The village where the organization had been operating fell under the jurisdiction of the Quan Clan, a mid-sized noble clan responsible for overseeing that entire region.
Naturally, Princess Sun Yaoqing knew about this and she was not pleased.
The Quan Clan might not have been one of the Empire's great houses, but they were responsible to monitor their lands and report irregularities directly to the Royal Court.
Yet, such a massive underground structure had been built and maintained for years without a single report. That was no re oversight.
Whether it was intentional collusion or gross negligence, Princess Sun Yaoqing did not care-the fact remained that such a threat had grown right under their supervision.
And for that, the Quan Clan could not be allowed to escape responsibility.
Without delay, she politely asked Bai Zihan to alter the Flying Ship's course toward the Quan Clan's territory.
The wind howled against the Formation barriers of the vessel as it sped through the clouds, the Falling Star Empire's vast lands sprawling below.
The two attendants were tense as Princess Sun Yaoqing frowned and headed toward the Quan Clan.
They knew that Princess Sun Yaoqing wasn't going to let the Quan Clan off easily.
What Princess Sun Yaoqing hated more than corruption was incompetence.
Even if it was a saint with the noblest of souls, if the said person was incompetent, he or she would be responsible for thousands of deaths.
Hence, it didn't matter that the Quan Clan had been loyal to the Royal Family for a thousand years-once they had shown their incompetence, they were no longer qualified for the position they held.
She knew that those nobles had been neglecting their responsibilities for many years now and only knew how to enjoy the benefits.
And this ti, she intended to make an example.
'With great benefit ca equally great responsibility'
The Bai Clan's great flying ship soon cast its vast shadow over the City of Quan, its gleaming hull blotting out the sun.
Below, panic rippled through the streets.
rchants froze mid-call, children pointed upward in awe and fear, and even cultivators stopped what they were doing to stare in the sky.
The ship was enormous-larger and grander than anything they had ever seen. It was even bigger than the Royal Family's Flying Ship.
"Could the Royal Family have bought a new Flying Ship?"
"This... this isn't the Sun Family's crest!"
"What clan could afford such a vessel?"
Murmurs spread like wildfire, curiosity and dread mixing in equal asure. Even the cultivators of the Quan Clan trembled slightly as the ship descended lower, hovering just above the clouds that touched the city's highest spires.
When it finally stopped, the Quan Clan Mansion was directly beneath its shadow.
The guards stationed at the mansion gates imdiately took up defensive positions, weapons drawn and formations activated.
Despite their fear, they were disciplined-trained to defend their clan even in the face of overwhelming power.
The Captain of the Guard, a sturdy man in armor, raised his voice, shouting over the roaring wind that the ship's presence stirred.
"Who dares intrude upon the territory of the Quan Clan?! State your na and purpose!"
The air shimred for a mont.
Then, from the ship's upper deck, a figure stepped forward-her silken robes billowing, her bearing dignified and serene.
Princess Sun Yaoqing!
Her royal sigil glimred faintly on her shoulder as her cold gaze swept over the guards below.
"I am Sun Yaoqing, Princess of the Falling Star Empire. I wish to speak with the Head of the Quan Clan."
The mont her na fell, the tension snapped like a bowstring.
The captain's face went pale.
"P-Princess Yaoqing...!"
He imdiately dropped to one knee, his n following suit in a clatter of
armor.
"Forgive us! We did not know it was Your Highness who had arrived!" Princess Sun Yaoqing waved her hand lightly, her tone calm but distant. "There's no need for apologies. It was my fault for arriving without notice." Her gaze shifted toward the mansion gates, her voice cooling by a degree. "However, inform your Clan Head that this visit concerns the Empire's security. He would do well not to keep waiting."
The captain bowed deeply, sweat beading on his brow despite the cool air.
"At once, Your Highness!"
He turned and sprinted toward the inner courtyard, barking urgent orders. Within monts, the entire Quan Clan estate was in motion-servants rushing to prepare the reception hall, elders hastily assembling, and the Clan Head himself being summoned from his ditation chamber, heart pounding as he learned who awaited him above.
Servants rushed through the corridors of the Quan Clan Mansion, their hurried footsteps echoing against the polished stone floors.
The entire estate was in a frenzy.
Banners were straightened, the reception hall dusted in haste, tea prepared with trembling hands-all while whispers rippled through every corner of the
household.
"Why is Princess Sun Yaoqing here of all places?"
One servant murmured, glancing nervously toward the courtyard where elders
were gathering.
"I heard she's the Emperor's favored daughter," another whispered back, eyes wide. "If she ca here personally, it must be serious. And she seed to be accompanied by an unknown clan."
"I know, right? That clan seed quite powerful. Even the Royal Family's own Flying Ship isn't that massive."
"Hehe... There was a handso young master among them. Perhaps he is Princess Sun Yaoqing's fiancé."
All kinds of gossip were being discussed, but there was no slowing down in
their work.
"Sheesh! But why did they have to show up when we're already busy with an important event of the Quan Clan?"
"Priotize this. This is much more important!"
By the ti the echo of footsteps approached from the front courtyard, every high-ranking mber of the Quan Clan had already gathered in the grand hall- elders and the Clan Head himself, all waiting with uneasy hearts.
They were all wondering just why the Princess had decided on such an unannounced visit to their clan.
The grand doors opened slowly.
Golden light spilled across the marble floor as Princess Sun Yaoqing entered,
her presence calm yet commanding, followed by two attendants in ceremonial
robes.
And then was Bai Zihan who casually walked last.
The air seed to grow heavier.
Every mber of the Quan Clan lowered their heads in respect.
Whatever reason had brought her here-it was no ordinary visit.
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