Chapter Seventy-Nine: Threats from the Sect!

"Your servant Zuo Taoming pays respects to Your Highness the Third Prince!"

Zuo Taoming had received word that His Majesty, having learned of Qin Feng's extraordinary talent, had dispatched the Third Prince to recruit him. Upon hearing that the Third Prince, Chu Tianfa, had arrived in the Cloud Sky Commandery, Zuo Taoming hurried with Gao Yunxiao and Chen Donghai to greet him.

Gao Yunxiao and Chen Donghai stood behind Zuo Taoming, hands clasped in salute, bowing deeply toward the prince.

"Please rise, all of you," Chu Tianfa called out, leaping from his horse and quickly stepping forward to help Zuo Taoming to his feet.

Tightly following at Chu Tianfa’s side was an elder in a gray robe, a formidable protector sent by the royal family for the prince, possessing the strength of a late-stage Commandant.

"Governor Zuo, which among these is Commandant Qin? Please introduce him to me," Chu Tianfa’s gaze swept over the officials behind Zuo Taoming, searching for Qin Feng. A Commandant at fifteen, such a peerless prodigy was greatly valued by his father, who had repeatedly instructed him to ensure Qin Feng’s allegiance.

"Your Highness, Commandant Qin was ambushed seven days ago and severely wounded. He is currently recuperating," Zuo Taoming reported gravely.

"What happened?" Chu Tianfa’s expression darkened. "Commandant Qin is a prodigy of Great Chu. Who within our borders would dare harm him? Tell me, Governor Zuo, and I shall report to my father so the culprit’s family may be exterminated."

Beneath the prince’s imposing aura, Zuo Taoming, Chen Donghai, and Gao Yunxiao felt a heavy pressure and awe.

"Your Highness, five Commandants attacked but were slain by Commandant Qin. As for their identities, your humble servant was unable to uncover them—they seemed to appear suddenly within Cloud Sky Commandery. I suspect they are from an enemy state, having heard of Qin Feng’s rise and sent to kill him, seeking to extinguish our empire’s champion," Zuo Taoming replied, anxiety and reverence etched on his face.

"How serious are Commandant Qin’s injuries?" Chu Tianfa pressed.

"Your Highness, though Commandant Qin was gravely injured, his life is no longer in danger," Zuo Taoming quickly answered.

"That is well," Chu Tianfa nodded, his expression relaxing as he stood with hands behind his back, imposing. "Has my lodging been arranged?"

"Everything is prepared, Your Highness," Zuo Taoming responded promptly, unable to read the prince’s thoughts but eager to please.

"Lead the way," Chu Tianfa ordered in a low voice.

...

"Chief Escort, grave news!" Zhao Hu rushed from Xuanzhou City to Cloud Sky Commandery, inquiring after Master Qin and the two chief escorts before hastening to the Zhao residence. He arrived just as Yan Chonghu was leaving and hurried over, calling out anxiously.

Clang! Clang! Clang! The soldiers near the Zhao residence, seeing Zhao Hu approach, swiftly drew their weapons and blocked his path.

"Stand down, men! He is one of our own," Yan Chonghu called out, moving quickly to stop the soldiers.

"Chief Escort, grave news! Master Qin and his entire family have been attacked!" Zhao Hu blurted, urgency and distress on his face as he came before Yan Chonghu.

"What?" Yan Chonghu’s expression changed dramatically; he gripped Zhao Hu’s arms and stared into his eyes. "How are Master Qin and his family? Are they hurt?"

"Chief Escort, Master Qin was unharmed, but..." Zhao Hu hesitated, then recounted everything that had happened since Yan Chonghu and Shi Tie had left.

Two days prior, Master Qin, Wang Zhuyun, Qin Zhongkai, Murong Wei, Zuo Daoguang, Zhu Daojun, and the others awoke to find fresh cuts on their necks, just barely breaking the skin. In the Qin family council hall, a line of words had been carved: "We hope you will return what is ours. Beast King Sect, Supreme Sect, and Red Sun Sect have paid a visit!"

Qin Tianyun’s expression was grave. The enemy had left thin wounds on their necks without their noticing—a clear sign the enemy’s strength was far beyond their own, utterly unmatchable.

Qin Tianyun had quickly entrusted a letter to Zhao Hu, ordering him to bring it to Qin Feng in Cloud Sky Commandery. He also instructed Zhao Hu not to let Qin Feng return unless absolute safety could be guaranteed—preserving the future was more important than risking destruction.

"Master Qin is still recovering from his injuries and should not be disturbed. Come, let us seek the governor and Commander Lin’s assistance," Yan Chonghu said, his face dark with worry.

Yan Chonghu had heard of the Beast King Sect, Supreme Sect, and Red Sun Sect—renowned powers, strong enough to rival even the governor’s office. As for the full extent of their strength or their leaders, Yan Chonghu knew nothing; before joining Qin Feng, he had been part of a minor gang in Xuanzhou City, far removed from such mighty sects.

"How could Commandant Qin have offended the Beast King Sect, Supreme Sect, and Red Sun Sect?" Zuo Taoming muttered gravely, his brows deeply furrowed as he listened to Yan Chonghu and Zhao Hu’s report. These three sects were famous throughout Cloud Sky Commandery, each with multiple Commandant-level experts—at least nine known, with perhaps more in hiding.

"Summon Gao Yunxiao and Chen Donghai to me," Zuo Taoming ordered after a moment’s thought.

"At once," replied the guards at the door, bowing respectfully before hurrying to fetch Gao Yunxiao and Chen Donghai.

"These three sects are formidable—though they may not confront the governor’s office directly, we can do little against them outside the city. I will dispatch men to protect Commandant Qin's family, but a complete resolution is beyond my power. I will request an audience with the Third Prince and beg his intervention. With the prince’s authority, I believe the Beast King Sect, Supreme Sect, and Red Sun Sect will be forced to back down," Zuo Taoming declared.

"Chief Escort Yan is deeply grateful for your grace, Lord Governor!"
"Zhao Hu thanks you for your great kindness, Lord Governor!"

Yan Chonghu and Zhao Hu bowed deeply, faces filled with gratitude and reverence.

"You may withdraw. Guard Commandant Qin’s recovery well," Zuo Taoming instructed. Once they had left, he hurried to the prince’s residence.

"Outrageous!" Chu Tianfa thundered, slamming his palm onto the table and shattering it to pieces upon hearing the account. "For mere sects to dare threaten imperial officials—this is lawlessness!"