Chapter 703: Chapter 295: Terrifying
When in Hedan, he always believed that the Golden Tree was exclusive to the Ola Royal Family. There’s definitely more to the story here, as the wood exudes two completely different auras.
Is it caused by the varying times of decay of the same Tree of Life, or are there different Golden Trees? I can discuss it with Miss Aries.
"President Duke, do you know about Hua Qianzhan’s situation?" Li Xin suddenly asked.
According to the Adventurer Association’s rules, any intelligence comes at a cost—this is common knowledge. No one would ask such a rash question at the Adventurer Association, but it seemed perfectly reasonable for Li Xin to ask it. Duke wouldn’t feel offended; rather, it was a test of the Adventurer Association’s quality.
His mind was racing; he naturally knew the truth, but how should he respond? What does he mean by asking that?
Night Patrol? No, the other party is the Prince of Secret Castle; that’s the real identity, so he should respond accordingly.
"Hua Qianzhan is dead. Based on our speculation, it seems like the Song of Hell killed him to silence him," Duke thought for a moment and hinted at it, also showcasing the strength of the Adventurer Association.
Song of Hell? Kill to silence.
What’s going on? Someone so important being killed just like that, it’s to cover up their true objectives.
"I think we will cooperate very pleasantly," Li Xin nodded with satisfaction, speaking coolly.
He seemed to have found the right way to communicate with Duke.
The colder Li Xin appeared, the more cautious Duke became, "It’s an honor of our Adventurer Association. I should mention, you have the authority to publish and accept tasks on the Dao Yuan Continent."
Such authority, when used well, can create a lot of convenience and even spread certain intelligence.
Li Xin nodded, leaving the Adventurer Association amidst Duke and the others’ courteous send-off.
Duke watched Li Xin’s departing figure, unknowingly covered in sweat; it had been a while since he had felt such strong pressure. This significant figure entering the world from Secret Castle is definitely planning something earth-shattering.
An Adventurer Association member who had been waiting nearby only approached to report once the VIP had left.
"What’s the matter?" Duke frowned, still not over the emotions.
"President, what you asked has been investigated."
"Oh, found the elder of the Gourmet Association?"
"Yes, you said he was in Dragon Capital, so we used significant resources to find him, screening over ten similar targets before locating him."
"Did he not go to Lan Yue?"
"Perhaps Lan Yue’s president didn’t even know he has arrived."
"Where is he? The Gourmet Association elder would hardly leave the Holy City; coming to Dragon Capital suggests there’s a huge opportunity or major event happening."
The intelligence personnel looked conflicted, hesitant to speak.
Duke’s face darkened, "Stop dawdling!"
"He’s working as a private chef," the intelligence personnel said bitterly.
Duke doubted his ears; a Gourmet Association elder as a private chef?
"Are you spewing nonsense?" Duke frowned.
"President, it’s true; it’s just that VIP who just left."
Pop~~~
Duke slapped the person directly, "Next time, speak fully and archive the information first."
The Prince of Secret Castle has a wicked sense of humor, pretending to be a pig to eat a tiger, using gourmet elders as chefs, and using Immortals like this; do they think outsiders are fools? Damn, that’s terrifying.
Not to mention, apart from the energy of the Adventurer Association, no one else would really have the conditions to know about this. Dragon Capital is going to be lively this time; who knows if the prophecy of Dragon Capital’s destruction is related to him? Duke shivered at the thought.
Leaving the Black Market, Li Xin felt great as his luck gradually improved after returning to Dragon Capital—a rebound from Hedan. He was definitely going to deal with Hua Qianzhan, but due to the opponent’s identity, it wasn’t easy to act directly, so he prepared a lot, taking steps carefully. Just as he started, the enemy was optimized internally without him needing to act.
A dog biting a dog, all fur—that’s an unexpected gain.
No wonder there’s no movement from the Hundred Martial Hall. Those following Hua Qianzhan’s core staff are most likely aware of Hua Qianzhan’s whereabouts, and the Inner Hall has achieved its goals. With the Inner Hall restraining the Outer Hall, they probably don’t have the energy to bother him, and the elder position’s vacancy might lead to a scramble.
This also means the Black Market should run smoothly for the time being, allowing him to free up to clash with Song of Hell.
The Slave Master is Ji Sheng; this is determined by dice, so following him, one can find the Nun. But to deal with Ji Sheng, he needs to consult Sister Kathy. If it’s a lone attack, assassination works, but as a Night Patrol captain, he needs to use his brain.
On the weekend, Kathy and Lin Fei returned home, Justin sent a message saying Xueyin was studying at the Celestial Principle Institute, and asked Ma Liu to deliver a meal.
Lin Fei’s Freedom Daily quickly got on track; she’s experienced, not lacking in funds or channels, and the content is very captivating. The first step was solid, with rapid sales growth. Simultaneously, Black Water Bar continued using Well Moon as the entry ticket, canceling Freedom Daily’s idea, as Kathy felt connecting Hex Bird Report with the hidden world had more drawbacks than benefits—especially as Lin Fei’s safety would be at risk.
Ma Liu’s skills are indisputable; one meal rejuvenated everyone, sweeping away a week’s fatigue, feeling as if not for her presence, Sister Kathy might not even come.
After dinner, Li Xin and Kathy went to the old spot on the balcony, looking at the foggy night sky, feeling a bit nostalgic for Hedan’s sunset.
"The information you provided is important; I conducted a side investigation and found that Ji Sheng is very likely the Slave Master." Kathy said with some emotion, "I didn’t expect him to have been lurking in Dragon Capital for so many years."
"That’s why after he killed Captain Jiang, we investigated for a long time without finding any traces. Indeed, we wouldn’t think of such a person’s identity."
"With such an identity, Night Patrol can’t investigate, and even the Court has to be cautious, as Jiang Wu’s weight isn’t enough to move him." Kathy spoke plainly.
Considering Ji Sheng’s identity, even if he really killed Jiang Wu, it’s no big deal from the high-level’s perspective. The problem lies in his goal, which is what the higher-ups are concerned about.
"Isn’t his Song of Hell identity sufficient?"
"There’s no evidence; it’s all speculation. I used personal connections to check things, but his actions are very clean, leaving no direct traces. For such a person, the Court isn’t authorized to investigate." Kathy explained.
This is Moon God’s Court’s special situation. Although they’ve been in Lolong for a long time, they haven’t truly integrated yet. The locals and the Royal Family remain quite guarded, lacking the Earth Temple’s authority in Hedan, and even the Earth Temple struggles to directly touch the Royal Family’s key figures.
Li Xin furrowed his brows, surprised that even under such circumstances, they can’t directly act against the Slave Master.
"If we’re to act against him, it’s necessary to target what they’re currently doing."
"Are you referring to Hong Yan’s death?"
"Exactly. To have a justified reason and obtain evidence, Hua Qianzhan’s death should also be related to their goal; now we have leads, but we must remain calm." Kathy said.
"I didn’t expect Hua Qianzhan to die at Song of Hell’s hands."
Kathy chuckled, "That act of poking the snake really startled people. Hua Qianzhan fled and was captured by reporters, prompting the mastermind behind the scenes to decisively kill him to silence—a move they’d rarely make. It indicates they haven’t reached a dead end, and the Hundred Martial Hall is crucial. To push them to this extent suggests their plot isn’t simple, nor do they want anyone causing disruptions."
Li Xin agreed with this judgment, nodding at Kathy’s words, "In Dragon Capital, qualified and capable individuals shouldn’t be many. Have you investigated them?"
Kathy shook her head, "Hua Qianzhan is very cautious, and the mastermind behind the scenes is also very careful. Do you remember I once told you there are two people in Dragon Capital one mustn’t ignore?"
"One is Ji Sheng, and the other is... Grand Governor Ye Shidao?" Li Xin recalled Kathy’s previous words, though he felt those two individuals were far from him, "Could it be Ye Shidao?"
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