169 Winds of Change

Cha Ming stood atop the Jade Bamboo Auction House's roof and watched his friend exit the city with a team of a hundred soldiers. He wasn't sure why, but he saw Feng Ming's departure as a turning point in the struggle for the crown. The Lucky General wasn't one to stand idle when he was needed somewhere, so there must surely be a reason he wanted to leave.

"At least he knows what to do," Cha Ming muttered. With the slaughtering formations in place, he didn't have much left to do but craft talismans in a feeble attempt to restabilize his foundation. Sometimes he would go teach Feng Huoshan's many students.

"Big brother, what are you thinking about?" Huxian said. He appeared beside the cross-legged Cha Ming and rubbed his muzzle against his elbow.

"It's just too strange," Cha Ming said. "The devils in the city make sense, and so does the king's poisoning. But what is it with the evil spirits? And why is Zhou Li playing both sides? He just purposefully decimated his own forces without batting an eyelash. I can't help but think that he wants a civil war in the kingdom, rather than the crown prince's victory."

"Isn't he a pretty despicable person?" Huxian said. "Isn't wanting many people to die only natural for someone like him?"

Cha Ming shook his head. "People do things for a reason. Even the most atrocious devil would usually have a motive for the trouble he causes. Living beings are ultimately rational, even the psychopathic ones."

"So you're saying he's benefitting from all this chaos?" Huxian said.

"Yes, Zhou Li is a very rational person," Cha Ming said. "He's benefitting some way or another. I suspect that even Wang Jun's haunting was orchestrated by him and that evil spirits and devils are working together in this plan of his."

"What can we do, then?" Huxian said.

"We can only prepare," Cha Ming said. "I'll focus on making talismans and studying formations. In the meantime, let me know if there's anything else like the battle armor you want me to make."

"There is one thing," Huxian said. "You should know that I can break through at any time. The next tribulation is the Swamp Tribulation."

The colors on his fur faded, and he produced a small pill-like object. Cha Ming popped it in his mouth and became enlightened on a special technique—Swamp Tribulation Totem. They could be used on any creature, man or beast.

"I've been waiting until you broke through," Huxian said. "Lei Jiang is strong, so he shouldn't have any problems. You, on the other hand… Well, I don't want to take any chances like last time. But it's better to be prepared, and these totem markings can reduce the strength of the tribulation by thirty percent."

Cha Ming's heart warmed at the consideration. "I didn't know you've been putting off your advancement. Give me a week, and I'll definitely master these markings and make one for each of us."

***

A man was walking calmly on his way to Songjing. He had a young face, and his long black hair was covered in thin streaks of white. As he walked, all of creation made way for him. Birds flew away, and rodents jumped; even the earthworms struggled to create some distance between them.

Despite their struggles, the man didn't harm them. Instead he spent his time enjoying the familiar scenery. "Songjing, how I have missed you," Zhou Bei said. He passed by a familiar stream, where he used to fish before his constitution was activated. He passed a peach orchard that used to produce fruit before he'd accidentally laid waste to the land. It was also where a single unmarked grave was kept. His late wife was buried there. She was the reason why he'd rebelled against the family in the first place.

"Zhou Fan, why are you here?" he said as he stared at the patch of grass beside the largest peach tree. A pale, black-robed young man with red pupils matching his own walked out.

"I think you have me mistaken for someone else, Ancestor Bei," the young man said. "My name is Zhou Li, a member of the younger generation."

Zhou Bei shook his head. "I'd recognize you anywhere. Back then, you were the one who convinced me to have the Zhou Clan defect to the Southern Alliance. And although I finally realized my foolishness with her death, the damage was already done. When I tried to expose the family, you framed me as a traitor and had me chased out of the kingdom. Regardless, you shouldn't be here, seeing that I killed you."

"This junior is fortunate enough to know some family history," Zhou Li said. "It's unfortunate that Ancestor was treated so unfairly. I'm sure that the family would welcome you with open arms."

Suddenly, Zhou Bei rushed toward Zhou Li and swiped at him with his fingers. A corrosive poison caused the air to sizzle as Zhou Li barely dodged the strike and blocked the poison with a flaming black shield. Zhou Bei twisted in midair and kicked at Zhou Li, releasing a poisonous flood dragon that wormed its way around the black flame shield.

In response, Zhou Li summoned chains of black fire that bound the poisonous flood dragon, which fell to the ground and dissipated.

"I hope Ancestor can calm his anger," Zhou Li said.

Zhou Bei chuckled and shook his head. He walked away from the orchard toward Songjing. "I knew it was you. I'd recognize that honeyed tongue from a mile away. Take care, Zhou Fan. Your plan didn't work then, and it won't work now."

***

Come to the main lobby immediately, Elder Bai sent mentally. Cha Ming, who was busy studying the Swamp Tribulation Totems, immediately dropped his brush and made his way over. He passed several guards and attendants with pale complexions. It was only once Cha Ming entered the lobby that he understood what had happened.

"Grandmaster Bei," Cha Ming greeted. "I take it you've made some progress in your research."

"Yes, I finalized a cure just this morning," Zhou Bei said as he glanced around at the surrounding paintings. "Whoever decorated this hall has good taste. I've always enjoyed Bai Suyan's paintings."

Cha Ming chuckled. "I'll show you around later. Let's go see the king as soon as possible."

They immediately flew out of the Jade Bamboo Auction House, where relieved customers continued their business. Truthfully, they had no understanding of what had just happened. Their reaction stemmed from their survival instinct, something that only high-leveled cultivators would gain full control over.

As they traveled through Central Square, the populace scattered in a mad panic. "Is there any way to restrain your aura?" Cha Ming asked.

"Oh, I forgot again," Zhou Bei said. He retracted his wild spiritual force, instantly calming everyone in the vicinity. "I always work in an isolated basement where I don't have to worry about this. It's so troublesome to keep myself in check, day in and day out."

Bewildered, Cha Ming led the way to the palace gates.

***

A short while later, Cha Ming, Zhou Bei, and Prince Lei were waiting nervously outside the king's chambers. Of the group, Zhou Bei seemed the most out of place. His clothes were ragged and torn in many places, making him look like he belonged on the street. But the three of them knew better—with a wave of his hand, he could easily cause the four of them to melt into unrecognizable pools of acid. In fact, the damage to his clothes was anything but ordinary. Cha Ming could sense that the man's robe was a core treasure, which was the only reason it didn't dissolve from the constant exposure to his skin.

The two of them flinched when the man gently lifted his white hand to brush away the white and black hairs that obstructed his black eyes with red pupils. "Must we really wait so long? Can't we just walk inside? I doubt even those unseen protectors could stop me."

"Senior Zhou, the king's situation is no longer life threatening, so there is no need to resort to such extreme measures," Cha Ming said diplomatically. "We are already so fortunate that senior rushed here as quickly as possible."

"A poison is best treated as quickly as possible," Zhou Bei said softly. "Sometimes powerful poisons are only a cover for other nefarious means. It's best to know the whole story sooner rather than later."

The door suddenly opened, revealing an anxious princess. "Is something the matter?" she said. "I expected you tomorrow night. And whom might this other guest be?"

The prince stood up to respond. "Dear sister, this man is Zhou Bei, the esteemed poison master who has been searching for a cure to the qi-binding poison. He's come all the way from Quicksilver City to see our father."

The princess bowed deeply. "Thank you so much for looking into this a second time. We're eternally indebted to you."

"I'm only here to correct my previous failure," Zhou Bei said softly. "Let us skip the pleasantries. I wish to see your father."

"Of course," Princess Guo said. She led them to the king's chambers, where the chief physician and two others were administering some nutritional supplements. Li Yin was standing off to the side.

"These are?" Zhou Bei asked as he inspected the physicians from head to toe.

"They are the royal physicians, who have been doing their utmost to keep my father alive," Princess Guo said.

"Please dismiss them," Zhou Bei said. "I despise spirit doctors and can't stand the sight of them."

"How dare you besmirch our occupation," one of them started, only to be harshly cut off by the chief physician.

"This humble one will leave the king in Elder Zhou's care," Dr. Dong said, nodding slightly to Zhou Bei. The dumbfounded doctors quickly filed out from the room.

"It's a wonder that Dr. Dong sought me out in the first place, given my dislike for his profession," Zhou Bei whispered as he approached the king.

"May I ask what happened?" Cha Ming said.

"The usual," Zhou Bei replied. "They called my work an abomination and sought out an injunction against me." Just as he neared the king, an invisible pressure prevented him from advancing further. Zhou Bei rolled his eyes before saying, "Do you really want to do this? Here? In your king's chambers?"

The suppression lifted, and Zhou Bei placed a hand just above the king's comatose body. "They eventually gave up. Seven of their senior members died suddenly without any traces of foul play. The incident made them distraught, so they choose to drop my matter and focus on restructuring."

Cha Ming shivered at the implications.

"The poison has seeped into his bones," Zhou Bei said. "This poison requires me to use my unique constitution to devour it. It will take twenty-four hours. Please ensure that I'm not disturbed during this time."

"You mean you can cure him?" the princess asked.

Zhou Bei didn't reply. A purplish mist began leaving the king's body and entering the poison master's outstretched hands. Purplish lines began forming on the man's skin where his veins ran. They quietly left him to his work as the king's invisible guardians protected him.

***

Li Yin and Princess Guo chose to stay in the king's chambers and observe from a distance, leaving Cha Ming and Prince Lei to their own devices. Night soon fell. They had long since run out of things to speak of, so they began playing Angels and Devils. Everyone's skill level was roughly on par. This was great news for Cha Ming, who had been getting trounced in the complex game ever since his rebirth.

"It's time I told you about the second reason for my visit," Cha Ming said to Prince Lei. "Zhou Bei entrusted me with a device before we arrived. My job is to use the device to collect evidence." He revealed a clear stone the size of a thumb. A single purple drop was suspended within the stone.

"What does it do?" Prince Lei asked.

"It detects faint traces of qi-binding venom," Cha Ming explained. "It will glow bright and hot when within ten feet of a person or thing affected by the venom. The brighter the glow, the more contamination, and the greater the chances." To demonstrate this, Cha Ming withdrew a small sample of qi-binding venom, which Zhou Bei could now produce on demand. "It isn't affected by the venom's qi-binding properties, as it operates according to the laws of karma."

"Wasn't my father the only one affected?" Prince Lei asked.

"Zhou Bei speculates that it is difficult to administer the venom to food or drink without being affected by miniscule amounts of airborne venom," Cha Ming said. "Therefore trace amounts of the venom are an important clue to discovering the perpetrator. We need to bear in mind that whoever poisoned the king was greatly trusted, as he was able to bypass the keen senses of the king's guardians. The only people whom I do not suspect are Li Yin, the three physicians, the princess, and the both of us. I inspected them within the chamber." Cha Ming grinned. "Why don't you take me for a tour of the palace?"

"What an excellent idea," Prince Lei said, catching on right away. "I haven't gotten a chance to show you around. Why don't we start in my wing of the palace?"

It took them a quarter hour to reach the relatively remote wing. As they passed through the rooms, they also went out of their way to speak to any servants, eunuchs, or nobility they encountered. It wasn't long before they completed their inspection and moved on to Princess Guo's wing.

***

In Princess Guo's much more effeminate and well-decorated area of the palace, each room contained a unique artistic flair.

"This room was renovated by the great painter Fang Yi. It was commissioned by my great grandfather," the prince explained as they inspected the last hall. He looked around. "Could you please give us a more detailed introduction?" The staff in the room immediately fawned over them and explained everything they knew.

The crystal shows no signs of qi-binding venom, Cha Ming told Prince Lei, who acknowledged his verdict. They patiently waited for the servants to finish their explanation before proceeding to the center of the palace, where the third prince took charge of introducing Cha Ming to the many persons within. Neither the people nor the rooms showed any response to the crystal.

Their next stop was the harem. While they weren't allowed within the premises, Cha Ming recruited a tiny friend for the mission. For the small promise of an all-you-can-eat buffet, Lei Jiang readily agreed to scout out the relatively small section. Cha Ming fastened the small stone to the two-inch mouse with a piece of cloth. Before long, he returned to them with a negative.

"There are only three places left to see," Prince Lei said. "The Crown Prince Palace, the Scholar Palace and the Military Palace." While they were titled as palaces, they were, in fact, mere wings of the greater royal palace complex.

"The military palace will be tricky," Cha Ming said. "They wouldn't take too kindly to a small demon beast roaming the premises."

"Then let's hope we find the perpetrator in the other two palaces," Prince Lei said as they walked toward the Crown Prince Palace.

Cha Ming paid special attention as they wandered through it. According to Prince Lei, the decorations were plain and spartan due to his brother's disciplined temperament. As soon as he became the crown prince, he had emptied it of the lavish decorations and even auctioned off some of them to fill the royal treasury.

Black curtains were the norm. Here and there, they spotted a servant, but for the most part there was much less hustle and bustle in what should have been the most magnificent of the royal residences.

"Can I help you?" a voice asked as they approached the crown prince's chambers. Zhou Jia, Prince Tian's chief consort, approached them from a side hall where Prince Tian's other wives resided.

Prince Lei stepped up to greet her. "I was just taking Cha Ming for a tour of the palace. As I was just explaining, my brother has a spartan temperament, and he removed most of the gaudy decorations the palace had previously used to adorn the residence."

"Yes, the only luxury he left behind was in the crown prince's harem," Zhou Jia said pleasantly. "I can't show you around, but I can definitely introduce you to the various rooms and gardens in the Crown Prince Palace.

"Then we'll thank you for your hospitality," Prince Lei said.

Cha Ming had anticipated that this would happen—they could only delay a more thorough inspection to another time. Perhaps Brother Jun would be able to make something happen. As expected, their inspection of the many rooms, halls, gardens, and its various inhabitants bore no fruit.

"Sister dear, I see that we have guests in the palace," a voice said. "They even brought Ancestor Bei to treat the king. With any luck, he'll make a speedy recovery." The black-robed Zhou Li approached their group from a small hallway off to the side.

"Yes, with any luck, Royal Father will make a speedy recovery," Zhou Jia said. She was clearly uncomfortable at her brother's intrusion. "Should we go greet Ancestor Bei?"

"Only if you want to be killed on sight," Zhou Li said. "You should have paid more attention to our family history. By the way, didn't you say you had something important to take care of around this time?"

"Of course, brother," Zhou Jia said, bowing to them and heading off.

Zhou Li then walked up to them and smiled genially. "You all seem to be looking for something," Zhou Li said. "Perhaps I can help you."

"You're awfully brave, appearing before me after what you did," Cha Ming said. He immediately summoned his Clear Sky Staff, whose weight increased to the point that cracks appeared on the marble floor.

"No harm, no foul, my friend," Zhou Li said. "I just wanted you to get acquainted with the Church of Justice. Besides, I even tipped you off about the Honey Badger Inn. It was all for the greater good. But, if you wish to attack me within the royal palace, be my guest."

Cha Ming could only grit his teeth and bear with the man's annoying smile.

"It's the results that matter. Regardless of your feelings about me, I feel obligated to tell you that the crown prince is currently holding a special civil meeting. It will end in a tea time within the assembly hall, and many influential characters in our kingdom will be present."

"Many thanks for the information," the third prince said. "I think we'll pay them a visit." He grabbed Cha Ming's robe and pulled him toward the assembly hall with unusual haste.

"Don't be late," Zhou Li called out as they walked away. "It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."