Chapter 139: The Power in Yanjing (1)

Chapter 4: Factions of Yanjing

Inside a luxurious mansion in Yanjing.

A man clad in magnificent robes hurried through a series of winding corridors, making his way toward a grand hall.

Several servants stationed at the entrance of the hall quickly gathered around him as he approached.

"Master, the visitor has already arrived in the main hall, but their demeanor is extremely arrogant. This humble servant...!" the lead servant reported.

"Silence! Show no discourtesy!" The robed man glared at him.

"Understood!" The servant shuddered, instantly cutting off his complaints.

"All of you withdraw. Do not disturb me and my esteemed guest!" the robed man said in a deep voice.

"Yes!" The group of servants quickly retreated.

The robed man straightened his attire before stepping into the hall.

Inside the hall sat a woman dressed in white, wearing a bamboo hat veiled in white gauze. Her features were obscured, but the pristine white robes accentuated a remarkably voluptuous figure.

Full breasts and a rounded waist, exuding immense feminine charm. Yet, her attire was modest and plain white, creating a striking coexistence of understated elegance and seductive allure that was visually arresting.

Even without lifting the veil, this silhouette alone was enough to set countless men's hearts ablaze.

***

"Changqing pays respects to the Eldest Miss!"

The robed man showed not a trace of blasphemy, only deep reverence.

The woman held a cup of tea in her hand. She set the teacup down and gently lifted her bamboo hat.

As the veil was removed, a breathtakingly beautiful face was revealed. Her skin surpassed snow in brilliance, her eyebrows were delicate like willow leaves, her lips were exquisite, and her nose was refined. Her slender, jade-like neck, complemented by a beauty mark just below the outer corner of her left eye, inexplicably stirred an insatiable desire in anyone who looked upon her.

Yet, her clear eyes were like an iceberg, keeping people at a distance of a thousand miles.

Without uttering a single word, her very appearance embodied two completely contrasting temperaments: ice and fire.

"Changqing, in just a few short years, you have already become the Prime Minister of the Yan State? You've done well," the woman said with a faint smile.

That smile was like flowers blooming in spring. Even though Changqing held deep respect, he was momentarily dazed.

Quickly lowering his head, Changqing flushed slightly, not daring to gaze at her any longer.

"The Eldest Miss flatters me. It is merely a mortal imperial court; having been here for several years, how could I afford to remain idle and accomplish nothing?" Changqing said with modesty.

"The mortal realm? Hehe, my father sent the few of you into the mortal courts to gather all sorts of political intelligence. How are you progressing?" the woman asked.

"I would never dare forget the tasks entrusted to me by the Dean. I have compiled all intelligence from the mortal court into volumes, ready for the Eldest Miss to take back to the Academy and present to the Dean," Changqing answered solemnly.

"That is good," the woman nodded with satisfaction.

***

"Eldest Miss, we have infiltrated the mortal courts, but is this of any use to the Academy?" Changqing asked with a hint of puzzlement.

The woman sighed softly.

"Among the four great academies of the world, although our 'Julu Academy' stands tall and rivals the others, the Academy is ultimately just a foil to the major cultivation sects. Our fortune is saturated and cannot be advanced any further. While no one dares to provoke us, there is still the lingering feeling of living under someone else's roof. Every Mandate Convention is merely making wedding dresses for others. Once chaos erupts in the world, our Academy will inevitably bear the brunt of it! To ensure our self-preservation, we must strengthen ourselves. My father searched high and low through ancient texts until he finally found a few scattered words in an ancient tome!" the woman said in a deep voice.

"An ancient tome?"

"Indeed. Although it was only fragments, it gave my father a glimmer of hope—hoping that the few of you might find the hope for the Academy's resurgence from within the various dynasties," the woman stated earnestly.

"Rest assured, Eldest Miss, we will do everything in our power!" Changqing declared solemnly.

"Mm. During your days in the Yan State, what are your thoughts on this nation?" the woman asked out of curiosity.