Chapter 688

"How did he die?!"

Pei Zongti's face was livid, and his voice became cold.

He knew some things: there were traitors within the Mystic Sects.

The Emperor ordered an investigation into Zhao Changsheng and even established a separate team, precisely to guard against this matter.

He was also one of the leaders, and many of the elites were personally selected by him.

Now that they had finally caught a key witness, only to have him silenced in the Mystic Xuan Xuan Jisi dungeon, it would be a laughingstock if word got out.

The guarding Daoist heard this and knew what Pei Zongti was thinking. Cold sweat broke out on his forehead, and he hurriedly cupped his hands and said, "My lord, please calm your anger. We did not dare to violate the rules. There were three people present at every moment, and there were physicians attending to him at all times..."

"Enough!"

Pei Zongti said in a deep voice, "Just tell me how the person died!"

"This..."

The Daoists looked at each other, one of them with a bitter face. "Reporting to my lord, we... do not know. We had just used soul-bewitching arts to make this wretch speak, but he had only said half a sentence when his head suddenly exploded. We do not know what means the other party used."

"It was gunpowder."

Pei Zongti was about to get angry when Li Yan, who was beside him, suddenly spoke up.

He pinched a Yang seal and sniffed. "It's very subtle, but it is indeed a new type of gunpowder."

"Impossible!"

A Daoist beside him hurriedly spoke up. "The walls of this dungeon are all cast with iron sand, and besides, we didn't hear any gunfire."

"I didn't say there was gunfire."

Li Yan shook his head and squatted beside the corpse. "This clearly exploded from inside the brain."

Luo Mingzi's face was full of disbelief. "If it's true, how did the other party do it?"

This matter was simply beyond their imagination.

Li Yan also frowned, feeling it was somewhat mysterious.

If it were in his past life, he would definitely think someone had buried explosives in Yu Wenhai's brain and detonated them remotely.

But there was no such surgical level here, let alone any radio.

What kind of means was used for this?

He really couldn't think of it, so he turned around and said, "May I ask my companions to come over? They might be able to guess."

Although Pei Zongti was noncommittal, he still ordered, "Go and invite them quickly."

Sha Lifei and the others were arranged in an inn near the Mystic Xuan Xuan Jisi office, and they soon arrived at the dungeon.

"It must have been some kind of mechanism!"

After carefully examining it, Sha Lifei said with certainty, "New-style gunpowder is far more stable than black powder and requires an open flame to ignite. If it were placed in the brain, there must be an ignition mechanism, but as you all said, with no outsiders involved, even I, Old Sha, can't think of how it was triggered."

"Perhaps, it was a Gu insect..."

Just at this moment, Long Yan'er, who was beside them, suddenly spoke up.

"A Gu insect?"

One of the Daoists frowned and shook his head. "Impossible, we checked everything thoroughly before he entered the dungeon."

Long Yan'er gave a faint glance. "That's because you haven't seen exquisite Gu arts."

After saying this, she stretched out her palm, and a strange-looking zither-insect immediately crawled out, flapping its wings and flying up and down. It then burrowed into the wound on Yu Wenhai's head, flew out shortly after, and emitted a loud insect chirping sound.

"It is indeed a Gu insect."

Long Yan'er nodded, stepped forward, pulled open the clothes on Yu Wenhai's back, pinched a seal, and pressed down hard.

Instantly, dense bloodstains appeared on Yu Wenhai's back, vaguely forming the shape of moth wings.

"Sure enough, it's a Child-Mother Ling."

Long Yan'er said in a deep voice, "This insect is rare. Its egg sheath is sturdy and can sink deep into a mud pool, where it can sleep for decades. The mother insect is large and the male is small. The egg sheath combines yin and yang, and once it breaks, they will mate and lay eggs again."

"The Gu Sect has a secret technique to refine it, make people swallow it, and set a restriction. Once the oath is broken, the Gu insect will wake up. The egg sheath only overflows with yin baleful qi when it breaks, which is precisely why you didn't discover it."

Sha Lifei also suddenly realized. "One releases phosphorus fire, the other releases gunpowder, and it detonates. What a brilliant method!"

The crowd listened, dumbfounded, not expecting such clever Gu arts to exist.

Seeing that they had solved the mystery, Pei Zongti no longer dared to underestimate them and asked sternly, "Can the young lady find the person who planted the Gu?"

"Difficult."

Long Yan'er shook her head. "This Gu must have been placed for a long time, and it was triggered by a restriction, so there are no clues."

Li Yan looked at the corpse on the ground and said in a deep voice, "My lord, they abandoned the Flat Peach Assembly; they must have a bigger plot."

"Now, only one clue remains!"

What he was referring to was naturally the "Nine Gates Yin Ruins."

As long as they found the Night-Roaming God infected by demonic qi, with so many Mystic Sect experts in the capital, there were plenty of ways to track it.

Moreover, he had also accepted a Netherworld mission and had to capture the demonic qi.

"This matter cannot be handled recklessly."

Pei Zongti sighed. "I will enter the palace now and report to the Emperor."

As he spoke, he looked at Luo Mingzi again. "Daoist Luo, those demon people have not yet left, and the inn outside is not very safe. I have already sent word; you should take Young Hero Li and the others to the 'Rouyuan Post' to settle down. It is quieter there and safer."

"Many thanks, my lord."

Although Li Yan had the heart to persuade him, looking at Pei Zongti's appearance, this matter was indeed difficult to handle.

Coupled with the fact that everyone had been busy all night, they could only settle down first.

"This 'Rouyuan Post' was originally a hostel for receiving envoys from Gao Li, Siam, and Ryukyu."

Arriving at the west side outside Zhengyang Gate, Luo Mingzi introduced it as they walked.

Li Yan asked suspiciously, "A post house for receiving envoys, I'm afraid it's not convenient..."

He wasn't being reserved, but rather didn't want to live with outsiders.

"Brother Li, you don't know."

Luo Mingzi replied, "The Japanese Kingdom invaded Gao Li, and it's quite lively over there. Because the Gao Li envoy made wild remarks in the capital some years ago, it displeased His Majesty, who drove them out of the capital. Coupled with the previous preparations for the war in the southwest, their requests for aid were also ignored."

"Because of the war between the two countries, the sea is not peaceful, and the Ryukyu envoy hasn't come this year either. As for Siam, they haven't sent envoys since last year, so the post house has been empty for a long time. Lord Pei is the Vice Minister of Rites, so just stay there."

Wang Daoxuan stroked his beard and said, "The vassal states don't come, does the imperial court not care?"

Luo Mingzi shook his head. "With this big mess of things now, where is there time to care about others? Besides, our Great Xuan doesn't value this."

Li Yan understood his meaning very clearly.

The Emperor of the previous dynasty loved to show off and liked to stage scenes of "ten thousand nations coming to court," where vassal states would offer tribute, and he would often return it tenfold or even dozens of times over.

Ten thousand nations coming to court was fine, but the problem was that the previous Great Daxing Dynasty was in a standoff with the Golden Tent Wolf Kingdom across the river, and there were constant wars of varying sizes for a hundred years. The national treasury was already empty, and since most of the military forces were deployed along the Yangtze River, they had long since lost control over the vassal states.

The small border countries feared power but did not cherish virtue. Seeing that Daxing was weak, they couldn't be bothered to pay attention, and some didn't even come to pay tribute.

The envoys who ran to the capital were all impersonated by merchants from those small countries, using tribute to seek profit.

What was even more hateful was that those small countries also condoned this matter. When the Daxing Dynasty sent people to verify, they all claimed they were their own envoys.

At that time, the founding Emperor of Great Xuan, Chancellor Xiao Chengyou Chengyou, was a frontline marshal. Because the soldiers lacked clothes and food, he returned to ask for money. Who knew that not only did he not get the money, but he also saw Gao Li merchants privately mocking them at a palace banquet. He was furious and beat them up.

The Daxing Emperor lost face and immediately ordered Chancellor Xiao Chengyou Chengyou to be dragged down and beaten at court.

That was the fifteenth day of the first lunar month. Chancellor Xiao Chengyou Chengyou had worked hard on the front lines, but he didn't expect to suffer such humiliation, and from then on, he harbored thoughts of rebellion.

Therefore, since the founding of the Great Xuan Dynasty, they have never had a good face for any vassal state envoys.

And this matter has also become political correctness in the imperial court.

If anyone said they should have the demeanor of a superior nation, someone would surely use the previous dynasty as an example to mock them wantonly.

Just like the shelling of the Tianjin wharf this time, the imperial court captured the foreign merchants without any hesitation.

On the streets of the capital, there used to be many Western Region merchants leading camels, but now they don't dare to show their faces at will. One of the achievements of the current Emperor, Xiao Qixuan, is that he fought north and south, so that no one around dared to harass them.

In short, the relationship between Great Xuan and the surrounding small countries has never been good.

It was only because they wanted to open the sea for trade and business that their attitude eased slightly.

Of course, Li Yan couldn't be bothered to ask about such things, nor did he have the heart to pay attention.

Soon, they arrived at the "Rouyuan Post."

This was a three-courtyard complex, built strictly according to the regulations of the "Great Xuan Collected Statutes."

People were already waiting outside, welcoming everyone into the hostel.

Pushing open the black-lacquered main gate with beast-head rings, they were greeted by a "High Mountains and Flowing Water" screen wall, with the base carved from bluestone with intertwined lotus patterns.

Bypassing the screen wall, there were twelve side rooms on both sides of the front courtyard, with window lattices all using "Ya"-shaped patterns, pasted with snow-white mulberry paper contributed by Gao Li.

In the middle courtyard, a Bodhi tree transplanted from Jiaozhi was planted, and the stone table under the tree was actually a whole piece of "Dragon Brain Stone" presented by the Kingdom of Boni.

This thing could exude a cool pine fragrance when the summer heat steamed, refreshing the mind.

"This place is appropriate."

Luo Mingzi stroked the enamel chiming clock displayed in the hall. "The Rouyuan Post is directly allocated supplies by the Court of State Ceremonial, and the accounts go through the inner treasury, so even the Commandant's Office cannot trace it."

He pointed to the eaves of the east wing room again and said in a low voice, "There is a 'Dragon Prohibition' iron plaque hidden there, which was set up in the past to guard against Oirat spies. It can isolate the divine sense detection of cultivators. Just know it; don't break it."

After all, it was a post house of the Ministry of Rites, representing the face of the imperial court, so the furnishings were very exquisite.

"This place is not bad..."

Sha Lifei turned around a few times, touching the rosewood frame bed in the guest room and exclaiming in wonder: "Good heavens, is this bed curtain made of gold gauze?"

"My lord, this is Siamese gold thread gauze."

The postmaster of the hostel smiled apologetically. "The things in the Rouyuan Post are all brought by various countries."

As he spoke, he lifted the curtain, and everyone realized that there was a layer of silk as thin as cicada wings sewn into the lining.

"This is ice silk brought by the Lingnan chieftains. It can avoid mosquitoes and insects in summer and can condense the warmth of charcoal fire on winter nights."

"Good heavens..."

Everyone could be considered knowledgeable, but in folk merchant associations and inns, who would be willing to use this kind of thing? They all exclaimed in wonder.

Luo Mingzi blinked and smiled. "This is my first time here too. It seems Lord Pei values you all very much."

"Thank Lord Pei for me."

Li Yan nodded and said sternly, "But that place is the real business. Daoist, remember to remind me."

"Rest assured."

Luo Mingzi understood and then said, "There are still many loose ends regarding the Prince of Ying's mansion. I need to take people to carefully examine the files; perhaps we can find clues. We still need Mr. Kong's help..."

After saying this, he looked at Kong Shangzhao beside him.

"Ah?"

Compared to the Commandant's Office, Kong Shangzhao preferred to stay with Li Yan and the others.

But Luo Mingzi said he would support his family, so he couldn't refuse and had to follow him away.

After the two left, Sha Lifei said happily, "Hey, this silly scholar is afraid he's going to settle down in the capital."

Li Yan shook his head and didn't speak.

Kong Shangzhao's aptitude and ability were there for all to see, and anyone could see Luo Mingzi's intention to win him over.

To be honest, Li Yan was also a bit tempted; after all, this scholar's ability to analyze intelligence was extraordinary.

But he also knew that the Commandant's Office was his best choice.

They didn't have the ability to influence the Kong family and provide him with protection.

After putting away their luggage, the postmaster Tian Lu immediately ordered people to prepare a banquet.

This postmaster's surname was Yuan, named Lu, a minor official born and raised in the capital. Knowing that Li Yan and the others were favored by Vice Minister Pei Zongti, he naturally had to treat them carefully, and the banquet he prepared was exceptionally sumptuous.

The main dishes were roasted venison, steamed shad, roasted mutton, and eight-treasure duck. The soups included bird's nest soup and three-fresh soup.

As for the snacks, they were even more sumptuous. A dish of pine nut goose oil rolls made everyone's mouths oily.

Li Yan looked at the people at the table. Besides the Twelve Yuan Chen, there were also Zhao Zhao Lu Zi and his wife.

He raised his glass and said in a deep voice, "Brother Zhao Zhao Lu Zi is not an outsider, so I'll just say it straight."

"You have seen the situation in the capital. Although it is prosperous, there are many restrictions. We are a team of wandering immortals, and we are at odds with Jianmu, but everyone gathering together is not just to enjoy this wealth and prosperity."

"Coming to the capital this time, we are doing two things."

"First, pull out Jianmu's nails in the capital. It's not just for personal grudges, but also for the fortune of this Divine Land. It is our duty."

"Second is the Qiankun Academy. This place is very important. With the help of the imperial court's power, it will also be beneficial to everyone's cultivation. After eliminating the demon people, stay alert and see what opportunities there are. Everyone should try their best to strive for them."

"Brother Zhao Zhao Lu Zi, I will find a way later to squeeze you and your wife into the Qiankun Academy as instructors. With Brother Yan's care, it won't be difficult for you to gain a foothold in the capital, but as you have seen, our enemies are all cruel people. You must be careful in the capital from now on..."

"Yes."

Zhao Zhao Lu Zi was full of gratitude, but didn't know what to say.

It was Feng Feiyan who was quick-witted, pulling Zhao Zhao Lu Zi up. "We toast everyone three cups!"

After saying this, she poured the wine cleanly and drank three cups in a row.

Seeing this, Li Yan nodded inwardly.

He had originally been somewhat wary of Feng Feiyan, but along the way, he discovered that the two of them had true feelings, and Feng Feiyan was good at observing people's expressions and handling things well. With her help, Li Yan felt at ease about Zhao Zhao Lu Zi being at the Qiankun Academy.

With a banquet, everyone had set the plan for the capital.

Before the banquet was cleared away, the postmaster Tian Lu ran over hurriedly. "Mr. Li, someone outside is asking to see you."

Li Yan was about to ask, but he sniffed and a smile immediately appeared on his face.

"Hahaha..."

He strode out, and before he reached the door, he laughed: "Brother Yan, long time no see!"

A person stood outside the door, dressed in plain clothes, wearing official boots, with handsome features and a refined demeanor.

It was Yan Jiuling.

"Hahaha."

Yan Jiuling also strode forward, cupping his hands and laughing: "Since we parted at the foot of Mount Hua, I never thought that when we met again today, you would be someone known throughout the world."

Li Yan laughed. "Worthy of being a top scholar, you really know how to talk."

The relationship between the two of them naturally went without saying.

At the foot of Mount Hua, Yan Jiuling flew to the rescue, single-handedly scaring off the army, disregarding life and death.

Li Yan heard that the Yan family was in trouble and traveled thousands of miles to support them.

They appreciated each other; it would be no exaggeration to say they were bosom friends.

"Brother Li, Brother Li, there's me too!"

Beside Yan Jiuling, a fat man in brocade clothes hurriedly cupped his hands.

It was the fat young master of the Lin family from Jiangzhe, whom he had seen on Mount Qinglong, the treasure-seeker with strong curiosity.

Li Yan was a bit strange; how did these two get together?

But the doorway was obviously not the place to talk, so he raised his hand and said: "Go, go, let's go inside and talk..."

After saying this, he took the two of them into the "Rouyuan Post."

At the same time, on a street in the distance, a fortune-telling yin-yang master also packed up his stall, stood up slowly, glanced at the post house, and walked outside the street holding a long banner reading "Fortune and Misfortune."

"Divining eight characters, measuring the passing years, one sign determines the turning of the universe, half a remnant hexagram asks about fortune and misfortune!"

(End of chapter)