Meteor's Name Shakes Three Dynasties

The news of Zhen Xu's death exploded across the Three Prefectures of the Eastern Region like a thunderclap. In just three days, it spread throughout the Chu Dynasty, then followed the trade routes along the dynasty's borders and the paths taken by traveling cultivators into the Ming and Han Dynasties. It became the hottest topic in all three dynasties. No one knew who the Heavenly Net assassin codenamed Meteor really was. They only knew he was young and highly skilled. More shocking still, he wielded two powerful weapons. His strikes were as swift as a meteor, and word had it that he had killed Zhen Xu, a Xiantian Late Stage cultivator, with a single sword strike. Even Zhen Xu's two Xiantian Early Stage guards had not escaped. The attack had been swift and clean, leaving no trace.

Throughout the Chu Dynasty, everyone was discussing the name Meteor, from court officials and cultivators of prominent clans to martial sects and common folk. Some said he was one of the Heavenly Net's hidden top assassins, lying low for years before finally making a name for himself. Others said he was a disciple of some reclusive sect who had happened to come down the mountain to gain experience and killed Zhen Xu along the way. Still others claimed he was a deathsworn secretly trained by Qin De, who had used the Heavenly Net's name to eliminate Zhen Xu and clear the way for the Qin Family's rebellion. Rumors abounded, but no one could say who Meteor truly was. Only the saying "When Meteor strikes, he never misses" spread ever wider through the three dynasties, inspiring awe in countless cultivators and becoming a nightmare to countless evildoers.

In the imperial palace of the Ming Dynasty, the Ming Emperor held a secret report in the imperial study and turned to his adviser with a grave expression. "Zhen Xu of the Chu Dynasty was killed by the Heavenly Net assassin Meteor? Who exactly is this Meteor, to possess such strength and wield weapons of such immense power?" The adviser bowed and replied, "Your Majesty, according to our intelligence, Meteor is a Gold-Rank Assassin of the Heavenly Net. He has reached Xiantian Late Stage, and both weapons in his possession are legendary spirit artifacts containing pure fire-attribute spiritual energy. He relied on their power to kill Zhen Xu. Meteor's name has now spread throughout the three dynasties, and many factions are investigating him. Even the Han Dynasty has sent people to inquire." The Ming Emperor nodded slightly, a hint of wariness flashing in his eyes. "A top assassin like him would greatly strengthen our dynasty if we could bring him into our service. Issue an order to closely monitor his movements and try to contact him. If we can recruit him, do whatever it takes."

In a prince's residence in the Han Dynasty, the Han Emperor discussed the matter of Meteor with his generals, sighing as he spoke. "Xiang Guang of the Chu Dynasty took great pains to have Zhen Xu investigate the Three Prefectures of the Eastern Region, hoping to keep Qin De in check. He never expected an assassin from the Heavenly Net to kill him. Meteor is certainly an extraordinary man, and it's all the more remarkable that he has two powerful weapons." A general beside him cupped his hands. "Your Majesty, Meteor is powerful and elusive. If he favors Qin De, the Qin Family's strength will grow even greater, which may not bode well for our Han Dynasty. We should send people to investigate him as well. If we cannot recruit him, we should keep him under quiet watch. We must not let him become a threat to our dynasty." The Han Emperor nodded. "You're right, my lord. I'll leave this matter to you. Be sure to proceed with caution and avoid alerting him."

Of the three dynasties, none reacted as strongly as the Chu Dynasty's imperial palace. Chu Emperor Xiang Guang sat on the throne, crushing the secret report in his hand. His face was livid, and his fury radiated through the hall. The officials stood with their heads bowed, not daring to breathe too loudly. "Useless! You're all useless!" Xiang Guang slammed the throne, his voice making the beams tremble. "Zhen Xu was my trusted confidant. He wielded a weapon like the Blood Soul Claw, and had two Xiantian Early Stage guards at his side, yet an assassin from the Heavenly Net still killed him! And he died so disgracefully. You couldn't even find out who the other man was. You've made me lose face!"

The hall fell silent. No one dared step forward to advise him. After a long while, the Prime Minister cautiously bowed. "Your Majesty, please calm down. Though Lord Zhen Xu has died, this may not necessarily be a bad thing. Meteor's attack may not have been directed at our Chu Dynasty. Perhaps it was a routine Heavenly Net assassination, or Zhen Xu offended another faction and brought this fate upon himself."

"A routine assassination?" Xiang Guang sneered, his eyes full of malice. "Zhen Xu was the key man I sent to the Three Prefectures of the Eastern Region to investigate Qin De's movements. Now that he's dead, Qin De will face far fewer constraints and will surely act with even greater impunity. Besides, Meteor chose his moment far too conveniently, and the identity of a Heavenly Net assassin conveniently serves as cover. How could this be such a coincidence if Qin De wasn't behind it?" He was already convinced that Meteor belonged to Qin De. Qin De had used the Heavenly Net's name to eliminate Zhen Xu and clear the way for his rebellion, allowing him to build up his strength in peace.

The Minister of War hurriedly added, "Your Majesty is absolutely right. Qin De is ambitious and has long coveted our Chu Dynasty. Now that Zhen Xu is dead, our intelligence network in the Three Prefectures of the Eastern Region has completely collapsed, and we can no longer keep track of Qin De's movements. In my view, we should mobilize our forces at once and strike the Eastern Suppressing Prince Mansion before Qin De is fully prepared, crushing him in one blow!"

"No!" Xiang Guang waved a hand, a flicker of hesitation in his eyes. "Qin De has many cultivators under his command, including powerful cultivators like Yun Ce and Feng Yuzi. We still don't know the full extent of his strength, so if we send troops rashly, we may not gain the upper hand. What's more, Zhen Xu is dead, and we have no solid proof that Qin De was responsible. If we attack without cause, we'll have no justification, and may invite the attention of the Ming and Han Dynasties."

At this, Xiang Guang's expression grew grave. He spoke slowly. "The only solution now is to ask our Ancestor to come out of seclusion. A thousand years ago, Ancestor Xiang Yang was already at Golden Core Late Stage. His cultivation is profound. With him, neither Qin De nor the mysterious Meteor would pose a threat. But the Ancestor has been in seclusion for years, attempting to break through to the Nascent Soul stage. If we disturb him rashly, it may affect his cultivation and do more harm than good."

The officials fell silent. They all knew how powerful Ancestor Xiang Yang was, and how important seclusion was to a cultivator. If they disturbed him and succeeded in eliminating Qin De, that would naturally be a good thing. But if his cultivation were hindered, the Chu Dynasty would lose its greatest support. It would then be at a disadvantage when facing threats from Qin De or other dynasties. Seated on the throne, Xiang Guang furrowed his brow, weighing the growing threat from Qin De against the importance of the Ancestor's seclusion. Caught in a dilemma, he still could not decide. At last, he said in a low voice, "We'll discuss this later. Issue an order to send trusted men back to the Three Prefectures of the Eastern Region and rebuild our intelligence network. Keep a close watch on Qin De's movements, and do everything you can to uncover Meteor's true identity. Find out whether he has any connection to Qin De!"

Meanwhile, inside the Eastern Suppressing Prince Mansion, Qin De sat in the main hall holding a detailed report from one of his subordinates. At first, delight showed on his face, but then his brows drew together, and his eyes filled with thought and doubt. "Good! What a Meteor! He killed Zhen Xu and his two guards as well, helping us get rid of a thorn in our side!" Qin De slapped the table in praise, his voice full of excitement. But as soon as he finished speaking, he tapped the tabletop with a finger and said slowly, "Still, the description of this Meteor reminds me of someone."

Qin Feng and Qin Zheng stood nearby, both delighted. At Qin De's words, they exchanged startled looks. Qin Feng quickly asked, "Father, who do you mean? Meteor is elusive and powerful, and has two mighty weapons. There are very few young cultivators in the world with such resources."

Qin Zheng nodded in agreement. "Exactly, Father. Most Gold-Rank Assassins of the Heavenly Net have only a peak-grade ordinary weapon, and their cultivation is usually at Xiantian Early or Middle Stage. But the rumors say Meteor has not only two spirit artifacts, but has also reached Xiantian Late Stage. That's exceedingly rare. And his killing of Zhen Xu on our behalf may not have been a coincidence. Perhaps he really did intend to help the Qin Family."

Qin De slowly raised his head and looked toward Cloud Mist Mountain, a complex look flashing in his eyes. He spoke slowly. "Do you remember the set of High-Grade Spirit Artifacts Mr. Yun Ce made for Yu'er before he went down the mountain to gain experience?" Qin Feng and Qin Zheng were both startled, then suddenly understood. Qin Feng hurriedly said, "Father, are you saying the rumors are true? The two spirit artifacts in Meteor's hands are the long and short swords Mr. Yun Ce made for Little Yu?"

"Exactly." Qin De nodded slightly, his voice more certain. "The weapons Mr. Yun Ce made for Yu'er from Stone-Embedded Yan Chi Iron are both crimson and contain pure fire-attribute spiritual energy, exactly as Meteor's weapons were described in the report. And Lian Yan told me Yu'er had already reached Xiantian Late Stage before going down the mountain. Mr. Yun Ce also taught him exquisite assassination techniques and combat skills. He's strong enough to kill Zhen Xu and his guards. More importantly, from what I know of him, Yu'er is meticulous and decisive, much like Meteor when he strikes."

Qin Zheng felt a flicker of doubt, but still wasn't sure. "Father, Little Yu is your son. If he was the one who struck, why would he use the identity of Meteor from the Heavenly Net? The Heavenly Net is a force of the Qin Family, and he went down the mountain to gain experience. He shouldn't reveal himself so easily."

"That's exactly what puzzles me." Qin De's brows furrowed as he spoke slowly. "Yu'er is steady and knows his limits. If he wanted to help the Qin Family, he might not have chosen to act as an assassin from the Heavenly Net. But too many things line up—the same Xiantian Late Stage cultivation, the same crimson weapons, the same swift and clean style, and the perfectly timed attack. It's hard to believe he isn't Yu'er." A glint flashed in Qin De's eyes. "Perhaps Yu'er really doesn't know that the Heavenly Net belongs to the Qin Family."

A look of eager hope crossed Qin De's eyes. He spoke slowly. "Issue an order. Have the people of the Heavenly Net keep close watch on Meteor's movements and do everything they can to contact him. Tell him I'd like to meet and discuss something important. Whatever he asks for, if the Qin Family can provide it, we'll agree!" He paused, then added, "If they see him, have them carefully observe his build, his aura, and the weapons in his hands. They must confirm whether he's Yu'er."

Qin Feng hurriedly bowed. "Yes, Father! I'll arrange it at once. If Meteor really is our third brother, that would be wonderful! With his strength, and able to operate in the Chu Dynasty as an assassin from the Heavenly Net, he'll surely make great contributions to the Qin Family's Conquest of Chu!"

Qin Zheng nodded as well. "Rest assured, Father. I'll remind the people of the Heavenly Net to act with the utmost caution and avoid alarming Meteor. If he really is our third brother, we shouldn't put him in a difficult position."

Qin De nodded slightly and looked once more toward Cloud Mist Mountain, thinking, "Yu'er, if it really is you, then you've grown so much through your years of training. No matter what, I have to meet you and confirm who you are."

At that moment, Qin Yu was concealed in a mountain forest outside the Eastern Suppressing Prince Mansion. He had not returned to Cloud Mist Villa or revealed his identity. Instead, he intended to observe for a while and see how Xiang Guang and Qin De reacted. Through the Heavenly Net's channels, he learned that the name Meteor had spread throughout the three dynasties and that Xiang Guang was furious. He couldn't help feeling a little proud.

He knew that the spirit artifacts in his hands were far too distinctive. They had been specially made for him by his master, Yun Ce, and it was unlikely that anyone in the world could find a second identical set of crimson High-Grade Spirit Artifacts. Given Qin De's keen mind and his knowledge of Qin Yu's cultivation and journey down the mountain, it was only natural that he would guess Qin Yu was Meteor. But Qin Yu's identity was complicated. He didn't want to reveal that he was Qin De's son, nor did he want Qin De to learn that he was Meteor. If his identity were exposed, he could no longer train in the Chu Dynasty as Meteor or secretly gather intelligence and remove obstacles for the Qin Family.

Qin Yu sat on a boulder in the forest, turning over the Heaven-Reaching Chart he had unexpectedly obtained as he considered his options. "Father must have noticed something unusual about the spirit artifacts, which is why he suspects me. If I don't go see him, he'll only become more suspicious and might send people everywhere to search for me, which could expose my identity. But if I go, my identity will be revealed, and all my previous training will have been for nothing. It seems I can only put him off for now and find a way to handle things later—so I won't disappoint Father, and can still keep my identity hidden while I train."