Chapter 077
Chapter 77: Giving Gifts
Gong Li Shan and Ji Fei Yun exchanged a silent glance but spoke no words.
Fu Yu thought deeply for a moment, his eyes narrowing slightly as he said, “Fei Yun, send word immediately to the four Elders of Tai Yin Primordial Sect under my name. Tell them what has happened in Marquis Cang Yuan’s residence. Although Madam Zhu and Cang Yu Ning are dead, we cannot allow our connection with Tai Yin Primordial Sect to break.”
Ji Fei Yun nodded at his words, then asked, “Should we also fully investigate the case within Marquis Cang Yuan’s manor?”
Fu Yu nodded gently, answering, “Since the Divine Constable has made this request, we need only follow orders.”
Gong Li Shan’s eyes narrowed thoughtfully. “The Third Prince and the Second Prince are allies. Since this matter involves Consort Ji, gaining evidence against them would have both benefits and risks.”
“However, with the Divine Constable supporting us from above, we only need to stay careful and avoid angering those lords, and no great trouble should arise.”
“You’re right,” Fu Yu replied calmly, giving Gong Li Shan an approving glance. “We are humble ones, after all. If we wish to rise, we must learn to survive in the cracks between great powers. Only by doing so will we one day glimpse the light of heaven.”
His eyes flickered slightly, fixing upon Gong Li Shan as he suddenly asked, “How is the investigation into the three fugitives from Elder Death-Face going?”
Gong Li Shan shook his head. “I was about to report that to you. I found no trace of the Shadow Assassinate Order on them. I sent people to search their temporary hideout thoroughly, yet the Shadow Assassinate Order was nowhere to be seen.”
Fu Yu pondered this for a while, then slowly spoke again, “The Shadow Assassinate Order has caused numerous deaths in Shang Yang City since it appeared. I’ve been tracking it for half a month before finally linking it to those three fugitives. I’m certain the Order fell into their hands.”
“Could it be that Constable Cang has taken it?” Gong Li Shan suggested.
“Given Cang Yin Yue’s cautious nature, she would know better than to touch such dangerous trouble.” Fu Yu shook his head lightly, continuing, “We must wait. The Shadow Assassinate Order is extremely unique. Even if someone tries to hide it, the Shadow Assassinate Pavilion will detect its presence.”
“If the Order remains with the same person for more than twenty-four hours, the Pavilion will announce their identity publicly.”
“And if, after another twenty-four hours, they still hold the Order, assassins from the Pavilion will move out to eliminate the holder.”
Ji Fei Yun exchanged another glance with Gong Li Shan, shrugging slightly. “Honestly, I wouldn’t dare touch that thing. Shadow Assassinate Pavilion is renowned across the Martial World. Even Heavenly Union Experts find it nearly impossible to escape their assassinations. Those who seize it are truly fearless.”
Gong Li Shan sighed softly. “There’s no shortage of desperate souls in this world, and the allure of controlling Shadow Assassinate Pavilion is too tempting. There will always be someone willing to risk their life.”
“Besides, ambitious and overly confident people wouldn’t easily let such a rare opportunity slip away.”
…
In the main headquarters of the Heavenly Brocade Guard.
Li Mu Sheng was idling in the courtyard. He planned to further perfect his martial art, Life Death Talisman, and had also arranged for the guard assigned by Fu Qi Wen to guide him around Shang Yang City.
He intended to stroll through the bustling Imperial Capital and see the house Emperor Yuan Wu had gifted him. After all, he would leave in a few days, and though he’d been here for some time, he hadn’t truly explored.
But before Li Mu Sheng could step out, numerous gifts began to arrive from various influential powers, flooding into his residence.
His royal brothers, court ministers, and many noble princes had all sent congratulatory gifts.
Li Mu Sheng had no interest in dealing with these people personally, leaving the Heavenly Brocade Guard to handle them on his behalf. Still, when he saw the piles of treasures and precious gems filling an entire small hall, he couldn’t help but sigh:
“What a windfall! With just these riches alone, I couldn’t possibly spend them all in several lifetimes.”
For fifteen years, Li Mu Sheng had cultivated quietly at the martial arts academy, seldom venturing outside Shun’an City. As an apprentice, he never had to worry about food or clothing. Truthfully, this was only his second taste of sudden immense wealth.
The first had been when Emperor Yuan Wu promised him a house and money.
Indeed, things were excellent.
He was nearing the pinnacle of martial dao, and now he also had wealth. Life might not yet be perfect, but it was close enough. To not relax now and leisurely enjoy life, like some idle old man at eighty, seemed nearly unjustifiable.
Li Mu Sheng rubbed his chin, deep in thought. Suddenly, a figure appeared behind him, accompanied by a delicate fragrance.
Feeling an alarming killing intent behind him, Li Mu Sheng turned, glancing briefly at the unfamiliar woman. Seeing her empty-handed, he frowned slightly and asked, “As my sworn younger sister, you dare visit without bringing a gift?”
Li Yuan Ling puffed out her cheeks, her pretty face flushed with anger. “Oh, now you remember I’m your sworn younger sister? Is this how you treat family? The first time I was stabbed in the back was by your very hands!”
Li Yuan Ling was no longer disguised as she had been at Aurora Pavilion. Instead, she wore a delicate blue gown, draped in sheer azure gauze. Her eyes sparkled like clear waters, and small dimples adorned her cheeks, making even her anger seem gentle and charming.
Li Mu Sheng waved dismissively, giving a tired old reply, “It was for your own good. And see? You’re perfectly fine. Why hold a grudge?”
Li Yuan Ling chuckled bitterly but had no real intention of fighting. She glanced at the piles of gifts in the hall and remarked, “You’ve certainly profited a lot.”
Her voice then took on a curious tone. “Did Li Ru An send you anything?”
Li Mu Sheng paused briefly, puzzled. “Who is that? Should she have sent something?”
“Li Ru An is your blood elder sister—the Eldest Princess of Great Li,” Li Yuan Ling explained irritably. She grabbed a gift registry from the table, flipping through it hastily to find her name.
But Li Mu Sheng casually waved again, saying, “Don’t bother. Her name isn’t there. She didn’t send anything.”
“Even after your identity was acknowledged by His Majesty, she never came to visit you?” Li Yuan Ling’s brows knitted. She knew Li Ru An hadn’t much cared about finding her long-lost brother, yet hadn’t expected such indifference—ignoring Li Mu Sheng completely, without even a visit.
Li Mu Sheng shook his head slowly. “Actually, if I’m not mistaken, she did visit last night. She stood on the rooftop and watched me briefly before leaving.”
At that time, Li Mu Sheng had just returned from the palace. He noticed a woman sneaking into the Heavenly Brocade Guard headquarters, precisely locating his courtyard. Seeing she meant no harm and that the skilled guards didn’t intervene, he paid her no mind. Now that he thought of it, that woman had probably been the Eldest Princess herself.