Chapter 554

"Investigating a case?"

Li Yan was somewhat surprised: "With your connections in Chengdu Prefecture, Feng Feng Shixiong, wouldn't it be faster to investigate clearly than for us outsiders?"

"That is not so."

Ming Shanzi shook his head: "It is precisely because I have some reputation that it is more troublesome. The Dark Hall is such a secretive place, yet the opponent was able to find it; I fear that as soon as I entered Chengdu Prefecture, I had already fallen into their line of sight."

"And those people are hiding in the dark; if the commotion is too great, it will inevitably alert the enemy."

"That is also true."

Li Yan nodded in agreement: "Where would you like me to start investigating, Feng Feng Shixiong?"

Ming Shanzi seemed to have been prepared; he took a thin booklet from his bosom: "This is all the intelligence I have collected; you will know once you read it, Li Li Shaoxia."

"Also, I will be stationed in the Prince's mansion from now on; there is no need to worry about safety here. You can investigate in secret, Li Li Shaoxia."

"This force likely has a significant background."

"Remember, act with caution."

"Thank you for the reminder, Feng Feng Shixiong."

After finishing this matter, Li Yan took the booklet and left the front hall, while Ming Shanzi and the Fifth Prince Xiao Shen Jinghong went to the backyard, clearly having some things to discuss in private.

Returning to the bamboo cottage, Li Yan first handed the box to Wang Daoxuan: "Daoist, the plan has changed; the 'Five-Headed Divine Formula' has been obtained ahead of schedule."

As he spoke, he recounted the situation.

Upon hearing this, Sha Lifei hurriedly spoke up: "Should I go inquire and see if there is any news in the martial world?"

"No need."

Li Yan shook his head: "They are the Cheng family, after all; they surely know more about any news in the martial world than we do. This matter can only be investigated in secret."

"The greater our reputation, the stronger the enemies we will face. San'er's injuries haven't healed, the Daoist needs to practice new methods, Old Sha, you also need to store your spirit as soon as possible, and I have just built my foundation and need to settle down for a period of time; investigating the case is just right."

"With Ming Shanzi stationed here, the Prince's mansion can be stable for a while; you all should take this opportunity to rest and reorganize."

As he spoke, he joked: "Miss Long is still on Mount Xilingxue; there are also blessed lands there. If you succeed in storing your spirit, Old Sha, we will go up the mountain to build our foundation."

Sha Lifei smiled awkwardly: "Why do you keep bringing that up?"

After some joking, Li Yan returned to his room, opened the booklet given by Ming Shanzi, and examined it carefully.

As soon as he turned to the first page, Li Yan was somewhat surprised and shook his head: "Sure enough, ginger is still spicier when it's old."

After saying that, he flipped through the other intelligence.

Gradually, his brow furrowed, and a trace of killing intent flashed in his eyes: "No wonder they wanted me to investigate; it turns out it's related to them..."

The intelligence provided by Ming Shanzi was very detailed.

The various forces in Chengdu Prefecture and the powers behind them...

Information on the various Princes of the Shu Prince's mansion...

The on-site investigation of the gold and silver shop...

It was clearly the mobilization of the Cheng family's power.

This intelligence alone was worth a thousand gold.

After less than half an hour, Li Yan finally finished reading all the intelligence, stood up to pack all his Dharma artifacts, carried a bundle, and deliberately left through the front gate of the Prince's mansion.

"Is Mr. Li going out?"

"Yes, please trouble yourself to tell the Prince."

"Should I call a carriage for you?"

"No need, thank you."

After exchanging pleasantries with the steward, Li Yan strode out of the Prince's mansion, looked around, and headed southeast.

That is where the Chenghuangmiao is located.

The Chengdu Prefecture Chenghuangmiao is managed by the Huang Ling Sect; although the relationship is good, to be safe, he does not plan to go and register for the time being.

The area where the Prince's mansion is located is quiet and tidy.

After leaving the streets and alleys, the clamor immediately rushed toward him.

Li Yan wore a bamboo hat, deliberately used a black cloth to cover his face, carried his luggage, and walked while looking around.

On the street, the crowd was bustling.

As the end of the year approached, heavy snow blocked the roads, and the villagers in the nearby mountains had long since holed up at home, preparing for the New Year and no longer traveling far.

But the people of Chengdu Prefecture were unaffected.

Some were cleaning at home, while others were out purchasing New Year goods.

The atmosphere of the New Year was very strong on the street, and many shops had hung up red lanterns.

Inside the open gate towers, all kinds of New Year goods were dazzling.

Li Yan walked along with the crowd and immediately discovered many people from the martial world.

He had discovered this situation as soon as he entered Chengdu Prefecture; he was somewhat strange at the time, but now he knew the reason.

It was another move by the Prince of Shu's mansion.

Over the years, the Prince of Shu's mansion has had the greatest reputation in the martial world.

The reason is simple: they have held several martial arts competitions in succession, competing in hidden weapons, fist and foot techniques, and weapons.

Each time, it could be considered a grand event in the martial world.

People from the martial world gathered not only for the generous rewards of the Prince of Shu's mansion but also to make a name for themselves.

Once they made a name for themselves, they could gain both fame and fortune.

Many of those who took the top spot were recruited by the Prince of Shu's mansion, and the remaining outstanding ones were also hired by the Salt Gang with heavy gold.

Therefore, the strength of the Prince of Shu's mansion has grown rapidly over the years.

Originally, many high-ranking officials and nobles also did things like befriending people from the martial world, but they did it secretly and furtively in private.

To be so blatant attracted the dissatisfaction of some high-ranking officials in the imperial court, and coupled with some of the Prince of Shu's actions over the years, it attracted the attention of the censors.

No one knows why the Prince of Shu did this.

If he wanted to rebel, the commotion was too great.

Many people also felt that the Prince of Shu was old and muddled.

But people from the martial world naturally didn't care about that; since someone set up the stage, there were plenty of people willing to cooperate and sing the play.

Especially this year.

The Prince of Shu's mansion had already spread the word that there would not only be a martial arts competition, but it would no longer be restricted, and those who practiced martial arts could also enter the ring.

The rewards were even more astonishing.

The winner could enter the treasure vault of the Prince of Shu's mansion and choose three items at will.

The Prince of Shu is the younger brother of the current Emperor; he followed him to fight in the northern frontiers and suppress southern Guangdong back then, and who knows how many good treasures he has hidden.

Therefore, it also attracted many people from the Mystic Sect.

Li Yan appeared to be strolling, but in reality, he was secretly paying attention to abnormalities in the surroundings.

Finally, he noticed a gaze spying on him; the corner of his mouth curved into an arc, and he pretended to stroll, turned his head, and entered a nearby alley.

The layout of Chengdu Prefecture mostly consists of shops on the street and residential houses in the alleys, which are relatively quiet.

Not long after Li Yan entered the alley, a peddler carrying a load passed by, pretending to look inside inadvertently.

Seeing no one in the alley, the peddler became somewhat anxious; he hurriedly carried his load and walked inside, even pretending to shout: "Needles, threads, incense, soap—don't miss out as you pass by!"

After walking only a few steps, he heard the sound of wind behind him.

The peddler was startled, immediately bent his knees and exerted force, threw the two boxes of goods upward, and then performed a lazy donkey roll, standing up and preparing to flee.

The peddler's reaction could not be called slow.

However, as soon as he ran one step, he felt his whole body stiffen, his eyes went black, and the surrounding sounds quickly faded away.

It was Li Yan who had already made his move.

The Soul-Hooking Thunder Chain directly suppressed his soul, and then he grabbed the peddler by the neck, as if grabbing a chicken, shuttled rapidly through the small alley, and returned to the Prince's mansion.

Arriving at the Prince's mansion, the door had long been wide open.

Cao Yuanhuai stood guard outside with two junior brothers, looking at Li Yan who had brought the person, his eyes somewhat complex.

Li Yan couldn't be bothered to pay attention and said in a deep voice: "Did you catch him?"

"Caught him."

Cao Yuanhuai didn't waste words this time; he stepped forward personally, took over the peddler with his junior brothers, and searched him carefully.

After all, they were people from the Mystic Sect, and many methods could not be hidden from them.

They removed the poison tooth from his mouth, took out the blade from his hair bun, and even pulled two long needles from the flesh of his forearm.

"He's a death-sworn!"

Cao Yuanhuai's expression became serious. He had guarded people for many years and naturally knew what this was.

Li Yan nodded, not surprised; as he entered the door, he asked: "Who is it?"

"It's Lanzhu."

"Oh?"

Hearing Cao Yuanhuai's answer, Li Yan was somewhat surprised.

The first page of the intelligence provided by Ming Shanzi mentioned that he suspected there was a traitor in the Prince's mansion and asked him to cooperate in a play to lure the person out.

Since he left the mansion, the entire Prince's mansion had been under surveillance.

This time, the Du Sect disciples like Cao Yuanhuai were kept in the dark, which showed that Xiao Shen Jinghong didn't trust them yet, so they felt bad in their hearts.

But the identity of the traitor surprised Li Yan.

"Lanzhu" was the maid who had served them tea the day they entered the mansion; she was deeply trusted by Xiao Shen Jinghong and could be considered the leader of the maids.

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Her temperament was gentle, and she knew no martial arts or spells.

How could she become a mole?

Li Yan was puzzled in his heart and strode into the front hall.

But outside the front hall, several Du Sect disciples were standing guard, Ming Shanzi was drinking tea unhurriedly, and Xiao Shen Jinghong's face was livid.

Sha Lifei and the others were also watching the excitement on the side.

The maid named "Lanzhu" was kneeling on the ground.

"Li Li Shaoxia, you've worked hard."

Seeing Li Yan enter, Ming Shanzi smiled and nodded.

"Feng Feng Shixiong's brilliant plan."

Li Yan flattered him, then looked at the maid Lanzhu kneeling on the ground and asked casually: "Have you found out clearly which family it is?"

Ming Shanzi shook his head: "She refuses to say."

The Fifth Prince Xiao Shen Jinghong, sitting above, also looked down and said coldly: "Lanzhu, you have been with me for many years; there must be some hidden reason for this. Speak up, and although you cannot remain in the Prince's mansion, I can spare your life."

As soon as these words were spoken, Li Yan was somewhat surprised.

People in the martial world claim to keep their word, but few can actually do it; more than half are lying, and they kill them anyway after they speak.

But Xiao Shen Jinghong is different.

People of the Divine Land have a characteristic.

The higher their position, the more particular they are about their character.

This has caused many people to be thieves and prostitutes in private, while appearing righteous and moral on the surface, and they cannot speak recklessly.

With so many people watching, he made this statement in public; if he went back on his word later, even if it were a strategy, it would be remembered by his subordinates.

Either this Xiao Shen Jinghong is not worth cultivating.

Or he is a person who cherishes old ties.

The maid Lanzhu trembled upon hearing this, then bent down and kowtowed heavily several times, her voice trembling: "Your Highness's great kindness, Lanzhu will repay you in the next life."

As soon as these words were spoken, Xiao Shen Jinghong's expression became even uglier.

Cao Yuanhuai gave a signal, pushed the peddler to the front hall, kicked him to the ground, and said coldly: "If you don't speak, there are plenty of people who will."

After saying that, he drew his long sword and held it against the peddler's neck.

But this peddler was not afraid at all; instead, he revealed a crazed smile, thrust his neck forward, and prepared to commit suicide.

Cao Yuanhuai was startled and hurriedly withdrew his sword.

Fortunately, his reaction was fast, otherwise the peddler's life would have been lost.

Li Yan pondered for a moment, turned his head to look at Lu San, and said: "San'er, let Chuyi try."

Lu San nodded, then blew a whistle.

Swish!

The little white fox Chuyi, who had been following behind him, immediately darted out and circled twice before coming to the side of the maid.

A pair of bright fox eyes stared fixedly at the other party.

The maid Lanzhu looked up and felt that those fox eyes were so attractive; not only that, but the large tail behind her was also swinging rhythmically.

In just an instant, Lanzhu felt her brain become somewhat muddled, and her eyes gradually became dazed.

Seeing this, Li Yan praised her secretly.

This little white fox Chuyi is not as simple as she looks; she possesses an ancient bloodline and was entrusted to him by the leader of the demons in the mountains outside Shangjin City.

As she grows older, she has already been able to help with quite a few things.

For example, when Lu San's supernatural powers were broken before, the little white fox Chuyi became his other eye, leading Sha Lifei and the others to break through the encirclement.

But what is even more formidable is her soul-bewitching technique.

Foxes seem to be naturally skilled in this technique.

Although she cannot deal with sorcerers, it is easy to bewitch ordinary people and make them speak the truth.

Seeing that the other party had been bewitched, Li Yan asked:

"What is your name?"

"Lanzhu."

"How old are you?"

"Twenty-three..."

"Where do you live?"

"Fifth Prince's mansion..."

Hearing Li Yan's questioning, Ming Shanzi and Xiao Shen Jinghong were somewhat strange as to why he was asking these things they already knew.

What they didn't know was that this was Li Yan's experience from his previous life—using small things as a breakthrough point to make the other party lower their guard.

If he asked directly, the other party would resist with a firm will, and they might wake up and break the spell.

At any time, one must not underestimate the perseverance of ordinary people.

Finally, after asking a bunch of nonsense, Li Yan suddenly asked: "What is your other identity?"

Lanzhu was silent for a moment; although she was dazed, her eyes struggled, but she couldn't resist the soul-bewitching technique and said: "Dragon Worship Sect, Incense-Holding Maiden."

Dragon Worship Sect?!

Li Yan was thoughtful and asked again: "When did you join the Dragon Worship Sect, and who instigated you?"

Seemingly because her psychological defense had been broken, Lanzhu didn't resist this time and said with dazed eyes: "Ten years ago."

"My parents lived in Xibei Village; they received the Prince's mansion's favor and returned to their hometown to visit relatives. At that time, there was a flood in the village, and a Daoist appeared, telling us to worship the Great Lord Jiang Shen; the flood receded immediately, and since then, I have joined the sect..."

"This time, I was ordered by the sect to be a mole..."

"Who instigated you?"

"I don't know; I just received the order yesterday."

"Yesterday? Wasn't the gold and silver shop case the work of the Dragon Worship Sect?"

"It has nothing to do with us..."

After some questioning, the group looked at each other in dismay.

"Take her away!"

Xiao Shen Jinghong ordered her to be dragged away, then asked in confusion: "I have also heard of the Dragon Worship Sect; we have no grudges against them, so why is this?"

"Naturally, someone instigated them."

Li Yan said in a deep voice: "It seems that there is more than one family eyeing the Prince; we must be careful."

As he spoke, he turned his head to look at Ming Shanzi.

Ming Shanzi's previous secret letter mentioned the possibility of the Dragon Worship Sect causing trouble, and because Li Yan had fought with them before, he handed this matter over to him.

Li Yan was just about to find the reincarnation of the Great Lord Jiang Shen, so he naturally agreed.

Now it seems that the murder case at the gold and silver shop was the work of someone else.

Ming Shanzi also stroked his beard and pondered: "Since that is the case, I will ask Li Li Shaoxia to continue the investigation, and I will be responsible for ferreting out the person behind the Dragon Worship Sect."

"Very well."

Li Yan didn't waste words, and after giving instructions to the group, he strode out of the Prince's mansion again.

This time, it was a true investigation.

He directly activated the "Dragon-Snake Tablet" to conceal his entire body's energy, stuck a beard on his mouth, and even changed into a black cloak, disguising himself as an ordinary martial arts swordsman, merging into the crowd, and disappearing.

Leaving from the south of the city, Li Yan arrived at the east of the city.

This place is even more lively and is also a place where all kinds of people gather.

Ming Shanzi mentioned a clue, and it was right here...

(End of chapter)