Capture! The Situation Reverses! (Two-in-one chapter, please follow up)

Partisan strife is not merely a contest of strength and tactics.

To win hearts and minds, intimidation, coercion, profit, and temptation are all indispensable.

Among the Six Ministries, the Ministry of Revenue manages territory, taxation, the national treasury, and a series of other fiscal affairs; it is the veritable purse of the nation and one of the Highness's greatest pillars of support.

The Consort Faction had exhausted every effort to plant a mole within the Ministry of Revenue, only for them to be plucked out so easily.

Moreover, it was highly likely to trigger a backlash...

"Highness, why not just make the three of them shut up forever..."

A flash of murderous intent swept through the depths of Xu Qingyi's eyes.

As things stood, it was clear the men could not be rescued; they could only try to minimize the losses.

Otherwise, if Yan Peizhi were to use this as a pretext to dig deeper, pulling up the radish and bringing out the mud, there was no telling how many people would be implicated.

"Heh, do you truly think the Highness has no preparations?"

"She is clearly waiting for this Palace to make a move; this is a blatant, open conspiracy."

You Han tapped her slender, jade-like fingers against the armrest, pondered for a moment, and said, "Tomorrow at court, have Chen Zhuo submit a memorial impeaching the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice, accusing him of acting arbitrarily and extracting confessions through torture. Demand a joint trial by the Three Judicial Offices and have the Censorate intervene to oversee the case!"

"Understood."

Xu Qingyi lowered her head, sighing silently in her heart.

This so-called impeachment was merely a desperate measure—painless and ineffective—that could change nothing at all.

The Highness will likely have to swallow this bitter pill and keep quiet.

That night.

The moon was dark and the wind was high.

At the third watch, all was silent, and the night wind whistled by with a chill.

A carriage drove out of the Yan residence, its wheels rumbling as it wove through the streets and alleys.

After circling around a few times, it entered a courtyard on the south street of Yicui Pavilion.

An incense stick's time later, the back door opened, and the carriage drove out once more.

Before it had gone more than a few steps, several torches suddenly flared to life. Over a dozen bailiffs clad in Dark Scale Black Uniforms surged from the darkness, weapons in hand, surrounding the carriage tightly.

The crowd parted, and a tall, thin figure walked over slowly.

"It is deep in the night, past the curfew. Where might you be heading, Excellency?"

The man in black driving the carriage remained expressionless, silent.

Liu Mang frowned, reached out to grab the driver's jaw, and forced his mouth open. Only a short stump of a tongue remained; he was a mute who had suffered the punishment of tongue-severing.

He walked to the rear of the carriage and lifted the curtain to find Yan Liang sitting inside, calm and composed.

Apart from him, there was no one else.

"It is so late, Chief Banner Yan. Why are you not sleeping in your residence, but instead coming to this Yicui Pavilion?"

"This official cannot sleep and has come out to clear his mind. Does that require reporting to you?"

Yan Liang questioned in a deep voice, "On the contrary, for your Water Bureau to make such a grand display, could it be that you take this official for a criminal?"

Liu Mang stated bluntly, "Someone reported that Chief Banner Yan is suspected of harboring Barbarian Slaves..."

Yan Liang narrowed his eyes, his tone icy, "One must be responsible for the words one speaks. Do you have evidence?"

"Whether I do or not, a search will reveal the truth!"

Liu Mang did not waste any more breath. He waved his hand, and several bailiffs holding torches entered the courtyard.

Yan Liang crossed his arms, watching coldly from the sidelines, his eyes filled with mockery.

Soon, the bailiffs walked back out one after another.

"Nothing found."

"Nothing on my side either."

Bang!

Yan Liang slammed his hand onto the table, pointed at Liu Mang's nose, and cursed angrily, "What kind of thing are you to dare come and cause trouble for me?"

"Where is Chen Mo? Tell him to get out here! I haven't settled the score with him for today's events yet; does he really think I am made of mud?"

"If you don't give me an explanation this time, I will certainly report you all to the Bureau for overstepping your authority and making false accusations!"

Liu Mang reached up to wipe the spit from his face and said indifferently, "Official Chen is busy; he has no time to come over."

"Busy with what?"

Yan Liang was stunned for a moment.

At a time like this, Chen Mo was actually not here?

Could it be... A sudden, ominous premonition welled up in his heart.

Liu Mang curled his lips. "Busy catching people!"

Almost at the same time, a brilliant blade flash streaked across the distant night sky!

Looking at the direction of that blade flash, Yan Liang's expression froze instantly, his eyes filled with terror!

In a dark, cramped alley, several figures wrapped in black robes and hoods moved silently, blending almost perfectly into the night.

A few of them moved with slight stiffness, and as they walked, their swaying robes revealed black iron rings shackled around their ankles.

Yan Xun walked at the very front, a smug smile hidden beneath his hood.

"My brother's brain is still the sharpest, pulling off a 'darkness under the lamp' trick."

"Yicui Pavilion was just a front; the goods were always hidden here in West Ancestral Shrine Alley. He stayed behind to draw their attention while I've already delivered the goods to the buyer!"

"The wind has been blowing too hard lately; we can't keep holding onto this batch. We have to offload them as soon as possible..."

Arriving at a secluded courtyard, Yan Xun stepped forward and lightly tapped the door knocker.

"Who is it?"

A hoarse voice came from inside the door.

Yan Xun whispered, "Do not lust at the third watch."

After matching the secret code, the gate opened silently, and the group hurried into the courtyard.

A burly man led them into a room.

The candlelight inside was dim as a bean. A man sitting in a chair wore a bamboo hat with black veils hanging down to obscure his face. He said in a deep voice, "You're late... Why is it you? Where is Yan Liang?"

"My brother can't get away for the moment, but rest assured, the goods are absolutely fine."

Yan Xun said, "We've been targeted by the authorities lately. This is the last batch; we're suspending supply for the short term."

"Verify."

The Bamboo Hat Man raised a hand.

The burly man stepped forward and pulled off the hoods of the figures, revealing beautiful faces with wheat-colored skin and exotic features.

Their eyes were slightly dull, showing almost no reaction to external stimuli.

"These are well-trained Barbarian Slaves. As long as you hold this Beast Ring..."

Yan Xun was just about to demonstrate the "method of use" when suddenly, a breeze swept through, causing the candlelight on the table to flicker.

The Bamboo Hat Man frowned. "You brought others with you?"

"No, I didn't?"

Yan Xun shook his head in confusion.

Knock, knock, knock.

The door was rapped, and a slightly magnetic male voice came from outside:

"Open up, room inspection."

The Bamboo Hat Man's expression changed, and he stood up abruptly. "Not good..."

Before the words had even faded, a scorching blade flash cut through the air, shattering the door into splinters!

A handsome, imposing man walked in slowly, followed by dozens of Heavenly Qilin Guards who filed in, surrounding the place until not even a drop of water could leak through!

"Chen Mo?!"

Yan Xun's eyes widened to the size of saucers, his expression one of seeing a ghost.

Shouldn't he be at Yicui Pavilion right now, being led in circles by Yan Liang?

How could he possibly be here?

"And an unexpected harvest, too?"

Chen Mo glanced at the Bamboo Hat Man.

He had long known the location where the Barbarian Slaves were hidden and had deliberately lured the snake out of its hole, wanting to catch them red-handed with the evidence.

He just hadn't expected the other party to be so bold as to proceed with the transaction under these circumstances!

"Stop them!"

The Bamboo Hat Man did not hesitate in the slightest, his hands rapidly forming seals.

The burly man let out a furious roar, his figure swelling violently until it tore through his clothes, transforming into a giant nearly three meters tall, his knotted muscles gleaming with a bronze luster!

"An Occultist?"

Chen Mo raised an eyebrow.

"Anyone who dares to resist, kill without mercy!"

The officers leaped forward to engage.

They were all ranked martial artists with considerable strength, but their blades and swords only left shallow bloody gashes on the giant's body, failing to inflict any fatal damage at all.

The giant struck with heavy, powerful force, swatting several men away with a single wave of his hand!

Seeing this, the group quickly adjusted their tactics; some darted and weaved, swinging chains wrapped around the giant to tether him in place.

The others hacked fiercely at his ankles, the backs of his knees, and his crotch!

In the distance, two bailiffs holding hand crossbows tightened their bowstrings, and feathered arrows whistled through the air!

Thwip! Thwip!

The two arrows pierced through his eyeballs almost simultaneously!

"Aaaaaah!"

The excruciating pain drove the giant to the brink of madness!

He grabbed the chains with both hands, swung the bailiffs away, and after breaking free, charged forward at full speed, heading straight for the direction where Chen Mo stood!

"My Lord, watch out!"

Qin Shou cried out in alarm.

Chen Mo did not budge an inch, his right hand resting on the hilt of his blade.

At the very moment the two were about to collide, a brilliant azure light tore through the darkness, and a roar like that of a dragon shook the soul!

The giant remained in his running posture as his body split in two from top to bottom, sliding past Chen Mo's side; the splashing blood was evaporated by the blade aura before it could even hit the ground!

Clang!

The Horizontal Blade returned to its sheath, and the corpse collapsed with a thunderous crash!

"Elegant, simply too elegant!"

The crowd watched, feeling refreshed and delighted, their eyes filled with awe and worship!

Judging by his strength and defense, this giant far exceeded an ordinary Rank 6 martial artist, yet he hadn't even been able to withstand a single strike from their Flag Captain!

Just how strong was the Flag Captain?

[Killed "Bronze Puppet: Giant Spirit", True Essence +30.]

As the notification flashed before his eyes, Chen Mo caught his breath.

"Is this the power of a Heaven-tier high-grade martial art?"

"Azure Dragon in Sleeve... even at the entry level, it is already this formidable. The True Essence consumption is just too high; an average Rank 6 martial artist might not be able to execute this strike."

Moreover, Chen Mo could feel that this strike resonated with some kind of profound principle in the dark.

This must be what is known as "Dao Rhyme."

"My Bronze Puppet!!"

The Bamboo Hat Man felt a sharp pang of heartache.

To refine this puppet, he had emptied his coffers, using a Rank 6 martial artist and nearly a thousand catties of Crimson Blood Copper!

To think it was slashed apart by this brat in one blow?

"I'll remember you. We have a long road ahead..."

The Bamboo Hat Man cast a deep look at Chen Mo, and the blue bricks beneath his feet turned as soft as a quagmire as his body quickly escaped into the ground.

Five Elements Evasion Technique!

As a Rank 6 Occultist, he had his own trump cards; these imperial hounds could never stop him...

Just then, a mellow voice rang out leisurely: "Friend, since you've come, don't be in such a hurry to leave."

Boom!

A silver spear pierced through the door and smashed into the ground like a meteor!

Shen Shuchou stepped in under the moonlight, reached out to grab the silver spear, and poured surging internal energy into it, forcibly tearing a massive, several-meter-long fissure into the ground that continued to spread rapidly!

As the bailiffs retreated to the courtyard with the Barbarian Slaves, the entire house collapsed with a roar!

"Rank 5 Pure Yang?"

"You are a Heavenly Qilin Guard Centurion?!"

A cry of shock rang out.

Immediately following it was a muffled grunt of pain.

The night wind blew, the dust settled, and Shen Shuchou stood tall and imposing.

The Bamboo Hat Man was hoisted up by the silver spear, his abdomen pierced through, pinned firmly to the wall.

With his Sea of Consciousness shattered, he could not cast a single one of his myriad spells.

He was done for...

The Bamboo Hat Man couldn't fathom it no matter how hard he thought.

They were just a few Barbarian Slaves; how could they have alarmed a Heavenly Qilin Guard Centurion?

"Men, drag them to the Imperial Prison and await further orders!"

Shen Shuchou's voice was icy.

"Yes!"

The bailiffs responded in unison.

Yan Xun's knees went weak, and he collapsed onto the ground on the spot.

As a member of the Heavenly Qilin Guard, he naturally knew what the Imperial Prison signified.

Souls scattered in boiling cauldrons, unspeakable and cruel tortures—in that place, the terrifying thing was not death, but that even death became a luxury...

They escorted the group out of the courtyard.

Shen Shuchou flicked his silver spear, and it dissolved into motes of light that vanished into his body.

Noticing Chen Mo's surprised gaze, Shen Shuchou took the initiative to explain: "This spear is not a physical object, but a Martial Soul I have nurtured. It is connected to my heart and mind, moving as easily as my own arm."

Martial Soul?

Chen Mo suddenly understood.

The gap between the three stages of the Mortal Shedding Realm was as vast as heaven and earth.

The Sixth Grade Origin Return Realm involved tempering True Qi into True Essence.

The Fifth Grade Pure Yang Realm, however, involved fusing divine intent with True Essence to condense one's own Martial Soul!

"Depending on one's cultivation technique, comprehension, and state of mind, the Martial Soul condensed by each person is entirely different."

"I have followed my elder brother in practicing the spear since I was young..."

At this, Shen Shuchou paused, a flicker of sorrow and hatred flashing in his eyes.

When the barbarians invaded the Southern Frontier years ago, the eldest son of the Shen Family died on the battlefield, which was why he harbored such deep hatred for the barbarians!

After calming his emotions, Shen Shuchou patted Chen Mo on the shoulder.

"You deserve the primary credit for tonight's arrest... but I am curious, how did you know the Yan Family was harboring Barbarian Slaves, and how were you so clear about the exact location?"

...To say too much would only bring tears.

In his past life, when Chen Mo was browsing forums, he saw someone swear that as long as a series of prerequisites were met, one could trigger the hidden "Taming the Barbarian Slave" plot.

Consequently, he had repeated that quest dozens of times, remembering every detail with absolute clarity...

Damn it, those accursed Sitting-in-Forgetfulness Path bastards!

Chen Mo's mouth twitched. "I had intelligence."

"Intelligence?"

"Does that mean you have been laying the groundwork for a long time?"

Shen Shuchou was somewhat surprised, scrutinizing Chen Mo seriously.

Previously, his impression of Chen Mo had been quite mediocre; he had thought him nothing more than a pampered young master, unfit for great responsibilities.

Yet, in just one day, Chen Mo had made him look at him in a new light!

Strategizing and acting only after careful planning—first intentionally provoking the opponent to lure the snake out of its hole, then catching them red-handed.

Handsome in appearance, gifted with talent, and possessing such a meticulous mind.

Thinking of his own gluttonous sister, Shen Shuchou suddenly felt a sense of "marrying up"...

No, this good brother-in-law must be secured!

"Regarding the marriage proposal I mentioned last time..."

"Ahem, it's getting late. This subordinate will head back to catch up on sleep; My Lord should also rest early."

"Since that Occultist was captured by you, My Lord, you should handle the interrogation personally. This subordinate dares not claim credit."

Having said that, Chen Mo flashed away and made a quick escape.

Shen Shuchou froze for a moment, then let out a dry laugh.

"Hmph, this kid is quite cunning. 'Dares not claim credit'? He's clearly just afraid of offending people..."

The next day, Zhaohua Palace.

With its flying eaves and green-tiled, vermilion-raftered roofs, it fully displayed the grandeur of the Imperial household.

Incense curled from a censer carved with auspicious beasts, filling the air with a faint, fragrant scent.

Behind a glass screen, a bright yellow figure could be seen sitting upright.

"How is the investigation into the Ministry of Revenue corruption case proceeding?"

The female voice carried a hint of languor amidst its majesty.

"Reporting to Your Highness, the suspects have confessed to their crimes without reservation. Following interrogation and investigation, the three are also suspected of bribery, buying official positions, dereliction of duty... and numerous other charges."

"This involves a total of five people, including Directors and Secretaries from the Ministry of Personnel, as well as a Censor."

As he spoke, Yan Peizhi, dressed in his purple official robes, presented the confession.

His temples were streaked with gray, and his gaze was sharp, like a starving tiger or a hungry eagle, exuding an extraordinary aura.

The eunuch took the confession and handed it to the Highness.

A moment later, a voice tinged with anger rang out: "Greed for power, usurping authority, selling offices and peddling titles—the officialdom of our Great Yuan has rotted to this extent! Good, very good!"

"Your Highness, calm your anger."

Yan Peizhi lowered his head, his eyes flickering.

Whether this confession was true or false no longer mattered.

What mattered was what benefits could be gained through this document.

At this moment, a female official hurried in and whispered something to the Highness.

Silence descended behind the screen for a long time.

Just as Yan Peizhi began to feel puzzled, the words the Highness spoke made every hair on his body stand on end!

"Lord Yan, why don't you explain first why your Yan Family has become entangled with the Barbarians?"