Chapter 250: Decision Eve

After leaving Qianqiu Town, everything seemed calm, but this was merely on the surface; hidden currents were already stirring.

Meanwhile, Gu Mo and his companions quickly traveled along the official road, heading towards the imperial city.

As they walked, Su Ziyou, walking beside Gu Mo, couldn't resist reaching out to touch the Heavenly Demonic Zither on Gu Mo's back.

Gu Mo said softly, "If you touch it, you might lose your fingers."

Su Ziyou shivered in fright, quickly withdrew his hand, and asked, "That ruthless? Isn't it wrapped in cloth?"

Gu Mo explained, "The cloth is only to keep it from getting dusty, not to contain its murderous intent. This zither is extremely lethal."

Su Ziyou tutted, "I thought you were the ruthless one, but it's the zither? Where did it come from?"

Gu Mo replied, "There's only one in all of heaven and earth!"

"Then you'd better hide it well," Su Ziyou said. "Unique items are the most valuable; make sure it doesn't get stolen."

Gu Mo pondered, then said, "In this world, apart from Heroine Gu Chuxia, there should be no one else who could steal or snatch something from me."

Gu Chuxia pouted, "This heroine always asks directly, okay? Why would I need to steal or snatch?"

"That's true, I've wronged Heroine Gu!" Gu Mo chuckled.

"Hmph," Gu Chuxia said, "Your punishment is that next time you can only eat half a chicken drumstick!"

The three continued their journey, chatting along the way.

Soon, they entered the inner city's territory and saw a large contingent, several hundred strong, rapidly approaching. They bore the banners of the Kyoto Prefecture Office.

Seeing this, Su Ziyou remarked, "It seems we've truly caught a key figure this time. First, all of Qianqiu Town mobilized to intercept us, and now the Kyoto Prefecture Office is here again."

Gu Mo said gravely, "There should be more to come."

Su Ziyou agreed, "Certainly. If the Kyoto Prefecture Office can't get the person, then a higher authority will step in."

As Gu Mo and Su Ziyou spoke,

The Kyoto Prefecture Office contingent had arrived. Their leader, a middle-aged man, dismounted and cupped his hands, saying, "This official, Bai Lai, the Prefect of Kyoto, greets Great Hero Gu and Deputy Minister Su!"

Su Ziyou returned the gesture, "So it's Prefect Bai. Are you heading to handle a case? We'll make way for you."

Bai Lai quickly replied, "Deputy Minister Su, this official has heard that you carried out a massive slaughter in Qianqiu Town. This act has violated the laws of our Jin Kingdom. Therefore, I specifically ask you to come to the Kyoto Prefecture Office for a thorough investigation!"

Su Ziyou calmly stated, "If I'm not mistaken, Qianqiu Town is a place beyond imperial authority and legal jurisdiction. Everything that happens there is unrelated to the imperial court or officials, and the court has no right or permission to interfere. When did the Kyoto Prefecture Office change the laws of the Jin Kingdom?"

Bai Lai explained, "Deputy Minister Su, you've misunderstood. 'Beyond imperial authority and legal jurisdiction' means they govern themselves internally, but ultimately, it still requires verification by the Ministry of Justice!"

"You just said it's to be verified by the Ministry of Justice, so what does that have to do with your Kyoto Prefecture Office?" Su Ziyou said. "Furthermore, this official is an envoy of the Qian Kingdom. Oh, right," he added, pulling out a token, "This official's investigation in Qianqiu Town was specially authorized by the imperial authority—your Jin Kingdom's imperial authority!"

Bai Lai quickly began, "Deputy Minister Su, this official's intention is..."

"Step aside!"

Su Ziyou directly rebuked him.

Bai Lai's face stiffened. He remained silent but also did not order the constables of the Kyoto Prefecture Office behind him to make way.

At this moment,

Gu Mo stepped forward, walking directly towards the Kyoto Prefecture Office's contingent, and said calmly, "I know your objective. Taking Hong Xu is possible, but you only have one way: to snatch him from my hands by force. Therefore, from this moment on, anyone who stands in my way will be considered as intending to use force against me."

Gu Mo's tone was exceptionally calm.

Yet, Bai Lai's forehead was beaded with sweat.

At the same time, as the constables watched Gu Mo approach, they couldn't help but panic.

"Make way!"

Bai Lai dared not gamble on whether Gu Mo would truly kill the Kyoto Prefecture officials. He knew that if Gu Mo killed them, they would be helpless. As a Qian Kingdom citizen, Gu Mo could simply leave and return to his country, and they wouldn't dare pursue him there. Moreover, no one apart from Su Qianqiu could stop Gu Mo.

Hearing Bai Lai's order, all the constables let out a long sigh of relief and hastily moved aside.

Gu Mo and his companions proceeded.

Suddenly, Gu Mo turned back and told Bai Lai, "Prefect Bai, please inform anyone else with intentions to obstruct that if they are not prepared to engage in combat with me, Gu Mo, they should not appear on my path. My patience is limited, and I am easily angered."

Bai Lai's face alternated between green and white as he cupped his hands and said, "This official understands."

Following this,

Gu Mo and his group departed.

Bai Lai watched Gu Mo's group disappear into the distance, clenched his fists tightly, and then beckoned a strategist over.

Bai Lai said, "Immediately send word to the Ministry of Justice and the Grand Court of Judicial Review. Tell them to find another way. Gu Mo's stance is too firm; taking that person away is impossible."

The strategist asked, "What about the military?"

Bai Lai replied, "Do you really think they have no reason to dare obstruct Gu Mo? The Ministry of Justice and the Grand Court of Judicial Review can at least use the pretext of an investigation to argue. What reason does the military have? Unless Gu Mo fights with people from the Ministry of Justice or the Grand Court of Judicial Review, the military has no reason to even show up!"

Imperial City, Imperial Study.

The Commander of the Imperial Guard was reporting the situation in the city to the Jin Emperor.

The Jin Emperor couldn't help but exclaim, "A true man should be like this! When one's individual martial prowess reaches the level of Gu Mo and Su Qianqiu, it already transcends imperial authority and law. To say they are like immortals or gods is no exaggeration!"

The Commander said, "Your Majesty, the Kyoto Prefecture was threatened by Great Hero Gu, and the Ministry of Justice and the Grand Court of Judicial Review were deterred. The military naturally wouldn't dare seize the person. However, they won't give up. Next, the pressure will likely come to you!"

The Jin Emperor waved his hand and said, "Announce to the public that I am ill. I will not attend court for the next two days. Affairs of the court will be handled by the two Chancellors."

"I fear all civil and military officials will come to kneel outside the hall to remonstrate."

"Then let them kneel," the Jin Emperor said. "There are only two days left until the day of the decisive battle. Let's see if they want to argue with me here or deal with the matters of the decisive battle."

The Commander mused for a moment, then asked, "Your Majesty, will you meet with Great Hero Gu and Deputy Minister Su? After all, this case..."

"No need."

The Jin Emperor said, "My ability to guide them can only go this far. They will soon know the truth. As for whether they ultimately choose to save me or not, that will be their own decision.

Su Ziyou is a minister of the Qian Kingdom, and Gu Mo is like a celestial being. Can I force them to help me? If I were to use their incomplete knowledge to guide them to save me now, what started as a favor would ultimately turn into enmity. It's unnecessary!"

The Imperial Guard Commander cupped his hands and said, "This humble servant understands!"

Imperial Capital, Seventh Prince's Residence.

Sima Kong had just returned from meeting a friend when a confidant rushed over, saying, "Your Highness, something big has happened!"

Sima Kong asked, puzzled, "What is it?"

The confidant reported, "Great Hero Gu Mo went on a rampage in Qianqiu Town! Currently, it's rumored he killed twenty-four, or some say twenty-three, of the Qianqiu Cult's Thirty-six Heavenly Spirits; forty-five of the Seventy-two Earthly Fiends were killed, along with hundreds, possibly even thousands, of other Qianqiu Cult followers. An entire street in Qianqiu Town has been reduced to ruins!"

Sima Kong asked in surprise, "How did Qianqiu Town provoke Great Hero Gu?"

The confidant was astonished. "Your Highness isn't surprised that dozens of Grandmasters, dozens of top experts, and thousands of Qianqiu Cult followers were slaughtered by Great Hero Gu alone?"

Sima Kong waved his hand, "What's there to be surprised about? I've personally witnessed even more brutal deeds by Great Hero Gu in the Qian Kingdom!"

While acknowledging the Qianqiu Town incident was significant, Sima Kong felt it paled in comparison to the earlier military coup in the Qian Kingdom's imperial city, where he had personally seen Gu Mo rout an army of ten thousand by himself.

The confidant continued, "It's said that Great Hero Gu and Deputy Minister Su were acting on His Majesty's secret orders to investigate the Qianqiu Heretical Cult. They apprehended someone in Qianqiu Town, but this broke the town's rules, leading to an encirclement, and then Great Hero Gu began his slaughter!"

Sima Kong nodded, "It seems they've caught a key figure."

The confidant added, "The Kyoto Prefecture Office tried to demand the person but was threatened by Great Hero Gu. The Grand Court of Judicial Review and the Ministry of Justice didn't dare to intervene. Now, many civil and military officials have gone to seek His Majesty. This matter is not simple. The person arrested is named Hong Xu, the abbot of a Qianqiu Temple. It's likely that the clues he holds aren't just about the Qianqiu Heretical Cult but also involve many members of the Qianqiu Cult!"

Sima Kong nodded slightly, then suddenly froze, asking, "Who did you just say they arrested?"

"Hong Xu," the confidant replied. "What's wrong, Your Highness?"

Sima Kong's expression shifted slightly. "You, go to the accounting office right now and organize all the ledgers for me. Bring them all to my study."

Having said that,

Sima Kong immediately went to the stable, fetched a horse, and rode directly towards the imperial city. He didn't stop upon reaching the imperial city but rode straight inside.

Sima Kong was highly favored. While other princes wouldn't dare to ride a horse through the imperial city, it was routine for him. The imperial city guards were accustomed to it and no one attempted to stop him.

Soon,

Sima Kong arrived at the Imperial Study.

As he reached the entrance, he saw a large group of court officials kneeling outside the Imperial Study.

Sima Kong asked, puzzled, "What's happening here?"

The accompanying eunuch whispered, "Your Highness, these lords are here because of the Qianqiu Town incident today. Great Hero Gu carried out a massive slaughter there, and these lords believe he disrespected the Supreme Celestial Venerable, demanding His Majesty punish Great Hero Gu!"

"Are they mad?" Sima Kong exclaimed. "Great Hero Gu was personally conferred the title of National Hero by the Qian Emperor, and he came with the Qian Kingdom's envoy delegation. Furthermore, to my knowledge, his visit to Qianqiu Town was on Father Emperor's orders to investigate a case."

"Indeed!" the eunuch muttered, then fell silent.

Sima Kong noticed that they were all veteran court officials, renowned both among the populace and in the court, yet holding no real power.

He understood that these individuals were truly a headache for the Jin Emperor. Their lack of power meant the Jin Emperor couldn't control them, and being a group of respected elders, some even acclaimed as upright scholars by the public, if they continued kneeling, the Jin Emperor couldn't feign ignorance without his reputation being ruined.

Sima Kong entered the Imperial Study with a heavy heart.

The Jin Emperor was standing before a large bookshelf, perusing a thick book.

"Your son greets Father Emperor!" Sima Kong bowed.

The Jin Emperor returned the book to the shelf, waved his hand for Sima Kong to rise, and then said, "Seventh Prince, since Great Hero Gu brought the person from Qianqiu Town into the imperial city, no fewer than fifty court officials and princes have successively sought an audience with me. However, I have seen none of them, only you. Do you know why?"

Sima Kong replied, "Your son does not know."

The Jin Emperor sat in his chair, quietly observing Sima Kong, and said, "No, you do know. Although you don't possess great political acumen, you have always been perceptive. It's impossible for you not to understand why I only see you."

Sima Kong bowed slightly, "Because your son is an isolated minister. I will not participate in the struggle for succession, nor in the factional disputes within the court."

The Jin Emperor slowly said, "Seventh Prince, you entered the palace at three years old and stayed by my side for twelve years, not leaving to establish your own residence until you were fifteen. Although you are not my biological son, I have always regarded you as my own... No, my affection for you is even stronger than for my own sons.

Because my other sons cannot avoid the struggle for power. They compete among themselves and with me. Their relationship with me is more that of ruler and subject than father and son. Only with you, the paternal affection predominates."

"Your son is humbled!" Sima Kong quickly said.

The Jin Emperor waved his hand, "Tell me, why have you come to see me? Surely you're not like those outside, demanding punishment for Great Hero Gu and Deputy Minister Su?"

Sima Kong shook his head slightly, "That would certainly be impossible."

The Jin Emperor said gravely, "But they insist I do something impossible. Officials with real power are outside, submitting petitions to pressure me, while this group of old ministers is using their status and reputation to directly pressure me.

Their true aim is naturally not for me to punish Great Hero Gu and Deputy Minister Su; they wouldn't dare, and neither would I. They want to force me to abandon the investigation into the Qianqiu Cult!"

Sima Kong said seriously, "Your son is here precisely for this matter. Your son wishes to ask, Father Emperor, are you investigating the Qianqiu Heretical Cult or the Qianqiu Cult?"

"Is there a difference?" the Jin Emperor asked.

"The Qianqiu Heretical Cult should be investigated, apprehended, and eradicated!"

Sima Kong continued, "However, the Qianqiu Cult is essential for our Jin Kingdom. Without it, our nation would be unable to unite, especially now with the establishment of the 'False Jin' in the north. Their 'false emperor' is a descendant of the previous emperor, claiming to be the legitimate Jin imperial lineage. Many of our own citizens originally came from the north and could easily be swayed to return home.

In such a situation, although the Qianqiu Cult has many flaws, its benefits outweigh its drawbacks for our Jin Kingdom. The Qianqiu Cult cannot fall, and the myth of the Supreme Celestial Venerable cannot be shattered. Father Emperor, your son believes that imperial power is secondary to the nation!"

The Jin Emperor chuckled, "I don't deny your viewpoint. That's why I never blamed you when you went to the Qian Kingdom to seek assistance from the Qian Emperor, using the Qian Kingdom to pressure me."

"Your son thanks Father Emperor for his leniency." Sima Kong said.

The Jin Emperor continued, "However, the truth is you've wronged me. It wasn't I who ordered Wen Wangji to steal the Heavenly Craft Spirit Cage. Wen Wangji stole it first, and I merely went along with the situation to help him evade pursuit. That's all. I know you don't believe me, but that is the truth."

Sima Kong remained silent.

The Jin Emperor waved his hand again and said, "Never mind, that matter is in the past; let's not discuss it further. Let's talk about today's events. The Qianqiu Heretical Cult is what I asked Great Hero Gu and Deputy Minister Su to investigate. Did you think I intended to use this opportunity to launch a crackdown against the Qianqiu Cult?"

Sima Kong nodded slightly.

The Jin Emperor shook his head slightly, "Do you think Old Master Su will lose the decisive battle in two days?"

Sima Kong shook his head, "No."

"There you have it," the Jin Emperor said. "As long as Old Master Su doesn't lose, and the people's faith in him remains, then the Qianqiu Cult will not collapse. Conversely, if Old Master Su loses, the Qianqiu Cult's faith will crumble, and it will naturally fall apart. There's no need for me to exert useless effort.

Therefore, I'm only investigating the Qianqiu Heretical Cult. To be precise, I'm investigating the person who manipulates the Qianqiu Cult from behind the scenes. In reality, the distinction between the Qianqiu Cult and the Qianqiu Heretical Cult isn't so clear. The Qianqiu Cult without organization or unified management is simply the Qianqiu Cult, but if there's someone manipulating it from behind, then it becomes the Qianqiu Heretical Cult.

As long as that person behind it is dealt with, the Qianqiu Heretical Cult will disappear. So, the true Qianqiu Heretical Cult actually refers to that individual or force behind it. The Qianqiu Cult itself won't undermine the foundation of the nation; it will naturally unite the people through faith to defend our borders. But the Qianqiu Heretical Cult, like a parasite, uses the people's faith in Old Master Su to suck the lifeblood from our Jin Kingdom!"

"So, Seventh Prince, do you understand?"

Sima Kong nodded, "Your son understands. Your son dares to ask, is someone manipulating the Qianqiu Cult from behind?"

The Jin Emperor nodded, "Indeed, someone is manipulating it."

Sima Kong fell silent.

The Jin Emperor asked, "Do you have any other questions?"

Sima Kong shook his head slightly.

"Then you may leave!" The Jin Emperor waved his hand.

"Your son takes his leave."

Sima Kong bowed respectfully and slowly withdrew.

Just as Sima Kong reached the door, the Jin Emperor suddenly said, "Seventh Prince, remember, your surname is Sima, and you are my son!"

Sima Kong's body stiffened slightly. After a moment of surprise, he bowed deeply to the Jin Emperor and then turned to leave.

The Jin Emperor gazed at the doorway for a long time, muttering, "Can another man's son truly be raised as one's own?"

The Qianqiu Town incident was significant, but it did not cause a major stir in the capital. This was because another, even bigger event was imminent: the decisive battle between Su Qianqiu and Master Liansheng.

In the territory of Southern Jin, anything related to Su Qianqiu would be greatly amplified; even a small matter would spread widely. This particular event was no small matter at all; it was the decisive battle between Master Liansheng, a revered Buddhist monk and contemporary leader, and Su Qianqiu. For the people of Southern Jin, nothing was more important than this.

In Southern Jin, no one believed Su Qianqiu could possibly lose, yet no one could refuse the chance to witness Su Qianqiu in action firsthand; it was truly like seeing the Supreme Celestial Venerable descend to the mortal realm.

Therefore, long before, numerous martial artists and common folk from all over Southern Jin had flocked to Bright Moon Plain.

Bright Moon Plain was a vast plain twenty li outside the Southern Jin capital, designated by the court as a royal pasture. Its name, "Bright Moon Plain," came from a mountain in its center that, when viewed from a distance, resembled two crescent moons joined together.

In recent days,

The Southern Jin court had deployed a large number of troops to Bright Moon Plain to maintain order. The sheer number of spectators arriving was overwhelming, and with Bright Moon Plain being close to the capital, many ordinary citizens came to join the excitement. The court had no choice but to deploy troops to cordon off Bright Moon Mountain.

Nearly the entire court was busy with this matter.

Consequently, the incident of Gu Mo's rampage through Qianqiu Town seemed to be suppressed, with apparently few people paying attention.

However, regardless of external affairs,

Su Ziyou was still actively investigating the case, constantly on the move for two consecutive days, searching for clues based on the ledgers found in Qianqiu Temple that day. He hadn't returned to the Court of State Ceremonials during this time.

However, Su Ziyou did not ask Gu Mo to accompany him.

This was because Gu Mo was too conspicuous. Although he could provide protection, he was constantly watched by various factions wherever he went, as they feared he might suddenly go on another killing spree, making it impossible to investigate the case.

Therefore, Su Ziyou simply told Gu Mo to remain at the Court of State Ceremonials.

Gu Mo was also content with the leisure.

As long as Su Ziyou didn't go to Qianqiu Town, Gu Mo wasn't concerned about his safety, especially since the Jin Emperor's Imperial Guard camp was following him.

Thus, for these two days, Gu Mo stayed in the Court of State Ceremonials, instructing Gu Chuxia in martial arts.

At the Court of State Ceremonials, in the courtyard.

Gu Mo sat on a chair, sparring with Gu Chuxia.

Gu Chuxia, holding a saber in each hand, was executing different moves, engaging Gu Mo in combat.

This was an actual combat application of the Ambidextrous Technique.

"Knock, knock, knock."

Suddenly, there was a knocking sound from outside the door.

Gu Mo and Gu Chuxia paused.

Immediately after, a woman's voice called out, "Great Hero Gu, I am Xiao Ziyin of the Chu Kingdom. Would it be convenient for a meeting?"

Gu Mo was somewhat puzzled. He had never formally met this Princess of Chu; they had merely had a brief, hurried encounter two days prior when he was on his way to Qianqiu Town.

"Brother?" Gu Chuxia asked.

Gu Mo nodded slightly.

Gu Chuxia then walked to the door and opened it, revealing Xiao Ziyin, still veiled and wearing a moon-white long dress, just as she was when they last met. She was remarkably tall, and simply standing there, even with her face veiled, she still appeared to be the most beautiful sight. Her fleeting glimpse was like a sword emerging from its sheath: stunning in form, yet imbued with solitary determination.

"Heroine Gu!" Xiao Ziyin cupped her hands.

Gu Chuxia looked at Xiao Ziyin, returned the gesture, and said, "You must be one of the top beauties in the world!"

Xiao Ziyin was stunned, unable to follow Gu Chuxia's line of thought. After a moment, she chuckled, "Heroine Gu, there are likely few girls in this world more beautiful than you, so I feel greatly honored to receive such praise from you!"

"You praised me for being beautiful; you're a really good person," Gu Chuxia said sincerely.

Xiao Ziyin was taken aback again; she truly struggled to grasp Gu Chuxia's thought process, continuously wondering if there was some hidden meaning in her words.

Because Gu Mo was too famous and astonishing, most people in the martial arts world wouldn't notice Gu Chuxia, knowing her only as "Gu Mo's sister." However, Xiao Ziyin had specifically investigated Gu Chuxia and knew she was a martial arts master who had done many things alongside Gu Mo, far from being the ordinary sidekick people assumed.

"Truly profound!"

After just two simple exchanges with Gu Chuxia, Xiao Ziyin's heart grew heavy. If Gu Chuxia was already so inscrutable, then the world-renowned Gu Mo would likely be even harder to deal with.

"Are you looking for my brother for something?" Gu Chuxia asked.

Xiao Ziyin said, "I have long admired the reputation of Hero Gu Mo and have come specifically to pay my respects."

"Then please come in!"

Gu Chuxia led Xiao Ziyin into the courtyard.

Xiao Ziyin cupped her hands towards Gu Mo, who was seated in a chair, "Great Hero Gu."

Gu Mo returned the gesture, "Princess, to what do I owe this esteemed visit?"

Xiao Ziyin meticulously assessed Gu Mo and said, "I have long heard of Great Hero Gu's reputation, and since we happen to be residing in the same Court of State Ceremonials, I wished to meet you. Also, I wanted to ask if Great Hero Gu plans to attend the battle at Bright Moon Plain tomorrow? If so, perhaps we could go together?"

Gu Mo replied, "I do intend to go, but accompanying each other might be problematic. As a citizen of the Qian Kingdom, traveling with Your Highness could cause unnecessary trouble if seen by those with ill intentions."

At this point,

Gu Chuxia brought a stool and invited Xiao Ziyin to sit, then poured her a cup of tea.

"Thank you, Heroine Gu," Xiao Ziyin said, cupping her hands in gratitude.

"You're welcome," Gu Chuxia replied.

Xiao Ziyin then looked at Gu Mo and asked, "Great Hero Gu, what are your thoughts on the current state of the world? Since the Qin lost its deer seven hundred years ago, the kingdoms have been divided for seven centuries, leading to seven hundred years of continuous turmoil and warfare. How many more years do you believe it will take for the world to be reunited?"

Gu Mo lay back in his chair and said calmly, "I apologize, Princess. I, Gu, am merely a jianghu wanderer, having read few books. I truly cannot comprehend the grand trends of the world. I haven't considered the question you've asked, nor is it for a jianghu wanderer like myself to consider."

Xiao Ziyin then asked, "Well, Great Hero Gu, who do you think has a better chance of winning in Master Liansheng's challenge against Sword God Su Qianqiu?"

Gu Mo slowly said, "Princess, how about you just tell me what you really want? Let's not make small talk that makes us both uncomfortable."

Xiao Ziyin chuckled slightly and said, "Great Hero Gu is direct, so I'll be straightforward as well. It's widely rumored in the martial arts world that no wanted criminal you target can escape. Therefore, I've come here to ask for your help in apprehending a fugitive."

Gu Mo asked in surprise, "Which wanted criminal is so formidable that Your Royal Highness needs to request external assistance?"

Xiao Ziyin replied, "In a sense, he could be called the most wanted criminal in the world: the leader of the Moon Worship Cult, Ye Nantian!"

Immediately,

Gu Mo checked the system for Ye Nantian's wanted information:Wanted Target: Ye NantianMission Level: Seven-starMission Reward: Max-level Dragon God Technique

The Dragon God Technique is a unique martial art passed down by the Long family in "Water Moon Cavern." Practitioners can transform into divine dragons, possessing most dragon attributes, capable of airborne flight, summoning wind and rain, and being indestructible.

Gu Mo was extremely envious of the Dragon God Technique. This martial art surpassed ordinary martial arts' reliance on transformation and true energy simulation; the Dragon God Technique could truly transform a practitioner into a dragon.

The Dragon God Technique allowed flight, transforming into a dragon to attack enemies. With this skill, one could dispel poison, heal injuries, seize objects, protect oneself, and exhibit endless variations and immense power. It also possessed the almost divine ability to summon wind and rain, perfectly complementing the Heavenly Will Four Symbols Art's ability to summon lightning.

It wasn't that he hadn't considered capturing and killing Ye Nantian. However, as the leader of the Demonic Path and the Grand Cult Master of the Moon Worship Cult, Ye Nantian was famously mysterious. Like the Grand Manager of the Seven Absolutes Tower, he always wore a mask when appearing in public, and even few within the Moon Worship Cult knew his true identity.

Previously, Ye Nantian was the fifth strongest martial artist in the world. Now that Gu Mo had become the third strongest, everyone else on the World Martial Arts Rankings, except Su Qianqiu, shifted down one position, making Ye Nantian the sixth strongest.

As for Ye Nantian's nationality, there was no definitive answer, and many countries had issued warrants for his arrest. This was because he was the leader of the Moon Worship Cult, which was the ancestral home of the Demonic Path, holding a status equivalent to Dragon Tiger Mountain or Great Bright Temple within the demonic world. The Moon Worship Cult had branch organizations in many countries.

The Moon Worship Cult was a peculiar force; for centuries, it had consistently engaged in rebellion but without any fixed direction. It constantly caused trouble wherever there was excitement, rambling for hundreds of years without a single successful rebellion, yet remaining tirelessly enthusiastic.

In fact, the location of the Moon Worship Cult's main altar was not mysterious; it was in the Hundred Thousand Mountains, a region bordering the Chu, Qian, and Western Qin Kingdoms. It wasn't that being at the tri-border easily sparked conflicts, but rather due to the unique geography of the Hundred Thousand Mountains: continuous, undulating ranges, countless winding ridges, abundant cliffs and precipices, dense forests that blocked out the sun in steep mountains, intertwined peaks, and widespread miasma.

Simply put, the Hundred Thousand Mountains were a forsaken place. The Moon Worship Cult's main altar was within, but no one was willing to enter and attack. Finding it was impossible, let alone launching an assault.

Therefore, the Moon Worship Cult had stirred up trouble everywhere for centuries and had never been eradicated.

"Does Your Royal Highness have information on Ye Nantian's whereabouts?" Gu Mo asked, somewhat skeptical. "It's not that your esteemed country is planning to attack the Hundred Thousand Mountains, is it? Because I have no interest in that!"

Xiao Ziyin shook her head slightly, "I've received confirmed intelligence that Ye Nantian has appeared in Jiang Kingdom."

"Jiang Kingdom?" Gu Mo asked, "If Ye Nantian appeared in Jiang Kingdom, he must be planning something there. Your Royal Highness, as a Princess of Chu, can you interfere with matters in Jiang Kingdom?"

"Jiang Kingdom is a vassal state of my Chu Kingdom," Xiao Ziyin replied, "Why couldn't I intervene?"

"Even so, you shouldn't need to ask for help from a Qian Kingdom citizen like me, should you?" Gu Mo said.

Xiao Ziyin chuckled, "Ye Nantian is the sixth strongest in the world. Few people in the entire realm can deal with him. Su Qianqiu and Zhang Daoyi wouldn't bother with me. As for Master Liansheng's current battle with Su Qianqiu, I must honestly say he came at our royal family's invitation, and it would be very difficult to invite him a second time so soon. Given these circumstances, is there anyone more suitable to invite than Great Hero Gu? Furthermore, among the world's top ten martial artists, only you are a 'Blade-Wielder'."

Gu Mo thought for a moment and said, "What you say makes sense, but my services are very expensive!"

Xiao Ziyin said, "I heard the Su family paid you two hundred thousand taels for your assistance. I can offer the same price, converted into equivalent rare treasures and resources, plus I will owe you a favor. Great Hero Gu, what do you say?"

Gu Mo waved his hand, "I'll think about it. I'll give you my reply before I leave."

"Very well."

Xiao Ziyin rose and said, "Then, I won't trouble you any further. Farewell!"

Gu Chuxia escorted Xiao Ziyin to the door.

Shortly after Xiao Ziyin left,

Su Ziyou rushed in from outside.

He sat down beside Gu Mo and asked curiously, "I think I just saw the Chu Kingdom's Princess passing by your place?"

Gu Mo replied, "Not passing by; she just came to see me."

"To see you?" Su Ziyou asked, puzzled. "She isn't trying to recruit you to marry into the Chu royal family and become a consort, is she?"

Gu Mo gave a speechless shrug and said, "She wants me to catch a wanted criminal."

"What kind of wanted criminal is so significant that the esteemed Princess of Chu needs to ask for external assistance?" Su Ziyou asked, puzzled.

"Ye Nantian, the leader of the Moon Worship Cult. Is he worth it?" Gu Mo said.

Su Ziyou paused, then said, "That certainly warrants external assistance."

Gu Mo chuckled, "Why don't you tell me about your situation? You arrived in such a hurry, so I presume you've made some progress?"

Su Ziyou sighed and said, "More than just progress, the case is officially closed: the leader of the Qianqiu Cult has been apprehended."

"Hmm?"

Gu Mo was startled and instinctively checked his system, only to find that the mission to apprehend the Qianqiu Cult leader was still active.

Su Ziyou explained, "Through those procurement ledgers, I traced several money transfer lines. The final summation led to someone you would never expect: the Seventh Prince, Sima Kong!"

Gu Mo frowned, "That is indeed unexpected."

Su Ziyou continued, "Actually, I didn't quite believe this outcome. But then, news came from the Imperial Security Bureau that Hong Xu couldn't endure the torture and confessed. He admitted to working for Sima Kong all along and revealed a lot of evidence.

Immediately, we went to Sima Kong's residence. To our surprise, Sima Kong also confessed without denial. He stated that he had been using his identity to recruit many Qianqiu Cult followers, secretly forming a power base. He then attracted the family members of many court officials by developing believers, and subsequently bound those officials to him through shared interests."

Gu Mo asked, "How did he explain Wen Wangji's theft of the Heavenly Craft Spirit Cage?"

Su Ziyou replied, "He claimed he colluded with the 'False Jin.' The 'False Jin,' acting as an intermediary for Chu, promised him that if he helped them shatter Su Qianqiu's myth, they would support him as the Emperor of Southern Jin once their army marched south and gained control. He couldn't resist the temptation and agreed.

However, he didn't expect Wen Wangji's movements to be detected by the Jin Emperor. Fearing exposure, he pretended to wholeheartedly pursue Wen Wangji and sacrificed him to clear his own suspicions."

After listening,

Gu Mo said, utterly speechless, "This explanation is full of holes. You can't possibly not see that, can you?"

Su Ziyou said, "Of course I can see it, but it's useless. Sima Kong is determined to take the fall for someone else, and all the civil and military officials in Southern Jin don't want the investigation to continue. It just so happens that Sima Kong stepped forward at this time, and all the evidence conveniently points to him. With eyewitnesses, material evidence, and the accused's confession, even the Jin Emperor can't continue the investigation. As a Qian Kingdom citizen, what else can I do? It can only end here!"

Gu Mo said, "Actually, given the current situation, this matter is quite clear. Only three places could compel Sima Kong to willingly take the blame and bear the infamy of treason.

First is the imperial palace, second is Qianqiu Mountain, and third is the Su family. The imperial palace is impossible; unless the Jin Emperor is mad, he wouldn't plot against himself. Qianqiu Mountain is also impossible; if Su Qianqiu intended to overthrow the imperial family and seize power, he could do so with a single word. Therefore, it can only be the Su family."

Su Ziyou said, "I also deduced the same, but I can't understand the Su family's motive. If they wanted to overthrow the imperial family and seize power, shouldn't they be upholding Su Qianqiu's myth even more? Why would they then steal the Heavenly Craft Spirit Cage from under their own noses?

If they didn't truly intend to send the Heavenly Craft Spirit Cage away but were merely putting on a show, then what was the purpose? Just to get the Heavenly Craft Spirit Cage into the imperial palace?

If there were some other scheme, how could they ensure Su Qianqiu's cooperation? If Su Qianqiu was willing to cooperate in a charade, why not simply make a public statement, which could easily cause the imperial Sima family to abdicate in favor of the Su family, instead of going through all this circumlocution?"

Gu Mo thought for a moment and said, "If you can't figure it out, then don't. Tomorrow, everything will be revealed!"