Chapter Nine: Han of the Northern Darkness

"Why has Your Highness, the Second Prince, come to such a place?" A young man dressed in blue robes cupped his hands respectfully to the Second Prince, his demeanor humble.

"Heh, I've long heard that remnants of an ancient civilization were discovered within the Five Great Sects’ domain. I’ve always wanted to see it for myself," the Second Prince replied, his every word and gesture radiating cultured ease. "Besides, a mischievous child from my family has slipped out. As her elder brother, it’s only right that I come searching for her."

The blue-robed youth was taken aback, then smiled admiringly. "Your Highness’s actions truly command our respect. Having you as a brother, that prince must surely be blessed."

A meaningful smile flickered across the Second Prince’s handsome face. "Is that so…"

"But enough of that. Why have you all not entered yet?" the Second Prince asked.

"That’s because—" Before he could finish, a piercing cry echoed from above. The gryphon circling overhead let out a cry brimming with terror, its whole body exuding fear. Suddenly, a massive eagle appeared in the sky. Its sharp gaze fell briefly upon the frightened gryphon, which instantly trembled, descending to the ground and cowering.

This was the suppression of the lower by the higher—a dominance especially pronounced among spirit beasts and demons. The pressure of bloodline upon bloodline, of rank upon rank.

Bloodline suppression could transcend ranks. The gryphon’s lineage was not low, meaning that for an eagle to possess such an overwhelming aura, either its bloodline was even nobler or its cultivation far superior.

Clearly, this was a suppression of power.

"A Northern Sea Eagle?" the Second Prince mused, his expression intrigued.

The blue-robed youth forced a wry smile. "Your Highness, we have not entered because we were waiting for it."

"No wonder none of you dared go in," the Second Prince said with a faint smile. Who would have thought that even a site so thoroughly ransacked would still attract the likes of a Northern Sea Eagle? But surely, it could not be the Demon King itself—most likely one of its offspring.

The massive eagle circled the sky a few times before diving straight toward the clearing below. Yet, none of those present showed any sign of fear. Just as the eagle was about to crash into the ground, its enormous wings folded, and its body began to shrink.

With a bang, dust billowed into the air. When the haze cleared, the silhouette of a young man gradually emerged. Yet, his appearance was hardly flattering—sharp-beaked, long-nosed, with a prominent brow.

No one found this odd. On the contrary, once the youth appeared, they all respectfully fell in behind the Second Prince.

"Northern Han, I didn’t expect to see you here," the Second Prince said with a smile.

Northern Han’s eyes flashed coldly when he saw the Second Prince, but he quickly smiled and cupped his hands. "So it’s the Second Prince. No wonder I caught the scent of gryphon from afar."

He paused, then added, "Word has it the Ninth Princess escaped the royal city. Since Your Highness is so at leisure, could it be that you have already found her?"

The Second Prince’s eyes narrowed, his tone turning cold. "That is a family matter of mine—not something for you to meddle in."

Sensing the tension, the blue-robed youth hurried to smooth things over. "Your Highness, Brother Han, now that everyone is here, shall we proceed inside?"

"Of course," Northern Han replied, staring directly at the Second Prince with a sneer. "Your Highness, the ruins are filled with peril. Even we dare not tread lightly in many places. As for your noble personage, perhaps it’s best you stay outside—lest you meet your end through carelessness."

The Second Prince waved his sleeve and turned away, his voice cold. "No need for your concern. But take care you’re not the one who falls victim to carelessness in there!"

Watching the Second Prince and Northern Han lead the way, the blue-robed youth gestured. "Let’s go in as well."

The power struggle between those two was not something the disciples of noble families and sects could meddle in. In the Heavenly Azure Dynasty, neither side reigned supreme—the Demon King and the Human King each ruled their own territory, the rivalry fierce as fire and water.

Only when all had entered did Shen Qingyun and Qin Ning emerge from behind a boulder not far off.

Gazing at the pitch-black entrance, Shen Qingyun said, "Let’s go in too."

"Mm," Qin Ning replied, her spirits evidently low.

Shen Qingyun seemed not to notice, leading Qin Ning inside.

"Are you not going to ask me?" Qin Ning suddenly broke the silence as they wandered seemingly aimlessly through the ruins.

"If you don’t wish to speak, it would be rude of me to insist," Shen Qingyun replied as he walked. "If you want to tell me, I’m always here to listen. If not, I won’t force you."

At his words, Qin Ning fell silent, trailing behind him without a word. After a long while, she spoke softly, "Did you know all along?"

"I did."

"Since when?"

"From the moment I first saw you."

"What?" Qin Ning’s face filled with shock.

"Did I give myself away somehow?"

"You didn’t. It was the formation concealing you that gave you away," Shen Qingyun said, stopping to face a wall. He pressed a brick, and with the grinding of hidden mechanisms, the wall sank slowly, revealing a secret chamber.

Finding it empty, Shen Qingyun muttered under his breath, "So this place has been ransacked as well. Are these people bloodhounds, to sniff out everything so keenly?"

He continued, "The formation you used, though a bit rudimentary, isn’t something common folk could easily obtain. And your storage ring—such an expensive item, yet you have one? Clearly unusual."

"So you’ve known from the start…" Qin Ning lowered her head. "Why didn’t you expose me?"

"What good would exposing you do me?" Shen Qingyun glanced upward, then pressed on. "Enough talk. Let’s get ahead of them."

"Huh?"

"I’ve been wondering—how are you so familiar with this place?" Qin Ning asked in confusion.

Shen Qingyun only smiled, though there was a hint of bitterness in it. Of course I’m familiar—it’s my own home…

…

"Your Highness, look out!"

The blue-robed youth and Zhou Weiqing each brandished a sword, unleashing their spiritual energy and shattering two stone golems that charged at them.

Yet soon, the shattered golems reformed, returning to their original state.

The blue-robed youth explained, "These puppets seem to be the guardians of the ruins. Their strength is not high—about the third level of Qi Refining—but they’re incredibly troublesome. No matter what we do, they can’t be destroyed permanently."

At that moment, Northern Han’s mocking voice rang out, "Tsk tsk, even at the third level of Qi Refining, you need protection? Our Second Prince truly is precious!"

The Second Prince showed no anger at the jibe, replying calmly, "If someone is inclined to offer me kindness, why should I refuse?"

"And yet, our statuses are nearly equal, but the treatment we receive couldn’t be more different."

Neither man was truly affected by the other’s barbs. Their exchanges were mere taunts.

"Look! See what I’ve found!" Suddenly, a delighted cry rang out. A female disciple of Cloud Mist Sect, dressed in pale blue and white robes, proudly held up a spirit stone for all to see.

Zhou Weiqing scolded, "Bring it here and present it to His Highness!"

The young woman started, then walked over stiffly, holding the stone in both hands before the Second Prince. "Your Highness."

The Second Prince smiled. "That won’t be necessary. Since you found the spirit stone, it’s yours to keep."

He then addressed everyone present in a clear voice, "Listen well—I've come only to look around. I have no interest in the treasures within this ruin. Whoever finds something, it is theirs. Understood?"

"Understood!"

"Your Highness’s magnanimity is truly admirable!"

Northern Han ground his teeth at the scene. He could never have uttered such words himself, but he refused to be outdone.

Suddenly, the Second Prince sensed something. He drew a jade pendant from his storage ring—the pendant glowed with a faint light.

He smiled and turned to the group. "My friends, I have a favor to ask."

"Please speak, Your Highness!"

"Indeed, if there is anything you need, just say the word!"

His previous gesture had certainly won their goodwill.

"To my shame, this is really a family matter," the Second Prince sighed lightly.

"Your Highness’s concerns are ours as well! Please, tell us!"

"Since you all insist, it would be graceless of me to refuse," the Second Prince said gratefully. "In truth, I have come to find my ninth sister, who slipped away from the capital for adventure. She is most likely within these ruins. I hope that as you search for treasure, you will keep an eye out for her."

"So that’s it—Your Highness truly is a good brother!"

"Your Highness’s sense of responsibility is admirable!"

"We will certainly help Your Highness find the Ninth Princess!"

"You’re shameless, always currying favor like this," Northern Han muttered through gritted teeth.