Chapter 29: Blood-Stained Clothes Tower

The Mortal Realm

The Mortal Realm

Qin Sang learned from Daoist Jixin that immortal masters do not all practice in seclusion. He had not expected their involvement with the mortal world to be deeper than imagined, to the extent that even a country's ruler required their approval.

But upon reflection, this made sense.

"That is incorrect," Bai Jianglan stated. "Immortal masters do not interfere with the mortal world. If one is to become a ruler, they must be the one who ultimately unifies the realm to be acknowledged by the immortal masters. During the struggle for supremacy, no one will receive assistance from immortal masters. Similarly..."

Bai Jianglan said gravely, "If a ruler is not capable enough and is overthrown by others, the immortal masters will also not intervene."

Qin Sang's heart stirred, and catching the undertone, he whispered, "Is Your Highness planning...?"

Bai Jianglan admitted frankly, "Brother Qin, having stayed in the manor, you may not be aware. Some time ago, His Highness personally penned 'An Edict Against the Usurper Emperor,' enumerating the usurper emperor's tyrannical and corrupt actions. This unrighteous and incompetent ruler has caused continuous natural disasters, leading to immense suffering among the common people, and the five-hundred-year foundation of the Great Sui is crumbling. Now, the edict has spread throughout the land. Of the thirteen commanderies of the Great Sui, all except the three imperial capital commanderies controlled by the usurper emperor have responded. His Highness has personally raised an army to subjugate the usurper emperor. The Prince of Zhenshui has already pledged allegiance to His Highness. Their two commanderies have combined forces, with their military spearhead pointed directly at Yingnan Commandery. The Princess and I have been traveling back and forth precisely to facilitate this. With various heroes rising, now is an excellent opportunity to achieve great deeds and establish a career."

Qin Sang thought to himself, 'How swiftly Prince Dongyang acts!'

A month ago, there were no signs at all. Yet, in just one month, he had already rallied the momentum of the realm and raised an army in rebellion.

If he hadn't yearned for the immortal path, this indeed would be the best time to achieve great deeds and establish a career, perhaps even striving for a title of nobility and enjoying a lifetime of wealth and luxury.

Bai Jianglan glanced at Qin Sang and slowly said, "When the new emperor ascends the throne, he can choose trusted ministers to be enfeoffed together on Mount Chaocheng..."

Qin Sang suddenly looked up, seeing Bai Jianglan smiling but remaining silent. He asked in a deep voice, "What can I do for the Princess?"

*'I knew you'd take the bait!'*

Bai Jianglan smiled slightly, dipped his finger in water, and wrote three characters on the table—Blood Cloak Tower!

Bai Jianglan lowered his voice. "After His Highness issued the edict, the Jiangshan Tower, the usurper emperor's claws, aggressively infiltrated Dongyang Commandery, hiding in the shadows to conduct sabotage, assassinations, and espionage. The Jiangshan Tower has become like a festering, bone-deep sore that must be eradicated! Ten days ago, the Prince of Zhenshui was nearly assassinated, causing widespread alarm. His Highness was furious, and the Princess proposed establishing the Blood Cloak Tower to directly counter the Jiangshan Tower. Eliminating the Jiangshan Tower would not only sever the usurper emperor's claws but also cut off a crucial intelligence source for him. Additionally, the Blood Cloak Tower will also be responsible for infiltrating enemy lines and gathering military intelligence..."

After listening, Qin Sang sighed inwardly, realizing that ultimately, they wanted him to join a secret service organization.

The acute five senses granted by the *Underworld Scripture*, and the ability to interrogate enemies with the Yama Pennant, were indeed perfectly suited for this.

"Who will be the Tower Master?" Qin Sang asked. "You, Brother Bai, or Elder Yue?"

"I will not join the Blood Cloak Tower," Bai Jianglan shook his head. "The Blood Cloak Tower Master is the Black Crane Daoist, leader of His Highness's personal guards. This man's origins are mysterious; his internal energy is divine and perfected, and his qinggong is like a ghost's. Elder Yue and I both admit we are inferior. However, beneath the Blood Cloak Tower Master, four Protectors will be appointed, and Elder Yue will be among them."

Qin Sang found it strange. "Brother Bai, your martial arts are so formidable, why..."

Bai Jianglan sighed softly. "Years ago, I didn't want to implicate my wife and daughter, so I severed my own toes to settle my martial arts world grievances and sought refuge in the manor. I had long lost the ambition to achieve great deeds. Now, I only wish to remain by the Princess's side as a guard, live out my life peacefully, and no longer meddle in martial arts affairs. However, some of my subordinates are unwilling to live ordinary lives and will join the Blood Cloak Tower. At that time, I'll need Brother Qin to help look after them. Although Brother Qin, you are not a top martial artist, your unique abilities are truly extraordinary. The Blood Cloak Tower cannot do without you. The Princess once considered making you a personal guard, but she worried it would be a waste of your talent, which is why it wasn't decided upon sooner. Later, when the Princess consulted me about the Blood Cloak Tower, you were the first person I thought of."

Qin Sang gave a wry smile. "Brother Bai, you truly think too highly of me. I only fear my abilities are too limited, and I might jeopardize His Highness's and the Princess's great undertaking."

Bai Jianglan chuckled. "Brother Qin, don't be so modest! The Jiangshan Tower's reputation in the martial arts world—the Princess may not fully know it, but how could I not? Before you, Brother Qin, I had never heard of anyone being able to extract information from that group of madmen in the Jiangshan Tower..."

Qin Sang was startled by these words.

But Bai Jianglan waved his hand. "Everyone has their secrets. As long as Brother Qin loyally serves the Princess and His Highness, I will not cause any unnecessary complications. Let's cut to the chase. The Blood Cloak Tower is just being established. All affairs will be decided by the Protectors themselves. The Princess and Elder Yue intend to divide it into two branches: the Yin Branch will spread throughout the martial arts world, targeting the Jiangshan Tower, while the other, the Military Branch, will infiltrate the front lines to gather military intelligence. Brother Qin, you can consider which branch you'd prefer to work in."

Qin Sang said no more and began to ponder with a furrowed brow.

With immortal masters overseeing the Great Sui, Qin Sang knew it was best not to overturn the existing order; otherwise, what he attracted might not be immortal fortune but rather a fatal calamity.

Whether to join the Blood Cloak Tower or not was still uncertain. But making contact with immortal masters through the Fengchan ceremony seemed to be the only path to immortality he could currently see.

Between the Military Branch and the Yin Branch, the Yin Branch was undoubtedly most suitable for him. The Military Branch required deep infiltration into the front lines; although it offered many military merits, warfare was merciless, and a stray arrow could easily take his life.

But what Qin Sang was thinking about was the Soul Elixir.

Where were there the most lingering souls?

The battlefield!

Joining the Military Branch, using his mortal identity as a cover to collect lingering souls on the battlefield, even if not for seeking immortality, could solve his biggest current problem. It would just require a bit more caution.

"Brother Qin, you want to join the Military Branch?"

A flicker of surprise crossed Bai Jianglan's face; he was somewhat surprised by Qin Sang's choice. But since Qin Sang had chosen it himself, he saw no need to say more.

"Brother Qin, prepare yourself. I will report to the Princess immediately. The preparations for the Blood Cloak Tower are nearing completion, and there will definitely be major actions within a few days."

After seeing Bai Jianglan off, Qin Sang sat in silent contemplation for a long time.

He had envisioned his future: becoming an official and a favored minister, or becoming a close associate of the Princess. As long as there was a chance to encounter immortal fortune, he could endure anything.

He never imagined he would become a spy, a secret agent, or even engage in assassination.

Engaging in such activities, the danger was obviously immense. Even with the Yama King's protection, it was difficult to guarantee absolute safety.

After much contemplation, Qin Sang made up his mind: after joining the Blood Cloak Tower, all actions would be based on not delaying his cultivation and always prioritizing his own safety.

He would rather fail a mission than expose himself to extreme danger. But he would still strive for merit, ensuring his achievements were recognized publicly, not becoming an anonymous hero.

Furthermore, upon learning that immortal cultivators were indeed watching over the Great Sui, Qin Sang felt fortunate that he had acted cautiously before. He also secretly resolved that in the future, whether collecting souls or killing, he must be exceedingly discreet. Unless absolutely necessary, he would not easily expose his abilities.

If he somehow jeopardized a major undertaking, at worst, he could change his name, flee to another country, and start anew. After all, the *Underworld Scripture* couldn't be mastered in just a year or two.

Having made up his mind, Qin Sang immediately felt much lighter. He picked up the secret manual from the table and began to read it.

That evening, Elder Yue visited.

After a long, private conversation, Qin Sang packed his belongings, accompanied Elder Yue to meet the Princess, and then quietly left the princely manor, his whereabouts unknown.