Immortal Dynasty Hounds

Chapter 84 The murder of the princess is exposed, and a storm is brewing.
"Nine months is a bit short, but it's understandable, isn't it?"

Lian Shanxin, as the top detective in Jiangzhou, strives for rigor.

Nie Youzhu nodded, not daring to make a definitive statement: "That's natural. There are quite a few premature babies in the martial arts world, born at nine months. I didn't mean anything by telling Young Master Xin this news; I just wanted to remind him. After all, your 'Chosen One' lineage has a good reputation. Having more friends means having more options, don't you think?"

“Envoy Nie’s words make sense.”

Based on what he had seen about Tian Ji through "Tianyan Check" and the attitude of the top leader towards Tian Ji, Lian Shanxin acknowledged the authenticity and value of the information provided by Nie Youzhu.

Especially its value to him.

"How did Envoy Nie know this secret?" Lian Shanxin asked curiously.

Nie Youzhu explained, "In order to create various rankings, our Zhuzhao Qianqiu Pavilion naturally needs intelligence support. We conduct special research on many important figures in the martial arts world, including rising stars, and even send people to track and contact them, so as not to mislead the world."

Lian Shanxin praised, "Professional."

"It's natural."

Was Tian Jing a rising star back then?

"Yes, including when His Majesty traveled the martial world back then, he did many great things and formed deep connections with many important figures in the martial world today."

"Your Majesty is truly full of energy," Lian Shanxin remarked again.

In his past life, he had heard a theory:
Almost all successful people possess extraordinary energy. They can sleep the least, do the most work, and still have their bodies to keep going.

It must be said that this is another kind of extraordinary talent.

It seems that the top-ranked person is also a highly energetic individual.

"Is there any other evidence?"

This matter is very important to Lianshanxin.

This determined his attitude towards Tian Ji, as well as his arrangements for Tian Ji.

Nie Youzhu was clearly familiar with the "Dragon-Supporting Immortal Technique" of the "Chosen One" lineage, and was not surprised by Lian Shanxin's attitude.

This matter was of great importance, and she dared not speak carelessly. She spoke with the same seriousness: "Young Master Xin, this matter concerns His Majesty, so we dare not investigate further. Do you understand?"

"Understandable."

"I will only say these words in this room. Once we leave this room, I will not admit to a single word," Nie Youzhu said in a deep voice.

Lian Shanxin nodded slightly, listening attentively.

"My mother and Tian Ji's mother met by chance on the road back then, hit it off immediately, and became close friends. Before her marriage, Madam Tian had a deep conversation with my mother, telling her about her emotional entanglements with the two men."

"My mother once asked Madam Tian who she loved more. Madam Tian said that she was already His Majesty's woman, but decided to marry Master Tian."

“My mother asked her why, and she said she didn’t want to let either of them down, so she made this decision.”

Lian Shanxin pursed his lips and chose to remain silent.

Nie Youzhu continued, "Later, the Tian family had an accident, leaving only Tian Ji behind. When the news reached the capital, His Majesty sent the 'Heavenly Calculation' official to personally bring Tian Ji back."

No one in the "Nine Heavens" group makes a move lightly. If they do, it will attract worldwide attention and shake the martial arts world.

"Of course, that's all I know. As you said, it doesn't prove anything yet."

To date, there is no evidence to confirm their speculation.

Therefore, Nie Youzhu dared not make any definitive statements and could only give this intelligence to Lian Shanxin as a bargaining chip.

Lian Shanxin pondered for a moment, then clapped his hands and said, "Envoy Nie, please don't tell anyone else about this except me. Can you guarantee that?"

“Of course, the Candlelight Pavilion has always maintained neutrality. If it weren’t for your dissatisfaction with the rankings, Young Master Xin, I wouldn’t have informed you of this matter, as it would have violated our pavilion’s rules,” Nie Youzhu said.

Lian Shan believes that rules are meant to be broken.

However, he believed his threat was also very powerful.

"Whether it's you or your mother, I hope this matter doesn't leak out. If I learn about this from someone else, I will hold Envoy Nie and your mother accountable."

Lian Shanxin laid out the unpleasant truth upfront: "I may not have the strength to take down the Candlelight Pavilion, but it shouldn't be difficult for me and our 'Chosen One Lineage' to take down Envoy Nie and your mother. I hope Envoy Nie will not make a mistake."

Nie Youzhu's face turned pale, and he immediately raised his right hand to swear an oath: "If I ever reveal this matter to anyone else, may I, Nie Youzhu, be struck by lightning and die a horrible death."

Lian Shanxin's expression softened.

Ancient people were different from modern people; they still valued oaths very much.

Sima Shengui is an oddball, and Lian Shanxin doesn't think he can compare to anyone he meets by chance.

But he still took precautions.

"Add your mother to the oath, and also the Candlelight Pavilion."

Although I don't think Nie Youzhu has the same thick skin as Sima Shengui, what if this guy isn't afraid of death?
Lian Shanxin's caution made Nie Youzhu laugh in anger: "Young Master Xin, you should know that a scholar can be killed but not humiliated."

Lian Shanxin said calmly, "Envoy Nie, was Kong Ningze brought to the academy by you?"

After scoring twice, Lianshanxin scored a hat trick.

He discovered that unless he put Nie Youzhu under some pressure, she still wouldn't get the hang of it.

But once the intensity increased, its true nature was immediately revealed.

really.

When Lian Shanxin brought up the matter again, Nie Youzhu was filled with anger, but in the end, reason prevailed over her.

"If I reveal Tian Ji's secrets to anyone else, may I, Nie Youzhu, and my mother be struck by lightning and die a horrible death. May the lineage of the Candlelight Pavilion be severed and its five-hundred-year foundation destroyed in an instant."

Lian Shanxin nodded in satisfaction: "Envoy Nie, from now on you will be my best friend in the Candlelight Pavilion."

Nie Youzhu gritted her teeth and said, "I dare not presume to be worthy of Young Master Xin."

“Envoy Nie, you’re already this age. Don’t act impulsively when making decisions. Young people are more prone to rashness. You should weigh the pros and cons. You see, you already investigated my intelligence before you came here, and you were preparing to befriend me, weren’t you?”

How could Nie Youzhu have suddenly produced this intelligence for Tian Ji?

Tian Ji was a novice in the world of martial arts.

I just exchanged a move with Thousand Faces.

You'll know once you see the Candlelight Pavilion.

They still have his information, planning to sell it for a good price.

This was clearly premeditated, a case of hoarding a rare commodity.

It was either prepared for Lian Shanxin or for Qi Shiyun.

Either way, it shows that the Candlelight Pavilion is not truly neutral. Of course, Lian Shanxin never believed they would be neutral.

Seeing Nie Youzhu's changing expression, Lian Shanxin casually said, "You're on good terms with Kong Yujia and don't believe in my battle record, so you didn't plan to include me on the Hidden Dragon List before you came. But I am the 'Chosen One' of the 'Chosen One Lineage,' and my reputation rose after defeating Qianmian. You don't want to offend me either. So, you're planning to sell Tian Ji for a good price. Both I and Qi Tanhua owe you a favor."

Nie Youzhu's anger turned into a bitter smile: "Young Master Xin's insight is truly remarkable; the name 'Heavenly Eye' is well-deserved."

“There’s no need for the ‘Sky Eye’ to work; a little thought is all it takes to figure it out.” Lian Shanxin laughed. “It’s just that man proposes, God disposes. You didn’t expect that the plan, though good, would be completely disrupted by the Thousand Faces.”

Nie Youzhu had no choice but to nod in agreement: "A thousand faces have misled me."

"If the Zhuzhao Qianqiu Pavilion has any information about Qianmian in the future, please let me know in time. I am also eager to capture Qianmian as soon as possible," Lianshan said.

Nie Youzhu had some doubts: "Does Young Master Xin really want to capture Thousand Faces as soon as possible? Let me put it another way, does Lord 'Heavenly Sword' really want to capture Thousand Faces as soon as possible?"

Lian Shanxin said calmly, "Envoy Nie, you've said too much."

Nie Youzhu explained, "The academy is not lacking in intelligent people, and Jiangzhou is not lacking in talented individuals. What I doubt, they will probably doubt as well, and they will also have wild thoughts."

"To even think about it is a sin."

Lian Shanxin slammed his fist on the table and stood up.

"Some things are better left unthought, unless the Candlelight Pavilion wants to test the sharpness of Lord Heavenly Sword. Do you want to?"

Nie Youzhu immediately shut up.

Lian Shanxin didn't waste any more words with her.

This woman looks like she's involved in intelligence work, wanting to get her hands on every kind of information, but she doesn't understand that the truth is, whatever Tianjian says is the truth.

He's not as strong as Tianjian, yet he doubts Tianjian. This kind of person deserves to be just a wandering swordsman; he's clearly not suited for the imperial court.

Lian Shanxin only provoked Qianmian after he was strong enough to defeat him.

"Envoy Nie, please rest well. I still have classes to attend."

"Young Master Xin, please wait a moment." Nie Youzhu stopped Lian Shanxin: "May I ask, Young Master Xin, has Qi Tanhua's strength improved recently? The Hidden Dragon Ranking is about to release a new list, and Qi Tanhua, as the previous Tanhua, will attract a lot of attention."

Lian Shanxin actually knew about this: "Envoy Nie gave me a piece of information for free, and I will also give Envoy Nie a piece of information for free. Qi Tanhua is currently in seclusion breaking through to the Domain Realm, so there is no need to rank Qi Tanhua in the next Hidden Dragon Ranking."

Once you establish your own martial arts domain, you are no longer a hidden dragon, but a soaring dragon in the sky, just one step away from becoming a grandmaster.

From now on, Qi Shiyun no longer needs to be compared with her peers.

Nie Youzhu was greatly shocked: "At the age of twenty-four, Qi Tanhua has such talent? He is only one year younger than Tianjian back then."

Lian Shanxin nodded: "Qi Tanhua is indeed exceptionally talented, but of course, Lord Tianjian is even more powerful."

If Tianjian weren't called Zhang Aniu, Lianshan Xin felt he would be even more loyal to Lord Tianjian.

The name A Niu really makes Tianjian feel more down-to-earth.

"It's a pity that she still has Lin Ruoshui above her, otherwise Qi Tanhua would be able to suppress all the hidden talents of this generation," Nie Youzhu said.

"Lin Ruoshui? The Lin Ruoshui known as the 'Water God'? The top of the Hidden Dragon Ranking?"

Lian Shanxin hadn't looked at the Hidden Dragon Ranking much before, but he had heard of the title "Water God" at the top of the Hidden Dragon Ranking.

"Yes, that's her."

"Qi Tanhua is about to break through to the Domain Realm, yet he still can't suppress Lin Ruoshui?"

Nie Youzhu shook her head and said, "Lin Ruoshui officially broke through to the Domain Realm yesterday. Moreover, Lin Ruoshui is twenty-two years old."

Lian Shanxin remained silent.

Zhang Aniu broke through to the realm at the age of twenty-three.

Lin Ruoshui was actually a year ahead of Zhang Aniu.

This talent is almost too extraordinary.

If it weren't for the support of the top two supporters, I really wouldn't have the confidence to compete with such a monster.

"Lin Ruoshui is also number one on the list of beauties. Looking at it now, it's a real pity that Qi Tanhua lived in Lin Ruoshui's era," Nie Youzhu sighed.

Suppressing Qi Shiyun in every way?

Qi Shiyun's strength surpasses that of Tian Ji and Zhuo Biyu.

So Lin Ruoshui's strength surpasses that of the "Nine Heavens" young master?
"What is Lin Ruoshui's background?" Lian Shanxin asked curiously.

Nie Youzhu shook his head and said, "On the surface, Lin Ruoshui has no background, and her martial arts are all self-taught."

"Are you kidding me?"

Lian Shanxin, whose martial arts achievements were not ideal, did not believe that such a prodigy existed.

Nie Youzhu explained, "It is said in the martial arts world that Lin Ruoshui attained enlightenment by the shore of Guanting Lake, observing the ebb and flow of the tides, the morning frost and evening dew, and gained some insight. From then on, he embarked on the path of martial arts and made rapid progress."

Lian Shanxin: "...Isn't this the legend of ancient cultivators ascending to immortality in one step?"

"Therefore, there is another rumor that Lin Ruoshui is a reincarnation of a deity. As for the specific details, we do not know."

Nie Youzhu said this with a hint of schadenfreude: "Young Master Xin, you and Lin Ruoshui are from the same era."

If they are only four years apart, they will be classified as being of the same generation.

Lian Shanxin glanced at Nie Youzhu, but didn't bother arguing with her.

She has no idea how valuable the top two spenders are.

"So what if she's the Water Goddess? Is she a match for the Thousand Faces?"

Nie Youzhu: "..."

“My goal is to become a Grandmaster, to ascend to the ‘Nine Heavens’ and become a true ‘Heavenly Eye’. I have never taken the younger generation seriously. Envoy Nie, your vision is too narrow.”

After putting on a show, Lianshan felt refreshed and invigorated.

"By the way, remember to include me in the latest Hidden Dragons List."

Lian Shanxin also figured it out: of the seventy-five potential dragons, besides the top three, who could attract more attention than the last one?
I still won!

……

While the "Sky Eye" was winning big.

The Thousand Faces have already begun to breach its defenses.

"Master, is Lian Shanxin playing tricks again?"

Lanxin was furious.

"With your abilities, Master, there's absolutely no way he could see through your secrets. By the way, Master, how did you expose yourself this time?"

While Lanxin was angry, she looked at Qianmian with suspicion.

The thousand faces were trembling.

He is also reviewing this issue.

After countless internal reviews, he could only come to one conclusion in the end:
“Lianshan Xin… may truly possess a pair of divine eyes that can see through my disguise.”

"what?"

Lanxin was taken aback.

"Impossible, absolutely impossible. Master, you said that no one in this world can see through your disguise, not even the Heavenly Sword."

"The Heavenly Sword is indeed no good, but the Heavenly Eye may be."

Qianmian closed his eyes. Despite the pain in his heart, he decided to be someone who could accept defeat.

"Lanxin, from now on, avoid Lianshan Xin. He is the natural enemy of our lineage. Everything in the world has its counterpart. I have been invincible for too long, so Heaven sent Lianshan Xin to remind me to guard against arrogance and impetuosity and continue to improve my cultivation. Grandmaster is not my limit."

"If I become a true immortal, I don't believe Lian Shanxin will still be able to see through my disguise."

"I must thank Lian Shanxin for waking me up in time. He made me realize that talent alone is not enough; strength is equally important. I had put the cart before the horse."

In the end, Qianmian's tone gradually became firm, and he regained the aura of a strongman.

But Lanxin only felt heartache.

"Master, is this truly what you truly think?"

It sounded like she was trying to save face.

After all, Thousand Faces has never been known for its combat prowess.

Your dominance in the martial arts world is based on your "multifaceted and ever-changing" nature.

In terms of fists, where do you rank among the grandmasters?

Qianmian broke down again: "Shut up, your master never lies."

Lanxin really wanted to say, "Master, you were just lying."

But she swallowed back the words that were about to come out.

To survive within the Church, one cannot be too honest.

She chose to change the subject: "Master, Lian Shanxin ruined your reputation at the governor's mansion before, which made many disciples of the Holy Sect uneasy. This time you failed again, and I'm afraid the other disciples will become even more wavering."

Qianmian sneered: "If I can't deal with Lianshanxin, surely I can deal with them too?"

Lan Xin: "..."

"The original plan was to kill Lian Shanxin in order to cleanse the people's hearts and intimidate the heavens. Since that plan has failed, then we will turn the blade inward."

Qianmian hardened his heart, and the aura of a Grandmaster emanated from him: "I will let these opportunists know that although I have lost, I am still their undisputed Grandmaster."

Lanxin felt a pang of sorrow, feeling that Qianmian was just like an incompetent father who, after suffering indignities outside, would come home and beat his child to vent his anger.

All of this is thanks to Lian Shanxin.

"Master, what are your plans for Bailudong Academy?" Lanxin took the initiative to change the subject.

Qianmian hesitated for a moment, then finally sighed: "Even Shanxin can see through me, so I'm afraid the people I planted won't escape his 'heavenly eye' either. The academy's arrangements are practically useless now."

Lan Xin questioned, "Master, is it possible that Lian Shanxin isn't actually that powerful?"

Since everyone shares the same true realm of meaning, Lan Xin finds it hard to believe that Lian Shanxin can dominate the world simply by mastering the "True Meaning of Penetrating Emptiness".

This doesn't align with her understanding.

But Qianmian coldly asked, "Are you doubting my abilities?"

"This disciple dares not. This disciple simply finds it hard to imagine that Lian Shanxin, a mere True Intent Realm cultivator, could be so powerful. Master, if he is truly exceptionally talented, he should have been eliminated long ago," Lan Xin advised from the side.

"I have my own plans for him."

Lanxin waited for the next part of Qianmian's story, only to find that there was no more after Qianmian.

So he sighed silently to himself.

The master, who had been invincible with his unique skills, has now met his nemesis. Although he has not been completely defeated, he has lost some of his spirit.

This is not a good thing.

“From now on, you should stop infiltrating the Kong family. The Kong family has lost its value,” Qianmian said. “Go to Jianji Temple.”

Lan Xin's heart skipped a beat: "Master, do you still want to sow discord between the Six Sects of Kuangshan and the Nine Heavens?"

"Not only that, the leader sent me a message asking me to find a way to transfer the 'Celestial Master' to Jiangzhou as well."

At this point, Qianmian coughed heavily.

Lan Xin clearly saw that Qianmian coughed up blood.

"Don't worry, I was only struck by Zhang Aniu's sword, it's not a fatal wound," Qianmian reassured him. "Zhang Aniu is also in bad shape."

Lan Xin's spirits lifted: "Master also severely injured Tianjian?"

“I retreated calmly from his sword three times, causing the Heavenly Sword to suffer three defeats. His sword heart must have been damaged.”

Lan Xin: "?"

"After three consecutive defeats, Zhang Aniu understands that he is no match for me. If he provokes the Six Sects of Kuangshan again, he will definitely not be able to suppress the situation in Jiangzhou. At that time, the 'Celestial Master' should step in."

Lan Xin cautiously reminded him, "If the 'Celestial Master' also comes to Jiangzhou and joins forces with the 'Heavenly Sword,' will you be in danger, Master?"

"Of course not. In the whole world, apart from Lian Shanxin, no one can see through my disguise. As for Lian Shanxin, someone will deal with him. He is not a threat to our Holy Church."

Qianmian spoke with great confidence. In the past, Lanxin would definitely have believed him.

But now Lanxin is beginning to have doubts.

God cannot be defeated.

Once God begins to lose, faith will waver.

……

The Thousand Faces' lifelong nemesis is currently observing a young dragon.

Male.

Having killed two princesses before, Lianshan Xin had become somewhat immune to wild princesses.

However, Lian Shanxin still found the idea of ​​a wild prince novel.

Why are you looking at me like that again?

Tian Ji was once again terrified by Lian Shanxin's gaze.

"I've said it before, I like women."

"I know you like women, Brother Tian. Do you like anything else?"

"what?"

"Like power?"

"Nonsense, who doesn't like power?"

Lian Shanxin said solemnly, "I don't like it at all. I don't like power at all, and I have no interest in it. My biggest regret is joining 'Nine Heavens.' If I had an afterlife, I would rather be a carefree wanderer of the martial world."

Tian Ji's expression suddenly became extremely strange.

Why does this sound so familiar?
Zhuo Biyu looked at Lian Shanxin in surprise: "Are you crazy? If you don't want to join 'Nine Heavens,' you can quit now."

“Miss Zhuo is joking. I, Lian Shanxin, am not one to give up halfway through my duties as a servant of the emperor. Since I have received such a great favor from the ‘Nine Heavens,’ even though I do not like power, I will do my best.”

I'm just cosplaying as the top contributor and taking advantage of Tian Ji.

Taking it too seriously is wrong of you.

Lian Shanxin brought the topic back to the present: "Brother Tian, ​​if there were an opportunity for you to possess significant power in this world, would you be tempted?"

"will not."

"Huh?" Lian Shanxin was somewhat surprised.

Based on his observation, Tian Ji was not the saintly gentleman who had no desire for power like him.

Tian Ji explained, “My goal is to become ‘Tianji,’ one of the ‘Nine Heavens.’ Any amount of power will only bring trouble. My master often taught me to know my limits, to know when to advance and retreat, and to respect boundaries. For us, the ‘Nine Heavens’ is the boundary.”

Lian Shanxin blinked.

The education of the "Tian Suan" lineage has substance.

It sounds very safe.

Unlike their "chosen one" lineage, it sounds like they're courting death.

"Brother Tian truly deserves to be called the successor of 'Heavenly Calculation'," Lian Shanxin praised. "There is only one problem."

"what is the problem?"

"Can 'Heavenly Secrets' withstand the threat of the princess's murder?" Lian Shanxin asked.

Tian Ji and Zhuo Biyu's expressions changed drastically at the same time.

"What nonsense are you talking about?" the two scolded in unison.

Lian Shanxin raised his hand to indicate: "I misspoke. What I meant was that we are still too weak. We cannot be too complacent. We must strive to protect ourselves even if that matter is exposed."

Tian Ji and Zhuo Biyu were able to take these words to heart, and they had been thinking about this matter for the past two days.

Tian Ji said in a deep voice, "The best way is for me, Qi Fengzi, Zhuo Biyu and you to become 'Nine Heavens' before things are exposed. 'Heavenly Secret' may not be able to withstand it, but four 'Nine Heavens' should be enough."

Zhuo Biyu took a different approach: "By insisting that Zeng Ningbing was killed by Qianmian, even if Zeng Ningbing's true identity is later revealed, Qianmian will be held responsible, and it will have nothing to do with us."

Lianshan Xin was absolutely right.

One of them was a prince, and the other was a spy from a demonic sect. The prince was thinking about how to deal with the royal family, while the spy from the demonic sect was thinking about how to frame the demonic sect.

The "One Heart Society" that I just founded is indeed full of talented people.

Everyone has a bright future.

Lian Shanxin was very satisfied.

At the same time, a decision was temporarily made:

First, make Tian Ji your target for support.

Although Tian Ji said he didn't want more power, it didn't matter whether Tian Ji wanted it or not; what mattered was what Prince Xin wanted it to do.

Young Master Xin also wanted to advance his career and join the Emperor's faction.

“Brother Tian and Miss Zhuo are both right. We should take both paths. Brother Tian, ​​your injuries will heal soon. After you recover, please give me some pointers on martial arts.” Lian Shanxin took the initiative to issue a challenge: “Let me see how big the gap is between me and someone at the level of a quasi-young master of the Nine Heavens.”

By the way, let's verify whether you really have the bloodline of a true dragon.

Nie Youzhu's words confirmed Lian Shanxin's suspicions to be 90%, but Nie Youzhu had no evidence.

However, Lian Shanxin can find the evidence himself.

"The True Meaning of Subduing the Dragon" is the most effective way to defeat dragon species.

Upon hearing this, Tian Ji laughed: "Brother, although our lineage is not known for its fighting prowess, you can tell from my imposing and robust physique that I am an outlier in our lineage. If I weren't a newcomer to the martial world, my name would already be on the Hidden Dragon List."

Zhuo Biyu agreed: "I am ninth on the Hidden Dragon List. Even if Tian Ji is not as good as me, he should have no problem breaking into the top thirty. As for Lian Shanxin... you are still far from the Hidden Dragon List."

Lian Shanxin started digging a hole: "Miss Zhuo, how about we make a bet on whether I can make the next Hidden Dragon List?"

Zhuo Biyu laughed upon hearing this: "Lian Shanxin, I heard you expose Qianmian's disguise again just now, but that only proves that you have exceptional insight. The Hidden Dragon Ranking is created by the Candlelight Pavilion, and the requirements for those who make the list are extremely strict. It absolutely does not allow any fraud. You are a newcomer and do not understand the Candlelight Pavilion. With your current strength, it is absolutely impossible for you to make the list."

"Miss Zhuo, just tell me directly, are you brave enough to bet?"

"It's a sure win, what's there to be afraid of? What do you want to bet on?"

Lian Shanxin glanced at the rather delicate-looking Zhuo Biyu and realized that he was a shallow person and still preferred the more mature Qi Tanhua.

Since there's no physical attraction, one should naturally focus on building a career.

Thinking of the relationship between Zhuo Biyu and Xue Guanyin, as well as his own relationship with Xue Guanyin, Lian Shanxin was filled with apprehension: "Today, my victory over Qianmian will surely provoke the wrath of the Demonic Sect. I have a feeling that the four elders of the Demonic Sect will probably all be hostile to me, especially Xue Guanyin, since it is said in the martial arts world that Xue Guanyin hates men the most."

Zhuo Biyu subconsciously explained for the Blood Guanyin: "The Blood Guanyin was clearly abandoned by a man."

"Anyone with eyes can see that, but instead of seeking revenge on the man who abandoned her, she takes her anger out on an innocent man. That's where Blood Guanyin's fault lies. However, Blood Guanyin is quite friendly to women; many female warriors have survived under her. Miss Zhuo, if one day Blood Guanyin tries to kill me, would you please take two of her blows for me?"

"no problem."

Zhuo Biyu readily agreed.

"Since you're betting so big, involving the four elders of the Demonic Sect, then I'll also bet big."

"You said."

"If I inherit the position of Master in the future, I will change the 'Heavenly Sword' lineage to the 'Heavenly Blade' lineage. I have high hopes for your future in the Nine Heavens, and you must fully support me at that time."

"make a deal."

Tian Ji remarked, "You two are really thinking ahead."

Lian Shanxin said meaningfully, "Brother Tian, ​​one who does not plan for the long term is not fit to plan for the short term."

Tian Ji failed to grasp the deeper meaning behind Lian Shan's words.

He cautioned, "You should focus more on the problems at hand."

What trouble am I in right now?

“I just cast a divination for you, and the result indicates that you are about to suffer an unexpected disaster.”

"A sudden disaster?"

Lian Shanxin's expression instantly turned serious.

Lian Shanxin acknowledged the divination abilities of "Tian Suan".

"Where did it come from?"

"I don't know either," Tian Ji said, shaking his head.

He's already quite capable of predicting good and bad fortune; asking him to be a prophet is asking too much of him.

However, Lian Shanxin soon learned where the trouble came from.

Dangdang Dangdang!
Someone is knocking on the door outside.

"Young Master Xin, are you inside?"

"exist."

"Young Master Xin, something terrible has happened! Jiang Jingshen is dead."

Lian Shanxin was taken aback, then pushed open the door and saw Du Jiu.

He asked in confusion, "Who is Jiang Jingshen?"

Du Jiu: "...The one who spoke rudely to you during martial arts class and was defeated by you in one move."

"The son of the vice leader of the Golden Scale Alliance? That little fat, dark-skinned guy?" Lian Shanxin locked onto the candidate.

"Yes, that's him."

"How could he be dead? I didn't kill him, I just knocked him unconscious."

“I don’t know, but he’s dead. Young master, he didn’t fight with anyone else. After you knocked him unconscious, he never woke up again. We just found out he was dead. The Golden Scale Alliance will definitely think you are the murderer.”

Lian Shanxin raised an eyebrow, showing no panic. Instead, he turned to Tian Ji and gave him a thumbs up: "Brother Tian, ​​I acknowledge your divination abilities."

It really was an unexpected disaster.

Tian Ji coughed lightly: "Let's deal with your troubles first. Leader Jiang of the Golden Scale Alliance is also a master of the Domain Realm and a guest of honor of the Second Prince."

Zhuo Biyu added, "Jiang Jingbin, the eldest son of Alliance Leader Jiang, is known as 'Raging Wind Sword' and ranks thirteenth on the Hidden Dragon List. If he comes to cause you trouble one-on-one, 'Nine Heavens' will have a hard time stopping him."

Lian Shanxin's face darkened: "I think it's the demonic sect's devils who deliberately framed me. Unfortunately, they've picked the wrong person."

Lian Shanxin led Du Jiu to the crime scene in a hurry.

After Lian Shanxin left, Tian Ji looked at Zhuo Biyu and said, "You made a bet with Lian Shanxin just now, so I also did a divination for you."

Zhuo Biyu asked curiously, "What does the divination result mean?"

“You’re doomed to lose,” Tian Ji added. “The divination went very smoothly, which means there’s almost no chance of anything happening, and it will happen very soon.”

"I guessed it," Zhuo Biyu replied casually.

This completely baffled Tian Ji: "Huh? You guessed it?"

Zhuo Biyu rolled her eyes: "Lian Shanxin isn't stupid. Why would he gamble with me on a game he's bound to lose? Judging from the way Zhuzhao Qianqiu Pavilion operates, they should send someone to contact Lian Shanxin. Judging from Lian Shanxin's confidence, he has clearly received a promise from Zhuzhao Qianqiu Pavilion."

"I received news when I was at the headquarters in Shenjing City that the Hidden Dragon Ranking would be expanded to include seventy-five people. Lian Shanxin's strength is not enough to be on the list, but he has seen through Thousand Faces twice, and that insight is truly frightening."

"I estimate that Zhuzhao Qianqiu Pavilion will rank Lianshan Xin after seventy, most likely last. This would barely guarantee fairness and also give 'Jiutian' some face."

Tian Ji was increasingly bewildered.

Even fortune tellers couldn't predict this clearly.

Zhuo Biyu, however, deduced everything.

"Since you understand so clearly, why did you still gamble with him?" Tian Ji didn't understand.

Zhuo Biyu said calmly, "I said a lot just now, but the key point is only one sentence - I am optimistic about his future in the Nine Heavens. In the future, I will definitely establish the 'Heavenly Blade' lineage. With his help, it is equivalent to the 'Chosen One' lineage supporting me. What is there to be afraid of losing? Losing is winning. The more times I lose to him, the deeper our friendship will become."

Tian Ji was greatly shocked.

As a newbie just entering the martial arts world, he was far less experienced than Zhuo Biyu, who had been in the business for several years.

"But Lian Shanxin's bet is the Blood Guanyin."

Zhuo Biyu laughed: "If he hadn't mentioned the Blood Guanyin, I wouldn't have bothered betting with him. The Blood Guanyin is notorious for killing men but sparing women. If you men see the Blood Guanyin, you'd better run as far away as possible. If I see the Blood Guanyin, as long as I'm respectful, I can always save my life."

Tian Ji was completely convinced: "No wonder Master said that after reading ten thousand books, one should also travel ten thousand miles. These experiences in the martial world cannot be learned from books. I have learned a lot."

Zhuo Biyu was clearly somewhat proud: "Study hard, you have a long way to go."

……

As is well known, the Second Prince was also a humble and eager learner.

On this day, the second prince was engrossed in a book.

Outsiders would surely praise the Second Prince for his diligent study, deeming him a worthy role model for princes.

But Li Jinzhong, the second prince's personal eunuch, knew that, barring any unforeseen circumstances, the second prince was once again reading those forbidden books that the court had explicitly banned.

The master she served was a completely different person from the one described in the rumors.

Of course, he dared not express his opinion on this.

He simply reported the news from various places to the Second Prince in detail:

"Your Highness, the General Zhenhai has submitted a memorial to His Majesty, stating that our Dayu Navy's three ships have fallen into disrepair over the years and must be refitted in order to continue to deter foreign nations. The Ministry of War is debating this matter endlessly, and the two prime ministers remain unclear about their stance."

The second prince nodded and continued reading.

Knowing that His Highness was not concerned about this matter, Li Jinzhong continued his report:
"Your Highness, the Marquis of Dingyuan's expedition to the southern frontier has suffered an initial defeat. Upon hearing the news, the Council of State is furious and is discussing whether to replace the commander."

The second prince nodded again, then turned a page of his book.

A gentle breeze blew by, and Li Jinzhong glanced around out of the corner of his eye; it was all demons fighting.

Thinking of his own mutilated body, Li Jinzhong remained calm and continued his report:

"The Crown Princess entered the palace yesterday to pay her respects to the Empress Dowager, wishing to join the Empress Dowager's faction. The Empress Dowager did not express her opinion, only saying that she would discuss it with His Majesty."

The Second Prince finally spoke up: "The Crown Princess is really in a hurry. The 'Empress' lineage already has successors. If she joins now, can she compare to those people? Besides, joining the 'Empress' lineage means she is destined to be unable to bear children. Most Crown Princesses throughout history have only set their sights on the Four Consorts. She certainly has the audacity to directly want to become the 'Empress'."

Li Jinzhong flattered her, saying, "Whether she wants to be the 'Empress of Heaven' or one of the Four Consorts, it's all nonsense."

The second prince shook his head and said meaningfully, "That's not right. My sister-in-law still has a chance."

Li Jinzhong suddenly lowered his head.

He had served the Second Prince for five years and understood the meaning behind the Second Prince's words; it was definitely not a blessing for the Crown Prince's ascension to the throne.

Therefore, he could not and dared not accept this response.

The second prince clearly didn't intend to force him, and instructed, "Continue."

“The Sakura Kingdom sent an envoy to pay homage, saying that as long as our dynasty regularly bestows upon them treasures and martial arts manuals, and marries a princess to their royal family, they are willing to become vassals and pay tribute.”

The second prince didn't even bother to speak, continuing to read intently.

"Your Highness, the spirit parrot we searched the martial world for a year finally found didn't eat anything yesterday; it seems to be sick."

"what?"

The second prince immediately put down the forbidden book and became nervous: "Take me to see it quickly."

"Yes."

After a flurry of activity, and confirming that the psychic parrot was otherwise normal, the Second Prince finally breathed a sigh of relief.

"Please summon the 'Heavenly Physician'...please summon the best imperial physician to take a look. We must ensure that no mistakes are made." The Second Prince was still uneasy.

"Yes, the Imperial Medical Academy has already sent people there."

"well done."

The second prince gave Li Jinzhong an approving look.

"Any more news?"

Upon seeing the next message, Li Jinzhong suddenly felt a jolt of fear.

"What's wrong?" The Second Prince noticed that something was wrong with Li Jinzhong.

Li Jinzhong glanced at the Second Prince and whispered cautiously, "News has come from Jiangzhou that 'Fairy Ningbing'... has died in the governor's mansion."

The second prince's expression changed drastically: "Who died?"

Li Jinzhong had no choice but to repeat, "Fairy Ningbing."

boom!
The second prince slammed his fist on the table, and a terrifying killing intent suddenly erupted from his body.

"Who did it?"

"On the surface, it seems to be the Demonic Sect Elder Thousand Faces."

"In reality?" the Second Prince said coldly.

Li Jinzhong glanced at the speculation in the intelligence report and hesitated whether to report it to the Second Prince.

The second prince snatched the note away.

Then, in a fit of rage, he laughed: "Good, good, good, the younger generation of 'Nine Heavens' has become so arrogant that they don't even take me seriously."

Li Jinzhong earnestly reminded him, "Your Highness, please be careful with your words. If I may be so bold as to say this, although Fairy Ningbing is beautiful, it is not worth offending the three young masters of 'Nine Heavens' because of her."

"You know nothing!" the Second Prince roared. "Do you know Zeng Ningbing's background? She's my imperial sister."

"What?" Li Jinzhong was completely dumbfounded and blurted out, "Then why does Your Highness regard her as a confidante...?"

Before he could finish speaking, Li Jinzhong stopped under the Second Prince's murderous gaze.

Then my body jolted.

He understood that his master's illness had penetrated to the bone marrow.

If he cannot become emperor, then all of his thoughts are a path to his death.

The second prince gradually calmed down.

He glanced at the intelligence report again, then took a deep breath.

"I originally intended to use Elder Zeng's connections again at a crucial moment, but these young people from 'Nine Heavens' have ruined my plans. However, every cloud has a silver lining. If Father Emperor knew that his confidante had lost her daughter in middle age, he would probably feel more pity for her."

After a moment's contemplation, the Second Prince decisively said, "Summon Elder Zeng to the capital and let her meet with Father Emperor. Then, thoroughly investigate Ningbing's death. Perhaps this is the best opportunity for me to intervene in the affairs of the realm."

(End of this chapter)