonishment.

All these emotions surged into Qin Beifeng’s heart at this moment.

Qin Beifeng parted his lips slightly, looking at Cheng Guang, wanting to say something, but finding himself unable to utter a single word.

After a long silence, he finally spoke slowly again: "I do not understand what the Heir is talking about."

Qin Beifeng immediately attempted to bluff his way through.

In his view, the Great Chu had fallen many years ago, and for so long, there had been little news of any remnants of the Great Chu. Cheng Guang was likely just making a guess.

Therefore, after the brief shock, Qin Beifeng suppressed all the complex emotions in his heart.

Seeing this reaction, Cheng Guang was not surprised. If Qin Beifeng had admitted on the spot that there were others behind him and that those people included members of the Great Chu imperial family, that would have been truly bizarre.

Cheng Guang smiled without probing further. Instead, he asked with curiosity, "Uncle Qin, since you were one of the hundred generals of the Great Chu, I wonder if you ever saw the Emperor and Empress of the Great Chu?"

Hearing this question, Qin Beifeng’s eyes lifted slightly to look at Cheng Guang. Even he could not discern Cheng Guang’s true purpose now.

However, because of Cheng Guang’s earlier remarks, Qin Beifeng felt a slight sense of vigilance.

"How could the Emperor and Empress be so easily seen? Facing the Emperor, we hundred generals dared not look up directly; we only saw the Emperor’s face in portraits."

"As for the Empress, she rarely appeared in public, and there are pitifully few portraits of her. I only heard that she was the greatest beauty of the Great Chu. Most people in the world are like this—hearing of the name but never seeing the person."

Listening to this, a strange feeling arose in Cheng Guang’s heart.

He had always found it strange.

His appearance inherited all the advantages of both the Great Chu Emperor and Empress. A discerning person, upon close inspection, should be able to see the resemblance to the former monarchs.

Yet, all these days, almost no one had recognized it, nor had anyone linked his appearance to the former Great Chu Emperor.

Later, Cheng Guang discovered that his resemblance to the Great Chu Emperor was not particularly strong, but he looked extremely similar to the Great Chu Empress.

Even so, it was still strange that no one had suspected his identity.

Even Qin Beifeng, a former general of the Great Chu, had not noticed anything unusual about his features, let alone connected him to the imperial family.

It was quite absurd.

Only now did Cheng Guang realize that it was because the Empress of the Great Chu rarely appeared in public and there were very few portraits of her.

Even though he resembled her, few could discern it, and naturally, no one would link him to the Great Chu Emperor.

Cheng Guang sighed. While he felt a sense of relief, he also felt a bit of disappointment.

The relief came from the fact that because the Empress rarely appeared, few people knew her face, so his appearance had not brought him trouble.

The disappointment was that trying to use Qin Beifeng to find the remnants of the Great Chu would require some effort.

Qin Beifeng would not easily agree to help him find them. Perhaps he could only try to strike a deal.

Contemplating this, Cheng Guang said to Qin Beifeng, "Uncle Qin, I can save you, but I have only one condition: you must take me to see the person behind you."

When Cheng Guang said this, Qin Beifeng’s expression shifted slightly. He immediately wanted to shake his head and refuse, but he remembered he had just claimed not to know what Cheng Guang was talking about, so he forced himself to stop, his expression returning to normal.

Qin Beifeng wore a bitter look. "The Heir is joking. How could I have anyone behind me?"

"There is no need for the Heir to save me."

Cheng Guang was not surprised by this reaction, merely smiling again: "Uncle Qin, you may not value your own life, but there are always others who do."

"Tell me, if I release news that you are to be executed in a few days, do you think the person behind you will come to save you upon hearing the news?"

"At that time, perhaps we can stage a play of 'luring the guest into the urn'..."

Before Cheng Guang finished, Qin Beifeng’s composed expression crumbled. He looked in disbelief at the smiling, noble Heir of the Duke of Zhenguo.

Clearly, he had not expected Cheng Guang to be so shameless.

Cheng Guang’s confident demeanor suggested he was certain that someone was behind him.

How could this Heir to the Duke of Zhenguo know this?

Qin Beifeng did not understand, nor could he fathom it, and a sense of powerlessness washed over him.

If Cheng Guang truly released the news of his execution, that person, upon hearing it, would surely come to save him regardless of the risks.

If that person’s identity were exposed, the other imperial families of the world would not sit idly by.

Back then, they had united to destroy the roots of the Great Chu; today, they would not leave behind even a shred of hope.

Qin Beifeng’s expression became incredibly complex and conflicted. The gaze he leveled at Cheng Guang was filled with coldness and anger.

Cheng Guang’s threat made it seem as if he held all the winning cards, completely unconcerned that Qin Beifeng might ignore the matter.

Finally, Qin Beifeng could no longer keep up the act. His psychological defenses were completely shattered by Cheng Guang. Gritting his teeth, he asked, "Heir, what exactly are you trying to do?"

"I am the one who acted, and I will bear the consequences. Whether or not there is someone behind me, doing this is meaningless."

With a faint smile, Cheng Guang replied, "How could it be meaningless?"

He spoke with deep meaning, paused slightly, and then strolled over to Qin Beifeng, staring into his slightly reddened eyes.

"Don't worry, Uncle Qin. I just want to meet the person behind you; I have no other intentions."

Hearing this, Qin Beifeng did not believe him.

Although he did not know how Cheng Guang had learned of the existence of others behind him, nor how he knew those people were from the Great Chu imperial family, he knew that Cheng Guang would not come to see him without a reason.

On the surface, the condition for saving him was merely to see the person behind him...

Was it necessary?

What would happen if they met? What if they didn't?

Did he want to uproot those people entirely?

Thinking of this, Qin Beifeng felt a chill run down his spine. He dared not say more to Cheng Guang and simply closed his eyes.

He had decided to play dead. He was gambling—gambling that this noble Heir would not be so shameless, and gambling that his master would not come to save him.

Cheng Guang did not care. He had long anticipated that it would not be easy to reach the Great Chu remnants through Qin Beifeng.

He chuckled, turned to leave, and paused near the prison door. "Uncle Qin, I recently received news that remnants of the Great Chu have been spotted in Tianhuo City, the capital of the Great Yan Dynasty."

"Many imperial families have already begun to move, preparing to encircle and suppress these remnants."

"I was thinking, perhaps you know them."

"It’s a pity. If even you, a former general of the Great Chu, don't recognize them, then these remnants must be impostors."

Having said this, Cheng Guang turned to leave the military prison.

At this moment, behind him, Qin Beifeng, who had been keeping his eyes tightly shut, suddenly opened them. His bloodshot eyes stared fixedly at Cheng Guang.

His eyes were wide with disbelief!

This was impossible!

That person’s tracks had always been perfectly concealed; how could they be exposed?

Also...

How did Cheng Guang, the Heir of the Duke of Zhenguo, know that his master was in Tianhuo City?

If his master’s whereabouts were truly exposed, then it would be a dire situation!

"Wait!"

Just as Cheng Guang was about to leave the prison, Qin Beifeng hurriedly called out to him.

Cheng Guang paused, turned his body, and fixed his gaze on Qin Beifeng.

Qin Beifeng’s eyes were filled with conflict and struggle. He finally gritted his teeth and said, "Heir, are you speaking the truth? If you save me, is your only purpose to meet the person behind me?"

Seeing this, a smile tugged at the corners of Cheng Guang’s mouth.

His previous words were naturally not true; they were merely intended to provoke Qin Beifeng.

Although such a thing might happen in the future, at this moment, the remnants' tracks had not been exposed, and the other imperial families had no reason to act.

Qin Beifeng might have suspected that Cheng Guang was lying, but he dared not gamble.

Because every word Cheng Guang spoke was filled with such confidence, with no hint of falsehood.

If his master’s location were truly exposed, his situation would be extremely dangerous. If he were to die just like that, the consequences would be unimaginable.

Cheng Guang nodded slightly and sighed, "Uncle Qin, if I wanted to do something to the person behind you, why would I bother coming to see you?"

"You are a smart man, Uncle Qin; surely you can understand this simple logic."

Qin Beifeng nodded slightly, his expression bitter. "The Heir speaks correctly."

"However, I hope the Heir can agree to one condition."

Cheng Guang clicked his tongue. "You certainly have many conditions."

Qin Beifeng remained silent.

Finding the man’s behavior dull, Cheng Guang said helplessly, "Speak."

Qin Beifeng said, "I hope that when the Heir goes to see my master, you will not bring anyone else. It would be best if you go alone."

Cheng Guang wanted to laugh. "Are you trying to drive away my guards so you can stab me in the back?"

Qin Beifeng felt a bit awkward. He had been thinking of assassinating Cheng Guang just moments ago, and now he was asking him to come alone. Even Qin Beifeng found it hard to justify.

But there was no other way.

His master was far too important; there could not be a single accident.

If Cheng Guang had not told him that his master’s location was exposed, he would have been willing to die without a struggle.

"Heir, please trust me. I will not lay a hand on you."

"Besides, the Heir must know that I cannot hurt you anyway."

Qin Beifeng hesitated and spoke again.

He was right. Unless he suddenly ascended to the Heaven-Man Realm, he had no means to harm Cheng Guang while he was in his "Iron Shell Turtle" state.

Cheng Guang looked at Qin Beifeng for a moment, nodded, and turned to leave, waving his hand behind him.

"Very well, Uncle Qin. Get some rest."

Cheng Guang walked out of the prison.

Qin Beifeng looked at his retreating back, feeling completely bewildered.

Wait.

Heir, what is this "Very well"?

Did you agree, or did you not?

Qin Beifeng felt a strange sense of distress, watching Cheng Guang leave with a mournful gaze.

Once Cheng Guang’s figure vanished from his sight, Qin Beifeng lowered his eyes to the cold, bluestone floor of the prison, his pupils flickering with an unreadable light, his thoughts drifting far away.

...

Cheng Guang did not intend to fully agree to Qin Beifeng; he would still bring guards.

If not guards in plain sight, then he would bring them in the shadows.

He could not afford to drop his guard against Qin Beifeng. Maintaining high vigilance was the respect due to an old schemer like him.

Cheng Guang left the prison, returned to the Duke’s mansion, and sought out the Duke of Zhenguo.

...

The Duke of Zhenguo was currently drinking tea in the hall.

While reviewing intelligence sent by his subordinates, he was quietly recuperating.

After the battle against two Demon Emperors and countless Demon Kings and monsters, although he had successfully forced them back, he had sustained hidden injuries that could not be healed overnight.

Duke Cheng Shiyuan noticed the door being pushed open and lifted his gaze, his aged and majestic eyes falling upon Cheng Guang.

"Grandson, why have you come? Sit."

Cheng Shiyuan gestured for him to sit. At the same time, he felt a bit puzzled. Why was his grandson looking for him again?

He had realized that Cheng Guang never came without a reason; every time he did, either something major happened, or some accident occurred.

There was never good news. Thus, facing Cheng Guang, he couldn't help but feel a sense of tension.

Cheng Guang ignored the tension and sat down. "Grandfather, I’ve come because of Qin Beifeng."

The Duke let out a soft "Oh," secretly relieved. At least it wasn't a major crisis.

He looked at Cheng Guang with a smile. "So, do you want to plead for him?"

Cheng Guang nodded slightly, then shook his head. "Not exactly. Qin Beifeng still has utility; it would be a pity if he died so easily."

The Duke was stunned, then laughed, clearly not expecting this response.

If Cheng Guang had truly pleaded for him, he would have been disappointed, regardless of what he said aloud. A commander or a ruler should not be swayed by unnecessary emotion and pity, as it could lead to grave disasters.

The Duke had assumed Cheng Guang was pleading for him, but this reason—that he still had value—was acceptable.

He looked at his grandson with a hint of appreciation. He also felt that Qin Beifeng’s talent was too high to waste, but since Qin Beifeng had betrayed the Northern Expedition Army, he had been determined to execute him.

However, hearing that there was still use for him, he sighed. "Grandson, while he has value, the harm he brings outweighs the benefits. The army can no longer tolerate him."

Seeing Cheng Guang’s calm expression, the Duke felt a sense of curiosity.

"Grandfather, the value I speak of is not just his strength," Cheng Guang explained. "His betrayal is merely a move in a game; there are others behind him. I want to use him to find the mastermind."

The Duke’s eyes flashed with surprise. "Others exist behind him? Only a few people could command him. Could it be..."

He stared fixedly at Cheng Guang. "Have you found something? Is the person behind him a remnant of the Great Chu imperial family?"

Cheng Guang shook his head. "Not certain yet, which is why I want to use him to investigate. If we find them, we can eliminate the hidden dangers to the army once and for all."

The Duke agreed after a moment’s thought. "Since you say so, then proceed. Just make sure you do not get hurt."

Having achieved his goal, Cheng Guang left to retrieve Qin Beifeng.

As he rose to leave, the Duke suddenly thought of something and set down his teacup. "Grandson, this marriage was a poor choice on my part. Now that this has happened, if he were to become our relative, the world would laugh at us."

"When we return to the capital, let your parents choose a new match for you. I will not interfere this time. As for Yanqiu..." The Duke paused, his expression complex. "Since you are already married, treat her well. If she cannot be the principal wife, a concubine will suffice."

Cheng Guang nodded. "Understood, Grandfather."

...

After leaving the mansion, Cheng Guang went to the prison. He had not expected to persuade the Duke so easily.

Perhaps the Duke himself had been hesitant. Despite the betrayal, Qin Beifeng had served faithfully for years, and the Duke found it hard to discard those years of sentiment. Cheng Guang had provided him with the perfect excuse to spare him—he was still useful.

Cheng Guang brought Qin Beifeng out, had him cleaned up, and brought him back to the mansion.

Qin Beifeng’s footsteps were unsteady. His freedom was temporary, and his cultivation remained sealed.

Walking to the gates of the mansion, Qin Beifeng felt complex emotions. He had arrived as a respected general, but now he was a traitor.

He could feel the hateful gazes of the soldiers they passed. Had it not been for the Heir walking beside him, he would likely have been spat upon.

"Uncle Qin, don't daydream," Cheng Guang said. "Qin Yanqiu has been worried about you. Since you're out, you can see her."

Hearing the name Qin Yanqiu, Qin Beifeng trembled. He had sent his daughter to the Duke’s side from a young age and married her to the Heir just to gain trust. He had even been willing to use her death to manipulate soldiers into opening the city gates.

For the Great Chu and his master, he had deemed any sacrifice worthwhile. But Qin Yanqiu knew nothing of this, and yet she had suffered so much.

Now, he could not face her.

They reached the courtyard. Qin Yanqiu was sitting in a pavilion, looking into the distance with vacant, tear-filled eyes.

Seeing this, Qin Beifeng sighed again.

Cheng Guang coughed lightly. Qin Yanqiu turned and immediately tried to wipe away her tears, not wanting the Heir to see her vulnerability. She was paler than the day before, her silver hair shining in contrast to her delicate, porcelain-like face.

Cheng Guang turned to Qin Beifeng, only to see the man acting with a strange, shy hesitation, hiding behind him.

Cheng Guang stepped aside, revealing Qin Beifeng.

Qin Yanqiu’s eyes widened,