Profound Celestial Sect!

Yuan Qingshan slightly narrowed his eyes.

The influence of the Profound Celestial Sect in Qian Country was immense, with its use of mysterious and supernatural means among the populace, it had gained great prestige, and its influence even surpassed royal authority.

More seriously, the actions of the alchemists of the Profound Celestial Sect were not bound by Qian Country's laws; only the sect's rules could deal with them.

The Profound Celestial Sect Leader was almost like a divine being in Qian Country, beyond reproach.

During the pacification of Pingzhou, Yuan Qingshan became aware of a shocking fact.

Over the years, the influence of the Profound Celestial Sect had reached everywhere.

It had even spread into the court of Qian Country, involving military and political departments, with vast influence!

Even within the Four Symbols Bureau, a direct agency of the Emperor, Yuan Qingshan could only absolutely trust the Black Tortoise Bureau and Vermilion Bird Bureau.

After lurking outside for more than ten years and returning to the Capital City, although he won the battle for the throne with the help of some factions and ascended as Emperor, he found many matters in Qian Country were beyond his control.

Having seen the people's suffering after living outside for more than a decade, Yuan Qingshan knew Qian Country was already critically ill.

The mere extortion by officials alone had left the populace in dire straits.

If a disaster or famine struck, it would become a purgatory on earth, a miserable sight beyond description.

Only through reforms could the nation and its people possibly be saved.

However, with a colossal entity like the Profound Celestial Sect standing in the middle of the court, any policy would be difficult to implement and could be distorted by the time it reached the local governments.

What's more, new reforms would inevitably touch upon various interests and factions, the resistance of which would be unimaginable.

The root of Qian Country's ailments was the Profound Celestial Sect.

Yet Yuan Qingshan knew well that with his current strength and prestige, challenging the Profound Celestial Sect was akin to smashing an egg against a rock.

He needed time to accumulate prestige, cultivate his own power, and unite various factions to potentially shake the Profound Celestial Sect.

Moreover, he also needed an opportunity.

The matter of the Ghost Mother Meng Qi in Bingzhou City might just be a chance to weaken the Profound Celestial Sect.

If the matter of the Ghost Mother could be made public, it would certainly have an immense impact on the sect's reputation among the populace!

Of course, this required conclusive evidence.

Yuan Qingshan pondered for a long time before suddenly asking, "What's the story with those four youths in Bingzhou City, has it been cleared up?"

The most direct witnesses to this matter were the four involved.

The Vermilion Bird Lord hesitated for a moment, then said, "The four are named Dugu Qingcheng, Murong Haitang, Changsun Jingren, and Yuwen Heigou. Their specific backgrounds haven't been clarified yet. After escaping Bingzhou City, they disappeared without a trace."

Yuan Qingshan chuckled silently and shook his head, "They are cautious; these are obviously fake names."

"Indeed."

The Vermilion Bird Lord nodded and said, "Rest assured, Your Majesty, I have instructed the Vermilion Bird Guard in Bingzhou City to fully investigate their whereabouts."

"Alright."

Yuan Qingshan said in a deep voice, "No matter who they are, once you find their whereabouts, you must ensure their safety at all costs. If possible, try to bring them to the Capital City!"

"Understood!"

The Vermilion Bird Lord cupped his hands and agreed.

Yuan Qingmu suddenly said, "Third Brother said before he wanted to go out and unwind, and it's been so long without news. Who knows where he has gone."

Emperor Qian had three sons and a daughter in total.

Yuan Qingshan and Yuan Qingmu were both born of Empress Dugu, sharing the same father and mother.

Yuan Qinghe, who was the second in line, was born of Madam He and had lost the throne battle in the Capital City.

Initially, Yuan Qingshan did not kill him, only kept him imprisoned in the Capital City.

Firstly, considering their brotherhood.

Secondly, it was due to apprehension of the He Family's influence in Pingzhou.

The third son was born of the Emperor Qian and a palace maid, with the lowest status, acting low-key in the palace, with a somewhat eccentric personality, staying away from the court, and never competing for power.

After Yuan Qingshan and Yuan Qingmu returned, they had not seen him for over ten years, so they were not close.

After Yuan Qingshan ascended the throne, he granted him the title of Prince Wei, allowing him to establish a residence in the Capital City.

After receiving his title, he bid farewell at the palace and left the Capital City, seemingly indifferent to the title of prince.

The Vermilion Bird Lord said, "Prince Wei was quite vigilant, noticing our surveillance, he left the official road and disappeared. The last time he was seen, he had just entered Bingzhou."

Yuan Qingmu said, "I always thought Third Brother was a bit odd since I was young. I didn't expect that after not seeing him for more than ten years, he would still be like this. He seems to have no interest in power or fame, even somewhat averse to it."

"Actually, it's related to his childhood experiences."

Yuan Qingshan sighed lightly, "Initially, in the palace, he neither competed nor fought, only because he didn't want his mother to die because of him."

In the Imperial Palace, Emperor Qian had an unwritten rule that noble children caused the death of their mothers.

As a child, the third prince restrained his ambitions to avoid implicating his mother.

But unexpectedly, his restraint and dormancy proved useless.

His mother still died within the harem.

Compared to other consorts, his mother did not have a noble status or powerful connections, living cautiously in the Inner Courtyard, ultimately unable to escape her fate.

Yuan Qingshan said, "Actually, he is capable and talented. Over the years, he has only been restraining himself. If he is willing to help me, he could undoubtedly become a pillar for Daqian in the future!"

"When Third Brother returns to the Capital City, let's persuade him together."

Yuan Qingmu said comfortingly.

The Vermilion Bird Lord thought for a moment and added, "There is one more thing, the high monks of the Xiling Secret Sect have brought some monks into the territory, seemingly heading to the Xinping Zen Temple in Bingzhou."

"Oh?"

Yuan Qingshan's heart stirred, as though a thought occurred to him.

"Is there anything else?"

After a moment of contemplation, Yuan Qingshan asked.

"No, that's all."

The Vermilion Bird Lord shook his head and said.

Yuan Qingshan looked at Yuan Qingmu beside him, who was already a bit impatient, and smiled slightly, signaling her to ask.

"Thank you, Big Brother."

Yuan Qingmu expressed her gratitude before asking, "Sister Ling Guang, any news from Chen Tang?"

The Vermilion Bird Lord said, "Previously, a Vermilion Bird Guard saw him in Youzhou, but after that, there hasn't been any news."

"Oh."

Yuan Qingmu nodded, somewhat disappointed.

The Vermilion Bird Lord sighed inwardly.

In truth, she hadn't paid much attention to this matter.

After all, the Vermilion Bird Guard takes orders from the Emperor, collecting various intelligence, with other important matters at hand.

Chen Tang was just an insignificant figure, a grassroots nobody.

Even if he had shone during the Pingzhou rebellion, it was just a stroke of luck, riding the wave of the times.

Moreover, she didn't wish for the Eldest Princess's thoughts to linger on Chen Tang.

His Holiness had just ascended to the throne, his foundation unstable, in need of allies.

While Chen Tang may not be unremarkable, a marriage between the Eldest Princess and him offered no help to His Holiness.

If the Eldest Princess were to marry into one of the Four Great Clans, it would better assist His Holiness, providing him with significant support!

Moreover, within the Four Great Clans, there were indeed some outstanding scions.

Given the abundance of cultivation resources and teachings from renowned masters, no matter the cultivation realm, status, or other aspects, they far surpassed any commoner's children.

For the sake of His Holiness, and for the happiness of the Eldest Princess herself, it was unwise to have too many dealings with that Chen Tang.

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