Chapter 248 - 108: Smoother Than Imagined, The Former Emperor’s Contingency Plan

The chaos on the painted boat gradually subsided once Emperor Xia took action.

The few remaining members of the Blood Immortal Sect were slain one after another, without exception.

Members of the Blood Immortal Sect all had a Restriction placed within their Sea of Consciousness that would detonate the instant they sensed someone attempting a Soul Search.

Even with a swift response, the Restriction would explode the very instant a Divine Sense invaded their Sea of Consciousness.

This had long been a major headache for Great Xia. Even when they managed to capture members of the Blood Immortal Sect, it was nearly impossible to interrogate them for any information.

Emperor Xia had originally intended to continue observing from the shadows, but based on the recent turn of events, the Fifth Realm expert was clearly beyond what the current Jiang Lan could handle.

If she hadn’t intervened, Prime Minister Jiang Lintian would have found out his son had been attacked and severely wounded in Jingyang City, and there was no telling what kind of trouble he would stir up afterward.

She was already swamped as it was and really didn’t want any more trouble.

It was a pity. She had hoped to use these remnants of the Blood Immortal Sect as a lead, to follow the trail back to their stronghold and root out the high-ranking member who had spread the rumor about her being a woman.

With this unexpected turn of events, she would just have to find another way.

"Thank you for your assistance..."

Quiet returned to the painted boat, with only the strange, fragrant mist still drifting through the air.

It seemed Jiang Lan hadn’t expected someone to come to his rescue at a time like this.

He straightened his robes and looked at the fair-skinned, brocade-clad man before him.

...

Emperor Xia lowered her hand, her face devoid of expression. It was impossible for her to show any warmth toward Jiang Lan, even in disguise.

However, after a moment’s thought, she said coolly, "It was nothing, Young Master Jiang. There’s no need for thanks."

Jiang Lan didn’t know her true identity, and as it happened, she had been meaning to have him investigated for some time.

’This is a perfect opportunity to get close to him in secret. Perhaps I can uncover some of the Prime Minister’s Mansion’s secrets and schemes.’

At this thought, Emperor Xia’s expression softened slightly. "The remnants of the Blood Immortal Sect are a scourge upon the Nine Provinces," she said. "Anyone would be right to eliminate them."

Jiang Lan offered a noncommittal smile, his own expression becoming composed as he asked, "And how should I address you?"

Although he had never met Emperor Xia in person, he could guess her identity from her expression and demeanor.

Besides, he had personally orchestrated this entire plot, planning for days with the express purpose of luring Emperor Xia out into the open.

Even if she had used a different disguise, Jiang Lan could have confirmed her identity with his Destiny Dao Fruit. He knew Emperor Xia would be here.

Now, by successfully maneuvering her into saving him, he could dispel many of her suspicions and concerns.

This was precisely what Jiang Lan wanted.

It could be said that everything was proceeding exactly as he had predicted and was entirely within his control.

"A name is just a title. It’s not important," Emperor Xia said.

"A name may not be important, but you did save my life. My father taught me from a young age that a debt of life must be repaid in full."

"It wouldn’t be right if I didn’t even know my savior’s name," Jiang Lan said with an earnest expression.

Emperor Xia scoffed internally. ’Hearing such words from Jiang Lan’s mouth, no matter how you look at it, sounds utterly insincere.’

"If you insist, Young Master Jiang, then remember this name: I am Hao Xinren."

"As for the life-debt, don’t concern yourself with it. It was no trouble at all. I was tracking these remnants of the Blood Immortal Sect and just happened upon the scene. Anyone in my position would have done the same," Emperor Xia said coolly.

"If you’re unwilling to share your real name, so be it. I will repay this favor if I have the chance in the future." Jiang Lan didn’t seem to press the issue.

Emperor Xia glanced at him, a flicker of interest rising within her.

Jiang Lan walked to a window in the private room and gazed out at the river, where the colorful mist was beginning to dissipate. "I don’t recognize you," he said. "I take it you’re not from Jingyang City."

"I’ve already sent for my guards. They’ll be here soon. If you don’t wish to be caught up in the ensuing trouble, it would be best for you to leave now."

"You’re being surprisingly kind, Young Master Jiang."

Emperor Xia looked at him with great interest. "Aren’t you worried I was in league with those men from the Blood Immortal Sect? That this whole thing was just an act I put on?"

’Logically speaking,’ she thought, ’a stranger like me just happens to be on the same painted boat as Jiang Lan. I’m completely unaffected by the strange mist from the Blood Immortal Sect’s remnants, not fainting like the others.’

’Then, just as he’s about to face mortal danger, I intervene at the perfect moment to save him. It’s all far too coincidental.’

’Shouldn’t any normal person’s first reaction be to suspect this was all a setup?’

And yet, Jiang Lan acted so casually, so composed, without showing the slightest suspicion.

"If I said I wasn’t suspicious, would you believe me?"

In response to Emperor Xia’s question, Jiang Lan merely glanced at her. "Even if I were suspicious, there’s nothing I could do to you. So, I might as well choose to trust you."

Emperor Xia hadn’t expected him to be so blunt. "You’re a clever man, Young Master Jiang. In that case, I can only say that I’m afraid you’ve trusted the wrong person."

"To be honest, from the moment I first saw you, I could tell you weren’t a villain..." Jiang Lan said earnestly.

Emperor Xia snorted internally, her face remaining impassive. "You have a keen eye, Young Master Jiang."

"Since you are unwilling to reveal your origins, I won’t insist."

"This is my personal Token. If you run into any trouble in Jingyang City, you can bring this to the Prime Minister’s Mansion to ask for help. As long as it’s nothing too serious, the Prime Minister’s Mansion can almost certainly smooth things over for you."

"Of course, if you were interested in serving my Prime Minister’s Mansion as a Tributor, we would welcome you with open arms. Cultivation Techniques, Spirit Stones, rare treasures, beautiful women—whatever you desire, it will be yours."