Chapter 1684

Fantasy Novel

Zu'an had long anticipated the question. He calmly replied, "This was largely due to the desperate assistance of several other Silver-Embroidered Guards. It was a perilous struggle, but we managed to eliminate the target. However, two Silver-Embroidered Guards, Tao Qing and Yan Ke, sacrificed their lives in the process. I humbly request His Majesty to allow them to be inducted into the Hall of Honor and grant special care to their families."

Zhao Hao's voice remained silent for a long time before finally ringing out again: "Granted!"

He seemed to accept the explanation. After all, whether it was Zhang Xie or Zu'an, they were mere ants in his eyes, even if they were considered significant figures by ordinary people. He didn't care how these "ants" fought among themselves.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" This was the first time Zu'an had genuinely expressed gratitude to him.

"What's the situation at Purple Mountain lately?" Zhao Hao inquired.

"During this time, I've had the Imperial Guards performing repairs on the mountain and discreetly investigating any potential hidden dangers. Currently, everything is normal, and the Taoist Grand Competition is nearing its end..." Zu'an gave a general overview of the competition.

"Hmph, Kongming Island, Taixuan Cave... these previously declining sects can still produce such formidable disciples. It seems the imperial court has indulged them too much over the years," Zhao Hao muttered to himself.

Zu'an inwardly mourned for Kongming Island and Taixuan Cave, especially Kongming Island. They had truly suffered an unexpected calamity; they weren't actually that strong and had been completely set up by Yun Jianyue.

"What's the situation with the missing disciple from Kongming Island?" Zhao Hao suddenly asked again.

"It's not clear yet; the Taoist sects are investigating," Zu'an replied, naturally unable to tell him the truth.

"Don't concern yourself with these matters. Just remember your mission. Your previous meddling almost caused Prince Yan's estate to rebel, and I haven't settled that account with you yet," Zhao Hao snorted coldly.

Zu'an grumbled inwardly, thinking, *You were the one who ordered me to investigate the Golden Badge No. 7 case. What do you mean I meddled?*

"I am already en route to Purple Mountain. Just keep a close watch on the movements there during this period, and don't cause any more trouble," Zhao Hao said in a deep voice.

Although with his Earth Immortal power, he could appear at Purple Mountain from the capital with a single thought, he was coming this time to perform the Fengshan ceremony and offer sacrifices to Heaven. The necessary rituals had to be observed, so he naturally had to lead a large contingent from the capital to Purple Mountain. Along the way, he also planned to summon local officials and occasionally make appearances before the common people.

"Yes!" Zu'an thought to himself. He needed to notify Sister Yun soon; otherwise, if Zhao Hao arrived at Purple Mountain while they were still there, it would be dangerous.

Before leaving, Zhao Hao warned, "Unless you uncover a major conspiracy at Purple Mountain capable of changing the world, do not summon me casually again. Otherwise, bring your head to me!"

[Rage points from Zhao Hao: 400, 400, 400...]

Clearly, being summoned repeatedly by Zu'an had left him thoroughly exasperated. Seeing Zhao Hao's angry expression, Zu'an mused that he was probably like those ancient beings of the demon race nearing the end of their lifespans, needing to spend most of their time in secluded meditation or deep sleep. Every time Zu'an summoned him, it must have felt like he was losing a part of his life.

*Sigh, I really wish I could summon him just for fun, whether there's a reason or not.*

However, Zu'an knew very well that such actions would only lead to him being torn apart by an enraged Zhao Hao.

After seeing Zhao Hao off, Zu'an went directly to the prison where Prince Yan was confined. Prince Yan was currently throwing a tantrum at the guard delivering his meal. Clearly, accustomed to his high status, he was finding his confinement extremely difficult these past few days.

"What's wrong, Your Highness? Who upset you?" Zu'an asked, walking over with a smile.

Seeing him, Prince Yan snorted irritably. "You know perfectly well!"

Zu'an found a stool and sat down by his bed. "If Your Highness is so uncooperative, even if I wanted to redress your grievances, I wouldn't be able to."

Prince Yan's heart stirred. He immediately put on a smile. "Does Lord Eleven have any instructions?"

Only then did Zu'an slowly say, "After my investigation these past few days, I've found many peculiarities in the Golden Badge No. 7 case. It seems someone deliberately led us to investigate you. Your Highness, think about whether you've offended anyone. Who would be most likely to do such a thing?"

"It must be Zhang Xie, it must be him!" Prince Yan instantly slapped the table and stood up. "That old fox is full of schemes. He's always had many grudges with me and has always wished to get rid of me. No one else would dare to do something like this except him!"

Previously, he had been concerned that directly naming Zhang Xie would backfire, so he had only alluded vaguely. Now, hearing Golden Badge Eleven say this, Prince Yan, who was no fool, immediately realized there was an opportunity and naturally no longer had any reservations.

"Indeed, some clues related to him have been found," Zu'an said ambiguously.

Prince Yan was overjoyed. "If Lord Eleven can help me clear my name, everyone in Prince Yan's estate will surely remember your kindness."

Zu'an said coldly, "I handle cases impartially. Why would I need you to remember any kindness?"

Zu'an's purpose for coming here was to manipulate Prince Yan. With Zhang Xie now dead, it would be a missed opportunity not to take advantage of the situation. By playing on the timing, he could do Prince Yan a favor, thus establishing a good connection for the future. After all, Prince Yan harbored rebellious intentions, and with his connection to the Demonic Cult, he might prove useful in the future.

"Yes, yes, yes, Lord Zu is truly selfless; I admire you," Prince Yan said with a fawning smile. He had previously found this man detestable, but now he seemed exceptionally amiable.

"Let's be clear, one thing at a time," Zu'an added. "You might be innocent regarding the Golden Badge No. 7 case, but as for the matters in those ledgers, we still need to investigate thoroughly." He needed to be sufficiently intimidated, not to feel it was too easy to get out.

As expected, Prince Yan's expression changed, but he quickly recovered and said, "Those must have been fabricated and framed by that scoundrel Zhang Xie. I trust that with Lord Eleven's discerning eye, you will surely uncover the truth."

Zu'an nodded in satisfaction. This way, when Prince Yan was released in the future, he would genuinely believe that Zu'an had deliberately done him a favor.

After settling everything in Yi City, Zu'an prepared to return to Purple Mountain, but he couldn't help but wonder where Yun Jianyue had gone.

As he was lost in thought in his room, a sweet voice suddenly chimed in from the window: "Little brother, are you thinking of some young lady?"

Hearing this familiar yet somewhat unfamiliar voice, Zu'an was both surprised and delighted. He looked up. He saw a stunningly beautiful girl leaning by the window, her eyes sparkling with mirth. With a rosy face, bright eyes, slender brows, snow-white skin, and moist red lips, she clearly had the appearance of a youthful beauty, yet every part of her exuded a seductive charm that seemed inconsistent with her age.

"Hong Lei!" Zu'an exclaimed. He had never expected to reunite with her under such circumstances, having heard from Yun Jianyue that she had been sent on a mission.

He immediately rushed to the window, pulling her tightly into his embrace. They, too, had spent little time together. Qiu Honglei was equally excited. On Purple Mountain, she had recognized him but couldn't acknowledge him, which had only intensified her longing.

The two embraced tightly, and as their emotions deepened, they naturally began to kiss. After all, they had done almost everything short of the final step before this, their bodies already intimately familiar with each other.

As the two were passionately kissing, a light cough suddenly came from nearby: "Am I interrupting?"

[Rage points from Yun Jianyue: 666, 666, 666...]