Delegation Enters the Thieves' Den

The group entered Yongtang City in a grand procession. Only after stepping through the city gates did the Imperial Guard and the many imperial soldiers finally breathe a sigh of relief.

Under the Son of Heaven's watchful eye, the defenses were strict, and surely no one would dare cause trouble here.

The moment they stepped into Yongtang City, a system prompt sounded in Bai Yan's mind.

[Ding! Detected host has safely escorted the Bozeguo delegation into Yongtang City. Mission complete. Do you wish to claim your reward?]

'Claim it!'

[Ding, congratulations to the host for obtaining the max-level Spiritual Rhinoceros Finger!]

[Rewards are being distributed...]

[Distribution complete]

The next moment, a massive influx of information flooded Bai Yan's mind, containing the cultivation method and essential principles of the Spiritual Rhinoceros Finger.

In just a few breaths, Bai Yan's comprehension of the Spiritual Rhinoceros Finger reached its maximum level.

Though I have no wings of a phoenix to fly together, our hearts are linked by a spiritual rhinoceros's touch!

The Spiritual Rhinoceros Finger could be used for both offense and defense, excelling in both.

Not only could it catch any weapon in the world, but it was also an unparalleled acupoint-striking technique.

With a single finger strike, one could sever meridians, shatter the dantian, and kill without a trace!

It was not only incredibly powerful but also possessed an elegant and dashing flair.

'What a magnificent technique!'

Bai Yan's lips curved upwards, his mood greatly improved.

Escorted by the Imperial Guard and imperial soldiers, ten carriages safely arrived at Huitong Hall.

This was where the Great Yu court received distinguished guests from other nations. All foreign delegations would temporarily stay here before their audience with the Emperor.

Huitong Hall also had tight security, with a thousand-strong detachment of the Four Symbols Legion permanently stationed outside.

By all rights, Bai Yan's mission should have been considered complete upon escorting the delegation to Huitong Hall.

However, Zhou Long insisted that he stay and help investigate for any internal traitors. After a brief moment of thought, Bai Yan agreed.

This matter concerned the Emperor's safety. If they could truly unmask a traitor, it would be a monumental achievement.

For Bai Yan, who was eager to be promoted, this was undoubtedly an excellent opportunity.

After a satisfying meal, night soon fell.

Even after nightfall, Huitong Hall remained brightly lit.

In the spacious courtyard, the entire Bozeguo delegation was gathered.

Guarding the perimeter of the courtyard were the Imperial Guard and imperial soldiers.

If any traitor was found, they would have nowhere to escape.

"What is the meaning of this, General Zhou?"

The Princess of Bozeguo, veiled and with her hands resting on her abdomen, spoke with clear anger in her voice.

Although Bozeguo was a small country, it was still a legitimate nation with its own dignity. The Princess was naturally displeased with the way their delegation was being treated.

Zhou Long clasped his hands in a salute:

"My apologies, Your Highness the Princess."

"Ambassador Bai's delegation was attacked, and I suspect assassins may have infiltrated the group, intending to harm His Majesty."

"As a precaution, I must conduct a thorough inspection."

"Inspection?"

The Princess of Bozeguo coldly retorted:

"General Zhou, are you implying that I, the Princess, am an assassin?!"

"This subordinate would not dare."

Zhou Long maintained his respectful posture but did not yield an inch:

"This concerns His Majesty's safety, and I must investigate. I hope the Princess will grant her consent."

The Princess of Bozeguo trembled with anger, her tone becoming even more hostile:

"Though Bozeguo is a small nation, we will not tolerate such humiliation!"

Zhou Long said solemnly:

"This subordinate has no intention of humiliating Bozeguo, and I ask for the Princess's understanding."

"However, His Majesty's safety is paramount. To ensure there are no unforeseen circumstances, I must thoroughly investigate. I believe the Princess would also not wish to see any accidents occur, as that would be detrimental to both Great Yu and Bozeguo."

The Princess of Bozeguo's chest heaved violently. After a long moment, she spoke coldly:

"Fine! General Zhou, I have noted today's events."

"You may investigate if you wish, but if you fail to find the assassin, do not blame me for reporting you to the Emperor after I enter the palace and accuse you of disrespecting a state guest!"

Zhou Long's heart leaped at her words, and he felt a pang of hesitation.

Being on a princess's bad side was no trivial matter.

Although Bozeguo was a small nation, after the princess married the Emperor, she would at least be granted the position of a noble consort.

This meant Zhou Long was about to offend a future noble consort.

However, when he thought of the Emperor's safety and the lives of his nine generations of kin, Zhou Long could only grit his teeth and push through, saying:

"To ensure His Majesty's complete safety, this humble general is willing to accept punishment!"

"My apologies, Your Highness the Princess."

Zhou Long cupped his hands in a salute and waved his hand. Two soldiers behind him brought forward two wine pots and dozens of wine cups.

Zhou Long explained to the Princess of Bozeguo:

"Your Highness, this wine contains Truth Serum Powder. It can temporarily muddle one's mind, causing them to involuntarily speak the truth."

"This is not a poison. The effects will disappear within a single night, and it will not harm innocent lives. Please rest assured, Your Highness."

He then turned to the members of the delegation, his voice suddenly turning cold:

"Each of you will have a cup. If you have nothing to hide, you will be perfectly fine!"

The soldiers immediately stepped forward, filled the cups, and presented them one by one to the delegation members. Some hesitated slightly, only to have their mouths pried open by the Imperial Guards and be forced to drink.

After drinking the wine, the delegation members exchanged glances, feeling nothing out of the ordinary.

But soon, the effects of the alcohol took hold. They felt their heads grow dizzy, and their vision began to blur.

Zhou Long scrutinized everyone, one by one, daring not to miss any clue.

As he approached a certain maidservant, Zhou Long suddenly lunged, pointing a finger at the maidservant's shoulder.

The maidservant, struck unexpectedly, let out a scream, spat out a mouthful of black blood, and fell forward.

Seeing the maidservant collapse in a heap, the other maidservants shrieked in terror.

Several of them huddled together, trembling and filled with panic.

The Princess of Bozeguo's expression also changed. Just as she was about to reprimand Zhou Long, she heard him shout:

"This person is not a maidservant at all, but a rebel in disguise!"

"Guards, tear her face off!"

Two Imperial Guard soldiers immediately stepped forward, pinning the fallen maidservant down. One of them, with fingers like talons, grabbed her face and tore off a human skin mask.

Due to the excessive force, the mask even tore the maidservant's original face.

"Hmph, you thought such a petty trick could deceive my eyes? I have walked the jianghu for many years and interrogated countless scoundrels!"

"A mere human skin mask is nothing!"

Zhou Long sneered dismissively.

"You thought you could use your True Essence to dispel the effects of the medicine and I wouldn't notice?"

"Little do you know, I was waiting for the moment you channeled your energy!"

"If your conscience were clear, why would you need to channel energy to dispel the medicine's effects?"

Seeing her identity exposed, the female rebel immediately cursed:

"You dog, you aid and abet evil! May you die a terrible death!"

"The Son of Heaven is corrupt and incompetent, indulging in alchemy and neglecting state affairs, plunging the world into chaos and the people into misery! Such a foolish ruler deserves to be killed by everyone!"

"You all wait! The Great Yu dynasty's mandate is exhausted, and its demise is imminent!"

The female rebel raved like a madwoman.

Zhou Long trembled with rage and immediately stepped forward, slapping the female rebel away with a palm strike.

"Slandering His Majesty is an unforgivable crime!"

"Guards, break her limbs, cripple her dantian, and throw her into the imperial prison to await trial!"