The Skinner

At present, the eyes of the two most distinguished women at the banquet were both on Li Chen Zhou, making Wu Jie burn with jealousy.

Before Li Chen Zhou could respond, Princess Xuan Yi had already arched her willow brows. "True talent and learning? Not necessarily. Some people haven't produced a single fine work themselves, yet they stand there sourly mocking others!"

Princess Xuan Yi's response made Wu Jie's expression turn somewhat ugly. He replied, "I heard on the way here that Your Highness and Li Chen Zhou rode in the same carriage. It seems your relationship truly is quite close."

Before Princess Xuan Yi could speak, Little Eunuch Cao beside her had already pointed at Wu Jie and shouted, "Insolence! What are you, to dare make up stories about Her Highness the Princess?"

Only then did Wu Jie realize that she was a princess. He hurriedly dropped to his knees, while Nangong Yue beside him quickly said, "Please forgive him, Your Highness. Young Master Wu merely misspoke in the heat of the moment."

Princess Xuan Yi gave a cold snort and ignored him.

But under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Wu Jie had utterly lost face. Even the look he gave Li Chen Zhou brimmed with venom, and a seed of hatred was planted just like that.

Li Chen Zhou paid no heed to his provocation. Instead, he turned his gaze toward a fair-featured man with an effeminate air standing beside him.

The instant their eyes met, a sudden sound rang through Li Chen Zhou's mind. "Ding... System prompt: traces of The Skinner have been detected."

Little Eunuch Cao's furious shout instantly tensed the atmosphere. Nangong Yue spoke again. "Today is a poetry gathering. Don't spoil everyone's mood. How about a Flying Flower Order? Let us use the word 'moon' as the theme and add a little amusement."

Everyone began to chime in, but Li Chen Zhou's attention remained fixed on that man.

The handsome, effeminate man noticed Li Chen Zhou's gaze.

After whispering a few words into Wu Jie's ear, he turned and left.

Seeing the effeminate man leave, Li Chen Zhou said to Princess Xuan Yi, "I'm going to the latrine."

"What a bother. Go quickly, then," Princess Xuan Yi said unhappily.

After leaving the door, the effeminate man quickened his pace. Li Chen Zhou followed close behind.

When he saw the other man turn into an alley, Li Chen Zhou followed. Just as he was about to round the corner, a hand shot out and struck him. The Golden Bell Shield appeared, rippling at the moment of impact.

Having failed to land the blow, the other man quickly retreated.

The man withdrew his hand, pretending that he had only just recognized Li Chen Zhou. Feigning surprise, he said, "Oh, so it's Young Duke! My apologies. I thought you were some villain. Why is Young Duke following a lowly man like me instead of accompanying the princess inside?"

Li Chen Zhou stared at him and sneered. "There's no need to keep pretending at a time like this, is there? The Skinner."

At that moment, the moonlight in the alley was swallowed by dark clouds.

Li Chen Zhou's words gave the other man quite a fright. He hurriedly replied, "Young Duke, what are you talking about? How come I cannot understand a word?"

Li Chen Zhou said indifferently, "It's fine. Once you enter the Imperial Prison, you'll naturally understand."

The other man said disdainfully, "I have long heard that Young Duke's blade skills are exceptional. I too wish to seek a lesson. I simply wonder how much strength Young Duke can display today without his blade."

"Then try it." Li Chen Zhou darted forward, pushing the Soaring Illusionary Steps to its limit. He directly transformed into seven afterimages that surrounded and attacked The Skinner.

Seeing how formidable Li Chen Zhou's movement technique was, the other man was startled. A small knife appeared in his hand, whirling so dazzlingly that it bewildered the eye.

Half-rotted human skin was wrapped around the knife's handle, and a foul stench rushed at him—it was precisely the flaying weapon recorded in the Brocade Guard case files.

Li Chen Zhou used his bare flesh to meet the small knife head-on.

The two exchanged several rounds. Sanskrit characters flowed as they collided with the knife, producing the clang of metal striking metal.

Li Chen Zhou stopped holding back. The instant they exchanged blows, he shouted in a low voice, "Soul Absorption Art!"

The other man was caught by Li Chen Zhou's absorption and could not break free at all. All the inner force, vitality, essence, and spirit in his body surged toward Li Chen Zhou.

Seeing that the time was right, Li Chen Zhou struck the man's chest with his palm. The man spat blood and flew backward, his entire body weakened beyond measure.

Just as Li Chen Zhou was about to step forward and seize him, a graceful figure attacked him. Without even turning his head, Li Chen Zhou thrust out a palm. The other party was shaken backward by the depth of his inner force.

"Young Duke, I invited you to today's poetry gathering, yet you injured my guest. Isn't that rather inappropriate?" The voice was gentle and alluring. It was Nangong Yue.

Nangong Yue had noticed during the poetry gathering that there was something wrong with the way Li Chen Zhou looked at the effeminate man. Seeing both men leave, she had followed them out as well.

"Miss Nangong, it would be best if you did not interfere. He is my suspect. Be careful, or I may charge you with harboring a criminal," Li Chen Zhou said without mercy.

"Young Duke must be joking. Young Master Gu Wen is a Third-Ranked Scholar personally appointed by His Majesty. How could he be a criminal?" Nangong Yue refused to yield.

"Then all the more reason. The Brocade Guard's duty is to supervise the hundred officials, so Miss Nangong, please do not obstruct official business." Li Chen Zhou continued toward Gu Wen.

Just as Nangong Yue was about to make a move, Li Chen Zhou stopped her with a shout. "Miss Nangong, don't fail to appreciate kindness. If you make another move, I won't be polite."

Nangong Yue was also deeply shocked. What had happened to the man who used to fawn over her like a lapdog?

But after exchanging that move with Li Chen Zhou just now, she already knew that she was no match for him. Acting rashly might only cause her to suffer a loss.

"Young Duke, I will truthfully report today's matter to my father. I will certainly have him seek justice before His Majesty," Nangong Yue threatened unwillingly.

"As you please." Li Chen Zhou carried Gu Wen toward the Brocade Guard's Imperial Prison as if dragging a dead dog.

Seeing Li Chen Zhou's attitude, Nangong Yue was so angry that she stamped her feet. After returning, she had no mind left to study poetry or songs.

But with Princess Xuan Yi still present, she could only continue entertaining her.

Li Chen Zhou carried Gu Wen and pushed the Soaring Illusionary Steps to its limit. After rushing to the Imperial Prison, he casually tossed him to Yan San.

"Oh, Lord Li has brought another newcomer." Yan San stepped forward and took the man.

"This is The Skinner. His identity is somewhat special. Interrogate him first, but don't let him die. I'll come over in the latter half of the night." With that, Li Chen Zhou left.

"Leave it to me." Yan San then carried the man into the Imperial Prison.

After leaving the Imperial Prison, Li Chen Zhou sped toward Nangong Manor once more.

Princess Xuan Yi was complaining, "That Li Chen Zhou, why is he taking so long just to visit the latrine?"

As she spoke, Li Chen Zhou walked in.

"Why did you take so long? It's almost over," Princess Xuan Yi said, pouting.

"Perfect timing. I'll take you back," Li Chen Zhou said with a smile, easing the atmosphere.

"Miss Nangong, then you may continue. I shall leave first with Young Lord Li." After bidding farewell, Princess Xuan Yi prepared to depart.

"Farewell, Miss Nangong." Li Chen Zhou also smiled at Nangong Yue.

Seeing Li Chen Zhou's smile, Nangong Yue felt greatly humiliated.

Yet she still had to unwillingly call out, "Respectfully seeing off Her Highness the Princess."

Leaving Nangong Manor, they set off on the road back to the imperial palace beneath the moonlight.

Halfway there, Little Eunuch Cao suddenly spoke. "Young Duke, it seems your friends are looking for you. Does this servant need to help?"

Following Little Eunuch Cao's reminder, Li Chen Zhou also sensed people lurking in the shadows. But that reminder instantly made him realize that Little Eunuch Cao was no simple man. He even noticed that the two palace maids nearby had entered a state of alert.

"No need. I'll leave the princess to Little Eunuch Cao." Li Chen Zhou already knew who had come.

"Young Duke is too courteous. This is this servant's duty." With that, Little Eunuch Cao continued escorting Princess Xuan Yi back to the palace.

Princess Xuan Yi also reminded him, "Be careful."

Li Chen Zhou sighed inwardly. As expected of a royal princess—there was not a single simple person at her side.

Watching the princess depart, Li Chen Zhou called out as well, "Come out, everyone. How long do you plan to hide in the shadows?"