Chapter 698

Before dawn, the Hall of Mental Cultivation was already brightly lit.

"Bastard!"

With a roar, the green jade paperweight on the imperial desk was swept to the ground and smashed to pieces.

Emperor Xiao Qixuan looked at the people below, his voice like cold ice. "You mean to say, my dragon vein forbidden land has actually become a place where martial arts sorcerers can come and go as they please?!"

Pei Zongti, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites, the Prince of Shunyang, the Clan Order of the Imperial Clan Court, and Jiao Wanbao, the Grand General of the Embroidered Uniform Guard...

All three were dignitaries in the capital, but at this moment, they didn't even dare to breathe loudly.

The Prince of Shunyang, the Clan Head of the Imperial Clan Court, felt even more aggrieved in his heart at this moment.

The Great Xuan Imperial Clan Court was headed by five princes, all of whom were Rank 1.

The Left Clan Head and Right Clan Head were in charge of the genealogy and punishment of the clan, the etiquette of royal weddings and funerals, and daily affairs such as salaries.

The Left Clan Official and Right Clan Official were mainly responsible for royal sacrifices, including royal sorcerers and dragon vein maintenance.

As for him, the Clan Order, he oversaw all affairs.

On weekdays, these things were handled by others, and he mostly oversaw the overall situation.

Just now, he was called to the palace while still sleeping, and only learned about this on the way.

So although he was angry, he still helped to excuse them. "Your Majesty, please calm your anger. The movement of the earth vein was just an invasion of external evil. The Imperial Clan Court heard the news and rushed over, and has cleared all the monsters. There is no major problem at this time..."

"A good 'external evil'!"

Before the words fell, Emperor Xiao Qixuan was furious, scaring the Prince of Shunyang so much that he didn't dare to speak again.

Xiao Qixuan's eyes were gloomy. "The capital is a critical place, and it also involves the dragon vein. You are so negligent and careless, and your crimes are hard to escape."

"Notify them to let the Prince of Pingyang and the Prince of Luchuan resign from their clan positions themselves, be fined three years' salary, and stay in their mansions to reflect on their mistakes behind closed doors!"

The Prince of Shunyang had already calmed down at this time.

He was strange on the way here. Something happened in the "Jiumen Jiumen Jiumen Yin Xu," and outsiders didn't know at all. The people who went to deal with it also kept their mouths shut. The only flaw was that the Embroidered Uniform Guard didn't catch anyone, only finding a courtyard burned down by a big fire.

This matter could have been fooled, so why did the Emperor know earlier than him?

After hearing that the positions of the Prince of Pingyang and the Prince of Luchuan were stripped, he finally knew the reason.

Emperor Xiao Qixuan was taking the opportunity to make trouble.

The Imperial Clan Court managed royal affairs, and although it didn't participate in government affairs, its words carried weight.

The Emperor abolished the feudal lords some time ago, making many people dissatisfied.

Because the Emperor fainted while handling government affairs last year, they took the opportunity to remonstrate and set the matter of establishing the crown prince.

He knew Emperor Xiao Qixuan's temperament best; everything had to be under control.

The mistake of the Imperial Clan Court this time was just right for him to act.

Taking down the Left and Right Clan Officials would inevitably replace them with obedient royal family members.

His position as Clan Order was also completely isolated, and no one would listen to him anymore.

Although he knew the reason, things had come to this, and the Prince of Shunyang had to bitterly cup his hands. "Your subject, obeys the decree."

Xiao Qixuan glanced at him faintly and ignored him, instead piercing his gaze at Jiao Wanbao, the Grand General of the Embroidered Uniform Guard. "What did you find?"

Jiao Wanbao was his confidant and was trusted, so Xiao Qixuan's tone was much gentler.

"Back to Your Majesty."

Jiao Wanbao cupped his hands and said in a deep voice: "That courtyard was purchased by a sea merchant from Yuezhou. Because he was not in the capital all year round, he handed it over to an agent to rent it out. The person who rented it was experienced and did not show his face, but rented it through the agent again, leaving no traces."

"Trash!"

Xiao Qixuan said coldly: "The Peach Banquet demon party is making trouble, and the capital is in panic. What are you all doing?"

"Pass my decree, from today on, the capital will be under curfew until the demon party is caught!"

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

Jiao Wanbao hurriedly bent over and cupped his hands.

"You two go down, Pei Qing stay."

Xiao Qixuan ordered faintly, and the Prince of Shunyang and Jiao Wanbao hurriedly resigned.

After the two left, Xiao Qixuan looked at Pei Zongti. "Pei Qing, what do you think?"

Pei Zongti was silent for a moment. "Your Majesty, the matter is of great importance, your subject is not qualified..."

"Nonsense!"

Xiao Qixuan scolded directly: "You are in charge of the Mystic Sects of the world, if you have no responsibility, what use are you?"

"Your subject is derelict in his duty, please punish me, Your Majesty."

Pei Zongti hurriedly pleaded guilty, but did not state his own opinion.

He had been an official for many years, and if he could reach this position, how could he be a fool.

And this Emperor had a characteristic: scolding you meant nothing was wrong.

If he really wanted to punish you, he wouldn't even see you.

But he kept him, which meant this matter was also related to him.

Xiao Qixuan saw that he didn't speak, so he snorted and waved his hand.

An old eunuch next to him immediately opened his mouth: "Over at the Rouyuan Post, the Twelve Yuan Chen all left last night, using a Dharma technique to fool the postmaster."

The speaker had a hunched figure, white hair, cold eagle eyes, and a cinnabar mark between his eyebrows; it was Zhao Wujiu, the Seal-Holding Eunuch of the Ceremonial Secretariat.

When Pei Zongti heard this, cold sweat broke out on his forehead.

These lawless bastards!

Although he was cursing in his heart, he still said with a bitter face: "Your Majesty, your subject knows them, they should have no malice."

"Of course I know."

Xiao Qixuan said in a deep voice: "You entered the palace before to request an investigation into the Jiumen Jiumen Jiumen Yin Xu. When something happened there, I immediately guessed it was them!"

"Sure enough, they are people of the martial world, without any rules!"

Pei Zongti hurriedly followed up: "Your Majesty is right, these people of the martial world act improperly, your subject will definitely deal with them strictly."

"But Your Majesty, please listen to your subject's words. They are investigating Jianmu and have broken major cases one after another. They are truly worried about the destiny of the Shenzhou..."

"It's useless to say this nonsense!"

Xiao Qixuan said with a solemn face: "Ask them what they found and report back to me immediately."

"Obey the decree!"

Pei Zongti didn't dare to be slow and left the palace in a hurry.

Not long after, he brought Luo Mingzi and others to the Rouyuan Post.

Li Yan and his party had already returned, pretending to be fine and sleeping in the room.

"What are you pretending for? You've caused a huge disaster!"

Pei Zongti called everyone out directly, his face as black as the bottom of a pot.

Luo Mingzi kept winking, but Li Yan was the kind of person who played dumb with a look of confusion. "My lord, your subject doesn't understand what you are saying..."

"Cut the crap!"

Pei Zongti couldn't care about nonsense, and said with a solemn face: "This matter will be discussed later. What did you find in the Jiumen Jiumen Jiumen Yin Xu? Did Jianmu tamper with the dragon vein? Tell me quickly, the Emperor is still waiting in the palace."

Li Yan saw that he couldn't hide it, but still fooled him. "Your subject just had a dream..."

As he spoke, he recounted what he saw and heard in the "Jiumen Jiumen Jiumen Yin Xu."

"That Zhao Qingxu hiding inside is probably not just to hide the fierce god Wang Mu and demonic energy, but I don't know what means he used at all."

Pei Zongti was secretly shocked after hearing this and exhorted: "Remember to keep this matter secret. This official will return to the palace to report to the Emperor."

After walking a few steps, he turned around and said in a deep voice: "Things have come to this, no need to hide it. Those monsters have been alerted. You can investigate whatever clues you have. Daoist Luo, stay behind to cooperate. It concerns the destiny of the Shenzhou. If there are any problems, this official will take responsibility for you!"

After saying that, he turned and left in a hurry.

"This Master Pei actually has some responsibility..." Sha Lifei shook his head with a tsk. Luo Mingzi sighed. "You guys are bold enough. If there is any mistake, no one can protect you."

Li Yan sneered. "Then the Great Xuan Dynasty's mountains and rivers cannot be protected either!"

"I finally understand why Jianmu can grow step by step. With so many constraints in the court, what can be accomplished?"

Luo Mingzi said helplessly: "It has been like this since ancient times; it's not something you or I can decide."

"Let's not mention this matter first. What other clues do you have?"

Li Yan pondered for a moment. "There are indeed hidden dragons and crouching tigers in the capital."

"The method of entering the 'Jiumen Jiumen Jiumen Yin Xu' was told by an expert called 'Old Ghost in the Capital.' That person's identity is probably not simple."

"And I encountered the Rabbit Master inside, with 'Woolly Monkey' ghost soldiers guarding him. This is someone helping the Rabbit Master. Does the Daoist know any experts in the capital who are good at this?"

Luo Mingzi's eyes lit up. "I have guessed who you are talking about. Let's go now."

"There is one more thing."

Li Yan said in a deep voice: "I fought with Zhao Qingxu. The sorcery he used was strange and I have never seen it before. It was using money to control ghosts, using 'Jiaozi' as talismans, and it was written with 'Yizhou Jiaozi Office' and 'Maritime Trade Office.' If we clarify this matter, perhaps we can know the other party's background."

Luo Mingzi immediately turned his head and said to Kong Shangzhao who followed: "In the Mystic Sacrifice Division, the archives have records of the Mystic Sects left by past generations. This matter will trouble Mr. Kong."

"It is my duty."

Kong Shangzhao cupped his hands slightly, his eyes full of excitement.

He was willing to agree to Luo Mingzi's assistance, firstly because the other party could protect his family, and secondly because he took a fancy to the archives of the Mystic Sacrifice Division.

These things were secrets, and he didn't expect the opportunity to come so quickly.

After setting the plan, everyone acted separately.

Kong Shangzhao took several experts from the Law Enforcement Hall back to the Mystic Sacrifice Division to check the files.

As for Luo Mingzi, he took Li Yan and others toward the West City.

"That person is called Kuai Dayou, a descendant of Master Kuai Xiang."

Luo Mingzi introduced while walking.

"Descendant of Master Kuai?"

Everyone was interested after hearing this.

This Master Kuai Xiang was no ordinary person.

He came from a family of craftsmen, and his father, Kuai Fu, was the "Head of Woodworkers" in Jin Ling and a master of the Craftsman Sect.

And Master Kuai Xiang also learned the craft from a young age, proficient in the five crafts of wood, stone, lacquer, bamboo, and mud. He showed talent when he was young and could draw dragons with both hands simultaneously. The patterns were seamless, and he was also a geomancer and a master of the Mystic Sect.

If combat power was not counted, his status was not inferior to the top ten masters of the Shenzhou.

At the age of eighteen, he presided over the design of the Chengtian Gate, which was the Tiananmen of the previous life. He completed the model in only one month and completed the construction in three years, known as "Kuai Off Lu Ban."

When he was alive, he always served as the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Works, and the royal family conferred hereditary craftsman positions on his descendants.

The famous "Xiangshan Gang" of the Craftsman Sect had always been headed by descendants of the Kuai family.

Li Yan was also interested. "Is this 'Kuai Dayou' very powerful?"

"More than just powerful."

Luo Mingzi praised: "This genius's talent is not inferior to Master Kuai, and even more powerful. He showed amazing talent since he was a child. At the age of five, he learned the methods of the Kuai family's palace-building puppet class, learned the wood-bone paper-skin method, made puppet dolls, and performed in the palace on the night of the Lantern Festival."

"The Emperor appreciated him very much, called him 'Kuai Ghost Hand,' and said that he would inherit his grandfather's position as Vice Minister of the Ministry of Works in the future..."

"Wait!"

Sha Lifei was incredulous. "You mean this little Master Kuai is still a child?"

Luo Mingzi said: "Just turned seventeen, it's a pity..."

"What's a pity?" Li Yan hurriedly asked.

Luo Mingzi shook his head. "This Kuai Dayou is also a daring person, actually secretly apprenticing to a descendant of 'Anige'."

Li Yan frowned. "The Golden Tent Wolf Kingdom has long been destroyed, there shouldn't be any problem, right?"

This "Anige" was also an incredible figure.

His original name was Balubu, a descendant of the royal family of the Kingdom of Nepal (now Nepal) and a master of the Craftsman Sect of the Golden Tent Wolf Kingdom.

In those years, Basiba was ordered to build a golden pagoda in Si Tu Bo. The Kingdom of Nepal selected eighty craftsmen, and Anige took the initiative to volunteer as the team leader. He completed the work in only one year. Later, he also restored the treasure "Acupuncture Bronze Statue" left by the Southern Song Dynasty, and built countless Buddha statues and temples, which still influence the architectural style of the Buddhist Sect.

The White Pagoda of Miaoying Temple was built by him. After his death, he was posthumously awarded the title of Kaifu Yitong Sansi, Grand Preceptor, Duke of Liang, and the posthumous title "Minhui."

"Things are not that simple."

Luo Mingzi shook his head. "In those years, the Golden Tent Wolf Kingdom and the Daxiang Dynasty confronted each other from north to south. 'Anige' and the 'Kuai family' were known as 'Northern Heaven Skill' and 'Southern Off Lu Ban.' The matters of the Craftsman Sect fighting each other several times are still circulating in the Mystic Sect, and they have borrowed a lot of hatred."

"Although the disciples of 'Anige' were also Han Chinese and surrendered to the Great Xuan, the two families always had contradictions."

"The leader of the 'Xiangshan Association' should have been held by the Kuai family, but because of this, someone obstructed it, and the Kuai family lost the throne of the president. Everyone blamed Kuai Dayou. This person also had a youthful temperament. In a fit of anger, he left the Kuai family, opened a coffin shop near Xilangfang Hutong, and was unwilling to serve in the court."

"The Qiankun Academy was established, and Yan Jiuling went to invite him several times, but was rejected by him."

"As far as I know, the only person who can bring the 'Woolly Monkey' technique to such a realm is probably him alone..."

While everyone was talking, they had already arrived at Xilangfang Hutong.

This place was not far from the Dashilan of the previous life, where various shops gathered, and the people living in the hutong were all craftsmen.

When passing the street corner, Li Yan glanced at the left side.

That was the secret stronghold of Hu Yuanyuan and others of the Five Immortals Sect.

"Everyone wait for me for a moment."

Li Yan sniffed, frowned, and walked to the warehouse.

But the wooden door of the warehouse had been replaced, and the aura inside was very little.

Knock, knock, knock!

Li Yan knocked a few times, and an impatient voice sounded immediately. "Who is it, knocking on the door before dawn..."

As he spoke, a man had already opened the door and came out.

He was wearing tattered clothes, and his body was full of sweat and sawdust.

Seeing everyone clearly, he was startled and stammered: "My... my lords..."

"Don't be afraid."

Li Yan asked in a deep voice: "Where are the people who were here before?"

The man swallowed his saliva and hurriedly replied: "The small one is a carpenter who came to work. I heard that the previous owner sold all the properties at a low price and left the capital. The small one was asked by the new owner to repair it, the ground inside has collapsed..."

Although wordy, Li Yan understood the meaning.

That old fox really had the same style as before, leaving without saying goodbye.

It is estimated that when he told him about the Jiumen Jiumen Jiumen Yin Xu, he already had the intention to leave.

Maybe, he is already on the way to the northern border at this time...

This group of people probably still has secrets!

Li Yan shook his head slightly and continued to move forward with Luo Mingzi.

Arriving in the middle of the street, passing through another hutong, a coffin shop suddenly appeared in front.

Inside the coffin shop, it was pitch black.

"Something is wrong."

Lu San moved his ears and suddenly whispered: "There is something casting a spell inside."

His hearing was stronger, Li Yan didn't hear it, immediately formed a seal, and took a deep sniff.

A familiar smell rushed into his nasal cavity, and Li Yan's face changed slightly:

"Kong Hui has been here!"

(End of chapter)