Qing Chen had no wish to tear away all pretense of civility with the Eighth Prince. After a few amiable exchanges that revealed some inside information about the Southern Study, he took his leave.
In truth, Xiao Canglan was, in his mind, one of the most likely masterminds behind the assassination attempt back then.
Only an enemy at the Spirit Venerable level had the standing to enlist the Faceless Killing King.
So what damn good would backing down do him?
If he got the chance, he would kill him first and talk later.
After leaving the Dew-Bearing Garden, he did not wander around any other spirit gardens. Instead, he closed his eyes and regulated his breathing in a nearby side hall overlooking the water.
By the time the fourth toll of the bell rang out from deep within Jade Capital Mountain, daylight had faded into dusk. The setting sun dyed the sea of clouds stretching tens of thousands of miles scarlet gold, and glazed glass lamps began lighting up the floating palace complexes one after another.
Outside the Southern Study in Taiwei Hall, two rows of Divine Strategy Guards had already sealed off the corridor.
Even the weakest of these Divine Strategy Guards had Golden Core cultivation. The two commanders at their head wore dark gold armor patterned with dragons, their qi and blood deep and steady. Both were military powerhouses of the Immortal Realm.
Qing Chen approached along the Azure Jade Long Steps.
The commander on duty immediately stepped forward and bowed.
"This subordinate general pays his respects to the Cangming Duke. His Majesty and the senior lords have already arrived. Please enter, Duke."
Qing Chen nodded.
The two Divine Strategy Guard commanders simultaneously formed magic formulas, and layer upon layer of dark gold dragon patterns immediately appeared