Chapter 103
Chapter 103: News of the Shadow Assassinate Order
Upon hearing Fu Qi Wen’s reply, Li Mu Sheng studied him thoughtfully for a moment, then slowly nodded and said, “After Fallen God Peak is eradicated, it wouldn’t be a problem if Heavenly Brocade Guard remains under your command, Lord Fu.”
Fu Qi Wen paused briefly, glancing at Li Mu Sheng with a faint, bitter smile, and replied, “Your Highness remains confident as ever. However, this official lacks such assurance for what lies ahead—I can only promise to do my best.”
Li Mu Sheng waved his hand lightly, saying, “Lord Fu, sooner or later, the outcome will be clear. Since I’ve agreed to help you this time, it’s only fair that you assist me with a small matter in return.”
Fu Qi Wen nodded gently, replying, “As long as it is within my abilities, please give your instructions, Your Highness.”
“I need Heavenly Brocade Guard to seek clues regarding the divine beast Fire Qilin and the key to the Heavenly Revelation Secret Treasury.” Li Mu Sheng calmly revealed his intention without hesitation.
At this, Fu Qi Wen’s brows knitted slightly, puzzled as to why the Eighth Prince would show interest in such elusive legends. Yet he didn’t voice his doubts, merely cupping his hands respectfully and saying, “This can indeed be done. I will pass the orders shortly. However, as Heavenly Brocade Guard is currently occupied with preparations against Fallen God Peak, I’m afraid Your Highness’s request must wait a bit longer.”
Li Mu Sheng nodded lightly, replying, “I understand the difficulty. Take your time.”
…
The night passed quietly.
The next day, Shang Yang City appeared as calm as ever, yet an invisible gloom lingered over it.
News spread overnight that a Noble Consort from the Great Li Imperial Palace had been assassinated, swiftly reaching every corner of the Imperial Capital.
The entire Shang Yang City was now under heavy alert. Armored guards patrolled every street, their numbers greatly increased. Constables from Six Gates scoured inns, taverns, and marketplaces, hunting for suspicious individuals. Guards at the city gates were significantly stricter than usual, allowing entry but no exit.
Rumors about Noble Consort Ji’s murder flew wildly among the common people, though none questioned the fact that a consort had indeed been slain within the Imperial Palace.
In the General Yamen of Six Gates, Guan Tian Qian and two Gold Badge Constables had not returned after entering the palace the previous night. Following news of the assassination, Six Gates received direct orders from the Imperial Palace, commanding a full-scale hunt for the murderer.
Recognizing the seriousness of this matter, the seven Gold Badge Constables gathered all Silver Badge Constables to discuss their pursuit strategy. Almost every constable in the Imperial Capital was mobilized, not resting for the entire night.
In Fu Yu’s chamber, Ji Fei Yun and Gong Li Shan were also present.
“The Fifth Prince sent word instructing us to thoroughly investigate Marquis Cang Yuan’s collusion with Noble Consort Ji in murders linked to cultivation. We must preserve every bit of evidence and secretly deliver copies to the Fifth Prince’s residence,” Ji Fei Yun said softly, looking toward Fu Yu.
Fu Yu did not seem surprised. “It was within my expectations that the Fifth Prince would use this to restrain the Third Prince, thus assisting the First Prince in opposing the Second Prince. Yet…” Fu Yu frowned slightly, his gaze shifting to Gong Li Shan as he spoke gravely, “I truly did not anticipate Noble Consort Ji would be assassinated in the Imperial Palace the very same night Marquis Cang Yuan and his people were killed.”
Gong Li Shan’s eyes flickered uncertainly, and after drawing a deep breath, he spoke up, “From my years of investigative experience, these two events likely share a deep connection. To boldly guess, perhaps even the assassins of Marquis Cang Yuan and Noble Consort Ji are the same group.”
Fu Yu nodded slowly, adding, “That is precisely my concern. If there truly is a connection, considering their ability to infiltrate the palace and kill a consort, this matter is certainly beyond our strength to handle lightly.”
“Moreover, this affair involves Cang Yin Yue…” Fu Yu hesitated, not finishing his sentence, his face showing evident worry.
Noticing his hesitation, Ji Fei Yun quickly added, “Brother Fu, now that Cang Yin Yue has established ties with the Eighth Prince, you shouldn’t worry too much about her.”
“The Eighth Prince?” Fu Yu shook his head slightly. “Though his status may grant him favor in the future, possibly becoming a temporary pillar, he has only just been recognized officially. He has yet to firmly establish himself in the Imperial Capital and thus is limited in his usefulness for now.”
Ji Fei Yun quickly waved his hand, interjecting, “Brother Fu, perhaps you haven’t heard. Early this morning, news from the Shadow Assassinate Pavilion has spread throughout Shang Yang City about the Shadow Assassinate Order. They say the Eighth Prince currently holds this Shadow Assassinate Order.”
At these words, Fu Yu’s eyes narrowed slightly. He began pacing thoughtfully, remarking slowly, “If the Shadow Assassinate Order is with the Eighth Prince, it’s not hard to deduce that Cang Yin Yue’s previous success against the Great Qi fugitives and the three wanted criminals likely had his aid.”
“If memory serves me correctly, at the time Elder Deathmask and others were killed, the Eighth Prince had not yet been confirmed in his royal identity. Yet, he was capable of all this. This strongly suggests that the Eighth Prince is not as simple as the rumors say, merely someone from a remote and insignificant city.”
Gong Li Shan slowly nodded, adding, “Rumors circulating recently suggest that the day the Eighth Prince visited Heavenly Brocade Guard headquarters, five Great Martial Grandmasters attempted to assassinate him but were completely defeated. At that time, his status was uncertain, and the palace likely did not send experts to protect him. Yet, he not only survived but killed many powerful foes. It would be impossible for anyone to believe there’s no hidden depth to him.”
Fu Yu was silent, reflecting deeply before turning to Gong Li Shan and Ji Fei Yun. He spoke quietly, “If this is true, perhaps we should alter our approach. The collusion between Marquis Cang Yuan and Noble Consort Ji is known only to us and the Divine Constable. Currently, the Divine Constable is still in the palace, so now only we know the truth. However, nothing remains hidden forever, especially in a place like Six Gates, filled with sharp minds. Continuing this investigation would inevitably attract unwanted attention.”
“If the Third Prince learns about this, we will surely become targets, easy for him to eliminate.”
Ji Fei Yun’s expression shifted anxiously. “Brother Fu, then what do you suggest?”
“Secretly leak news about the collaboration between Noble Consort Ji and Marquis Cang Yuan,” Fu Yu stated, narrowing his eyes thoughtfully. “With the Divine Constable absent, we need not involve ourselves too deeply.”
“This matter will surely implicate Cang Yin Yue. Perhaps we can also use this chance to observe the Eighth Prince’s true capabilities.”