Outside the camp.
Captain Sun led several people into a heavily guarded tent. The tent flap fell, shutting out all prying eyes from outside.
They huddled together, and Captain Sun lowered his voice as he began issuing orders.
"We've received word from our master. He wants us to help establish an intelligence network called Zilan Pavilion in the Star Luo Empire."
He looked at one of them. "Find a way to sell off the gold, silver, and jewels we recently took from the imperial treasury and those powerful families. Turn them into Gold Soul Coins and deliver them."
"Yes," the man replied.
Captain Sun turned to the others.
"Next, secretly kill every one of the Star Luo Emperor's illegitimate sons."
"Regardless of their age, talent, or Martial Soul, leave not a single one alive."
"Remember, after the killings, make sure to erase every trace."
"Let the Star Luo Emperor slowly guess what happened."
"Make father and son suspect each other."
His gaze swept over them. "Our master's meaning is that the continent must not only be unified, but also win the hearts of all under heaven."
"Understood?"
"Yes!"
They answered in unison, then each took his leave to carry out the orders.
Deep in the Crown Prince's Eastern Palace, inside a secluded meditation chamber.
Qian Renxue sat cross-legged, her eyes closed, a brilliant golden radiance swirling around her.
The light was pure and blazing, like divine glory sent down by a god, illuminating the entire chamber as brightly as day.
Black, black, black, red, red, red, red, orange.
Eight Soul Rings circled her, slowly pulsing. Each emanated pressure befitting its age.
The three red Soul Rings blazed like burning flames, radiating a terrifying aura that made the heart quail.
The orange-gold Soul Ring at the very top gave off