Chapter Eighteen: The Identity of Wu Yaoqing

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A tightening gripped Bai Jingyan’s heart, yet his expression remained composed:
“Yaoyao, you’re overthinking. I just believe that within the borders of Wuhou Kingdom, the various forces are intricately intertwined. As disciples, we must be extra cautious.”

Nanmen Chuyao fell silent for a moment, then suddenly sighed, “Brother Jingyan, actually, I…”

Before she could finish, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed outside the door, followed by a low voice: “Bai Jingyan, are you here?”

It was Wu Yaoqing.

Both Bai Jingyan and Nanmen Chuyao were momentarily stunned, clearly not expecting Wu Yaoqing’s sudden visit at this hour. Bai Jingyan quickly masked his surprise, turned, and opened the door: “Elder Wu, it’s so late. Is something the matter?”

Wu Yaoqing stood outside, his expression serious. His gaze briefly swept over Nanmen Chuyao, and he nodded slightly: “Chuyao is here as well.”

Nanmen Chuyao quickly saluted, “Elder Wu.”

“Bai Jingyan, I have some matters I wish to discuss with you privately.”

Seeing this, Nanmen Chuyao bowed slightly and, before leaving, cast a glance toward Bai Jingyan.

After stepping out, a vague unease stirred within her. Standing in the shadows of the corridor, she looked at the firmly closed door with a complex expression before swiftly turning away. Her steps were light and quick, like a nimble night cat weaving through darkness, soon arriving at a secluded corner.

She gently clapped her hands and whispered, “Come out.”

After a moment, a figure clad in black robes silently emerged from the shadows, blending seamlessly with the night. The black-robed figure bowed slightly, his voice low and hoarse: “Young master, what are your orders?”

Nanmen Chuyao’s gaze was icy, her tone tinged with urgency: “Have you been tracking Bai Jingyan’s recent movements?”

The black-robed man nodded, his voice still low: “Young master, Bai Jingyan has been frequenting the Star Feather Sect’s base recently, seemingly investigating something. Last night, he even fought a Shadow Wolf and sustained minor injuries.”

Nanmen Chuyao furrowed her brow, a flicker of worry passing through her eyes: “So he really is investigating the Star Feather Sect… No wonder Wu Yaoqing came looking for him so suddenly.”

The black-robed man fell silent briefly, then whispered:

“Young master, Bai Jingyan’s actions have already drawn the attention of the Star Feather Sect’s upper echelon. They are secretly gathering forces, preparing to encroach upon the surrounding cities of Wuhou Kingdom. Should we intervene?”

Nanmen Chuyao pondered for a moment, a complex expression crossing her eyes:

“Don’t act rashly for now. Bai Jingyan’s identity and purpose are not yet fully clear; we cannot act impulsively. But continue monitoring his movements. Report to me immediately if there is anything unusual.”

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The black-robed man bowed and replied, “Yes, young master.”

Nanmen Chuyao waved her hand, and the figure quietly withdrew, vanishing into the night. She stood still, her gaze profound, thoughts swirling within her mind.

“Bai Jingyan… What exactly are you plotting?” she murmured.

Meanwhile, the atmosphere inside the room grew heavy.

Wu Yaoqing sat in a chair, looking Bai Jingyan straight in the eye with a grave and serious tone: “Bai Jingyan, I know you’ve been investigating the Star Feather Sect. Your actions have already alerted them. From now on, you must be even more cautious.”

Bai Jingyan was slightly taken aback upon hearing this. How did Wu Yaoqing know about his investigation? Had he already been exposed?

With that thought, Bai Jingyan began to secretly muster his spiritual energy, preparing to retreat unharmed even if he could not match Wu Yaoqing.

After a moment of contemplation, Wu Yaoqing suddenly said, “Jingyan, there’s something I must tell you.”

Bai Jingyan’s heart tightened, but his face remained calm: “Please, Elder Wu, speak.”

Wu Yaoqing took a deep breath and slowly said, “I am actually a spy sent by the royal family of Wuhou Kingdom. My mission is to monitor every move of the Star Feather Sect and prevent their rebellion.”

Surprise flickered in Bai Jingyan’s eyes, but he quickly regained his composure: “I see… No wonder Elder Wu has been paying such close attention to me recently.”

But words alone were not enough. Wu Yaoqing produced a jade pendant from his bosom and handed it to Bai Jingyan.

Bai Jingyan examined the pendant carefully—it was identical to the one Bai Huaiwu carried.

Wu Yaoqing nodded, a hint of meaning in his tone: “Bai Jingyan, I know your identity is not simple. You are not a member of the Bai family, but the Eighth Prince of Wuhou Kingdom. Yet our goals align—to uncover evidence of the Star Feather Sect’s rebellion and maintain the kingdom’s stability.”

Bai Jingyan was silent for a moment, then nodded firmly: “Elder Wu, I understand. I will cooperate with you to find evidence of the Star Feather Sect’s treachery.”

Wu Yaoqing showed a faint smile of relief: “Good, Bai Jingyan. With your help, our chances of success improve significantly.”

He patted Bai Jingyan’s shoulder, his tone heavy with meaning: “However, this matter is of great importance. We must proceed with utmost caution. The Star Feather Sect’s influence reaches far within and beyond Wuhou Kingdom. One wrong move, and we might alert them prematurely.”

Bai Jingyan nodded solemnly: “Rest assured, Elder Wu, I will be careful.”

Wu Yaoqing smiled faintly and then rose to leave. His silhouette under the candlelight appeared especially solemn, as if burdened by years of duty and responsibility.

After the door closed, Bai Jingyan stood silently, his mind swirling with thoughts. He knew Wu Yaoqing’s confession offered crucial support, but it also made him realize that he was now entangled in an even more complex power struggle.

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“Star Feather Sect… Wuhou Kingdom… The Primordial Empire…” Bai Jingyan murmured softly, a resolute gleam in his eyes.

The night was deep and the stars dim, as if mourning the storm soon to come. Bai Jingyan’s figure stood tall in the candlelight, like a drawn sword, sharp and radiant.

At the same time, Nanmen Chuyao stood in the distant shadows, her gaze complicated as she watched Bai Jingyan’s room, a faint unease stirring within her.

“Bai Jingyan… What exactly are you plotting?” she whispered, her tone filled with doubt and apprehension.

…

In the capital city of Dianjing, within the royal palace.

“The prince has set up such a grand scheme—it can’t be just for a small sect like the Star Feather Sect.”

At the chessboard, Chen Hu and Bai Huaiwu were engaged in a game.

Upon hearing this, Bai Huaiwu merely smiled and said nothing, continuing to place his pieces.

“I planted a spy within the Star Feather Sect long ago. By now, they should have met.”

“But what about that little girl?”

Chen Hu glanced at Bai Huaiwu, realizing he could no longer quite read the Prince of Gong’s intentions.

Bai Huaiwu slowly rose, straightening his robes, and said:

“Of course not. That girl’s background is very mysterious. I sent people to investigate some time ago.”

“Yet they found nothing at all?”

Chen Hu frowned.

“You mean to say she comes from some force outside the Wuhou Kingdom?”