Qing Furen, forced to his knees, glared at Ji Xia.
"You're Ji Xia? These spectral soldiers—summoned by an array?" His voice was steady, betraying no fear.
"No need for concern, State Preceptor. Do you know why I captured you alive?" Though only twenty, Ji Xia carried himself like a seasoned monarch.
"To threaten my king? You've already angered the Goujian Kingdom. Dare you kill me too? Taicang would be crushed between two enemies!" Qing Furen sneered.
Ji Xia nodded. "True. But I also have questions."
He leaned closer. "For half a year, Zhou Qing hasn't invaded Taicang. Why?"
"You think capturing me means I'll talk? Even if I did, would you believe me?" Qing Furen's disdain deepened. "You're a child compared to your father."
"Indulge me. Share some secrets about Zhou Qing's plans. It'll help our... future relations."
"Future? Once Zhou Qing succeeds, Taicang's people will be nothing but livestock to survive the Long Night!"
"Last chance."
Qing Furen stared as if Ji Xia were an idiot.
Ji Xia smiled. "Let's make a bet."
"If I make you willingly reveal everything, you'll call me 'grandfather.'"
Qing Furen's face twisted with rage. "You dare insult me?"
Ji Xia shrugged. "If you refuse, I'll release you."
"My lord!" Advisor Lu Yu protested. This reckless young ruler couldn't be trusted!
Qing Furen's anger vanished, replaced by triumph. "Trying to save face? Fine! Release me, and when Zhou Qing conquers Taicang, I'll grant you a quick death!"
Ji Xia grinned. "Then let's swear a 'Lu Father Oath.'"
The Lu Father Oath was the most binding vow in the Endless Wilds, enforced by the deity Lu Father. Breakers died instantly.
After a moment, Qing Furen agreed.
The oath was sealed with blood. The moment it took effect, Ji Xia drew his sword and pointed it at Qing Furen.
"Why has Zhou Qing halted its invasions?"
Qing Furen scoffed. "You think a sword at my throat will—"
His voice cut off. A thunderous command boomed in his mind: "Tell him!"
His will shattered.
Under the oath's compulsion, Qing Furen spoke robotically:
"The Great Fu Kingdom sent envoys, ordering Zhou Qing to mine 30,000 jin of Flame Stones. In return, they'll gift us a Spirit Talisman and fulfill one wish."
"Zhou Qing's 15,000 soldiers—except the 4,000 at Green Mountain—are mining in the north."
"What wish?"
"Once the stones are delivered, Great Fu will send experts to slaughter Taicang's soldiers. Zhou Qing will then occupy your cities and enslave your people."
Lu Yu's face darkened.
"If so, why did you come to assassinate the late king?" Ji Xia pressed.
Qing Furen's eyes flickered. "I learned Ji Shang possessed a Sky Parasol Seed—a treasure that nurtures the spirit embryo, granting boundless energy. I didn't want Great Fu to take it."
Ji Xia nodded. "Now, recite your Dark Dust Manifestation Art."
Meng Gui memorized every word.
When the compulsion ended, Qing Furen awoke in horror.
Ji Xia smirked. "Call me 'grandfather,' and I'll give you this water."
Qing Furen hesitated—then a vision of Lu Father's judgment terrified him into submission.
"Grandfather!"
Ji Xia dashed the cup against his head. "I disown you."