If I, a death row inmate, am not to become a demon, am I to become a member of the Imperial Guard?

The morning sunlight shines into the palace hall.

The atmosphere in the Golden Palace was solemn.

The emperor sat on the dragon throne, expressionless.

Below stood the assembled civil and military officials.

The prime minister knelt on the ground, his face ashen.

A row of officials knelt beside him.

They were all his trusted confidants.

"My dear minister, is there anything else you wish to say?"

The emperor's voice was very soft.

But it struck everyone's heart like a heavy hammer.

The prime minister raised his head.

My lips are trembling.

"Your Majesty, I am innocent."

"This evidence is all fabricated."

"It was Zhou Yang who framed me."

The emperor smiled.

That smile was cold.

"Framed?"

The emperor looked at the eunuch beside him.

"Present the evidence."

The eunuch was holding a stack of documents.

Walk down the steps.

It was placed in front of the Prime Minister.

"This is a letter from you colluding with the Heavenly Principle Sect."

"This is your ledger of bribes."

"This is the document authorizing your unauthorized troop deployment."

The prime minister looked at the documents.

His eyes showed even more despair.

He knew these things were true.

Every single word was written by him personally.

"His Majesty..."

"That's enough."

The emperor interrupted him.

"Both witnesses and physical evidence are available."

You have no way to defend yourself.

The emperor stood up.

"Someone come here."

"Take down the Prime Minister and all his cronies."

"His property was confiscated, and he was imprisoned."

The imperial guards stormed into the main hall.

The blades flashed.

The prime minister collapsed to the ground.

His face was ashen.

He knew it was over.

It's all over.

The Imperial Guards lifted him up.

They were dragged outside the hall.

Other officials were also taken away one by one.

The main hall was soon empty.

Only a few core ministers remained.

The emperor looked at one of them.

"Li Wei."

"Your subject is present."

Li Wei stepped forward.

"From this day forward, you shall be the new Prime Minister."

Li Wei knelt down.

"Thank you for your great favor, Your Majesty."

The emperor then looked at Zhou Yang.

Zhou Yang.

"Your subject is present."

Zhou Yang stepped out of the line.

"You have made a great contribution to this case."

"I hereby appoint you as the Deputy Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard."

Zhou Yang was stunned for a moment.

This position was higher than he had imagined.

Deputy Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

He was already a high-ranking member of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

Second only to the Commander.

"Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty."

Zhou Yang knelt down and kowtowed.

But he was making plans in his mind.

What does this position mean?

This means he is closer to the center of power.

This also means that the danger is greater.

But he wasn't afraid.

The greater the danger, the greater the opportunity.

After the court session ended.

Zhou Yang walked out of the palace.

The sun is shining brightly.

He narrowed his eyes.

It's a beautiful day today.

"Master Zhou."

A voice came.

Zhou Yang turned around.

He is a great general.

"General."

Zhou Yang cupped his hands in greeting.

"Thank you, Lord Zhou."

The general bowed deeply.

"If it weren't for you, I would still be in prison."

"It was nothing."

Zhou Yang said calmly.

"It was just a small favor for Lord Zhou."

The general gave a wry smile.

"For this general, it was a life-saving grace."

The general looked at Zhou Yang.

"From this day forward, I, the general, owe you a favor."

"If you need anything, just say the word."

Zhou Yang's heart skipped a beat.

This is exactly what he wanted.

The general commands a large army.

He is a good ally.

"General, you're too kind."

Zhou Yang replied.

"We have always been allies."

"Even more so now."

The general nodded.

"Yes, even more so."

The two looked at each other and smiled.

They both understood each other's intentions.

"Oh, right."

The general lowered his voice.

"What do you plan to do with the Prime Minister's cronies?"

Zhou Yang's lips curled up in a smile.

"Of course, we'll wipe them all out in one fell swoop."

"We can't give them a chance to turn things around."

The general agreed.

"Do you need my help?"

"Not for now."

Zhou Yang shook his head.

"We have enough men in the Embroidered Uniform Guard."

"However, if you encounter a tough nut to crack..."

He paused.

"I will come to find the General."

The general patted him on the shoulder.

"I'm ready to serve you anytime."

Watching the general's departing figure.

A cold smile appeared on Zhou Yang's lips.

Cleanse the Prime Minister's cronies.

This is a good opportunity.

It can both consolidate power.

And you can discover even more secrets.

He returned to the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

Gather manpower immediately.

"Begin the operation."

"Arrest everyone connected to the Prime Minister."

The Embroidered Uniform Guards were like wolves and tigers.

Rushing toward each target.

The capital city was plunged into chaos.

But this chaos is necessary.

Do not break or stand.

Zhou Yang sat in the office of the deputy prefect.

Looking at the arrest list.

Cross out the names one by one.

Sudden.

A name caught his attention.

Liu Wenbo.

The prime minister's chief advisor.

He is said to be resourceful and wise.

He was the prime minister's right-hand man.

"Has Liu Wenbo been caught?"

Zhou Yang asked his subordinates.

"Reporting to your Excellency, the manhunt is still ongoing."

"He's cunning; he ran away beforehand."

Zhou Yang frowned.

We can't let him get away.

This person is extremely important to the Prime Minister.

They may know many secrets.

"Send the most elite personnel."

"We must catch him."

"yes."

The men took the order and left.

Zhou Yang stood up.

I walked to the window.

Looking at the chaos outside.

How long will this storm last?

Will he be the ultimate winner?

I was just thinking about it.

His subordinate rushed in in a panic.

"My lord, something terrible has happened!"

Zhou Yang turned around.

"What's the matter? Why are you in such a panic?"

"Liu Wenbo...he..."

His subordinate was panting.

"He was found in the west of the city."

"but..."

"But what?"

"He's going to commit suicide."

Zhou Yang's expression changed.

"Quick, take me there."

They rode their horses to the west of the city.

to the place.

There were already many onlookers.

The Imperial Guards are maintaining order.

Zhou Yang pushed through the crowd.

Go inside.

I saw Liu Wenbo standing on the roof.

He was holding a dagger.

"Don't come any closer."

Liu Wenbo shouted.

"If you come any closer, I'll die."

Zhou Yang narrowed his eyes.

This Liu Wenbo is indeed no ordinary person.

"Liu Wenbo."

Zhou Yang spoke.

"You have nowhere else to go."

"Surrender."

"surrender?"

Liu Wenbo sneered.

"Falling into the hands of your Embroidered Uniform Guard is worse than death."

"At least, at least he'll have a whole body."

Zhou Yang knew.

He was telling the truth.

The interrogation methods of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

It is indeed something no human can withstand.

"You just need to cooperate."

Zhou Yang tried to persuade him.

"I can guarantee your life."

"ensure?"

Liu Wenbo looked as if he had heard a joke.

"How much is a guarantee from the Embroidered Uniform Guard worth?"

Zhou Yang remained silent.

He couldn't refute it.

Because what he said is true.

"You should surrender."

Zhou Yang tried a different approach.

"Tell me the secrets you know."

"I can make your death quicker."

A flicker of fear crossed Liu Wenbo's eyes.

But they quickly became resolute again.

"secret?"

"I do know many secrets."

"But these secrets cannot be told to you."

Why?

Zhou Yang pressed for more information.

Liu Wenbo looked at the sky.

"because..."

He laughed suddenly.

That smile was eerie.

"Because the celestial messenger... is coming soon."

Celestial messenger?

Zhou Yang was startled.

This word...

Tianlijiao!

Is Liu Wenbo a member of the Heavenly Principle Sect?

"Are you a protector of the Heavenly Principle Sect?"

Zhou Yang blurted it out.

A look of surprise flashed across Liu Wenbo's eyes.

How did you know?

It’s over.

Zhou Yang knew something was wrong.

I let it slip.

Liu Wenbo suddenly understood something.

"I see..."

"you..."

He didn't finish speaking.

Suddenly he raised a dagger.

He stabbed himself in the heart.

"don't want!"

Zhou Yang rushed over.

But it was too late.

Fresh blood gushed out.

Liu Wenbo collapsed.

His gaze quickly became unfocused.

Zhou Yang ran to his side.

Crouch down to take a look.

It's beyond saving.

"Search him."

Zhou Yang gave the order.

His men searched thoroughly.

A note was soon found.

"Sir, there is a note here."

Zhou Yang took it.

Unfold.

There are four characters written on it.

"The celestial messenger... is approaching..."

The handwriting was very messy.

It looks like it was written in a great hurry.

Zhou Yang stared at the note.

His expression was grave.

Celestial Envoy...

Who are the high-ranking members of the Heavenly Principle Sect?

Are you coming to the capital?

This is definitely not good news.

He was well aware of the strength of the Heavenly Principle Sect.

Even a single Dharma Protector is this difficult to deal with.

How powerful could a celestial messenger be?

"grown ups..."

The subordinate asked in a low voice.

"What should we do?"

Zhou Yang put the note away.

"Keep this a secret."

"Don't let anyone know."

"yes."

The subordinate accepted the order.

Zhou Yang stood up.

Looking at Liu Wenbo's corpse.

This man's death was worthwhile.

At least, it brought one important message.

The Heavenly Principle Sect is coming.

Moreover, it was high-ranking officials who came.

He must be prepared.

Back to the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

Zhou Yang locked himself in his office.

Consider countermeasures.

What might be the purpose of the celestial messengers of the Heavenly Principle Sect?

It certainly wasn't just about revenge.

Such a large organization.

Every step has a profound meaning.

What could it be for?

Dragon spine fragment?

Zhou Yang's heart skipped a beat.

He had seen this thing at the Tianli Sect's stronghold.

It is said to possess special powers.

If the celestial messenger's purpose was this...

That makes things complicated.

Zhou Yang recalled his fragment.

It is also part of the dragon's spine.

What is the connection between these two?

he does not know.

But feelings are important.

Late at night.

Zhou Yang was still in his office.

A map of the capital city was placed on the table.

He wrote something on it.

Sudden.

A knock came at the door.

"Come in."

The door opened.

Qin Shuang walked in.

Still busy?

She asked.

Zhou Yang looked up.

"Um, something came up."

"Has the matter concerning the Prime Minister been resolved?"

"That's about it."

Zhou Yang stretched.

"Most of them have been arrested."

"The few who escaped are also being pursued."

Qin Shuang walked to the table.

See the markings on the map.

"This is..."

"Tenrikyo."

Zhou Yang said it directly.

"They have a base in the capital."

Qin Shuang's expression changed.

"Tenrikyo?"

"Are they coming to the capital?"

"They've arrived."

Zhou Yang told him about Liu Wenbo's situation.

"A celestial messenger?"

Qin Shuang frowned.

Why would high-ranking members of the Heavenly Principle Sect suddenly come to the capital?

"have no idea."

Zhou Yang shook his head.

"But it's definitely not a good thing."

Qin Shuang looked at the map.

"We need to prepare in advance."

"right."

Zhou Yang nodded.

"That's exactly what I was thinking."

"Do you need my help?"

Qin Shuang asked.

Zhou Yang looked at her.

"Of course we need it."

"Your intelligence network is wider than mine."

"Help me check."

"What might the celestial messenger's goal be?"

"good."

Qin Shuang agreed.

"I'll arrange it right away."

She turned to leave.

"etc."

Zhou Yang called out to her.

"There's one more thing."

"What?"

Zhou Yang hesitated for a moment.

"What's so special about your fragment?"

Qin Shuang was stunned.

Why are you asking this?

"My intuition tells me this is related to the Heavenly Principle Sect."

Zhou Yang said.

"Before Liu Wenbo died, he mentioned the celestial messenger."

"I think they might also be after the fragments."

Qin Shuang remained silent for a moment.

"My fragments are indeed quite special."

"It allows me to sense the location of the other fragments."

Zhou Yang's eyes lit up.

"real?"

"Um."

Qin Shuang nodded.

"But it doesn't feel very clear."

"It's just a general direction."

Zhou Yang's heart skipped a beat.

This is very important.

If the Heavenly Principle Sect was also doing this...

"Can you sense where the other fragments are?"

"able."

Qin Shuang thought for a moment.

"The most recent one should be in the south."

"What's the exact location?"

"I'm not quite sure."

Qin Shuang shook her head.

"It feels like I'm in the Jiangnan region."

Jiangnan...

Zhou Yang located the location on the map.

It's far from the capital.

But if it's the target of the celestial messenger...

"You check first."

Zhou Yang said.

"Information about the Celestial Envoy."

"I'm going to prepare for something else."

"What is it?"

Zhou Yang smiled.

"Of course, we should go to Jiangnan to take a look."

"Go now?"

Qin Shuang was surprised.

"right."

Zhou Yang was very determined.

"Get ahead of the celestial messenger."

This is risky.

But it is also necessary.

If it really is for the fragments.

He had to get there first.

"I'll go with you."

Qin Shuang said.

"Need not."

Zhou Yang shook his head.

"The capital needs you to stay and oversee things."

"It's too dangerous for you to go by yourself."

"rest assured."

Zhou Yang patted her on the shoulder.

"I am not alone."

He can burn through his lifespan.

Instantaneous deduction technique.

Their strength has increased dramatically.

In addition, there's his newly acquired status.

That should be enough to deal with some trouble.

"That..."

Qin Shuang wanted to say something more.

"Believe me."

Zhou Yang interrupted her.

"I will come back safely."

Qin Shuang looked at him.

Finally, he nodded.

"good."

"I'll be waiting for you in the capital."

Zhou Yang smiled.

"Wait for my good news."

in the night.

Zhou Yang packed his bags.

They quietly left the capital.

Heading south.

He didn't tell anyone.

Including the general.

The fewer people who know about this, the better.

The Heavenly Principle Sect's spies are all over the capital.

If we are not careful, we will be exposed.

Galloping on horseback.

Zhou Yang knew very well what was going on.

This trip to Jiangnan.

It made many decisions.

Not just fragments.

And then there's his final showdown with the Heavenly Principle Sect.

must win.

We can only win.

The night wind howled.

It was blowing the hem of his clothes.

In the distance, the sky begins to lighten.

A new day is about to begin.