Ye Xiu guarded the Demon-Suppressing Pass and performed an unparalleled service. Fearing that his achievements would make him too powerful to control, the Empress of Great Qian trumped up charges against him, stripped him of his status, and banished him to the Cold Palace.
Empress of Great Qian: Ye Xiu, you guarded the pass for ten years without a single achievement. You indulged in greed and pleasure, made no effort to improve, and earned the people's scorn. You even presumptuously proclaimed yourself a sage and plotted to usurp the throne. I hereby strip you of your title as a prince, banish you to the Cold Palace, and forbid you to leave for the rest of your life.
Ye Xiu: Without me, Ye Xiu, guarding the Demon-Suppressing Pass, the demon armies will invade, and Great Qian will fall.
Empress of Great Qian: The pass can be held just fine without you, Ye Xiu.
She sent others to guard the pass, and it was lost.
The Empress of Great Qian was furious and ordered Ye Xiu's execution. Then Ye Xiu revealed his Saint Realm cultivation, leaving her stunned.
Ye Xiu: I never presumptuously called myself a sage, because I, Ye Xiu, am a sage.
Empress of Great Qian: Ye Xiu, I was wrong. Guard the pass for me.
Ye Xiu: As if you deserve it!
The Empress of Great Qian raged: Ye Xiu, do you really think Great Qian can only suppress the demons and defend the city with your help? I'll show you how I do it without you.
Ye Xiu left.
Reports from Great Qian's border forts kept arriving:
Your Majesty, Pingyong City has fallen!
Your Majesty, Shangyong City has been breached!
Your Majesty, Your Majesty, the demon army is at the gates of the imperial capital!
The Empress of Great Qian panicked and burst into tears.
Ye Xiu, I was wrong. Please help me, sob...
