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

Zhou Yang walked out of the ancestral hall.

The sunlight shone obliquely from above, somewhat dazzling. He raised his hand to shield his eyes and squinted as he looked ahead.

At the foot of Qixia Mountain, all is peaceful.

In the distance, the Yangtze River stretches out like a silver ribbon across the plains. Small boats glide slowly across the water.

The air smelled of fresh grass and the scent of sun-dried soil.

Everything seemed normal.

Just like yesterday, he was just an ordinary江湖人 (jianghu person, a person who lives a life of wandering and struggling to survive).

But Zhou Yang knew something was different. He gripped the shard in his pocket; the cold touch made him even more alert.

He looked down at his hands. They were clean, without any bloodstains. But last night, these hands were stained with the blood of the Xie family traitors.

He killed many people.

They also won over a force.

He is no longer penniless.

He stood by the roadside, contemplating his next move. Should he go to Jinling City to take a look, or continue to consolidate the Xie family's power here?

A series of hurried footsteps came from not far away.

Zhou Yang turned around.

It was Xie An. He was slightly out of breath, his face filled with undisguised excitement and respect. As he approached Zhou Yang, he slowed his pace, took a few steps forward, and bowed deeply.

"Young Master."

He handed over a letter with both hands.

The envelope was made of ordinary oil paper and looked unremarkable. But Zhou Yang's gaze fell on a corner of the envelope. There was a small pattern stamped with a light blue mark there.

A frost flower.

This was the secret code he and Qin Shuang had agreed upon.

Zhou Yang took the letter, feeling the coolness of the paper on his fingertips. He tore open the seal; inside was only a thin sheet of paper.

The paper was white, and the handwriting on it was familiar. The strokes were sharp, carrying an indescribable chill—it was Qin Shuang's style.

The scent of ink was mixed with a very faint, cool fragrance. It was the scent of incense that Qin Shuang often used.

Zhou Yang's gaze fell on the words.

"...The celestial messenger's trail has been discovered. His target is neither treasure nor secret manual, but the current crown prince."

"Their methods are bizarre; they intend to use the fortune of the royal bloodline as a catalyst to break the seal."

"This matter is of paramount importance, and I have already secretly reported it to His Majesty. However, it concerns the survival of the nation, and it is not something I alone can decide. Return immediately."

The letter ended with only two words.

Qin Shuang.

There were no superfluous pleasantries, no sentimental greetings. Every word was like a block of ice, carrying an undeniable urgency and seriousness.

But when Zhou Yang looked at the last six words, "This concerns the survival of the world, and I alone cannot decide it. Return immediately," he could almost see Qin Shuang's tightly furrowed brows and her eyes, which were always calm but concealed turbulent emotions, as she wrote those words.

She rarely uses this tone.

She encountered trouble that she couldn't handle on her own.

Zhou Yang gripped the letter, his fingers unconsciously tightening. The paper made a soft creaking sound.

Celestial Envoy... Crown Prince... Destiny...

These words swirled in his mind.

His gaze slowly shifted to his waist. The newly acquired fragment of the dragon's spine hung quietly there.

He reached out and removed the fragment.

The fragments were cold to the touch, but this time, he felt a chill that was almost piercing.

The seal was broken.

Use the crown prince as a pretext.

A string in Zhou Yang's mind was suddenly plucked.

He recalled the information those fragments had given him when he was deducing the cultivation technique. They were like pieces of a key, waiting for something.

A key that can unlock a huge seal.

The keyhole, however, does not require a physical object.

It is energy.

It is a special power.

The destiny of the royal bloodline!

Zhou Yang understood instantly.

No wonder the celestial messenger from the Heavenly Principle Sect appeared in Jinling. This capital of the Great Zhou Dynasty is where the most dragon energy gathers. And the Crown Prince is at the center of this dragon energy.

They wanted to use the crown prince as a sacrifice, or as a key, to use the power of the royal family's fortune passed down for hundreds of years to activate the fragments and unlock something that had been sealed for who knows how many years.

What lies behind the seal? Zhou Yang didn't know. But he could sense that it was definitely not something good.

For the Heavenly Principle Sect to go to such great lengths, even at the cost of antagonizing the entire imperial court, the object within that seal must be powerful enough to overturn the entire world.

Qin Shuang's judgment was correct.

This is not something that she alone, or even the emperor alone, can decide.

If not handled properly, it could lead to utter ruin.

Zhou Yang's breathing became slightly rapid. He was not some saint with the world in his heart. He would not risk his life for such grand words as "the survival of the world".

However, he was afraid of dying.

If that seal is broken and the world falls into chaos, where can he run to?

Under the nest, have the eggs finished?

He was living a good life, with wine to drink, money to earn, and his lifespan was slowly increasing. He didn't want a bunch of lunatics to ruin his good life.

Moreover, the words "return quickly" in Qin Shuang's letter carried an implication that left no room for refusal.

That woman was giving him orders again.

Zhou Yang hung the fragment back on his waist. The cold blade against his skin made him even calmer.

He cannot return to Nanjing.

Going back now would be like walking into a trap. The Heavenly Principle Cult has definitely laid a trap in the city, just waiting for him and Qin Shuang to walk right into it.

He needs to take the initiative.

Zhou Yang raised his head and looked at Xie An, who was standing straight not far away.

"Thank you for your help."

"Your subordinate is here," Xie An replied immediately, straightening his back even more.

"Mobilize all the ships that the Xie family can use." Zhou Yang's voice was calm, revealing no emotion.

"Yes." Xie An didn't ask why, he just accepted the order.

"And another thing," Zhou Yang paused, then continued, "blockade the Yangtze River."

"What?" Xie An suddenly looked up, his face full of shock. He thought he had misheard.

Blockade the Yangtze River?

These four words carry immense weight.

The Yangtze River is a major artery for waterways between the north and south, with countless ships passing through it every day. Blockading the Yangtze River would be tantamount to cutting off the waterway lifeline of the entire Jiangnan region.

This would mean making enemies of everyone who relies on waterways for their livelihood. It would even mean defying the imperial court's decree.

"Young Master, this..." Xie An's voice was somewhat hoarse.

Zhou Yang turned his head and glanced at him.

That glance was calm, yet it made Xie An's words catch in his throat. He felt a chill rise from the soles of his feet.

The young master before me took control of the entire Xie family overnight. The methods he used, the decisiveness he displayed, were something even the old master had never possessed.

He had his reasons for giving the order.

All you need to do is execute it.

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Xie An took a deep breath and bowed again. "I will do it immediately! Blockade all waterways upstream of Nanjing! Not a single boat, not a single bird, will be able to fly across!"

"It's not just the Nanjing section," Zhou Yang corrected. "From outside Nanjing City all the way to the mouth of the East China Sea, all waterways are completely blocked."

Xie An's pupils contracted slightly.

From Nanjing to the East China Sea, that covers the entire lower reaches of the Yangtze River. This is a massive undertaking.

"Yes!" Without further hesitation, he nodded emphatically, turned around and ran off, his back view carrying an excitement and determination of being given a great mission.

Zhou Yang watched his figure disappear into the woods before slowly turning his gaze away.

Since the celestial messengers of the Heavenly Principle Sect are plotting against the Crown Prince in Jinling City, their subsequent forces will inevitably gather from all over Jiangnan via waterways.

Especially downstream, those ports secretly controlled by the Heavenly Principle Sect.

By blocking the Yangtze River, he essentially severed one of their arms.

They were all trapped inside.

Of course, this also trapped both himself and Qin Shuang in Jinling.

This is a risky move.

Alternatively, he could wipe out the Heavenly Principles Sect's influence in Jiangnan in one fell swoop.

Otherwise, he would have driven himself into a corner.

However, Zhou Yang enjoyed the feeling of taking a gamble.

He turned and walked towards the dock at the foot of the mountain.

The Xie family is very efficient.

When he arrived at the dock, the atmosphere there was completely different.

Most of the merchant ships and fishing boats that were originally moored have been cleared out. Several large ships flying the Xie family flag are now docked at the shore, with people coming and going on board, carrying all sorts of supplies.

The entire dock was brightly lit and bustling with people, yet everything was orderly and without a trace of chaos.

Xie An was standing on the deck of the largest ship, directing everything.

Seeing Zhou Yang approaching, he immediately strode down the gangway to greet him.

"Young Master, the ships are ready. The order to blockade has been given, and our men are clearing the river. In two hours at most, the downstream river will be completely still."

"Very good." Zhou Yang nodded.

He walked onto the deck. The ship was enormous, its hull made of fine ironwood and exceptionally sturdy. A ferocious beast head stood at the bow, looking majestic and imposing.

"What's the name of this ship?" Zhou Yang asked casually.

"Young Master, this is called the 'Dingjiang' ship," Xie An replied respectfully.

Dingjiang.

Zhou Yang glanced at the boat, then at the misty river, a barely perceptible smile playing on his lips.

Let's call it "Breaking Waves".

"The Wavebreaker?" Xie An was taken aback for a moment, then overjoyed. "Great name! I'll have someone change it right away!"

"No need," Zhou Yang waved his hand. "It's just a name. What's important is what it can do."

He walked to the bow of the boat and stood by the railing.

The river breeze blew past his ears, carrying damp moisture, making his long robe flutter loudly.

He looked towards the distant city of Jinling, its hazy outline appearing somewhat oppressive in the twilight.

Qin Shuang, you owe me a favor.

A huge favor.

"Set sail," he ordered casually.

"yes!"

Xie An immediately turned around and gave a loud order.

"Weigh anchor! Set sail!"

With a muffled winch thud, the massive anchor was slowly pulled out of the water. The ship shuddered slightly and began to slowly turn around, heading upstream.

The ship's hundreds of sailors were all skilled men carefully selected by the Xie family; their movements were practiced and their teamwork seamless. The massive sails rose with a creaking sound, catching the wind.

Like a giant beast awakening, the "Breaking Waves" sailed steadily and firmly into the surging river.

Zhou Yang stood at the bow of the boat, watching the scenery on both banks slowly recede into the distance.

The lights of the dock grew farther and farther away, finally disappearing into the distance.

Fog began to rise over the river.

White mist rose from the river, growing thicker and thicker until it enveloped everything. Visibility became extremely low, with only a few meters visible ahead of the bow of the boat.

The boat sailed through the fog, yet its speed was by no means slow.

Zhou Yang could sense that the current beneath the boat was very rapid. But the boat, like a sharp knife, easily sliced ​​through the water and broke through the thick fog.

He reached out and caught a wisp of mist blown by the wind.

Cool and moist.

Just like his mood right now.

He really wanted to go to Nanjing.

He could even picture Qin Shuang alone in the Embroidered Uniform Guard headquarters, facing pressure from all sides, her brows furrowed.

That woman always liked to shoulder everything herself.

But he can't go.

He needs to be outside, clearing obstacles for her and setting up a trap for her.

He wanted to tighten this net before the Heavenly Principles Sect could take action.

They blocked all their escape routes.

Zhou Yang withdrew his hand and turned his gaze back to the thick fog.

His eyes were deeper than the mist on the river.

"Pass down the order," he said without turning his head.

Xie An, who had been following behind him, immediately stepped forward.

"Tell all brothers to be alert. If you encounter any suspicious ships along the way, especially those marked with the 'sun and moon,' kill them without mercy."

"Yes!" Xie An's voice carried a hint of ruthlessness.

He certainly knew what the "sun and moon" symbol represented.

That's the emblem of the Heavenly Principle Sect.

The young master is about to use a deadly move.

No, it should be about uprooting all the roots of the Heavenly Principles Sect in Jiangnan.

Xie An felt a surge of emotion.

Following such a young master is dangerous, but...

That was fucking awesome!

He didn't ask any more questions and turned to relay the order.

Soon, the atmosphere on the entire "Breaking Waves" ship changed.

The sailors, who had been busy at work, all took up arms. The ship's sides were lined with cold, expressionless faces.

The archer drew his bow, the gleaming arrowhead aimed at the thick fog ahead.

What was originally an ordinary warship was transformed into a mobile war fortress in an instant.

Zhou Yang remained standing at the bow of the ship, seemingly oblivious to the changes behind him.

He took the letter out of his pocket again.

The paper had been warmed by the heat of his hands.

He stared at the line "Return Immediately" and remained silent for a long time.

Then, he carefully folded the letter and put it back into his pocket, close to his chest.

The river breeze grew stronger.

The boat was faster too.

Like an arrow shot from a bow, it flew into the boundless, bottomless fog.