Undercurrents

The next day.

Everything at Xuanbei Pass was as usual. The sun rose as usual, and the city gates opened as usual.

The southern gate checkpoint completed its handover and was taken over by the Hook and Pincers Master.

Only...

The news Nalan Qiutong had waited all night for—that Chen Chong would "leave the city"—never came.

Chen Chong remained in the inner city for the entire day, refusing all visitors on the grounds that he was handling military affairs.

After Yun Ruohai ran into trouble last night, Han Li received Nalan Qiutong's command and chose to swallow his anger and let matters rest, so he personally paid Chen Chong a visit.

Yet even he was turned away at Chen Chong's door.

In but one night.

Xuanbei Pass, which appeared peaceful on the surface, had in truth already become a surging undercurrent that could scarcely be restrained. Nalan Qiutong sent a message to Gan Province, but received only four words in reply.

Wait and watch.

In fact, that reply came because there was no one left in Great Li who could force Chen Chong to do anything.

Even if Nalan Xuance came in person, what could he do? After ascending to the Yang God realm, Chen Chong was both one of the Ten Magnates and the ruler of three provinces. His status stood at an unprecedented height. This imperial edict was Gan Province's faction testing him. If Chen Chong obeyed that day and headed south for Wu Province, then everyone would be happy... But if Chen Chong ignored it.

Then Gan Province could only "wait."

On the other side, the Buddhist sect was faring no better.

Mi Yun brought Chang Mei and moved into a new courtyard. Since their identities had already been exposed, there was no longer any