From Daoist Priest Jixin, Qin Sang had learned that not all Immortal Masters lived in seclusion away from the mortal realm. Still, he had never imagined that their ties to the mundane world ran even deeper than he had envisioned—to the point where even the sovereign of a nation required an Immortal Master's recognition.
Yet, thinking about it carefully, this was only natural.
"That is not quite accurate," Bai Jianglan said in a grave voice. "Immortal Masters do not interfere in mortal affairs. An aspiring ruler must be the one who ultimately establishes dominion over the realm before receiving their recognition. During the struggle for supremacy, no one receives aid from the Immortal Masters. Likewise, if a ruler proves incompetent and is overthrown by another, the Immortal Masters will not intervene either."
Qin Sang's heart stirred as he caught the underlying implication. He lowered his voice. "Could it be that the prince..."
Bai Jianglan admitted it openly. "Brother Qin, staying within the prince's estate, you would naturally be unaware. Some time ago, the prince personally penned the *Proclamation Denouncing the False Emperor*, cataloging the tyrant's cruel and foolish misdeeds. This unprincipled, benighted ruler has brought about endless natural disasters, plunging the common people into misery and leaving the five-hundred-year foundation of the Great Sui teetering on the brink of collapse. That proclamation has now spread across the entire realm. Of Great Sui's thirteen commanderies, all except the three around the Imperial Capital under the false emperor's control have answered the call. The prince has taken up arms in person to crusade against the false emperor. Prince Zhenshui has already submitted to him as a vassal, uniting the armies of both commanderies, with their vanguard pointing straight at Yingnan Commandery. The princess and I have been racing back and forth precisely to bring this about. Now that heroes are rising everywhere, it is the perfect time to make a name for oneself and forge a legacy."
*Prince Dongyang moved so fast!* Qin Sang thought to himself.
Just a month ago, there had been no sign of this whatsoever. Yet after only a single month, he had swept up the momentum of the entire realm and raised the banner of rebellion.
If his heart were not set on the immortal path, this truly would have been the golden opportunity to establish merit, perhaps even winning a noble title to enjoy a lifetime of wealth and glory.
Bai Jianglan glanced at Qin Sang and spoke slowly: "When the new emperor ascends the throne, he may choose his most trusted ministers to be enfeoffed alongside him on Mount Chaosheng..."
Qin Sang looked up abruptly. Seeing Bai Jianglan smiling without another word, he asked in a deep voice, "What can I do for the princess?"
*There was no fear of him not taking the bait!*
Bai Jianglan smiled slightly. Dipping his finger into water, he wrote three words on the table—Blood Cloak Tower!
Bai Jianglan lowered his voice. "After the prince issued the proclamation, the false emperor's lackeys from Jiangshan Tower launched a massive infiltration into Dongyang Commandery. Hiding in the shadows, they carry out sabotage, assassination, and espionage. Jiangshan Tower has become like gangrene on the bone—it must be eradicated! Ten days ago, Prince Zhenshui was nearly assassinated, throwing everyone into panic. Prince Dongyang was furious, and the princess advised establishing Blood Cloak Tower to counter Jiangshan Tower head-on. Wiping out Jiangshan Tower will not only sever the false emperor's talons, but also cut off one of his vital sources of intelligence. In addition, Blood Cloak Tower will bear the responsibility of infiltrating enemy ranks to scout military intelligence..."
Listening to this, Qin Sang marveled inwardly. In the end, they wanted him to join an intelligence organization.
The heightened senses granted by the Nether Scripture and the Yanluo Banner's ability to interrogate enemies were indeed tailor-made for this.
"Who will serve as the Tower Lord? You, Brother Bai, or Elder Yue?"
"I will not be joining Blood Cloak Tower," Bai Jianglan said, shaking his head. "The Tower Lord of Blood Cloak Tower is Daoist Master Black Crane, commander of the prince's personal guard. His background is mysterious, his internal force has reached supernatural perfection, and his lightness skills are like a phantom's. Elder Yue and I can only lament our inferiority before him. However, beneath the Tower Lord will be four Protectors, and Elder Yue is among them."
Puzzled, Qin Sang asked, "Brother Bai, your martial arts are so formidable. Why..."
Bai Jianglan sighed softly. "Years ago, not wanting to drag my wife and daughter into trouble, I severed two of my own toes to end my martial-world vendettas and sought refuge in the prince's estate. I lost all ambition to build a career long ago. Nowadays, I wish only to stay by the princess's side as a bodyguard and live out my years in peace, without meddling in martial affairs ever again. However, some of the brothers under me refuse to remain ordinary and will all join Blood Cloak Tower to serve. When the time comes, I'll need Brother Qin to look after them. Although you might not be a top-tier martial artist, the skills you possess are beyond those of ordinary people. Blood Cloak Tower cannot do without you. The princess once considered having you as a personal guard, but worried it would stifle your talents, which was why she hesitated for so long. Later, when she consulted me regarding Blood Cloak Tower, you were the first person who came to mind."
Qin Sang gave a wry smile. "Brother Bai truly thinks too highly of me. I only fear my meager abilities will ruin the prince and princess's great endeavor."
Bai Jianglan chuckled. "Brother Qin, do not be modest! The princess may not know much about Jiangshan Tower's reputation in the martial world, but how could I not? Before Brother Qin, I had never heard of anyone prying secrets from the mouths of those lunatics..."
Qin Sang was startled to hear that.
Bai Jianglan waved his hand dismissively. "Everyone has their secrets. As long as Brother Qin loyally serves the princess and the prince, I will not stir up unnecessary trouble. Enough idle chatter. Blood Cloak Tower is newly founded, and all affairs are left to the Protectors' discretion. The princess and Elder Yue intend to divide it into two altars: the Yin Altar, which will scatter into the martial world to strike against Jiangshan Tower, and the Military Altar, which will push deep into the front lines to gather military intelligence. Brother Qin, you may consider which altar you wish to join."
Qin Sang said no more and sank into deep thought, his brow furrowed.
With Immortal Masters watching over Great Sui from above, Qin Sang knew it was best not to flip the table, lest he attract fatal disaster rather than immortal destiny.
Whether to join Blood Cloak Tower or not had its merits either way. But gaining contact with an Immortal Master through the mountain ceremony seemed to be the only path toward seeking immortality currently in sight.
Between the Military Altar and the Yin Altar, the Yin Altar was undoubtedly best suited for him. The Military Altar required infiltrating the front lines; though it offered many military merits, war was merciless, and a stray arrow could claim his life at any moment.
Yet what lingered in Qin Sang's mind was Soul Pills.
Where would one find the most departed souls?
The battlefield!
Joining the Military Altar and gathering souls on the battlefield under the cover of a mortal identity would resolve his greatest current predicament even without considering the search for immortals. He would simply need to be a bit more cautious.
"Brother Qin wants to join the Military Altar?"
A flicker of surprise crossed Bai Jianglan's face. He was somewhat taken aback by Qin Sang's choice, but since it was his own decision, it was not Bai Jianglan's place to say much.
"Brother Qin, prepare yourself. I shall report back to the princess at once. Preparations for Blood Cloak Tower are drawing to a close, and there will be major developments within a few days."
After seeing Bai Jianglan off, Qin Sang sat alone and pondered for a long time.
He had imagined various futures for himself—becoming an official, a favored courtier, or a confidant of the princess. As long as there was a chance to touch upon immortal destiny, he could endure anything.
He had never imagined he would end up as a spy, an intelligence operative, or even carry out an assassin's trade.
The danger inherent in such work was obvious. Even with Yanwang protecting him, there was no guarantee of absolute safety.
After considerable thought, Qin Sang made up his mind: after joining Blood Cloak Tower, all his actions had to be premised on not hindering his cultivation, with preserving his own life as the primary principle.
He would rather fail a mission than put himself in harm's way. Even so, he would still claim any credit that could be had, and claim it out in the open—he had no intention of becoming an unsung hero.
Furthermore, upon learning that cultivators were watching over Great Sui from above, Qin Sang rejoiced in his past prudence. He resolved that in the future, whether collecting souls or taking lives, he had to keep an exceptionally low profile, never revealing his abilities unless absolutely necessary.
If he inadvertently ruined their grand endeavor, the worst he would have to do was change his name, flee to another country, and start over again. After all, the Nether Scripture was not something that could be mastered in a year or two anyway.
Having made up his mind, Qin Sang felt considerably relieved. He picked up the manuals on the table and began leafing through them.
That night, Elder Yue paid him a visit.
After a long, secret conversation, Qin Sang packed his bags, followed Elder Yue to meet with the princess, and then quietly left the prince's estate, vanishing without a trace.
Chapter 29