Chapter 1297: From Never Telling Lies

The King of Qi cursed silently, calling him an old fox. That man clearly had his own agenda but insisted on making Qi King voice it.

Although he couldn't quite figure out the emperor's intentions, Zu'an had repeatedly ruined his plans. What truly infuriated him was that Zu'an had privately proposed an alliance just recently, only to turn around and destroy his years-long arrangements in Cloud-Mid County.

Furthermore, a series of consequences followed, with many core families and officials within his faction facing trouble. He needed to stand up for his subordinates to maintain cohesion. Therefore, even knowing the emperor had ulterior motives, he could only cooperate, saying, "What the Crown Princess says is not without reason. Using a teleportation array to send troops to the Serpent Clan is too risky and not advisable."

"However, it is necessary to control this secret teleportation array; otherwise, there's always the risk of a secret invasion by the demon race."

Sensing something was amiss with his words, Bi Linglong grew anxious. "But there's no conclusive evidence of this so-called teleportation array, let alone proof that Zu'an came from it."

The King of Qi smiled slightly. "What the Crown Princess says is indeed reasonable. However, this matter concerns the survival of humanity. It's better to be overly cautious than to let a threat go; otherwise, countless ordinary people will suffer. But the Crown Princess can rest assured that if Lord Zu is innocent, those handling the case will naturally release him."

Bi Linglong became extremely anxious. No one was a three-year-old child; everyone knew that once Ah Zu was imprisoned, torture was inevitable. Even if he were truly innocent, he would most likely rot to death inside. Who would release him?

Yet, they were using a righteous cause to suppress others. No matter how she retorted, it would make her seem disregardful of the greater good.

However, she could no longer hold back. Just as she was about to argue, the Emperor spoke, "The King of Qi's words are indeed prudent and seasoned. In that case, Lord Xu, you shall investigate the truth of this matter."

Hearing the Emperor's words, Sang Hong's heart sank. It was over. The Emperor had spoken directly, clearly intending to put an end to the struggle over this matter. It was a foregone conclusion; Ah Zu was finished, and so was the Sang family.

Just then, a clear, cool voice sounded, "Why should Lord Zu be investigated?"

Immediately after, a beautiful figure in flowing white robes slowly entered. She possessed a unique aura, like a celestial maiden from the highest heavens, though this time, her eyes seemed to hold a hint of worldly warmth.

"Fairy Yan!""Daoist Master Yan!"…

Many exclaimed in unison. Evidently, those qualified to attend this meeting were all high-ranking officials and dignitaries. Many had witnessed Yan Xuehen's grace, and a good number were her admirers. Even the Emperor himself had studied the art of health preservation with her for a time.

If people had adored Yu Yanluo back then because her beauty was so captivating it could overturn kingdoms, with a hint of possessiveness at play, then their attitude towards Yan Xuehen was entirely different. Her transcendent status, immense power, and ethereal demeanor made them worship her like a goddess, daring not to harbor any profane thoughts.

Seeing the unconcealed excitement of the officials through the scrying mirror, Zu'an secretly clicked his tongue in amazement. He hadn't realized his 'wife' Xuehen was so popular!

If he were to run over now, put his arm around her waist, and kiss her, wouldn't the anger points he earned explode?

Of course, he ultimately dismissed the idea. Not only would it be inappropriate, but Yan Xuehen would likely draw her sword and cut him down.

After the initial excitement subsided, the King of Qi couldn't help but ask, "Fairy Yan, why did you say that just now?"

Zu'an was somewhat surprised. He hadn't expected even the King of Qi to be so courteous to Yan Xuehen. He had truly underestimated her popularity.

Yan Xuehen's red lips parted slightly. "I've roughly gathered what you were discussing, and Zu'an is indeed innocent."

Xu Yu's expression changed. "Daoist Master Yan, have you misunderstood something? We have conclusive evidence here."

He was well aware of her status and position. If she were to speak up for Zu'an, it would indeed be troublesome, so he warned her in advance not to harm herself.

"I haven't misunderstood, because Lord Zu has been with me these past few days," Yan Xuehen said lightly, yet her words were like a super bomb dropped into a calm lake.

"What?" Everyone was stunned.

Not just the officials, even the King of Qi was dumbfounded, and the Emperor himself unconsciously leaned forward. Eunuch Wen was secretly alarmed, as the Emperor had always been remarkably composed, and this was considered a loss of composure. This Daoist Master Yan held a very significant place in his heart.

Bi Linglong was also dumbfounded. She had previously chided Zu'an for his way with women, having charmed the former most beautiful woman in the capital. She never expected that now even the world's number one fairy had gotten involved with him?

But seeing Yan Xuehen's cool gaze, she immediately shook her head. She must have been mistaken; how could Fairy Yan possibly fancy such a lecherous man?

Pei Mianman didn't doubt Zu'an's charm much, but realizing that Yan Xuehen was Chu Chuyan's master, she immediately thought it impossible.

The others also came to their senses, clearly not believing that Yan Xuehen's words implied romantic involvement. They all spoke up, asking what exactly had happened.

Sang Hong inwardly cursed them as a bunch of old perverts. Previously, even when Zu'an's case was at its most contentious, these guys had all remained silent and unmoving. Now, however, they were all fawning over Yan Xuehen.

Yan Xuehen then explained, "Earlier, Lord Xu requested my help in tracking down Yu Yanluo and the mysterious person who rescued him."

Everyone looked at Xu Yu, who nodded slightly, confirming it was true. At the same time, he secretly regretted it, thinking that if he had known such a commotion would arise, he shouldn't have invited her in the first place.

Yan Xuehen continued, "Later, I inadvertently went to the jade family's mine, and coincidentally encountered Zu'an there."

"He truly is the one who rescued Yu Yanluo! Otherwise, why would he be there?" Xu Yu immediately exclaimed. He wouldn't normally lose his composure like this, but today had been too much of an emotional rollercoaster.

Zu'an then said, "I've already stated that I was investigating a case and happened to arrive there, coincidentally meeting Daoist Master Yan."

The King of Qi frowned. "Fairy Yan, you just said you were together these past few days. What exactly happened?"

"There was a major problem under the jade family's mine. A spatial rift appeared, and some terrifying creatures invaded..." Yan Xuehen then generally described the Scaled Death Worm and the black mist.

Many officials nodded. "That's right. The guards at the mine previously reported mysterious black mist appearing, and many who were exposed to it were either corroded or went insane."

Sang Hong looked dejected. He had reported this before, but no one had taken it seriously. Now that Daoist Master Yan had said it, everyone was eager to fawn over her.

Yan Xuehen then recounted how she and Zu'an together defeated the terrifying Dreaded Scaled Death Worm and completely destroyed the spatial rift. "At that time, I was severely wounded. If not for Lord Zu's rescue, I might have perished. Moreover, had that spatial rift fully opened, countless terrifying creatures would have invaded, leading to widespread devastation. Therefore, Zu'an is not only blameless but has also rendered a great service. The imperial court should generously reward him."

The officials present in the imperial court were all masters; even through the scrying mirror, they could sense that Yan Xuehen's aura was significantly weaker than at her peak, confirming she was indeed injured. They all lamented that the Scaled Death Worm was too terrifying, even managing to wound her so severely.

Xu Yu felt a chill run through him. He had never anticipated such an unexpected turn of events. He could only make a final effort: "Daoist Master Yan, how long have you been with him? According to my informant's report, he was clearly with Yu Yanluo among the Serpent Clan."

Yan Xuehen glanced at him coldly. "I told you, I have been with him these past few days. To destroy that spatial rift, the entire mine collapsed, and we were trapped inside... We only just returned. Every word I've spoken is true. If you don't believe me, I can swear to the heavens, or you can invite the Libationer to verify my sincerity."

Zu'an secretly chuckled. On the surface, this woman appeared as pure as a white flower, yet he hadn't expected her to have such a subtly cunning side. Every word she spoke was indeed true, but she had merely concealed some crucial details, and by shifting the emphasis, she immediately achieved a completely different effect.

As expected, the officials in the imperial court clamored, "There's no need for that!" "Exactly, everyone knows Fairy Yan is always noble and pure, never speaks falsehoods." "Of course, we believe Fairy Yan!" "Zu'an is a hero of humanity; he should be given an honorary title!"…

Bi Linglong's eyes curved like crescent moons as she smiled. She never imagined that Ah Zu had not only narrowly escaped death but also found a blessing in disguise. She needed to find an opportunity to properly thank Daoist Master Yan.

"Hmm, in previous years, I've indeed overlooked these reclusive sects. Later, I'll have my subordinates prepare a generous gift and send it to White Jade Capital."

Pei Mianman also heaved a sigh of relief, thinking, 'As expected of Chu Chuyan's master, she's still biased towards her disciple's husband.'

'Wait, she absolutely must not find out about what's between Ah Zu and me. Otherwise, if she gets angry and decides to uphold justice for her disciple, who in Cloud-Mid County could stop a venerable Grandmaster like her?'

While some rejoiced and others grieved, Xu Yu heard the murmuring around him, knowing that this time, he was utterly finished. He felt a sweetness in his throat, then spat out a mouthful of fresh blood. His vision went dark, and he fainted from overwhelming anger.