“Little eunuch, help this official with a task. Go investigate a palace maid called ‘He’er’.”
Xu Qi An put down the ledger and turned to instruct the young eunuch Emperor Yuan Jing had sent to supervise him.
The young eunuch obediently left.
After he left, Xu Qi An reopened the ledger, going through it page by page, examining it very carefully.
I really can’t stand these ancient ledgers… The characters are so small, with so many strokes, it hurts my eyes to look at them… Xu Qi An spent an hour carefully reviewing the entire year’s income and expenditure records.
He closed the ledger and looked at the old eunuch in charge, saying, “Where’s the latrine?”
The old eunuch answered, “In the backyard.”
Xu Qi An immediately went to the latrine, but he didn’t take out his 8====D. Instead, he took out the Earth Book fragment and found the Confucian version of the magic book gifted to him by the great Confucian scholars.
He tore out a page on the Art of Observing Qi and burned it.
Two beams of clear light shot from his eyes, then slowly faded.
After casting the Art of Observing Qi on himself, Xu Qi An returned to the side hall and casually asked the old eunuch, “This official has found some issues with the ledger. The eunuch needs to give me an explanation.”
“Please speak, sir,” the old eunuch said calmly.
“In the 32nd year of Yuan Jing’s reign, shouldn’t there have been pills entering the storehouse every day?”
“Well… It’s been four years, this old servant doesn’t remember clearly.” The old eunuch felt uncomfortable under the gaze of this copper badge, which seemed deep and profound, as if hiding a whirlpool.
He’s not lying… Xu Qi An continued to ask, “When examining the ledger, this official found that the income and expenditure records for February 10th and February 20th of that year are missing. Were no pills delivered on those days?”
The old eunuch still shook his head, his face wrinkled, “In response to the sir, this old servant has forgotten about that too.”
Still not lying. An old eunuch wouldn’t have an artifact to screen his fate… He’s just old and forgetful… Xu Qi An returned the ledger to the old eunuch and instructed:
“Give me the entry and exit records of the Imperial Dispensary for the past five days. I will arrange someone to assist.”
By assist, he meant supervise the old eunuch. Xu Qi An had already thought of the candidate – the young eunuch Emperor Yuan Jing had sent to supervise him.
This little eunuch was Emperor Yuan Jing’s spy, and he would report any progress to the Emperor in detail.
Lin An leaned close to Xu Qi An’s ear and whispered, “Do you suspect someone tore pages from the ledger?”
“When the old eunuch was looking for the ledger, there was obvious dust on the cover, with a few fresh fingerprints. I dare say it was no more than five days ago.”
Impressive!
The Second Princess praised in her heart, growing more and more confident in Xu Qi An.
At this moment, the young eunuch hurriedly came to report. His face looked very troubled, as if he wanted to speak but held back.
“You may go now,” Xu Qi An dismissed the old eunuch managing the Imperial Dispensary.
The young eunuch still didn’t speak, carefully glancing at Lin An.
“This Princess can’t hear it either?” Lin An got angry, her eyebrows immediately flying up.
Sure enough, although Biao Biao isn’t very smart, she doesn’t lack the spoiled princess disease at all. She just favors me more… Xu Qi An frowned and said, “Speak.”
The young eunuch swallowed and gathered his thoughts for a few seconds before saying quietly, “He’er is from Her Majesty the Empress’s palace.”
For a moment, the side hall fell into dead silence.
He’er is from the Empress’s palace. No wonder Huai Qing’s mood changed when she heard He’er’s name… That means the person who saved Huang Xiao Rou back then was the Empress… In other words, Huang Xiao Rou owed a great debt to the Empress.
And in this case, her role was as the vanguard in harming Consort Fu and framing the Crown Prince… The Empress is in trouble.
“Huff huff…”
Lost in thought, he heard the heavy breathing of Lin An beside him.
This is bad…
“I’m going to see Father Emperor.”
Lin An gritted her teeth and threw down these words, abruptly standing up and walking out.
Xu Qi An quickly grabbed her hand and tried to soothe her, “Your Highness, it’s too early to draw conclusions now.”
“Isn’t it obvious? He’er is the Empress’s person, Huang Xiao Rou owed a great debt to the Empress, and the Empress has always wanted to harm my Crown Prince brother so her son can inherit the position of Crown Prince. The motive is quite sufficient, isn’t it?” Lin An turned her head and glared angrily:
“Are you stopping me now because you still have Huai Qing in your heart?”
She was referring to the “job-hopping” matter, after all, Xu Qi An was snatched by her from Huai Qing.
Damn, your words sound like I’ve eaten Huai Qing and then eaten you. If this reaches Emperor Yuan Jing’s ears, he’ll order me beheaded… Xu Qi An glanced at the young eunuch and said in a deep voice:
“This matter involves the Empress. Just because we found out about one palace maid, you want to make a big fuss and forcibly pin the crimes of killing Consort Fu and harming the Crown Prince on the Empress.
“What if it turns out the Empress is innocent afterward?”
Biao Biao shouted, “I don’t care, I don’t care, the Crown Prince is my blood brother.”
“Your Highness!” Xu Qi An glared at her, emphasizing his tone.
“…Hmph!” Lin An restrained her temper and said resentfully, “Then what do you suggest we do?”
If those familiar with her temperament were present, they would be greatly shocked. The spoiled and willful Second Princess was actually so obedient in front of a minor official.
“We continue investigating, of course. The Princess just needs to wait and see.”
Lin An “hmph-ed” again, clearly unsatisfied with this outcome, but she didn’t continue to throw a tantrum.
Xu Qi An turned to the young eunuch and said, “You must report today’s findings to His Majesty in detail. However, remember to keep it simple, just talk about the case, nothing else.”
I hope you can also omit my interactions with Lin An… Xu Qi An thought to himself.
The young eunuch recalled his godfather’s warning that day and felt deeply moved. Although Sir Xu’s temper wasn’t the best, he was very kind-hearted and even worried about a small figure like himself.
“Rest assured, Sir Xu. This servant will only speak about the case and won’t say anything extra,” the young eunuch said loudly.
This little eunuch is quite sensible… Xu Qi An made an “mm” sound and then said, “Later, go find the eunuch managing the Imperial Dispensary and get a list from him – a list of people who entered and exited the Imperial Dispensary in the past five days. Then, secretly cross-check it with the guards.”
“Understood.”
Leaving the Imperial Dispensary, it was the beginning of the Noon Hour (11:00). Lin An said she was going to have lunch with her Imperial Mother, heartlessly abandoning her not-yet-married fiancé.
Xu Qi An had no choice but to eat with the eunuchs. The Imperial Kitchen prepared meals for the masters, while the “canteen” for eunuchs and palace maids was called the Small Kitchen.
Halfway there, he suddenly heard someone calling from behind: Sir Xu…
Turning his head, he saw a blue-robed Daoist hurrying over, saying happily, “Sir Xu, I’ve finally found you.”
He knew Xu Qi An would definitely go to the Small Kitchen for lunch, so he had been wandering nearby and finally caught him.
Only Daoists from Lingbao Temple could enter and exit the palace freely. Xu Qi An cupped his hands and said, “Daoist Master.”
“I don’t dare, I don’t dare,” the Daoist came closer and returned the greeting respectfully, “Young Master Xu, the Daoist Leader requests your presence.”
“Well…” Xu Qi An hesitated.
Luo Yuhen was a woman Emperor Yuan Jing had his eye on. He was already entangled with the Emperor’s daughter and didn’t want to displease the Emperor further by “being too close to the beautiful National Preceptor.”
Moreover, Luo Yuhen was a second-rank powerhouse. Xu Qi An didn’t want to get too close to unfamiliar top-tier experts. What if they suddenly discovered the existence of Monk Shen Shu… Oh, so you, Xu Qi An, already have the shape of a monk!
Come on, seal him back in Sangbo for five hundred years, not to be released until some monk goes on a pilgrimage to the Western Heaven in the future.
The immortal Monk Shen Shu could certainly survive five hundred years without issue, but what about him, Xu Qi An? He couldn’t borrow another five hundred years from heaven.
“The National Preceptor is waiting for you. She wants to invite you to dine together,” the Daoist said.
“Alright!” Xu Qi An agreed.
Mainly because Luo Yuhen, this woman… she, she was too alluring.
…
This was Xu Qi An’s second visit to Lingbao Temple. Last time, to help Daoist Gold Lotus obtain pills, he had met Luo Yuhen.
This Human Faction Daoist Leader seemed to favor him quite a bit. At that time, she had said something very suggestive, but unfortunately, Xu Qi An was a righteous man and didn’t respond to her hints.
Xu Qi An was directly led into a quiet room with two meditation cushions, a table, a small stove on the side, and a “Dao” character written in flowing calligraphy hanging on the wall.
The furnishings were extremely simple, with nothing extra.
A Daoist apprentice brought in a large bucket of vegetarian meal, mixed with black rice, corn, millet, and other grains, along with three dishes of vegetables.
“Please enjoy your meal, Sir Xu. The Daoist Leader will be here shortly,” the apprentice respectfully withdrew.
Xu Qi An didn’t eat, glancing at the two bowls and two pairs of chopsticks on the table, nodding with satisfaction.
If this meal was meant for him to eat alone, he would have headed back to the palace right now.
“Creeak~~”
The lattice door that had just been closed was pushed open again, and the female National Preceptor wearing a black Daoist robe walked in. Her arm cradled a whisk, her black hair simply tied up with a Daoist hairpin, with a few strands falling over her forehead, giving her a somewhat charming appearance.
The red dot between her eyebrows highlighted her fairy-like sanctity, strangely blending two different types of charm.
“National Preceptor!” Xu Qi An stood up and cupped his hands.
Luo Yuhen nodded and gestured with her hand: “Please have your meal, Sir Xu.”
“Please enjoy your meal, National Preceptor.”
The two sat down, filled their bowls with rice, and started eating on their own.
Xu Qi An couldn’t guess the beautiful National Preceptor’s intentions and carefully refrained from speaking, occasionally glancing at her while eating, finding it pleasing to the eye.
At first glance, this woman looked like a fresh-faced 20-year-old, but as you kept looking, she seemed like a lively 30-year-old young wife – the kind who would know to change positions with just a pat on the bottom.
But looking for a long time, damn, this was clearly a top-tier beautiful mature woman in her early forties. That voluptuous figure, that charm hidden in her eyes and brows, was simply a man-killer.
Xu Qi An regained the feeling he had when he first saw her – mother’s friend, kind aunt, English female teacher, and so on.
“Is this woman cultivating the Dao or some kind of demon magic?” Xu Qi An secretly frowned.
The various misconceptions weren’t his fault, of course. It must be an issue with the Human Faction’s cultivation method, as confirmed by Daoist Gold Lotus.
None of the Three Factions – Heaven, Earth, and Human – were normal. The Earth Faction was burdened by merit, easily turning demonic. The situation with the Human Faction was unknown, but it also had side effects.
As for the Heaven Faction, their path itself was the biggest problem.
Heaven is emotionless, thus eternal. But if humans are emotionless, how are they different from inanimate objects?
According to Xu Qi An’s understanding, becoming one with heaven and earth was probably like becoming a rule of nature.
“I heard from Daoist Gold Lotus that Young Master Xu took a Rebirth Pill in Yun Province?” Luo Yuhen spoke.
Why did Daoist Gold Lotus tell you this… Xu Qi An was startled: “Yes.”
“This poor Daoist wants to borrow a bowl of Sir Xu’s essence blood as a catalyst to refine pills and alleviate a stubborn ailment.”
What kind of ailment requires my essence blood as a catalyst? Xu Qi An glanced at her without responding, but in his heart, he was phrasing how to refuse her.
In his previous life, blood was only used for blood type testing, but in this world, many operations could be performed with it.
The most memorable was the Witch God Cult’s death curse.
Luo Yuhen seemed to have anticipated his reaction. She picked up some rice with her chopsticks, put it into her rosy little mouth, and added unhurriedly, “This was Daoist Gold Lotus’s suggestion.”
Xu Qi An nodded, “I need to confirm this.”
Luo Yuhen nodded.
Xu Qi An took out the Earth Book fragment in front of her, about to send a message, when he remembered he was supposed to be dead and couldn’t speak.
At this moment, Luo Yuhen looked towards the door and said calmly, “He’s here.”
Xu Qi An turned his head and saw an orange cat crouching on the threshold, its amber vertical pupils gazing at them.
“Daoist Master, why are you here… Wait, weren’t you unable to enter the Imperial City?”
The orange cat, with its tail straight up, stepped softly and silently onto the table.
Xu Qi An lightly swatted it away, “We’re eating, mind the cat hair.”
The orange cat had to crouch on the ground, raising its head and speaking gently: “After recovering from my injuries, I can freely enter and exit the Imperial City, though I still can’t enter the palace.”
The Daoist Master’s strength is even greater than I imagined… Xu Qi An was no longer a novice. To sneak into the Imperial City without a sound, one would need to be at least fourth-rank.
Of course, this didn’t include martial artists.
Given the characteristics of the martial artist system, even a first-rank martial artist couldn’t sneak into the Imperial City silently; they’d most likely be discovered.
Of course, if it were a first-rank martial artist, they could probably solo the “Da Feng Capital” instance.
“So the essence blood is…” Although Xu Qi An trusted Daoist Gold Lotus very much, he still hesitated.
It was like someone wanting to use your computer. Even if it’s a good friend or relative, you’d still feel reluctant. After all, who doesn’t have a few hundred GB of “wives” on their hard drive?
“To borrow the medicinal properties of the Rebirth Pill in your blood,” Daoist Gold Lotus first glanced at Luo Yuhen, seeing no expression on her face, and continued:
“The path of Human Faction cultivation is rough and difficult, as you somewhat understand. Daoist Leader Luo suffers from karmic fire burning her every month, enduring the pain of the seven emotions and six desires. The Rebirth Pill can shed the old shell, allowing one to be reborn, temporarily alleviating the symptoms.”
Xu Qi An nodded slowly and boldly said, “No wonder I feel the National Preceptor has an extraordinary charm.”
If Daoist Gold Lotus wasn’t here, he wouldn’t dare say this.
Daoist Gold Lotus responded: “When Human Faction Daoist methods are cultivated to a profound level, one embodies all living beings, allowing you to see the aspect you desire most in your heart… I’m referring to matters of love and emotion.”
As he spoke, the orange cat’s face showed a human-like smile: “What did you see?”
Luo Yuhen raised her head expressionlessly and glanced at Xu Qi An.
Xu Qi An’s expression suddenly froze.
This reaction… Daoist Gold Lotus was stunned, then became interested, pressing further: “You seem to have deep feelings about this.”
I thought I had a thing for stockings, older women, mature women, lolis, and little sisters, but in the end, I realized I’m just simply lecherous… I’ve never felt the truth of this statement so deeply… Xu Qi An gave a dry laugh and lightly changed the subject:
“Since Daoist Gold Lotus is acting as an intermediary, I’m naturally willing to do what little I can.”
Luo Yuhen nodded with satisfaction and said softly, “If there’s any pill you want, feel free to ask. Consider it compensation for your essence blood.”
Daoist Gold Lotus spoke before Xu Qi An could: “No rush, take your time to think. A favor from the Human Faction Daoist Leader is not something an ordinary person can obtain.”
Luo Yuhen glanced at the orange cat without any trace of worldly emotion.
…
Jingxiu Palace.
Lin An arrived at her mother’s residence with her guards. She ran into the room, her red dress fluttering, shouting, “Imperial Mother, Imperial Mother…”
Inside the room, Consort Chen was secretly wiping away tears. Seeing her daughter run in, she quickly turned her face away, wiping away the tear marks.
The usually boisterous Lin An suddenly quieted down, walking slowly to Consort Chen’s side, holding her hand. Her alluring peach blossom eyes flashed with concern:
“Imperial Mother, Crown Prince Brother will be fine. The innocent will be cleared. Don’t cry anymore.”
Recently, her mood had been terrible, half because of Xu Qi An’s supposed martyrdom, and half because of the Crown Prince’s ordeal and Consort Chen crying every day.
As a daughter, seeing her mother depressed and in tears daily was very distressing, yet she felt powerless.
The personal palace maid standing to the side said softly, “These past few days, some princes of the royal family came to see Her Highness. They said that the ministers outside were discussing replacing the Crown Prince.
“After hearing this, Her Highness cried bitterly and hardly ate for two days.”
Lin An was furious, “These short-sighted dogs, why tell Imperial Mother such things?”
She was so angry she called her uncles dogs.
“Lin An, don’t speak nonsense,” Consort Chen held her daughter’s small hand, her expression sorrowful. “Your Crown Prince Brother is of lowly birth. Over the years, people have always said he gained his position improperly. If he’s deposed, that’s fine. At least Imperial Mother won’t have to live in constant fear.”
These words made Lin An’s anger flare up. She knew her Imperial Mother was referring to that covetous mistress of the inner palace.
The head palace maid sighed, “If only the truth of the case could be revealed. But after so many days, there’s still no progress.”
The case details were supposed to be confidential. Xu Qi An had repeatedly emphasized this to both princesses.
But now, seeing her mother growing thinner day by day, her eyes red and swollen, Lin An couldn’t hold back anymore. She said loudly, “Who says there’s no progress? Xu Qi An has almost solved the case.”
Consort Chen’s eyes lit up, staring intently at her daughter: “The case is about to be revealed? That, that Xu Qi An has really almost solved it?”
In her excitement, she tightly gripped Lin An’s hand.
“Imperial Mother, you’re hurting me.”
Having already spoken up, Biao Biao no longer concealed anything and said, “Imperial Mother, it was the Empress who framed the Crown Prince. It must be her.”
Consort Chen’s face changed dramatically: “Lin An, don’t speak nonsense.”
“Don’t worry, Imperial Mother. Lin An has concrete evidence…”
She then told Consort Chen the entire process of the case investigation.
“So it really was her. Back then, if she hadn’t been unfaithful, how could His Majesty have banished her to the Cold Palace? How could he have made my son the Crown Prince?” Consort Chen burst into tears:
“His Majesty is kind-hearted and, remembering old feelings, didn’t depose her. And now, after so many years, she’s harboring thoughts of contesting the Crown Prince position again.”
Consort Chen’s words were like a thunderclap in Lin An’s ears.
What had she just heard?
The Empress was unfaithful? Father Emperor wanted to depose the Empress?
When did all this happen? How did she not know about it?
In Lin An’s mind, she recalled that gentle-natured but rarely smiling Empress. Although she resented her for framing her Crown Prince Brother, Lin An didn’t believe in her heart that she was an unfaithful woman.
But after accepting this shocking news, many previously unnoticed details suddenly made sense. For instance, the Empress had always kept to herself, not caring about matters in the inner palace.
For example, as far back as Lin An could remember, she had never seen the Empress smile. Moreover, the Empress was cold and indifferent towards Huai Qing and the Fourth Prince, showing none of the affection that her Imperial Mother showered on herself and her Crown Prince Brother.
“Imperial Mother, what, what exactly happened? The Empress was unfaithful… Who was that man?” Lin An excitedly gripped Consort Chen’s hand, burning with anger.
As Father Emperor’s most beloved daughter, her anger upon hearing this news was understandable.
“Don’t, don’t ask anymore…” Consort Chen knew she had spoken out of turn and shook her head tearfully: “This matter is His Majesty’s taboo. Don’t spread it outside.”
…
“This one doesn’t like owing favors. Sir Xu, just say what you want,” Luo Yuhen didn’t intend to fulfill Daoist Gold Lotus’s wishful thinking.
Auntie, I don’t want to struggle anymore… Xu Qi An’s heart cried out.
As for the reward, he couldn’t think of anything at the moment and couldn’t help looking towards the orange cat, seeking its opinion.
The orange cat pondered for a long while and said, “The Human Faction is renowned for swordsmanship across the Nine Provinces. Why not gift a sword technique?”
“But I use a saber,” Xu Qi An reminded.
“Who says sword techniques can’t be used with a saber?” Daoist Gold Lotus chuckled in response.
That’s true. As long as I extract the core essence and apply it to saber techniques, it will work. Just like when I use the Heaven and Earth Slash, I can combine it with the Lion’s Roar to subdue enemies.
Xu Qi An nodded slowly.
Luo Yuhen raised her hand, lightly brushing over the table surface, and three thin booklets appeared.
The National Preceptor’s melodious voice said, “I have three sword techniques here: ‘Heart Sword’, ‘Qi Sword’, and ‘Flying Sword’.
“Heart Sword requires cultivation of the primordial spirit, using mental power as a whetstone to sharpen the sword daily without fail. It cannot cut the physical body but specializes in cutting the primordial spirit.”
Hearing this, Xu Qi An instinctively looked towards the orange cat.
The orange cat suddenly extended its claws, saying ominously, “Sir Xu, don’t provoke me.”
Xu Qi An immediately withdrew his gaze.
Luo Yuhen continued, “Qi Sword is the opposite of Heart Sword. It’s a top-tier killing technique. When cultivated to a profound level, the sword qi is endless and unstoppable.”
Xu Qi An couldn’t help saying, “Sword qi stretches three thousand li, one sword’s cold light covers nineteen provinces?”
Luo Yuhen couldn’t help but glance sideways. Her eyes, like clear pools of water, lingered on Xu Qi An for a long time. She praised, “It’s rumored that Sir Xu’s poetic talent is unparalleled in the world. Indeed, this line is magnificent and full of grand visions.”
This isn’t mine, it’s from a great writer who writes one character per line specifically to pad his word count…
“As for the Flying Sword technique…” Luo Yuhen lightly waved her hand, and the doors and windows suddenly opened wide. A beam of sword light shot out from her sleeve, whistling as it flew around the courtyard.
Swift as lightning, agile as a swimming fish.
Xu Qi An exclaimed in admiration, “The Flying Sword technique is truly a divine skill. So, I choose the Heart Sword.”
Luo Yuhen was stunned for a moment, then nodded, “Very well.”
Although the Flying Sword technique was both flashy and cool, with considerable destructive power, Xu Qi An felt that the Heart Sword was more suitable for him.
The reason was simple: his Heaven and Earth Slash was an extremely radical saber technique: there’s nothing in the world it can’t cut through, and if there is, it’s time to run for your life.
Therefore, when cultivating, his first consideration wasn’t to increase his repertoire, but to perfect the Heaven and Earth Slash.
After obtaining the Buddhist Lion’s Roar, this idea became even more firmly established.
He now had a control skill and physical damage. What he lacked most was output in the realm of the primordial spirit.
Luo Yuhen withdrew the ‘Qi Sword’ and ‘Flying Sword’ manuals and pushed the ‘Heart Sword’ manual towards him, saying, “If there’s anything you don’t understand, you can come to Lingbao Temple to seek me out. I can answer your questions three times.”
“Thank you, National Preceptor,” Xu Qi An sincerely expressed his gratitude.
Then, Luo Yuhen took out a jade bowl from her sleeve. Her slender jade fingers held the bowl as she pushed it in front of Xu Qi An.
The bowl wasn’t large, only about three times the size of a teacup. Xu Qi An felt somewhat relieved; he had thought it would be as big as the bowl Xu Ling Yin used for meals.
After obtaining the fresh blood, Luo Yuhen hurried off to refine pills while it was still warm.
In the quiet room, only the orange cat and Xu Qi An remained.
“Daoist Master, can you help me block out others? I want to privately message Li Miao Zhen.”
Taking advantage of this opportunity, Xu Qi An planned to tell Number Two about his resurrection.
In response to Xu Qi An’s request, Daoist Gold Lotus’s reply was: “Hehe.”
“Is there a problem?” Xu Qi An frowned.
“Li Miao Zhen said she would come to the capital after spring begins. Given the current situation in Yun Province, she’ll probably wait until the bandit suppression is over. Anyway, she’ll be here before long, so why rush?” Daoist Gold Lotus said.
He was waiting for Li Miao Zhen to find out about Xu Qi An’s resurrection and angrily come to fight him, using this to disrupt the situation and ease the conflict between the outstanding disciples of the Heaven and Human Factions.
“That’s true!” Xu Qi An nodded.