After giving a perfunctory reply, Cao Shu quickly sank into deep thought.
Under normal circumstances, he would avoid provoking a Son of Destiny if he could. But now that Ye Sulong stood on Ji Wuyi’s side, he would undoubtedly become the greatest obstacle to Cao Shu taking control of the Great Zhou Empire.
Since he was the villain, he refused to be the kind that served as a stepping stone.
Instead, he would trample the Son of Destiny beneath his feet.
However, Sons of Destiny often possessed numerous methods and were difficult to kill. To eliminate one, either his cultivation had to completely surpass theirs, or their luck had to be reduced first.
Cao Shu’s gaze sharpened slightly. He lacked overwhelming cultivation for now… but lowering luck was still possible.
A caught breath? Ye Sulong looked at Cao Shu in surprise. A cultivator actually getting winded like that—it was strange. Still, he didn’t dwell on it and returned to the topic of killing Zhao Si.
“I’ve long considered killing Zhao Si, but the Commander of the Royal Guard stands in the way. It’s impossible.”
The Commander was the supreme leader of the palace guards, at the 9th stage Golden Core Realm. Having served through three generations of emperors, he never involved himself in succession disputes and only obeyed the Emperor’s orders. Once the Royal Edict was announced, he would automatically stand on Ji Wuxin’s side, though he would only formally take orders after the enthronement ceremony.
As the Chief Eunuch, Zhao Si was usually inside the Royal Palace. To kill him, they would first have to overcome the Commander.
Cao Shu said, “There’s no need to confront the Commander directly. We just need Zhao Si to leave the palace.”
Wang Wenzong shook his head. “Zhao Si may leave the palace, but with his cultivation, it would be difficult for Your Highness’s informants to detect it. The two of us might be able to monitor him, but we could also be discovered by the Commander. It’s not feasible.”
Cao Shu smiled faintly. “What if I knew the exact day and location of his departure?”
In truth, he didn’t—but he could arrange one.
Ji Wuyi said urgently, “Marquis Cao, speak quickly.”
Cao Shu said, “Zhao Si has an adopted son in the southern region. In five days, he will arrive outside the Capital City. The two will meet at an inn, where the son will present Zhao Si with a Heaven-Transcending Pill.”
“A Heaven-Transcending Pill!”
All three were visibly shaken. Compared to Zhao Si leaving the palace, the Heaven-Transcending Pill was what truly captured their attention.
Forming a Golden Core was a deadly hurdle for all cultivators at the 9th stage Foundation Establishment Realm—most would fail and die. But the Heaven-Transcending Pill could greatly increase the success rate. It was a rare and precious pill.
Possessing one was equivalent to having a Golden Core cultivator.
Such a treasure justified Zhao Si personally leaving the palace to retrieve it.
This information immediately filled them with a strong sense of urgency.
Wang Wenzong said anxiously, “Your Highness, if Zhao Si obtains the Heaven-Transcending Pill and gives it to a cultivator at the 9th stage Foundation Establishment Realm, their side will gain another Golden Core expert!”
Ji Wuyi said gravely, “We are already at a disadvantage. If they gain another advantage, we will have no chance of turning things around. This Heaven-Transcending Pill must not fall into Ji Wuxin’s hands—we must seize it!” Read the latest chapters at novelping . com.
Then he looked at Cao Shu. “Marquis Cao, you have rendered a great service!”
As he spoke, a chill ran through him. If he had rejected Cao Shu earlier, they would never have known about this. They would have suffered a crushing defeat. Cao Shu’s arrival truly gave him a chance to turn the situation around.
[Ding! Successfully misled Ji Wuyi and others. Obtained 1,000 villain points.]
“This is what I should do,” Cao Shu said with a faint smile.
Old Jia was currently refining the Heaven-Transcending Pill. With a 50% success rate, there would be several pills produced. Taking out just one was enough to make them investigate regardless of whether the information was true. After that, the rest of the plan would be easy to arrange.
“Your Highness!” Ye Sulong suddenly stood up. “Although I am already a Golden Core cultivator, I have a sworn elder sister who is at the 9th stage Foundation Establishment Realm. Her lifespan is nearing its end—she must form a Golden Core to survive.”
“My elder sister has shown me immense kindness. I cannot ignore her. My desire to enter the Royal ancestral land is also for her to successfully form a Golden Core. If we obtain the Heaven-Transcending Pill and give it to her, Your Highness will gain another Golden Core cultivator!”
Ji Wuyi’s expression darkened immediately. He had not known about this elder sister. Such incomplete intelligence made him deeply displeased as the one in charge.
Moreover, if they managed to seize the pill, he would rather give it to a loyal subordinate. The Great Zhou Empire had few Golden Core cultivators but many at the 9th stage Foundation Establishment Realm. Giving it to his own people would be more reliable.
But since Ye Sulong was a Golden Core cultivator, he could not simply dismiss him.
[Ding! The host’s scheme caused discord between Ji Wuyi and Ye Sulong. Obtained 500 villain points.]
Cao Shu’s eyes gleamed strangely. So Ye Sulong wanted to enter the ancestral land for his elder sister.
Working under Ji Wuyi for his sister’s breakthrough, yet also setting his sights on Ji Wuyi’s Princess Consort… this Ye Sulong really knew how to play.
The Heaven-Transcending Pill would need to be used wisely.
Ji Wuyi said, “Brother Ye, the northern region is far away. A single trip takes nearly two months. Too much can happen in that time. What I need now is a Golden Core cultivator who can be used immediately—not one who appears two months later. As for your elder sister, we can consider that after entering the ancestral land.”
His meaning was clear—someone who couldn’t be used immediately was no different from having no one at all.
Ye Sulong looked embarrassed. “Actually… my elder sister has been in the Capital City all along. She’s just not staying in the residence.”
The distance to the northern region was far too great—he could never leave her there alone. He had secretly brought her here and hidden her within the Capital City.
[Ding! The host’s scheme caused further discord between Ji Wuyi and Ye Sulong. Obtained 500 villain points.]
Ji Wuyi’s expression darkened further. This man had hidden yet another matter from him. He said, “Then bring your elder sister to my residence. Once we obtain the Heaven-Transcending Pill, it will naturally be given to her—but both of you must follow my orders.”
After being deceived, he needed leverage to ensure Ye Sulong’s loyalty.
Ye Sulong said, “Very well.”
Even if it meant placing himself at a disadvantage, he had no choice for his elder sister’s sake.
Ji Wuyi said, “Go. Marquis Cao, Wang Wenzong, and I will discuss matters first. I will inform you afterward.” This story is hosted at g.com.
Hearing this, Ye Sulong understood that Ji Wuyi was already dissatisfied with him. “Understood.”
With that, he left in a hurry.
Cao Shu and the other two began discussing the plan.
Half an hour later, the plan was finalized. Their priority was the Heaven-Transcending Pill, with killing Zhao Si as a secondary objective.
Now they only needed to wait for Zhao Si’s adopted son to arrive in five days.
After the discussion, Ji Wuyi looked at Cao Shu with bright, trusting eyes. He had completely forgotten the humiliation of giving up his woman and said solemnly, “From now on, I will rely greatly on Marquis Cao.”
[Ding! Gained Ji Wuyi’s trust. Obtained 1,000 villain points.]
“You flatter me, Your Highness. This is only natural,” Cao Shu replied. Then he asked, “Is Your Highness’s condition alright? You still need to keep vigil for the Emperor. It would be best not to reveal any flaws.”
Ji Wuyi said, “It’s fine. I have high-quality healing pills in the residence. After taking them, standing vigil for a month will not be a problem.”
The Emperor’s mourning period lasted twenty-seven days, though people often referred to it simply as a month.
“That’s good.” Cao Shu continued, “Then regarding the Empress and the Royal Consort…”
At this, Ji Wuyi’s expression turned confident. “Marquis Cao, rest assured. As long as my mother and consort are in the palace, Ji Wuxin cannot control the harem.”
With that confirmed, Cao Shu nodded. “Then I am at ease. I shall take my leave. Your Highness is injured, so there is no need to see me off.”
There were still several days before the plan began—there was no need to stay and risk drawing suspicion, especially regarding Ye Sulong’s elder sister.
“Mm. Take care, Marquis Cao.”
“Marquis Cao, the main gate is not that way—you’re heading in the wrong direction.”
“I know. The Princess Consort is this way.”
[Ding! Enraged Ji Wuyi. Obtained 1,000 villain points.]
Cao Shu walked into the side room and looked at Gongsun Ruoqian sleeping on the bed. Even in sleep, she was stunning.
A smile curved at his lips as he picked her up, her fragrance drifting into his senses.
“Today has been quite rewarding… time to go home.”