Chapter 84: One Misstep, and Every Step Thereafter Goes Astray! (Please subscribe)
That night, the evening wind swept in masses of clouds and mist.
Upon the canal.
Night blanketed the world, a vast darkness enveloped everything. The moon revealed half its face from behind the clouds, casting mottled silver across the water. Beneath the cover of night, the canal’s surface shimmered like black silk adorned with scattered starlight, flowing in tranquil silence.
On both banks, ancient trees soared, lush and dense. In the darkness, their full outlines blurred, resembling twisted, monstrous specters crawling and struggling in the shadows.
Upon the canal, fishing boats, passenger vessels, merchant ships—each alight with lanterns—floated serenely. Onboard, people chatted, sang, or drank alone, savoring the peace and beauty of the night.
A gentle river breeze drifted by, carrying the faint scents of water and earth, brushing against faces with refreshing coolness.
Suddenly, the distant clatter of hooves broke the tranquility.
A troop of Lantern Bureau constables, riding swift horses, raced along the canal. Clad in black brocade uniforms, their faces stern, weapons glinting coldly in the moonlight, they sped onward as if summoned by grave circumstances.
“Are those the Lantern Bureau men?”
“It’s rare to see so many constables gathered together. What brings them to the canal?”
“I don’t know! Judging by their urgency, something serious must have happened.”
“Wait—look, there are people floating in the sky!”
“Hiss! That one looks like the Emperor, and beside him, Lantern Bureau’s Cheng Zhihai!”
“It’s more than that. There are others following, looks like the court officials…”
“They’ve actually come as well…”
The sudden appearance of these figures shattered the canal’s serenity, filling the air with tension.
The boatfolk hurriedly hid themselves, not daring to utter a sound.
They were but ordinary canal fishermen, unaccustomed to such shocks. The arrival of a single Lantern Bureau constable was enough to frighten them half to death; now nearly the entire Lantern Bureau of the capital was mobilized, with even the Emperor present.
Who could possibly merit such commotion from both the Lantern Bureau and the Emperor of Great Zhou?
The fishermen couldn’t fathom it, each cowering, urging their ferries away from the troubled waters.
Upon the canal, the Emperor of Great Zhou and Cheng Zhihai stood atop the surface, feet planted on the pitch-black water, gazing intently below.
“Is this the place?” The Emperor’s authoritative gaze fixed upon the water, yet even he could not penetrate its shadowy depths to observe what monsters lay hidden beneath.
Cheng Zhihai nodded, unhesitating. “It should be.”
Yet, he too could not see through the canal’s depths. He had crossed this stretch many times, never noticing anything unusual. If not for Cheng Guang’s warning, he would never have suspected that the demon clan’s smuggling point was concealed so close to the capital.
The Emperor spoke no further. Nodding, he unleashed the power unique to the Heaven-Realm—his vast spiritual force surged forth like the ocean.
As if swept by a storm, the black waters began to churn, tossing up waves and breaking the canal’s calm.
The probe lasted barely a breath before the Emperor’s previously casual expression grew grave.
With a soft “Hmm,” he stared beneath the canal. “It’s truly hidden here. Such concealment isn’t mere restriction—Zhihai, you were right. A demon emperor is involved…”
The Emperor’s gaze swept the river, addressing Cheng Zhihai, then suddenly reached out his hand, which shimmered with strange light as if grasping something, and clenched it tightly.
Crack—crack—
In the silent night, the sound of shattering glass abruptly rang out.
The breaking echoed like a line of falling dominoes, intensifying, multiplying, growing louder.
Until—
Boom!
A pillar of blood-red, monstrous light shot up from beneath the canal!
Suddenly, the waters surged violently, waves crashing and roaring. The once tranquil surface became wild and turbulent, the river writhing like a giant dragon, crashing against the banks, roaring deafeningly.
Spray soared through the air, colliding, the river rolling in wave after wave, as though intent on swallowing the world whole.
Boats, now some distance away, rocked helplessly, like toy vessels caught in the storm, threatened by the raging torrent.
Wind howled, dancing with the waves across the water.
The shockwave spread outward, so powerful that many Lantern Bureau constables on the banks struggled to remain upright, swaying, nearly falling.
Meanwhile, beneath the canal, terrified, inhuman roars erupted.
Dense, tangible demon aura surged out as the blood-red light exploded.
Many constables felt the suffocating, substantial demon energy and their faces paled.
“How many demons are hidden beneath this canal?!”
“So many demons, concealed all this time—how did we miss it?”
“Hiss… Their purpose—what is it?”
“If we hadn’t discovered them, who knows what disaster might have unfolded…”
Constables stood on the canal’s edge, faces white with fear, discussing anxiously.
At the same time—
The eruption of demonic energy drew the gaze of many powerful figures in the capital. Each cast their attention toward the canal, equally shaken.
“There were rumors of demon smuggling, but this—this isn’t smuggling, it’s migration!”
“There was a fox demon in the city, thought an accident, but now so many demons hidden so close, just outside the capital.”
“Thankfully, we discovered it early; otherwise, who knows what consequences might have ensued.”
The capital was abuzz, thrown into chaos by the surge of demon energy.
Meanwhile, in the Duke’s Mansion, Cheng Guang—the unwitting instigator—slept soundly, oblivious to the events outside.
…
Beneath the wide canal, amidst the surging black waters—
Suddenly, rays of silver light spilled from the river, and countless tall, green-skinned men emerged. Their bodies radiated powerful energy, eyes gleaming fiercely, swords in hand shining coldly.
Their gaze locked onto the Emperor of Great Zhou above.
Before the Emperor’s overwhelming aura, Cheng Zhihai, Qian Siyuan, and the Lantern Bureau’s leaders were instinctively overlooked—not from a lack of intimidation, but because the Emperor’s presence was so potent that they couldn’t look away.
Meanwhile, below the surface, many eyes glowed with demonic light, countless demons lurking, each of considerable cultivation.
The Emperor’s gaze swept over them, his brows furrowing in dissatisfaction.
Just as he was about to speak, applause echoed from below.
The waters parted like silk.
Figures stepped forth from beneath the surface.
The foremost, a man in coarse white robes, strikingly handsome with an uncanny beauty, every gesture laced with seductive charm.
Smiling, he addressed the Emperor.
“Impressive, impressive—worthy indeed of the Emperor of Great Zhou. To discover us, I wonder how you did it?”
“My arrangements should have been flawless.”
He stepped forward, his aura held in check, smiling calmly at the Emperor with no sign of fear.
The Emperor stared at him, his tense brows relaxing slightly, speaking coldly:
“Qingqiu Fox Clan? A mere demon emperor of Qingqiu, and you dare enter Great Zhou? Had you escaped, I’d have cause for concern.”
He waved Cheng Zhihai and others aside, stepping toward the white-robed man.
The man’s smile did not fade, even as he faced the Emperor’s formidable aura, he retreated a step.
“Emperor, don’t be so hasty. We bear no malice.”
As he spoke, his eyes shone with strange light, attempting to ensnare the Emperor.
The Emperor ignored him, forming seals, every movement seemingly able to draw upon the power of heaven and earth. His powerful spirit manifested behind him like a celestial general, bearing down upon the white-robed man.
Though the Emperor knew not what reliance or purpose this fox demon emperor possessed to dare come alone, he sensed unease in the aura emanating from him.
Even as one of the Heaven-Realm himself, the Emperor felt uneasy before the demon emperor; letting him remain concealed beneath the canal would surely spell calamity.
His gaze chilled, murderous intent rising.
The fox demon’s eyes flashed with surprise.
He was astonished not only by the Emperor’s discovery of their hiding place, but by the Emperor’s cultivation.
He felt the killing intent and the overwhelming aura that made him almost bow in awe.
Once a royal attained the Heaven-Realm, they were incomparable to ordinary cultivators.
Though a demon emperor, he had entered this supreme realm centuries before the young Emperor, yet might not match him.
He resisted, but the Emperor’s spirit manifestation pressed down, its power both heaven-shaking and pure.
The Emperor’s spiritual force gathered, never dissipating, concentrated like a spearpoint, attacking directly, the surroundings unperturbed, not even rippling the river below.
Such pure and concentrated spirit, every action could draw upon the power of gods and earth.
This was the Heaven-Realm of the Great Zhou royal family’s spiritual path.
To fight the Emperor would yield no advantage, and he might even fall, unable to return safely to the Eight Demon Domains.
A single misstep would cost him dearly.
His thoughts raced like thunder, already contemplating retreat.
He waved his hand, and a crescent jade disk spun before him, its light enveloping him like tassels.
The Emperor’s spiritual attack struck the shield but slid off as if upon something slick and unyielding.
In a flash, the Emperor’s expression remained unchanged, pointing forward.
A golden spark shot from his fingertip.
It was a tiny gleam, like a grain of gold drifting away.
The divine manifestation appeared, enormous as a mountain, radiating intense light, faces deep and unapproachable, imbued with majesty and sanctity.
He formed seals, energy surging, powerful currents erupting from within like a torrent.
Divine rays burst forth, dazzling as falling stars.
The white-robed man’s face changed drastically.
This path of spirit, this divine might—enough to slay gods, annihilate immortals!
The Emperor played no games, unleashing his killing moves at once!
Desperately, the fox demon employed all his power, forming a black blade, but at the first clash, with a chilling crack, both his blade and arm shattered into bloody fragments.
His composure vanished, sweat pouring.
The Qingqiu Fox Clan was never suited to combat; he’d hoped for an even match, but never anticipated the Emperor’s strength.
“The royal bloodline of the Four Realms is indeed extraordinary.”
…
The white-robed man took a deep breath—not visibly healing his shattered arm, but stemming the bleeding and closing the wound swiftly.
His strength was considerable; he could battle ordinary Heaven-Realm fighters, but against the Emperor, he was utterly outmatched.
The royal bloodline of the Four Realms—
Those who attained Heaven-Realm through the spiritual path were not just formidable—they were exceptional.
“Emperor, shall we let matters rest here?” he asked softly, restoring his robe, smiling at the Emperor standing afar, majestic as a god.
“Though I stepped into Zhou, I’ve caused no harm. You’ve lost nothing; let us each go our way.”
The Emperor’s face betrayed no emotion beneath the gentle light.
“End it yourself. You trespassed in Zhou—this cannot be overlooked. As a demon emperor, I permit you to die here by your own hand. If I must do it, you will be utterly destroyed.”
Hearing this, the fox demon’s lips twitched, retreating step by step.
His composure was gone, cursing inwardly.
He truly did not know how the Emperor had discovered him.
Their plan had been flawless; even the Emperor shouldn’t have noticed so quickly.
The demons hidden in the canal were strictly controlled—except when some were sent out to assassinate the Duke’s heir and distract Cheng Zhihai, they never left their concealed wards.
It should have been impossible to detect.
He could not understand!
Suddenly, he wondered: had a human betrayed their whereabouts?
No—
It couldn’t be; that human had been at odds with the Emperor even before colluding with the demons.
He would not betray them.
Then how had the Emperor discovered them so precisely?
The fox demon prided himself on intelligence, more astute than most of his kind, yet now his mind failed him.
He simply could not comprehend how they had been discovered.
As the Emperor pressed him relentlessly, he felt no panic, only irritation. He drew a jade disk from his sleeve, which spun rapidly, releasing myriad lights.
In moments, he and the demons behind him were enveloped, their forms blurring.
The Emperor merely raised an amused eyebrow. “The Great Shift artifact? Few treasures can break through realms. Looks like you’ve accumulated quite the trove in your centuries.”
He pointed again, golden sparks flashing at his fingertip.
“Emperor, we’ll meet again. But must you attack as I depart—isn’t that excessive?”
The fox demon’s face paled. Though long anticipated, he could not prevent it.
The Emperor’s strength exceeded expectation.
Had he ambushed the Emperor before he was prepared, perhaps he could have wounded him, but now, with both sides arrayed, he felt powerless.
The green light shield flared, resisting the Emperor’s attack with all its strength.
Now he could only protect himself and those closest; the others were beyond his reach.
Facing the Emperor was hard enough—surrounded by Lantern Bureau constables and Cheng Zhihai, his scalp tingled.
One misstep, every plan unraveled.
They had hidden perfectly, only to be exposed and forced into the light, unable to match the Emperor’s home advantage.
Escaping to the Eight Demon Domains was the best outcome.
Being mocked by other demon emperors was a lesser concern.
His usually calm features now darkened with hate.
“Who revealed our whereabouts? Who?!”
“Find them! Find them, skin them, break their bones!”
He thought this as a roaring surged in his ears.
The Emperor’s divine suppression was upon him.
The overwhelming destructive power swept forward.
“Shuxuan, come to me,” the fox demon pulled a stunned, bewildered woman close, shielding her.
Radiant light blossomed, waves of destruction rippling outward.
The canal surface erupted with waves.
As the white light faded—
The Emperor lowered his hand, surveying the surroundings.
Many demons’ shifts were interrupted, falling from the air like dumplings.
The white-robed man and several demons vanished, evidently retreating to their domain.
The Emperor frowned, fist tightening, then relaxing.
The fox demon had posed considerable threat; had it been another demon emperor, he might not have managed so easily.
Though the demon emperor escaped, disaster was averted.
“The Great Shift artifact… Next time you enter Zhou, I’ll see how many such treasures you possess…”
His expression cold, he brushed his robe, walking toward the palace.
“Zhihai, the remaining demons are yours. Interrogate them thoroughly—see if you can find the whereabouts of the Prince of Remembrance.”
“Colluding with demons—the Prince of Remembrance is truly ruined.”
His words echoed in Cheng Zhihai’s ears.
With that, the Emperor’s figure vanished.
Cheng Zhihai looked at the terrified demons floating in the canal, his face grim with murderous intent.
“Keep any demon above sixth rank for interrogation; slaughter the rest.”
Along the canal, Lantern Bureau constables responded in unison.
They had long waited for this moment.
At Cheng Zhihai’s command, they stepped onto the canal, fighting the demons atop the water.
Vital energy surged, fierce and sharp, as if to tear the demons apart.
The battle raged on.
Even far in the capital, one could glimpse flashes of intense energy from the canal, the frequency and magnitude evident even without approaching.
The next morning, at dawn, mist and rosy clouds lingered over the canal.
The sun rose, illuminating the once shadowed waters.
Golden rays danced upon the river.
Yet a heavy scent of blood hung over the canal, bodies and severed limbs of demons drifting, staining the waters crimson.
But under the sunlight, the bloody, somber canal turned warm and peaceful.
The Lantern Bureau constables, after a night of fighting, were not fatigued; rather, spirits soared.
Why?
Simply put—these demons were all merit!
Ordinarily, gaining merit meant solving cases and gathering intelligence—a laborious process. But in such battles, slaying or capturing a demon counted as merit. The tasks differed in difficulty, but all were straightforward and swift.
Many constables accumulated as much merit in one night as in half a year, and though wounded, they were jubilant.
After tidying up, they escorted valuable prisoners to the capital.
Along the way, their parade of demons drew crowds of onlookers, and upon entering the city, many who had watched the canal battle since last night were already at the gates, waiting for the constables’ return.
Under the gaze of the populace, the constables held their heads high, chests out—rare moments of public glory.
As the constables escorted the demons, a luxurious jade carriage rolled toward them from the opposite street, meeting them head-on.
Many noticed the approaching carriage and their expressions changed.
“That’s… the Princess of Southern Ming’s carriage?”
“Why is she out? She rarely leaves her residence…”
“Perhaps she’s curious, wanting to see the Lantern Bureau’s commotion.”
“Clear the way, don’t block her path.”
The crowd hurriedly made way.
At the head of the Lantern Bureau’s procession, Qian Siyuan noticed the approaching carriage and, though they met directly, did not yield.
Qian Siyuan’s brows furrowed; he could not guess why the usually discreet Princess of Southern Ming would suddenly appear, blocking their path.
“Does Her Highness require something?” Qian Siyuan called.
“No great matter. Last night, seeing the commotion on the canal, I grew curious and came to see.”
“How did you discover so many demons hidden in the canal? I’ve passed through that stretch before, and now, thinking back, am truly alarmed.”
The autumn wind was bleak, the weather cold, grass and trees withering under frost.
The jade carriage drew near, beaded curtains lifted by a delicate hand, a pleasant voice reaching Qian Siyuan’s ears, leaving him momentarily at a loss.
By rights, he should answer her questions.
Yet, as a Lantern Bureau member, such matters were confidential.
Not answering would be disrespectful; answering was inappropriate.
His face grew somber, shadowed like frost upon grass.
“It was our young lord who discovered it, but as to how, I do not know,” he replied ambiguously.
The Princess waited briefly, hoping for a more detailed explanation, but seeing Qian Siyuan tight-lipped, she lowered her hand, disinterested. "It seems Lord Qian does not wish to attend to a mere woman. Very well."
With that, she had her bearers move on, clearing the way.
Qian Siyuan breathed easier, nodded respectfully, and led the constables onward.
The Prince of Southern Ming was the Emperor’s younger brother, unambitious, content to be a leisurely prince, thus earning the Emperor’s trust and affection.
...
His status was high, and so his Princess was no ordinary figure. Though her origins were unknown, her beauty was renowned, a hidden jewel in the capital.
For reasons unknown, she had not returned to the Prince’s fief since arriving in the capital, and now, she even inquired about Lantern Bureau affairs.
Though her questions seemed casual, Qian Siyuan sensed something deeper behind her sudden appearance, but could not discern what.
He pondered, but found no answer, so he set the matter aside, escorting his men back to the Bureau.
Now that the demons in the canal had been exposed, the urgent task was to see if any of them could reveal the whereabouts of the Prince of Remembrance.
It was certain that he had colluded with demons.
Whatever interests bound them, and whatever purpose their alliance served, Qian Siyuan felt there was little need to investigate further—it was nothing more than treason.
As Qian Siyuan and the constables returned to the Bureau—
Within the imperial palace.
The Hall of Supreme Harmony.
The palace exuded solemnity and grandeur, its lofty ceiling adorned with gilded ornaments, complementing exquisite furnishings below.
Golden curtains cascaded behind the throne like a waterfall. The throne itself, carved from precious rosewood, bore intricate designs, its cushion draped in splendid silk.
The Emperor sat upright upon it.
His expression stern and unsmiling, one hand supporting his chin as he silently observed the assembled ministers.
The grand pillars bore ancient inscriptions and profound imagery. Sunlight filtered through glazed tiles, illuminating every corner, making the hall resplendent.
The ministers stood upon the red carpet, orderly as statues.
Their faces, lit by bright lamps, were grave and focused. Though silent, their trembling forms and beads of sweat betrayed the immense pressure they endured.
Time passed, and the Emperor spoke not, his gaze drifting to the hall’s exterior.
Tap, tap, tap.
Outside.
Cheng Zhihai entered, respectfully bowing to the Emperor.
“Your Majesty.”
The Emperor nodded, “Have you discovered anything?”
Cheng Zhihai shook his head.
“Beneath the canal, those wards could not have been set up by the demons alone; someone assisted them. Yet the traces left by that party have been carefully erased, so it is impossible to identify who aided the demon emperor.”
The Emperor was unsurprised, nodding. His gaze swept the ministers, restoring silence to the hall, yet the oppressive weight grew heavier.
He observed the officials for a while, then waved his hand. “You may all withdraw. Zhihai, you come with me.”
The Emperor rose, heading for the side chamber.
As his figure vanished, the ministers exhaled in relief, murmuring among themselves.
“What’s wrong with His Majesty? Such a dour face at dawn?”
“Last night’s demon emperor affair displeased him. That demon alone could not have arranged such wards, nor hidden so many demons so close to the capital for so long.”
“Meaning—the capital harbors demon traitors?”
“Indeed, though His Majesty does not know who yet. Most likely the Prince of Remembrance.”
“But he’s missing, isn’t he?”
“Yes, so finding him is crucial. His Majesty just summoned Cheng Zhihai again.”
“By the way, how did the demons get exposed?”
“It wasn’t their exposure—Cheng Zhihai reported it. Apparently, the Duke’s heir discovered their trail…”
“Hiss… The Duke’s heir? Could he have such skill?”
“I’m just repeating what’s heard; the Lantern Bureau wouldn’t lie. Perhaps it truly was the young lord…”
The officials discussed, many watching Cheng Zhihai’s retreat, reflecting thoughtfully.
“If Cheng Zhihai finds the Prince of Remembrance, his power will surely rise.”
“But if not, matters may not resolve so easily.”
“If the Duke’s heir could discover the demons, perhaps he could find the prince as well?”
“Impossible. The prince has been missing for years—most officials can hardly recall his face. Had he not been mentioned lately, I’d have thought him dead.”
“Perhaps Qian Siyuan and the Bureau might succeed, but the young lord has little chance. Let’s hope for a swift resolution; otherwise, the heavens of Zhou may change.”
“Hush! Be careful what you say!”
The voices faded as the officials departed.
Cheng Zhihai entered the side chamber.
Inside.
The Emperor sat at a tea table, pouring steaming tea, its aroma wafting through the air.
“Zhihai, come sit,” the Emperor beckoned.
Cheng Zhihai bowed and took his seat.
The Emperor sipped his tea, his gaze falling upon Cheng Zhihai’s face.
“Who do you think might have been involved in this demon affair?”
“Who else is connected to the Prince of Remembrance?”
Cheng Zhihai was taken aback—the Emperor’s questions were pointed.
He sensed that naming anyone would prompt immediate investigation, even execution.
He frowned, pondering long, then raised his head. “Your servant does not know.”
The Emperor glanced at Cheng Zhihai’s cautious face and shook his head, amused.
“Zhihai, you are too prudent. At this juncture, breaking the old order is necessary. The Prince has hidden too deeply; surely the court harbors those loyal to him.”
The Emperor’s eyes grew melancholy.
“My father chose the Prince as Emperor, but under his rule Zhou nearly perished. If not for the Duke and Empress supporting me, Zhou would not stand as it does now.”
“Since my ascension, I have served diligently, never slackening. Yet, some officials still resist me.”
“They think I am not the true Son of Heaven.”
Cheng Zhihai was startled, rising quickly. “Your Majesty, you must not think so.”
The Emperor raised a hand, pressing down. “Sit.”
Cheng Zhihai resumed his seat.
The Emperor sipped tea, closed his eyes, growing cold.
“Yet, I am Emperor of Zhou, sovereign of the royal house.”
“The Prince of Remembrance, a corpse that refuses to die, colludes with demons to sow chaos—this, I cannot endure.”
“Zhihai, investigate the prince; spare none connected to him. For every one found, eradicate ten clans, implicate all related! Leave none alive!”
Cheng Zhihai, shaken, nodded.
“One month remains until the royal festival.”
“Resolve the prince’s matter before then, and I will not touch your Bureau.”
This assurance steadied Cheng Zhihai.
As long as he solved the prince’s affair before the festival, the Bureau would remain under his command.
Zhao Jin, at the Emperor’s side, glanced at Cheng Zhihai, but paid it little mind.
To Zhao Jin, Cheng Zhihai had been lucky to discover the demons—the wards were so deeply concealed, had it not been for the young lord’s fortuitous discovery, Cheng Zhihai might never have noticed.
Finding the prince would be unlikely without further luck from Cheng Guang.
Perhaps the young lord might have another stroke of fortune…
Zhao Jin smiled faintly.
To be lucky once was rare enough; twice, impossible.
One month was too short to find the prince.
He wondered—
Why had the prince colluded with demons? Merely to assassinate the young lord, disrupt the martial competition between Zhou and Wei? Or was there another motive?
Zhao Jin was no fool, and began to ponder.
As he mused, Cheng Zhihai heard the Emperor’s words, but remained calm, nodding.
The Emperor, observing Cheng Zhihai’s respectful demeanor, sighed, sensing a growing distance between them.
But such is the way of emperors.
They have no friends.
Cheng Zhihai was his minister, his brother-in-law, his friend.
Yet, the ministerial bond outweighed all.
The Emperor waved his hand. “Go.”
Cheng Zhihai bowed again and departed.
Afterward, the Emperor rose, hands behind his back, gazing silently at the rising sun in the east.
…
(End of chapter)