Chapter 54: Preparing to Take Action

Three days later, at the foot of the grand northern staircase adorned with eighty-eight strings of pearls.

Driving a black off-road vehicle and gazing at the deserted beach ahead, Le Xiaotian turned to ask in confusion, “Xiaofang, why is there no one out front?”

Chen Fang sighed, “You’d better call me Sister Fang.”

Ever since sharing a home three days ago, Chen Fang’s heart had been in turmoil. Le Xiaotian appeared frivolous, but he was a man of clear loves and hates—when he wanted something, he pursued it without hesitation, never pretending to be virtuous while acting otherwise. Precisely because of this, Chen Fang felt lost; their relationship was ambiguous, with the occasional flirtation and teasing, yet nothing substantial ever happened.

Hearing the weight in her voice, Le Xiaotian smiled. “Calling you Sister Fang feels so distant. Everyone says women fear getting old—I’ll just keep calling you Xiaofang. Besides, you look just like a young girl.”

Her delicate face blushed as she replied coyly, “Your words are getting sweeter by the day.”

He chuckled, slowing the car until they reached the foot of the grand staircase, then cut the engine.

Arriving at their destination, both set aside their playful banter, stepping out with solemn expressions.

Strangely, the agents who should have been there were nowhere to be found.

Suddenly, a heavy drumbeat echoed, and Le Xiaotian and Chen Fang witnessed a stunning sight.

On the eighty-eight steps of the northern pearl staircase, except for the first step where the giant elephant slain by Le Xiaotian remained unreplaced, every other step was occupied. On each of the other eighty-seven steps, someone was pounding a great drum with wild vigor.

Boom boom da! Boom boom da!

The feverish rhythm and deafening volume, combined with the surprisingly synchronized movements, left Le Xiaotian exclaiming, “Win Denbo’s ‘At All Costs’!”

Even the air seemed to vibrate; the savage drums crashed in waves, and Chen Fang, frightened, clutched at Le Xiaotian’s sleeve.

He gently patted her hand, his expression growing grave.

This piece, ‘At All Costs,’ carried immense power, infectious energy that greatly boosted morale.

Judging from the display, the agents must have gathered at one of the other three grand staircases.

It all made sense now—this overwhelming aura explained the crushing defeat suffered by the Empress’s faction days earlier.

With this judgment made, Le Xiaotian decided to watch and see how things unfolded.

Sure enough, after Win Denbo and Zhang Hao’s people finished their performance of ‘At All Costs,’ the Empress’s faction began singing ‘Burning.’

As the music played, Le Xiaotian shook his head in disappointment.

Since arriving in the Hongkun Heaven Realm, he had listened to countless musical works. True, the place was rife with mediocre songs, but there were many great pieces as well—‘Burning’ among them.

But this performance was terrible; it utterly ruined the masterpiece.

Moments later, shouts and cries of battle erupted—the fight had begun.

Le Xiaotian sighed softly, “More lives will be lost today.”

Chen Fang, though not as sharp in hearing or judgment, had her own standards. Sensing danger for the Empress’s side, she said, “Xiaotian, you’re so capable—why don’t you lead them?”

Lighting a cigarette, he watched the criminals in front of him remain unmoving, while the eastern, western, and southern staircases rang with war cries. Le Xiaotian sank into deep thought.

The four grand staircases were the only route into the Star Suppressing Tower. Zhang Hao had designated eighty-eight platform masters for each staircase. If he chose any other method, it would weaken their momentum.

No joke—he was the great dance commander. If a frontal assault was needed, then a frontal assault it would be.

Yet, judging from the battle with the giant elephant three days ago, breaking through the eighty-eight platform masters and thousands of henchmen on the northern staircase seemed almost impossible.

Directing the Empress’s agents and kingly soldiers would be much easier.

But without the right justification, stepping forward uninvited seemed improper.

Bi Muyang and Qin Bufan likely held a grudge against him—perhaps they could be his entry point?

Turning these thoughts over, Le Xiaotian replied, “Let’s see how things go. If they’re wise, I won’t mind granting them supreme glory.”

Chen Fang gripped his hand, pleading, “Xiaotian, this concerns the safety of forty million citizens in Beihai and two billion people in Fama. If you can, Xiaofang wants to ask you to save Fama.”

He tossed the cigarette and crushed it underfoot, then patted Chen Fang’s hand. “Don’t worry. Win Denbo and Zhang Hao—I will kill them. Whether I act alone or lead these people depends on the Empress’s wishes. If anyone should make the request, it ought to be her.”

Hearing this, Chen Fang realized she had overstepped.

By placing the burden of saving Fama on him, she knew from her days with him that he would act for her sake.

Yet she lacked the authority to represent all of Fama; she was not the Empress. Moreover, it was a roundabout way to force him to yield.

Realizing this, Chen Fang lowered her head, “Xiaotian, I’m sorry.”

Le Xiaotian was pleased that Chen Fang was clever enough to see his intent. He took her hand and led her back to the car. “No need to apologize. How about this—after I’ve observed the scene, I’ll get in touch with the Empress.”

Afraid to say another word, Chen Fang felt like an obedient young girl—whatever he said, she would follow.

Sitting in the car, they waited, and soon Le Xiaotian noticed figures appearing all around.

As predicted, this assault was a crushing defeat—the soldiers looked dispirited, bearing wounds.

Soon, Qin Bufan and Bi Muyang arrived.

When they came over, Le Xiaotian stepped out and spoke directly to Qin Bufan, “Three days ago, I broke through the northern staircase, and you weren’t convinced. Today, did you conduct ‘Burning’?”

Since their meeting at the Blue Moon Hotel three days prior, Qin Bufan had learned much about Le Xiaotian. As Le Xiaotian had said, he was not only a renowned commander and orchestra conductor, but now the highest commander at the Star Suppressing Tower. Qin Bufan prided himself on his abilities. But he had failed.

Qin Bufan replied calmly, “I conducted it. What, do you think you could do better?”

Conducting was a unique profession—any outstanding musician could become a conductor.

But to become a great conductor was far more difficult.

Generally, conductors fell into two categories: those who fully interpret the intent of the pieces they handle, and those with a more individualized approach. Every conductor is different; this profession is uniquely given to reinterpretation.

Thus, conductors rarely see eye to eye, their musicians follow suit, and fans forever quarrel.

Le Xiaotian answered bluntly, “Yes. You weren’t boosting morale—you were sending them to their deaths. Whether I can do better, you’ll know soon enough.”