Hu Xiaotian also understood that someone of Ji Feihua's standing would hardly covet a blade of his. He nodded and seized the chance to say, "That assassin in black armor tonight was really formidable. He could actually fly."
Ji Feihua smiled disdainfully. "He merely used a pair of wings to glide through the air. He is one of the remnants under Hong Beimo of the Heavenly Secrets Bureau. Hong Beimo excels at designing mechanisms. He was the one who formed the Winged Warriors."
Hu Xiaotian said, "The Winged Warriors can even control bats to attack."
Ji Feihua said, "Controlling birds and beasts is nothing unusual for people of the Heavenly Secrets Bureau. They are divided into the Formation Diagram Gate, the Beast-Driving Gate, and the Mechanism Gate. Hong Beimo is the bureau's chief sage. Unfortunately, he refuses to serve me." Ji Feihua sighed, looking rather regretful.
Hu Xiaotian had first heard of Hong Beimo from Baobao. Baobao was Hong Beimo's adopted daughter, and even Noble Consort Lin Wan of Lingyu Hall was connected to him. The Imperial Palace truly was a tangled web, with several forces intermingled, each pursuing different aims. Hu Xiaotian asked, "Why would Hong Beimo want to assassinate you, Director?" A question occurred to him: could tonight's assassination attempt have anything to do with the Divine Strategy Office?
Ji Feihua said, "There are still a few people at court devoted wholeheartedly to protecting the Retired Emperor." At this point, he smiled at Hu Xiaotian. "Quan Dean's most formidable martial art is the Avici Art. Has he ever mentioned it to you?"
The question caught Hu Xiaotian off guard. Then he shook his head. "No. What is the Avici Art?"
Ji Feihua said, "If you get the chance, you can ask him."
Ji Feihua's favor and trust toward