Xu Qian An instructed Li Miaozhen to quickly release information to the capital, while he focused on protecting Zheng Xinghuai. Remembering the massacre of the townspeople, Xu Qian An believed the Northern Zhen Prince deserved his fate. Determined, he took up his sword and ascended through the clouds to confront the Northern Zhen Prince. From a distance, he observed the blood trail left by the massacre of Chuzhou’s citizens. Upon meeting Xu Qian An, the Northern Zhen Prince repeatedly claimed he acted for the peace and stability of the realm. However, Xu Qian An saw through his deceit—the prince was desperately defending himself, but if his actions were truly for the state’s prosperity, how could he justify the loss of 380,000 innocent lives?
The Northern Zhen Prince even tried to persuade Xu Qian An to join him in attacking the Kui clan. Brandishing the Zhen Guo Sword, Xu Qian An’s inner soul was fully awakened. Suddenly, the sky showcased the confrontation between Xu Qian An and the Northern Zhen Prince. Many soldiers watched clearly: the once-loyal general was, in fact, a city-murdering demon. Some began to waver in their loyalty, and agitators started to sow discord. Xu Qian An publicly reminded the Northern Zhen Prince that the Zhen Guo Sword was present. If the prince cared for his people, the sword would reveal the truth.
Everyone watched intently as the Northern Zhen Prince approached the Zhen Guo Sword. Caught between a rock and a hard place, the prince reluctantly reached for the sword, only to have it deflect his touch and fling it far away. The crowd gasped in realization—the Northern Zhen Prince was the true demon!
Xu Qian An raised the Zhen Guo Sword and decisively struck down the Northern Zhen Prince. As the prince lay dying, he lamented that Xu Qian An viewed the common people as mere ants, displaying arrogance and narrow-mindedness. Xu Qian An ended his life with a single stroke, retorting that the prince was no better than an ant himself.
With the Northern Zhen Prince eliminated, the next target was the Kui clan leader. Xu Qian An thoughtfully considered the situation—leaving the Kui leader alive would mean ongoing turmoil. Summoning all his strength, he launched a powerful attack, ending the Kui clan leader’s life with a single, precise strike. He then used the jade stone mirror to seal the leader within it.
All who deserved to die were ruthlessly eliminated. Exhausted, Xu Qian An collapsed to the ground. When Li Miaozhen went to find him after handling her own matters, she found the ground littered with Kui clan specters. She hurried to Xu Qian An, who was now completely drained and lying helplessly.
After an unknown amount of time, Xu Qian An slowly regained consciousness. He recalled that during his fierce battle with the Kui clan leader, the divine essence within him had granted him endless power. Uncertain if the divine essence still resided within him, he was cared for by Su Su and Zhu Yang Yang Yan from Chunfeng Hall. Thankfully, with their continuous support and the replenishment of his vital energy, Xu Qian An was able to recover quickly.
Xu Qian An reunited with several ministers to discuss how to report the incident to Emperor Jing. The Northern Zhen Prince had deep ties with the emperor and was beloved by the people. Bringing such news, they wondered if Emperor Jing would believe them. Xu Qian An encouraged everyone not to lose hope, emphasizing that even though the task was daunting, they had to try. Moreover, Que Yongxiu was still alive, and if he were to enter the palace first to explain the facts, he would likely exaggerate and distort the truth. The urgent priority was for Que Yongxiu to enter the palace ahead of others to present the facts correctly.
Li Miaozhen recommended General Li to accompany them into the palace to explain everything clearly to Emperor Jing. However, as they were about to depart, General Li, overcome with guilt, committed suicide.
