Wayfarer

Chapter 944: I Advise You Not to Interfere

Chapter 944: I Advise You Not to Interfere

After Chu Tianban left, Wen Zhong and the other officials returned to Xiao Nanfeng's study. They learned about the situation involving the crown prince of the Imperial Court from Xiao Nanfeng.

"The crown prince of the Imperial Court, Yu Banruo—and the cultivator who once went by the title Sagacious King, which the giant in the mirror world mentioned..." Wen Zhong said gravely.

Zheng Qian, standing nearby, added, "It may be a coincidence, but his identity as the crown prince of the Imperial Court is extremely problematic. I worry that he might interfere in our war with Dachì."

"Your Majesty, we must strike Dachi at lightning speed and secure victory before Yu Banruo has a chance to intervene," Wen Zhong urged.

Xiao Nanfeng pondered for a moment before responding, "We'll proceed methodically. What of the crown prince of the Imperial Court? If he dares interfere, so be it. If we must oppose him, we will. Our path is righteous, and no one can stop us. Should he dare to side with those who betray all living beings, I'll gladly send him to meet the Heavenly Emperor."

The officials solemnly nodded and responded, "Yes, Your Majesty!"

Three days later, within the imperial study in Dachi's capital, several officials reported to Su Tianxin, "Your Majesty, over the past three days, Dazheng's army has continued to attack our Immortal cities. They're all in chaos, and we're losing roughly ten a day. The situation at the frontlines is dire. Even with additional reinforcements, we can't hold back Ye Sanshui and his zombie kings," one official reported grimly.

"I understand," Su Tianxin replied, nodding.

"Your Majesty, we've already lost sixty Immortal cities. Without a significant victory to boost morale, I fear that our troops' spirits will plummet," the official continued.

"Wait a little longer."

Su Tianxin frowned. Of course he wanted to boost morale—but how was he supposed to do so? He had already lost the moral high ground. How many soldiers were still willing to fight for him. He still had a few loyal Boundless Immortal subordinates left, but so did Dazheng's army.

In the last battle at Tianyue, though Su Tianxin had managed to kill two of Ye Sanshui's zombie kings, three of his Boundless Immortals had been captured. Ye Sanshui now had three more zombie kings in his employ.

Dazheng's army outmatched him in terms of military prowess. The common people were restless, and power struggles among the higher echelons of the Immortal cities further weakened his position. He could hardly take to the battlefield himself. Was he supposed to personally lead his army and abandon the capital?

He was waiting for an opportunity, one that might just resolve all his difficulties.

Just then, a guard hurriedly entered the imperial study. "Your Majesty, Chu Tianban, former Northern Aspect of the Imperial Court, requests an audience."

Su Tianxin's eyes lit up. "Quick, send him in!"

Amidst the officials' confusion, Su Tianxin left the session of court. He walked up to his study to personally greet his guest.

Soon, Chu Tianban was sent in.

"Greetings, Immortal Emperor Su." Chu Tianban smiled.

"Long time no see, Northern Aspect Chu. Please, come in," Su Tianxin said eagerly.

Chu Tianban nodded and walked toward the reception area, where Su Tianxin had already arranged Immortal tea, wine, spiritual fruits, and Immortal delicacies.

Seeing the prepared spread, Chu Tianban quickly understood how desperate Su Tianxin had been the past few days.

"Northern Aspect Chu, may I ask what Crown Prince Banruo thinks of my application?" Su Tianxin asked urgently.

Chu Tianban nodded. "His Highness has agreed."

"Really?" Su Tianxin's face lit up with joy.

Chu Tianban nodded. "I've already informed the crown prince, and he has commanded me to act. Be patient. I will be meeting with Xiao Nanfeng shortly."

"Thank you," Su Tianxin said, breathing a sigh of relief.

Chu Tianban nodded and flew toward Yongding with a group of subordinates in tow.

The moment they arrived, a Dazheng official approached. "Northern Aspect Chu, His Majesty has been expecting you. I have been stationed here to await your arrival."

Chu Tianban raised an eyebrow. "How long have you been waiting?"

"Three days," the official replied.

Chu Tianban frowned. In other words, Xiao Nanfeng had expected his arrival almost as soon as Su Tianxin made his proclamation about joining Yu Banruo.

"Lead the way."

"Please follow me," the official replied.

Before long, Chu Tianban and his entourage arrived within the imperial palace, where he found Xiao Nanfeng sitting leisurely in a garden, sipping tea and gazing at the clouds. Gentle golden light radiated from his body.

Chu Tianban noticed that Xiao Nanfeng wasn't actively waiting for him but appeared to be in some enlightened state. Remarkably, Xiao Nanfeng seemed capable of exiting this state at will.

As the golden light faded, Xiao Nanfeng opened his eyes and looked toward Chu Tianban.

"You've come again," Xiao Nanfeng said with a smile.

Chu Tianban arched his head. "Xiao Nanfeng, do you intend to oppose Crown Prince Banruo?"

"Please, have a seat."

Chu Tianban frowned, but sat down nonetheless.

"Last time, you mentioned that you enjoyed my Immortal tea and wanted to take some back to savor later—but you didn't. Why not have another cup now?"

"What do you mean by that?" Chu Tianban's brows furrowed.

"My tea isn't for just anyone. This might be your last chance to enjoy it—so I hope it'll be something to remember," Xiao Nanfeng replied. He smiled as he sipped at his tea.

"Oh? Do you imply that I'll lose the privilege of drinking it hereafter?"

"That depends on the choice you make. If you side with those who have betrayed humanity, you will no longer be worthy of my tea."

"Ha! Xiao Nanfeng, you're far too arrogant. Yes, you've accomplished much over the years. You've managed to topple the Dayin, Hongyue, and Dahan empires—but to Crown Prince Banruo, those Immortal Emperors are insignificant. Do you truly believe you're untouchable? Crown Prince Banruo has shown you respect, yet you refuse his offer. Do you intend to oppose him?" Chu Tianban said coldly.

"I have no intention of opposing Crown Prince Banruo, but I cannot countenance his sheltering Dachi and Su Tianxin. He can be wrong, and I can ignore those wrongs, but I won't be compelled to do things I don't wish to do because of it," Xiao Nanfeng said.

"Just what do you want?" Chu Tianban demanded.

"Nothing much—I just want Su Tianxin dead. I advise you and Crown Prince Banruo not to interfere."

Chu Tianban froze in shock, uncertain if he had misheard. How dare Xiao Nanfeng speak with such defiance?