Chapter 228

Xiao Minghuang couldn't fathom it.

Without a doubt, this is no ordinary magic weapon; it must have an extraordinary origin.

Xiao Minghuang put the rusty sword into her storage bag and closed her eyes to meditate.

Outside world.

Lin Wanqiu received a message from Xiao Minghuang and went to the Second Academy with Xu Xiuer to seek the help of the Clear Sky Saint King.

After all, Xiao Minghuang was her disciple, and she couldn't just ignore him.

However, upon arriving at the Second Academy, they were informed that the Clear Sky Saint King was out on business and not at the academy.

Then, they returned to the Hundred Inquiries Pavilion, intending to seek help from the Pavilion Master.

They came up empty-handed again.

Xu Xiuer asked with a worried expression, "What happened? Are Master and the heads of the various academies not in the academy? Did something unexpected happen?"

Lin Wanqiu wasn't sure if anything unexpected had happened, but if they couldn't find a powerful figure to help, her prince would likely be in trouble.

According to the Holy Court's laws, anyone who kills a fellow disciple, even with a legitimate reason, must at least be expelled from the sect.

Next, they went to find Ye Ruoshui.

Upon learning of this, Ye Ruoshui was equally worried and tried to contact the heads of the three academies.

But as before, there was no response.

"Dawn is approaching. If Elder Chen convicts her of murdering a fellow disciple, the princess will likely be expelled from the Holy Academy!"

Xu Xiuer was extremely anxious. In the end, this matter was caused by her. If the princess was expelled from the Holy Academy because of this, she would truly be guilty beyond redemption.

"At worst, we won't stay in this lousy Holy Academy! We'll leave with His Highness!" Ye Ruoshui said angrily, "That Li guy deserved to die. His Highness killing him was already doing a service to the people, why is he still being punished? This trashy Holy Academy is so unfair!"

Lin Wanqiu knew that Ye Ruoshui was just saying that out of anger, but there really wasn't a good solution at the moment. If His Highness was really forced to leave the Holy Academy, they would have no reason to stay.

But are they really at their wits' end?

Lin Wanqiu paced slowly, lost in thought.

While Lin Wanqiu and others were running around seeking help, Elder Chen was also investigating the case in great detail.

This included summoning all the merchants in the Marketplace, the cultivators who were watching the auction, as well as Lin Wanqiu, Xu Xiuer, and others, and questioning them one by one, conducting a very thorough investigation.

Elder Chen was extremely efficient in investigating cases, and he solved the whole matter in just one night.

The following day at noon, he gathered all those involved in the case together and read out the investigation results.

Xiao Minghuang, Lin Wanqiu, Xu Xiuer, Zhao Shan, the auctioneer, and some cultivators who had witnessed their conflict were all present.

Unexpectedly, a person who had no connection to the matter also appeared on the field.

It was none other than Luo Qianhua, the Guixu Alliance.

The moment Xiao Minghuang saw her, her heart skipped a beat.

Lin Wanqiu gave her a reassuring look, which made Xiao Minghuang feel that something must have happened last night that she didn't know about.

Elder Chen scanned the entire room, his gaze lingering on Luo Qianhua for a moment before he said, "... After a thorough investigation, I have essentially identified the mastermind behind this."

"Based on the clues I have, the body of the victim, Li Gaoyang, had multiple sword wounds, indicating that the murderer was a master swordsman. Furthermore, the wounds were surrounded by demonic energy, which confirms that the murderer was a demon hiding within the Holy Academy."

"The general outline of this case is as follows: Last night, the victim, Li Gaoyang, left Hundred Inquiries Pavilion and encountered an unknown demon on the way. The two engaged in a fierce battle, and Li Gaoyang was killed by the demon, which then fled."

"... Xiao Minghuang and Zhao Shan arrived one after the other and discovered the body..."

"There is a demon lurking within the courtyard. This matter will be reported to the Hall Master by this Elder, and we will apprehend it as soon as possible. In the meantime, disciples within the courtyard should not act alone to avoid being harmed by the demon."

Elder Chen has finished his brief introduction.

Qi Chang's face showed surprise, which grew increasingly grim. He couldn't help but interrupt, "Elder, it was clearly Xiao Minghuang who cruelly murdered Senior Brother Li, how could you..."

Before he could finish speaking, he was interrupted. Elder Chen's face turned cold, and he said, "Are you trying to say that I'm distorting the truth, or that I'm muddle-headed?"

"No... no, this disciple wouldn't dare."

Qi Chang clenched his fists, lowered his head, and a hint of resentment flashed in his eyes. He thought to himself, "Just you wait! I'm going to report this to the Holy Land. The Saint King Xuanji won't let this matter pass like this!"

As Elder Chen finished narrating, the cultivators present erupted in uproar.

"There are demons lurking inside the courtyard!"

"That was terrifying! I was cultivating alone in the mountains last night, thankfully I didn't encounter any evil spirits!"

"I knew it! Princess Xiao may seem strong, but how could someone at the Primal Embryo Realm kill someone at the Nascent Soul Realm?"

"Poor Li Gaoyang, he must have gone to see Princess Xiao last night, never expecting to run into a demon. It's all fate..."

The disciples began to discuss it amongst themselves.

Xiao Minghuang's face remained calm, but her heart was in turmoil.

There is no doubt that Li Gaoyang died at her hands.

But just last night, Elder Chen said that the charge of "killing a fellow disciple without permission" was undeniable. How did it turn into a case of a demon killing someone today?

Could it be...?

Xiao Minghuang's gaze shifted, landing on Luo Qianhua sitting in the corner.

As if sensing her gaze,

Luo Qianhua also looked up and gave her a half-smile.

After Elder Chen announced the case was closed, everyone dispersed.

Once most of the people had left, Elder Chen walked over to Xiao Minghuang's side.

"You still have Li Gaoyang's storage bag, right? You should return it to the Ziwei Sacred Land as a way of giving them an explanation."

Xiao Minghuang took out a storage bag and handed it to Elder Chen, keeping only the rusty sword.

As he was leaving, Elder Chen whispered, "Don't be too impetuous when you're young. You can succeed for a while, but not forever. The Holy Academy is on our side, but the retaliation from the Ziwei Sacred Land is hard to predict. Don't leave the Holy Academy until you can protect yourself. Take care of yourself!"

"Thank you for your guidance, Elder!"

Xiao Minghuang looked grateful. Elder Chen actually thought highly of him.

This attitude was already quite amiable towards her, a junior.

276. If you don't do 0, then do 1.

After seeing Elder Chen off, Ye Ruoshui immediately came over and inquired about her situation with concern.

"Your Highness, you haven't been wronged, have you?"

Xiao Minghuang shook her head. "Don't worry, I'm fine."

She patted Ye Ruoshui's head gently and said, "I have something to discuss with a guest. I'll explain later."

"Okay!" Ye Ruoshui nodded obediently and then left.

Xu Xiuer also left without warning.

Inside the main room, only Xiao Minghuang, Lin Wanqiu, and Luo Qianhua, who remained completely invisible, were left.

"This escape was entirely thanks to Alliance Leader Luo's invaluable assistance; I am deeply grateful!"

Xiao Minghuang cupped his hands in greeting.

While they were talking, Lin Wanqiu had already sent her a message telling her what had happened last night.

Last night, having nowhere else to turn, Lin Wanqiu went to Luo Qianhua for help.

To my surprise, the other party agreed immediately, but also made a condition.

That means Xiao Minghuang, Lin Wanqiu, Ye Ruoshui, and others must all join the Guixu Alliance and are not allowed to withdraw.

Normally, Lin Wanqiu might have wondered if there was some kind of conspiracy behind this, but in this critical moment, she had no choice but to agree.

"No need for such formalities. Now that you've joined the Guixu Alliance, we're all family."

Luo Qianhua smiled and said, "However, I helped you this time, so I hope Princess Xiao won't refuse to help next time."

As she spoke, she extended a slender hand and offered it to Xiao Minghuang.

Xiao Minghuang glanced at the fair and delicate jade hand that seemed so fragile, then looked at Luo Qianhua who was smiling at him. After hesitating for a moment, he raised his hand to strike her.

Snap!

A tiny golden light exploded in the air, signifying that the contract between the two was complete.

Luo Qianhua withdrew her hand, smiling brightly, and said, "It's a pleasure to cooperate!"

"Now, let's talk about the details of our cooperation!"

"The details of the cooperation?" Xiao Minghuang raised an eyebrow. "I wonder how Alliance Leader Luo plans to cooperate?"

Luo Qianhua's smile faded slightly, and she said seriously, "Princess Xiao should know that the Heavenly Dipper Assembly at the end of the month."

Xiao Minghuang nodded, remaining silent and waiting for her to continue.

"The Heavenly Dipper Assembly will determine the allocation of resources among disciples for a long time to come; therefore, the competition between the Guixu Alliance and the various holy lands is extremely fierce."

"In the last Heavenly Dipper Assembly, the Guixu Alliance suffered heavy losses. Even the Alliance Leader died inside, and most of the disciples with high talent were also lost."

Within the Holy Academy, disciples are forbidden from fighting privately, but in the Heavenly Dipper Assembly, there are no such restrictions. As long as one does not abandon their token and leave, they must be responsible for their own life.

Xiao Minghuang nodded again, signaling her to continue.

Luo Qianhua continued, "Therefore, I would like to ask Princess Xiao to take this opportunity to turn the tide and weaken the strength of the disciples of the various holy lands. I wonder if Princess Xiao could do me this small favor?"

Hearing the invitation, Xiao Minghuang hesitated for a moment.

Luo Qianhua is right. The Heavenly Dipper Assembly is a competition between the Guixu Alliance and the disciples of various holy lands.

If she accepts, it will inevitably cause conflict, and then get involved in disputes between sects.

But Luo Qianhua had done her a favor, and she would feel bad if she didn't help.

Moreover, she has already become enemies with the Ziwei Sacred Land, so she has nothing to worry about now.

Xiao Minghuang frowned. "Alliance Leader Luo, if I may be frank, I'm afraid I cannot do that with my abilities."

Luo Qianhua chuckled softly, took out a scroll from her bosom, and handed it to Xiao Minghuang.

"What is this?" Xiao Minghuang took the scroll, somewhat surprised.

Luo Qianhua, "I know that Princess Xiao cultivates the Star Divine Power. This is the Heavenly Rank Magic Treasure, the Thirty-six Star Chart of Heavenly Dipper of the Heavenly Dipper Assembly is held. When used in this world, it can exert power no weaker than Saint Treasure. With this item, the princess's strength should be greatly enhanced!"

"The Thirty-six Star Chart of Heavenly Dipper!"

Hearing this, even though Xiao Minghuang had expected it, she was still shocked.

She took a deep breath and slowly unfurled the Thirty-six Star Chart of Heavenly Dipper. Thirty-six bright silver stars surrounded it, forming a wondrous circular array.

Beyond these stars, there are dense and complex nebulae flowing around, as magnificent and beautiful as a galaxy in the vast universe.

The flowing starlight contains unfathomable mysteries.

"This picture..."

"This is a mid-grade Heaven-rank magic treasure, extremely powerful!" Luo Qianhua said with a smile, her eyes revealing killing intent. "I'm giving the princess this magic treasure so that she can go on a killing spree in the secret realm, slaughtering those holy land disciples until not a single one survives!"

"Not even one in ten survives!"

Xiao Minghuang's pupils contracted slightly; this was no joke.

The number of disciples attending a single Heavenly Dipper Assembly can reach hundreds of thousands or even millions. If only one-tenth survives, what immense karmic consequences would be incurred?

Although I knew Luo Qianhua definitely had ulterior motives, I never expected it to be this kind of plan.

She wouldn't refuse if asked to kill disciples of the Holy Land.

But the loss of hundreds of thousands of lives is no joke.

She knew the value of the Thirty-six Star Chart of Heavenly Dipper, and since Luo Qianhua was willing to exchange it for it, she didn't want to refuse this deal.

Xiao Minghuang hesitated and said, "Wouldn't doing this be a bit too harsh?"