Chapter 691: Old Friends of the Capital

"How did he die?!"

Pei Zongti's face turned ashen, his voice growing icy.

He knew something: there was a traitor within the Xuanmen.

The Emperor ordered an investigation into Zhao Changsheng, even forming a separate unit specifically to prevent this.

He was one of the lead organizers, and many of the elite were personally selected by him.

Now that they'd finally caught a key witness, only for him to be silenced in the Xuan Jisi prison, word of it would make the whole world laugh.

The Daoist guard heard this and immediately understood what Pei Zongti was thinking; sweat broke out on his forehead as he hastily bowed: "My lord, please calm down—we dare not violate the rules; there are always three of us present at all times, and a physician attends him constantly…"

"Enough!"

Pei Zongti growled: "Just tell me how he died!"

"This…"

The Daoists exchanged glances; one of them wore a bitter expression: "My lord, we… don't know. We just used the Soul-Confusing Spell to force him to speak, but as soon as he uttered half a sentence, his skull suddenly exploded—we have no idea what method they used."

"It was gunpowder."

As Pei Zongti was about to rage, Li Yan suddenly spoke up.

He formed the Yang Seal, sniffed the air, and said: "Faint, but unmistakably new-style gunpowder."

"Impossible!"

Another Daoist quickly interjected: "The prison walls are cast with iron sand, and we didn't hear any gunshot."

"I never said it was a gunshot."

Li Yan shook his head, crouching beside the corpse: "This clearly exploded from within the brain."

Luo Mingzi's face was filled with disbelief: "If true, how could they have done it?"

This matter was beyond their wildest imagination.

Li Yan also frowned deeply, sensing something uncanny.

In his past life, he'd have assumed someone had planted explosives inside Yu Wenhai's brain and detonated them remotely.

But here, there's no surgical skill like that, nor any radio technology.

What method could they have used?

He couldn't figure it out, so he turned and said: "Could I ask my companions to come? They might guess the truth."

Pei Zongti said nothing, but gave the order: "Go fetch them quickly."

Sha Lifei and the others were lodged in a nearby inn near the Xuan Jisi, and they arrived soon after.

"It must have been some kind of mechanism!"

After careful inspection, Sha Lifei declared confidently: "New-style gunpowder is far more stable than black powder—it requires an open flame to ignite. If it was inside the brain, there must've been a fire-trigger mechanism. But as you said, no outsider touched him—I can't imagine how it was activated."

"Perhaps… it was a spirit worm…"

At that moment, Long Yanner suddenly spoke up.

"A spirit worm?"

One of the Daoists frowned and shook his head: "Impossible—we checked them thoroughly before they entered the prison."

Long Yanner gave him a cool glance: "You've simply never seen refined spirit worm arts."

With that, she extended her palm; the strange-looking Qin Chong immediately emerged, flapping its wings and darting about before slipping into the wound on Yu Wenhai's head, then flying out again, emitting a loud insect cry.

"It's definitely a spirit worm."

Long Yanner nodded, stepped forward, tore open the back of Yu Wenhai's robe, and pressed her fingers firmly onto his spine.

Instantly, dense blood marks appeared on his back, faintly forming the shape of a moth's wing.

"Indeed—it's the Zimu Ling."

Long Yanner said gravely: "This insect is rare. Its egg case is extremely hard, sinks deep into mud, and can remain dormant for decades. The mother is large, the male small; the egg case unites yin and yang. Once hatched, they immediately mate and lay more eggs."

"The Gu Sect has a secret technique: they cultivate it, force the victim to ingest it, and impose a taboo seal. Once the oath is broken, the spirit worm awakens. Only when the egg case cracks does it release yin-evil qi—that's why you didn't detect it."

Sha Lifei suddenly understood: "One releases phosphorus fire, the other gunpowder—when triggered, they explode. What an ingenious method!"

Everyone stared in stunned silence, never imagining such a clever spirit worm art existed.

Seeing the mystery solved, Pei Zongti no longer dared underestimate her; he asked seriously: "Miss, can you find the one who planted the spirit worm?"

"Difficult."

Long Yanner shook her head: "This spirit worm was implanted long ago, activated by a taboo seal—there are no traces to follow."

Li Yan looked at the corpse on the ground and said gravely: "My lord, they abandoned the Peach Banquet—they must have a greater scheme."

"Now, there's only one lead left!"

He meant, of course, the "Nine Gates Yin Xu."

As long as they found the Night Walker tainted by demonic qi, with so many Xuanmen experts in the capital, they'd have countless ways to track it.

Moreover, he'd accepted a task from the Yin Si—he must capture the demonic qi.

"This cannot be handled lightly."

Pei Zongti sighed: "I'll go to the palace and report to His Majesty."

He turned to Luo Mingzi: "Daoist Luo, those demons haven't left yet, and the inns outside aren't safe. I've already arranged it—you'll take Li Shaoxia and the others to the 'Rouyuan Yi.' It's quieter and far safer."

"Thank you, my lord."

Li Yan wanted to urge him further, but seeing Pei Zongti's expression, he knew this matter was truly delicate.

Besides, everyone had been working all night—they could only settle in for now.

……

"This 'Rouyuan Yi' was originally built to host envoys from Korea, Siam, and Ryukyu."

Arriving west of Zhengyang Gate, Luo Mingzi explained as they walked.

Li Yan frowned: "An inn for foreign envoys? That seems inconvenient…"

He wasn't being timid—he simply didn't want to share quarters with outsiders.

"Li Brother, you don't understand," Luo Mingzi replied.

"Japan is invading Korea—the war is raging. The Korean envoys insulted the Emperor here a few years ago, so he expelled them from the capital. And since we were preparing for war in the southwest, we ignored their pleas for aid."

"Because of the war, the seas are unstable; the Ryukyu envoys haven't come this year either. As for Siam, they haven't sent any envoys since last year. So the Yi has been empty for a long time. Director Pei is Vice Minister of Rites—he can let you stay here without issue."

Wang Daoxuan stroked his beard: "If vassal states don't come, doesn't the court care?"

Luo Mingzi shook his head: "With all the chaos now, who has time to care about others? Besides, our Great Xuan doesn't value this."

His meaning was clear to Li Yan.

The previous dynasty's Da Xing Emperor loved grandeur, obsessed with the spectacle of "ten thousand nations paying tribute." Vassal states' tributes were often repaid tenfold—or even dozens of times over.

The "ten thousand nations paying tribute" wasn't wrong—but Da Xing was locked in a century-long standoff across the river with the Golden Yurt Khanate, constantly at war. The treasury was empty, and most troops were stationed along the Yangtze, losing all control over the vassal states.

Border nations feared their power but didn't respect their virtue. Seeing Da Xing weaken, they stopped caring entirely—even stopped sending tribute.

The envoys who came to the capital were merely merchants from those small states, pretending to be envoys to profit from tribute trade.

Worse still, those nations themselves encouraged it. When Da Xing sent inspectors to verify, they all claimed the impostors were their own envoys.

At the time, the founding Emperor of Great Xuan, Xiao Chengyou, was a frontline general. His soldiers returned from the front lacking clothes and food, begging for funds—but instead of receiving aid, he witnessed Korean merchants privately mocking him at a court banquet, and flew into a rage, beating them.

The Da Xing Emperor lost face and ordered Xiao Chengyou dragged out and beaten with the imperial cane.

It was the fifteenth day of the first month—Xiao Chengyou had earned great merit on the battlefield, yet suffered this humiliation. From then on, he developed rebellious intentions.

Thus, since its founding, the Great Xuan has held no respect for vassal state envoys.

This matter also became political orthodoxy in court.

Whoever spoke of "imperial dignity" would be mocked relentlessly with examples from the previous dynasty.

Just like when the Jinmen docks were shelled—the court arrested foreign merchants without mercy.

Once, the capital's streets teemed with Central Asian merchants leading camels; now, none dare show themselves. Emperor Xiao Qixuan's achievements include southern campaigns and northern expeditions, leaving all surrounding nations too afraid to harass us.

In short, Great Xuan's relations with neighboring states have never been good.

Only because they needed to open the seas for trade did their attitude soften slightly.

Of course, Li Yan had no interest in such matters and didn't care to ask.

Soon, they arrived at the "Rouyuan Yi."

It was a three-court compound, strictly built according to the "Great Xuan Code."

Outside, attendants waited to greet them and usher them into the Yi.

Pushing open the black-lacquered gate with its bronze beast-head door rings, they faced a "High Mountains and Flowing Water" screen, its base carved with coiling lotus patterns in green stone.

Around the screen, the front courtyard's side halls held twelve rooms, their window lattices shaped in "Ya" patterns, covered with pure white mulberry paper from Korea.

In the central courtyard stood a bodhi tree transplanted from Jiaozhi; beneath it, a stone table was carved from a single block of "Dragon Brain Stone" gifted by Boni.

This stone, when heated by summer sun, exuded a cool pine fragrance, refreshing the mind.

"This place is suitable."

Luo Mingzi brushed his hand over the enamel self-striking clock in the hall: "The Rouyuan Yi's supplies are directly allocated by the Honglu Temple, funded from the imperial treasury—no one, not even the Commandant's Office, can trace the accounts."

He pointed to the eastern wing's eave corner and whispered: "There's a 'Dragon Prohibition' iron plaque hidden there—installed long ago to block demonic cultivators' spiritual senses. Know it's there, but don't damage it."

As a Rites Ministry Yi, representing the court's dignity, its furnishings were exquisite.

"This place is amazing…"

Sha Lifei wandered around, marveling at the purple sandalwood bed in the guest room: "Good heavens—is this canopy made of gold gauze?"

"My lord, this is Siam gold-thread gauze."

The Yi's steward smiled: "Everything in the Rouyuan Yi was brought by foreign nations."

As he spoke, he lifted the canopy—only then did they notice the inner lining was stitched with silk as thin as a cicada's wing.

"This is ice silkworm silk brought by the Lingnan tribal chieftain—it keeps out mosquitoes in summer and traps the warmth of charcoal fires on winter nights."

"Strange…"

Though the group had seen much, no merchant inn would ever use such a thing—they all murmured in amazement.

Luo Mingzi blinked and smiled: "This is my first time here. It seems Commissioner Pei holds you in high regard."

"Thank Commissioner Pei on my behalf."

Li Yan nodded solemnly: "But that place is the real matter—Master, remember to remind them."

"Rest assured."

Luo Mingzi understood, then added: "The matter of the Ying Prince's household still has many loose ends—I must take men to carefully examine the archives; perhaps we'll find clues. I'll need Master Kong's help…"

He then turned to Kong Shangzhao beside him.

"Huh?"

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

But Luo Mingzi had promised to back him—he couldn't refuse, so he followed along.

After they left, Sha Lifei chuckled: "Heh, that foolish scholar's probably settling down in the capital."

Li Yan shook his head, saying nothing.

Kong Shangzhao's talent and ability were obvious to all—Luo Mingzi's intent to win him over was clear.

To be honest, Li Yan was tempted too; after all, this scholar's skill in analyzing intelligence was extraordinary.

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

They had no power to influence the Kong family or offer him protection.

After stowing their luggage, the station master immediately ordered a banquet prepared.

The station master's surname was Yuan, his given name Lu—he was a native petty official of the capital, well aware that Li Yan and the others had caught the attention of Vice Minister Pei Zongti, so he treated them with great care, arranging an exceptionally lavish feast.

The main dishes were roasted venison, steamed shi fish, grilled lamb, and eight-treasure duck; the soups were bird's nest soup and three-delicacy broth.

As for desserts, they were even more sumptuous—one dish of pine nut and goose fat rolls left everyone's mouths greasy.

Li Yan glanced at those at the table: besides the Twelve Yuan Chen and a few others, there were also Zhao Lüzi and his wife.

He raised his cup and spoke gravely: "Zhao Lüzi isn't a stranger—I'll speak plainly."

"You've seen the capital's situation—it's prosperous, but tightly controlled. We're a band of wandering immortals, utterly opposed to the Jianmu. Yet we've gathered not merely for wealth and luxury."

"This time in the capital, we have two goals."

"First: uproot Jianmu's agents in the capital—not just for personal grudges, but for the fate of Shenzhou, it's our duty."

"Second: the Qiankun Academy. This place is vital; leveraging the court's power will aid everyone's cultivation. After eliminating the demons, stay alert—look for opportunities, and all of you should strive to seize them."

"Zhao Lüzi, I'll find a way to get you and your wife hired as instructors at the Qiankun Academy. With Elder Yan watching over you, settling in the capital won't be hard. But you've seen—our enemies are ruthless. You must be careful from now on…"

"Mm."

Zhao Lüzi's face brimmed with gratitude, but he didn't know what to say.

Feng Feiyan, quick-witted, pulled Zhao Lüzi to his feet: "Let's toast our hosts three times!"

Without delay, she poured wine and drained three cups in quick succession.

Li Yan watched and nodded inwardly.

He had once been wary of Feng Feiyan, but along the journey, he saw their genuine affection—and she was perceptive, skilled in speech and action. With her help, Li Yan felt confident Zhao Lüzi would be safe at the Qiankun Academy.

The banquet concluded with the group firmly set on their plan for the capital.

Before the feast could be cleared, Station Master Tian Lu rushed in: "Master Li, someone outside wishes to see you."

Li Yan was about to ask, but he sniffed the air and immediately smiled.

"Hahaha…"

He strode out, and before reaching the door, called out: "Elder Yan! Long time no see!"

Outside stood a man in civilian attire, wearing official boots, with handsome features and a refined bearing.

It was Yan Jiuling.

"Hahaha."

Yan Jiuling stepped forward with equal grandeur, bowing and smiling: "Since our parting beneath Huashan, I never imagined we'd meet again—now everyone in the realm knows your name."

Li Yan laughed: "No wonder you're the top scholar—you know how to flatter."

Their bond, of course, needed no words.

At the foot of Huashan, Yan Jiuling had ridden alone to their aid, single-handedly driving off an army, disregarding life and death.

Li Yan, upon hearing of the Yan family's plight, had traveled a thousand li to lend support.

Mutual admiration—calling them bosom friends wasn't an exaggeration.

"Master Li, Master Li! What about me?"

Beside Yan Jiuling, a brocade-clad fat man hurriedly bowed.

It was the wealthy young master of the Lin family from Jiangzhe, whom Li Yan had met on Qinglong Mountain—a curious treasure-seeker.

Li Yan was puzzled—how had these two ended up together?

But the doorway wasn't the place to talk—he gestured: "Come in, let's talk inside…"

He led the two into "Rouyuan Inn."

Meanwhile, down the distant street, a yinyang fortune-teller packed up his stall, rose slowly, glanced at the inn, then walked away, carrying a long banner reading "Fortune and Misfortune."

"Read the Eight Characters, forecast the years—once the sign falls, heaven and earth turn; half a broken divination reveals fortune or doom!"

(End of Chapter)