Chapter 63: The Edict Summoning Shen Jingxiao to the Capital
“Anyway, the Holy Sect also intends to stir up the turmoil in the imperial capital. I’ve found Gou Tianji — he and I hit it off at once and decided to use the network of people he’s cultivated in the capital all these years to help me.”
“You must trust my judgment. Following Young Master Shen now is far better than following the Holy Sect.” Song Tiemu’s tone brimmed with confidence.
He still remembered vividly the scenes on Hidden Moon Mountain — even a figure at the absolute peak like Tantai Yuxian had been deftly handled by Shen Yanzhou.
Anyone who dared to treat him as a frivolous wastrel would be utterly foolish.
“The premise is that we can keep our lives.”
“Spreading such rumors will surely earn the hatred of that great figure in the capital. You’re sabotaging his carefully laid plans.” Zhu Chansi lifted a cup of clear tea, his expression grave.
Hearing this, Song Tiemu merely grinned carelessly. “Want to bet? That great figure won’t even have the time to trouble us. Right now, I bet he’s in even greater chaos himself.”
……
At the Crown Prince’s residence, Xia Chongming paced restlessly along the corridor, hands clasped behind his back, his expression shifting between gloom and uncertainty.
Behind him, his retainers and attendants stood silent, heads lowered.
“So, Shen Yanzhou is a false heir, merely a stand-in put forward by the Demon Suppression King, and the real heir is someone else?”
“Where did this rumor even come from?”
“Is it true or false?”
“Is this real, or is someone deliberately stirring unrest in the capital to unsettle the people?”
When Xia Chongming had first heard this, his shock and disbelief were beyond words.
Compared to the earlier rumor that the Demon Suppression King had an illegitimate son this matter of the true and false heir would cause far greater waves and consequences.
If it was true... then the Demon Suppression King was far too bold, deceiving his liege for so many years — was he plotting rebellion?
“Your Highness, we’ve already sent people to trace the source of the rumor. It seems a few beggars were spreading it…”
A retainer hurriedly came forward to report.
“If it’s slander, so be it. But if it’s true… heh.”
“Shen Jingxiao, this prince will demand an explanation from you! Over all these years, how much has Father trusted you?”
“Guards, prepare the carriage — I’ll enter the palace to see Father.”
A cold smile tugged at the corner of Xia Chongming’s lips as he strode swiftly out of the residence.
The Demon Suppression King had monopolized the military power for years, commanding vast forces — a thorn in his eye all along.
Now, he finally saw an opportunity to remove it.
……
The rumor that Shen Yanzhou was merely a false heir quickly spread throughout the Great Qian Dynasty’s capital, causing heated discussions in every street and alley.
Even the prodigies in secluded cultivation at the Dragon-Tiger Institute heard the news and were utterly shocked.
Soon after, several venerable elders from the Demon Suppression Prince’s Mansion came forward to clarify, declaring that this was the malicious work of vile schemers.
The loyalty of the Demon Suppression Prince’s Mansion, they said, was as clear as heaven and earth, bright as the sun and moon.
Yet the entire capital was thrown into turbulent waves; great clans and noble families began to observe closely, dispatching people to verify the truth.
There was no sign of this storm quieting.
Even those aristocratic houses that had long maintained cordial ties with the Demon Suppression Prince’s Mansion began to distance themselves subtly.
If it were true, the consequences would be unimaginable.
Shen Jingxiao had deceived the emperor for years, commanding three hundred thousand troops in the southern border, with countless powerful experts under his banner — even several hidden immortal sects had pledged allegiance to him.
What was his goal?
Rebellion?
That very day, many ministers rushed to the Hall of Virtuous Enlightenment to seek audience.
Emperor Mingde, who had entrusted much of the court affairs to the National Preceptor Sikong Fenghua and the Crown Prince, had no choice but to emerge from seclusion.
Upon the grand hall’s dais, the ruler of Great Qian sat upright in majesty, awe-inspiring even without anger.
Time had barely touched him; none could tell if this was truly his real form. Wisps of imperial dragon qi surrounded him, obscuring his figure.
Beneath the broad yellow dragon robe emanated faint martial pressure — each inch of space seemed bound by his will, able to suppress the world itself.
The ministers knelt respectfully.
At the front, Crown Prince Xia Chongming’s lips curved with a subtle smile.
Shen Jingxiao, Father has come out of seclusion this time because of you.
Moments later—
A voice of immense authority rolled across the Great Qian Palace, shattering the clouds over the horizon.
“Summon Shen Jingxiao — to the capital!”
The entire capital was shaken once more.
Many sensed an ominous air — a scent of blood and battle was rising.
……
Within the Demon Suppression Prince’s Mansion, the elders gathered in a secret meditation chamber underground, their faces dark and furious.
“This was clearly deliberate. At such a critical moment, to spread this rumor — they mean to make our Mansion the target of all.”
“Have we found where the rumor originated?”
“It came from a few beggars in a ruined temple in the eastern city. The ones behind them are still being traced — we should have leads soon.”
“Damn it! Everything was in place, yet the destruction of Tianji Studio delayed our plans. Now this uproar — how are we to explain ourselves afterward?”
Shen Zhigao’s face was grim enough to drip water.
Before the shimmering projection curtain, Shen Jingxiao’s expression was equally dark.
But compared to the elders’ rage and anxiety, he appeared calm.
“The moment Shen Tian met with trouble, I already expected someone in the capital would move.”
“I didn’t think the enemy would act so swiftly — but I’ve long been prepared.”
“No matter. Since His Majesty has summoned me, I shall go to the capital personally.”
His tone was even, eyes deep as an ocean, unreadable.
The elders were all startled.
Shen Zhigao couldn’t help but say, “Jingxiao, the capital’s situation is unstable, and this is a critical moment. You mustn’t act rashly. Going there is easy — returning may not be.”
Shen Jingxiao replied lightly, “Before His Majesty ascended the throne, I already served by his side. I know his temperament well. Even if he learns that Shen Yanzhou was a stand-in, he won’t truly harm me. The southern border is still unsettled and needs me to stabilize it.”
“If I were to meet misfortune in the capital, who would command the three hundred thousand Demon Suppression troops? Who would guard the Southern Border Demon Defense Pass? Not to mention the myriad hidden sects and cults deep in the mountains — who would keep them subdued?”
“Besides, I have other arrangements. Since the southern border already knows that Shen Tian is my biological son, they’ll surely act upon this. Did they think I hadn’t foreseen such a day?”
“Third Uncle, you’ll go personally to the antique shop on North City’s Nanli Street and find Tao Luobai. Then arrange for someone to deliver all the recorded evidence he holds to the Ministry of Justice.”
At this, Shen Zhigao was taken aback. He knew well how sensitive Nanli Street was.
“So you’re abandoning the plans you’ve built for years over there?” he asked, unable to restrain himself.
“I’ve laid my plans for many years — all for this very moment.”
“When the truth comes to light, the Demon Suppression Prince’s Mansion will naturally be vindicated.”
Shen Jingxiao’s gaze was fathomless.
……
The wind roared endlessly as mountains and rivers receded behind the Moon-Chasing Vessel of the Bureau of Immortal Inspection, carrying everyone back toward the capital.
“The capital must be lively right now…”
“Didn’t expect this — wonder if it’s true or not.”
“If it’s true, then things just got interesting.”
“Heh, true and false heir, indeed.”
A few hundred-household officers of the Chilin Guards sat together around a bamboo mat, drinking wine and eating beef and peanuts, talking loudly without restraint, occasionally glancing toward the upper deck’s private rooms.
“I always thought something was off — looks like I was right.”
Zhou Yang, his trouser legs rolled up and chest half-bared, joined in the feast, his beard messy and unkempt.
Perhaps from drinking too much, their words became increasingly unfiltered.
The vessel was spacious, two floors tall like a moving pavilion.
The Chilin Guards were resting on the lower level, weary from the days of searching Hidden Moon Mountain. Soon, their drinking turned to drunken chatter — and whether intentionally or not, they discussed the latest rumor.
News traveled swiftly in the capital, and the Guards had ways to stay informed.
Besides, this was news directly tied to Shen Yanzhou — how could they not be curious?
Wu Ruyue frowned, standing at the second-floor railing, wanting to tell them to shut up.
She hadn’t expected that only shortly after Shen Yanzhou had confessed the truth to her, such news would already spread from the capital.
Even Zhou Yang and the others now spoke of him with less respect — if he was only a false heir, who would care about such a title anymore?
“Didn’t expect the rumor to spread so fast.”
“Too bad Brother Shen Tian isn’t here — he’d probably find it amusing.”
Beside Wu Ruyue, Xu Fan also listened to the chatter below, a faintly gloating smile on his handsome face.
“……”
Wu Ruyue said nothing, only glancing toward the tightly closed room where Shen Yanzhou was resting.
“I heard Brother Shen Tian also went to the capital. Once we’re there, we should have a good drink with him.”
“Why does Miss Wu look so worried?”
Xu Fan spoke for a while, realizing she wasn’t responding, and scratched his nose awkwardly.
“Maybe you’re just tired,” Wu Ruyue replied perfunctorily before returning to another cabin.
Xu Fan found her behavior odd — back in the southern border, she hadn’t been like this at all, far more cheerful and bold.
“Ah, Senior Brother, don’t embarrass yourself,” came a teasing voice. Dressed like a Daoist nun, Yu Meng tugged on Xu Fan’s sleeve with a grin. “Can’t you tell Miss Wu’s in a bad mood?”
“How could she be in a bad mood for no reason? Don’t tell me it’s because Brother Shen Tian isn’t here?” Xu Fan scratched his head, confused.
Yu Meng rolled her eyes playfully. “You’re blind. Can’t you see how much Miss Wu cares about that Heir Shen?”
Women understood women best — Wu Ruyue’s current state was plain as day to her.
Xu Fan blinked, then frowned. “Now that you mention it… maybe.”
“But that’s not right. You know how Brother Shen Tian feels about her. It’s barely been any time, and she’s already… moved on?”
“That’s just one-sided on Shen Tian’s part.” Yu Meng huffed. “That false heir — he might have good looks, but Miss Wu isn’t shallow. Besides, the Demon Suppression Prince’s Mansion will soon clear things up. Shen Tian’s way better than that wastrel.”
Xu Fan couldn’t make sense of it. As Shen Tian’s close friend, he felt he should keep an eye on Wu Ruyue — make sure she didn’t cross any lines.
What right did Shen Yanzhou have to make her care so much?
Was he blackmailing her somehow?
……
On the other side of the deck, Gu Ruoxi and several other immortal officers were resting with eyes closed.
Unlike the Chilin Guards, they didn’t speak openly, but they too listened closely.
“This is even bigger than the rumor about the illegitimate son,” Chu Dao murmured quietly.
Gu Ruoxi opened her eyes, glanced at him, then at the second floor above. Her gaze flickered as she transmitted her voice: “If that’s the case, it makes sense. Couldn’t it mean that the Heir’s abduction was orchestrated by the Demon Suppression Prince’s Mansion itself? Pity the Heir survived?”
Chu Dao grinned, lowering his voice. “Maybe this heir is smarter than we think. Hidden Moon Mountain was full of danger — abducted, betrayed, the mansion’s offerings all slaughtered — yet he survived. Foolish on the surface, maybe shrewd inside?”
“Why don’t you try probing him? Either way, we’ve completed our task bringing him safely back to the capital. If you uncover something useful, our merits will increase. Then maybe you’ll get that Fifth-Rank Diamond Demon-subduing Fist you’ve wanted.”
Gu Ruoxi, wearing a colorful long dress, her slim waist and full chest accentuated, smiled seductively. “Oh? And what about you?”
Chu Dao’s heart stirred. Before hearing the capital’s rumors, he’d have avoided meddling with Shen Yanzhou.
But now that the imperial court itself seemed interested, clearly wanting them to extract information from Shen Yanzhou, he couldn’t resist the temptation.
The Demon Suppression King’s power was immense, and many in the capital wished to curb it.
The Bureau of Immortal Inspection might appear independent, led by the National Preceptor, but its true role was to safeguard imperial stability — preventing the sects and clans from seizing control.
Yet in the southern border, the Demon Suppression King’s reach covered the sky.
The hidden immortal sects that should have been registered under the court were now all under his rule — a blatant usurpation of authority.
“Heh, I’m a rough man — even if I approached, he wouldn’t bother with me.”
“I might want that martial art, sure — but don’t you have your own goals? Why not make the move yourself? A touch of charm, and the heir will be eating out of your hand. No man could resist you.”
Chu Dao chuckled.