Chapter 1302: From Never Telling Lies

The King of Qi cursed silently, calling the Emperor an old fox. The man clearly had his own agenda but insisted on using him as a mouthpiece.

Although he couldn't quite figure out the Emperor's true intentions, Zu An had repeatedly ruined his plans. What particularly infuriated him was that Zu An had just privately discussed an alliance with him, only to turn around and disrupt his years of careful planning in Yunzhong Commandery.

Moreover, the series of consequences that followed—with a large number of core families and officials under his faction facing trouble—meant he needed to stand up for his subordinates to maintain cohesion. Therefore, even though he knew the Emperor was up to something, he could only cooperate, saying, "What the Crown Princess said makes sense. Sending troops to the Serpent Clan via a teleportation array is too risky and should not be done."

"However, it is necessary to control this secret teleportation array, otherwise there's a constant danger of covert invasion by the demon race."

Hearing the change in his tone, Bi Linglong grew anxious: "But there's no concrete evidence of any such teleportation array, let alone proof that Zu An came from it."

The King of Qi smiled slightly: "The Crown Princess is indeed right, but this concerns the survival of the human race. It's better to wrongly accuse than to let a culprit go, otherwise, millions of common people will suffer. However, the Crown Princess can rest assured that if Master Zu is innocent, those handling the case will naturally release him."

Bi Linglong was greatly alarmed. No one was a three-year-old child; everyone knew that once Zu An was arrested, torture would be inevitable. Even if he were truly innocent, he would likely rot to death inside. Who would release him?

Yet, they were using a righteous cause to pressure others, and any rebuttal would make one seem unconcerned with the greater good.

However, she couldn't worry about that anymore. Just as she was about to argue, the Emperor spoke: "The King of Qi's words are indeed wise and well-considered. In that case, Master Xu, you shall investigate the truth."

Hearing the Emperor's words, Sang Hong's heart sank. It was over. The Emperor had spoken directly, clearly not wanting the matter to be debated further. It was a foregone conclusion. Zu An was finished, and so was the Sang family.

Just then, a cool voice asked, "Why should Master Zu be investigated?" Following that, a beautiful figure in flowing white robes slowly walked in. She possessed a unique aura, like a fairy from the highest heavens, though this time her eyes seemed to hold a touch more of worldly warmth.

"Fairy Yan!"

"Grandmaster Yan!"

Many people exclaimed in unison. Clearly, those qualified to attend this meeting were high-ranking officials and nobles. Many had witnessed Yan Xuehen's grace, and a good number were even her admirers. Even the Emperor himself had studied the art of health preservation with her for a period.

If people had once fawned over Yu Yanluo because her beauty was so captivating, with a hint of possessiveness at play, their attitude towards Yan Xuehen was entirely different. Her transcendent status, immense power, and ethereal, otherworldly aura made everyone worship her like a goddess, without daring to harbor any disrespectful thoughts.

Seeing the officials' excitement, which couldn't be hidden even through the scrying mirror, Zu An secretly clicked his tongue. He hadn't expected his "wife" Xuehen's popularity to be so high. If he were to go over and hug her waist and kiss her right now, wouldn't the rage points he earned explode? Of course, he eventually dismissed the idea. Not only was it ill-timed, but Yan Xuehen would probably draw her sword and hack him.

After the initial excitement, the King of Qi couldn't help but ask, "Fairy Yan, why did you say that just now?" Zu An was somewhat surprised, not expecting even the King of Qi to be so polite to Yan Xuehen. He had truly underestimated her popularity.

Yan Xuehen's crimson lips parted slightly: "I've generally understood your conversation just now, but Zu An is indeed innocent."

Xu Yu's expression changed: "Grandmaster Yan, have you misunderstood something? We have conclusive evidence here." He was well aware of her status and position. If she spoke up for Zu An, it would indeed be troublesome, so he preemptively warned her not to jeopardize herself.

"I haven't misunderstood, because Master Zu has been with me these past few days," Yan Xuehen said casually, yet her words were like a super bomb dropped into a calm lake.

"What?" Everyone was stunned. Not to mention the officials, even the King of Qi was dumbfounded. Even the Emperor instinctively leaned forward. Eunuch Wen was secretly alarmed; the Emperor was always composed, and this was considered a loss of composure, indicating Grandmaster Yan held a very significant position in his heart.

Bi Linglong was also dumbfounded. Earlier, she had playfully chided Zu An for being a lady's man, having charmed the former most beautiful woman in the capital. She never expected that now even the world's number one fairy had "boarded his pirate ship"? However, seeing Yan Xuehen's cool gaze, she immediately shook her head. She must have been mistaken; how could Fairy Yan possibly fancy such a lecher?

Pei Mianman, on the other hand, didn't doubt Zu An's charm much, but then she remembered that Yan Xuehen was Chu Chuyan's master and immediately thought it impossible. Others also quickly recovered, clearly not interpreting Yan Xuehen's words as implying a romantic relationship, and began asking what exactly had happened.

Sang Hong watched, inwardly cursing them as old lechers. Previously, even when Zu An's case was most hotly debated, these guys had all sat back, not saying a word. Now, however, they were all eagerly currying favor with Yan Xuehen.

Only then did Yan Xuehen explain: "Previously, Master Xu asked for my help in pursuing Yu Yanluo and the mysterious person who rescued her."

Everyone looked at Xu Yu, who nodded slightly, confirming it was true. At the same time, he secretly regretted it, thinking that if he had known such a storm would arise, he shouldn't have invited her in the first place.

Yan Xuehen continued, "Later, I unintentionally went to the Jade family's mine and happened to encounter Zu An there."

"He truly is the one who rescued Yu Yanluo! Why else would he be there?" Xu Yu immediately exclaimed. He wouldn't usually lose his composure like this, but today had seen too many ups and downs.

Zu An then said, "I've already told you I was investigating a case and happened to go there, where I coincidentally met Grandmaster Yan."

The King of Qi frowned: "Fairy Yan, you just said you were together these past few days. What exactly happened?"

"There was a major problem beneath the Jade family's mine—a spatial rift had appeared, and terrifying creatures invaded the area..." Yan Xuehen then roughly described the pseudo-scaled death worm and the black mist.

Many officials nodded in agreement: "Indeed, the guards at the mine had previously reported the appearance of a mysterious black mist. Many who came into contact with it were either corroded or lost their minds."

Sang Hong looked dejected. He had reported similar issues before, but no one had paid attention. Now that Grandmaster Yan had spoken, everyone was eager to flatter her.

Yan Xuehen then recounted how she and Zu An had defeated the terrifying Reverse Scale Death Worm together and completely destroyed the spatial rift: "At the time, I was severely injured. Had Master Zu not rescued me, I might have perished. Moreover, if that spatial rift had fully opened, countless terrifying creatures would have invaded, leading to widespread devastation. Therefore, Zu An is not only blameless but has rendered great service, and the imperial court should heavily reward him."

The officials in the court were all masters, and even through the scrying mirror, they could sense that Yan Xuehen's aura was significantly weaker than at her peak, indicating she was indeed injured. They all lamented how terrifying the pseudo-scaled death worm was, to have wounded even her so severely.

Xu Yu felt a chill run through him. He had never anticipated such a twist. He could only make a final effort: "How long has Grandmaster Yan been with him? But according to my informant's report, he was clearly with Yu Yanluo in the Serpent Clan."

Yan Xuehen gave him a cold glance: "I have already said that I have been with him all these days. To destroy that spatial rift, the entire mine collapsed, and we were trapped inside... We only just returned here. Every word I've spoken is true. If you don't believe me, I can swear to the heavens, or I can invite the Libationer to administer a truth-seeking ritual."

Zu An secretly chuckled. This woman, who appeared as pure as a white flower on the surface, unexpectedly had such a cunning side. Every word she spoke was indeed true; she had simply omitted some crucial details and presented the facts from a different angle, immediately achieving a completely different effect.

As expected, the officials in the court clamored: "There's no need for that!"

"Exactly, who doesn't know Fairy Yan is always noble and never speaks falsehoods?"

"Of course, we believe Fairy Yan!"

"Zu An is a hero of the human race! He should be ennobled!"

Bi Linglong's eyes curved into crescent moons with a smile. She never imagined that Zu An would not only escape death but also turn misfortune into a blessing. She needed to find an opportunity to properly thank Grandmaster Yan. "Hmm, it's true I've neglected these reclusive sects in recent years. I'll have my subordinates prepare a generous gift and send it to White Jade Capital later."

Pei Mianman also let out a long breath, thinking, *As expected of Chuyan's master, she's still siding with her disciple's husband.* *Wait, she absolutely must not find out about what happened between me and Zu An. Otherwise, if she gets angry and decides to uphold her disciple's honor, who in Yunzhong Commandery could stop a Grandmaster of her stature?*

While some rejoiced and others worried, Xu Yu heard the murmuring around him, knowing it was completely over this time. He felt a sweetness in his throat, coughed up a mouthful of blood, and then his vision went black. He collapsed, overcome by anger.

"Brother Shen!"

"Mm!"

As Shen Changqing walked, he encountered acquaintances, exchanging greetings or nods. But no matter who it was, everyone's face was devoid of extra expression, as if indifferent to everything. To this, Shen Changqing was already accustomed. This was because it was the Demon Suppressing Division, an organization responsible for maintaining the stability of Great Qin. Its main duty was to slay demons, monsters, and malevolent spirits, though it also had other auxiliary tasks. It could be said that in the Demon Suppressing Division, everyone had much blood on their hands. When one has become accustomed to life and death, they become indifferent to many things. When he first arrived in this world, Shen Changqing was somewhat unaccustomed, but he got used to it over time.

The Demon Suppressing Division was vast. Those who could remain in the Demon Suppressing Division were all powerful masters, or individuals with the potential to become masters. Shen Changqing belonged to the latter category. The Demon Suppressing Division was divided into two main professions: Suppressor Envoys and Demon Exterminator Envoys. Anyone entering the Demon Suppressing Division began as a Demon Exterminator Envoy, the lowest rank. Then, they would advance step by step, eventually hoping to become a Suppressor Envoy. Shen Changqing's predecessor was an apprentice Demon Exterminator Envoy in the Demon Suppressing Division, the lowest level among them. Possessing the memories of his predecessor, he was also very familiar with the environment of the Demon Suppressing Division.

It didn't take long for Shen Changqing to stop in front of a pavilion. Unlike other grim places in the Demon Suppressing Division, this pavilion stood out like a crane among chickens, presenting a unique tranquility amidst the bloody atmosphere. At this moment, the pavilion doors were wide open, with people occasionally entering and exiting. Shen Changqing hesitated only for a moment before stepping inside.

Upon entering the pavilion, the atmosphere abruptly changed. A scent of ink mixed with a faint smell of blood wafted over, causing him to instinctively frown, but then his brows quickly relaxed. The scent of blood on everyone in the Demon Suppressing Division was almost impossible to wash off.