The Reversal of Heaven Begins with The Smiling, Proud Wanderer

Lin Mu immediately got up, went around to the back of the soft couch, and stood behind Li Yunrui.

He slowly raised his hands, bringing his index and middle fingers together, and gently placed them on Li Yunrui's temples.

The skin feels warm and smooth to the touch.

Lin Mu held his breath and focused his mind. In his palm, a faint blue light, barely perceptible to the naked eye, appeared.

It is the power of the "Blue Hand" in Shuangquan's hands that allows him to manipulate memories, the soul, and cognition.

Li Yunrui naturally couldn't see the mysterious Qi, but she felt a strange sense of comfort as Lin Mu's slightly cool fingertips touched her skin...

Immediately, an indescribable coolness, like a stream thawing in early spring, gently yet firmly seeped into the depths of her mind.

For years, it had haunted her chaotic and complicated thoughts like a nightmare.

Those intrigues, those schemes, that thirst for power and fear of losing it, that anxiety and mania that gnaw at your heart in the dead of night.

It felt as if an invisible and gentle hand was gently smoothing and combing it.

An unprecedented sense of tranquility and indescribable comfort swept over her body like a tide, causing her tense mind to relax involuntarily. She even couldn't help but let out a very soft and satisfied sigh from her throat, her long eyelashes trembling slightly, almost intoxicated by this moment of peace.

However, just as this ultimate comfort made her mental defenses relax the most, Lin Mu's fingertips, which shimmered with a faint blue light, flicked their fingers in a very subtle way.

A wisp of extremely pure spiritual energy, mixed with the power of the Blue Hand of the Double-Handed Master, silently broke through Li Yunrui's unguarded consciousness, infiltrated the deepest part of his sea of ​​consciousness, and left an extremely subtle spiritual imprint.

This mark does not forcibly alter Li Yunrui's will or memories, but it can subtly influence her subconscious.

This makes it easier for Li Yunrui to develop an irresistible sense of trust and a tendency to obey when facing Lin Mu.

The whole process was as fast as lightning and extremely subtle.

To outsiders, Lin Mu merely pressed the princess's forehead with a mysterious touch, and the princess immediately showed an expression of extreme pleasure, relaxation, and comfort.

At the same time, through this direct physical contact and the deep probing of the Blue Hand's power, Lin Mu's mental power, like the finest probe, rapidly swept over some of Li Yunrui's surface memory fragments.

Countless images, sounds, and emotional fragments flashed by.

Soon, Lin Mu found the memory of Li Yunrui ordering the massacre of the village.

[Truly a vicious and scheming femme fatale.]

Lin Mu felt cold inside, but his face showed no sign of anything amiss.

He withdrew his hand without making a sound, and the faint blue light in his palm disappeared completely, as if it had never appeared.

Li Yunrui slowly opened her eyes, a trace of dazedness and intoxication lingering in them, but it was quickly replaced by clarity.

She shook her head gently and felt a clarity of mind she had never experienced in years. Her thoughts became exceptionally clear and agile, and the lingering pain and anxiety that had plagued her day and night, causing her great distress, were significantly reduced. She felt an indescribable sense of ease throughout her body.

A look of joy appeared on her face. She turned to look at Lin Mu, who had returned to his seat, and said with unprecedented enthusiasm, "Sir, you are truly a divine being! I feel much better!"

Chapter 93: On the verge of breaking out

The profound and mysterious "Dual-Hand Technique" is akin to a game-changer in the world of Joy of Life.

Li Yunrui, who was originally planning how to recruit Lin Mu to his side, had unknowingly fallen into a trap.

From the moment that touch of deep blue from Lin Mu's fingertips seeped into her brow, her will was no longer entirely her own.

With just a thought from Lin Mu, this high and mighty princess would become the most docile bird in his hands, her life, death, honor, and disgrace all in his hands.

This is what makes "Dual Hands" so terrifying.

The blue hand controls birth and death, manipulates the soul, and reshapes the mind invisibly; the red hand holds the reins of creation, changes tendons and marrow, and alters appearance with a flick of the finger.

A balance of yin and yang, where both are mutually reinforcing, can even fundamentally distort a person, transforming them into another animal.

If this method is used to heal the sick and save lives, it is an unparalleled art that can bring the dead back to life and heal the wounded; if it is led astray, it becomes a demonic art that can overthrow the world and bring chaos to the people.

Lin Mu is both righteous and wicked, his thoughts are unpredictable and ever-changing.

By controlling Li Yunrui, many troublesome pieces in the game of Kyoto can be easily removed, saving countless troubles.

After the banquet, Lin Mu slowly walked out of the cold courtyard. Under the shadow of the pillars, a tall but gloomy figure stood silently like a spear. It was Yan Xiaoyi.

Lin Mu was fully aware of the fervent yet humble infatuation this Imperial Guard commander harbored for Li Yunrui.

Due to the vast difference in their social status, Yan Xiao 23B could only bury her feelings deep inside and choose to be a loyal dog who silently guards her. Any man who approached Li Yunrui would be regarded as an enemy by him.

But at this moment, Yan Xiaoyi dared not show the slightest hostility in his eyes.

There's no other reason than that Lin Mu's strength far surpasses Yan Xiaoyi's, and to show disrespect to a "Grandmaster" is simply asking for trouble.

Lin Mu seemed oblivious to Yan Xiaoyi's hidden hostility, walking past him with a calm and indifferent tone: "Commander Yan, do you have time to chat?"

Yan Xiaoyi's jaw muscles tightened slightly as he suppressed his surging emotions, and he cupped his hands in greeting, saying, "Mr. Lin, what advice do you have for me?"

Despite his deep displeasure, the person before him was not a junior like Fan Xian who could be easily manipulated, but a transcendent being like a "Grandmaster." He dared not be the slightest bit impolite, and at the very least, he had to maintain proper decorum.

Lin Mu had no intention of beating around the bush and went straight to the point: "Your parents and all the villagers were slaughtered by Li Yunrui on orders to send people disguised as bandits."

"You bullshit!"

Yan Xiaoyi was struck as if by lightning, his whole body trembled violently, his eyes instantly turned bloodshot, and he took a step forward, his breath surging out uncontrollably, stirring the surrounding air.

This is the deepest, most painful scar in his heart, the source of his motivation to hone his archery skills and vow revenge!

Now he's being accused of murdering the person he was willing to risk his life to protect?!

Believe it or not, it's up to you.

Lin Mu had no intention of wasting his breath.

The side quest issued by the system was merely to find out the truth and inform him; he had already delivered the answer. Whether Yan Xiaoyi accepted it or what choice he made was none of his business.

[Ding! Side quest: 'The Mystery of the Massacre' has been completed. Rewards: Eight Desolations Sun-Shooting Bow and Four Symbols Sun-Shooting Arrows!]

【The Eight Desolations Sun-Shooting Bow and the Four Symbols Sun-Shooting Arrows: Originating from the world of the Demon Sword and the Chess of Life and Death, these are the treasured artifacts of the Arrow-Hidden Clan. The bow embodies the power of the Eight Desolations, and the arrows draw upon the might of the Four Symbols. Combined with their exclusive Four Symbols Sun-Shooting Arrow Technique, they possess the power to slay gods and demons.】

【Do you want to receive it? 】

Upon seeing the reward, Lin Mu immediately thought of the man who resembled "Lu Xiaobu," and with a slight thought, he silently said, "Claim."

An ancient-looking longbow and four special arrows appeared in the system space.

Lin Mu stopped looking at Yan Xiaoyi, who was standing frozen in place with an ever-changing expression, and left in a flash, his figure appearing outside the courtyard.

Yan Xiaoyi stood alone in the cold wind, his body trembling slightly, and the veins on his forehead bulging.

He instinctively resisted this cruel answer. Li Yunrui helped Yan Xiaoyi when he was most helpless, and was the white moonlight that illuminated Yan Xiaoyi's dark life.

But what reason would someone like Lin Mu have to fabricate such a lie to deceive him?

Moreover, those subtle doubts that had been buried deep in his heart for many years and that he had ignored before now surfaced and were gnawing at his heart like venomous snakes.

"Do not……"

Yan Xiaoyi let out a painful howl and slammed his fist into the ancient tree beside him. The trunk shook violently, and leaves flew everywhere.

……

Lin Mu returned to his residence and played with the Eight Desolations Sun-Shooting Bow that had quietly appeared in his hand.

The bow is neither made of metal nor wood, and it feels cool to the touch. Ancient and mysterious patterns are engraved on it, subtly connecting it to some kind of power between heaven and earth.

The four sun-shooting arrows are each engraved with the phantom images of the four celestial animals: Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, and Black Tortoise, exuding an awe-inspiring aura.

This weapon is quite good, with extremely strong penetrating power. Combined with his cultivation level, it would be no problem for him to kill a Grandmaster from a distance.

……

In the days that followed, the assassination on Niulan Street stirred up undercurrents and created a sudden upheaval in Kyoto.

The massive machine of the Censorate was running at full speed, with the Black Riders dispatched everywhere to hunt down spies from Northern Qi. Chaos ensued, and people were filled with fear.

Immediately afterwards, the entire family of a deputy commander in charge of the western city gate guards was wiped out overnight, with the scene staged as a revenge killing.

But anyone with eyes to see knows that this is the unfortunate guy who provided the military ballista for the Niulan Street assassination, and he was silenced.

Following Emperor Qing's orders.

Chen Pingping, the director of the Censorate, has already quietly returned to Beijing.

He summoned Fan Xian to the office of the Supervisory Council.

"The Northern Qi master, the madman Si Gu Jian, has been executed."

Chen Pingping's voice was hoarse and calm, as if he were talking about a trivial matter: "His Majesty's intention is to leave this matter here."

Fan Xian frowned slightly as he looked at the unfathomable, disabled old man before him.

Teng Zijing was not dead, and Fan Xian's anger was not as great as in the original plot. In addition, he learned the truth from Lin Mu and knew that the mastermind was the eldest princess and the crown prince.

Continuing the investigation yielded no results, and Fan Xian, not wanting to get involved in the court's infighting, had already decided to withdraw.

"Dean."

Fan Xian spoke, his voice somewhat low: "The capital is a dangerous place, and it's not easy for me to adapt. Now that the murderer has been killed, I think... I should go back to Danzhou."

Upon hearing this, Chen Pingping's fingers, hidden under the blanket, twitched slightly. In the dim light, his gaze was as sharp as a hawk's, instantly seeing through Fan Xian's thoughts: "Return to Danzhou? Just because of the assassination attempt, you back down?"

"Otherwise, do I have to die to escape this vortex?"

Fan Xian gave a wry smile: "I have no interest in court intrigues. I just want to live a quiet life as a wealthy young man. I would appreciate it if the Director of the Supervisory Council could find someone more capable."

Chen Pingping was silent for a moment, then slowly said, "Do you know who founded the Oversight Council?"

Fan Xian was taken aback, then nodded and said, "I know. My mother, Ye Qingmei, has a memorial tablet erected by her, which is placed at the entrance. I've seen it."

"Then why are you leaving? Don't you want to carry on your mother Ye Qingmei's legacy?"

When Chen Pingping mentioned 'Ye Qingmei', he became quite emotional, saying, "You don't need to worry. I will find those who hurt you. As long as you stay, the Supervisory Council will be yours sooner or later."

"Director, you're joking. The Oversight Council is a vital national institution, not a private property. Besides, I really don't want to be an official. It's meaningless to be scheming and deceiving each other all day long."

Fan Xian was determined to play dumb; as long as he acted useless enough, no one could take advantage of him.

Seeing Fan Xian's state, Chen Pingping sighed inwardly, feeling that he was hopeless. After taking a deep breath, Chen Pingping said, "In life, how can everything go as planned? There are some things that you don't want to do, but someone will push you to do them!"

"Take the command plaque and leave now. Do not mention the matter of returning to Danzhou again. His Majesty will not allow it."

How could Emperor Qing allow this carefully placed chess piece to leave the chessboard?

Chen Pingping also did not want her more than ten years of planning to fall through.

He cares about Fan Xian only because Fan Xian is Ye Qingmei's son, but Fan Xian is ultimately not Ye Qingmei, and Chen Pingping will not hesitate to use him when the time comes.

Fan Xian's memorial requesting resignation was rejected without any mercy.

Meanwhile, Fan Xian's engagement to Lin Wan'er was quietly changing due to obstacles from all sides.

Fan Xian expressed his feelings and did not want to marry Lin Wan'er. Fan Jian felt sorry for his son who had no blood relation to him and did not want him to get too involved, so he asked Emperor Qing to cancel the engagement.

Lin Ruofu harbored doubts about Fan Xian, this "troublemaker," and Lin Wan'er herself, having heard of Fan Xian's various "malicious" acts, became increasingly resistant to the marriage.

The Crown Prince, the Second Prince, and the Eldest Princess all opposed it.

Under the influence of various factors, Emperor Qing had no choice but to reconsider and ultimately rescinded the order.

This matter greatly angered Emperor Qing.

He didn't care about his children's happiness; he only felt that it had damaged the royal family's reputation.

The final outcome of the Niulan Street assassination was forcibly attributed by the imperial court to a conspiracy by the Northern Qi and the work of Si Gu Jianmen, and was publicly announced throughout the land.

Emperor Qing used this as a pretext to launch a military campaign against Qi.

The reason is not sufficient, but does it matter?

The US can start a war by dropping a soldier, or by claiming that the laundry detergent you have at home is a chemical weapon.

I hit you not because you did anything wrong, but simply because I could gain something from it.

It's that simple.

A great war is about to break out!

Chapter 94: Entering Northern Qi

The Lin family mansion is a deep courtyard, where a few slender bamboos sway gently in the wind, covering half of the wall with green moss and also concealing the tranquility of the courtyard.

Lin Mu casually played the zither, while Sang Wen played the flute in harmony.

A piece of "The Smiling, Proud Wanderer" flowed from the fingertips and lips. The sound of the zither was clear and lofty, as if one could see a solitary peak; the sound of the flute was melancholy and lingering, as if one could enter a deep valley and pool.