In the imperial palace of Xianyang within the Qin Empire, a sorrowful wail echoed through the halls.
"My son is dead!" The Qin Emperor's voice was choked with fury as he looked down at the shattered life jade pendant on the floor. This pendant, unique to the royal family, symbolized life, and its shattering was proof of his son's demise.
"Whoever is responsible will pay for this in blood!"
The court was in an uproar, ministers and generals alike sharing the emperor's grief and rage.
"Your Majesty, grant us permission to invade the Sacred Tang Empire and avenge the crown prince!"
"Yes! The crown prince was killed on Tang soil; we must demand justice from Emperor Long Yuan!"
"I suspect it was the Tang Empire's cultivators. There are many factions in Tang who oppose our Qin Empire."
"Indeed! The elders guarding the prince were both at the Legendary Eight Realm; only a hero of Epic rank could have slain them within Tang's borders."
The Qin Emperor's killing intent grew as he heard his officials' words. With a crack, he crushed the jade cup in his hand. "No matter who did this, my son perished in the Tang Empire. Emperor Adrian Long will answer for this!"
A raspy voice cut through the air. "Your Majesty, should we not consult the Grand Emperor?"
The emperor's face stiffened momentarily, but he quickly waved the matter off. "There's no need to disturb my father. He has long retreated into cultivation, leaving governance to me. This is my responsibility."
With the matter settled, the emperor issued his orders. "Send word to General Bai Ya. He is to lead forty thousand of our Qin soldiers to march upon Tang. Command the Protectorate Sect to mobilize and support our forces unconditionally."
The court erupted in a fervor as preparations began for war, setting into motion a series of events that would soon shake the entire continent.
Meanwhile, back in Chang'an, Jason Ji returned to the Dong household and found his way to the secluded peach grove. Dressed in an ornate gown embroidered with golden phoenixes, Livia Dong awaited him under the trees.
"Back already?" Livia smiled softly, her face exuding a timeless grace. "From the look on your face, I assume everything went well?"
Jason nodded. "Yes, and you? Did you get the Tang Empire's treasure from Mount Mang? The Corpse-Driving Sect is no easy foe."
She chuckled lightly. "The Corpse-Driving Sect? They no longer exist. I emptied the mountain of nearly all its treasures."
Jason felt a weight lift from his shoulders, glad that Livia had heeded his suggestion to leave some of the treasure in Mount Mang. Otherwise, the plan to provoke the Protectorate Sect would be compromised.
"Now then, do you have the item I asked for?" Livia extended her hand, her gaze fixed intently on him.
Jason waved her off for a moment as he navigated the system menu, quickly purchasing a rare item for a thousand Destiny Points. After a few clicks, he withdrew a golden-red lotus blossom from his storage ring.
"Here." He handed the beautiful lotus to Livia, who examined it curiously.
"What is this?" Her eyes sparkled with interest as she turned the lotus over in her hand.
"The Tang Lotus of Buddha's Fury," Jason replied with reverence. This was no ordinary weapon but the ultimate hidden weapon from the Tang Sect's mysterious Sky Jade Codex. It was said to possess unparalleled destructive power, one that few could withstand.
Livia arched an eyebrow. "The Tang Lotus of Buddha's Fury? Is it related to your Tang Lotus of Buddha's Fury technique?"
Jason considered this, then explained, "The technique is a skill—one I've mastered and developed over time. This lotus, however, is a weapon, an artifact crafted solely for annihilation."
Livia appeared skeptical, studying the exquisite lotus before her. "One hidden weapon? Enough to destroy the Protectorate Sect?"
Jason nodded, dead serious. "With a single Tang Lotus, razing a sect like the Protectorate is almost guaranteed. It even stands a good chance of killing one of their Epic-level elders."
Seeing his certainty, Livia finally nodded, her gaze filled with a new resolve. "Very well, I trust you. I'll see to it that the Tang Lotus gets placed among the treasure."
Jason returned her nod, saying, "The only thing we need to ensure is that the Protectorate Sect gets the treasure. If that happens, everything else will fall into place."
Livia chuckled, her eyes glinting with an almost playful malice. "That won't be difficult. The Protectorate Sect is sending four Legendary-ranked guardians along with an Epic-ranked master to secure it. Even Lady Murong of Misty Peak, a famed Epic cultivator, is joining them."
Jason's brow lifted at the mention of Lady Murong. Known in the novel as Miranda Murong, she was a figure of legendary beauty and skill, a symbol of cold elegance. As the head of Misty Peak and Sarah Long's mentor, she had captivated the hearts of countless heroes across the continent.
"Has word of the treasure been leaked yet?" Jason asked.
"Don't worry," Livia reassured him. "I've handed the map over to the Auction Pavilion under the Heaven's Mystery Pavilion. Word will spread soon enough."
The corners of her lips lifted slightly as she imagined the frenzy it would cause. "Once the news is out, every major power will be scrambling to get their hands on it. The Tang Empire's forces may even have a tough time holding onto it, which means we'll have to watch closely and act when needed."
Jason agreed, adding, "Our goal is to make sure the Protectorate Sect secures the treasure. If it seems they're at risk of failing, we'll step in to ensure they do."
Livia nodded thoughtfully. "The situation is about to grow more complex and chaotic than ever," she mused, her gaze moving toward the horizon. Standing side by side, they seemed almost otherworldly in the soft glow of the setting sun.
Just then, a cold voice rang out.
"Hmph!"
A tall woman dressed in a white military uniform, complete with a crossed general's cap, stormed into the peach grove, her eyes blazing with anger. She pointed accusingly at Jason; her voice sharp.
"Jason Ji, you haven't even married my sister yet, and here you are, entangled with Princess Sarah Long!"
Jason turned, bewildered as he faced the woman's fiery gaze.
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