"Is Ye Kunlun insane? Gu Changsheng is the Imperial Astronomer personally appointed by the Shanhai Terrace, and next spring he is to preside over the quinquennial Spring Grand Ceremony!"
The reason the Imperial Observatory stood above the fray was precisely because of Gu Changsheng's status as Imperial Astronomer.
Imperial Astronomers were responsible for monitoring celestial changes and presiding over various sacrificial ceremonies.
The Spring Grand Ceremony held immense significance for Huaxia. It was one of the largest sacrifices organized by the Shanhai Terrace, entirely managed by the Imperial Astronomer.
By imprisoning Gu Changsheng in the Wujian Prison, Ye Kunlun was jeopardizing next year's Spring Grand Ceremony!
If that were the case, how could the Shanhai Terrace remain indifferent?
With this thought, Changsun Changkong burst into laughter. "Ye Kunlun is courting death! By capturing Gu Changsheng, he's throwing himself onto the tip of a spear!"
"This fellow is utterly arrogant, refusing even my invitation. Hmph, let's just wait and see the Shanhai Terrace make its move!"
A sharp glint appeared in Changsun Changkong's eyes.
Not long ago, Ye Kunlun had rejected his invitation, naturally displeasing him.
Who would have thought that Ye Kunlun would then proceed to arrest Gu Changsheng? He eagerly awaited Ye Kunlun's downfall.
—
At this moment.
The Shanhai Terrace had, of course, also received the news.
Eunuch Yuwen sounded somewhat flustered, "Master, who would have thought Young Master Ye would directly cleave the Imperial Observatory? Gu Changsheng is supposed to preside over the Spring Grand Ceremony next year. Should this old servant personally visit the Wujian Prison?"
After a brief silence, the voice of the Son of Heaven Saint echoed from the hall, "Next year's Spring Grand Ceremony is still some time away. Let Gu Changsheng stay in the Wujian Prison for now."
"Master, aren't you afraid this incident will provoke dissatisfaction from the Seven Clans of the Capital and the Royal Clans? If they unite, it could be quite troublesome."
Eunuch Yuwen understood the significance of the Spring Grand Ceremony, especially for the Royal Clans.
With Gu Changsheng in trouble, the Royal Clans would not stand idly by.
Having served in the Shanhai Terrace for many years, Eunuch Yuwen knew that not all twelve princes were easy to deal with.
Although there were only four princes in the capital, the eight princes outside the capital and the four within were united.
The hall fell silent once more.
After a few breaths, the voice of the Son of Heaven Saint came, "What do you think about letting Ye Kunlun clash with these individuals?"
"I heard that last time, Ye Kunlun directly beheaded Chen Sijin in front of Prince Hanshan. Heh heh..."
Laughter echoed in the hall. "I can only imagine the Prince Hanshan's expression at the time must have been incredibly vivid. For years, no one has dared to provoke members of the royal clan."
Eunuch Yuwen dared not speak. He found it difficult to fathom the thoughts of the one within the hall.
In the past, the royal clan's dignity would certainly be upheld.
However, since Ye Kunlun entered the capital and the Son of Heaven Saint heard of his deeds, he seemed to show him extraordinary leniency.
Whether it was the incident with Chen Sijin, Feng Zhan, Zhou Lie, the Imperial Observatory, or Prince Hanshan, Ye Kunlun's actions, taken together, were enough to slap the Shanhai Terrace across the face.
Yet, each time, the Son of Heaven Saint did not take it to heart, allowing Ye Kunlun to cause trouble.
"The twelve princes have appeared to be quiet these years, but do they truly believe I am unaware of their clandestine machinations?"
The voice in the hall grew colder. "Especially those three from the east and north..."
As he spoke, a killing aura emanated from the hall.
Eunuch Yuwen bowed his head, his gaze fixed on his nose and his thoughts on his heart. Feeling the killing intent within the hall, he bent his waist even lower.
He knew that his master was angered, and it was best for him to remain silent.
"Let's wait and see. From what I know, Prince Hanshan is not a magnanimous person. He didn't make a move when Ye Kunlun provoked him last time. This time, using Gu Changsheng's situation, I want to see what he does."
"You old servant, are you speechless now?"
The killing aura dissipated, and the voice carried a hint of playful scolding.
Eunuch Yuwen grinned. "When Master makes a decision, this old servant can only obey. Moreover, this matter involves the twelve princes, so this old servant dares not speak further."
"Ye Kunlun possesses the Son of Heaven Sword. There are very few people in the capital who can deal with him."
After a moment of silence, the Son of Heaven Saint spoke again, "By the way, the Yellow Spring Secret Realm is about to open. When will the one from the Mount Tai Prefecture arrive?"
"This old servant met with that person last time. That person said they would pay respects to the Son of Heaven before the Yellow Spring Secret Realm opens."
Eunuch Yuwen replied.
"Mm..."
A long, drawn-out "Mm" carrying an indescribable emotion. "This monarch understands. You may leave for now!"
—
Nangong Family.
"What? Ye Kunlun cleaved the Imperial Observatory? And imprisoned Gu Changsheng in the Wujian Prison?"
Nangong Lie's reaction upon hearing the news was identical to Changsun Changkong's.
Beyond shock, he felt Ye Kunlun was utterly audacious, provoking the wrath of heaven.
After all, Gu Changsheng was an Imperial Astronomer personally appointed by the Son of Heaven Saint.
After calming down, Nangong Lie's brow furrowed, and he said coldly, "The Nangong family shares prosperity and adversity with the Imperial Observatory. This matter..."
"Grandfather!"
Nangong Yunshao's voice came from outside the door, directly interrupting Nangong Lie.
"Yunshao, regarding the Imperial Observatory matter, you..."
"Grandfather, I have already heard. Our Nangong family cannot take the initiative in this matter!"
Nangong Yunshao's complexion appeared somewhat pale. "Moreover—it is highly likely Ye Kunlun will move against the Nangong family!"
"Why?" Nangong Lie did not quite understand Nangong Yunshao's words.
"Last night, I was ordered by my master to poison Ye Kunlun. This morning, Ye Kunlun cleaved the Imperial Observatory!"
Nangong Yunshao's expression was extremely complex. Ye Kunlun's strength far exceeded her imagination.
She never expected that Gu Changsheng, who had already entered the Foundation Establishment realm, would be defeated by Ye Kunlun even with the Longevity Killing Formation.
In such a case, there was likely no one in the entire capital who could rival Ye Kunlun.
"What?"
Nangong Lie looked at Nangong Yunshao in disbelief. He never imagined Gu Changsheng would have Nangong Yunshao poison Ye Kunlun.
Although Ye Kunlun's attitude towards the Nangong family was somewhat unpleasant, he was, after all, Nangong Yunshao's savior!
Nangong Yunshao doing this was a disgrace to their ancestors. Even if she was Gu Changsheng's disciple, she shouldn't have done this.
"Yunshao, you... kneel!"
Nangong Lie was enraged. The Nangong family would not tolerate anyone committing such an act of ingratitude.
Nangong Yunshao knelt before Nangong Lie. "Grandfather, Yunshao knows she made a mistake. I owe Ye Kunlun a life, and I will repay it!"
"You're going to anger this old man to death!" Nangong Lie found his beloved granddaughter incomprehensible. "Gu Changsheng has always stayed out of disputes; how could he have asked you to poison Ye Kunlun? What exactly happened?"
Nangong Yunshao remained silent.
"Patriarch, someone nearby heard Ye Kunlun say that Gu Changsheng stole the Spirit-Breaking Pill that you purchased for 140 billion!"
The person who had just arrived to report added.
"You say Gu Changsheng stole the Spirit-Breaking Pill?"
Nangong Lie's eyes widened, thinking he had misheard.