Chapter 640: With Tears Washed Across the Face

At that instant, Zu An's hair stood on end. Locked onto by the killing intent of a half-Grandmaster from such a close distance, he knew there was truly no way to escape.

Although he had fought Yun Jianyue that night in the East Palace, she hadn't used her full power to conceal her identity. Later, when they fought in the rock garden, she was already severely wounded by the Emperor, her strength significantly reduced. Consequently, he had developed a slight underestimation of Grandmasters.

Facing one now, he finally understood the immense gap. He even suspected that if the opponent were to attack, he would be killed within three moves, even if he used every trick in his arsenal.

Cold sweat poured down him, but his reaction was swift. Forcing himself to abandon any thought of resistance, he immediately replied, "I don't understand what you're talking about, Commander."

Zhu Xie Chixin let out a cold, sinister laugh. "I've had people investigate. Cheng Xiong didn't suspect you without reason. On that day, two Gold Rank Embroidered Uniform Guards did indeed leave the palace gates. But I know very well that the other Gold Rank Guards had their own assignments and couldn't have been in the palace at that time."

Zu An's heart sank, but his mouth instinctively began to protest, "This is a false accusation! Those were just the palace guards' one-sided claims. And since they're Cheng Xiong's subordinates, isn't it obvious they'd say whatever he told them to?"

"Is that so?" Zhu Xie Chixin stared at him. "It's easy to determine if you're being falsely accused. Bring out all your uniforms for me to inspect. Every Embroidered Uniform Guard's uniform is specially made, with detailed records of their issuance and return. Outsiders cannot possibly counterfeit them; this cannot be faked."

Zu An's breath caught. He hadn't expected Zhu Xie to actually demand to inspect the uniforms. One of his uniforms had been given to Qiao Xueying to wear away; how could he possibly retrieve it now?

How could he explain being short a set? No, any explanation would only invite suspicion.

Zhu Xie Chixin said, "I recall telling you that the waist token has a small storage space where Embroidered Uniform Guards usually keep their belongings. Don't tell me you can't produce it now, or that one of them was stolen by someone else."

The Embroidered Uniform Guard's waist token was indeed special, featuring both a one-way mission issuance function and a storage capability. The storage space increased with rank, though even at its largest, it was no more than one cubic meter, incomparable to the terrifying storage space of the Glazed Orb.

Feeling Zhu Xie's aura growing more intense, Zu An knew his hesitation had fueled suspicion. He had no choice but to bite the bullet and say, "The innocent will always be proven innocent. I'll take out the clothes for you to inspect, Commander."

As he spoke, he slowly took out the uniforms one by one from his embrace. Zhu Xie couldn't see that he wasn't using his waist token, but rather the Glazed Orb.

Seeing Zu An lay out the uniforms one set after another, Zhu Xie Chixin slowly nodded. "Last time, you were issued eight sets of uniforms: four for winter and four for summer. These, plus the one you're wearing, make seven sets. Where's the eighth one?"

As he spoke, his gaze became incredibly sharp, as if he were just waiting for Zu An to indicate he couldn't produce the eighth set before immediately making his move.

Zu An swallowed. "Of course, it's here..."

He paused, then said word by word, "The eighth set of Gold Rank Embroidered Uniform Guard's uniform is in my waist token's storage space."

Zhu Xie Chixin's brows furrowed slightly. Why was this guy's tone so strange?

But the next second, his tightly furrowed brows relaxed as the other party slowly produced another set of uniform.

Still not entirely at ease, he stepped forward to inspect them. They were indeed all genuine Gold Rank Embroidered Uniform Guard uniforms, specially made in the palace with numerous hidden marks that even the Guards themselves wouldn't know, making counterfeiting impossible.

Only then did a smile appear on his face. "Haha, I knew it! How could you possibly collude with assassins? It must have been Cheng Xiong framing you."

Zu An immediately felt his entire body relax as the oppressive aura that had enveloped him instantly vanished. He secretly complained, *Damn it,* last time at my residence, you acted all heartfelt and sincere, but you still turned hostile in an instant.

However, he didn't show any of this, saying with a smile, "It's only right for the Commander to be cautious. As an Embroidered Uniform Guard, one truly cannot let any doubt go unchecked. I've learned a lot."

The reason he was able to produce this seemingly vanished uniform was that he had just used his "Summon Item" skill. He hadn't expected it to actually create an identical garment out of thin air.

"This lie wasn't too big, right? I hope the backlash won't be too severe later."

A hint of softness appeared in Zhu Xie Chixin's narrow eyes. This young man spoke pleasantly and was perceptive and sensible; he was indeed a talent. "It seems Cheng Xiong was indeed framing you. Brother Zu, is there anything you need help with? Your elder brother here will help you settle the score."

Having just suspected him, it was natural to reciprocate now to ease their relationship. This guy was smart and would surely appreciate it.

Zu An indeed put on a look of great delight. "Thank you, Commander! I actually do have something I'd like to ask for your help with."

"Speak freely," Zhu Xie Chixin said, his gaze toward Zu An growing even softer. He recalled what Zu An had secretly revealed to him last time and naturally didn't want to lose this friendly connection.

"I'd like to ask the Commander to assign a few Embroidered Uniform Guards to keep an eye on Cheng Xiong and his household. I want to know all the detailed information about him." Zu An wanted to deal with Cheng Xiong, but unfortunately, he didn't know enough about him. He needed to first investigate some detailed matters to see if he could use them.

Juggling his roles as an Embroidered Uniform Guard and a Crown Prince's Retainer, he was stretched thin. He had no energy for surveillance and thus had to rely on others.

Unfortunately, although he was a Gold Rank Embroidered Uniform Guard, he was merely a commander without subordinates. The Emperor hadn't assigned him any, so he could only seek help from Zhu Xie Chixin.

"No problem. Embroidered Uniform Guards are professionals at surveillance. I'll send a Silver Rank Guard with some subordinates to keep watch later." Zhu Xie Chixin readily agreed. This was no big deal; he could easily gain a favor. Moreover, if anything significant was found, he would also get some credit from the Emperor. Why not?

Zu An breathed a sigh of relief. Then, perhaps out of guilt, Zhu Xie Chixin kept him there for a long time, drinking tea and chatting. Only when he felt their relationship had sufficiently eased did he let Zu An leave.

After leaving the Embroidered Building, Zu An's smile instantly vanished, his cheeks turning incredibly pale. He felt a stinging sensation in his brain, and the back of his head felt cold and empty, as if something had been hollowed out.

He also felt a sense of nausea and revulsion, very similar to the motion sickness he used to get from playing 3D games in his previous life.

He immediately realized that this must be the after-effect of using "Summon Item," which had consumed his soul power and damaged his spirit.

His breathing became increasingly rapid, and not wanting others to notice anything unusual, he forced himself to endure it, hurrying back to his residence.

His hands trembled as he took the key and opened the door. Then, a wave of dizziness washed over him, and he fell forward.

"Oh no, I'm probably going to end up with a bruised and swollen face," he thought. "I rely on this face to make a living!"

"Huh, what is this? So big... so soft..."

He felt himself fall into a warm embrace, his nose catching a refreshing, subtle fragrance. He seemed to hear a startled cry, and then he knew nothing more.

Yun Jianyue was originally in her room, recuperating with her eyes closed. Hearing the commotion outside, she knew Zu An had returned.

Originally, she couldn't be bothered. Was the dignified Saintess of the Holy Sect supposed to be like a woman waiting for her husband to come home?

However, she immediately frowned, as she noticed Zu An's abnormal footsteps, suggesting he was injured.

How could he have gotten injured after just going out, even stumbling as he walked?

Her expression turned grave. She knew Zu An's cultivation well; though his apparent rank wasn't high, his combat ability was incredibly absurd. Even when she was severely injured, she wasn't someone an ordinary cultivator could deal with, yet she had almost suffered an unexpected defeat at his hands.

So, with such cultivation, who could have injured him?

Could it be that Zhu Xie Chixin had attacked him?

Thinking of this, she could no longer sit still and hurriedly went out to meet him. After all, Zu An's safety was now also linked to her own.

As soon as she opened the door, he fell directly into her embrace, his face landing straight between her soft breasts.