Chapter 142: The Fury of Wen Yu
Wen Yu formally requested to oversee the upcoming Void Hunting Trial, a decision that sent ripples through the Empire’s elite circles.
The trial had always been under military jurisdiction, and as the commander of the Eastern Army and an SSS-class powerhouse, Wen Yu’s request was perfectly legitimate.
The military, while reluctant, had no valid grounds to oppose her appointment.
As news spread, it became clear to all—Wen Yu wasn’t just there to manage the trial, she was there to settle scores.
Her target? To defend her brother Wen Xu’s honor and potentially confront Qin Xian.
The Void Hunting Trial was mandatory for all young talents in the Empire, and as the leading figure of his generation, Qin Xian would undoubtedly participate.
Wen Yu, now presiding over the event, would have considerable discretionary power during the trial—much like Yuan Quan at the Divine Revelation Auction.
If she chose to target Qin Xian, there would be few immediate repercussions.
However, such a move would force the Empire’s various factions to choose sides in an increasingly polarized conflict.
Picking the wrong side could have catastrophic consequences.
“Young Master, as you predicted, Wen Yu has successfully secured the position of host for the Void Hunting Trial,” reported Qiu Bo respectfully.
Qin Xian had just stepped out of one of the Qin family’s private dungeons, a fully functional advanced-level dungeon designed for training.
Unlike the subpar simulations available to families like the Zhou family, the Qin family’s dungeon allowed for real combat and progression.
Qin Xian had just completed a grueling 35-level trial, further solidifying his dominance.
Despite his vast resources, Qin Xian remained disciplined and relentlessly hard-working, far surpassing the dedication of even self-made geniuses.
Hearing Qiu Bo’s report, Qin Xian smirked coldly.
“As expected. A fool who lets emotions dictate her actions.”
He shook his head, his tone dripping with disdain.
“Obtaining control over the Void Hunting Trial gives her authority, yes, but it also comes with responsibility.
If anything goes wrong during the trial, she’ll bear the brunt of the consequences.
Not even the Regency will be able to shield her then.”
Qin Xian glanced at Qiu Bo.
“The Regency has likely noticed our collaboration with the military by now, correct?”
“Yes, Young Master. The Regency has already vetoed several transfer orders concerning the Eastern Army.”
Qin Xian’s smile deepened.
“Good. The stage is set; the show is about to begin.”
Within the Regency Offices
Wen Yu sat across from Lu Ji, her teacher and the Empire’s Regent.
Lu Ji sighed heavily, pushing a stack of documents toward Wen Yu.
“This is the consequence of your return.”
Curious, Wen Yu picked up the documents.
Her expression darkened as she read through them.
The papers detailed an extensive campaign targeting the Eastern Army.
Ten investigation orders from the Ministry of Supervision demanded the removal of senior officers, claiming they were under suspicion and needed to be relieved of their duties.
Additionally, the Cardinal Council had submitted personnel adjustment proposals, pushing several individuals tied to the Qin family into critical positions within the Eastern Army’s command structure.
Wen Yu’s voice trembled with anger as she slammed the papers onto the table.
“What is Qin’s family trying to do!?”
Lu Ji’s calm expression didn’t waver.
“It’s simple. The Qin family and the military want to take control of the Eastern Army—or at least enough of it to matter.”
“The military… has sided with the Qin family?”
Lu Ji shook his head.
“Not exactly. But they’ve found common ground in their shared interests.
For the military, gaining influence over the Eastern Army is incentive enough to collaborate with the Qin family, even if only temporarily.”
Lu Ji continued in a grave tone.
“So far, 27 Eastern Army staff officers are under investigation, and 7 generals have been removed from command.
Even more troubling, the Eastern Army’s defensive line has seen increased Void activity.
It’s no coincidence.”
Wen Yu frowned deeply.
She had received reports of heightened Void invasions along the Eastern Army’s borders.
The attacks were unusually intense, and preliminary investigations suggested someone had planted Void beacons to lure the creatures into the area deliberately.
Despite issuing orders to investigate, no solid leads had emerged.
Lu Ji handed her another set of documents.
“These are impeachment requests filed by the Ministry of Supervision, the Cardinal Council, and the military.
They accuse you of dereliction of duty and demand you be removed as the commander of the Eastern Army and reassigned as Deputy Chief of the General Staff.”
Wen Yu clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms.
Becoming the Deputy Chief of the General Staff might seem like a promotion on paper.
But in reality, it was a demotion in terms of power.
As the Eastern Army’s commander, Wen Yu wielded authority over tens of thousands of soldiers.
In contrast, as Deputy Chief, she would operate under the military’s Chief of Staff, Fang Ji, a staunch ally of the Qin family.
Her influence would be severely curtailed, rendering her powerless.
Anger and helplessness surged through her.
She had only been back in the capital for a few days, yet she was already caught in a web of schemes and attacks.
The political landscape of the capital was far murkier and more treacherous than the battlefields of the Void.
On the frontlines, at least, she could confront her enemies head-on.
Here, she was drowning in invisible daggers and unspoken threats.
Wen Yu’s voice quivered with rage.
“They’re trying to strip me of everything.”
Lu Ji nodded solemnly.
“The capital is a mire of power struggles. The Qin family and the military have decided you’re in the way.”
He paused before adding, “But remember, Wen Yu—the most dangerous enemy isn’t the one who attacks you openly. It’s the one who waits, lurking in the shadows.”
Wen Yu understood his meaning immediately.
The Qin family wasn’t just a threat to her—they were a threat to the entire Empire.
Her return to the capital had merely accelerated their schemes.
Looking at her teacher, Wen Yu forced herself to steady her voice.
Lu Ji’s gaze was piercing.
“For now, we endure. The Void Hunting Trial will be your battleground—show your strength, protect your brother, and above all, make no mistakes.
You’re walking a tightrope, Wen Yu. One wrong move, and everything falls apart.”
Wen Yu took a deep breath, her resolve hardening.
The Qin family might have the upper hand now, but she wouldn’t back down.
In the Void, she had faced countless horrors and survived.
This political war would be no different.
In her heart, however, she couldn’t help but think:
“Would the battlefield have been simpler than this?”