A Scholar's True Colors

Though Cao Yiyan had suffered several setbacks and seemed dogged by bad luck, the stars that day had not lied. Of the two stars, one large and one small, he had to account for one—and very likely the larger one.

And the Zheng Dynasty's Emperor Star had shifted. That meant that however outstanding Su Ziji might be, he could not change the greater tide or prevent the Zheng Dynasty from falling after two generations.

As for whom the smaller star represented, Cao Yiyan had his suspicions.

Perhaps members of the Great Wei imperial clan still lived in this world. When he had slaughtered its descendants, some fish might have slipped through the net—perhaps more than one.

With dragon aura already protecting him, he had no longer cared whether one or two small fry remained alive. But now that this second new star had appeared, Cao Yiyan had to give the matter more thought.

If one waned while the other waxed, and the survivor grew powerful later on, eliminating them would become troublesome.

"If only Hui Dao's branch could serve me and employ the Heavenly Secret Arts." They might not be able to pinpoint a specific target, but once the target appeared, they could at least discern something.

"But now isn't the time to consider that. I lost a great deal of fortune in the Dragon Palace. I need to replenish it."

"The stars have changed, which means upheaval will strike the Zheng Dynasty within these next few years. Prince Qi and Prince Shu are both young. If something happens to the emperor, whoever it is, a dispute will erupt at once. Then I'll have my opportunity."

"But first, I must slaughter the Green Hill demon tribe and obtain the Fox Tribe's secret treasure."

Meanwhile, several miles away, two foxes bobbed