Chapter 1131: Killed the Wrong Person

How can the Carefree Sect have any surplus Bright Lantern Lamps to sell when they are required to offer them as tribute to Mu Nation every thirty years?

However, He Lingchuan also quietly breathed a sigh of relief.

King Bo finally gave a clear answer.

If he had pretended to be ignorant and insisted he didn't know what Bright Lantern Lamps were, the matter would have been somewhat troublesome.

He Lingchuan did not want to reveal Imperial Physician Chen, to prevent the witness from being silenced.

King Bo saw their expressions, snorted, and then sent palace attendants to summon the relevant individuals.

This time, it took too long, so he had He Lingchuan and Dong Rui wait in the main hall while he left first.

They waited for over half an hour, during which only two servings of hot water were provided.

But none of them touched it.

That morning, after He Lingchuan and his two companions left Rulin Inn, Shadowtooth Guard Han Kun walked out of the inn and bought a pile of steamed buns and several cold dishes.

Once the guest room was empty, the window suddenly moved.

After Han Kun had breakfast with his companions and returned to his guest room, he felt that something was not quite right.

He scanned the room, but nothing seemed to have changed.

Perhaps it was just his imagination?

Other Shadowtooth Guards knocked on his door, calling him to play backgammon.

The backgammon set they carried was just a small board, not the giant one found on Suoding Island.

Their chief and the envoy had gone to the palace today, and with everyone else waiting idly at the inn, they figured they might as well play a few rounds to pass the time.

Han Kun didn't think much of it, squeezed his money pouch, and went out.

Meanwhile, several notes fluttered into the Feathered Guard barracks in Xuncheng, two hundred zhang away.

A Feathered Guard picked them up and saw only a few words:

"Ten members of the Mai Faction are hiding in Rulin Inn, disguised as foreign guards, and are highly skilled!"

Reports exposing remaining rebels are common. Furthermore, the Mai Faction has been causing trouble and becoming increasingly arrogant lately, prompting King Bo to order their thorough search and investigation. Normally, the Feathered Guard would handle such reports themselves, but since Nangong Yan happened to be there today, the notes were brought before him for his decision.

Nangong Yan merely glanced at it:

“Investigate!”

Soon, a Feathered Guard returned to report:

“The staff at Rulin Inn said these people have been staying for over half a month, often closing their doors for secret discussions and refusing proximity to others. They claimed to be merchants, but were never seen bringing in or sending out goods, though they spent generously. Once, when they were leaving, an attendant vaguely overheard them mentioning 'palace map,' but as soon as he appeared, they stopped talking and told him to leave.”

Nangong Yan narrowed his eyes: “That’s very suspicious. Make arrangements first, and send more men.”

Anyway, it’s nearby.

His subordinates acknowledged the order and departed.

When their master said to make arrangements first, it meant setting ambushes and array formations, a complete chain of moves to be deployed beforehand. Rebels often included cultivators, and the Feathered Guard was very experienced in dealing with them, ensuring no one would escape!

Half an hour later.

Nangong Yan was about to get up and go to the palace when footsteps sounded outside, and a personal guard rushed in:

“Chief Steward, those rebels at Rulin Inn are formidable! We suffered over seventy casualties, and only killed three of them!”

This was even after they launched a surprise attack.

The notes were indeed correct; these people were highly skilled. They had the advantage of the first move, yet suffered such heavy losses? Nangong Yan was alarmed and strode out, asking, “Are they truly rebels?”

A casualty rate of seventy to three – how could ordinary people possess such ability?

“They claim to be Mu Nation Guards and even produced official badges.”

Nangong Yan sneered: “A cheap trick. Rebels have pulled stunts like that before.”

Faking an official badge and making it glow with illusion magic.

“But we found these two items in the captured guest room.” The Feathered Guard produced a book and two red-and-blue beaded orbs. “This is the book of the traitorous official Mai Liansheng! These remnants copied it and used its text as a code for communication. The orbs are decorations from the corridors of the old Mai family residence; I heard there were hundreds in one string. Members of the Mai Faction we’ve caught before used them as contact tokens.”

Nangong Yan’s gaze sharpened: “You didn’t let them escape, did you?”

“We had set up two array formations and a set of traps around the inn before initiating the arrest; they tried several times but couldn't break through.” The Feathered Guard was very skilled at apprehending rebels, but this time, “even two Golden Feathered Guards were injured.”

The Golden Feathered Guards were elites personally trained by Nangong Yan, capable of tearing tigers and leopards apart. They were an upgraded version of the regular Feathered Guards, twelve in total, and recognized for their formidable combat strength within the Xuncheng military.

Upon hearing that Golden Feathered Guards were injured, Nangong Yan’s face darkened. He pressed the ring on his ring finger and asked, “Where are the other Golden Feathered Guards? Also, send another hundred men with me!”

To capture merely a dozen rebels, did he actually need to intervene personally?

King Bo reappeared, accompanied by a woman.

Although she was a beauty of peerless charm, she seemed as delicate as a willow swaying in the breeze. The moment she appeared, others felt the splendid hall become even more hollow and chilling.

How many people did He Lingchuan recognize here? Yet, this was also a familiar face.

Consort Mei.

Today, she wore peach-pink robes that were perfectly ornate, and her small face finally had more color than in previous days.

Standing beside the aging King Bo, she was like a fresh, tender peach blossoming on a dark, old tree.

Consort Mei also saw He Lingchuan and Dong Rui. Her beautiful eyes widened slightly, especially when her gaze lingered on Jin Bai.

But this slight anomaly was fleeting, and her gaze returned to King Bo.

In Consort Mei’s eyes, there was only this old man, old enough to be her grandfather, whom she regarded with such focus and adoration.

He Lingchuan noticed that King Bo also held her hand after sitting down.

After she also took her seat, King Bo beckoned someone from behind and said to He Lingchuan:

“Three months ago, I sent an envoy to the Carefree Sect to order Bright Lantern Lamps. This is Luo Jingzhou, that envoy. Come, tell the Mu envoy what transpired.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. I conveyed Your Majesty’s order to the Carefree Sect, but Sect Master Li refused, stating that Bright Lantern Lamps were a vital treasure of the sect and would never be circulated outside. I tried to persuade him for three days without success and had to return. However, before I even left the Carefree Sect’s territory, Elder Cao Yanhua privately approached me, stating that the Bright Lantern Lamps would mature in another twelve days, and he was willing to offer them to our nation.”

“Elder Cao Yanhua?” He Lingchuan’s mind raced. “How much did he ask for?”

“Thirty-five thousand taels of silver.”

He Lingchuan raised an eyebrow at that; it wasn’t expensive. After all, it was such a precious herb.

“A good deal. Did Your Majesty agree?”

King Bo said indifferently: “Why wouldn’t I agree? It’s just a small sum.”

As the dignified ruler of a nation, could he not afford thirty-five thousand?

He Lingchuan immediately asked: “Aren’t you concerned about a trick?”

Luo Jingzhou answered on his behalf: “Elder Cao had agreed with me at the time to deliver the goods first, then receive payment. After the Bright Lantern Lamps matured, he would send a message to His Majesty to set the time and place of delivery.”

If the goods were given first and then paid for, what trick would King Bo be afraid of?

It should be Cao Yanhua who worried about not getting paid.

The more He Lingchuan listened, the more something felt wrong: “Where was the delivery made?”

“Forty-two days ago, at the Old Banyan Inn in Xuncheng,” Luo Jingzhou replied. “I also led men to retrieve them. The Bright Lantern Lamps were hidden under the bed in a second-floor guest room. I brought them back and handed them over to Imperial Physician Chen for refining.”

The transaction location was actually chosen in their nation’s capital, which naturally made King Bo feel more at ease.

“Forty-two days ago!” He Lingchuan calculated the dates, his face solemn. “On that day, the Shadowtooth Guards had just arrived at Julu Port!”

The Bright Lantern Lamps had matured forty-five days prior, and Jin Bai had personally harvested them that very day before rushing non-stop to Julu Port.

The transaction time Luo Jingzhou mentioned was precisely after Jin Bai and his companions had arrived at Julu Port.

So, Cao Yanhua first stole the Bright Lantern Lamps from him, and then sold them to Bo Nation?

“What happened then? Did you pay?”

Luo Jingzhou nodded: “Only after Imperial Physician Chen successfully refined the Heart Lamp did I, by His Majesty’s order, send the thirty-five thousand taels of silver to the Old Banyan Inn, to the same guest room.”

“So, the payment was made only after it was refined. Cao Yanhua conducted this transaction with real sincerity.” This was also a significant point of suspicion.

Dong Rui couldn’t help but cough lightly from behind; He Lingchuan knew what he wanted to say.

Wasn’t Cao afraid that King Bo would keep his money? The old man’s reputation didn’t seem very good.

Knowing they were skeptical, King Bo said proudly: “Let it be known to you that our nation does not steal or rob, nor do we engage in such despicable acts!”

The main ingredient for the Heart Lamp used by his son indeed came from the Carefree Sect. But so what?

He bought it with money!

The Soul-Capturing Mirror scoffed in He Lingchuan’s embrace: “He merely bought stolen goods.”

But He Lingchuan understood King Bo’s logic:

If he didn’t steal or rob, then he had nothing to be ashamed of towards Mu Nation.

If Mu Nation and the Carefree Sect wanted to blame anyone, they could only blame their own people for betraying their trust and stealing.

As expected, King Bo then said: “Every wrong has its perpetrator, every debt its debtor. Rather than seeking answers from me, the envoy should return to the Carefree Sect and find Cao Yanhua.”

He Lingchuan pondered: “How many times have you contacted Cao Yanhua?”

“Just once.” King Bo glanced at Luo Jingzhou, who immediately interjected, “Elder Cao Yanhua stated beforehand that obtaining these Bright Lantern Lamps was not easy. To avoid ruining the effort, he asked us not to contact him directly midway.”

“I originally wanted to see what he was up to, but it turned out he was selling genuine goods.” King Bo said indifferently, “I shouldn’t have made this transaction public, but this matter is of great importance, so I will not cover for Cao Yanhua.”

Dong Rui’s eyes flickered a few times, and he refrained from complaining.

Discarding the millstone after the donkey has left. Was Cao truly that foolish?

For thirty-five thousand taels of silver, he dared to bet that King Bo wouldn’t turn around and sell him out?

How could he be so confident in King Bo’s character?

Well, of course, for ordinary people, thirty-five thousand taels of silver was already an enormous sum, more than they could earn in a lifetime.

“How strange,” the Soul-Capturing Mirror clicked its tongue. “No wonder you said this case is full of inconsistencies. What Cao did leaves loopholes everywhere, as if he’s rushing to his death.”

“I, as your envoy, will naturally go to the Carefree Sect,” He Lingchuan inhaled deeply, knowing the main point of the evening had arrived. “However, what is Your Majesty’s plan regarding the stolen tribute from Mu Nation?”

King Bo stared coldly at him: “What I bought back with money, I will use myself. Is there a problem with that?”

“The Emperor specifically instructed that the tribute must be recovered,” He Lingchuan met his gaze. “Now, our nation’s stolen tribute is in King Bo’s palace!”

Backed by a great nation, he was indeed assertive; even as an envoy, he could be aggressive.

He Lingchuan finally had a small taste of how Yu Zecheng must have felt when facing the Yangshan Archipelago back then.

“What does your losing the tribute have to do with my nation?” King Bo said nonchalantly, waving his hand. “I’m not unreasonable. How about this, I’ve written a letter to the Mu Emperor, and you can just deliver it for me.”

He wanted to dismiss such a monumental case so lightly? Did he think the wrath of a great nation could be easily appeased? This old man’s feigned ignorance and shamelessness left Dong Rui and Jin Bai, standing behind, somewhat speechless, and He Lingchuan was even more direct: “The Emperor hopes your esteemed nation will return the tribute, to foster good relations between our two countries.”

“My son needs the Heart Lamp; he cannot be without it for a single day,” King Bo said with a strained smile. “Since things have come to this, perhaps your esteemed nation could magnanimously relinquish it, considering it as an act to foster good relations between our two countries. What do you think, Mu envoy?”

He Lingchuan immediately replied: “This matter is of great importance; please reconsider, Your Majesty.”

“Important? What truly is important?” King Bo rolled his eyes. “For my nation, the Bright Lantern Lamps concern the very foundation of our country! What use are they to Mu Nation that could possibly outweigh the foundation of our country? You have received four or five of these items every thirty years in the past; are they still not enough?”

The Soul-Capturing Mirror exclaimed, “This old geezer, he takes other people’s things and doesn’t return them, yet still has valid excuses?”

He Lingchuan maintained his smile. King Bo’s logic was commonly used by cultivators in the past, known as “heavenly treasures belong to those with virtue (or use).”

“I’m not sure how Mu Nation uses the Bright Lantern Lamps, but historically, this item tends to bring disaster. Your Majesty, please be extremely careful.”

Was this young fellow threatening him?

King Bo’s gaze turned grim. This mere stripling, relying on his status as an envoy from Mu Nation, dared to threaten him?

“What do disaster or lack thereof have to do with the Bright Lantern Lamps? I think speaking carelessly is the path to death!”

“You are merely a messenger, and I don’t wish to make things difficult for you,” King Bo leaned back, speaking languidly. “Just deliver the letter back for me, and your task will be complete. Do you understand?”

A palace attendant at the side presented a tray with a letter placed upon it.

Since King Bo regarded his warning as a threat, He Lingchuan said no more, reached out, took the letter, and placed it in his embrace.

At this point, King Bo shifted his posture, appearing somewhat uncomfortable. Consort Mei supported his back shoulder, her face full of concern. He stroked Consort Mei’s hand and patted it gently twice.

This elderly husband and young wife practically force-fed everyone in the hall with their public display of affection.

King Bo chuckled at He Lingchuan again: “You may linger in Xuncheng for a few more days. I will send someone to escort you to Julu Port, to prevent any trouble along the way.”

“I appreciate the kindness, but we still need to go to the Carefree Sect to find Elder Cao.”

King Bo let out an “Oh.” “Right, you still have a case to investigate.”

So, He Lingchuan and his companions took their leave.

Consort Mei looked up, secretly watching their departing figures.

Perhaps she had watched for a bit too long, as when Consort Mei averted her gaze, she suddenly noticed King Bo staring at her, which startled her.

King Bo’s eyes were filled with displeasure: “What were you looking at?”

His young consort was indeed kind-hearted, but a few days ago she had bravely put herself in harm’s way for someone, and today she was watching someone’s departing back. Could it be…?

Consort Mei quietly said: “I merely worry if Mu Nation, having lost the Heart Lamp, will… refuse to give up?”

King Bo half-closed his eyes and scoffed dismissively: “Meeting the Mu envoy today was merely giving them a little face. Otherwise, Mu Nation is thousands of miles away, and they’re fighting Bega themselves; how could they be in a position to trouble us?”

Consort Mei asked cautiously: “What if Mu Nation wins against Bega? Will they come to trouble us later?”

King Bo couldn’t help but burst into laughter: “How could that be! Women are short-sighted. Bega is a nation blessed by heaven, vast in territory, strong in military power, and has few rivals in the world!”

Although Bo Nation was situated in a corner of the Blazing Gold Plain, it had also heard the legends of Bega.

“What about Mu Nation?”

“Mu Nation is far inferior to Bega,” King Bo chuckled. “They can’t even handle the Ya Nation, which constantly opposes them! Ha, when have you ever seen Bega unable to manage the surrounding nations?”

Consort Mei seemed to understand yet not understand, but she still nodded: “My King is wise and profound.”

Upon leaving the palace, Jin Bai immediately thanked He Lingchuan.

King Bo had stated his position clearly, just as He Lingchuan had predicted. The Shadowtooth Guards could now report King Bo’s stance to Mu Nation.

What to do next would be up to the Mu Emperor to decide; it was not for them to act on their own initiative.

He Ling also completed the task of acting as temporary envoy and meeting King Bo, so he handed King Bo’s letter to Jin Bai:

“You handle it.”

Jin Bai carefully put away the letter: “I’ll head back to the inn now to draft the report. And you two?”

Dong Rui, with his back to Jin Bai, repeatedly winked at He Lingchuan: Hurry, let’s go before these guys ask us to do more free work.

“We’ll go directly to the Carefree Sect.” He Lingchuan was concerned about White Fur Mountain and wanted to check on it first. “Let’s meet there.”

“Alright.” Jin Bai handed the Carefree Sect’s token to He Lingchuan, and the two parties parted ways there.

He quickly hurried back to Rulin Inn.

They had left early that morning, and now the sun was already starting to set in the west.

Jin Bai was preoccupied with his thoughts and had no mind to linger outside, so he strode into the inn.

But as soon as he entered the lobby, he immediately felt something was wrong and paused:

There should have been two Shadowtooth Guards sitting in the lobby; why were they gone?

He turned to look at the innkeeper; although the man was in the shop, his gaze flickered, and he dared not meet Jin Bai’s eyes.

Something was wrong!

Although he didn’t know what was happening, Jin Bai turned on his heel and started to leave.

Unfortunately, he was a step too late. Over a dozen figures rushed in from outside, blocking him in the courtyard entrance.

Leading them was Nangong Yan.

His eyes were grim, his face ashen, and pointing at Jin Bai, he commanded: “Seize the rebel!”

Immediately, two to three hundred plainclothes guards swarmed out from inside and outside the inn, surrounding him.

Jin Bai held up his official badge and angrily declared: “I am a Mu Nation Martial…”

As soon as he opened his mouth, over a dozen arrows whizzed towards him.

Pedestrians around the inn scattered and fled, and the shopkeeper immediately shut the doors.

The street was empty; only Jin Bai’s enraged shouts echoed.

In an instant, he wounded several people.

“A bunch of good-for-nothings!” Nangong Yan strode forward, swiped his finger across the ring on his ring finger, and a faint shadow emerged behind him.

Concurrently, faint red light glowed in the eyes of over a dozen robust and strong Feathered Guards behind him.

“Finish this quickly!”

A quarter of an hour later, Rulin Inn finally returned to silence.

The innkeeper and staff had long since turned pale, cowering and trembling behind the counter.

The Feathered Guards cleared the scene, carrying out their own wounded and dead, then moved all the Shadowtooth Guards’ corpses into the courtyard, arranging them neatly.

There were six in total, including Jin Bai.

Five other Shadowtooth Guards were injured and bound, their mouths gagged with hemp cores. Their gazes toward Nangong Yan were filled with hatred.

Nangong Yan wiped the blood from his hands, took the official badge and documents handed to him by a personal guard, glanced at them, his face grim.

As soon as he had captured these Shadowtooth Guards earlier, he knew that these “rebels” were indeed Mu Nation Guards.

He had arrested the wrong people.

No, more than that, he had killed the wrong people!

If he released them now, the Shadowtooth Guards would certainly not give up, and Mu Nation would inevitably seek King Bo’s intervention, demanding that Nangong Yan be dealt with.

Given that, he might as well make it a bigger issue!