Chapter 1804 - 906: Shocking News (Part 2)

Just earlier, he saw at the elder’s waist the bronze halberd used by the General of the Northern Expedition to suppress the Rong Di in the previous dynasty. Coupled with the distinctive mutton smell lingering at his nose, he quickly recalled intelligence to confirm the other party’s identity.

This elder was none other than the leader of the Yanling Guest team, Huang Yangzi.

Having his identity revealed in one sentence, a trace of surprise flashed through Huang Yangzi’s eyes, followed by a faint smile.

He nodded slightly, his tone calm and betraying no emotion: "Young Hero Li, your eye power is impressive. We are but ordinary martial artists, hired by Mr. Liu to do errands for a living. We dare not compare ourselves to the renowned Twelve Primordial Spirits of the pugilistic world; we’re far inferior."

His words seemed humble but were actually subtly assertive, hiding an edge.

Li Yan’s eyes narrowed slightly, his gaze deep, saying nothing more.

Since the other party was aware of them being the Twelve Primordial Spirits and still made a move, it meant a grudge had been formed.

In the future, he would surely settle the score according to the rules of the pugilistic world.

With his mind made up, Li Yan no longer hesitated, bending down to step into the carriage and taking a seat.

The driver whipped the horse, the cartwheels rolling over the bluestone road, emitting a slow and heavy creaking sound.

The carriage traveled through several quiet alleys, avoiding the hustle and bustle of the main streets in the Capital, and finally stopped in front of a secluded, deep mansion.

Though located in the heart of the Capital, this mansion was far from the squabbles of the busy city.

Its outer walls were tall and thick, with green bricks and black tiles, imposing and low-key, with none of the arrogance of an aristocratic residence.

The two vermillion lacquered doors were half open, with four young servants in blue standing erect at the entrance, solemnly guarding.

Li Yan lifted the curtain and got off the carriage, his gaze calmly sweeping across the four young servants.

The four of them restrained their breath, stood stably, firmly rooted, their breathing long and even, seeming like ordinary servants, but in fact, each had cultivated Hidden Energy, real practitioners, far from comparable to normal mansion servants.

Typical princely or aristocratic residences wouldn’t bother spending efforts to use Hidden Energy experts as gatekeepers.

This King Yan, must not be simple...

Inside the courtyard gate, it was a whole other world.

The mansion, while built in the style of a wealthy merchant, dared not exceed the royal regulations and adhered strictly to the rituals of monarch and subject, not daring to exceed a bit. Yet, in details, it was extremely exquisite and elegant.

The courtyard was secluded with winding paths, surrounded by corridors and scattered rockeries, with plants and trees artfully arranged.

A pool of clear water flowed through the yard, with the graceful and elegant charm of Jiangnan gardens, serene and luxurious, hidden yet not showing.

A few people walked slowly along the corridor, directly reaching the backyard.

The backyard was even more spacious, with the owner deliberately excavating an artificial pool on-site.

The water in the pool was clear, the banks paved with blue stones, embracing plants and trees, and a wooden pavilion built by the pool, with flying eaves and gabled corners, elegant and serene, an excellent place for discussing matters with guests.

Inside the pavilion, the stone table was complete with wine cups and dishes neatly arranged.

A middle-aged man dressed in a bright yellow brocade robe sat at the main seat, the robe embroidered with subtle cloud-like patterns, low-key and luxurious, with a restrained aura. Holding a wine goblet in his hand, he drank slowly, his expression calm and composed.

On either side of the stone table, Sha Lifei and Kuai Dayou were prominently present.

The two showed no signs of being captive, drinking and eating heartily, with meat piled on their plates, eating voraciously as if starved for days.

Catching sight of Li Yan entering the courtyard, a flash of joy appeared in their eyes, and they moved slightly, about to speak.

Before the two could make a sound, the middle-aged man in the yellow robe had already put down his wine cup and slowly stood up.

He wore a gentle smile, his gaze falling on Li Yan, his tone humble, with no trace of aristocratic arrogance: "Young Hero Li, it’s an honor to have you visit. Forgive my rudeness for inviting you so abruptly and disturbing you."

The person was none other than King Yan, Xiao Qiheng.

Li Yan neither saluted nor made any courtesy, only nodding slightly: "If the Prince has something to say, please speak straightforwardly."

When he heard the words "King Yan" from Liu Mu’s mouth, his mind quickly retrieved the related information.

Throughout the history of Great Xuan, the title of King Yan had always been unique, and not very auspicious.

For instance, the previous King Yan was a meritorious minister with a different surname, who followed the late Emperor Xiao Qixuan to conquer the world, achieving great military feats, holding immense power, and infinite glory.

Unfortunately, his descendants were incompetent and ambitious, secretly colluding with the Pantao Conference, involving themselves in a conspiracy of rebellion, ultimately being hunted down and purged by the court.

The full annihilation of the former Prince Yan Mansion; he had once participated in the purging.

Since then, the throne of King Yan had been vacant for several months. No one expected that before the old Emperor’s demise, he would bestow the empty title of King Yan upon his clan brother, Xiao Qiheng.

Xiao Qiheng had always been low-key, cautious in words and actions, deeply trusted and valued by the late Emperor. He was highly favored and universally recognized by the court as a loyal and virtuous royal kin.

Yet, who would have thought that now, with the old Emperor’s body still warm, this seemingly loyal King Yan suddenly tore off his disguise, secretly maneuvering to seize power, revealing his ambition, which truly caught everyone by surprise.

Facing Li Yan’s indifferent demeanor, King Yan Xiao Qiheng remained unbothered, his smile unchanged. Calmly, he raised his hand to instruct those around: "Someone, bring tea, add more seatings."

On hearing the command, the servants immediately stepped forward, swiftly replacing the tea and adding dishes.

Li Yan squinted slightly, not declining, and directly walked over to sit beside Sha Lifei.

Since the meeting had happened, there was no need to rush.

Even if action was needed, rescuing someone or holding this King Yan hostage could solve the situation.

As if unaware of Li Yan’s vigilance and murderous intent, Xiao Qiheng personally held the pot, poured a cup of clear tea, and then slowly spoke, breaking the silence first: "Yesterday, the young hero left the Crown Prince Mansion with ease. I assume you’ve met Grandmaster Chen?"

Li Yan’s eyes narrowed sharply, "The Prince’s information is indeed well-informed."

The Crown Prince Mansion was heavily guarded, and its deliberations were highly classified.

For the other party to know this information accurately indicated there were spies already planted inside.

Xiao Qiheng smiled faintly, the gentle expression on his face faded, and his expression became grave: "Today, I presumptuously invited you, for no other reason than a matter concerning the national fate of Great Xuan and all the lives of the world."

"Speak."

"I earnestly plead with the young hero not to accept the Crown Prince Mansion’s request to assist them in seeking the Flat Peach."

Li Yan was even more astonished.

The other party not only knew that he had met Grandmaster Chen but was also fully aware of the quest for the Flat Peach.

No wonder they dared to act against them.

Thinking of this, Li Yan slowly raised his eyes: "Does the Prince... want the Crown Prince’s life?"

With these words, the air within the pavilion instantly froze.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Qiheng immediately shook his head slowly, his expression becoming increasingly respectful and solemn.

He lifted his head towards the void, slightly cupping his hands, speaking earnestly, every word resounding: "I have been greatly blessed by the late Emperor, occupying the princely position and receiving imperial favor. How could I dare to commit such rebellious acts as murdering the Crown Prince, a treachery that is beyond the pale?"

He withdrew his gaze, with a hint of deep gloom crossing his brows, speaking gravely: "If the Crown Prince remains healthy, mentally clear, and can smoothly ascend the throne to govern the Great Xuan mountains and rivers, I will undoubtedly lead by example to bow and assist the new sovereign, stabilize the court, and bring peace to the realm."

After finishing, his tone suddenly shifted.

His face turned cold, eyes filled with fear and worry, and he lowered his voice: "But this matter is far from simple. I received top-secret intelligence, this time the people of the Mystical Sect are out in full force, searching for the Flat Peach, not merely to cure the Crown Prince’s stubborn illness and preserve his life."

"If they succeed, the Great Xuan mountains and rivers will become nothing more than a toy in the hands of the Mystical Sect!"

Mystical Sect?

Li Yan frowned slightly, "Does the Prince think I will believe you?"

Honestly, even if this King Yan directly asked him to rebel, it wouldn’t be surprising.

But the Mystical Sect controlling the world sounds like a joke.

Perhaps other low-level cultivators might harbor such unrealistic ideas, but the Mystical Sect’s high-ranking officials are all aware of the chaos those ancient times brought.

Is it possible they want another great flood or a calamity of sealed gods?

At least Yu Chanzi definitely wouldn’t.

King Yan set down his wine cup and looked up coldly:

"The young hero may not believe me, but didn’t Chen Yuanlu tell you, the Flat Peach is just one thing they’re seeking? They are also looking for Jianmu, Fusang, Ruo Wood, and Xun Wood?"

Li Yan was taken aback, somewhat speechless, "The Prince is overthinking it, even one Flat Peach may not exist, let alone these mythological things; their reality is still a matter of debate."

King Yan sighed, looked up at the bright moon in the sky:

"They may not know, but the young hero forgets, the Immortal Gods have already descended..."