At dawn, news of the royal murders spread like wildfire, throwing the Sacred Tang Empire into utter turmoil.
Across the streets of Chang'an, people murmured anxiously.
"Did you hear? The crown prince was killed!"
"Not just him! Even the crown princess was murdered!"
"I heard their throats were slit—gruesome work by a merciless killer."
"Both were killed in the imperial Lingyan Pavilion, no less! Unbelievable!"
"Who could have done such a thing?"
"No clue, but whoever it was must be from the higher ranks of the cultivation world—no ordinary assassin could slip past eight Legendary guardians!"
"I heard Emperor Adrian Long spat blood, and the empress fainted from shock!"
Meanwhile, in Weiyang Palace, Emperor Adrian Long sat on his throne, his face pale, his lips lined with dried blood. The usually regal and unshakable man was visibly shaken. Next to him, Sarah Long stood silently, her delicate face downcast, filled with sorrow for her lost brother and sister-in-law. Below them, the Eight Winds and Rains hung their heads in shame.
"Explain to me," Adrian Long's hoarse voice trembled with exhaustion, "what happened last night?"
Jaden Qin, leader of the Eight Winds and Rains, bowed his head, fists clenched with regret. "Your Majesty, a powerful assailant breached the palace walls and kidnapped the youngest princess. We eight gave chase, trying to retrieve her."
"An assailant?" Sarah's voice cut in sharply. "Was there only one?"
"Indeed, Your Highness," confirmed Ye Hongyu, her voice trembling as the memory of last night resurfaced. "The intruder used an astounding technique, creating eight perfect doppelgängers that deceived us all."
Sarah's eyes widened with shock. As the Saintess of Misty Peak, she understood just how formidable that technique must have been. A terrifying thought flashed through her mind, and she asked hesitantly, "Could it have been an Epic-ranked cultivator?"
Jaden Qin shook his head. "Unlikely. If the intruder had reached the Epic level, they could have killed us all outright. There would be no need for deception."
Sarah nodded slowly, realizing the logic in his words. "Then it appears a powerful faction has targeted our imperial family."
Adrian Long's voice grew cold as he clenched his fists. "We have no choice. This blood debt must be paid. Jaden Qin, go to the Protectorate Sect. Inform Elder Sheng that the Sacred Tang demands retribution for our royal blood!"
Jaden Qin bowed deeply, feeling the weight of the emperor's words. "Yes, Your Majesty. This vengeance cannot be ignored." Rising, he left the palace at once, heading toward the Protectorate Sect.
"Father," Sarah said quietly, "I have also sent word to my sect, Misty Peak. My master herself has vowed to come."
Adrian Long's expression softened slightly. "Miranda Murong will come herself? That is excellent." He exhaled slowly, momentarily easing his frown. Miranda Murong had always been his ideal, a figure he revered but could never attain.
"Sarah," he said, regaining his composure, "send word to the Celestial Secrets Pavilion. Offer a substantial reward for any information on the killer."
After a moment, he added, "Your three-year challenge with Ethan Ye should be coming up soon, correct?"
"Yes, in just two weeks," Sarah confirmed.
Adrian Long sighed. "A turbulent time indeed. With both righteous and demonic sects converging on Chang'an…"
"That's not all," Sarah continued, voice tense. "The crown prince of the Feathered Dynasty and the heir to the Immortal Qin Empire will also be arriving soon."
The mention of the Immortal Qin Empire made Adrian Long's gaze darken. Known as the most powerful and domineering nation on the continent, the Immortal Qin's crown prince visiting Chang'an was far from reassuring.
"Sarah, send word to the Grand General Carl Li. Order him back to 【Rebellion in Chang'an】," Adrian Long commanded.
Sarah blinked in surprise. "The Grand General? You mean Carl Li, the commander of the Celestial Strategy Fortress?"
"Yes," Adrian Long replied gravely. "He must return."
Carl Li was the Sacred Tang's greatest general, charged with protecting the borders and known as an Epic-level warrior. He and the Immortal Qin's War God, Bai Ya, were celebrated as the two greatest generals of the land. Yet calling Carl Li back would leave the border vulnerable.
Despite her concerns, Sarah could only nod. The emperor's mind was made up.
In the peach blossom grove of the Dong Family Estate, Jason Ji and Livia Dong, the masterminds behind the prior night's bloodbath, stood side by side. Petals danced around them in the fragrant breeze, filling the air with their delicate scent.
"It looks like our first plan went off perfectly," Livia said, her flawless face lit with a pleased smile.
Jason nodded. "We both got what we wanted—the Immortal Slayer Sheath for me and the imperial treasure for you. A win-win."
"But I didn't expect Adrian Long to summon Carl Li back to Chang'an," Livia's smile faded. "This complicates things. If he returns, any future moves will be nearly impossible to execute."
Jason nodded, recalling the original novel's depiction of Carl Li as an unparalleled warrior among Epic-level cultivators. His presence would make any further plans far riskier.
"And it's not just Carl Li," Livia continued. "The Protectorate Sect will send reinforcements, and they'll arrive within the month. Things are only going to get more difficult."
Jason met her gaze, a plan already forming in his mind. "What if… the Immortal Qin's crown prince dies on the way to Chang'an?"
Livia's brows lifted, intrigued. "You mean…"
Jason grinned. "Exactly. If the Immortal Qin crown prince were killed en route, the Immortal Qin's emperor wouldn't just sit still. And if they move, Carl Li won't be able to leave the borders unguarded to return here."
Livia's interest deepened, a sly smile tugging at her lips. "Now that's an idea with potential."
"If Carl Li can't return," Jason continued, "I have a way to handle the Protectorate Sect's reinforcements too."
Jason explained his plan to Livia in detail, his eyes glinting with a cunning light. As he laid it out, Livia's expression grew brighter and brighter, her eyes sparkling with admiration.
When he finished, she looked at him with a playful yet serious smile. "You know, Jason, I'm starting to think you're a gift from the heavens. I might be falling for you just a little."
Jason rolled his eyes, though he couldn't hide a faint smile. "Quit the nonsense."
Livia laughed, the tension of the morning broken. Then, her gaze sharpened. "Within two weeks, I'll have every treasure from the first Sacred Tang emperor's cache moved from Mount Mang—save for one part."
"Good," Jason replied, nodding in satisfaction. "As for me, I'll handle the crown prince of the Immortal Qin."
Together, they walked through the peach blossom grove, petals swirling around them. Beneath the surface, a dark conspiracy was already in motion, a plan that would shake Chang'an and the Sacred Tang Empire to its core.
Meanwhile, in a bamboo grove on the outskirts of Chang'an, eight Legendary warriors, the Eight Winds and Rains, stood amidst the ruins of their battle with last night's mysterious assailants.
"It was all an illusion… only doppelgängers," Jaden Qin muttered, his fists clenched in frustration.
"Damn them!" growled another. "Whoever it was, to control such powerful clones… that level of skill is terrifying."
Just then, the mournful sound of the palace funeral bells reached the grove, echoing through the trees. The Eight Winds and Rains looked up in shock.
"A member of the royal family… has fallen," Jaden Qin murmured, feeling the weight of a dark premonition settle over them.
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