Chapter 510: Fortune and Misfortune Have No Gate

"Li Fei, walk with me for a bit."

Outside the True Blue Palace, the Crown Prince said to Li Fei.

Afterwards, Ming Qi took his leave of the two, and Li Fei accompanied the Crown Prince as he walked toward one side.

The Crown Prince raised his hand slightly, and the eunuchs and palace maids waiting not far away retreated tactfully, leaving the space to the two of them.

"Li Fei, do you know why I insisted on going to the Great Luo Sect in person this time and elevating the Buddhist school in front of True Person Qingxu?"

The Crown Prince spoke.

Li Fei: "This should also be the intention of His Majesty and the Grand Secretary, right?"

The Daoist school had not participated in party strife before; the Crown Prince actually had no need to deliberately offend the Daoist school just to win over the Buddhist school.

After all, the Daoist school was still powerful; even if the Crown Prince won over the Upper Purity Sect, offending the Great Luo Sect because of it would be somewhat counterproductive.

Therefore, there was only one explanation: this was the intention of the Emperor and the Grand Secretary, and the Crown Prince was merely acting under orders.

"Correct. This game of chess is being played by the Emperor and the Grand Secretary; even I am merely acting as a blade to clear the path."

The Crown Prince gave a self-deprecating smile.

Li Fei understood the implication of his words.

The other party was noble enough as the Crown Prince to be qualified to act as a blade in this game of chess; what did that make himself?

Did he have royal blood? Or did he have a Grandmaster acting as a bodyguard?

"Li Fei!"

The Crown Prince suddenly turned around and gripped Li Fei's hand tightly. "You must listen to me. Do not think about investigating any truth in this case. Just go to the Great Luo Sect, go through the motions, and then return to report for duty. Say that the case yielded no results; no one will blame you."

Seeing Li Fei remain silent, the Crown Prince lowered his voice and said solemnly:

"Li Fei, I promise you, once I ascend the throne, I will definitely retry the case of your Master and your Martial Aunt! Why must you be in such a hurry?"

Li Fei was startled. No wonder the other party had dismissed everyone else first.

These words truly could not be heard by others.

He bowed to the Crown Prince again: "Thank you for your great kindness, Your Highness!"

A flash of disappointment crossed the Crown Prince's eyes, but he quickly composed himself.

He helped Li Fei up and looked into his eyes earnestly: "Think it over carefully. Do not be impulsive."

Afterwards, Li Fei took his leave of the Crown Prince, retrieved his stored Ghost-Slaying Blade, and was led out of the palace by the eunuch who had brought him there.

After the other party had led him a certain distance, a young eunuch walked toward them.

The two eunuchs looked at each other and nodded.

The old eunuch turned to Li Fei and said: "My lord, this old servant will lead the way only to here. From here on, he will lead you out of the palace."

Now that Li Fei was an Imperial Envoy, his form of address for Li Fei had changed from 'Young Master' to 'my lord'.

"Very well, thank you for your trouble."

Li Fei did not look down on the other party because he was a eunuch and remained very polite.

The old eunuch's eyes softened; he smiled, nodded, and then turned to leave.

"My lord, please, this way."

The young eunuch was very respectful, bowing slightly and leading the way with small, quick steps.

After walking for a while, Li Fei noticed that this route was different from the one he had taken earlier, and it was becoming increasingly secluded; he couldn't even see a single eunuch or palace maid around.

He glanced at the young eunuch leading the way, but he was not worried.

In this imperial palace, who would dare to lay a hand on him?

Furthermore, he had just been appointed as an Imperial Envoy by the Emperor; to lay a hand on him at this time, wouldn't that be a direct slap in the face to the Emperor?

After walking for another moment, a black sedan was parked beside a palace ahead, and a maid with a plain appearance and a 'plain' figure stood beside the sedan.

Li Fei narrowed his eyes.

He did not sense any aura from that maid, but his 'Danger Perception' made him feel a faint sense of danger.

"My lord, the Third Imperial Prince requests your presence."

The young eunuch turned around and bowed to Li Fei.

"The Third Imperial Prince?"

Li Fei recalled the note he had received last night.

It seemed his deduction was correct; that note had been sent by the Third Imperial Prince.

He walked forward calmly and arrived beside the black sedan.

"Young Master, please."

The maid opened the rear door of the car and gestured for Li Fei to get in.

Li Fei turned his head to look inside the car and saw a man wearing a python robe sitting within, smiling and signaling to him.

The Crown Prince, the First Imperial Prince, and the Third Imperial Prince all had somewhat similar features, but their temperaments were each different.

The Crown Prince possessed an obvious air of nobility, yet he could always set aside his status, making others feel naturally inclined toward him.

The First Imperial Prince had the obvious aggressive aura of a martial man, possessing a heroic spirit.

As for the Third Imperial Prince before him, he had a bit more of an effeminate air, looking like a dashing and unrestrained young nobleman.

Li Fei did not hesitate; he climbed into the car and sat beside the Third Imperial Prince.

The maid outside gently closed the car door.

"First meeting, I am Qin Qin Ziyuan."

The Third Imperial Prince wore a smile and spoke to Li Fei very casually.

"Greetings, Third Highness."

Li Fei cupped his hands in a salute.

"That note from last night was sent by me."

The Third Imperial Prince got straight to the point.

Li Fei nodded: "I guessed as much. Why did Your Highness want to warn me?"

"You are a peerless prodigy, the first in history; naturally, I want to do you a favor."

The Third Imperial Prince said as if it were a matter of course.

Li Fei gave a self-deprecating smile: "It is a pity that the First Highness does not think so."

The Third Imperial Prince turned to look at him: "The eldest brother has a fierce temperament and can be considered a martial arts genius, but compared to you, he is far behind. Seeing a prodigy like you being used by the Crown Prince, it is inevitable that he feels somewhat unhappy."

Li Fei was startled: "Your Highness is saying that the First Highness is actually jealous of me?"

"Hahaha!"

The Third Imperial Prince laughed wantonly, then said with deep meaning:

"Imperial Princes are human too."

Li Fei was silent.

"Actually, the Crown Prince was surely happy to see the eldest brother openly suppress you in front of the palace today."

The Third Imperial Prince changed the subject and said suddenly.

Li Fei remained composed and did not respond.

The Third Imperial Prince looked at him with a half-smile: "You are a smart man; if you think about it, you will understand. The more the eldest brother suppresses you, the more opportunities the Crown Prince has to protect you and help you, so that you will owe him more favors and become devoted to him."

"So, the Third Highness is also here to strike at my heart."

Li Fei said calmly.

The Third Imperial Prince was startled, then laughed again.

"Hahahaha!"

When others laugh, it might seem a bit affected, but his wanton laughter felt very natural, possessing a charm of its own.

The Third Imperial Prince pointed at Li Fei: "If I am not mistaken, after the morning court session, the Crown Prince surely sought you out specifically to tell you not to investigate the case seriously, to just handle it perfunctorily, and then return to report. Once he ascends the throne in the future, he will naturally help you retry the case."

It had to be said that this Third Imperial Prince truly understood his two brothers very well.

First, he guessed that the First Imperial Prince would make things difficult for Li Fei today, and now he had accurately guessed what the Crown Prince had said to Li Fei in private.

"Does the Third Highness have any advice?"

Li Fei asked.

The Third Imperial Prince restrained his smile: "Have you ever thought about why it was the Crown Prince who went to the Great Luo Sect this time? Why was it him who went to win over the Buddhist school, and why was it him who publicly petitioned for the Buddhist school and spoke for them in front of the palace?"

"The Crown Prince might have told you that he was acting under orders, but in fact, these opportunities were all fought for by himself. He saw the benefits in this game of chess, so he rushed to seize them!"

"This Crown Prince of ours is an extremely smart person; he sees more than both I and the eldest brother, which is why he grabbed the initiative in this game."

Li Fei fell into deep thought.

The Crown Prince had previously said that he was acting under orders, that he had no choice but to act as a blade in this game of chess, and that he had no choice but to offend the Daoist school and the Great Luo Sect.

But now, hearing the Third Imperial Prince's version, it seemed the other party had done so voluntarily because there were huge benefits in it?

The Third Imperial Prince sneered: "Duan Qi thought he had tossed away a hot potato and had a chance to help the Lu family resolve a major threat, but in reality, he was being clever at his own expense. If the head of the Lu family were present today, he certainly would not have given you even the slightest chance to retry the case!"

Hearing this, Li Fei's eyes brightened, and he became thoughtful.

The Third Imperial Prince looked at Li Fei: "The advice the Crown Prince gave you was to not investigate the case seriously and to handle it perfunctorily, and I also have a piece of advice for you."

"Please speak, Your Highness."

"This is an opportunity. If you can grasp it, perhaps you will not only be able to fulfill your long-cherished wish, but you will also have the chance to take advantage of the momentum and soar into the sky!"

The interior of the car became quiet.

Li Fei was silent for a while, looking at the Third Imperial Prince:

"Your Highness specifically told me these things today—is it because you want to do me another favor?"

The Third Prince reined in his smile, revealing a rare, earnest expression:

"I am different from my eldest brother. As long as you do not stand on his side, he views you as an enemy. But for me, as long as you do not interfere in the struggle between us, you can reap my friendship."

He did not attempt to win Li Fei over, hoping only that Li Fei would not interfere in the struggle between the several Imperial Princes.

Li Fei shook his head: "Your Highness should be very clear that I never intended to be drawn into this dispute."

If it were not for the Crown Prince saying he would bring him to see the Emperor, he would not even have come to Lanling City.

"I understand."

The Third Prince nodded:

"Sometimes, not making a choice requires more strength than making one, but I believe you can do it, because you are the First of the History Books!"

Led by that young Eunuch, Li Fei walked out of the palace gate, left the Imperial Palace, and then took a car to leave the Imperial City.

At the same time, inside the Imperial Palace, the Third Prince was still sitting in that car.

A moment later, a maid named 'Xiaohua' opened the car door and whispered:

"The First Prince has taken people out of the palace."

The Third Prince was startled, then laughed, "My eldest brother truly never lets a grudge last overnight."

He thought for a moment and said to Xiaohua: "We are leaving the palace too."

Xiaohua sat silently in the driver's seat and started the car to leave.

After another while, the young Eunuch who had previously escorted Li Fei out of the palace returned to this place, full of joy.

Seeing that there were no cars or people here, he could not help but be startled.

Subsequently, a chill ran down his back; a burst of palm force penetrated his back, shattering his heart meridians.

This young Eunuch widened his eyes and died right there.

Soon, the place where Li Fei and the Third Prince had held their secret conversation became clean, with not a trace left behind.

In the car leaving the Imperial City, Li Fei had been deep in thought.

The advice given to him by the Crown Prince and the Third Prince was diametrically opposed.

One told him not to investigate closely, to go to the Great Luo Sect to go through the motions, and then return to report the task complete.

The other told him this was a very good opportunity that he should seize well.

Who exactly was telling the truth?

If the Third Prince was lying, it was to incite Li Fei and send him to his death!

And if what the Third Prince said was true, Li Fei might miss a very good opportunity.

Whether this investigation was a blessing or a curse ultimately depended on Li Fei's own choice.

Ten-odd minutes later, the car drove out of the Imperial City.

Li Fei stepped out of the car; next, he had to go to the headquarters of the Stop-Weapon Pavilion located in the Inner City to receive his assignment.

Walking on the streets of the Inner City of Lanling City, Li Fei experienced the prosperity and bustle of the imperial capital.

The Inner City was the 'old city district,' while the Outer City was expanded later to accommodate and settle more commoners arriving from elsewhere.

Therefore, the Inner City was considered the true imperial capital, and many Inner City residents felt a sense of superiority, believing themselves to be the authentic capital folk.

Bicycles and rickshaws passed by Li Fei, and there were intersecting tracks in the center of the street, where one could see a tram passing by from time to time.

High-rise buildings were visible everywhere, along with huge posters hanging on them.

Many shops had signs made of neon lights outside.

The origin of the Mingxin Reform was in Lanling City, which was the first place to be influenced by 'Westernization,' so compared to the imperial capital of a dozen years ago, the Lanling City before Li Fei's eyes had undergone tremendous changes!

Of course, many iconic buildings had been preserved.

There was much culture full of the Great Lan Dynasty's characteristics that could still be seen today.

For example—martial artist duels.

The Great Lan Dynasty was founded on martial arts, and the martial spirit was strong; the tradition of using duels to resolve grievances had been passed down to this day.

There were still many 'Duel Platforms' in Lanling City; if martial artists needed to resolve grievances, they could go up to a 'Duel Platform' to duel in public.

As long as both parties signed a life-and-death contract, there was no need to worry about the government pursuing the matter even if lives were lost afterward.

Li Fei had arrived near a 'Duel Platform' at this time; it was a circular stone terrace, similar in size to the 'Dragon-Tiger Platform' where he had held a public duel in Datong Prefecture.

At this moment, several children were holding tree branches, hitting each other on the 'Duel Platform,' having a great time.

Li Fei smiled and was about to leave.

A motorcade suddenly drove over from the street on the left.

Two black 'Flying Dragon' brand luxury sedans were in the front and back, and the one in the middle was a golden 'Golden Dragon.'

Only members of the Imperial family could ride in a 'Golden Dragon'!

Li Fei felt something and stopped his steps.

Pedestrians and vehicles on the street gave way one after another upon seeing this motorcade, and the surrounding people all looked over curiously.

The leading Flying Horse brand luxury sedan did not reduce its speed, driving straight toward Li Fei who was standing on the side of the road!

Li Fei held his Ghost-Slaying Blade, standing in place with a calm face, showing no intention of dodging.

Seeing the car getting closer and closer, the surrounding people could not help but let out exclamations.

Screech—

A harsh screech of friction rang out on the street.

The black sedan finally braked sharply, the front of the car less than thirty centimeters from Li Fei's legs!

But Li Fei did not even look at this arrogantly aggressive car, his gaze fixed on the 'Golden Dragon' behind it.

A guard stepped forward to open the door, and the First Prince, who had changed into a golden martial uniform with red edges, stepped out, holding a large blade wrapped in dark green scales.

Seeing the First Prince step out, Li Fei smiled and could not help but recall the sentence the Third Prince had said earlier:

"Princes are people too!"

More to come tonight.

(End of this chapter)