Arc 231The Saint Sons Murders

Lin Bai investigated the murders of Zuo Feiyu and Changsun Hongxuan while navigating the imperial family’s conflict with Fallen Immortal and her Old Guard. With Emperor Chu’s deadline approaching, Lin Bai uncovered a connection between Courtesan Lanyue and the former Seven Absolutes City Holy Son Lu Shulin.

  • Lin Bai investigated Zuo Feiyu’s death at Weaving Cloud Palace, where he found evidence of an exceptionally powerful sword cultivator and learned Fallen Immortal had attended Zhao Xiantu’s banquet.
  • After Fallen Immortal denied involvement, Zhang Linghu ambushed Lin Bai for visiting her, and Prince Chen explained her family’s fall and warned Lin Bai against provoking her Old Guard.
  • Pan Qing defeated Zhang Linghu in public, restoring the Tianshui Sect’s reputation, while Emperor Chu considered betrothing Fallen Immortal to Lin Bai.
  • Changsun Hongxuan was found murdered with the same swordplay as Zuo Feiyu, and Emperor Chu ordered Lin Bai to solve both cases within half a month.
  • Fallen Immortal told Lin Bai that Zhao Xiantu had promised evidence her family was framed, and she pointed out that Lanyue had concealed cultivation at the Great Purity Dao Fruit Realm.
  • Lin Bai questioned Lu Qingjun and searched the Zhao Xing Office archives, learning that Lu Shulin had left Seven Absolutes City with his pregnant wife after the sect tried to execute her.
  • Lin Bai found that Lanyue had been the Nameless Dao Sect’s Holy Daughter, Lu Chuqing, and connected her surname to Lu Shulin before telling Zhu Mo he had found a lead.
Chapters 5751–5775 Vol. 58 Read

Ch. 5751Luring Lu Qingjun into the mire!

Lin Bai found little evidence in Zuo Feiyu’s murder investigation and heard that the Guiyi Sect suspected Lu Qingjun of using Seven Absolutes City’s Divine Light Swordplay. He trusted Lu Qingjun’s character and went with Qiao Mo and Qin Yao to Moon Palace to inspect Weaving Cloud Palace, where they met Miss Qiong Yi at the ferry dock.

  • Lin Bai told Qiao Mo and Qin Yao that Zuo Feiyu had died from a powerful sword strike and that the Guiyi Sect suspected Lu Qingjun because the wound resembled Seven Absolutes City’s Divine Light Swordplay.
  • Lin Bai said he did not believe Lu Qingjun had committed the murder, reasoning that Lu Qingjun would have openly admitted it if he had.
  • Lin Bai took Qiao Mo and Qin Yao through Bright Moon Pavilion and then by ferry to Moon Palace, intending to inspect Weaving Cloud Palace.
  • Miss Qiong Yi welcomed Lin Bai at Moon Palace’s dock, and Qiao Mo and Qin Yao were struck by her beauty and bearing.

Ch. 5752A Sword Intent!

Lin Bai visited Moon Palace to investigate Zuo Feiyu’s murder and received a guest register from Qiong Yi before heading to the sealed Weaving Cloud Palace. There, he sensed a powerful sword intent left behind by an unknown sword cultivator, who seemed to be challenging him.

  • Qiong Yi gave Lin Bai a detailed register of Moon Palace’s guests from the past half-month and offered the Zhao Xing Office her full cooperation.
  • Qiong Yi led Lin Bai, Qiao Mo, and Qin Yao to Weaving Cloud Palace, where Courtesan Lanyue and the palace maids remained under investigation.
  • Lin Bai entered Weaving Cloud Palace with permission from the Zhao Xing Office guards and asked to meet Courtesan Lanyue.
  • Lin Bai sensed blood aura and Baleful Intent, then saw a vision of a sword cultivator’s attack that forced him to retreat.
  • Lin Bai concluded that an extraordinary sword cultivator had deliberately left the sword intent behind to provoke him.

Ch. 5753Weaving Cloud Palace! Lady Lanyue!

Lin Bai investigated Zuo Feiyu’s murder at the Weaving Cloud Palace and found evidence that an exceptionally powerful sword cultivator had broken into the protected side hall. He left knowing the formation was a common Dragon Guard Formation, while the killer’s identity remained unknown.

  • A hidden sword intent left in the Weaving Cloud Palace revived when Lin Bai arrived, and Lin Bai realized it had been left specifically for him.
  • Lady Lanyue greeted Lin Bai and led him, Qin Yao, and Qiao Mo to the side hall where Zuo Feiyu and a palace maid had been found dead.
  • Lin Bai inspected the room and found that the protective formation at its entrance had been cleaved apart with a single sword strike.
  • Lin Bai concluded that the killer was an exceptionally powerful sword cultivator, at least comparable in strength to a great sect’s Saint Son.
  • Lady Lanyue explained that the shattered formation was the common Dragon Guard Formation, used throughout the imperial capital.

Ch. 5754Disaster Diverted to the East!

Lin Bai investigated the sword marks at the Weaving Cloud Palace and suspected they had been made by a woman, then learned that Fallen Immortal had visited around the time Zuo Feiyu was attacked. After Lin Bai left, Lanyue revealed that she had orchestrated the crime and planned to mislead the investigation toward Seven Absolutes City and Fallen Immortal before fleeing the imperial capital of Chu.

  • Lin Bai examined the sword marks and judged that their soft quality suggested a woman had wielded the sword.
  • Lanyue explained that Zhao Xiantu had invited Fallen Immortal to the banquet shortly before Zuo Feiyu was taken away to rest.
  • Lanyue told Lin Bai that Fallen Immortal was a powerful sword cultivator, and Lin Bai said he would report the lead to the Zhao Xingt Office.
  • After Lin Bai, Qiao Mo, and Qin Yao left, Lanyue admitted to a maid that she had killed Zuo Feiyu and that Lin Bai had nearly identified her.
  • Lanyue planned to direct suspicion toward Seven Absolutes City and Fallen Immortal, then finish her next step and leave the imperial capital of Chu.

Ch. 5755Emperor Capital's Number One Beauty!

After questioning Lanyue at Weaving Cloud Palace, Lin Bai decided to visit Fallen Immortal, one of the prime suspects in Zuo Feiyu’s murder. Qiong Yi led Lin Bai, Qiao Mo, and Qin Yao toward Fallen Immortal’s residence, Jade Terrace, but warned that Fallen Immortal might refuse to see them.

  • Lin Bai concluded that Fallen Immortal and Lu Qingjun were the prime suspects, based on their connections to the night Zuo Feiyu died.
  • Qiao Mo and Qin Yao accompanied Lin Bai to investigate Fallen Immortal, despite Qiao Mo suspecting he wanted to meet the Emperor Capital’s Number One Beauty.
  • Qiong Yi agreed to lead the three to Fallen Immortal but cautioned that she could not make Fallen Immortal receive them.
  • Qiong Yi explained that Jade Terrace housed Moon Palace’s top Courtesans and that the Courtesans’ pasts were kept private.

Ch. 5756Yaotai Flower Sea!

Lin Bai visited Moon Palace to ask Lady Fallen Immortal about her past, and she agreed to meet him alone in Yaotai. He found her planting flowers in the mountains, where their conversation began with him accidentally crushing one of them.

  • Qiong Yi told Lin Bai that winning the courtesans' hearts might persuade them to share their past, then carried his request to Lady Fallen Immortal.
  • Lady Fallen Immortal invited Lin Bai into Yaotai but told Qiao Mo and Qin Yao to wait outside; Qiong Yi led them to the reception hall.
  • Qiong Yi revealed that Lady Fallen Immortal had last received a guest a thousand years earlier, when Prince Chen visited before leaving the Imperial Capital.
  • Lin Bai entered Yaotai alone and saw Lady Fallen Immortal planting flowers in the mountains.
  • Lady Fallen Immortal questioned Lin Bai's interest in people, then reproached him for stepping on a flower.
  • Lin Bai offered spirit liquid to save the crushed flower, but Lady Fallen Immortal said it might have been destined to suffer that calamity.

Ch. 5757Fallen Immortal!

Lin Bai questioned Fallen Immortal about Saint Son Zuo Feiyu’s death and her attendance at Zhao Xiantu’s banquet, but she denied involvement and revealed little. He left the Jade Platform without learning why she had attended, while she warned that the Zhao Xing Office could frame a heretical faction if it failed to find the real culprit.

  • Lin Bai met Fallen Immortal at the Jade Platform and asked about her relationship with Prince Chen.
  • Lin Bai told Fallen Immortal that Zuo Feiyu had been killed in Weaving Cloud Palace and asked why she had attended Zhao Xiantu’s banquet.
  • Fallen Immortal denied killing Zuo Feiyu and said she did not know who he was, but admitted she had attended the banquet because she had no choice.
  • Fallen Immortal explained that the Zhao Xing Office could blame a heretical sect or demonic faction if it failed to solve the case within half a month.
  • Lin Bai urged Fallen Immortal to share anything that might help protect Prince Chen, but she insisted her banquet attendance was unrelated to the murder.
  • Lin Bai failed to obtain useful information and left the Jade Platform.

Ch. 5758Great Luo Dao Fruit Realm Warriors' Warning!

Lin Bai visited Fallen Immortal but learned nothing before a Black-Robed Old Man attacked him and warned him to stay away from her. After waking from three days unconscious, Lin Bai stopped the Tianshui Sect elders from escalating the matter and remained curious about Fallen Immortal’s past.

  • Lin Bai left the Jade Terrace with Qiao Mo and Qin Yao, admitting he had gained no useful information from Fallen Immortal.
  • At Bright Moon Pavilion’s ferry crossing, a Black-Robed Old Man unleashed a water dragon that severely wounded Lin Bai with one strike.
  • The Black-Robed Old Man warned Lin Bai to stay away from Fallen Immortal, then vanished before the Zhao Xing Office martial artists could stop him.
  • Lin Bai lost consciousness and woke three days later in the Tianshui Sect’s traveling palace, with Qiao Mo and Qin Yao watching over him.
  • The Second Elder vowed to seek the Chu Emperor’s help, but Lin Bai stopped him to avoid causing more trouble for Prince Chen and acknowledged his own recklessness.
  • Lin Bai wondered what past had led Fallen Immortal to be guarded by a Great Luo Dao Fruit Realm warrior and punished into the world of pleasure.

Ch. 5759The Past of Fallen Immortal! Prince Hong's Daughter

Lin Bai asked Prince Chen about Fallen Immortal after a Grand Luo Dao Fruit Realm martial artist attacked him for visiting her. Prince Chen revealed Fallen Immortal was Prince Hong’s daughter and explained the events that led to her punishment at the Moon Palace.

  • The Second Elder told Lin Bai that Ancestor Pan Qing was coming to the imperial capital after learning Lin Bai had been injured.
  • Prince Chen visited Lin Bai and asked who had attacked him, then Lin Bai sent their companions away to discuss Fallen Immortal privately.
  • Lin Bai told Prince Chen that a Grand Luo Dao Fruit Realm martial artist had warned him not to provoke Fallen Immortal after he visited her at the Weaving Cloud Palace.
  • Prince Chen said Fallen Immortal was a member of the imperial family and that he should address her as an elder sister.
  • Prince Chen explained that Prince Hong had taken his own life after evidence showed his consort had colluded with the Nine Underworlds Demon Palace.
  • Prince Chen said the Chu Emperor had ordered the Prince Hong Estate destroyed, executed Fallen Immortal’s mother, and sent Fallen Immortal to the Moon Palace as punishment.

Ch. 5760Prince Hong's Old Guard!

Prince Chen explained that the attacker who ambushed Lin Bai was likely one of Prince Hong's Old Guard, who still served Fallen Immortal, and warned Lin Bai not to provoke her. At the Moon Palace, Fallen Immortal learned that Uncle Tiger had attacked Lin Bai and punished him by ordering him to find ten pots of unique flowers.

  • Prince Chen told Lin Bai that Prince Hong's Old Guard had attacked him and revealed that dozens of powerful martial artists still served Fallen Immortal.
  • Prince Chen explained that the imperial family avoided confronting the Old Guard because they could hide or retaliate, and warned Lin Bai not to provoke Fallen Immortal.
  • Prince Chen promised to investigate Zuo Feiyu's death and tell Fallen Immortal that Lin Bai had meant no harm before leaving Lin Bai with pills.
  • Fallen Immortal questioned six elders about Lin Bai's ambush, and Uncle Tiger admitted that he had ordered it to protect her.
  • Fallen Immortal punished Uncle Tiger by requiring him to bring her ten pots of flowers, none of which could duplicate flowers on Yaotai Mountain.

Ch. 5761The Various Factions Were Shaken!

News spread through the imperial capital that Lin Bai had been grievously wounded by Zhang Linghu after visiting Fallen Immortal at Bright Moon Pavilion. The Chu Emperor learned of the ambush and left Zhu Mo stunned by suggesting he might betroth Fallen Immortal to Lin Bai.

  • The Third Prince celebrated Lin Bai’s injury and learned from Old Huo that Lin Bai had visited Fallen Immortal before the ambush.
  • Old Huo pointed out that Lin Bai had gone to Bright Moon Pavilion to investigate Zuo Feiyu’s death, prompting the Third Prince to react with concern.
  • Zhu Mo told the Chu Emperor that Zhang Linghu, one of Prince Hong’s Old Guard, had ambushed Lin Bai at Bright Moon Pavilion’s ferry crossing.
  • The Chu Emperor said the ambush had merely blunted Lin Bai’s prominence and asked Zhu Mo for his assessment of Lin Bai.
  • The Chu Emperor suggested betrothing Fallen Immortal to Lin Bai, shocking Zhu Mo.

Ch. 5762Chu Xi Bestows a Marriage?

The Chu Emperor considered restoring Fallen Immortal’s identity and betrothing her to Lin Bai, while her father agreed to test Lin Bai at the imperial clan’s autumn hunt. After Lin Bai recovered from his ambush, news that Changsun Hongxuan had died in the Moon Palace seized the imperial capital’s attention.

  • The Chu Emperor told Zhu Mo that he was considering betrothing Fallen Immortal to Lin Bai and restoring her identity, then ordered him to keep the matter secret.
  • The Chu Emperor and Fallen Immortal’s father discussed using the marriage to support Prince Chen, and her father agreed to test Lin Bai during the imperial clan’s autumn hunt.
  • Lin Bai spent half a month recuperating at the Tianshui Sect’s traveling palace while Chen Yule, Meng Qinxian, Nie Shang, and others visited him.
  • News broke that Changsun Hongxuan, the Big Dipper Sect’s holy son, had died in the Moon Palace, shocking the imperial capital.

Ch. 5763The Hardest Thing to Accept Is a Beauty's Favor!

Lin Bai recovered from his injuries as Qiao Mo cared for him, while he worried about her feelings and his own plans. Pan Qing arrived in the imperial capital to confront the former retainers of Prince Hong Estate, and he finally faced Zhang Linghu at a restaurant near Bright Moon Pavilion.

  • Qiao Mo brought Lin Bai spirit liquid and insisted that he keep treating his injuries, while Lin Bai realized she had fallen for him.
  • Pan Qing arrived and learned that former retainers of Prince Hong Estate had attacked Lin Bai for visiting Fallen Immortal.
  • Lin Bai urged Pan Qing not to let the dispute grow too serious, but Pan Qing said the Tianshui Sect had to defend its dignity and reliability to Prince Chen.
  • Pan Qing went to a restaurant near Bright Moon Pavilion and sat across from the Black-Robed Old Man, Zhang Linghu.
  • Pan Qing greeted Zhang Linghu, who recognized him with surprise.

Ch. 5764Pan Qing Fights Zhang Linghu in a Fit of Rage!

Pan Qing confronted Zhang Linghu over Zhang’s attack on Lin Bai and defeated him in the streets outside Bright Moon Pavilion. Fallen Immortal brokered a truce, and the Zhao Xing Office waited until both men left before ordering repairs.

  • Pan Qing attacked Zhang Linghu outside Bright Moon Pavilion, claiming he had no right to injure the Tianshui Sect’s Holy Son, Lin Bai.
  • Pan Qing overwhelmed Zhang Linghu in their fight, leaving him gravely wounded as martial artists gathered to watch.
  • Fallen Immortal intervened, apologized on Zhang Linghu’s behalf, and persuaded Pan Qing to end the fight.
  • Zhang Linghu admitted Pan Qing’s strength had reached the threshold of the high-grade Grand Luo Dao Fruit realm, and Fallen Immortal explained that the Tianshui Sect was asserting its power after pledging allegiance to Prince Chen.
  • After Pan Qing and Fallen Immortal departed with Zhang Linghu, the Zhao Xing Office ordered the damaged streets repaired and explained that its officers had feared intervening.

Ch. 5765Pan Qing and the Chu Emperor!

Pan Qing’s return to the Imperial Capital strengthened the Tianshui Sect’s standing, and the Chu Emperor chose not to interfere with his actions. Pan Qing later reunited with the Chu Emperor, and their conversation ended with the Chu Emperor laughing at Pan Qing’s request to have the Zhao Xing Office drop its investigation.

  • Zhu Mo told the Chu Emperor that Pan Qing had arrived in the Imperial Capital and beaten Zhang Linghu, and the Chu Emperor ordered the Zhao Xing Office not to interfere unless Pan Qing caused a major disturbance.
  • Pan Qing’s three punches at Bright Moon Pavilion severely wounded a Grand Luo Dao Fruit Realm opponent, stirring excitement across the Imperial Capital and restoring the Tianshui Sect’s reputation.
  • Pan Qing told the Tianshui Sect elders to focus more on cultivation, then assured Lin Bai and his companions that they would be safe from further trouble for now.
  • Pan Qing said he would stay in the Imperial Capital until the Chu Emperor’s Birthday Celebration and offered to help Lin Bai if he encountered problems.
  • Pan Qing visited the Chu Emperor, recalled their friendship from ten thousand years earlier, and explained that he had stayed loyal to the Tianshui Sect rather than joining the imperial clan.
  • Pan Qing asked the Chu Emperor to have the Zhao Xing Office close the case over the damage at Bright Moon Pavilion, and the Chu Emperor laughed at him.

Ch. 5766The Death of Changsun Hongxuan!

While Lin Bai recovered from his wounds, he learned that Changsun Hongxuan, another Saint Son from one of the Nine Sects of Qi Tian, had been murdered in the Moon Palace. With the Zhao Xing Office unable to find the killer and Prince Chen facing Emperor Chu’s anger, Lin Bai was asked to help with the case.

  • Lin Bai sparred with Qiao Mo and later discussed the Imperial Capital with her, Qin Yao, Fang Yuanshu, and Ye Guyu.
  • Zhou Wang visited Lin Bai and revealed that Changsun Hongxuan had died three days earlier in Dan Yun Palace at the Moon Palace.
  • Zhou Wang explained that Changsun Hongxuan had spent the night with Li Mo, Dugu Ming, and Mei Lin, and had been pierced through the heart just like Zuo Feiyu.
  • The Zhao Xing Office had found no clues in either murder and had framed a heretical sect for Zuo Feiyu’s death, but the second killing made that approach untenable.
  • Zhou Wang told Lin Bai that Emperor Chu had ordered Prince Chen to solve Changsun Hongxuan’s murder, warning that Prince Chen might be driven from the capital if the case worsened.

Ch. 5767Trouble!

After another Holy Son was murdered in the imperial capital, Guiyi Sect and Big Dipper Sect renewed their demands for the true culprit, placing Emperor Chu and Prince Chen under pressure. Lin Bai realized the killings could provoke a wider conflict, then learned Emperor Chu had summoned him to the palace.

  • The death of Changsun Hongxuan, matching Zuo Feiyu’s, led Guiyi Sect and Big Dipper Sect to confront Emperor Chu and demand the real killer be captured.
  • Emperor Chu ordered Prince Chen to investigate and warned that failure could cost him his position in the imperial capital.
  • Zhou Wang told Lin Bai about the murder, hoping he would help Prince Chen handle the crisis.
  • Lin Bai warned Qiao Mo and Qin Yao that further killings could inflame tensions between the Chu Empire and the major sects.
  • The Second Elder arrived and told Lin Bai that Emperor Chu had summoned him to the palace.

Ch. 5768The Chu Emperor Summons Him!

Lin Bai entered the imperial palace after the Chu Emperor summoned him and was ordered to investigate the murders of Zuo Feiyu and Changsun Hongxuan. The Chu Emperor restored Lin Bai’s Sword-Bearer Envoy authority and gave him only half a month to catch the killer.

  • Lin Bai followed a eunuch through the heavily guarded imperial palace to the Hall of Mountains and Rivers.
  • Eunuch Gui admitted Lin Bai to the hall, where the Chu Emperor’s overwhelming pressure forced him to remain bowed.
  • The Chu Emperor told Lin Bai that Zuo Feiyu and Changsun Hongxuan had both been killed with Seven Absolutes City’s Divine Light Swordplay, risking Chu’s standing with Guiyi Sect.
  • The Chu Emperor assigned Lin Bai to investigate the Saint murders, and Lin Bai accepted the task.
  • The Chu Emperor returned Lin Bai’s Zhao Xing Office Sword-Bearer Envoy token and gave him half a month to solve the case.

Ch. 5769Half a Month!

Lin Bai accepted Chu Emperor’s order to identify the killer of the Saint Sons within half a month, despite having no clues. As he wandered the rainy streets near Bright Moon Pavilion, Zhang Linghu and a Black-Robed Old Man spotted him, then noticed a woman approaching with an oil-paper umbrella.

  • Chu Emperor gave Lin Bai half a month to find the culprit behind the Saint Sons’ deaths, warning him of punishment if he failed and promising a heavy reward if he succeeded.
  • Lin Bai left the imperial palace and wandered the Imperial Capital, unable to find a lead connecting Zuo Feiyu’s and Changsun Hongxuan’s deaths.
  • Rain began falling across the Imperial Capital, and Lin Bai let himself get soaked as he continued walking toward Bright Moon Pavilion.
  • Zhang Linghu and a Black-Robed Old Man saw Lin Bai from a tavern window and discussed his troubled appearance and Pan Qing’s strength.
  • Zhang Linghu and the Black-Robed Old Man noticed a woman in white approaching with an oil-paper umbrella, and both grew tense at the sight of her.

Ch. 5770Fallen Immortal Beneath the Umbrella!

Lin Bai puzzled over the motives behind Zuo Feiyu and Changsun Hongxuan’s deaths until Fallen Immortal approached him with an umbrella and offered to share clues over a drink. He accepted her invitation, while Zhang Linghu watched from the restaurant and struggled with guilt over his earlier attack on Lin Bai.

  • Lin Bai reasoned that Zuo Feiyu’s killer likely had a hidden objective beyond provoking the Guiyi Sect or causing unrest, and wondered why the same person had killed Changsun Hongxuan.
  • Fallen Immortal joined Lin Bai beneath her umbrella and invited him to drink Swordbreaker liquor at a restaurant near the Bright Moon Pavilion.
  • Lin Bai declined to pursue the matter of his injuries but accepted Fallen Immortal’s offer to help him investigate the deaths.
  • Zhang Linghu grew furious at seeing Fallen Immortal hold an umbrella for Lin Bai, but the Black-Robed Old Man stopped him and reminded him that his actions had caused the trouble.
  • Zhang Linghu felt remorse, while the Black-Robed Old Man remarked that Lin Bai and Fallen Immortal made a good match.

Ch. 5771Hongtian Tavern! Chao Yushi!

At Hongtian Tavern, Lin Bai questioned Fallen Immortal about her visit to Weaving Cloud Palace on the night Zuo Feiyu died. She revealed that Zhao Xiantu had lured her there with evidence claiming her father and mother were framed for ties to the Nine Underworlds Demon Palace.

  • Fallen Immortal brought Lin Bai to Hongtian Tavern, where Chao Yushi and Zhang Linghu greeted them.
  • Lin Bai and Zhang Linghu exchanged cold greetings, while Fallen Immortal noticed their lingering hostility.
  • Lin Bai asked Fallen Immortal why she had attended Zhao Xiantu's banquet at Weaving Cloud Palace on the night Zuo Feiyu died.
  • Fallen Immortal said Zhao Xiantu had promised evidence that her father had been wrongly accused of colluding with the Nine Underworlds Demon Palace.
  • Fallen Immortal revealed that Zhao Xiantu had also claimed her mother was not a member of the Nine Underworlds Demon Palace and that her family had been framed.

Ch. 5772The Strange Courtesan Lanyue!

Lin Bai learned that Courtesan Lanyue might be a powerful sword cultivator at the Great Purity Dao Fruit Realm, making her a suspect in Zuo Feiyu’s death. He then visited Lu Qingjun to discuss how Seven Absolutes City’s secret sword technique had implicated Lu in the killings.

  • Fallen Immortal told Lin Bai that Courtesan Lanyue had concealed cultivation at the Great Purity Dao Fruit Realm and had revealed her strength while playing the zither at Weaving Cloud Palace.
  • Lin Bai suspected Lanyue could have killed Zuo Feiyu and left after promising Fallen Immortal that Tianshui Sect and Ancestor Pan Qing would not pursue Bright Moon Pavilion.
  • Lin Bai’s glance unnerved Zhang Linghu, and Fallen Immortal reassured him that Lin Bai had set the matter aside.
  • Lin Bai visited Lu Qingjun at Seven Absolutes City’s reception hall and warned him that Zuo Feiyu and Changsun Hongxuan had both died by Seven Absolutes City’s Divine Light Swordplay, drawing suspicion toward Lu.

Ch. 5773The Secret of Seven Absolutes City!

Lin Bai questioned Lu Qingjun about Divine Light Swordplay and Seven Absolutes City’s possible connection to the murders, then went to the Zhao Xing Office to search its archives. Lu Qingjun offered a lead about his vanished clan uncle, Lu Shulin, while Zhu Mo waited outside the archives, hoping Lin Bai had found a clue.

  • Lu Qingjun declared that Seven Absolutes City would cooperate with the investigation and denied that it had murdered Zuo Feiyu or Changsun Hongxuan.
  • Lin Bai learned that Seven Absolutes City’s Core Disciples could cultivate Divine Light Swordplay and that many former disciples, including female sword cultivators, had been expelled.
  • Lu Qingjun told Lin Bai that his clan uncle Lu Shulin had left Seven Absolutes City a century earlier after falling in love with a woman who had served the Nine Underworlds Demon Palace.
  • Lin Bai questioned Lu Qingjun further, then went to the Zhao Xing Office and used his Sword-Bearer Envoy token to enter its archive chamber.
  • Zhu Mo arrived outside the archive chamber and asked whether Lin Bai had found a clue.

Ch. 5774A Fruitless Search!

Lin Bai searched the Zhao Xing Office archives for leads on the deaths of Zuo Feiyu and Changsun Hongxuan, but the records offered little conclusive evidence. After learning more about Lu Shulin’s escape from Seven Absolutes City, Lin Bai decided to investigate Lanyue, while Commander Zhu Mo waited to hear whether he had found a lead.

  • Lin Bai asked Wu Chang to retrieve records about Seven Absolutes City and its secret Divine Light Swordplay.
  • Lin Bai read a file linking the suspected swordplay to the deaths of Zuo Feiyu and Changsun Hongxuan, and saw that the Zhao Xing Office had recorded his role in the investigation.
  • Lin Bai discovered that Seven Absolutes City had tried to execute Lu Shulin’s pregnant wife, forcing him to fight his way out with her.
  • Lin Bai found no suspicious leads in the Seven Absolutes City records and decided to start investigating Lanyue.
  • Zhu Mo told Lin Bai that the two Holy Sons’ deaths had overwhelmed him and that he had waited for Lin Bai in hopes he had found a lead.

Ch. 5775Nameless Dao Sect!

Lin Bai investigated the deaths of Zuo Feiyu and Changsun Hongxuan and found that Moon Palace courtesan Lanyue had once been Lu Chuqing, Holy Daughter of the Nameless Dao Sect. He suspected her past might connect the killings to Lu Shulin and questioned why Zhu Mo had not investigated her himself.

  • Zhu Mo pressed Lin Bai for leads on the killings of Zuo Feiyu and Changsun Hongxuan, as Emperor Chu’s deadline approached.
  • Lin Bai asked Wu Chang for Lanyue’s file and learned she had been the Holy Daughter of the Nameless Dao Sect, under the name Lu Chuqing.
  • Lin Bai connected Lanyue’s surname to Lu Shulin, the former Holy Son of Seven Absolutes City who had vanished a hundred years earlier.
  • Lin Bai read the Nameless Dao Sect’s file and learned Zhao Xing Office had destroyed it for colluding with the Nine Underworlds Demon Palace, then sent Lu Chuqing and other women to the Moon Palace.
  • Lin Bai told Zhu Mo that he had found a lead, then wondered why Zhu Mo had not already investigated Lanyue.
Arc 231 of 304