A journey through the world of martial arts

Chapter 83 The conspiracy emerges
"Master, it seems there was a fierce battle here. Judging from the traces, three people were involved," the Eastern Depot agent reported.

Cao Zhengchun looked around at the damaged courtyard and chuckled.

"It wasn't three people, but four. The fourth person acted very cleanly and efficiently. If you don't observe carefully, it's easy to miss him. Interesting. There's definitely something wrong with Izumo Kingdom."

"Go and inform them that we are going to visit Princess Lixiu openly and legitimately."

"Yes"

"The envoy from Izumo is here. Director Cao of the Eastern Depot has something to ask you."

A moment later, Wu Huan came out and said to Cao Zhengchun, "Eunuch Cao, you've come at the right time. Just now, our country was inexplicably attacked by two people. If it weren't for my martial arts skills, I'm afraid we would be dead."

"Oh, is that so? It must be due to the guards' negligence. Rest assured, Your Excellency, leave this matter to me. I will certainly give your country an explanation. I wonder if Princess Rixiu..."

"Princess Lixiu was terrified by the assassin just now, but she managed to drink some calming soup and has fallen asleep now. If Eunuch Cao has anything to say, he can come and inquire again tomorrow. Please forgive us."

Judging from Wu Huan's tone, Cao Zhengchun knew he probably wouldn't be able to see the main character tonight. However, he still had time, so he smiled and said, "Of course, I won't disturb Princess Lixiu and the envoy's rest any longer. I'll take my leave now."

After saying this, Cao Zhengchun led a group of people from the Eastern Depot away quickly. Wu Huan snorted coldly and returned to his inner room.

"Princess, Cao Zhengchun has already left."

"I didn't expect this person to find this place so quickly. It seems we need to move our plans forward. Let's inform the emperor. If he approves, we'll put on a good show for him."

"My subordinates understand"

After leaving the State Guest House, Cao Zhengchun pondered to himself, "The blood seeping from Karasuma's arm just now means he was seriously injured. Who could be so capable as to make even a first-class Jonin suffer a loss? And could the second mysterious expert in Izumo be Princess Toshihide?"

"An Yi, send more men to keep a close watch on the Izumo Kingdom villa. Report back to me immediately if there is any unusual activity."

“Yes,” a servant immediately replied.

Dragon Guardian Villa
"Godfather, I have failed in my duty. Not only did Wuhuan discover my actions, but I also injured Haitang. Please punish me, Godfather," Duan Tianya knelt before Zhu Wushi, his face full of remorse.

Zhu Wushi placed his palms against Shangguan Haitang's back to heal her injuries. After a moment, he withdrew his palms and ordered someone to take her to a quiet room to rest.

Zhu Wushi glanced at Duan Tianya and said calmly, "Get up. This isn't your fault. I underestimated the strength of Izumo Kingdom. I didn't expect that the escorts this time were one in the open and one in the shadows. Your mistakes also bear some responsibility."

"Father..."

"But this is good. The more they act like this, the more it shows that they have something to hide. It just so happens that Yidao will be back soon. When that happens, you and he can go and investigate again, and you must find out their origins."

"Your son obeys." Duan Tianya knew that Guihai Yidao's martial arts skills were comparable to his own, and the reason he was ranked below him was simply because he was arrogant and not suitable to lead the four secret agents.

"Alright, you've had a long night, now go and rest."

Upon hearing this, Duan Tianya bowed again, then left the main hall and returned to his residence.

In Princess Yunluo's palace, Yunluo pleaded with Cheng Shifei, "Senior brother, please help me find my mother, I beg you."

The Empress Dowager doted on Yunluo, so when she went missing, Yunluo was naturally very anxious. She knew that her martial arts skills were not as good as her senior brother's, so if her senior brother had taken action, they would surely have succeeded.

"I'm not going. Being your senior brother is already tiring enough, let alone..."

Before he could finish speaking, Yunluo held up two fingers in front of him. "Two hundred thousand taels, senior brother. If you can help me find my mother, I'll give you two hundred thousand taels. How about it?"

Yunluo immediately grasped Cheng Shifei's weakness, and Cheng Shifei's eyes lit up.

"Good, good, junior sister, I haven't spoiled you for nothing."

Seeing Cheng Shifei's beaming face, Yunluo was overjoyed and said, "If you can really find and rescue the Empress Dowager, not only will you receive 200,000 taels of silver, but your brother and the Empress Dowager will also reward you."

Cheng Shifei was overjoyed upon hearing this, patting his chest and assuring her, "Junior Sister, don't worry. I understand the principle of 'taking money to solve problems,' but I don't know where to find the Empress Dowager."

Yunluo was also somewhat troubled, when suddenly a thought flashed through her mind, "Senior brother, I heard the Emperor mention before that Eunuch Cao had suspected the Kingdom of Chuyun, so let's start with them."

Where is Izumo Province?

"It's right here at the State Guest House, that place, let me tell you."

The two whispered among themselves, and after they finished speaking, Cheng Shifei said, "Let me make this clear first, I'm only responsible for finding and rescuing people. If I fail to find them, don't blame me; you'll still have to pay me."

"Don't worry, senior brother, let's seal this with a high five."

The next day, Princess Lixiu came to see the Empress Dowager again. The Emperor had no choice but to ask Cao Zhengchun if he had any ideas. Cao Zhengchun had a sudden idea and whispered in the Emperor's ear. After a while, the Emperor looked at Cao Zhengchun with a strange look in his eyes and nodded.

"Princess Lixiu requests an audience," the eunuch announced. Princess Lixiu and Wuhuan arrived at Cining Palace, where a graceful and dignified figure sat behind a curtain.

Princess Toshihide of Izumo pays respects to the Empress Dowager.

"The envoy from Izumo Province, Karasuma, pays his respects to the Empress Dowager."

"Get up"

"Thank you, Empress Dowager," Wu Huan frowned, then smiled.

"I am unwell. Since Princess Lixiu has already paid her respects, she may return home. The grand ceremony will be held on the wedding day. After that, I will see her off."

Li Xiu gave Karasuma a look, and the latter said loudly, "The Empress Dowager is unwell. I happen to be proficient in some medical arts, so let me examine the Empress Dowager." As he spoke, Karasuma turned his palm into a claw and grabbed at the person behind the curtain.

"How dare you!" The maidservants beside him were about to step forward to stop him, but they were all knocked down by Wumaru. Just as he was about to break through the curtain, the person inside suddenly attacked.

With a loud bang, Wuwan was forced back three steps by the palm strike. Looking at the figure that was revealed, he recognized Cao Zhengchun and sneered, "I never imagined that the Empress Dowager would practice the 'Bodhisattva Kung Fu.' It truly broadens my horizons."

A fierce glint flashed in Cao Zhengchun's eyes, and he formed his fingers into claws, grabbing at Wuhuan. Wuhuan raised his palm and body, sweeping a Fiery Cloud Blade at Cao Zhengchun.

"Hmph," Cao Zhengchun scoffed, his protective aura instantly shattering the fiery cloud sword energy. With a flick of his three fingers, three bloody marks appeared on Wuwan's neck. He then flew behind the curtain, and a dismissive shout woke Wuwan.

Clutching his neck, Karasuma glanced at Toshihide, who shook his head at him. The two bowed and slowly left Cining Palace, boarding sedan chairs and returning to the State Guest House.

"Princess, what do you think?"

"Cao Zhengchun dared to do this, it must have been at the emperor's behest. In fact, he had his own calculations. His move in front of me was simply to verify one thing."

"What is it?" Karasuma asked, puzzled.

"Look at my quality," Princess Lixiu said calmly. Cao Zhengchun's move wasn't particularly clever, but it was very effective. If she hadn't been able to resist making a move just now, she would have definitely revealed a flaw, and Cao Zhengchun's scheme would have succeeded.

"Cao Zhengchun is no simple character either. We must be more careful in the future; there are more and more Eastern Depots and Embroidered Uniform Guards out there."

"Princess, the Lord has replied. We will act tonight, and tomorrow will be a grand spectacle."

"it is good"

imperial study room

"Eunuch Cao, you said Princess Lixiu is very suspicious," the emperor asked casually.

"Yes, Your Majesty. Princess Lixiu must be skilled in martial arts. Just now, when I was fighting with the Wuhuan, just as I was about to kill her, Princess Lixiu's aura flickered. Although it was very brief, it did not escape my senses. Perhaps the Empress Dowager has really been kidnapped by them."

"Eunuch Cao is highly skilled in martial arts. Since you say there is a problem, it must be true. I wonder if you have any way to find the Empress Dowager without harming the friendship between our two countries."

"Your Majesty, rest assured, I will definitely resolve this matter satisfactorily within two days."

Cao Zhengchun was full of confidence. Once the target was identified, with the strength of the Eastern Depot, dealing with a small country like Izumo would be a piece of cake.

"Then I'll leave everything to Eunuch Cao."

"This servant is loyal to Your Majesty, and would gladly die ten thousand times over."

Seeing Cao Zhengchun's fervent expression of loyalty, the emperor nodded and waved his hand. Cao Zhengchun left the imperial study and returned to the Eastern Depot in high spirits to prepare for the next steps.

At night, at the State Guest House

The wind is cold, the moon is chilly.

Two figures suddenly flashed by, leaping into the courtyard. Duan Tianya and Gui Haiyi exchanged a glance and entered the only brightly lit main room. They cautiously approached and heard two people talking inside. "This matter must not fail. If it fails, you will have to commit seppuku," came Princess Lixiu's voice.

"Your subordinate understands. For the sake of our Izumo Kingdom, the Karasuma will do everything in their power to accomplish this task. But please, Princess, take care of yourself and cherish your health."

Just as Duan Tianya and Gui Haiyi were eavesdropping, they suddenly noticed another person on the other side of the wall, who was none other than Cheng Shifei.

When Cheng Shifei saw Duan Tianya and Gui Haiyidao, he quickly put his finger to his lips, but Duan Tianya and Gui Haiyidao pressed their swords down and didn't move.

The voices inside grew quieter and quieter. Duan Tianya was the first to sense something was wrong and pulled away with Gui Haiyidao. Cheng Shifei, however, was not so lucky. He was struck by a palm strike and sent flying. Then, a figure flew out of the room, ignoring Duan Tianya and Gui Haiyidao, and went straight for Cheng Shifei.

Having only taken one powerful blow, Cheng Shifei managed to catch his breath and pull through. Seeing Wuwan approaching, he hurriedly fled to the backyard. Wuwan sneered a few times as he watched Cheng Shifei run away.

"act recklessly".

He then turned and left, chasing after Duan Tianya and Guihai Yidao, but the two had already disappeared. Wuwan then slowly walked towards the backyard.

Cheng Shifei breathed a sigh of relief when he saw that Wuhuan had not followed.

"I've really lost out this time. If my master hadn't passed on his skills to me, this palm strike would have killed me. No, I have to get out of here quickly."

Just as he was about to leap into the air, a strange drum sound came. Cheng Shifei did not understand music, but he thought the sound was very pleasant. His body moved involuntarily toward the source of the sound. After walking for a while, he saw a dozen large drums lined up on the waterside pavilion, the one in the middle being more than ten feet wide.

"Wow, such a big drum!" Cheng Shifei touched it and found that the drum skin was very smooth and warm to the touch. Before Cheng Shifei could react, the drum sound vibrated frequently and was transmitted to the main drum. After the main drum vibrated, it was transmitted to the small drums around it. The sound was transmitted in this alternating way. The sound of the drum was shocking. Cheng Shifei, who was in the middle, suffered great pressure. His cavities were churning and his mind was confused.

Even if Cheng Shifei was foolish, he had already realized that something was wrong with the drumbeats. He wanted to circulate his inner energy to resist, but he was powerless to do so. Cheng Shifei only felt his body getting heavier and heavier, and his mind was a complete mess. Just as Cheng Shifei was about to fall, several red veils flew in from all around and tightly bound him, turning him into a cocoon.

By the time Wu Huan arrived, Cheng Shifei had already fallen into a coma.

"Take him away," Wu Huan ordered. Several figures appeared around and carried Cheng Shifei to a secret room. After dismembering Cheng Shifei, Wu Huan put him into a large urn and placed him with the Empress Dowager.

Seeing the stubborn Taihou, Wumaru snorted coldly and left with his men.

"I don't know where they were sent from, but they were arrested just like that. It's a real crime."

The Empress Dowager sighed, thinking that if she hadn't known about the affairs of the palace, they wouldn't have spared her life until now.

"I wonder how my son and Yunluo are doing."

"The plan has succeeded. The master has made all the preparations and is just waiting for Duan Tianya to enter the net."

"Hmm, having repeatedly barged into the villa, Duan Tianya, your good days are numbered."

Dragon Guardian Villa
After hearing Duan Tianya and Gui Haiyidao's reports, Zhu Wushi's expression turned solemn. It seemed that the Kingdom of Chuyun was involved in a major conspiracy, and he needed to go and discuss it with the Emperor.

"Tianya, Yidao, you two go investigate again tomorrow. I'm going to see the Emperor. This matter must be resolved before Princess Lixiu enters the palace, or it will cause a huge mess."

"Yes, Godfather," Duan Tianya and his companion bowed and left after seeing that their godfather had nothing more to say.

The next day, the Imperial Study
"Eunuch Cao, are you saying that another assassination attempt occurred at Princess Lixiu's residence last night?" the emperor asked worriedly.

"Yes, Your Majesty, rumors are spreading everywhere, saying things like the security at the State Guest House was inadequate and that the marriage alliance between the two countries is not being taken seriously. Your Majesty, what do you think of this…"

"The friendship between our two countries must not be damaged by this incident. I will personally visit Princess Lixiu at the villa. Eunuch Cao, you may come with me." The emperor made his decision, but just as he was about to set off, the eunuch reported that the Iron-Blooded Marquis had important business to discuss with him.

"Uncle, please come in quickly," the emperor said, knowing that this uncle would not enter the palace lightly unless it was something important.

"Greetings, Your Majesty."

"Uncle, there's no need for such formalities," the emperor said gently after he had sat down. "Uncle, what brings you to the palace today?"

Zhu Wushi glanced at Cao Zhengchun, who then said to the emperor, "Your Majesty, this servant will take her leave now." The emperor nodded.

Watching Cao Zhengchun leave, Zhu Wushi said to the emperor, "Your Majesty, according to a secret report from the Dragon Guard Manor, there are some issues with Princess Lixiu of Izumo Kingdom and her envoy. I have come here specifically to report this."

"What's the problem?" The emperor asked, his heart stirred, but he kept his expression hidden.

"Your Majesty, I have learned through my spies that Princess Toshihide and the Karasuma are both involved in treacherous schemes and seem intent on harming our dynasty. Your Majesty, to be on the safe side, we should inform the Izumo Kingdom to prevent the rupture of our friendship."

"My royal uncle is in charge of the Dragon Guard Manor, and his intelligence network is top-notch. In that case, let's send someone to contact the Izumo Kingdom and see what tricks they're up to."

Seeing Zhu Wushi's satisfied expression, the emperor changed the subject, "But now that Princess Lixiu has been assassinated, our dynasty cannot remain indifferent. Since you are here, Uncle, please go and offer your condolences on my behalf."

"Your humble servant obeys the decree," Zhu Wushi said, rising to receive the imperial edict.

"If Your Majesty has no further instructions, I will go and make the preparations immediately."

"Thank you for your hard work, Imperial Uncle."

"Your humble servant dares not, Your humble servant takes his leave," Zhu Wushi said, backing out of the imperial study. He glanced at Cao Zhengchun waiting outside, then left without a word.

"Eunuch Cao, please come in."

After returning to the Dragon Guardian Manor, Zhu Wushi summoned Duan Tianya and Guihai Yidao.

"I am going to the State Guest House to visit Princess Lixiu in a little while. You two will come with me to see who this Princess Lixiu really is."

Duan Tianya and Gui Haiyi immediately agreed.

After everything was prepared, Zhu Wushi led Duan Tianya and the other two to the villa in a grand manner. Princess Lixiu and Wuhuan rushed to receive the imperial decree upon hearing the news.

"Princess Lixiu, His Majesty is very concerned about your safety and specially ordered me to come and visit you. These treasures are just for your amusement. If you need anything, please don't hesitate to ask."

"Thank you, Your Majesty. I am deeply grateful," Li Xiu said, gesturing to Wu Wan. The latter understood and led the gift-giver to the backyard. Duan Tianya and Gui Haiyi, disguised, looked at the tightly closed room and sensed something was amiss. However, with so many people around, it was difficult to make a move. After placing the gifts, they withdrew.

"So, have you found any suspicious people or items?"

Back at the Dragon Guardian Manor, Zhu Wushi questioned the two of them. Duan Tianya glanced at Gui Haiyidao and told Zhu Wushi about the strange room they had seen earlier. A strong medicinal smell wafted from it, but it couldn't mask the stench of blood.

"If you find anything suspicious, that's good. Go check this room tonight."

Duan Tianya and the other person responded.

After the two left, Zhu Wushi sat on the throne, activated the mechanism, and a paper tube flew out. After opening it, he found that the inside was blank.

"Is there no record?"

Zhu Wushi's heart sank. Ever since that night's battle, the intelligence network of the Dragon Guard Manor had been operating at high speed for this matter, but now it had given him this answer. Zhu Wushi would not allow anyone or anything to be beyond his control.

"We must intensify our investigation," Zhu Wushi ordered before returning to the rear hall.

East Factory
"Flying Eagle, are all our men ready?" Cao Zhengchun put down his teacup and asked Iron Claw Flying Eagle.

"Your Excellency, the State Guest House is completely surrounded by our men. Not even a fly could get through. You can rest assured."

"Um"

State Guest Villa
"Isn't it about time?" Princess Toshihide said to Karasuma.

"Judging by the time, they should be here soon." Just then, a red thread beside Princess Rishu twitched slightly, and the bell on it rang crisply. Princess Rishu glanced at Karasuma, who nodded and flew out of the inner room.

Duan Tianya and Gui Haiyi rushed straight to the tightly closed room. As soon as they opened the door, a burst of hidden weapons flew out from inside.

Dodging and parrying with his sword, Duan Tianya seized the opportunity to rush forward. Upon entering the room, he found it empty except for a single candle that emitted a green light, which looked very eerie.

"Not good!" Duan Tianya hurriedly retreated. Guihai Yidao, who was guarding outside, noticed that Duan Tianya's complexion was not good and knew that something was wrong. Just as the two were about to leave, a strange drum sound came. Guihai Yidao's mind became a little dazed and his strength was running out. Duan Tianya opened his mouth and spat out a mouthful of blood. Wuwan arrived at the right time.

"Go quickly!" Duan Tianya knew he had fallen into a trap. He used his last bit of strength to send Guihai away with one slash, but he himself collapsed to the ground and had his acupoints sealed by Wuwan.

The next day, the Eastern Depot

"What? Duan Tianya was caught red-handed for harassing Princess Lixiu?"

Upon hearing this, Cao Zhengchun was overjoyed. After calming down, he immediately went to the Imperial Study.

(End of this chapter)