The residents living on the outskirts of Sunspire City opened their doors early in the morning, only to have a sheet of paper slapped onto their faces as they stretched.
Peeling it off, they squinted at the words written on it: "When the ruler's heart strays from righteousness, heaven sends forth a true sovereign. Offer reverence to the Central Courtyard, and eternal peace shall be preserved."
The Central Courtyard was the residence of Da Si, making these words outright treasonous. Yet, they fluttered across the entire city right under the noses of the city guards. The guards scrambled in disarray, chasing after the swirling papers, only for the streets to be littered with even more.
At first, the people were alarmed, frantically asking what was happening. But soon, someone pointed out that the phrase contained the name "Ming Xian."
Ming Xian—their great hero. Rumored to be a woman, she had just won the Six Cities Tournament for Star Yearn City.
Many had grown up idolizing Ming Xian, unable to comprehend why someone who had fought for Sunspire for seven years would suddenly defect to another city. The authorities branded her a traitor, but not everyone believed it. Now, with these papers in hand, whispers spread.
"Did the Central Courtyard do something to drive her away?"
"Even if they did, she shouldn’t return to seize power. That’s treason."
"Ah, don’t say that. I’d welcome her back. Without her, we can’t even stay among the Upper Three Cities. Soon, we’ll be forced to pay tribute to others—how are we supposed to live?"
"The Ming family took power from others in the first place. The position of Da Si has always belonged to the most capable. Besides, Ming Xian is the rightful heir. If the Central Courtyard is incompetent, she has every right to claim the throne early."
"But what about all those soldiers from Star Yearn City outside…?"
Using Star Yearn’s troops to seize power was distasteful to many. Ji Bozhai had anticipated this issue early on, so he never intended to let Star Yearn’s forces enter the city. Instead, he planned to breach the Nether Domain outside Sunspire with Essence Power first, then send Mingyi in to settle matters.
"This plan is sound, but there’s one problem," Qin Shangwu said, eyeing him deeply. "If Mingyi finds out what you’ve done, will she still be willing to act for you?"
Of course not. That’s why, ever since before the coronation, he had ensured Mingyi never interacted with outsiders.
Ji Bozhai coughed a few times, his face flushed with a sickly hue. "Granny Xun will stay with her at all times."
Qin Shangwu admired this disciple of his—unfettered by trivialities or sentimental attachments when pursuing great ambitions. He was far more suited to be a ruler than the current Da Si of Star Yearn.
But as a man, he was truly deplorable.
Breaking through the Nether Domain outside Sunspire required an immense expenditure of Essence Power from the entire army. Ji Bozhai had barely rested lately, leading the siege day and night from the front lines.
Mingyi approached him, clutching a cloak, her eyes filled with complex emotions. "Get some sleep?"
Ji Bozhai shook his head. "Their Nether Domain is too sturdy. If I sleep now, all the Essence Power expended so far will be wasted."
This Nether Domain had been reinforced by Mingyi herself over the years—naturally, it was nearly impenetrable. Even with Ji Bozhai’s army of a hundred thousand Essence Power soldiers, it would take at least two months to make the slightest dent.
She had assumed he would ask for her help from the start. After all, she knew the structure of the Nether Domain best—with her assistance, it could be breached in days. But he never did.
It was as if he had forgotten she was from Sunspire, forgotten she was Ming Xian. Only when exhaustion overwhelmed him did he lean against her shoulder, breathing raggedly, before straightening her robe and urging her to rest.Mingyi silently watched him for a long time before suddenly asking, "If I were to take Sunspire City, what would you do with it?"
Ji Bozhai coughed lightly with his eyes closed, then smiled faintly. "If you take Sunspire City, then it will be yours. You may do with it as you please."
Slowly opening his eyes, he saw her shocked expression and couldn't resist reaching out to pinch her cheek. "Who did you think I was trying to capture Sunspire City for?"
For her?
Mingyi found it absurd. How could something involving the lives of thousands be for her? She only knew Combat Skills, not the art of governance. Even if Sunspire City were handed to her, she couldn't become the Minister Superior.
Yet, Ji Bozhai's gaze was so earnest that her doubts felt almost shameful.
Turning her head away, she sighed. "The people of Sunspire wish for farmland and forests, a stable place to live."
Ji Bozhai replied, "The nearby Floating Island is quite suitable—level terrain with mountains and rivers."
Mingyi couldn't help but laugh bitterly. "That island belongs to Newgrass City. Sunspire once tried to take it but couldn't defeat Newgrass."
"Newgrass has the largest army among the Six Cities. It's understandable that Sunspire alone couldn't win," Ji Bozhai said with a faint smile. "But what if we add Star Yearn City to the equation?"
Her heart skipped a beat as she stared at him in astonishment.
The ailing Ji Bozhai had a unique allure, his dark eyes gazing back at her like a secluded lake deep in the mountains.
The thing in her chest began pounding uncontrollably.
"I won't lie to you," he said, pulling her closer and gently nuzzling her cheek. "Whatever you desire, I will give you."
Mingyi pushed him away and spent ten hours in deep contemplation.
The next day, as Ji Bozhai struggled to hold on while coughing, a pair of hands reached over his shoulders to steady the Essence Power Array leading the siege.
Ji Bozhai wasn't surprised in the least, merely curling his lips into a smile. "You do care about me after all."
"Who cares about you? I just couldn't stand watching you attack the thickest part of the defenses," Mingyi retorted, pushing him back to sit down. She then fixed her gaze on Sunspire City's Nether Domain ahead. "Prolonging this will only spread panic. Better to end it quickly."
She guided the Essence Power Array to the weakest point of the Nether Domain, signaling the final assault.
The once-impenetrable Nether Domain of Sunspire City suddenly began to tremble violently.
Once a city's Nether Domain is breached, it signifies their defeat, leaving the ruler with only one option: to take their own life.
Ming Li donned his ceremonial robes and went to Yan Pin's chambers.
He sat before her and asked, "Are you waiting for your son to break in and kill me so you can become the Dowager Empress?"
Yan Pin recoiled in panic. "N-no, Your Majesty, I would never!"
"If not for the seeds of disaster you planted years ago, Sunspire would not fall today."
"Minister Superior, this was never my intention! But you needn't worry too much—he is still your child. How could he possibly—"
"Whoever breaches the Nether Domain comes for my life, regardless of whether they're my child or yours," he sighed. "I am a Minister Superior who failed to protect his city."
"In that case, let us both step aside for him."
Yan Pin shook her head frantically. No, why should she step aside? That was her son outside—she could continue enjoying her wealth and status. Why should she make way?Even if it's the tradition to die with the city, he should be the only one to perish. She isn't the Empress now, so why should she have to die with the city?
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