C94 Ying Zhi's Situation

*Clap* *Clap*

The sound of applause drifted over from a distance as Ying Zhi emerged into view.

With a smile, Ying Zhi greeted Qin Buyi, "Mr. Qin, your cultivation has skyrocketed during your years of training."

Qin Buyi was well aware that Ying Zhi had been present during his fight with Qingqian, secretly observing the duel.

Modestly, Qin Buyi responded, "You flatter me, Mr. Zhi."

Ying Zhi generously lavished praise, remarking, "Had I not recognized your distinct aura, I would have hesitated to believe it was you, Mr. Qin."

"With a single stroke, you obliterated the entire Falling Star Mountain Range. You're truly a master within our Ming Dynasty."

"In honor of your return, I've arranged a banquet at the City Lord's Mansion in Azure Sun City. Let's head over and enjoy a meal as we catch up."

Qin Buyi replied, "Sounds good."

Together, they made their way to the City Lord's Mansion in Azure Sun City. En route, Qin Buyi utilized his Probing Eye to assess Ying Zhi.

Ying Zhi's cultivation at the early stages of the Tribulation Crossing Stage was revealed to Qin Buyi.

"So he's reached the Tribulation Crossing Stage as well," Qin Buyi mused to himself.

Upon their arrival at the City Lord's Mansion, Huang Yan, the new City Lord of Azure Sun City, quickly approached and greeted Ying Zhi with a bow, "Your Highness, the Third Prince."

Ying Zhi gestured dismissively, "Please, there's no need for such formalities."

With utmost respect, Huang Yan informed, "Third Prince, the banquet is ready. If you would follow me."

Ying Zhi turned to Qin Buyi with a smile, "After you, Mr. Qin."

Qin Buyi replied, "You're too kind, Mr. Zhi."

Once inside the grand hall of the City Lord's Mansion, Qin Buyi and Ying Zhi settled into their seats.

Huang Yan stood by attentively, ready to serve, and cautiously addressed Ying Zhi, "Third Prince, I have a matter to report."

"Go ahead, City Lord Huang," Ying Zhi prompted.

"Right before the Third Prince's arrival, a fearsome black blade light streaked across the sky over Azure Sun City," Huang Yan reported.

"Thank goodness that blade light didn't strike within Azure Sun City; otherwise, we could have seen at least a third of the city reduced to rubble."

"Third Prince, should we dispatch someone to look into it?"

Ying Zhi clarified, "No need for an investigation. The one responsible for that blade light is standing right before you."

Huang Yan, looking perplexed, turned to Qin Buyi and asked, "Could it be that the Third Prince unleashed that blade light?"

Ying Zhi shook his head, directing his gaze to Qin Buyi, "No, it was Mr. Qin who released it."

Huang Yan, visibly taken aback, regarded the composed Qin Buyi and hastily apologized, "So it was Young Master Qin. My apologies for not recognizing your handiwork."

Qin Buyi responded, "It's of no consequence."

Just then, the City Lord's Mansion guards approached the doorway, eyeing Huang Yan cautiously.

Realizing they needed his attention, Huang Yan excused himself to Qin Buyi and Ying Zhi, "Third Prince, Young Master Qin, please excuse me for a moment."

"Of course, go ahead," Ying Zhi replied.

With Huang Yan gone, Ying Zhi appraised Qin Buyi with a keen eye.

Feeling slightly uneasy under Ying Zhi's scrutiny, Qin Buyi inquired, "Mr. Zhi, is something amiss?"

While continuing to observe Qin Buyi, Ying Zhi expressed his astonishment, "It's hard to believe it's only been a few years."

"Brother Qin, you've advanced from the Nascent Infant Stage to the Combination Stage, and your prowess has even repelled the Fox Demon Emperor in the early stages of Tribulation Crossing."

"To be honest, I doubt I'd be your match in a real confrontation."

Qin Buyi humbly replied, "You're being too modest, Mr. Zhi."

Qin Buyi sensed a potent threat emanating from Ying Zhi; a true battle between them might very well end in a draw.

To truly surpass Ying Zhi, Qin Buyi knew he'd have to further enhance his cultivation.

Ever since witnessing Qin Buyi's formidable combat abilities, Ying Zhi had been in high spirits. Now, with a broad grin, he cheerfully remarked, "The stronger you become, Mr. Qin, the better. Haha!"

"Come on, let's not just talk—eat, drink, and be merry."

After the third round of drinks, Ying Zhi's gaze grew hazy as he inquired, "Mr. Qin, what brings you back this time? Any specific plans?"

Qin Buyi was forthright in his response, "Mr. Zhi, I'm grateful for the Spirit Stone you gave me all those years ago. My return is to offer you my assistance. Should you need me, just say the word."

Ying Zhi clapped Qin Buyi on the shoulder with heartfelt sincerity, "Mr. Qin, you are a man of great loyalty and integrity. I knew I was right about you."

"I'm in dire need of help at the moment, especially from someone with your exceptional skills, Mr. Qin."

Ying Zhi let out a soft sigh and continued, "As time has passed, Big Brother's support has only grown within the court, with even the traditionally neutral factions now siding with him."

"Among all the princes, I'm the only real threat to Big Brother. He's always seen me as a thorn in his side."

"If he does ascend to the throne, I fear his first act as emperor will be to have me killed."

Qin Buyi nodded, "Mr. Zhi, do you have a strategy to turn the tables?"

Ying Zhi took another sip of wine and glanced around to ensure privacy before leaning in to whisper to Qin Buyi, "Of course, there's a strategy."

"Big Brother is overbearing and enjoys the Emperor's favor, making him stubborn and self-righteous."

"Unlike him, I've always championed benevolent governance and never harshly punished my subordinates."

"There are many in the court who resent Big Brother but are too afraid to voice their anger. They may comply outwardly, but their hearts are filled with bitterness."

"We just need the right moment to ignite that resentment. When that happens, Big Brother's influence will surely wane, and I'll be able to rally those forces to my side."

"To stand against Big Brother in open contest."

Qin Buyi, puzzled, asked, "Is the strategy you speak of only meant to bring us to a stand-off?"

A pained expression crossed Ying Zhi's face as he admitted, "Years ago, I could have matched Big Brother blow for blow, but these recent years have seen the Ming Dynasty beset by troubles from within and without."

"The northern border has been engulfed in war with the Qin Dynasty for many years now."

"The Emperor has always believed that in times of turmoil, only someone with Big Brother's temperament could take control of the situation."

"He thinks my disposition is better suited for times of peace and prosperity."

"As a result, with my father's backing, the number of supporters I have in the court has dwindled over time, bringing us to a dangerously unstable point."

"If the strategy I just outlined works, it could buy us some time to develop and solidify our position against my brother."

Qin Buyi, after listening to Ying Zhi, bowed his head in contemplation.

After a moment, Qin Buyi looked up at Ying Zhi and asked, "Mr. Zhi, if the First Prince were to be assassinated, could you handle the aftermath?"

Without hesitation, Ying Zhi instinctively replied, "Of course I can manage the situation."

Then it hit him, and Ying Zhi, visibly startled, turned to Qin Buyi and said, "Are you suggesting..."

Qin Buyi confirmed his thoughts with a nod.

"That's impossible. My brother has perfected his Tribulation Crossing Stage and is guarded by a Mahayana Stage expert."

"Brother Qin, your prowess in battle is indeed exceptional, able to contend with those at the Tribulation Crossing Stage while only in the Combination Stage. Such talent is exceedingly rare in the Ming Dynasty."

"However, your cultivation level is ultimately insufficient. I fear that not only will you fail to harm Big Brother, but you might also endanger yourself."

"This isn't something we can rush. Given your natural abilities, Mr. Qin, I have no doubt you'll achieve it in time. For now, our priority should be to quietly grow and strengthen."