Chapter 1959: Bad News

In the Fire Domain, a phoenix-like cry suddenly echoed from Qin Sang's cave. Its clear, joyful sound filled the air. A brilliant crimson glow illuminated the cave, overpowering the faint starlight, creating a scene like a wildfire sweeping through a cosmos. At the heart of the flames, a Vermilion Bird was being reborn.

Qin Sang looked at the Vermilion Bird with a strange expression. It was clearly showing signs of an imminent breakthrough. After the First Sword Servant re-embodied its spirit, the Vermilion Bird had awakened, regaining cultivation equivalent to a late Nascent Soul human, stopping just short of the Soul Transformation stage. It was unexpected that it would break through now.

Qin Sang had never imagined that inviting the Vermilion Bird to help him comprehend the sword array would lead to such a pleasant surprise. The sword array was still incomplete, yet it had inadvertently helped the Vermilion Bird break through its bottleneck. The Vermilion Bird's origin was unique, and Qin Sang didn't fully understand its current state. He wasn't sure how much this comprehension process helped the Vermilion Bird's breakthrough, but it certainly wasn't a coincidence.

"Could my feeling be right? Is there an unknown connection between the Four Symbols Sacred Beasts, specifically the Vermilion Bird representing the South, and the actual Vermilion Bird clan? Is there some level of correspondence between the star power of the Southern Seven Mansions and the Vermilion Bird?" Qin Sang's thoughts raced. Otherwise, he couldn't explain why the Vermilion Bird experienced an epiphany during his own enlightenment.

Vermilion Bird, stars. Wasn't "Celestial Demon Body Tempering" precisely about using star power to temper the body? Given the First Sword Servant's cultivation and status, the fact that he specifically reminded Qin Sang about this cultivation method showed that "Celestial Demon Body Tempering" must be extraordinary, possibly one of the true demonic arts. Could it be that the fundamental Dao sought by the demon race is the Dao of Stars?

This suggested that his previous insights from the Four Symbols Star Domain were not random; they were related to his practice of "Celestial Demon Body Tempering" and manifested while he was comprehending the Four Symbols Sword Array, providing assistance. The cultivation method and divine abilities had unintentionally achieved a synergistic effect.

"Chirp!" Another long cry interrupted Qin Sang's thoughts. This cry had an added sense of urgency. Simultaneously, the Vermilion Bird's aura fluctuated violently, and the resulting impact spread out of the cave, affecting the spiritual energy throughout the entire training ground and causing chaos among the fire spirit demon soldiers guarding it.

Ling Shi, who was cultivating, was immediately startled awake. Rushing out of his cave, he saw the stone abode at the mountain peak burst open, emitting a red light. "It's nothing, no need to panic," Qin Sang's words reached Ling Shi and the fire spirit demon soldiers. His deep, calm voice instantly quelled all panic. Ling Shi flew down the mountain to reassure the demon soldiers, who had been entrusted to him by Marquis Gui before his departure.

The red light shot out of the training ground and vanished in an instant. Previously, the Vermilion Bird had entered the Transformation stage during its slumber without triggering a heavenly tribulation. Qin Sang wasn't sure if this breakthrough to Soul Transformation would bring a tribulation, so as a precaution, he took it out of the cave to find a place for it to undergo the tribulation.

With more and more cultivators in the Fire Domain, finding a secluded spot was difficult. Qin Sang had to personally intervene, sealing off the area to prevent the tribulation's fluctuations from spreading and alarming various factions.

Above a volcanic region, Qin Sang lifted the restriction, and a fiery red blaze erupted, almost incinerating the sky. The Vermilion Bird knew it could now break through without restraint. It stopped suppressing itself and fully charged towards the bottleneck! *Whoosh! Whoosh!* A sea of fire raged in the sky, wave after wave. Any stray fireball falling down would cause lava to boil and mountains to collapse, creating a doomsday-like scene.

Finally, an immense pillar of fire shot out from the fiery sea. Along with the pillar's eruption came the Vermilion Bird's cry, no longer as sharp as before, but deeper and filled with joy! *Boom!* The Vermilion Bird's aura surged dramatically.

Qin Sang had been observing the celestial phenomena, but there was no sign of tribulation clouds from start to finish, even as the sea of fire in the sky gradually subsided. He felt no hint of a heavenly tribulation. "The Vermilion Bird's cultivation back then must have far surpassed the Soul Transformation stage. It seems that even though it lost its memory and seemingly started anew, its connection to its past cannot be severed. In the 'eyes' of the Heavenly Dao, it's merely gradually recovering its former cultivation. But what exactly was its cultivation level before? How could a powerful being at the Integration or even Mahayana stage have such a bad temper..."

As Qin Sang pondered, he felt a sudden weight on his shoulder. The Vermilion Bird had retracted its red flames and landed on his shoulder. Glancing sideways, Qin Sang noticed significant changes in the Vermilion Bird's appearance. Its body was more slender, flames burned on its wings, and its tail now sported several long tail feathers with unique patterns. Its entire demeanor had changed; it was no longer just a fiery crow but possessed a hint of a sacred beast.

However, its nature remained unchanged. The Vermilion Bird looked around proudly and triumphantly, as if urging Qin Sang to quickly praise it! Qin Sang erased all traces and returned to the cave, asking the Vermilion Bird to help him comprehend the sword array. The Vermilion Bird no longer complained; it scurried over eagerly, cooperating fully!

With a slight attempt, Qin Sang immediately felt the difference, his eyes widening with pleasant surprise. Bursts of sword cries echoed through the cave. Around Qin Sang, starlight glittered, forming two star domains. One was the Western Seven Mansions, evolved from the Seven Mansions Sword Array, and the other was precisely the Southern Seven Mansions!

Compared to the Western Seven Mansions, the starlight of the Southern Seven Mansions appeared somewhat ethereal and lacked strong connections; some stars were bright, others dim. The seven constellations felt disjointed, acting independently. It was not enough to be called an "array."

However, at the center of countless stars, an incredibly dazzling ball of fire shone, illuminating the entire star domain. It was this fire that drew all the stars together, connecting them and subtly forming a cohesive unit. With this fire, the rudimentary form of an "array" had emerged!

Qin Sang had not expected such a significant change from the Vermilion Bird's breakthrough. How could he not be pleased? Today was truly a day of double blessings: the Vermilion Bird's breakthrough and the sword array's progress, far exceeding expectations.

With the rudimentary form of the sword array complete, all that remained was its gradual refinement, which would be much faster than anticipated. Furthermore, the insights gained this time would serve as an excellent reference for comprehending the two subsequent sword arrays, making the process much smoother even without the Azure Dragon and Black Tortoise Sacred Beasts by his side.

"Aren't you going to thank *this* Vermilion Bird?" The Vermilion Bird naturally sensed the change and immediately manifested itself in the sea of stars, looking triumphant before Qin Sang. "Well done. We owe you a lot this time. Keep up the good work," Qin Sang praised, not stinting on compliments. He was eager for breakthroughs every day, and letting the Vermilion Bird feel proud was no harm. The Vermilion Bird indeed relished the praise and enthusiastically plunged back into the sea of stars.

Achieving "Sanyuan Jidi" (top scorer in all three imperial examinations) was a rare feat in the history of Yan State. At the Qionglin Banquet, the top scholar's prestige was unparalleled. Yet, all the clamor eventually subsided. While the entire nation debated whether the new top scholar was a reincarnation of the Star of Literature, the man himself, disguised, arrived at a small tea house by Jade Waist Lake.

"Senior Sister, I'll have to disguise myself every time I come here from now on," Yu Lang said, sporting a full beard, his disguise as a heroic figure remarkably convincing. He wasn't afraid of people knowing his connection to the teahouse, but it would disturb Xiao Wu's peaceful life and affect her integration into the mortal world.

"This is 'Xianhu Spring' from Yinzhou. Top Scholar, try it and see if it compares to the tribute tea bestowed by the Emperor," Xiao Wu said, personally brewing a pot of tea for Yu Lang. "Even Senior Sister makes fun of me," Yu Lang complained playfully, though he was secretly delighted. After three years in the mortal world, his Senior Sister had changed a lot; she even joked now. Yu Lang thought of a somewhat disrespectful description: his Senior Sister had become more "human."

Sipping the tea carefully, Yu Lang praised it as "good tea." Then he continued, "The Crown Prince wants to recommend me for the Ministry of Revenue. However, after much thought, I've decided to go to the Hanlin Academy first."

"From my observations, although the Emperor is advanced in age, his health is still relatively robust. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, he should have at least ten more years," Yu Lang mused. "The Emperor's imperial decree, naming me the top scholar, was also an implicit expression of his attitude towards the Crown Prince."

"I advised the Crown Prince to remain patient. The Emperor values traditional principles, and we hold the moral high ground. We must keep calm and remain unshakeable, no matter what winds blow. Tao Teng also agreed."

Yu Lang rambled on, revealing his secret schemes with the Crown Prince and Tao Teng, as well as his future plans, without holding anything back. Xiao Wu sat opposite him, propping her chin on her hand, diligently listening.

Before they knew it, dusk had fallen outside. Yu Lang put down his teacup and chuckled self-deprecatingly, "Don't laugh at me, Senior Sister, but I'm feeling a bit nervous and uneasy. I truly experienced the power of the arena of fame and fortune at the Qionglin Banquet. Talking to you makes me feel much more relaxed." He stood up and let out a long sigh.

Xiao Wu said gently, "Come often from now on." "Mmm!" Yu Lang nodded heavily and walked out of the teahouse, feeling a sense of relief.

"Five years ago, I predicted the Emperor had ten years left to live. I almost thought I'd misjudged, tarnishing Master's reputation. Last month, the Emperor suddenly fell gravely ill, and news from the palace was grim; preparations were even being made for his passing. Yet, today, the Emperor unexpectedly attended morning court, looking hale and ruddy, showing no signs of having just recovered from a severe illness."

"This illness was suspicious. Several princes couldn't hold their patience and revealed some weaknesses. The Second Prince was more composed than we expected, but we still found clues, and it turns out his entanglements are far deeper than we imagined. Thankfully, we discovered them in advance!"

"Fortunately, the Crown Prince listens to advice. However, it's time for Tao Teng to start his operations. Oh, and by the way, Master Chen is already a chief official of a prefecture, but he's still unwilling to leave the borderlands and won't allow me to maneuver for him in court."

In the private room, only the Senior Sister and her junior brother remained. Yu Lang revealed his true appearance. He had grown a beard, and his face no longer showed any trace of youthfulness; instead, it exuded the dignified bearing of someone long in a high position. He closed his eyes slightly, leaning against the back of the chair. Only with his Senior Sister did he dare to fully relax.

Another spring arrived. Rain pattered, and there weren't many customers. Xiao Wu sat bored at the counter. Looking up, she saw a scholar in a green robe holding a folding fan enter and smiled faintly, "You're here."

"Still can't hide anything from Senior Sister!" Yu Lang said dejectedly. His disguise art was already consummate, yet no matter how he disguised himself, his Senior Sister would see through it at a glance. Even without cultivation, her discernment remained sharp.

"Because we're too familiar with each other," Xiao Wu said, taking out a jar of tea. "Try the new tea delivered from outside." They didn't go upstairs, instead finding a secluded spot on the first floor with a view of the lake.

"Master's wife gave birth to a daughter; both mother and child are safe. Senior Sister, you'll want to send a congratulatory gift, won't you?" Yu Lang asked. Xiao Wu happily inquired, "What's her name?" "Her pet name is Qi'er," Yu Lang replied, glancing around the tea house at the other customers. He then chuckled softly and discreetly pointed to a scholar in the corner. "Young Master Luo is here again."

The scholar sat alone, his table laden with tea and pastries, but he had no interest in tasting them, occasionally glancing their way. "I told you Young Master Luo must have fallen for Senior Sister," Yu Lang teased.

To avoid trouble, Xiao Wu had deliberately made her disguised appearance unremarkable, even adding flaws, yet some people inevitably recognized her true charm and were drawn to her unique temperament. "Someone came to propose marriage for him three days ago," Xiao Wu replied, her expression composed, showing no shyness or awkwardness.

"Propose marriage?" Yu Lang was stunned. "Senior Sister, you didn't agree?" Xiao Wu looked at him as if he were foolish. "Senior Sister, do you like him? Or do you have even a slight fondness for him?" Yu Lang asked. "No," Xiao Wu shook her head without hesitation. "I don't even know what 'liking someone' means, but I see no difference between him and anyone else, so I definitely don't like him."

"Actually, Senior Sister, you could try. If you like someone and become husband and wife for a lifetime, Master would surely permit it," Yu Lang said carefully. Being able to like someone would mean she had truly integrated into the mortal world. To live as husband and wife, accompanying a partner through their entire life, and then resuming the path of immortality, wouldn't be a loss. It would be even better if the partner had talent, as they could then become immortal cultivation partners.

However, Yu Lang remembered that his Senior Sister's true form was actually that of a young girl, appearing only a few years old, and her nature was inherently aloof. It was difficult to imagine his Senior Sister marrying anyone.

"Are you getting married?" Xiao Wu countered. Yu Lang nodded. "I can't put it off any longer. To integrate into the mortal world means following its customs. That fellow Tao Teng was practically forced into the bridal chamber and now has a son. At my residence, matchmakers have worn out the doorstep. I've met a young woman, the daughter of the Vice Minister of Rites; she's beautiful and talented. But I need Master's approval."

"Master will surely approve of the woman you've chosen. Will Master Chen attend?" Xiao Wu asked. Qin Sang definitely wouldn't be present; only Chen Zhenqing would appear as an elder.

"Master Chen worries for the common people, but he should be returning to the capital for his duties soon. I don't believe in auspicious times; I'll just wait for the day Master Chen arrives in the capital," Yu Lang said, glancing at Young Master Luo again, offering him a silent moment of sympathy.

"The Emperor has lived a year longer than I expected, but his health is deteriorating and is only sustained by medicine. Several princes have already begun their maneuvers. During this time, I've been too occupied to come here. The capital is a hotbed of intrigue, and the situation is bound to become extremely chaotic. Senior Sister, perhaps it would be best to suspend business for half a year. We should know the outcome by then!"

Yu Lang said gravely. Xiao Wu had sealed her cultivation and become a mortal, meaning she would be swept along by the currents of events and had to act accordingly. Xiao Wu hummed in acknowledgment and said seriously, "You must be careful!"

This warning was not for Yu Lang's personal safety. If the situation turned sour, he could withdraw at any time, but his ambition and eleven years of effort in the mortal world would all be for naught.

"Under our guidance, the Second Prince is revealing more and more weaknesses. The only variable is the Emperor's will! Once the will is revealed, the Second Prince will have no chance of turning the tables! We'll see if he has the audacity to force his way to the throne!"

Yu Lang sneered, exchanged a few more words with Xiao Wu, and hastily departed. The Crown Prince's Eastern Palace, the princes' mansions, various government offices, the Qin residence, the Tao residence... The capital, and indeed the entire Yan State, buzzed with undercurrents, preparing intensively. Countless eyes were fixed on the Imperial Palace, everyone awaiting a single piece of news.

Just as the situation reached a breaking point, an urgent dispatch suddenly arrived in the capital. Upon seeing the urgent report, Yu Lang's face turned ashen. The Great Liang State had brazenly torn up the treaty, and chaos erupted at the border!