Yun Jin had already suspected something, so her expression didn't change much. What truly intrigued her was Gao Jingxuan's ability to perceive the truth through the smallest signs.
For someone like the fake Chen Chen to deceive even Qin Ping, his mimicry must be extraordinary.Yet Gao Jingxuan had seen through him in a single glance. That kind of insight seemed to brush against the edge of some deeper rule.
Curious, Yun Jin asked, "You've never met the monarch before? The last time you saw him, didn't you feel anything was off?"
Gao Jingxuan explained, "His Majesty has always been close to scholars. Years ago, when I came to the capital to study, he visited the academy once. I saw him from a distance. The second time we met was when I passed the imperial exams and was appointed as an official. That day, he was far away, and I didn't dare raise my head casually and look upon the imperial visage. So I can't say whether the monarch back then was suspicious or not. But the one I saw today is absolutely not the same man who came to the academy that day."
Gao Jingxuan sounded completely certain. He didn't pose it as a question. He made a definitive statement.
"Interesting," Yun Jin nodded slightly.
Everyone assumed Yun Jin was referring to the monarch's change.
But in truth, she was talking about Gao Jingxuan's uncanny perception.
"Young Master, your eye for talent is unbelievable. This Gao Jingxuan might truly be a rare seedling for cultivation," the Tian Po Sword murmured in amazement.
Yun Jin only chuckled. She didn't give any suggestions, merely asked, "Brother Gao, what's our next move?"
Gao Jingxuan's expression turned grave. "I suspect the one colluding with the Demon Clan is this false monarch. If we can gather evidence and submit it to the Demon-Slaying Alliance, we might be able to break this situation wide open."
The Demon-Slaying Alliance and the sects had stayed out of it, claiming this was a matter internal to Canglan Kingdom and not something they could interfere with.
But if it could be proven that the fake monarch was connected to the Demon Clan, the alliance would have no choice but to step in.
Gao Jingxuan continued solemnly, "I plan to stay by the false monarch's side and search for evidence. The rest of you should remain outside the palace. Once I find something, deliver it to someone from the Demon-Slaying Alliance by any means necessary."
His tone made it clear he was prepared for self-sacrifice.
The mood among the group turned somber.
Yun Jin watched him for a moment, then said calmly, "If a connection to the Demon Clan is enough to make the alliance act, then why didn't they intervene when the fake monarch imprisoned Qin Ping under that very excuse?"
Gao Jingxuan froze, then quickly responded, "I heard that there are two factions within the Demon-Slaying Alliance. One believes any involvement with the Demon Clan warrants immediate intervention. The other believes that since Canglan Kingdom already investigated and reached a conclusion, they shouldn't overstep. Both sides have their supporters, and the situation is deadlocked. But if we can submit decisive evidence, we might tip the scales."
Yun Jin sighed lightly. "Still young. You're a little too naive when it comes to navigating the world."
She looked the part of a much older woman scolding a junior.
Gao Jingxuan's expression shifted. He couldn't help asking, "Is there something wrong with my plan?"
Yun Jin raised a brow. "Of course there is. The problem is that you still think help will come."
His expression tightened. Something must have occurred to him, because his face paled slightly.
Expressionless, Yun Jin said, "You should have heard by now that a disciple of Qingxiao Pavilion was found tainted by demonic energy. Afterward, the other three Holy Lands joined forces to investigate. Now, all their top elders are focused on Qingxiao Pavilion and can't spare attention for anything else. So ask yourself—who is the true ruler of this region? Your so-called monarch?"
Gao Jingxuan went even paler.
Of course he knew the answer.
The true ruling power in this region could only be Qingxiao Pavilion—and Lin Xiao.
If the upper ranks of the three Holy Lands were truly tied up and unable to act, then Qingxiao Pavilion remained the dominant force in this territory. Many cultivators in the local branch of the Demon-Slaying Alliance were known to be close to Qingxiao Pavilion as well.
If that Lin Xiao were to give a single command…
Then just as Yun Jin said—
Canglan Kingdom would be left with no reinforcements.
"Could it be that Qingxiao Pavilion is truly… truly involved with the Demon Clan…" Gao Jingxuan's voice trembled.
"The investigation isn't over yet," Yun Jin said softly, "but you should prepare for the worst."
She paused, then added, "You need to accept something first. If we're going to save Qin Ping, we can only rely on ourselves."
Yun Jin didn't mention her deeper suspicion—that not only would reinforcements fail to come, but those from Yuehua Sect might even take the opportunity to strike them while they were down.
"Just us…?" Gao Jingxuan looked lost.
Their enemy was at least at the Mahayana stage.
And him?
Even if he had a thousand strategies and a hundred schemes, what use were they in the face of absolute power?
For the first time, despair appeared on Gao Jingxuan's face.
Was he truly… powerless?
Yun Jin gave him a long, meaningful look. "If this world were one of mortals, your intelligence and skill would be enough to place you at the pinnacle. But this is a world of cultivators. Here, if you want to control your fate, only strength matters. Only by gaining power that transcends all things can you protect those you wish to protect—and grasp true freedom."
Her words seemed to carry a deeper message.
Gao Jingxuan stood frozen.
He suddenly realized—
This mysterious woman had likely already seen through him. She knew that deep down, he had little desire to pursue strength. Ever since discovering he had five spiritual roots, he hadn't focused on cultivation. Instead, he aimed to serve as a capable official and protect the people.
But he had forgotten something crucial.
That in the end—
This was a cultivator's world.
Strength was the ultimate truth.
The path he had walked all these years wasn't necessarily wrong.
But in the end, it simply wasn't enough to protect everything he cared about.
"Senior," he addressed Yun Jin differently now, "you… who exactly are you?"
Yun Jin shook her head. "When the time comes, you'll understand."
Gao Jingxuan was instantly awed by her air of mystery and unknowable depth. He unconsciously granted her a triple burst of 530 Emotional Value points.
Yun Jin felt secretly delighted.
She had burned through nearly all her Emotional Value for a quick power boost earlier. Now, even this tiny handful from Gao Jingxuan felt incredibly precious.
"Senior, then by your judgment, what should we…" Gao Jingxuan began respectfully.
But before he could finish—
The ground beneath them trembled slightly.
His face changed in an instant.
What was happening?
An earthquake?
No, that couldn't be.
The capital was stabilized by the Kingdom's Luck. Since the nation's founding, nothing like this had ever occurred.
"What's going on?"
The citizens of the capital were already pouring into the streets. The entire city was shaking violently.
It felt as if something terrible was about to descend upon them.
Unease spread across every face.