C16 The Hardest Thing to Understand Was the Heart

In the expansive backyard of the Prefecture Yamen in Ping Mountain City, the Celestial Punishment Court Envoy and his numerous subordinates found their residence.

Nestled in the garden before the main hall, Su Mo sat beneath an osmanthus tree, clad in a moon-white brocade robe. Her hair was styled not in the usual male fashion, but rather in the 'Looking to Immortals' nine-loop bun, popular among the noblewomen of Great Qin. Her typically bold eyebrows had softened, and her makeup-free face glowed with a natural rosiness. Her bright eyes, however, betrayed a multitude of thoughts.

Su Mo was the legitimate daughter of the Su family patriarch from the Great Qin Central Capital. Renowned for her beauty, exceptional cultivation talent, and sharp intellect, she was the object of affection for many young noblemen from the Great Qin Families, the young ministers of the court, and even the imperial princes.

Indeed, even before her arrival in Phoenix Soaring County, an outstanding disciple from the Flowing Cloud Sect, one of the Five-element Righteous Sects, had sought her hand in marriage.

The Su family, though a second-tier clan within the Central Capital, had members serving as officials for generations, albeit in minor roles, never quite reaching the inner circle of power. However, fifteen years ago, a direct relative within the Flowing Cloud Sect, who was merely an ordinary disciple, rose to prominence and became a personal disciple of a Flowing Cloud Sect elder, propelling him to the status of an inner disciple.

Years later, this family elder's cultivation prowess surged, elevating his position within the sect. Consequently, the main family back in the Great Qin Central Capital also rose in stature, eventually taking over the management of the Celestial Punishment Court.

Today, the Celestial Punishment Court is firmly under the control of the Su family. The revered Court Sovereign, Yao Lifu, known as the Imperial City Flying Dagger, holds the ninth spot on the Great Qin Human Hero Ranking and is Su Mo's esteemed mentor.

The Celestial Punishment Court's influence extends across multiple counties with Envoys who are either members of the Su family or closely associated with them. Their voice in the Great Qin Dynasty Court echoes that of the Su family.

Operating independently from the other departments of Great Qin and answering directly to the Emperor, the Celestial Punishment Court is the oldest institution in the empire. It was established at the nation's birth, predating even the three great military legions.

The Celestial Punishment Court, tasked with overseeing officials and maintaining public order, wielded the power to make immediate judgments. It was a sharp and effective tool in the hands of the royal family, commanding respect from officials and the martial world alike.

Currently, the Celestial Punishment Court had risen to become the foremost power beneath the Divine Guard Army, achieving a status in Phoenix Soaring County that was virtually on par with the Divine Guard Army itself.

These developments had gradually taken place after Su Mo assumed the role of Celestial Punishment Court Envoy in Phoenix Soaring County.

The patriarch of the Su family had once remarked that if Su Mo were a man, she would have been a lord safeguarding the nation or a cornerstone of righteousness within a sect.

Nonetheless, Su Mo's innate Cultivation Talent, evident from her youth, had propelled her to the Human Hero Ranking by the age of fifteen, and by eighteen, she had secured the one hundred and first position. Despite being a woman, she surpassed the majority in the cultivation journey.

It was common knowledge that Su Mo was predestined to be a direct disciple of the Flowing Cloud Sect, awaiting formal inclusion after the decade-spanning Sage Selection Ceremony.

Yet, it was her ambition, rivaling that of any man, that caught many by surprise. Su Mo aspired to carve out her legacy, whether in the realm of cultivation or the echelons of imperial power.

Her arrival in Phoenix Soaring County to vie for power with the Divine Guard Army was a calculated move. However, the county's complexities and the concealed might of the Divine Guard Army had far exceeded her initial assessments.

Amidst her tumultuous thoughts, Su Mo often found her mind wandering back to the butcher's apprentice she had met just days before. Initially seeking a mere guide, she was unexpectedly taken aback by the young man's resourcefulness and exceptional abilities.

The Profound Armor Army, once a symbol of splendor, had descendants who still stood proudly within Great Qin.

Her interactions with Sunn Cheng in the Myriad Beast Mountain Range left a lasting impression. His brazen laziness, shrewdness, and remarkable talent were unforgettable. He had faced the Demonic Beast without fleeing, ultimately sacrificing his life to the Thunder Snake in pursuit of a Spirit Pill.

Reflecting on her candid attempt to probe by the bonfire, the young man had made it clear that they were not allies, which was somewhat unexpected to her.

Indeed, they were never allies. With the Su family's current ascendancy, what significant role could the remnants of the Profound Armor Army possibly play?

Furthermore, Su Mo's struggle against the Divine Guard Army was driven by a desire for power and the consolidation of her family's influence.

The Profound Armor Army, however, had endured hardships and sorrows that Su Mo could scarcely fathom. The bond among the five generals who had once shed blood and risked their lives for the empire was something she could not comprehend. Without this foundational understanding, Su Mo would never grasp the profound value of justice in the hearts of the Profound Armor Army's descendants, as articulated by Sunn Cheng—a value treasured above all else.

Few knew of the five generals and Former Crown Prince Ying Wenrui's spirited days atop Heavenly Pillar Peak, where they swore an oath of life and death allegiance, shouldering the eternal destiny of the Great Qin with their steadfast resolve, and forging a brotherhood in blood and fire.

Few were aware of the Profound Armor Army's bitter victory against the Great Wei Dynasty's Flying Dragon Army outside Celestial Yin Mountain, which was followed by the Great Qin Dynasty's suspicion and ruthless suppression. Bearing the sorrow of the Crown Prince's death and the nation's scorn, they experienced a profound sense of despair.

After the Profound Armor Army was stricken from the records of the Great Qin Dynasty, the resulting power vacuum was swiftly filled by prominent families, with the Su family among the beneficiaries.

Su Mo could maintain due respect for the Profound Armor Army's unforgettable contributions to Great Qin, but she was unable to empathize with the surviving descendants' shared tenacity.

As the tea in her cup grew cold, Su Mo's thoughts returned to the present, and she looked up to see Qianfeng approaching her.

Qianfeng appeared somewhat unwell; the ferocious Thunder Power of the Thunder Snake had damaged his internal organs, necessitating a period of recovery.

"Miss, there has been no unusual activity from the Divine Guard Army. Van Jinbo hasn't left the Military Mansion for months, and it's usually Vice Commander Zhou Tai who manages their affairs," Qianfeng reported quietly to Su Mo, relaying the recent updates.

After a moment of contemplation, Su Mo nodded in understanding. "Keep a close watch on the Military Mansion for any unfamiliar faces coming and going. The three Thunder Snakes, formidable as they may be, are certainly not the secret the Divine Guard Army is desperately trying to conceal."

Qianfeng responded with a nod, though his voice carried a hint of hesitation. "Miss... about Brother Sunn Cheng... Should we look into his whereabouts?"

Su Mo's grip on her teacup tightened, and she furrowed her brow in thought before slowly shaking her head. "No, there's no need. His cultivation is merely at the third level of Body Tempering. There's no chance he survived being devoured by a snake."

With her gaze lowered, Su Mo noticed the flicker of sorrow in Qianfeng's eyes. After a brief pause, she added, "Here's what we'll do: send fifty taels of gold to his grandmother in Mouth Connecting Town. It's the least we can do to ensure his family's comfort in their later years."

"I understand. I'll make the trip myself," Qianfeng said, his voice somber.

Su Mo turned to look at Qianfeng, understanding his nature well. Despite his usual stoicism, he was deeply loyal and valued his bonds. Sunn Cheng had once saved his life, a debt Qianfeng would never forget.

With an indifferent wave of her hand, Su Mo signaled for Qianfeng to leave. However, he remained still, prompting a puzzled look from Su Mo.

"Miss..." Qianfeng seemed to struggle with his words, but eventually, he found the courage to ask, "The Revolving Star Compass has always been flawlessly managed by you, miss. I can't help but wonder... if we had waited just a few moments longer that day, might we have saved Brother Sunn Cheng?"

Su Mo glanced at him with displeasure, her face clouding over with anger as she coldly asked, "You think I deliberately chose not to save him? Is that it?"

"I wouldn't dare!" Qianfeng lowered his head, aware that his mistress was angered. Despite his discomfort, he pressed on, teeth gritted, "On that day, Military Officer Kuan Feipeng rushed to stop you, claiming you were unaware that Lin Zheng was his distant uncle. Yet, he was ignorant of the fact that the Celestial Punishment Court's network of spies would certainly be privy to such information. In truth, you were well aware of Lin Zheng's connection to the Kuan family's County Magistrate and intentionally revealed your identity to Lin Zheng to gauge Military Officer Kuan's true feelings toward you."

Qianfeng suddenly looked up, seemingly oblivious to Su Mo's darkening expression, and continued, "You knew Lin Zheng was too timid and weak-willed to report our movements to the Divine Guard Army, but he would likely confide in Military Officer Kuan. Everyone in Ping Mountain City is aware of Military Officer Kuan's deep affection for you. Now, as you vie for power against the Divine Guard Army, Military Officer Kuan's allegiance is not to be underestimated. You used this situation to test him, to see where his loyalties would lie between the Divine Guard Army and yourself."

The evidence showed that Kuan Feipeng's love for you was indeed profound; he would risk military discipline rather than betray your whereabouts. He also understood you well, knowing that with the Revolving Star Compass, we could retreat at ease unless faced with a master cultivator. That's why he confidently allowed you to venture to Giant Tree Lake..."

Su Mo's eyes blazed with a lethal glare as she fixed them on Qianfeng, her voice icy, "What are you trying to say?"

With a self-deprecating smile, Qianfeng shook his head, "I'm merely lamenting the fate of young Sunn Cheng. Perhaps as soon as he refused to join forces with you against the Divine Guard Army, you lost interest in his fate. Now, with Old Madam Luo at the helm of the Profound Armor Army in Great Qin, if Sunn Cheng won't cooperate with you, neither will Old Madam Luo, and neither will the entire Profound Armor Army. Without the prospect of an alliance, Sunn Cheng becomes irrelevant..."

With a resounding "Boom!", Su Mo's slender palm emitted a white glow, shattering the stone table before her. Her face contorted with a mix of rage and humiliation, as though she had been deeply offended and exposed.

"For a mere country boy who has been estranged from the imperial court for over a decade, you dare to defy your betters? Qianfeng, remember that you are not only the third Envoy of the Celestial Punishment Court in Phoenix Soaring County, but also a personal guard raised by my Su family!"

Qianfeng, his face flushed with anger and his hair disheveled, gave Su Mo a bitter smile. Yet, his heart was more serene than ever as he spoke, "How could I possibly offend you, Miss? I merely wish to convey that the matters of the heart are exceedingly complex. In manipulating others, one must be wary of becoming the manipulated. If all one values are benefits, lacking sincerity, even the mightiest power can only command temporary allegiance, not lasting loyalty. I've grown up hearing of the Profound Armor Army's valor, their integrity, and their unwavering loyalty and bravery. As a citizen of Great Qin, they are my pride!"

Admiration and respect for the Profound Armor Army shone undisguised in Qianfeng's eyes.

Regrettably, his heartfelt speech grated on Su Mo's ears. Dismissively gesturing with her hand, she commanded, "Qianfeng, it seems you've forgotten why the Su family came to Phoenix Soaring County! I'll overlook today's incident. Effective immediately, you are relieved of all duties. Reflect on your actions within the Celestial Punishment Court until you've come to your senses. Seek me out when you're ready."

With a cold huff, Su Mo gave Qianfeng a piercing look, her eyes brimming with unshed tears, before leaving him behind.

Watching Su Mo's retreating figure, Qianfeng managed a wry smile and murmured, "Miss, your tendency to be overly suspicious and to take drastic measures will inevitably lead to trouble..."