Chapter 1679

Zu'an had anticipated the question. Without haste, he replied, "This was only possible thanks to the desperate assistance of several other Silver Embroidered Uniform Guards. It was a perilous battle, but we managed to eliminate the enemy. Unfortunately, we lost two Silver Embroiced Uniform Guards, Tao Qing and Yan Ke, in the process. I humbly request Your Majesty to grant them entry into the Hall of Glory and ensure their families receive proper care."

Zhao Hao remained silent for a long time before his voice finally rang out again: "Granted!"

He accepted the explanation. After all, to him, both Zhang Jie and Zu'an were mere ants, regardless of how important they might seem to ordinary people.

He had no interest in how these insignificant beings squabbled.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" This was the first time Zu'an had sincerely thanked him.

"What is the recent situation at Mount Zi?" Zhao Hao asked again.

"During this period, I arranged for the Imperial Feathered Forest Guards to conduct repairs on the mountain and discreetly investigate potential hazards. Currently, everything is normal, and the grand competition of the Daoist sects is nearing its end..." Zu'an gave a general overview of the competition.

"Hmph, Kongming Island and Taixuan Cave... for these previously dwindling sects to still produce such formidable disciples, it seems the imperial court has indulged them far too much in recent years," Zhao Hao muttered to himself.

Zu'an silently offered his condolences to Kongming Island and Taixuan Cave in his heart, especially Kongming Island. This was a true calamity for them; they were not as powerful as perceived and had been completely set up by Yun Jianyue.

"What happened with the missing disciple from Kongming Island?" Zhao Hao suddenly inquired.

"It's still unclear; the Daoist sects are currently investigating." Zu'an, of course, could not tell him the truth.

"Don't concern yourself with these matters. Just remember your mission. Your reckless interference nearly caused Prince Yan's manor to rebel, and I haven't settled that score with you yet," Zhao Hao scoffed.

Zu'an grumbled internally, *You were the one who ordered me to investigate Gold Medal Seven; what do you mean I meddled recklessly?*

"I am already en route to Mount Zi. For now, just keep a close watch on the developments there and avoid creating any further complications," Zhao Hao stated gravely.

Although, with his Earth Immortal power, he could teleport from the capital to Mount Zi in an instant, this journey was for the grand Heaven-Worshipping Ceremony. Such an event demanded a proper sense of ritual, so he naturally had to lead a large entourage from the capital to Mount Zi.

Along the way, he also had to receive local officials and occasionally make public appearances before the common people.

"Understood!" Zu'an thought, *I must notify Sister Yun as soon as possible, otherwise it will be dangerous if Zhao Hao arrives at Mount Zi and they are still here.* Before departing, Zhao Hao warned, "Unless you uncover a vast conspiracy at Mount Zi that could fundamentally alter the course of events, do not summon me again casually, or you will bring me your head!"

Zhao Hao's rage increased by 400, then another 400, and yet another 400...

It was clear that Zu'an's repeated summons had greatly irritated him.

Zu'an mused, observing the Emperor's irritation, that Zhao Hao likely resembled those ancient, dying elders of the demon race who spent most of their time in secluded slumber. Each summon must have felt like a drain on his very life force.

*Ah, if only I could call him whenever I felt like it, just for fun.*

However, Zu'an knew well that such an action would only result in him being torn to shreds by an enraged Zhao Hao.

After Zhao Hao departed, Zu'an went directly to the prison holding Prince Yan. The Prince was currently losing his temper at the guard delivering his meal, evidently struggling with his confinement after a lifetime of high status.

"What seems to be the matter, Your Highness? Who has upset you?" Zu'an asked, approaching with a smile.

Seeing Zu'an, Prince Yan huffed irritably, "You know perfectly well!"

Zu'an found a stool and sat down by the Prince's bed. "Your Highness, if you remain uncooperative like this, even if I were inclined to redress your grievances, I wouldn't be able to."

Prince Yan's heart stirred, and he immediately replaced his scowl with a smile. "Does Lord Eleven have any guidance?"

Zu'an then spoke unhurriedly, "After my investigation over the past few days, I've found many suspicious elements in the Gold Medal Seven case. It appears someone deliberately led our investigation in your direction, Your Highness. Have you perhaps offended anyone? Who would be most likely to do such a thing?"

"It must be Zhang Jie! It has to be him!" Prince Yan instantly slapped the table and shot to his feet. "That old scoundrel is full of malicious schemes. He's always held a grudge against me and has long wished for my demise. No one else would dare to do such a thing but him!"

Previously, he had been wary that directly naming Zhang Jie might backfire, so he had only hinted vaguely.

Now, hearing Gold Medal Eleven's words, he, being no fool, immediately understood there was an opportunity and naturally cast aside his reservations.

"Indeed, some clues related to him have been found," Zu'an said ambiguously.

Prince Yan was overjoyed. "If Lord Eleven can help me clear my name, everyone in Prince Yan's manor will surely remember your kindness forever."

"This official handles cases impartially," Zu'an said coldly. "There is no need for you to remember any kindness."

His purpose in coming was to deceive Prince Yan. Now that Zhang Jie was dead, it would be a missed opportunity not to leverage the situation, exploiting the time difference to do Prince Yan a favor, thereby fostering a good relationship for the future.

After all, this man also harbored rebellious intentions, and his connection to the Demonic Sect might prove useful later on.

"Yes, yes, yes, Lord Zu is truly selfless. This humble prince is deeply impressed," Prince Yan said with an obsequious smile. Previously, he had found this man detestable, but now he seemed remarkably amiable.

"Let's be clear," Zu'an added, "the Gold Medal Seven matter is one thing, but your innocence regarding the ledger entries will still need to be thoroughly investigated." He needed to be kept on edge, ensuring he didn't feel his release would be too easy.

As expected, Prince Yan's expression shifted, but he quickly recovered, saying, "Those must have been framed by that scoundrel Zhang Jie. I trust that Lord Eleven's keen insight will surely uncover the truth."

Zu'an nodded in satisfaction. This would ensure that when Prince Yan was eventually released, he would genuinely believe Zu'an had deliberately done him a favor.

After settling everything in Yicheng, Zu'an prepared to depart for Mount Zi, but he found himself wondering about Yun Jianyue's whereabouts.

As he stood lost in thought in the room, a sweet voice suddenly chimed in from the window: "Is little brother thinking of a certain young lady?"

Hearing this familiar yet slightly unfamiliar voice, Zu'an looked up, both surprised and delighted.

Leaning by the window was a breathtakingly beautiful young woman, her eyes sparkling with mirth.

Her face was fair and her eyes bright, with delicate brows, snow-white skin, and moist red lips. Though her appearance was that of a vibrant young girl, every feature exuded an alluring charm that seemed beyond her years.

"Hong Lei!" Zu'an exclaimed, utterly surprised to be reunited with her under these circumstances, as he had heard from Yun Jianyue that she was away on a mission.

He rushed to the window and pulled her tightly into his embrace. Indeed, they had spent far too little time together.

Qiu Honglei was equally thrilled. Her inability to acknowledge him on Mount Zi, despite recognizing him, had only intensified her longing.

They held each other in a tight embrace, and as their emotions deepened, they naturally began to kiss. After all, they had already shared nearly every intimacy short of the final step, their bodies long familiar with each other.

As they were passionately kissing, a light cough suddenly came from nearby: "Am I interrupting?"

Yun Jianyue's rage increased by 66, then another 66, and yet another 66...