Volume One: Turmoil in Yan and Yun Chapter Fifty-Nine: Radiance After the Rain (Part One)

Even though Feng Qi had thoroughly studied the Daoist Scriptures and possessed a mind far sharper than his peers, he had not anticipated hearing such an answer.

He could not understand it. Feng Juanlang had attempted assassination several times, seeking to supplant the heir of Yanbei—clearly proof of ambition. From the words of his father and third uncle, he also seemed exceptionally gifted.

Why would someone with both ambition and ability make such a request? Or perhaps, from another perspective, what benefit would this request bring him?

“Confused?” Feng Juanlang laughed softly. “So even the heir has many things he doesn’t know.”

Feng Qi replied, “The sea of learning is boundless. I merely swim deeper than most.”

Feng Juanlang was silent for a while, then said, “My talent far surpasses that of my elder brother.”

Feng Qi responded, “Not necessarily.”

Feng Juanlang continued, “True, he is now at the peak of the Radiant Stage, while I still cannot use my spiritual sense to draw down the starlight… It seems I am falling behind him considerably.”

“But,” his voice turned cold, “when it comes to Yan Yun, whether in strength, strategy, or mastery of the human heart, aside from being born two years earlier, what does he have over me? If I do not contend, how can I pacify my heart’s fire?”

Feng Qi said, “True wisdom often appears simple. Judging from Father’s achievements these years, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call him the most outstanding Yanbei king of his generation. Perhaps, back then, he simply did not wish to harm his kin.”

Feng Juanlang pondered this, then said, “That is possible.”

Feng Qi remarked, “A touch too merciful, perhaps.”

Feng Juanlang agreed wholeheartedly.

At that moment, Du Gu Zhe, who had been silent, suddenly spoke, “I once heard your younger brother say something, and I quite agree with it.”

Feng Qi raised his brows, looking at the crown prince.

Du Gu Zhe said, “For those who wield great power: if they are not prudent, do not reflect thrice, do not plan far ahead; if they act arrogantly like blazing sun, behave frivolously like drifting clouds, and their temper is as fierce as a mountain tiger—such is the ruin of nations.”

Feng Qi replied, “Let alone three reflections—even nine, I believe Father was excessively merciful in certain matters.”

For instance, he should have decided long ago to kill Gu Ci.

If the Fengsha Formation had not failed, whichever shadow guard was at the fourth prince’s side would have ended up dead.

Du Gu Zhe said, “Cruel to external enemies, lenient to the clan within—I believe this is good for Yanbei.”

Feng Qi made a sound of agreement. “An external enemy is an enemy, but so is an internal one. Mercy toward enemies, in my view, is nothing but foolish sentimentality.”

Feng Juanlang shook his head, giving Feng Qi a wry smile. “I wager you mean to say ‘foolishness.’”

Then he turned to Du Gu Zhe. “Young people these days—too much book-learning makes them pedantic… But I am not here to argue with you juniors.”

His purpose was clear.

He wanted Feng Qi to assume the throne of Yanbei.

From all they had discussed, he deemed Feng Qi superior to Feng Muyun, and also to himself, so the throne must go to Feng Qi.

“What if I refuse?” Feng Qi asked seriously. “And besides, I might change my mind at any time.”

“If you refuse, you will never have the chance to glimpse the Great Dao,” Feng Juanlang smiled, “Moreover, the Feng family may produce some degenerates—like myself—but never breaks a promise.”

Feng Qi raised his brows, thinking Feng Juanlang truly lived up to the family name.

Du Gu Zhe nodded, likewise convinced that Juanlang was still a true Feng.

“I cannot agree to your terms,” Feng Qi said. Feeling the faint murderous intent emanating from Feng Juanlang, he continued, “I understand your reasoning—whether reputation or recent displays of strength, it’s natural you believe Yanbei could flourish under my leadership.”

Feng Juanlang said, “Provided you are willing to lead.”

Feng Qi sighed, “So when they told you of this plan, you feigned acceptance to gain their trust, all for the sake of this bargain?”

Feng Juanlang replied, “Exactly.”

Feng Qi asked, “Only now do you care for Yanbei? Don’t you think it’s a bit late, Second Uncle?”

Feng Juanlang did not answer, but instead asked, “Are you sure you won’t accept my terms?”

Feng Qi smiled, “During the Yanbei Fengsha Festival, Second Brother said something to Feng Ling that I believe not only he should hear.”

He paused, his expression and tone turning solemn. “The entire Yanbei, even the whole Divine Empire, ought to listen carefully!”

Feng Juanlang frowned, wondering who Feng Ling was.

Du Gu Zhe, recalling the messenger pigeon from the fourth brother, thought the second son of the Feng family was indeed a pillar of talent.

Feng Qi said, “Second Uncle, you appear before me because you think only I can lead Yanbei… But in my eyes, Second Brother surpasses me in every way.”

This praise was somewhat excessive.

Even if Feng Yang was supremely confident, he would not dare say such a thing.

“And yet his Yuan Palace cannot even condense?” Feng Juanlang said coldly.

Feng Qi shook his head, “The greatest misconception about him is that he has not condensed his Yuan Palace to enter the Primordial Stage.”

Feng Juanlang said, “A body with ten fatal flaws—even if he condenses the Yuan Palace, his life will not be long.”

Feng Qi sighed. “Since you’ve heard so many stories about me, you should know I am not one to make baseless claims.”

Feng Juanlang was momentarily stunned.

Indeed, Feng Qi might act carelessly, arrogantly, his brilliance shining through.

But he never spoke without reason.

Thus, he dared to suspect Bai Jian, doubt the shadow guards, and in the end, proved his suspicions were not without merit.

“I will not go to Mount Taixuan,” Feng Juanlang suddenly said.

If I do not go to Mount Taixuan, I will not see Feng Yang. If I do not see Feng Yang, I will not believe he is stronger than you.

Feng Qi thought, if that’s all he means, it’s easy to handle.

“No matter. Yang’er will surely head north within three months. Second Uncle can wait for him here.”

Du Gu Zhe was taken aback, thinking the second son had been taken into Daoming Temple.

Feng Juanlang was also surprised, but his thoughts ran elsewhere.

He had been out of sight for years, but that didn’t mean he knew nothing; quite the opposite, he knew much.

With the recent military movements in Bohai, he frowned.

So restless already? Bohai?

But why three months later?

“Master told me, this year’s Sword Sinking Festival will be convened in three months.”

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