Chapter 080
Chapter 80: Elder Formless
Elder Formless hunched over, his aged, coarse hand gently stroking the crutch staff as he spoke, “To tell the truth, Second Your Highness, this old man has come for just one purpose—to kill.”
A sorrowful expression slowly appeared on Elder Formless’s face. His eyes fixed on Li Que, and he continued, “Not long ago, I received word of a disciple’s death. By the time I arrived, I discovered that the disciple I had chosen to inherit my skills had been tragically killed.”
“Thus, this old man followed clues and found himself here in Shang Yang City.”
“Yet, even though I know the killers are a man and a woman, it is difficult to track them down in this vast Shang Yang City.”
Hearing this, Li Que’s gaze shifted slightly, and he nodded thoughtfully. “I understand your meaning, Senior. I will have my people help you find the killers. But may I ask, Senior, what you can offer in return?”
At that moment, Elder Formless’s single face suddenly morphed into three faces, crowded together as they spoke simultaneously:
“This old man will stay in the Second Prince’s residence for three years. Moreover, I’ve long heard that the Great Li Imperial Capital is rich in talent, never lacking martial geniuses. This old man would like to take this opportunity to select another worthy heir.”
Li Que glanced toward the elderly man sitting quietly in the armchair nearby. Seeing him nod slightly, Li Que immediately stood, smiling, and respectfully cupped his fists to Elder Formless.
“Then I sincerely wish you good fortune, Senior, and hope you find a suitable disciple during your three years here.”
At these words, Elder Formless’s face returned to normal, showing nothing more than the ordinary appearance of an old man, his eyes crinkled with a gentle smile.
“Very good, very good.”
Just then, a guard rushed forward, reporting quickly, “This humble servant greets Your Highnesses. A eunuch from the palace requests an urgent audience with Third Your Highness.”
Hearing this, Li Zhu, who was about to congratulate Li Que for acquiring another Heavenly Union Expert, suddenly stirred. “Someone from the palace? Could it be my mother calling for me?”
Then, turning to the guard, he ordered, “Bring that eunuch here immediately.”
The guard quickly bowed and withdrew.
Li Que, noticing Li Zhu’s expression, teased gently, “Perhaps Consort Mother has missed Third Younger Brother dearly after not seeing you for some days?”
Li Zhu gave an awkward smile in response, while Elder Formless’s gaze now rested upon the quiet elderly man. Bowing slightly with his withered hands clasped, Elder Formless said, “The Banished Immortal was renowned in his day. Who would have thought that after retreating from the Martial World, you would hide yourself here? It is truly an honor to meet you face-to-face today.”
The elderly man in the gray robe waved dismissively, calmly replying, “You flatter me. Your Formless Divine Art has reached the Transformation Stage. The Infinite Forms Demon Sect’s Formless Canon falling into your hands is indeed appropriate.”
Neither Li Que nor Li Zhu showed surprise at the mention of Elder Formless’s demonic sect background, appearing quite accustomed to such matters.
Second Prince Li Que’s residence was known for its open acceptance of martial practitioners from all walks of life, even those pursued by righteous sects or coming from demonic paths. Indeed, martial experts from the demonic sects or individuals wanted by righteous factions formed at least half of his advisors.
Elder Formless squinted slightly at the elderly man, touching his crutch staff again as he said, “Banished Immortal sees through this old man’s origins instantly—your martial cultivation truly grows deeper. If the chance arises, I’d love to seek guidance from you.”
The elderly man nodded lightly without any shift in his expression, responding simply, “After you avenge your disciple, this old one can fulfill your request. It will also allow me to witness the long-lost Formless Divine Art.”
“Then it’s settled,” Elder Formless replied, an exaggerated and disturbingly eerie smile appearing on his face.
Li Que observed silently, choosing not to intervene. Regarding conflicts among martial experts, he preferred guidance rather than strict control. Moreover, he trusted that as long as the elderly man remained here, any troubles would surely be resolved.
After a short wait, the guard returned, bringing along a eunuch who quickly bowed respectfully to Li Que and Li Zhu. Approaching Li Zhu, the eunuch spoke quietly, “Your Highness, this matter is of great importance. Could we speak privately?”
Li Zhu glanced briefly at the eunuch, his eyes subtly flicking toward Li Que before furrowing his brow and saying sternly, “Second Elder Brother is family. You can speak openly here.”
The eunuch hesitated briefly but eventually stammered out shakily, “Please accept my condolences, Your Highness. Consort Your Ladyship… she… has unfortunately passed away.”
The viewing platform fell instantly silent, so quiet a dropped pin could be heard.
Li Zhu stood frozen for a moment before a fierce glare surged in his eyes. He seized the eunuch by the throat, lifting him off the ground while roaring, “You’re asking to die!”
The eunuch’s face turned purple as he desperately struggled to break free, unable even to beg for mercy.
Realizing the eunuch was about to be killed, Li Que swiftly stepped forward, urgently pleading, “Third Younger Brother, don’t act rashly! Let him explain clearly first.”
Although Li Que found Consort Ji’s sudden death difficult to believe, he also doubted that any eunuch would dare to falsely announce such tragic news.
Slowly calming himself, Li Zhu drew several deep breaths before tossing the eunuch aside like a dead animal.
Coughing violently, the eunuch quickly scrambled to kneel, fearfully explaining everything that had happened in Yixin Hall.
Once again, silence reigned briefly on the viewing platform.
Seeing Li Zhu ready to act again, Li Que, still uncertain, hurriedly stopped him, “Under these circumstances, he wouldn’t dare lie. Third Younger Brother, you must rush to the palace immediately.”
Li Zhu stood stunned for an instant, his face turning deathly pale. Moments later, he dashed out, heading straight for the Great Li Imperial Palace.
Watching Li Zhu disappear, Li Que’s eyes darkened thoughtfully as he glanced at the kneeling eunuch and turned to the elderly man, asking softly, “Banished Immortal, what do you make of this?”
The elderly man frowned slightly, shaking his head. “To silently enter the Imperial Palace and commit murder is incredibly difficult—even I couldn’t manage it easily.”
Li Que narrowed his eyes thoughtfully. “Then the culprit might already be within the palace?”
Yet the elderly man shook his head again. “Not necessarily. Just because I cannot do it doesn’t mean no one else in this world can.”
Beside him, Elder Formless nodded slowly. “Indeed. Years ago, the one known as the Thief Saint, Bai Wu Ying, entered the Grand Xuan Imperial Palace unseen and kidnapped a concubine. The palace concealed this event, so few know of it.”
Just then, Elder Formless smiled mysteriously, holding tightly onto his crutch staff, watching Li Que’s thoughtful expression.
Li Que, meanwhile, remained silent, contemplating deeply.