"Murder! Murder!"
A steward rushed to report to Grand Rector Leonard Goodwin, shouting, "Something terrible has happened! Academy Fellow Quinn Shepherd has killed again!"
Inside the Grand Academy Hall, Leonard Goodwin was sipping tea, unconcerned. He smiled, "What's so shocking about that? He's the Cult Master of the Heavenly Demon—why panic just because he killed someone? If he didn't kill, that would be strange. Who'd he kill this time?"
The steward, out of breath, replied, "He killed two Wild Di Kingdom envoys!"
Crack!
The teacup in Leonard Goodwin's hand shattered to pieces. His face changed dramatically as he cried out, "Wild Di Kingdom envoys? He killed two? No, I've already hosted the guests—why do they still want to make trouble for me?"
He quickly stood up, ready to rush outside, but suddenly stopped and began pacing. "He's the Cult Master of the Heavenly Demon, head of the number-one demonic holy land. If I go and confront him, that's like an old man hanging himself—courting death. I'd better report to the Crown Prince first."
Libationer Barrett stood not far away, watching Ben Coates and Quinn Shepherd. Seeing all this, his head buzzed and ached—he was truly at his wit's end. "Junior Brother, I only asked you to test Ben Coates's depth. Who told you to kill the Wild Di Kingdom envoys too?"
The Wild Di Kingdom envoys were dispatched by Khan Roland himself, with Ben Coates as their leader and over a dozen in the group. This time, Quinn Shepherd had killed two right inside the Imperial Academy.
There's no way this mess can be cleaned up!
Khan Roland of the Wild Di Kingdom is a formidable overlord of the steppe, a man of great ambition and talent. He has swallowed up other khanates, forging a powerful prairie empire to rival Everpeace.
He has even studied Everpeace's culture, drawing on its strengths to develop and reform Wild Di. The kingdom's court structure now mirrors Everpeace, and schools have been established throughout the land.
At present, he has not yet unified the steppe, so he cannot fully challenge Everpeace. Once he does, he will focus all his strength on confronting Everpeace.
After two waves of disaster, Everpeace is severely weakened. Khan Roland sent his envoys not only to study, but also to gauge just how far Everpeace has declined.
He is like an eagle hovering over the steppe, always ready to strike east. If given the chance, he could lead his iron cavalry in a blazing raid, whipping straight toward the Central Plains.
Quinn Shepherd, of course, paid no attention to any of this—he simply killed two of the envoys.
This act could very well spark war between the two nations!
With Everpeace still reeling from the disaster, if Khan Roland seizes the moment and marches his army in, catastrophe could be imminent!
Libationer Barrett was starting to regret asking Quinn Shepherd to test Ben Coates. Clearly, his junior from the Great Ruins was utterly unruly and fearless. After killing the envoys, he could just pat his backside and head back to the Great Ruins—but he'd leave a heap of trouble behind.
"The Crown Prince is regent now. Let's see how Crown Prince Luther handles this."
Libationer Barrett couldn't help but feel a headache on Luther's behalf. Since becoming Crown Prince and regent, Luther had been doing well—he even issued a self-blaming edict, knelt at the Heaven Altar to beg forgiveness from Heaven, canceled unequal treaties, reclaimed lost land, and continued disaster relief. All of it had won him popular support.
But now, he was probably facing his first real crisis since taking up the regency.
Ben Coates's gaze fell on Quinn Shepherd, his eyes almost devoid of emotion. No matter how Quinn tried to provoke or pressure him, it seemed nothing could shake his composure.
Ben Coates spoke coolly, "As Cult Master of the Heavenly Demon, your skills are naturally impressive. Perhaps there has been some misunderstanding between us. If you don't mind, I'll host a banquet tomorrow at Jade Perfume Pavilion in the capital to offer my apologies. What do you say, Cult Master Quinn?"
"Agreed."
Quinn Shepherd was easygoing, laughing, "Your two attendants were truly reckless, daring to attack me. As their master, you really ought to host a banquet and apologize."
Ben Coates's eye twitched, but he turned and walked away.
Quinn Shepherd's gaze stayed fixed on his back, killing intent surging. Yet Ben Coates walked steadily, seemingly unfazed, showing no discomfort. His stride was only a little uneven, almost as if he were limping.
"This guy..."
Quinn Shepherd sucked in a cold breath, deeply sensing just how tricky and terrifying Ben Coates really was.
He had provoked Ben Coates repeatedly, even humiliating him and killing his attendants right in front of him. Yet Ben showed no emotion. Now, with Quinn Shepherd's killing intent locked directly onto him, Ben still walked steadily—just a slight limp. Truly a terrifying figure.
If it were anyone else—say, a Dao Heir or Buddha-Child—locked onto by Quinn Shepherd's murderous gaze, they wouldn't dare move a single step. Any movement would expose a fatal weakness.
If someone stronger than a Dao Heir or Buddha-Child were targeted by Quinn Shepherd, they'd either limp with every step, constantly adjusting to avoid attack, or slowly back away facing him.
The reason for the limp is simple: they're shifting their body to evade any possible strike from Quinn, so they can't walk in a straight line and must constantly vary their height and posture.
That's why Ben Coates's gait looked odd—like he was limping—but in reality, he didn't reveal a single flaw and gave Quinn Shepherd no opening at all!
The most frightening part: Ben Coates's limp was only slight, not severe, which meant his cultivation and skill were astoundingly high!
Libationer Barrett strode over to Quinn Shepherd, finding him still watching Ben Coates's retreating figure.
"Barrett, you really handed me a tough job."
Quinn Shepherd exhaled heavily, turned to Libationer Barrett, and said in a low voice, "This Ben Coates is the strongest peer I've ever met! Even stronger than Dao Heir Lucas Lin! If he isn't that old monster reincarnated after eighteen lifetimes, then he must have an Overlord Body like mine!"
Libationer Barrett's face darkened. "So that's why you killed two envoys?"
Quinn Shepherd was taken aback. He stammered, "Did you ever say I couldn't kill anyone? Besides, didn't we slaughter a bunch of Loulan Golden Palace Grand Shamans out on the frontier? This time I only killed two—I'd say I went easy."
Libationer Barrett laughed in exasperation. "How is that the same? Last time, I took you and the princess to block the gate, but I was acting as Martial Khan—that had nothing to do with Everpeace. This time, they're official envoys representing Wild Di Kingdom! Killing their envoys is a direct slap in Wild Di's face—there's no way they'll let this go!"
Quinn Shepherd replied honestly, "You never said... Anyway, they're dead now, can't bring them back."
Libationer Barrett felt his head splitting, exhaled deeply, and said, "Just wait for the Crown Prince to summon you... He's probably heard by now and is even more troubled than I am. You're the Cult Master of the Heavenly Demon, a war hero, and the Crown Prince owes his throne to you. He can't punish you or scold you... Also—"
His expression grew grave. "If Ben Coates really is that old monster, then be careful tonight. If he knows your name, he can use witchcraft to kill you! After you see the Crown Prince, I'll come to your room tonight!"
Quinn Shepherd nodded. Anyone who could make even the Butcher hide his real name was worth guarding against!
Just as Barrett predicted, Crown Prince Luther came looking for Quinn Shepherd that afternoon. But unlike Barrett expected, Luther didn't summon him—instead, he personally came to the Imperial Academy to meet him.
"Your Highness, visiting in person—I am truly honored and terrified," Quinn Shepherd greeted respectfully.
Luther glanced at him and sighed, "I don't see any terror in you—if anything, you're perfectly calm. Quinn, today's incident has given me a terrible headache. I've been thinking all afternoon and still can't come up with an answer. You're always full of ideas—why don't you tell me how to handle this?"
Quinn Shepherd laughed, "Simple. Your Highness should write to Khan Roland, saying the two Wild Di envoys refused to learn, were wild and unruly, and dared to commit murder in the sacred Imperial Academy, trying to assassinate a Central Court official. That official is Quinn Shepherd, Cult Master of the number-one demonic holy land. Quinn was furious and killed the two envoys. Then add that Quinn's anger is not easily quelled, and Khan Roland must apologize—or else face dire consequences!"
Luther was dumbstruck.
After a moment, he exhaled deeply and sighed, "Fine, I'll write it that way. But if Khan Roland flies into a rage and invades, you can lead the charge and risk your neck for me."
Quinn Shepherd's face darkened.
Luther laughed, "So even the Cult Master of the Heavenly Demon has something to fear? Enough about that. Frankly, I don't think it's wise for you to stay at the Imperial Academy. There are three to five hundred foreign envoys here—if you get in the mood and kill a few more, how am I supposed to do my job as regent? I'll be busy writing apology letters to every emperor on your behalf!"
Quinn Shepherd muttered, "I don't kill that often. There was a reason this time!"
Luther smiled, "Now that you're a mage, your skills are impressive. My father once appointed you as Central Court official, but it was just an honorary post—no real power. How about I give you a real job? My father and the Grand Preceptor have recovered, so in a few days I won't need to handle all state affairs. I'll head out for disaster relief, and you can come with me. I’ll also take some Ministry of Works officials and a few scholars from the Academy."
He truly didn't trust Quinn Shepherd. Leaving him here would only invite trouble, so it was better to keep him close.
Quinn Shepherd considered it—there really wasn't much for him to do at the Academy. No fighting, no killing, too many restrictions. He might as well go out with the Crown Prince.
Luther walked beside him and suddenly asked, "I heard my sister spent the night here with you?"
Quinn Shepherd shivered and replied seriously, "Your Highness, that never happened. Please don't listen to slander and ruin the princess's and my reputations!"
Luther studied his face and, seeing no sign of deceit, finally relaxed. "I believe you. All right, I'll handle the envoy incident and shamelessly write a letter to Khan Roland. You get ready—we'll leave the capital together in a few days."
Quinn Shepherd watched him leave. Libationer Barrett came over, whispering mysteriously, "I just overheard the Crown Prince say Princess Ling Yuxiu spent the night here with you? Actually, I saw the princess and two maids carrying lanterns down the mountain this morning. Did you two...?"
Quinn Shepherd groaned, "Absolutely not! Barrett, Grandpa Butcher avoids you because you can't keep your mouth shut. Every time he sees you, he runs away to avoid meeting his disciple. Tone it down—don't believe every rumor you hear!"
Barrett mumbled, "I was just curious, but don't worry—I'm tighter-lipped than anyone, not like Duke Wei, who shouts gossip everywhere... If Ben Coates really is that old monster, tonight could be dangerous. We'll share a room for safety. Stay alert and don't sleep too deeply."
That night.
Barrett snored like thunder, sleeping on the floor while Quinn Shepherd took the bed. The snores shook the bed so much Quinn went numb and couldn't sleep all night.
Nothing strange happened all night, until the fourth watch, when a sudden chill wind blew the windows wide open.