Chapter 1554: True First Case Scene

“Supplies,” the man said. “You just mentioned that he and his men are also flesh and blood. A military unit’s operational range is limited by where it can obtain supplies.”

“Precisely. Bai Qi, being from the military, understands its constraints. The Black-Armored Army’s men and horses all require food and rest.” Bai Ziqi continued, “In truth, maintaining such an elite cavalry unit is no simple task. Logistics, medical supplies for injuries, remaining undetected—which of these is easy? Particularly in the later stages, as the Black-Armored Army’s ranks and numbers clearly grew, the pressure on their logistics and concealment must have escalated significantly. When not on missions or engaged in killings, they surely wouldn’t roam around in black armor. So what do these individuals normally do for a living? How can a group of one or two thousand people gather without drawing attention? And where do they find places to eat and treat their injuries?”

Bai Qi immediately suggested, “Could it be an army assembled by local powerful clans?”

“It’s not impossible. But a leader capable of commanding such an elite force in this manner shouldn’t be an unknown figure.”

He pointed at the red dots on the map: “These red dots delineate their range of activity. This implies they can secure supplies within a four-day travel radius. However, given their operations demand extreme secrecy—the fewer witnesses the better—we can further narrow this range to a single day’s travel.”

Having spoken, he drew concentric red circles around each red dot: “The strongholds where the Black-Armored Army acquires supplies and changes into civilian attire are likely within these red circles. By identifying the villas, powerful factions, or even commercial organizations within these areas, we can then filter out potential targets.”

Bai Ziqi paused, then added, “Their prolonged ability to remain hidden suggests a very thorough facade. As newcomers, we might not uncover anything immediately; it would be best to collaborate with local powers.”

This was not Beijia; he couldn’t rely on the Heavenly Palace to summon infinite resources. Many clues required personal investigation.

However, the dozen or so incidents marked by the Black Flood Dragon’s insignia were widely recounted across the Glimmering Gold Plains. Thus, gathering information on the time, location, and sequence of these events proved straightforward. There were even dedicated ballads, storybooks, and historical accounts detailing Emperor Jiuyou’s exploits. Was there a single teahouse in Julu Port that didn’t feature Emperor Jiuyou’s deeds in its storytelling or anecdotes? Bai Ziqi listened for several days, and while he found much of it exaggerated or embellished, he was able to grasp the fundamental facts.

Bai Qi also remarked, “The Glimmering Gold Plains are dotted with temples; it shouldn’t be difficult to gather information from them.”

Small temples often hide greater secrets. The Glimmering Gold Plains are home to numerous minor and wild deities, fostering abundant rumors and unofficial news. Their diverse adherents are deeply rooted in the local community and possess an unparalleled understanding of local affairs.

“That’s an excellent approach, Bai Shisan. Take your men and see to it.”

Bai Shisan acknowledged.

Bai Ziqi, chin in hand, studied the map. “When we were gathering clues two days ago, Bai Qi mentioned that Emperor Jiuyou wasn’t particularly formidable, essentially preying on the weak.”

Bai Qi flushed with embarrassment. “This subordinate spoke out of turn.”

“No, what you said is largely accurate. While the targets of his dozen or so actions were indeed heinous criminals, none of them presented a truly formidable challenge. This is a very astute strategy: on one hand, it rapidly establishes his reputation, and on the other, it minimizes his own losses. However, there is an exception—” Bai Ziqi pointed at a small dot on the map, “—the operation that resulted in the deaths of Xue Zongwu and Qi Yunsheng!”

“These two were not only profoundly skilled and militarily formidable, but also significant figures in Yao Nation. Xue Zongwu, in particular, commanded substantial military forces and even had several hundred guards with him on the day of the incident, yet he was assassinated at his father-in-law’s estate. That evening, Qi Yunsheng’s Peach Blossom Villa was teeming with people and guests.” Bai Ziqi pondered, “I want to understand why Emperor Jiuyou, deviating from his usual modus operandi, chose to confront such a challenging target.”

Even from his perspective, Xue Zongwu was a formidable opponent. Why did Emperor Jiuyou abandon the easy for the difficult, specifically choosing Xue Zongwu as his target? What advantage could he have gained from the deaths of Xue Zongwu and Qi Yunsheng?

The attendant asked, “Could it be that Xue Zongwu was powerful and renowned, and killing him would most effectively enhance his prestige?”

“That’s certainly one reason, but it’s insufficient,” Bai Ziqi stated, his gaze growing somber. “The risk and reward are disproportionate.”

“Now, let’s connect the events chronologically. Assuming Emperor Jiuyou’s first appearance was at Keshan, and his second was at Liuping and Shizhoukou, what about the third?”

The attendant immediately located the remaining sixteen instances of Black-Armored Army activity and connected them sequentially with black lines.

Once marked, everyone understood. Indeed, just as Bai Ziqi had previously stated, Emperor Jiuyou’s operations were primarily concentrated in the central and eastern regions of the Glimmering Gold Plains.

“Emperor Jiuyou’s last operation was over two months ago—” The attendant completed the last mark, “—at Peach Blossom Villa, within Yao Nation!”

“He entered Yao Nation, traveled to Mangzhou to carry out killings, and then vanished without a trace.” Bai Ziqi stroked his chin. “Why did he cease his activities? Was he preoccupied with something else? Is there anything more crucial than his proclaimed ‘dispensing justice on Heaven’s behalf’?”

The Black-Armored Army and rebel activities on the Glimmering Gold Plains remained vigorous. However, in Bai Ziqi’s estimation, these were merely diversions to conceal Emperor Jiuyou’s true whereabouts.

“After killing Xue Zongwu, what exactly did Emperor Jiuyou do?” Bai Ziqi felt that once this reason was clarified, he would be a significant step closer to the truth.

Of course, now he had to retrace his steps and visit Baima Mountain.

From Shizhoukou to Baima Mountain, Guide Liu led Bai Ziqi and his party on a shortcut, saving them two days. Fortunately, public order along the route had somewhat improved. Just over half a year prior, Guide Liu would never have dared to stray from the main thoroughfare.

Along the journey, Guide Liu also vividly recounted to Bai Ziqi the history of Bo Nation’s sudden dynastic change. Bai Ziqi had vaguely heard about it before, but today he learned all the intricate details, finding the narrative utterly captivating. The money spent on hiring the guide was indeed well worth it.

When describing how You Enguang united cultivators from various regions to attack the royal capital, and King Bo found himself powerless to resist, Bai Ziqi casually brought up, “By the way, you mentioned earlier that King Bo had a Chief Steward, Nangong Yan, who commanded the imperial guards and was a notorious killer?”

“Yes, that’s right. He ran rampant in Xincheng, a ruthless killer who could make children stop crying at night just by his name.” Guide Liu nodded repeatedly. “I used to run a small business in Xincheng. I inadvertently offended a Feathered Guard and was so terrified I fled overnight. My companion, who was a step slower, was captured and never seen again.”

“Were his troops formidable?”

“Oh, yes. It’s rumored among the common folk that had Nangong Yan not suddenly met his demise, King Bo might not have been deposed so swiftly.” Guide Liu continued, “When I heard the news of Nangong Yan’s death, I couldn’t believe it for days, yet everyone around me began burning incense and celebrating with great joy.”

“How exactly did he die?”

“He was assassinated.”

“Who possessed such capability?”

“That’s unknown. Nangong Yan died at the border. I heard dozens of people were found strung up on the wall overnight, discovered only in the morning. There was also a banner erected on the wall, bearing phrases like ‘heinous criminal’ and ‘deserved death’.”

Bai Ziqi had merely asked casually, but upon hearing this, his attention sharpened. “A sudden, violent death, hung on a wall, with a message left behind? Doesn’t that sound exactly like Emperor Jiuyou’s modus operandi?”

“Indeed, many people have been saying that recently, wondering if Nangong Yan was perhaps killed by Emperor Jiuyou? His Imperial Majesty specializes in eliminating great villains and evildoers, and Nangong Yan perfectly fits that description. Moreover, besides Emperor Jiuyou, who else could have forcibly slain such a powerful villain? Nangong Yan always had dozens of Feathered Guards accompanying him. Previously, someone attempted to assassinate him but was counter-killed, then skinned alive and put on public display.”

Guide Liu added, “In fact, in the border town we passed earlier, and also in the royal capital Xincheng, many people have set up memorial tablets for Emperor Jiuyou, thanking him for killing Nangong Yan.”

Bai Ziqi murmured, “It appears Bo Nation was the initial crime scene.”

“Hm? What was that?” Guide Liu didn’t quite catch it.

“You mentioned that at the time, Nangong Yan led his subordinates to charge out of the pass, and then ordered the city gates to be sealed tightly, allowing no one to enter?”

“Precisely.”

“So who was Nangong Yan pursuing?”

Guide Liu shook his head. “That, I wouldn’t know. There were quite a few people coming and going.”

“Closing the city gates was likely out of fear that the person he was pursuing might turn back and flee into the city,” Bai Ziqi immediately deduced. “Given that, Nangong Yan’s target must have only just left the city! He intended to overtake them, either to capture or kill!”

Guide Liu exclaimed in surprise, “You... you mean Nangong Yan’s target at the time was Emperor Jiuyou!”

Could that be possible? Guide Liu found the thought utterly incredible. If Nangong Yan truly ran headlong into the clutches of death, then he deserved to perish without a proper burial.

“Either he was pursuing Emperor Jiuyou, or he was pursuing someone else and was intercepted and killed by Emperor Jiuyou along the way,” Bai Ziqi clarified. “Did no pedestrians outside the city hear or witness the struggle involving Nangong Yan and his men?”

“If there had been, it would surely have been widely known by now,” Guide Liu replied. “I heard there were very few pedestrians outside the city at that time. Afterward, when city officials went to inspect, they found the battle site was not only bloody but also littered with fallen trees and overturned rocks. Oh, it was within a dense patch of suburban woods, less than three or four li from the fortress city. It’s likely the forest was too dense for any sounds to carry into the city.”

Upon entering Xincheng, the capital of Peng Nation, Guide Liu merely presented a token, which rendered their passage and accommodation in Xincheng exceptionally convenient. This token originated from the Changlong Martial Arts Association.

Bai Ziqi casually asked him, “When did the Yangshan Merchant Guild and the Changlong Martial Arts Association acquire special privileges here?”

He had long been aware that You Enguang’s coup was supported by Mou Nation. Given the strong ties between the Yangshan Archipelago and Mou Nation, it was not surprising for them to receive certain trade advantages here.

Guide Liu thought for a moment. “After the new ruler established the nation, it seemed… only a few days later?”

“Immediately upon the nation’s establishment, Yangshan received preferential treatment?”

“Yes, that’s right. I recall that less than seven days after the nation’s name was officially changed to ‘Peng,’ Yangshan’s goods began appearing in the markets, and large ships from Julu Port set sail one after another, all bound for or arriving from Yangshan.”

“Hmm, that quickly?” A newly established nation faces a myriad of challenges. Even for a small country, the new ruler would have pressing state affairs to attend to in the first few days of his reign—consolidating power, ensuring stability, distributing rewards, honoring loyalists, issuing decrees. How could he have spare capacity to attend to a foreign merchant?

Unless… unless the trade privileges granted to Yangshan were themselves part of the distribution of rewards and honors. Did Yangshan play a role in the Bo Nation coup?