Delivering Beacon Fires in Secret Before the Throne

"The Dragon Qi has been mobilized? So, Qiu Yan has already come into contact with the Dragon Qi. Is he trying to explore the profound meaning of Human Path? These young people are truly not to be underestimated."

The man put down the book and bamboo sticks, then waved his hand, and black energy surged out, rushing out like a crescent moon, penetrating the houses and attics, and colliding with the Dragon Qi!

"While others are still focused on competing for rankings, Qiu Yan Metropolitan Examination the imperial examinations as a stepping stone to explore the true path of Human Path. This young man amazes me even more. If possible, I must influence him and ideally have him join us to create a true Human Path! Of course, this is on the premise that he can overcome the difficulties ahead; otherwise, he will be nothing more than a reclusive hermit in the mountains."

Inside the house, the man changed his mind.

Outside the house...

Boom!

The Dragon Qi vanished!

"What?" From afar, Qiu Yan, sensing the changes in the Dragon Qi, was startled and surprised. "Dragon Qi formed from the aggregation of Human Path could actually be annihilated? Although the Dragon Qi I mobilized was extremely thin, what power was hidden in that black energy that could rival the Dragon Qi?"

Surprised, Qiu Yan remained motionless, took a deep breath, and focused his mind, mobilizing more of the City Will and drawing Dragon Qi to surge forward. Someone in the Hanlin Academy had plotted against him several times, but for various reasons, they had been unable to detect it.

Now, with the help of the moment of listing, the power of the strange phenomenon, the assistance of the Dragon Qi, and the Karma that disturbed the minds of many candidates, Qiu Yan finally seized the opportunity to fight remotely and strike directly at the Yellow Dragon!

The surrounding area was in complete chaos, even more chaotic than before.

"What are you saying? Me? I cheated?" Wen Zhizhen muttered to himself, his expression a mixture of crying and laughing. He was surrounded by a group of people whose minds were in complete chaos, controlled by dark energy. If it weren't for the bewitching power of Wen Zhizhen's words, they would have already swarmed him.

Previously, the candidates who failed the exam were united in their hatred, but the situation changed when someone shouted that Wen Zhizhen was the one who cheated. Wen Zhizhen was naturally taken aback, and the candidates who had been misled by him were also somewhat at a loss.

Qiu Yan, however, paid no attention to this, simply manipulating the Dragon Qi and driving it out according to the Karma connection.

Splash!

The energy surged like a tide, constantly crashing against the Hanlin Academy, which seemed like an isolated island in the sea. The changes in this Dragon Qi were invisible to ordinary people, and boundless murderous intent was contained within the Void, but the men in the Hanlin Academy could clearly sense it.

"Impressive. He's already managed to mobilize a small amount of Dragon Qi energy after just contact, albeit superficially. But if left unchecked, it might break through the barriers and completely deplete the power he's accumulated over the years, not to mention the risk of being exposed..."

As he pondered, the man in the Hanlin Academy showed no sign of panic. Instead, he sat down again and opened his book.

"However, it seems that things on the other side are about to begin, which should be able to stop Qiu Yan from continuing to explore the Dragon Qi."

Tian Residence.

The entire mansion was silent. In the study in the backyard, Tian Youqing waited anxiously. He knew he was in a trap, at a critical moment of life and death. If he could not reverse the situation at the Imperial Academy, once someone in the court made trouble, a major case would be immediately launched, and those involved would be powerless to recover.

Tian Qi rambled on, saying, "Master, this substitution method is ingenious. Wen Zhizhen's exam paper matches the questions word for word. As long as someone takes it out and compares it, checking it sentence by sentence, they can find the shadows of the New Law laws and measures of the past two years. It makes sense in theory."

His words were undoubtedly meant to Tian Youqing and himself; after all, as a staff member, if Tian Youqing fell, he wouldn't fare any better.

"... As long as we control the overall situation, Metropolitan Examination can quell the situation. The occurrence of unusual phenomena and the arrival of virtuous people during the imperial examinations are things to celebrate. The court and the emperor do not want to get too involved, so they will definitely use Wen Zhizhen to appease the candidates' anger, and you, sir, will be able to extricate yourself from this predicament."

"I hope so, but man proposes, God disposes." Tian Youqing shook his head.

Just then, a servant boy entered from outside. He looked like a pageboy and bowed to Tian Youqing and Tian Qi respectively. Then he said, "Reporting to Master, someone came through the back door just now. He was acting suspiciously and was questioned. He said he had a message to deliver to Master."

"News? What news?" Tian Youqing appeared calm on the surface, but was actually restless and anxious. Any slight movement would trigger his nerves. He was already seeing ghosts everywhere. As soon as he heard the servant's message, he got up and went over.

Although the servant was unaware of the important matter, he was adept at reading people. Seeing Tian Youqing's expression, he quickly calculated the situation, handed over a slip of paper, and said, "I don't know if it's true or not, but we servants can't make decisions on our own in such matters. I wanted to show it to the head steward, but after asking around, I found out that the head steward is with the master, so I came directly over."

The head steward was none other than Tian Qi. The servant's words were both flattering to Tian Youqing and not offending Tian Qi, which was quite clever.

Unfortunately, Tian Youqing and Tian Qi had no time to pay attention to the details. They took the note and unfolded it. Tian Youqing's face suddenly changed and became even paler!

Upon seeing this, Tian Qi Tian Youqing's expression changed. His paleness eased slightly, and his eyes revealed surprise and a hint of joy.

This change left Tian Qi completely bewildered.

Tian Youqing took a deep breath, looked up at him, handed him the note, and said, "I don't know who wrote this note, but it reveals very important information. It says that the Imperial City Bureau has sent people over." When he mentioned the words "Imperial City Bureau," fear showed in his eyes.

"The Imperial City Bureau?" Tian Qi's eyelids twitched. "They sent people over? Does the Emperor intend to bypass the court and deal with the master directly? This is..."

Tian Youqing grinned, but the smile was bitter. Cold sweat poured down his forehead, but his mind raced, analyzing the situation and trying to find a way out. "Take a look at the information on the note. People from the Imperial City Bureau are coming. As long as they don't throw me into the Black Prison, there's still a chance. If I can see the Emperor, this should be able to quell this trouble, because this note says..."

"What? Such a thing exists? How is that possible?"

Across from him, Tian Qi had already read the note. At first, his face turned ashen, then his expression changed drastically, revealing an incredulous look. He looked up and met Tian Youqing's gaze, and the latter nodded slightly.

Tian Qi said, trembling, "If that's really the case, regardless of whether the Metropolitan Examination matter is resolved or not, you, sir, will be safe."

"The premise is that I can see His Majesty..." Tian Youqing was speaking when a breeze rippled past him, stirring his clothes and startling the two people in the room. They both felt a chill on their necks.

Tian Qi's eyes widened suddenly as he looked behind Tian Youqing.

Tian Youqing shuddered, realizing the reason, and slowly turned around.

Behind him stood two beautiful women, dressed in long robes and magnificent attire.

"Lord Tian, please follow us into the palace." One of them spoke, his voice high-pitched, his Adam's apple bobbing as he spoke.

Upon seeing the two men, Tian Youqing's body tensed abruptly. Descriptions of these people flashed through his mind, and a vivid image of blood welled up inside him. He instinctively uttered four words—

"Walking in the Imperial City!"

The shrill voice said, "Lord Tian is very familiar with our duties, so it won't be difficult. Don't worry, we're sending you to the palace. The Emperor wants to see you, and you often go to the palace, so you know there's no danger."

"In that case, I'll have to trouble you all." Tian Youqing suppressed his fear, cupped his hands in greeting, and then his vision blurred as two hands grabbed his shoulders. A gust of wind howled in his ears, and the surrounding scenery flashed by as he was propelled forward at breakneck speed!

"This is..." His eyes widened suddenly.

"Good! I never expected Qiu Yan to be so selfless, sharing his own insights with those troublemakers!"

In the Imperial Study, Li Kun listened to the reports from several people and smiled sincerely, "The strange phenomenon originated from him, so his position is now secure. There's no need to worry about anyone causing trouble again."

Beside him, an old man with a white face and no beard said, "After Qiu Metropolitan Laureate released his insights, the situation on the scene improved slightly, and no one stormed the Imperial Academy anymore. However, there are rumors that a candidate from Jiangnan Circuit is the one who cheated this time. This person has some prestige, which has caused many candidates who failed the exam to split up. The two sides have their own version of events and are arguing there, which may cause more trouble."

"Noisy?" Li Kun frowned slightly. "You said this candidate has some prestige, what's going on?"

The old man replied, "This man is named Wen Zhizhen. He is well-known for his calligraphy, painting, and poetry, and is also called a talented scholar in Jiangnan. After coming to Prosperity Capital, he became a guest of honor at many literary gatherings, leaving behind a great reputation."

"A distinguished guest?" Li Kun's brows furrowed even more. "I remember you said that after Qiu Yan came to Prosperity Capital, he studied diligently every day, hardly ever leaving his house. Even when the Pang family's daughter and the Song Household's daughter came to visit him, it didn't affect him. He could even Literary Staining of Examination Papers, which shows his talent. But even so, he still Metropolitan Examination, daring not to slack off in the slightest. How come this Wen Zhizhen is so attached to the literary gathering? Isn't this taking the Talent Selection Ceremony too lightly?"

"This?" The old man was surprised to hear this, but then he understood. He knew that the emperor had finally met someone he liked and had a lot of good news, so he appreciated Qiu Yan's words and actions. Conversely, he naturally disliked Qiu Yan.

Understanding this, the old man wisely refrained from saying more and waited for Li Kun to continue.

Sure enough, the Supreme Realm then said, "This imperial Metropolitan Examination produced some rare talents, and we must not allow any mishaps. The unrest in the city should also be quelled as soon as possible..." His words, though simple, carried an aura of life and death.

Sometimes, the truth isn't important; what matters is the situation.

A young eunuch entered through the door, bowed cautiously, and said softly, "Your Majesty, Lord Tian has arrived."

"Oh? Tian Qing is here?" Upon hearing this, Li Kun waved his hand and sat back down in his chair behind the table. "Then let him in."

A few breaths later, a pale-faced Tian Youqing shuffled in with small, quick steps. From a distance, he knelt down with a thud, pressing his head to the ground, and cried out, "Your Majesty, I am guilty!"

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