Both of these daggers are dark blue-green, like jade, hence their nickname ' Twin Flowers on One Stalk '.
It was acquired by the Cao Clan for a large sum of money in its early years and given to two sons, one the eldest son of the Cao Clan and the other Imperial Uncle Cao. The purpose was not to use them for fighting, but to hope that the two sons would protect each other and help each other in times of trouble.
For something like this to appear in the hands of an assassin is clearly excessive.
Cao Xiong pondered for a moment, then looked at Imperial Uncle Cao face was deathly pale, from behind the crowd.
Imperial Uncle Cao noticed something amiss at the hot springs and knew something bad was going to happen today. He hadn't expected that despite his vigilance, someone would still slip through his fingers. He was now deathly pale.
"Yes... it was the day before yesterday. Fan Zhe wanted to see it for himself, and as his uncle, I didn't think much of it and just brought it over... This must be a setup..."
Li Yuntu looked at the assassin's tattered left sleeve, noticing a snake-patterned tattoo on it, then glanced at Ye Xingge:
" Xingge, when you were investigating a case at Jing River Hot Springs, someone was kidnapped by men hired by Fan Zhe. One of them had a snake tattoo on his arm. Was that the design you saw at the time?"
Ye Xingge carefully examined the assassin who had committed suicide by swallowing poison:
"The tattoo patterns, physique, and skills are the same, but I didn't see their face last time and the contact was brief, so I can't be sure."
Given Ye Xingge's performance just now, no one present would believe he could have made a mistake.
This is the swordsman from Tangchi. Regardless of his cooperation at the time or his performance today, he seems like a private bodyguard kept by a powerful family.
The people in the capital who could raise such assassins are all standing right in front of me.
Duke Wang Jinzhong of Duke Who Protects the State, along with Cao Xiong, was Eight Pillar States of Hezhong and a key figure in supporting the Emperor of Yan's ascension to the throne. They had a close personal relationship. At this point, he interjected:
" Fan Zhe is frivolous and incapable of shouldering great responsibilities; there must be something hidden behind this."
Seeing that someone was speaking up for him, Imperial Uncle Cao nodded repeatedly:
"Yes, that Yang Tuyan almost infiltrated the Duke's mansion last time, but luckily Lord Ye caught him in time..."
The Grand Secretary Cui Fo, with a rather stern face, interjected:
"Knowing that someone was framing him, how could he let the thief succeed?"
"..."
Imperial Uncle Cao immediately fell silent.
Cao Xiong didn't defend himself, after all, this wasn't just framing him, but proving his incompetence and trying to strip him of his power.
The only ones in the court with this ability are the old ministers who are now interrogating you.
Those with motives were also these veteran officials.
This could be to prevent future power grabs by maternal relatives, or to prevent them from forcing the emperor to abdicate and rebel, or to hinder court officials from deposing the heir apparent and establishing a new one, etc.
Cao Xiong didn't know who it was, but since no one spoke up for him, he knew he was going to get slapped.
After a moment's thought, Murong Xie stepped forward and turned the body over to examine it.
The assassin was a man in his thirties who wore a palace waist tag with the character 'Cao' engraved on the back. It should belong to Fan Zhe, as Empress Cao was his aunt and often visited him in the palace.
In addition, a map was hidden inside the robe.
The map roughly marks the route from entering the palace to the Diligent Governance Tower), the emperor's seat, the location of sentry posts along the way, and even an escape route.
While everyone remained silent and observed, Xiao Bieli, who was leaning on his cane, suddenly showed a strange expression, then quickly covered his mouth:
"Cough cough--"
The Emperor of Yan, who had remained expressionless even when faced with the assassination attempt, was clearly moved by this scene and personally reached out to help him up.
"Uncle, you..."
Xiao Bieli, looking old and frail, coughed twice and then waved his hand, saying:
"I'm getting old, and my health is what it is. This is no big deal, Your Majesty, please don't neglect your court officials. This old minister will go and rest."
Emperor of Yan frowned slightly and turned his head to look at Murong Xie:
"Take your uncle to the side hall to rest."
"Yes."
Murong Xie immediately stepped forward and helped his teacher away.
Emperor of Yan originally intended to accompany him and leave the matter to his court officials, but after glancing at Ye Xingge, he added:
" Ye Xingge is commendable for his loyalty and bravery, and Chen Xiaobao is adept at observing details; both have rendered meritorious service in protecting the Emperor. They are hereby granted the title of Viscount, and each is bestowed with a residence and fifty bolts of imperial provisions as a reward."
Protecting the emperor is a great achievement. The fact that assassins could infiltrate the palace already shows that the palace was practically non-existent and that officials and members of the imperial family were under serious threat. It's not necessary to stab the emperor to be considered protecting him.
Chen Xiaobao, who was standing at the back admiring his godfather, was startled when he heard the voice and quickly said:
"Your Majesty, I thank you for your great favor!"
A little earlier.
Behind the palace walls, the arena was ablaze with activity, and kings and generals alike were watching Ye Xingge's performance closely.
Outside the palace walls, a large number of people gathered, gazing up at the brightly lit Diligent Governance Tower.
Hongyu hid inside the main building of Myriad Phenomena Tower, using a telescope to peer into the distant palace walls, and picked up the jade pendant halfway through:
"Master?"
The response from Cloud and Rain Tower reached my ears:
"How's the situation?"
"The assassins haven't shown up yet. But Zhang Zhiqing, Xiao Bieli, and the others have all entered the palace. How's Master doing?"
"We've arrived at the Prince's residence and are searching for the entrance to the underground palace. Keep a close eye on things, and notify us immediately if there's any movement."
Xiao Bieli's Prince's Mansion was located in Qingzhang County, northwest of Yongzhou Prefecture, about two hundred li away from Yong Capital.
For Ye Xingge, this distance was undoubtedly quite far; it would take a long time to travel.
However, among the First Rank demons, two hundred miles is even within the attack range of some.
At this time, Cloud and Rain Tower naturally took advantage of Xiao Bieli's entry into the palace and Cao Xiong and Zhang Zhiqing's attention to Ye Xingge to sneak into the Prince's mansion to investigate the situation.
Hongyu, acting as an informant, was keeping an eye on the movements of the various old demons and was currently relaying the general situation:
" Ye Xingge defeated Dugu Xuan in one move..."
"Wow~ Cao Ba used the Earthbound Heavenly Communion! What should Ye Xingge do...?"
"What?! He took down Earthbound Heavenly Communion with another move!"
" Cui Zitang actually joined the game too..."
Cloud and Rain Tower was indeed listening attentively. If he weren't busy with business, he probably would have already made a public appearance and come to see for himself. At this moment, he even asked:
What was the result?
"Ha! Ye Xingge actually used the Earthbound Heavenly Communion and Immortal's Knock!"
"Yeah?"
Ye Xingge defeated inferior opponents with a single move, and the arena battle didn't last very long.
After the Emperor of Yan bestowed his praise, Ye Xingge stepped down from the stage.
Hongyu observed Ye Xingge's movements, and her gaze quickly became serious:
"The assassin has appeared."
Who is it?
"I don't recognize him. He used the Swallows Flying Together' Ye Xingge took him down in one move. Xiao Bieli and Zhang Zhiqing went over together..."
Not long after, Hongyu noticed that Xiao Bieli seemed to be Murong Xie helped her quickly to the side hall, where she disappeared without a trace.
Xiao Bieli seems to have sensed something...
As Hongyu was speaking, she suddenly lost contact with her ear. She frowned, knowing that her master must have encountered something powerful. She removed the ' Thousand-Silk Exquisite Pendant ' and replaced it with something else, then immediately turned her head to look towards Qingzhang County.
However, the distance was too great to see the extraordinary phenomena of " Nine Transformations of the Cloud Dragon and Lightning and Thunder," so it should not be First Rank demons.
But aside from the old demon First Rank, what else could possibly make Master replace his personal magic weapon...?
Hongyu frowned, but did not abandon her post. She simply kept a close watch on the movements inside and outside the imperial city. After only a short while, she heard:
"Gurgle, gurgle?"
Hongyu was taken aback and asked:
" Fat Snow, what's the situation with Master?"
"Coo coo chirp..."
After listening and understanding the general meaning, Hongyu got up and left Myriad Phenomena Tower, heading towards the east of the city. Soon after, she arrived at Wujian Inn and went to the third floor.
Junior Sister Fat Snow was currently squatting outside the door, Thousand-Silk Exquisite Pendant hanging around her neck, chatting with the annoying Second Sister:
"Gurgle?! Gurgle gurgle gurgle..."
"?"
Hongyu frowned, not wanting to pay any attention, and went into the room to check. She saw her master sitting cross-legged on the bed and went up to ask:
"Master? What just happened?"
Cloud and Rain Tower formed hand seals, his expression quite calm:
" Xiao Bieli is definitely acting strangely. The underground palace beneath the Prince's mansion is vast, with a bronze door at the entrance. Inside, there seems to be something sinister, hiding mechanisms. I was attacked by this sinister force as soon as I approached, and I haven't yet figured out the details..."
Hongyu was genuinely surprised when she heard this.
My master was besieged by the Great Yan a few years ago, which triggered the " Reversing Life and Disrupting Death " and forced him to start practicing his skills from scratch.
However, the Reversing Life and Disrupting Death will not confiscate the roots and bones that have been nurtured, and the old cultivation techniques and many magical treasures are still on the body.
Therefore, the old demon of the First Rank retraced his steps. This is not the same concept as a mortal climbing a mountain. He has now returned to the First Rank, but he has not yet climbed back to the seventh rank.
The fact that even First Rank demon could be affected and require protective measures suggests that the things hidden in the Prince's Mansion's underground palace are quite terrifying; they could be some unknown weapon or another reclusive demon.
But Xiao Bieli is still in the palace; he didn't leave just now. What other trump cards does the Xiao Clan have up their sleeves that they haven't revealed yet...?
What do we do now?
Cloud and Rain Tower sensed that a powerful figure was likely hiding behind the Xiao Clan, but they hadn't yet ascertained the details, and Ye Xingge still needed time to grow. After some thought, he simply gave the order:
"I will investigate this matter further. Just keep an eye on Ye Xingge."
Hongyu nodded gently, and seeing that her master's aura was unstable, she asked:
How is Master doing?
There's nothing wrong with Cloud and Rain Tower, but it's not convenient to handle it myself. Yu'er has also lost her power. After a moment's thought:
" The Hundred-Blaze Garment can dispel evil spirits. Let's switch, and I'll handle it myself."
Hongyu understood, went to the door, took the pendant from her junior sister's neck, and said seriously:
"Master is healing. Guard the door and don't let outsiders near, understand?"
As she spoke, she clenched her little fists, striking a majestic pose as the eldest sister!
"Gurgle!"
Fat Snow immediately stood at attention, then assumed the posture of a royal bodyguard with a sword, and carefully scanned the passageway.
Hongyu was finally satisfied. She returned to her room, first taking off her Bai Liao breastplate and exchanging it with her master.
Cloud and Rain Tower loosened her white dress, revealing a snow-white heart that embraced all things, glowing white in the candlelight, without any other intentions.
But out of the corner of her eye, she noticed a pattern of two birds flying wing to wing on Great Yu'er's lower abdomen...
" Yu'er, what's wrong with you...?"
"Well..."
Hongyu's expression froze, and she quickly put on her clothes:
"I was just drawing for fun, Master, please don't take offense. Healing is the most important thing."
He then sat down beside her and closed his eyes.
Cloud and Rain Tower looked puzzled, but to avoid embarrassing his disciple, he still replied:
"It looks pretty good."
"Uh... Hehe~"
After changing into her underwear, Hundred-Blaze Garment began to "drive away all impurities with fire".
Cloud and Rain Tower also sat upright cross-legged and gave the order:
"In my current state, maintain all your energy channels, and then don't move around."
"Clear!"
As the two, who were as close as mother and daughter, closed their eyes, the room fell silent.
Then Cloud and Rain Tower, who was possessed by a ghost, opened his eyes, took out the acupuncture kit he had used to seal Ye Xingge's meridians from his bosom, and sat down beside him to begin administering acupuncture...