Heavenly Dao Engine
Chapter 251 - 251 0216 Malicious Intent_2

Chapter 251: Chapter 0216: Malicious Intent_2 Chapter 251: Chapter 0216: Malicious Intent_2 Wang Song was at a loss for words. Wang Xin was determined to use the special privileges of the Special Envoy to coerce Qi Tian into going to the dangerous borderland for the mission. After a moment, Wang Song said, “Name your price. What will it take for you not to conscript Qi Tian to the border?”

Wang Xin chuckled, “Lord Wang, serving at the border is a duty to the nation and people, not a transaction. I, Wang Xin, have been deeply favored by the emperor and am dedicated to public service. How could I possibly disregard the law for personal gain in this matter?”

“Three hundred spirit stones.” Wang Song didn’t believe for a second that Wang Xin was completely incorruptible and made a direct offer.

Wang Xin replied, “Not possible. As I said, this is not a transaction.”

“Five hundred.”

Wang Xin continued shaking his head.

“Nine hundred. Enough, sir. Qi Tian has just won these spirit stones, and I have already taken them out. What more could you want?” Wang Song exclaimed angrily.

Wang Xin glanced at Qi Tian, “Lord Wang, as I have said, this is not a transaction. Qi Tian is so young and has advanced to the Foundation Establishment Stage, his battle power is extraordinary. At the border, he will surely become a thorn in the side of the Chi Di people from the invade valley, killing many enemies, earning merit for the country, and even gaining experience. All these things – especially mere nine hundred pieces of spirit stones – cannot compare.”

Wang Song was about to say something when Qi Tian intervened, “Sir Wang, if nine hundred spirit stones are not enough, can I myself take out the nine hundred spirit stones I have collected so that I may be exempted from conscription?”

Wang Xin hummed, appearing respectful, “Qi Tian, as I’ve said, this is not a transaction. However, there is always room for flexibility in everything. If you refuse conscription, I’ll need to find someone else instead. Can I ask for someone without offering something in return? Some compensation must be made. Plus, I need to grease palms up and down the ranks to replace your name with someone else’s. Wouldn’t that require more smashing? And you tell me, is this a transaction?”

Everyone present was stunned by Wang Xin’s brazen words. Particularly Fang Yanxiong and Hao Shuo, they had only hoped to reclaim the spirit stones Qi Tian had won from them. But Wang Xin was even more ruthless, he not only wanted to reclaim the lost spirit stones but also eyed the nine hundred stones that originally belonged to Qi Tian. Moreover, his reasons were high-sounding, leaving them in awe of the meaning behind the two words for “official”.

The Great Zhao Emperor ruled over all sides, even the three national master residences were under the emperor’s control. Otherwise, the emperor would not have been able to send Wang Xin to investigate after Qi Tian killed four Foundation Establishment Stage cultivators from Marquis Jingguo’s Manor, with the Imperial Master Mansion fully cooperating. As a special envoy of the emperor, Wang Xin had the authority to conscript Qi Tian, making the Imperial Master Mansion’s role one simply of compliance. Now, Wang Xin openly demanded Qi Tian to hand over all his spirit stones to avoid conscription. Everyone regarded Wang Xin’s actions as shameful, but nobody had the power to stop him.

Wang Song might have been much higher in cultivation than Wang Xin, but he didn’t have the power and authority to challenge the emperor’s edict. The only one in the Imperial Master Mansion with that capacity was Mansion Master Xiao Xiaowu. Even if Mansion Master Xiao Xiaowu were present, he might not be willing to do so. It might not be wise for him to offend the emperor just for the sake of Qi Tian, a minor cultivator.

Wang Song felt incredibly frustrated. Wang Xin was utterly greedy – was he not afraid of biting off more than he could chew? But for the sake of Qi Tian’s safety and to prevent this promising young man from being conscripted to the dangerous border, Wang Song decided to swallow his pride. He took out all the nine hundred spirit stones Qi Tian had given him, preparing to hand them over to Wang Xin.

Wang Xin sat there with an air of entitlement sans making any move to collect the spirit stones, waiting for Wang Song and Qi Tian to deliver them to him. He was already thinking about how to distribute these one thousand eight hundred spirit stones once they were in his hands. However, regardless of the divide, he would definitely keep at least five to six hundred for himself. This trip had indeed been worthwhile.

Just as it seemed Wang Xin was about to become suddenly wealthy, a clear voice echoed throughout the field.

“Hold on.”

The one who spoke was Qi Tian. He lifted his head and looked at Wang Xin, his gaze intense. He declared boldly, “Sir Wang, I am willing to accept the imperial summons to head to the frontier and slaughter the Chi Di people coming from the south.”

Upon hearing this from Qi Tian, everyone was taken aback.

“Qi Tian, don’t talk nonsense,” warned Wang Song.

Luo Xia also said, “Qi Tian, going to the frontier to intercept the Chi Di people is not a joke. Although not every year will the Chi Di people send cultivators southwards, they would spare no expenses for a valuable target. If you go to the frontier, you would most likely get targeted.”

“Misfortune comes from the sky when one stays at home. Will it be absolutely safe if I don’t go to the frontier?” Qi Tian saw it clearly: his sudden conscription to the frontier was entirely because Wang Xin had set his sights on his spirit stones and it was a meticulously planned scheme. Such a man capable of such a vicious plot will definitely not be kind. Would Wang Xin let him go if he brought out the 900 spirit stones? It was absolutely impossible. Wang Xin would not think that he would stop there. Hence, his intention to give spirit stones for safety was futile.

“Lord Wang, Master, and Sir Wang, as the saying goes, ‘Every individual has a responsibility for the rise and fall of the nation.’ As a cultivator, as an Acting County Master, I have a greater responsibility than an ordinary person to maintain the security and peace of our people. How can I shrink back and avoid my responsibility during this time when I need to step up? This is not what an honorable man would do. I, Qi Tian, am no coward or wimp. I am willing to accept the imperial summons and head to the frontier.” Qi Tian grandly declared.

An uncomfortable feeling washed over Wang Xin, as if Qi Tian had shattered his perfect plan. He looked at Qi Tian and unwillingly said, “Qi Tian, is this your true intention?”

Ignoring Wang Xin, Qi Tian took out the box that he’d just put away—holding 900 pieces of spirit stones—and presented it to Wang Song. “Master, my journey to the frontier is unpredictable. In case I fall on the battlefield and these 900 spirit stones fall into the hands of the enemy, I’d rather hand them all to our Imperial Master Mansion now. You must accept them Master, I just hope that after accepting them, you can cultivate more powerful cultivators in the mansion, so our Imperial Master Mansion can grow stronger and possess greater strength to resist external aggression.”

Upon hearing Qi Tian’s words, Wang Song was overcome with emotion. He well understood Wang Xin’s wicked intentions and sighed, “Qi Tian, you actually don’t have to do this. If you stay in the Imperial Master Mansion, we can surely keep you safe. In future, when you mature, no one can harm you.”

Qi Tian shook his head. “I’m still young. I don’t want to stay in the Imperial Master Mansion all the time. The outside world is waiting for me. Master, don’t try to convince me anymore; my mind is made up.”

“Alright then. Since that’s the case, I’ll keep these spirit stones for you and return them to you when you come back. In addition, I’ll find some brothers within the mansion to accompany you to the frontier to intercept the Chi Di people from the south.” Wang Song knew things were now set in stone and could not be changed. All he could do was find more assistance for Qi Tian, to help him get through this trial.

Wang Xin watched furiously as Wang Song took away the spirit stones. He’d swallowed his pride for nothing: flaunted his greed in front of so many people, all for the 1,800 spirit stones. But now, this brat Qi Tian had ruined everything.