Chapter 1325: Long Sleeves and Skillful Maneuvering

Grand Master Wu, standing by, frowned and said, "Crown Prince, although the Serpent race has weakened somewhat in recent years, it is still a major clan. If anything were to happen to Queen Medusa in the Royal Court, it could have a negative impact."

The Golden Crow Crown Prince said coldly, "Can anything be more serious than what happened to me? If I don't dare to retaliate after what happened yesterday, countless petty individuals will start having improper ideas."

Wu Lao considered this and realized he was right. There were too many Golden Crow Guards present yesterday, and with so many people, the news couldn't be kept secret. Many major races were now watching like it was a joke, so a proper warning to others was necessary.

"I'll go personally. That assassin's cultivation is too high, and with Queen Medusa, ordinary Golden Crow Guards would probably have trouble subduing them."

"Then I'll leave it to you, Master Wu." The Golden Crow Crown Prince really wanted to go, but unfortunately, he felt too unwell. Although his severed limb had regenerated through the Golden Crow Holy Flame, the feeling of being torn apart from yesterday still lingered. The scene would appear whenever he closed his eyes, leaving a deep psychological trauma. He needed more time to recover and didn't have the energy to show his face outside.

Meanwhile, on the other side, Zu An put on his Yan Zu mask again and returned to the Serpent race's diplomatic residence. He thought that with so many things happening last night, Yu Yanluo and the others must be terribly worried. Just as he was pondering how to explain things to the women, he suddenly tensed up, realizing that a large number of Golden Crow Guards had surrounded the residence. The leader was precisely the Grand Master he had fought before.

Zu An's expression changed. Had the Crown Prince's side found this place so quickly? Fearing that his appearance at this moment would confirm the Serpent race's guilt, he quietly hid nearby, using the jade cong to observe what was happening in the courtyard. If any real danger arose, he would have no choice but to rush out and save Yu Yanluo and the other women.

Wu Lao and his group boldly entered the courtyard, intending to order the arrest of Queen Medusa and her people. Suddenly, his expression changed as he noticed many individuals emerging from the rooms. They were not only members of the Serpent race but also leaders from various other clans. It appeared they were holding a meeting there.

Yu Yanluo slowly walked out, her brows furrowed, and asked, "What are you doing here?" Many present were seeing Yu Yanluo for the first time and were instantly captivated by her unparalleled beauty. They exclaimed how such a gorgeous woman could exist in the world. Seeing her furrowed brows, everyone felt a pang of pity. Even many Golden Crow Guards felt guilty, as if their sudden arrival had offended the lovely lady.

Although it wasn't Wu Lao's first time seeing her, he was still struck by her beauty once again. However, as a Grand Master, his resolve was stronger than most. He reiterated, "What exactly are you doing?"

"We were invited by Queen Medusa to discuss future trade matters for our clans. Master Wu, why have you come personally? Has something happened?" A clan leader who recognized Wu Lao stepped forward to greet him.

Wu Lao's expression subtly changed. Queen Medusa truly was adept at social maneuvering. She had only been in the Royal Court for a day, yet she had already connected with so many clans? Some of them were minor, peripheral clans, but many were influential major clans. While none individually matched the strength of the Lion or Tiger clans, their collective presence was a force not to be underestimated.

He hesitated, then changed his aggressive demeanor. "The Crown Prince was assassinated yesterday. We received a tip-off and specifically came here to investigate."

At his words, the expressions of the clan leaders changed, and they looked at Yu Yanluo with shock and uncertainty. The Crown Prince's assassination had caused a huge stir yesterday; even during their meeting just now, they had been privately speculating about it. To hear it was connected to Queen Medusa was astounding.

Yu Yanluo also subtly furrowed her delicate brows, wondering if it truly was Zu. She couldn't help but worry. She hadn't seen Zu in so long and didn't know if he was safe. Despite the turmoil in her heart, she maintained a calm demeanor. "So it's Master Wu. If you're investigating the Crown Prince's assassination, why have you come here?"

"Indeed, could there be some misunderstanding?" Many clan leaders who were friendly with Yu Yanluo couldn't help but speak up for her. Yu Yanluo's personal charm was irresistible; they instinctively admired her. However, as leaders of their respective clans, they weren't entirely blinded by her beauty. While Queen Medusa possessed considerable strength, it seemed impossible for her to infiltrate the palace and assassinate the Crown Prince, especially to severely injure the Golden Crow Crown Prince, one of the five prodigies of the younger generation, while he was under the protection of so many experts. Furthermore, the Serpent race had declined in recent years, and they had never heard of any powerful experts among them. Therefore, they all felt this matter had nothing to do with Yu Yanluo, and each wanted to use this opportunity to make an impression on the goddess.

Learning all this through the jade cong, Zu An's expression was peculiar. Yu Yanluo had attracted a similar group of people when she was among humans; he hadn't expected it to be the same among the demon races. It truly showed that being beautiful made one popular.

Wu Lao frowned but stated, "Our investigation revealed that last night's assassin used the Crown Prince's exclusive Golden Crow Token. Furthermore, based on the characteristics of their attack, it strongly resembles the human who was with Queen Medusa during the previous incident in the Serpent race territory. Therefore, we request that Queen Medusa hand over that individual."

Hearing these words, those who had just spoken up for Yu Yanluo changed their expressions dramatically. One by one, they involuntarily retreated a few steps, putting distance between themselves and her. While Queen Medusa was beautiful, they were not foolish enough to risk the safety of their entire clans for her.

In the private room, Yun Jianyue, observing all this, sneered, "Hmph, men!" Yan Xuehen, however, looked worried. "It seems everything last night was indeed caused by Zu An. How could he be so reckless? With the Demon Emperor residing in the palace, he dares to run wild just after breaking through to the Grandmaster level!" There was a sense of frustration at his lack of self-restraint.

Yun Jianyue snorted, "Without a doubt, it's for some woman. This fellow is usually quite rational, but whenever women are involved, he acts like a complete idiot who's lost his mind." Yan Xuehen recalled past events and nodded in agreement. This fellow truly dared to do anything for women. To put it nicely, he was loyal and devoted; to put it bluntly, he was blinded by lust.

Outside, Yu Yanluo's heart also skipped a beat, but her reaction was swift. "To my knowledge, the Crown Prince has issued more than one or two Golden Crow Tokens. How can you be so certain about who it was last night? Do you have any audio or visual evidence?"

"We have our reasons for this judgment, and we've already sent people to investigate others who possess Golden Crow Tokens," Wu Lao said indifferently. "Queen Medusa, you speak so much in defense of that person. It seems your relationship is quite deep."

Yu Yanluo replied, "That human was merely an acquaintance I met by chance in Yunzhou City years ago. After the last incident, he feared retaliation from the Royal Court and has already fled back to the human lands. I don't know his whereabouts, so I'm afraid I'll have to disappoint Master Wu."

"Is that so?" Wu Lao sneered inwardly. He had seen how intimate their relationship was during the previous incident in the Serpent race territory; there was no way they were just casual acquaintances. He had originally planned to simply take Queen Medusa back, knowing there were many ways to make her talk. However, he hadn't expected so many members of other clans to be present. If news got out, the repercussions would be very negative. Yet, the Crown Prince's humiliation could not go unavenged. If they simply let it go, it would harm the Crown Prince's reputation. So, he took a deep breath and decided to take Queen Medusa back first. Perhaps this would even force the assassin, who was hiding in the shadows, to reveal himself to save her.

Just as he was about to give the order, a group of people suddenly appeared at the entrance. "Oh, Master Wu, what are you doing here?"

Wu Lao turned to look and recognized the speaker: Kong Qing, a capable general under the Peacock Bright King. Behind him was a group of Peacock clan members, many carrying bundles of silk, satin, and household items.

"Kong Qing, what are you doing here?" Wu Lao asked with a frown.

Kong Qing surveyed the surroundings, secretly alarmed by the tense atmosphere among the Golden Crow Guards. After a moment of hesitation, he replied, "I am here on the Bright King's orders to deliver some daily necessities to Queen Medusa, so they won't be inconvenienced during their stay in the Royal Court."

At his words, the leaders of the other clans exchanged glances, wondering if the Peacock Bright King also had designs on Queen Medusa. Wu Lao was also startled. He hadn't expected the Peacock clan to be so closely associated with Queen Medusa. Could it be that the Peacock Bright King was behind this assassination attempt?

In the private room, Yan Xuehen uttered a surprised "Oh?" "This Kong Qing actually dares to meddle in this mess and even invokes the Peacock Bright King's name?"

Yun Jianyue analyzed, "It's likely the Peacock clan has harbored some resentment due to the Crown Prince's recent aggression. The Peacock Bright King was forced to resign; how could he not have any thoughts on the matter? He's probably using this as an opportunity to spite the Crown Prince's faction."

Wu Lao's mind raced, and he became even more determined to take Queen Medusa back. If he could investigate the Peacock Bright King through her, it would save the Crown Prince a lot of trouble.

Just as he was about to issue the order, another group of people suddenly burst in from outside.