Embers of Sword

Chapter 576 Twenty-Four Hours (Twenty-Two)
The Qujiang Incident, witnessing the horrific sight of Yuan Jimu's mutilated body...

Only the immortal Wu Zhe Xian.

Therefore, the only way to get this information about Jiang Lie was from Wu Zhexian.

"Although my Jiang family has not produced a Yang God, we are still a renowned family in Qingzhou."

Jiang Lie said calmly, "Your father has fought so many wars over the years... the blessings I leave for you in the future will naturally not be limited to just Qingyang City."

He took out a jade talisman.

This jade talisman has become dull and lost its luster.

“Cultivating martial arts requires a lot of resources... When Xiao Wu first started out, I gave him a lot of spirit stones, which formed a good relationship with him.”

Jiang Lie looked at the dim jade talisman, a look of reminiscence in his eyes.

He said slowly, "That guy has always been very stubborn and unwilling to owe anyone favors, so he gave me this jade talisman."

Jiang Qihu said, "Why is this jade talisman so dim?"

"Because I have already used up the 'Daoist intent' within the jade talisman."

Jiang Lie sighed, "In the later stages of the battle of drinking poison, I almost died. Fortunately, I didn't act recklessly back then and accepted this jade talisman... During that great calamity, I was ambushed by the Demon Lord and fell into layers of danger. It was because I had this jade talisman with me that I was able to cross the void and save me after crushing it, as well as many of the Jiang family's iron cavalry."

The jade talisman's dimness signifies that the Daoist intent within it has dissipated.

For Wu Zhexian, the dissipation of the Daoist intent meant that he had repaid the favor he owed.

Some Yuan Stones in exchange for one act of martial arts from Wu Zhexian.

This must be the most cost-effective deal in the world.

After all... Chu Xiu burned his life force to obtain a manifestation of the Eclipse Grand Venerable.

"I see……"

Jiang Qihu looked at the jade talisman with a somewhat emotional expression. He never expected that his father and Wu Zhexian had such a past relationship.

However, it makes sense when you think about it.

Of all the garrison commanders back then, only my father was able to stay in Qingzhou. If he didn't know a few Yang Gods, how could the Great Chu royal family have given him special permission?

"He told me about the Qujiang incident himself."

Jiang Lie returned to the main topic: "Yuan Jimu was shattered by the Lotus Sword Qi... This news cannot be false."

"But……"

Jiang Qihu rubbed his temples and muttered, "How could someone who has been cut into a thousand pieces possibly survive?"

A brief silence fell over the interrogation room.

Jiang Qihu and Jiang Lie locked eyes.

"Could it be... the Fountain of Immortality?"

Jiang Qihu spoke cautiously.

He had heard of this divine object; the Battle of Drinking Poison was sparked by it... After the death of the Great Venerable Mo Zhen, the Fountain of Immortality disappeared from the world.

If there is truly someone in this world who holds the fountain of immortality.

Then it must be the leaders of the three religions, and a figure of the Holy Empress's caliber.

"My first thought was also the Fountain of Immortality."

Jiang Lie shook his head and said, "But... no matter how miraculous the Fountain of Immortality is, it still has its limits."

This fountain of immortality can only save those who are about to die, not those who are already dead.

Yuan Jimo was torn to pieces by the Lotus Sword Qi in Qujiang. How can he be saved?
If this is a powerful demon with extraordinary talent, or a ghost cultivator who has practiced evil physical arts.

Maybe there is a glimmer of hope.

But Yuan Jimu was just an ordinary person, not a martial artist, and he did not possess any sorcery.

I have a guess.

Jiang Lie looked solemnly at his son and said, word by word, "Regarding... the speculation about Renshou Palace."

"time is limited."

Jiang Lie looked behind him.

The dark clouds broke, and the dawn light shone through the window onto the long table.

"The upheaval in Qingyang City last night was clearly not a coincidence."

Jiang Lie took a deep breath and said, "Chu Xiu is already dead, so there's no point in interrogating him anymore. The Chu family's crime of treason has been confirmed, and if Renshou Palace wants to investigate, it will inevitably implicate last year's 'Qingzhou Rebellion'."

“These people aren’t here for the Jiang family… If I’m not mistaken, they’re here for Chen Jingxuan.”

……

……

Chenshi.

The investigation and interrogation of the Chu family has come to a complete end.

The interrogation was conducted by Jiang Qihu, with Jiang Lie assisting him. The Jiang family was both a pillar of Qingyang City and a prominent clan of Da Chu, so they could not tolerate this matter... At the crack of dawn, Jiang Qihu compiled the interrogation results into a case file and rushed back to the capital. All the envoys in the Imperial City's dungeon were present.

Special Envoy, Spy, Fly-Eyed, Clerk...

Hundreds of people have already reached their due dates.

Just one night.

Yuan Jimu then ordered the Imperial City Guard to return to its previous state. Last night, Jiang Qihu left the capital, and within a few hours, he led the Imperial City Guard's spies to conduct a thorough investigation within the city.

At this moment, quite a few people are already imprisoned in the jail.

"..."

Jiang Qihu saw this scene as soon as he entered the dungeon.

Many of these people were faces he recognized.

Before leaving Qingzhou, Jiang Lie told himself that this was a purge targeting Chen Jingxuan. The moment he stepped into the dungeon, his father's guess was confirmed: many of these people were spies from the Book Tower.

Over the years, the library and the Imperial City Guard have maintained a delicate balance.

The Imperial City Bureau's secret agents and the Library's spies had long been at odds, but each side performed its duties and kept to themselves.

But tonight that balance has been broken.

Yuan Jimu was not stupid.

Although the Imperial City Guard has extremely high authority, it cannot arbitrarily take action against important officials of the court. As for those "big shots" who are on good terms with the Book Tower, he did not touch any of them. Tonight's sudden purge was mainly to remove the petty wings that Chen Jingxuan had planted in the smallest places.

Most of these detainees were unknown individuals.

This is what is meant by "striking the mountain to scare the tiger."

Previously, Chen Jingxuan was respectfully called "Little National Preceptor," and many important figures and powerful people in the capital city were eager to befriend him.

But now...

Under the orders of Renshou Palace, the Imperial City Guard arrested a large number of spies from the Imperial Library. What would happen next was obvious to everyone.

Of those powerful and influential figures who were once on good terms with me, how many will stand up for me now?

The imperial city is the biggest arena of fame and fortune in the world.

The world is hilarious, all come for profit.

Everyone in the world is benefiting.

"Master Jiang."

Yuan Jimu paced back and forth in the presiding judge's room with his hands behind his back. He noticed the figure entering the dungeon and greeted him, asking with concern, "How are things in Qingyang City? I heard there was a lot of commotion in Qingzhou last night..."

"not too good."

Jiang Qihu said expressionlessly, "The case of the chaos in Qingyang City has been closed... I need to go to the palace to report to the Empress Dowager in person."

"Lord Jiang, there's no need for that trouble."

Yuan Jimo said calmly, "The Empress Dowager personally ordered that I be in charge of this case. Lord Jiang only needs to report to me."

Jiang Qihu narrowed his eyes slightly.

After returning to the capital, everything that happened was exactly as the old man had predicted.

He had no chance to see the Holy Empress at all.

"What do these people outside mean?"

Jiang Qihu calmed himself down and threw the case file out, which landed on the long table of the Imperial City Guard.

"Those outside?"

As Yuan Jimo looked through the case files, he chuckled and said, "Last night I received a report that someone in the capital was plotting a rebellion... This news is quite alarming... Just in case, I arrested some suspicious individuals."

"..."

Jiang Qihu silently clenched his fists. "Lord Jiang, this case file is well written... cleaner and more efficient than I expected."

After reviewing the case file, Yuan Jimu sighed with emotion.

The details of the investigation into the attack on Qingyang City have been fully documented.

The Chu family's crime of treason has been established.

Chu Xiu died and his spirit vanished, but the servants in Chu Xiu's mansion, as well as the clansmen who assisted in the rebellion... were all imprisoned in the Qingzhou prison.

"only."

Yuan Jiming paused, then said meaningfully, "I feel like something's missing from this case file?"

The case file came to an abrupt end.

From beginning to end, the investigation was solely focused on the Chu family.

If we add another stroke to the story, we'll uncover the "enablers" who facilitated this chaos.

Chen Jingxuan.

With a snap, Yuan Jimu threw the case file away, only to toss it back into Jiang Qihu's hands.

"Master Jiang."

Yuan Jimo said calmly, "The case in Qingyang City has had an extremely negative impact... I am returning to Renshou Palace today to report to the Empress Dowager in person. Don't you think about it carefully? How could a mere Chu family dare to be so heartless as to attack Qingyang?"

"You mean the Chu family is giving some kind of instruction behind the scenes?"

Jiang Qihu smiled.

"nature."

Yuan Jimo said in a gentle tone, "Moreover... obviously."

"Excuse me."

Jiang Qihu said expressionlessly, "The Imperial City Guard requires evidence in handling cases. You want me to add your name to this case file? I can't do that."

"Oh?"

Yuan Jimu became interested.

He had been waiting for this moment for a long time in the Imperial City Guard prison.

"My husband is such a heroic figure, as the whole world can see."

Jiang Qihu sneered, "He's a traitor... Do you believe that? Ten years ago, you slandered Xie Xuanyi as a traitor. What happened in the Moon Hidden Realm is unknown! Ten years later, you want to use the same trick again?"

"Master Jiang."

Yuan Jimu smiled slightly and earnestly advised, "I still have to remind you... As the deputy head of the Imperial City Guard, you should be careful with your words and actions. So far, no one has accused your master of treason."

"Almost got it."

Jiang Qihu sneered, "All you've said is to try and get me to shift the blame for the Qingyang City incident onto you, sir."

"so?"

Yuan Jimo raised an eyebrow.

"I'm sorry, I could never do that in my life."

Jiang Qihu took a deep breath: "I refuse to add anything to the Qingyang City case file. Regarding the reason for Chu Xiu's betrayal, I hope Renshou Palace will order a thorough investigation again. I will lead my secret agents to find other clues. My master did indeed handle the chaos in Qingzhou a year ago improperly. The Jiang family is willing to vouch for Chen Jingxuan and is also willing to share the blame."

"..."

Yuan Jimu looked at the man in front of him in silence.

Neither of them tried to hide anything during the conversation.

The special envoys, spies, and imprisoned secret agents in the Imperial City Guard all heard it.

"You and your husband discussed the case together in Qingzhou, and this is the answer you came up with?"

Yuan Jimu's tone was somewhat amused.

Over the years, Jiang Qihu has served as the deputy director of the Imperial City Guard, handling cases and gaining experience, which has indeed helped him grow considerably.

But it was still a bit immature.

Yuan Jimo paused for a moment, then said jokingly, "It's fine if you don't know, but doesn't that old man know either? Some things can't be stopped just by your refusal."

The voice just fell.

A commotion suddenly arose outside the Imperial City Guard's dungeon.

"This is the Imperial City Guard's prison! Outsiders are forbidden to enter!"

"What are you doing!"

"You're crazy!"

As the noise arose, Yuan Jimu frowned.

Immediately afterwards, the lights flickered at the end of the Imperial City Bureau prison, and the two spies were pushed aside. A small team with murderous intent rushed into the Imperial City Bureau dungeon.

The leader was Sang Zheng of the Black Scale Guard. The Black Scale Guard was also a secret service agency directly under the Great Chu royal family, and they had secret orders that allowed them to freely enter and leave all locations except the royal palace.

Sang Zheng was not alone; he was accompanied by more than a dozen scions of prominent families from the Northern County.

The Jiang family was not dismissed and remained stationed in Qingzhou, but they left behind many "brothers" in the capital. These young men from the northern prefecture were all famous generals who had fought alongside Jiang Lie. Their relationship with Jiang Qihu was naturally beyond question. After Jiang Qihu became the second-in-command of the Imperial City Guard, the first thing he did was to arrange for these young military families to hold sinecure positions in the Imperial City Guard.

This arrangement was, in fact, the default practice within the imperial city.

Most prominent families arrange for their young members to gain experience and training.

The Imperial City Guard's missions were fraught with danger, so these young men from the Northern Commandery, after receiving the secret agent's and messenger's orders, had almost no contact with the Imperial City Guard... These orders had been sitting unused for years, but now they came in handy. The Imperial City Guard spies guarding the dungeon gates dared not stop them, firstly because these young men had powerful backgrounds, and secondly because they possessed secret agent orders, making their entry into the dungeon legitimate and legal.

"What are you doing? This is rebellion!"

Yuan Jimu's expression turned ugly.

He never expected this to happen.

This guy surnamed Jiang is incredibly audacious, daring to bring people to force his way into the dungeon!

Is this guy insane?!

Could it be that Jiang Qihu was willing to risk his own life for Chen Jingxuan?

The Imperial City Guard's dungeon was in complete chaos. Sang Zheng was advancing with the Black Scale Guard's order, while the spies and messengers were all in disarray.

"Imperial City Guard spies, listen to my command! Draw your swords!"

Yuan Jimu roared, "Forcibly breaking into the dungeon is a capital offense! Kill them for me!"

"Who dares!"

Jiang Qihu also gave a low shout.

The entire dungeon was in complete chaos.

"Fellow soldiers! The one who is truly audacious and intends to rebel is someone else entirely!"

Jiang Qihu said expressionlessly, "I suspect someone is impersonating the head of the Imperial City Guard... Today, I will wipe out the traitors for the Great Chu and restore the reputation of the Imperial City Guard!"

He stepped forward and suddenly stretched out his large hand.

Yuan Jimo's pupils contracted, and he quickly retreated.

But it's too late.

The two were so close together in the small space of the dungeon that they had no way to escape.

Jiang Qihu slammed his hand down, landing on Yuan Jimo's shoulder!

A fierce glint flashed in Yuan Jimo's eyes as he raised his palm to strike, trying to shake the opponent away.

However, Jiang Qihu did not retreat, but instead summoned his Dharma form to take the hit.

With a loud bang!
The powerful energy emanating from the Dharma image exploded within the dungeon.

Jiang Qihu groaned, his face pale. Although he was enveloped by the Dharma Image, he still felt a burning pain in his chest.

However, it doesn't matter anymore—

Because he successfully grabbed a corner of Yuan Jimo's black robe.

Jiang Qihu suddenly exerted his strength, pouring his Yuan energy into it.

"!!!"

The next moment, the Imperial City Guard robe on Yuan Jimo's shoulder was completely shattered, turning into strips of cloth!

Under the watchful eyes of everyone.

The returning head of the Imperial City Guard revealed his "true form".

This is a bizarre body, shattered and stitched together to barely regain its human form... Below the neck, there are stitches everywhere, making it look extremely gruesome.

(End of this chapter)