Heart Sword

"Young eunuch, please do me a favor and investigate the palace maid named 'He'er'."

Xu Qi'an put down the booklet, turned around and instructed the eunuch sent by Emperor Yuanjing to supervise him.

The young eunuch obediently left.

After everyone left, Xu Qi'an flipped through the booklet again, page after page, reading it very carefully.

I really can't stand ancient account books. The handwriting is so small, and there are so many strokes; it hurts my eyes to read them. It took Xu Qi'an an hour to carefully read through the entire year's income and expenditure records.

He closed the booklet, looked at the old eunuch in charge, and asked, "Where is the latrine?"

The old eunuch replied, "The backyard."

Xu Qi'an immediately went to the outhouse, but instead of taking out his 8=====D, he took out the fragment of the Earth Book and found the Confucian School version of the magic book that the great Confucian scholars had given him.

Tearing off a page from the Qi-Watching Technique, it burned out.

Two beams of clear light shot from his eyes, then slowly faded away.

After performing a Qi-Watching Technique on himself, Xu Qi'an returned to the side hall and calmly asked the old eunuch, "I've discovered a problem with the register. You must give me an explanation, Your Excellency."

"Please speak, sir," the old eunuch said calmly.

"In the thirty-second year of Yuanjing, there should have been pills being delivered to the warehouse every day, right?"

"It's been four years, and I can't remember exactly." The old eunuch felt that the man with the gong's gaze was reserved and deep, as if it contained a whirlpool, which made him very uncomfortable.

"He wasn't lying." Xu Qi'an continued, "When examining the records, I discovered that the income and expenditure records for February 10th and February 20th of that year were blank. No pills were delivered during those days?"

The old eunuch shook his head again, his face contorted with worry. "Reporting to you, sir, I've forgotten about that too."

He wasn't lying after all. An old eunuch wouldn't possess a magical Law Artifact to shield his fate; he's just too old and forgetful. Xu Qi'an returned the booklet to the old eunuch and instructed him:

"Give me the records of people entering and leaving the Imperial Pharmacy over the past five days. I will arrange for someone to assist you."

The so-called assistance was to supervise the old eunuch. Xu Qi'an had already decided on the candidate: the young eunuch sent by Emperor Yuanjing to supervise him.

This eunuch was Emperor Yuanjing's spy; he would report every detail of his progress to the emperor.

Lin'an leaned close to Xu Qi'an's ear and whispered, "You suspect that someone tore up the booklet?"

"When the old eunuch was looking for the booklet, there was obvious dust on the cover and several fingerprints on it. The fingerprints were fresh; I'm certain it was no more than five days old."

Sharp!

The Second Prince inwardly praised Xu Qi'an, growing increasingly confident in him.

At this moment, a young eunuch rushed in to report, his face looking very unpleasant, and he hesitated to speak.

"You may leave now," Xu Qi'an dismissed the old eunuch who managed the Imperial Pharmacy.

The young eunuch remained silent, glancing cautiously at Lin'an.

"Can't I listen either?" Lin'an was furious, her eyebrows suddenly flying up.

Sure enough, although Biao Biao wasn't very bright, she was still quite spoiled and willful, just showing more favoritism towards me. Xu Qi'an frowned and said, "Speak."

The young eunuch swallowed hard, hesitated for a few seconds, and then whispered, "He'er is from the Empress's palace."

For a fleeting moment, the side hall fell into a deathly silence.

He'er is from the Empress's palace, no wonder Huaiqing's emotions changed when he heard He'er's name. In other words, the person who saved Huang Xiaorou was the Empress. In other words, Huang Xiaorou received a great favor from the Empress.

Her role in this case is that of a key figure in plotting to murder Consort Fu and framing the Crown Prince. The Empress is in trouble.

"Hoo hoo."

Lost in thought, he heard Lin'an's heavy breathing beside him.

It's going to be bad.

"I'm going to see my father."

Lin'an gritted his teeth and uttered a single sentence before abruptly standing up and walking outside.

Xu Qi'an quickly grabbed her hand and comforted her, "Your Highness, it's too early to draw conclusions now."

"Isn't it obvious? He'er is the Empress's person, Huang Xiaorou has received great favors from the Empress, and the Empress has always wanted to harm my brother, the Crown Prince, so that her son could inherit the position. The motive is quite clear, isn't it?" Lin'an turned her head, glaring angrily.

"Are you still harboring feelings for Huaiqing by stopping me now?"

She was referring to the "job hopping" thing, since she had snatched Xu Qi'an away from Huaiqing.

"Damn it, what you're saying makes it sound like I ate Huaiqing and then you. If this gets back to Emperor Yuanjing, he'll order my execution." Xu Qi'an glanced at the young eunuch and said in a deep voice:

"This matter involves the Empress. You made a huge fuss over the fact that only one palace maid was found out, and you pinned the blame on the Empress for killing Consort Fu and harming the Crown Prince."

"What if it turns out the Empress was innocent?"

Biao Biao shouted, "I don't care, I don't care! The Crown Prince is my elder brother!"

"Your Highness!" Xu Qi'an glared at her, emphasizing his words.

"Hmph!" Lin'an composed herself, and said indignantly, "Then what do you suggest we do?"

Those familiar with her personality weren't present; otherwise, they would have been astonished to see the spoiled and willful second princess so obedient in front of a little gong.

"Keep investigating, Princess. Just observe and see."

Lin'an snorted again, clearly dissatisfied with the result, but he didn't continue to act out.

Xu Qi'an turned to the young eunuch and said, "You must tell His Majesty everything about today's gains. However, remember to keep it simple, only mention the case, and nothing else."

I hope you can omit Xu Qi'an's words regarding my interactions with Lin'an.

The young eunuch recalled his godfather's warning from that day and was immediately moved. Although Lord Xu had a bad temper, he was very kind at heart and even knew to worry about someone as insignificant as him.

"Rest assured, Lord Xu, this servant will only discuss the case and will not divulge any further information," the young eunuch said loudly.

"Is this young eunuch quite shrewd?" Xu Qi'an hummed in agreement, then added, "Later, go find the eunuch in charge of the Imperial Pharmacy and get him a list of people who have entered and exited the pharmacy within the last five days. Then, secretly check it with the guards."

"Clear."

When Lin'an left the Imperial Pharmacy at 11:00 AM, she said she was going to have a meal with her mother, heartlessly abandoning her fiancé.

Xu Qi'an had no choice but to eat with the eunuchs. The imperial kitchen prepared the food for the masters, while the "dining room" for the eunuchs and palace maids was called the small kitchen.

Halfway there, he suddenly heard someone call out from behind, "Lord Xu."

Turning his head, he saw a Daoist priest in blue robes hurrying over, exclaiming happily, "Lord Xu, we've finally found you!"

Knowing that Xu Qi'an would definitely go to the small kitchen for a meal, he deliberately loitered around the area and caught him.

Those who can enter and leave the palace must be Daoist priests from Lingbao Temple. Xu Qi'an cupped his hands and said, "Daoist Master."

"I dare not accept such praise," the Daoist priest approached and respectfully returned the bow, "Young Master Xu, the Daoist Master invites you."

"This..." Xu Qi'an hesitated.

Luo Yuheng is the woman Emperor Yuanjing has taken a liking to. I'm already entangled with his daughter, so I shouldn't displease Emperor Yuanjing again because of "getting too close to the beautiful imperial advisor."

Furthermore, Luo Yuheng is a second-rank expert, Xu Qi'an doesn't want to get too close to a top-tier expert with whom he's not familiar. What if he suddenly discovers the existence of the monk Shenshu? Oh, so Xu Qi'an is already in the form of a monk!

Come on, seal Sangbo back to the land, and forbid it from being born for five hundred years. It will be released when a monk goes on a pilgrimage to the West to obtain Buddhist scriptures.

The immortal and indestructible Shenshu Monk could certainly live for another five hundred years, but what about Xu Qi'an? He couldn't possibly borrow another five hundred years from heaven.

"The Imperial Preceptor is waiting for you and would like to invite you to dine with him," the Daoist priest said.

"Okay!" Xu Qi'an agreed.

The main reason is that Luo Yuheng is such a tempting woman.

This was Xu Qi'an's second visit to Lingbao Temple. He had met Luo Yuheng the last time when he was helping Daoist Jinlian obtain elixirs.

The head of the Human Sect seemed to favor him greatly, and said something very suggestive at the time, but unfortunately Xu Qi'an was a gentleman and ignored her hint.

Xu Qi'an was led directly into a quiet room, where there were two futons, a table, a small stove, and the character "Dao" in a flamboyant style on the wall.

The furnishings are extremely simple, with nothing superfluous.

The young Daoist boy brought over a large bucket of vegetarian food, a mixture of black rice, corn, millet, and other grains, as well as three dishes of vegetarian vegetables.

"Please enjoy your meal, Lord Xu. The head Daoist will be here shortly." The young Daoist respectfully withdrew.

Xu Qi'an didn't eat. He glanced at the two bowls and two pairs of chopsticks on the table and nodded in satisfaction.

If he were to eat this meal alone, he would head back to the palace now.

"Squeak~"

The lattice door that had just been closed was pushed open again, and the female national teacher, dressed in a black Daoist robe, walked in, holding a whisk in her arm. Her black hair was simply tied up with a Daoist hairpin, with a few strands hanging down her forehead, making her look somewhat charming.

The touch of vermilion between her brows accentuates her ethereal purity, creating a unique blend of two distinct charms.

"Imperial Preceptor!" Xu Qi'an stood up and bowed.

Luo Yuheng nodded and gestured, "Lord Xu, please have your meal."

"The Imperial Advisor requests eel."

The two sat down, each served themselves a bowl of rice, and began to eat.

Xu Qi'an couldn't figure out the beautiful national advisor's intentions, so he hesitated to speak, only glancing at her occasionally during the meal, finding her pleasing to the eye.

At first glance, this woman looks like a fresh-faced twenty-year-old, but upon closer inspection, she appears to be a vibrant thirty-year-old woman.

But after looking at her for a while, holy crap, she's clearly a stunningly beautiful mature woman in her early forties. Her voluptuous figure and the irresistible charm in her eyes are simply irresistible to men.

Xu Qi'an rediscovered the feeling he had when he first met her—her mother's friend, her kind aunt, her English teacher, and so on.

"Does this woman cultivate Daoism, or demonic magic?" Xu Qi'an frowned secretly.

The occurrence of these various misconceptions is certainly not his fault; it must be a problem with the cultivation methods of the Human Sect, as confirmed by Master Jinlian.

None of the three sects—Heaven, Earth, and Man—are normal. The Earth sect is burdened by its accumulated merits and easily turns into demons. The situation of the Man sect is unknown, but it also has aftereffects.

As for the Heavenly Sect, the path they follow is the biggest problem in itself.

Only by being heartless can Heaven endure through the ages. If humans are heartless, what difference is there between them and inanimate objects?

According to Xu Qi'an's understanding, the Celestial Person is the embodiment of the rules.

"I heard from Daoist Jinlian that Young Master Xu took the Rebirth Pill in Yunzhou?" Luo Yuheng asked.

Why is Master Jinlian telling you this? Xu Qi'an was taken aback. "Yes."

"This humble Daoist wishes to borrow a bowl of Lord Xu's Essence Blood as a medicinal ingredient to refine elixirs and alleviate his chronic ailment."

What kind of incurable disease requires my Essence Blood as a medicinal ingredient? Xu Qi'an glanced at her, but didn't say anything, though he was trying to find the right words to refuse her.

In his previous life, blood could only be used to test blood type, but in this world, it can be used for a lot of different things.

What impressed me most was the curse-killing technique of the Witch God Cult.

Luo Yuheng seemed to have anticipated his reaction. She picked up a piece of rice with her chopsticks, put it into her rosy lips, and added unhurriedly, "This is Master Jinlian's suggestion."

Xu Qi'an nodded. "I need to confirm."

Luo Yuheng nodded.

In front of her, Xu Qi'an took out the fragment of the Earth Book. He was about to send a message to inquire when he remembered that he was now a dead man and could not speak.

At this moment, Luo Yuheng looked towards the door and said calmly, "He's here."

Xu Qi'an turned his head and saw an orange cat squatting on the threshold, its amber vertical pupils staring at them intently.

"Daoist priest, what brings you here? Wait, weren't you forbidden from entering the imperial city?"

The orange cat, tail held high, leaped onto the table with soft, silent cat steps.

Xu Qi'an gently slapped the cat away, "We're eating, watch out for cat hair."

The orange cat had no choice but to squat on the ground, raise its head, and speak gently, "After your injuries heal, you can freely enter and leave the imperial city, but you still can't enter the imperial palace."

The Daoist priest's strength is even greater than I imagined. Xu Qi'an is no longer a novice. To infiltrate the imperial city silently, he needs to be at least a fourth-rank official.

Of course, this does not include martial arts practitioners.

Given the nature of the martial arts system, even a first-rank official cannot infiltrate the imperial city silently; they will most likely be discovered.

Of course, if you're a first-rank martial artist, you can probably solo the "Great Feng Capital" dungeon.

"That Essence Blood is..." Although Xu Qi'an trusted Daoist Jinlian greatly, he still hesitated.

It's like someone wanting to use your computer. Even if it's a good friend or relative, you'd still feel resistant, because who doesn't have hundreds of gigabytes of their "wife" on their hard drive?

"I'll borrow the medicinal properties of the Rebirth Pill from your blood." Master Jinlian glanced at Luo Yuheng, and seeing her expressionless face, continued:

"You are already somewhat aware of the arduous and difficult path of cultivation within the Human Sect. Chief Luo suffers from karmic fire every month, enduring the torment of the seven emotions and six desires. The Rebirth Pill can shed the old body, granting a new life and temporarily alleviating the symptoms."

Xu Qi'an nodded slowly and boldly said, "No wonder I find the Imperial Advisor to have an extraordinary charm."

He would never have dared to say such a thing if Master Jinlian were not here.

Master Jinlian responded, "When one cultivates the Daoist methods to a high level, one gains insight into all sentient beings, allowing you to see the aspect of your heart that you most desire. I'm referring to matters of love and affection."

Then, the orange cat gave a human-like smile, "What did you see?"

Luo Yuheng looked up expressionlessly and glanced at Xu Qi'an.

Xu Qi'an's expression suddenly froze.

This reaction surprised Master Jinlian, who then became interested and asked, "You seem to be deeply moved."

I thought I was into black stockings, mature women, older women, lolis, and younger sisters, but in the end I realized I was just a lecher. I've never felt this way so deeply before. Xu Qi'an chuckled dryly and lightly changed the subject:

"Since Daoist Jinlian is acting as the mediator, I am naturally willing to do my part."

Luo Yuheng nodded in satisfaction and said softly, "If you want any pills, just say the word; consider it compensation for your Essence Blood."

Before Xu Qi'an could speak, Master Jinlian said, "No rush, think it over slowly. The favor of the leader of the Human Sect is not something an ordinary person can obtain."

Luo Yuheng glanced at the orange cat with an indifferent expression.

Jingxiu Palace.

Lin'an arrived at her mother's residence with her guards. She ran into the house, her red skirt fluttering, calling out, "Mother! Mother!"

Inside the room, Consort Chen was secretly wiping away tears. When she saw her daughter run in, she quickly turned her face away and wiped away her tears.

The bustling Lin'an fell silent instantly. He slowly walked to Consort Chen's side, took her hand, and a flicker of heartache flashed in his alluring peach blossom eyes.

"Mother, the Crown Prince will be alright. The innocent will be proven innocent. Please don't cry."

She was in a bad mood recently, partly because of Xu Qi'an's death in the line of duty, and partly because of the Crown Prince's fate and Consort Chen's constant tears.

As a daughter, seeing her mother so depressed and weeping every day was very painful for her, but she felt powerless to help.

A close palace maid standing to one side whispered, "These past few days, a prince from the imperial family has come to see Your Highness. They said that the ministers outside are discussing the matter of establishing a new crown prince."

"Upon hearing this, the Empress burst into tears and barely ate for two days."

Lin'an was furious, "These short-sighted bastards, why did they say these things to Mother?"

She was so angry that she cursed her uncles as dogs.

"Lin'an, don't talk nonsense." Consort Chen held her daughter's small hand tightly, her expression sorrowful. "Your elder brother, the Crown Prince, is born of a concubine. Over the years, people have always said that his ascension to the throne was illegitimate. It's good that he's deposed; then your mother won't have to live in constant fear."

These words enraged Lin'an, who knew her mother was referring to the covetous Empress Dowager.

The head palace maid sighed, "If only the truth of the case could be revealed, but so many days have passed and there has been no progress."

The details of the case must be kept confidential, Xu Qi'an repeatedly emphasized to the two princesses.

But now, seeing her mother growing thinner and her eyes red and swollen, Lin'an couldn't hold back any longer and said loudly, "Who said there's no progress? Xu Qi'an has almost finished investigating the case."

Consort Chen's eyes lit up as she stared intently at her daughter. "Is the truth about the case about to come out? That... that Xu Qi'an is really close to being found out?"

Overwhelmed with emotion, he gripped Lin'an's hand tightly.

"Mother, you're pinching me too hard."

Now that she had spoken, Biao Biao no longer concealed anything and said, "Mother, it was the Empress who framed the Crown Prince; it must have been her."

Consort Chen's expression changed drastically. "Lin'an, do not speak nonsense!"

"Mother, don't worry, there is solid evidence in Lin'an."

At that moment, she told Consort Chen the whole story of the case.

"It really is her! Back then, if she hadn't been unfaithful, would His Majesty have banished her to the Cold Palace, and would he have made my son the Crown Prince?" Consort Chen burst into tears.

"His Majesty is kind-hearted and, out of consideration for past relationships, has not deposed her. But she, after many years, has once again harbored ambitions to vie for the position of Crown Prince."

Consort Chen's words were like a thunderclap in Lin'an's ears.

What did she hear?

Is the Empress unfaithful? Does the Emperor want to depose her?

When did all this happen? How come she doesn't know?

Lin'an pictured the gentle but unsmiling empress in her mind. Although she was indignant that the empress had framed her brother, the crown prince, Lin'an did not believe in her heart that she was an unfaithful woman.

However, after receiving this earth-shattering news, many details that had previously gone unnoticed became clear. For example, the Empress had always lived a secluded life and did not concern herself with matters of the inner palace.

For example, ever since I can remember from Lin'an, I've never seen the Empress smile. Also, the Empress is always cold and indifferent to Huaiqing and the Fourth Prince, showing none of the affection that a mother would show to me and my elder brother, the Crown Prince.

"Mother, what... what is going on? The Empress has been unfaithful. Who is that man?" Lin'an gripped Consort Chen's hand tightly, her anger burning.

As her father's most beloved daughter, it was only natural for her to be furious upon hearing this news.

"No, please don't ask," Consort Chen said, shaking her head with tears in her eyes, realizing she had spoken out of turn. "This matter is His Majesty's taboo; it must not be spread."

"I don't like owing favors, Lord Xu, just tell me what you want." Luo Yuheng had no intention of fulfilling Jinlian Daoist's wishful thinking.

"Auntie, I don't want to work hard anymore," Xu Qi'an cried out in his heart.

Regarding compensation, he couldn't think of anything for the time being, so he couldn't help but look at the orange cat and ask for its opinion.

After pondering for a long time, the orange cat said, "The Human Sect is renowned throughout the Nine Provinces for its swordsmanship, so why not present them with a swordsmanship manual?"

"But I'm using a knife," Xu Qi'an reminded him.

"Who says swordsmanship can't be done with a knife?" Master Jinlian retorted with a smile.

That's right. As long as you extract the core essence and apply it to your swordsmanship, that's enough. Just like when I use the Heaven and Earth One Slash, I can combine it with the Lion's Roar to defeat the enemy.

Xu Qi'an nodded slowly.

Luo Yuheng raised his hand and gently wiped it across the table, revealing three thin booklets.

The Imperial Advisor said in a pleasant voice, "I have three sword techniques here: Heart Sword, Qi Sword, and Sword Control."

"The Heart Sword requires the assistance of cultivating the Primordial Spirit, using spiritual power as a whetstone, sharpening the sword day and night without ceasing. It cannot cut the physical body, but only the Primordial Spirit."

Upon hearing this, Xu Qi'an subconsciously looked at the orange cat.

The orange cat lashed out its sharp claws and said in a low voice, "Lord Xu, please don't provoke me."

Xu Qi'an immediately looked away.

Luo Yuheng continued, "The Qi Sword is the opposite of the Heart Sword; it is a first-rate offensive method. When cultivated to a high level, the Sword Qi is continuous and indestructible."

Xu Qi'an couldn't help but exclaim, "Sword Qi traverses three thousand miles, a single sword's light chills nineteen provinces?"

Luo Yuheng couldn't help but glance at him, her beautiful eyes, like a clear pool of water, lingering on Xu Qi'an for a long time. She praised him, saying, "It's said that Lord Xu's poetic talent is unparalleled, and indeed it is. This line is soaring with heroic spirit, possessing a myriad of magnificent images."

This isn't my opinion; it's what a famous writer who meticulously crafts his articles, paying exorbitant fees line by line, said.

"As for sword control techniques," Luo Yuheng waved her hand lightly, and the doors and windows instantly opened. A sword light shot out from her sleeve, whistling as it flew through the air above the courtyard.

Swift as lightning, agile as a swimming fish.

Xu Qi'an exclaimed, "Sword control is truly the work of immortals, therefore, I choose the Heart Sword."

Luo Yuheng was taken aback for a moment, then nodded and said, "Okay."

Although the sword control technique is flashy and cool, and its destructive power is not low, Xu Qi'an felt that the Heart Sword was more suitable for him.

The reason is simple: his Heaven and Earth One Slash is an extremely extreme sword technique: there is nothing in the world that cannot be cut, and if there is, then run for your life.

Therefore, when he was cultivating, his first consideration was not to increase his methods, but to perfect the Heaven and Earth One Slash.

After obtaining the Buddhist School Lion's Roar, this idea became even more steadfast.

We have control skills and physical damage; what we lack most now is damage output from the Primordial Spirit realm.

Luo Yuheng took back the "Qi Sword" and "Sword Control Technique," and pushed the "Heart Sword" sword manual to him, saying, "If you have any questions, you can come to Lingbao Temple to find me. I can answer your questions three times."

"Thank you, Imperial Preceptor," Xu Qi'an said sincerely.

Then, Luo Yuheng took out a jade bowl from her sleeve, held it with her slender fingers, and pushed it in front of Xu Qi'an.

The bowl wasn't big, only about three times the size of a teacup. Xu Qi'an felt a little more at ease; he had thought it was the large bowl Xu Lingyin used for eating.

After obtaining the blood, Luo Yuheng immediately went to refine pills while it was still hot.

In the quiet room, only the orange cat and Xu Qi'an remained.

"Master, could you please block other people from my chat? I need to message Li Miaozhen privately."

Taking this opportunity, Xu Qi'an planned to tell Number Two the news of his resurrection.

In response to Xu Qi'an's request, Daoist Jinlian simply said, "Hehe."

"What's the problem?" Xu Qi'an frowned.

"Li Miaozhen said she would come to the capital after the spring. Given the current situation in Yunzhou, she will probably have to wait until the bandit suppression is over. Anyway, she will be here soon, so why rush?" said Master Jinlian.

He was waiting for Li Miaozhen to find out about Xu Qi'an's resurrection and then angrily confront him, hoping to disrupt the situation and ease the conflict between the two outstanding disciples of the Celestial Person and Human Sects.

"That's right!" Xu Qi'an nodded.

P. S.: I'll continue writing the next chapter. I should be done before midnight. I'll come back and correct any typos after I finish writing. Remember to help me catch the bugs, everyone! Mwah!