Duke Wei's Scheme

After deciding to travel to Oirat, Lin Zhao wasted no time and immediately began preparations.

Oirat and Great Ming were separated by towering mountains and a journey of thousands of miles, filled with deserts and uncivilized barbarian tribes. A single misstep could lead to death in the wilderness.

Finding a guide who understood the Oirat language and was familiar with the dangerous paths along the way was the first priority. Additionally, it was necessary to understand Oirat's customs, taboos, and tribal customs – after all, in a foreign land, any small oversight could lead to a fatal disaster.

More importantly, poisons and medicinal herbs needed to be prepared in sufficient quantities. Hemostatic powders that could quickly stop bleeding, and Clear Miasma Powder to counteract snake and insect venom, each had to be wrapped in waterproof oilcloth. Vermilion ink for seals, talismans, and even emergency rations and water skins had to be accounted for, leaving no room for error.

Just as Lin Zhao was frantically busy with his upcoming trip, a silent undercurrent began to stir within the Northern Frontier Governor's Mansion, located at the northernmost tip of the Northern Frontier.

This colossal city, several times grander than Northern Garrison City, had walls constructed from black iron rock mixed with glutinous rice juice. It stood over thirty zhang tall, with banners like a forest atop the battlements. The armor of the Black Whale Guard gleamed with a cold, hard light under the sun. From afar, the entire massive city resembled a lurking black behemoth, exuding a majestic aura that suppressed the region.

The city had a permanent population of nearly a million. Its master was the Northern Frontier Black Whale City Lord, the Northern Frontier Governor's Mansion Grand Governor, Duke Wei, Xu Qin – the most seasoned and unfathomably powerful among the Heavenly Gang Realm Grandmaster Warriors.

Duke Wei Xu Qin's mansion was situated in the city center, with soaring eaves, intricately carved beams, and painted rafters, its towering pavilions piercing the clouds. It was even more magnificent than the Daoist temples of the Celestial Masters' Manor outside the city – and in Northern Garrison City, the Celestial Masters' Manor Daoist temple was recognized as the premier structure.

At this moment, the mansion was under strict guard. Black Whale Guards in black armor patrolled back and forth, the clanging of their armor plates a constant sound. Elite troops of the Black Whale Army were stationed within the mansion, each soldier possessing sharp eyes and a steady aura, clearly tempered by blood and fire.

Since the founding of Great Ming, numerous dukedoms had been enfeoffed, but most had declined with the passage of time. Only the Xu family's lineage had endured to this day, their foundation far deeper than that of ordinary powers.

In the bedroom at this moment, Xu Qin stood before a table, his gaze fixed on an unfolded map of Great Ming's territory. He wore a moon-white brocade robe, its cuffs embroidered with dark golden tiger patterns. His face was refined and elegant, but upon closer inspection, his narrow eyes held the sharpness of a falcon. His bearing combined the composure of a scholar with the authority of one long accustomed to command. A faint fluctuation of Blood Essence emanated from him, indicating he was a master of hidden strength.

On the map, various garrisons were clearly marked: the Storm Guard of the Eastern Sea Route, the Green Mountain Guard of the Qingcui Route. These renowned garrisons were merely small symbols on the map, yet they conveyed a weighty sense of influence.

"Father, I'm back."

A sweet, girlish voice came from outside the door, followed by the soft thud of horses' hooves. A young woman in hunting attire dismounted. The hunting attire was the fashionable Silver Fox color, making her skin appear like snow and her temperament elegant. She was Xu Qin's daughter, now the wife of Prince Jing'an – her husband being the renowned Zhu Chenhao of the capital.

Xu Qin put away the map of territories, raised his hand to open the door, and looked at her with a slight frown. "Why have you returned? The journey from the capital to Black Whale City is long; traveling back and forth is no small matter."

The woman stepped forward, took his arm, and gently swayed it, her tone carrying a hint of grievance. "Dad! I missed you, can't I come back for a visit? Besides, the capital is really boring."

Xu Qin patted her hand and asked casually, "Where is Prince Jing'an? What has he been busy with lately? Why didn't he accompany you?"

Mentioning her husband, the woman pouted and complained, "Don't even mention him! He locks himself in the training grounds all day. I invited him to admire plum blossoms at Jade Spring Mountain in the suburbs, and he fobbed me off with 'Inner cultivation requires undivided attention'! Although his reputation as the number one person in the Heavenly Gang Realm is well-known, he is, after all, a prince born of a concubine. His legitimate brothers constantly scheme against him, and people in the court look down on him. I feel suffocated just watching it!"

Xu Qin listened with a neutral expression, his gaze falling on the precious sword she wore at her waist. The scabbard was made of deep-sea ebony, faintly glowing. "This sword of yours is quite good."

The woman's eyes lit up, and she immediately smiled, "Dad, this is the birthday gift I prepared for you! Do you know, this sword was personally forged by the great artisan 'Hundred Refinements Heavenly Craftsman,' Master Shen! It's called 'Lake Light'! I had my guards search several places before I managed to buy it at a high price from a collector. Look at its quality!"

Xu Qin took the sword. He gently ran his finger along the scabbard, and after a moment, drew out a sliver of the blade. A cold sword light flashed, and the patterns on the blade spread out like ripples on a lake, truly possessing a poetic artistic conception of shimmering water.

A hint of admiration flashed in his eyes. "It is indeed a good sword. These patterns, this sword energy, are by no means something an ordinary craftsman could forge. Interesting, there is still such a great artisan in the world? 'Hundred Refinements Heavenly Craftsman, Master Shen'... I've never heard of him before."

He put the sword away, turned, and retrieved a small golden box from a hidden compartment in the bedroom. The box was palm-sized, its surface adorned with gold thread depicting ladies strolling in a garden. The ladies' eyebrows, the pleats of their skirts were lifelike, and one could even see the dewdrop patterns on the petals. When sunlight hit it, the golden box emitted a warm glow, yet it subtly exuded an indescribable strangeness.

The General of Black Mountain handed the golden box to her, pointing to the edge of the lid, his tone calm, but a fleeting shadow of gloom flashed in his eyes. "This is a spiritual medicine I obtained from a master pharmacist, called the 'Spirit Calming Pill.' This pill has special properties and is afraid of volatilization, so it is sealed in this golden box. When you return, you must personally give it to Prince Jing'an. Remember, you can only open it when he is alone and cultivating!"

He paused and added, "This pill might help him break through to the Heavenly Gang Realm and achieve the Legendary Grandmaster. I dare not guarantee it, but we can give it a try. Tell him not to have too high expectations, but trying it won't hurt. At least there will be no danger to his life. After all, with Prince Jing'an's talent, it is as difficult as climbing to heaven to break through to Grandmaster without external help."

"My Blood Essence is declining, and I am far from my peak. I have no hope of breaking through to Grandmaster, so I can only place my hopes on such a fine son-in-law. If he can truly become a Grandmaster, it would be a tremendous boon for you and for our Xu family."

The woman took the golden box, feeling its weight in her hand. She quickly nodded, "Dad, don't worry, I will personally give it to my husband and will not let anyone else touch it!"

After exchanging a few more pleasantries with her father, the woman left with the golden box.

In the bedroom, Xu Qin watched her retreating figure, a cold curve forming on his lips. He knew better than anyone what was inside that golden box – the moment Prince Jing'an opened it, he would receive a "tremendous surprise."

He turned and picked up the "Lake Light" sword. A wisp of true energy flowed from his fingertips into the sword. "Hum—" The long sword immediately emitted a crisp hum. The ripple patterns on the sword lit up, and a sharp sword qi permeated the air, causing the surrounding air to tremble slightly.

"Good sword, truly a good sword." A hint of fervor flashed in Xu Qin's eyes. "Such a great artisan must be made to serve me! If I can have him forge weapons for me, my plan will be twice as effective with half the effort!"

Thinking of this, he raised his voice and called out, "Someone."

Footsteps sounded, and a tall figure entered, pushing open the door. The man wore black Mountain Pattern Armor, with dark red blood scabs still clinging to the gaps between the plates. A half-man-tall, serrated heavy-backed saber was strapped to his back. The blade was covered in fine patterns, clearly having tasted much blood.

He wore a closed iron helmet, revealing only his right eye. That eye was like a cold star poisoned with venom; wherever it swept, the air seemed to turn colder. The killing intent radiating from him could make ordinary soldiers' legs go weak – this was Xu Qin's secret trump card, Xu Fangtooth, who had only recently been promoted to Peak Martial Master last year!

"My Lord." Xu Fangtooth knelt on one knee, his voice muffled like iron, his head respectfully bowed.

"Fangtooth, you will lead a team to Northern Garrison City this time and handle only three matters," Xu Qin's tone was irrefutable, his authority more pronounced.

"Please instruct me, my Lord. Your subordinate will not shirk his duty even if it means death!"

"First, investigate the whereabouts of Huo Qiushan." Xu Qin's voice turned colder. "Even if Northern Garrison City is far away, the matters I assign should have a result by now, yet he has not returned. Either he has betrayed us, or he died out there. Regardless, bring back a living person or a dead body!"

"Second, help me invite the newly emerged great artisan 'Hundred Refinements Heavenly Craftsman' from Northern Garrison City back to Black Whale City." He emphasized, "You must find him before any other forces do! A great artisan is a golden signboard that can awe any audience, and it is crucial to my future plans. If he is unwilling to come, then forcibly abduct him. Remember, do not injure his hands or feet – I have plenty of ways to make him serve willingly."

"Third, go to Lin Family Fortress on the way and check on Centurion Lin Zhao." Xu Qin's tone softened slightly, but with a hint of inquiry. "Over the past period, this kid has given me many surprises. I want to know what exactly has happened to him. If he is already dead, then forget it. If he is still alive, bring him to see me."

Finally, he added, "For this mission, apart from yourself, do not bring anyone from our Black Whale City. Hire some martial artists from outside. The smaller the commotion, the better. Do not attract attention."

"Your subordinate obeys! I will not fail my mission!" Xu Fangtooth replied in a deep voice, stood up, turned, and moved with decisive efficiency, without any hesitation.

Watching Xu Fangtooth's retreating back, a satisfied glint flashed in Xu Qin's eyes. This Xu Fangtooth was a trump card he had painstakingly cultivated, kept hidden for years, his strength unfathomable. With him handling the matter, it was both safe and discreet, and would not go wrong.

As for the Black Raven Tower? Xu Qin's lips curled into a sneer. Since "Ji Hanying" died, that organization had become a mob, posing no threat. Back then, "Mystic Shadow" had even invited him to become a "diamond-level" assassin, which was simply laughable – he was the Duke of Wei, the Grand Governor of the Northern Frontier, holding immense military power and guarding one side. Why would he engage in such child's play with assassins?

After dealing with these matters, Xu Qin raised his hand. Two small golden orbs appeared in his palm, their surfaces engraved with complex patterns, emitting a dim glow under the light. With a slight movement of his fingertip, the golden orbs spun in his palm, making a faint clinking sound.

Recalling the golden box given to Prince Jing'an, he couldn't help but chuckle, his voice filled with malice. "Besides me, who in this world would have thought that inside that golden, gleaming box lies the legendary demonic evil? Prince Jing'an, oh Prince Jing'an, you must accept this 'grand gift' properly..."