Immortalis

White Dog Sixteen

Shen Qingshi naturally wasn't going after Guanri.

She wasn't foolish enough for that - the White-faced Old Daoist's cultivation was clearly above hers, and his previous attempts to approach her likely meant he had already recognized her.

What Shen Qingshi couldn't understand was why Song Lan would suddenly reveal his identity?

Was it because the Four Seas Alliance had reformed, and he came specifically to humiliate them?

And what did he mean the previous night when he told her she would surely get what she wished for?

With countless thoughts swirling in her mind, Shen Qingshi swept past the bamboo leaves, and soon she saw someone standing deep in the bamboo forest, as if waiting for her.

Hearing no other footsteps around, Shen Qingshi immediately rushed to the person and bowed with clasped fists: "Shen Qingshi pays respects to Lord Shen."

Chaofeng Envoy Shen Xin was still wearing the coachman's clothes, but his posture had straightened, revealing his true stature.

Among the Four Envoys, Chaofeng Envoy had the shortest build and knew Bone Shrinking, which was why he often disguised himself as inconspicuous servants to carry out surveillance missions.

Normally, with Chaofeng's abilities, Shen Qingshi would never have recognized him. But earlier in the Seven Killings building, Shen Qingshi had seen the Messenger Bees used by the Zhaoming Guard for communication. As long as one was marked with Sweet Nectar, the Messenger Bees would guide the Zhaoming Guard. Sometimes, they would deliberately use colorless Sweet Nectar to leave messages, then release the Messenger Bees to form written characters.

The Messenger Bee Shen Qingshi carried had always been dormant, but it suddenly became agitated earlier - there was only one explanation.

Another Zhaoming Guard was guiding her to meet them.

The tokens of the Four Divisions of Zhao Ming were fish, bird, tiger, and wolf respectively, and Chaofeng Envoy's token featured a soaring bird.

Although all Zhaoming Guards were experts with keen senses, the Chaofeng Division was particularly famous for their extraordinary hearing. Chaofeng Envoy Shen Xin could hear a silver needle drop from dozens of meters away, which had led to the arrest of many officials holding secret meetings in their homes, sending them to Zhaoming Prison.

"It seems Cao Zhao taught you well - quick to react."

Chaofeng Envoy smiled and turned around.

Within the Zhaoming Division, Shen Qingshi was quite famous. Though not yet a centurion, her special status allowing her to move freely in the inner palace had earned her much envy.

"You flatter me, Lord Shen."

While appearing respectful on the surface, Shen Qingshi understood clearly that although the Four Divisions of Zhao Ming worked closely together, the relationship between the Four Envoys was far from harmonious.

For instance, Bi An Envoy Cao Zhao and Ya Zi Envoy Tu Yuanliang were both young generals who fifteen years ago followed the current Emperor Yongzhao - then Prince Qi Yuan Zhen - in battle campaigns. When Prince Qi ascended the throne, they naturally assumed their current third-rank positions. As for Chiwen Envoy Fu Hong and Chaofeng Envoy Shen Xin, both came from military examination backgrounds and were later transferred to the Southern Zhao Ming Division due to military achievements.

Because of their different origins, Fu Hong and Shen Xin had long held grievances against Cao Zhao and Tu Yuanliang, who were younger but held equal rank. Moreover, Tu Yuanliang's younger sister Tu Yuanyan became a favored consort in the inner palace, while Cao Zhao's subordinate Shen Qingshi, though holding a lower official position, could freely enter the inner palace and often had secret audiences with the Emperor...

Over time, the relationship between the Northern and Southern Zhaoming Divisions had become increasingly subtle.

Now without Cao Zhao present to mediate, Shen Qingshi naturally didn't dare neglect Shen Xin, keeping her head bowed throughout: "Since Lord Shen has specifically revealed your identity, do you have a mission to assign?"Even though Shen Xin found Cao Zhao thoroughly disagreeable, he had to admit that within the entire Zhaoming Division, clever individuals like Shen Qingshi were truly rare. No wonder Cao Zhao insisted on keeping her by his side every day.

Shen Xin said, "From what I observed earlier, the young master of White Rainbow Tower seems to be on good terms with you. Perfect timing—I have urgent business to investigate inside White Rainbow Tower. Having someone provide support would naturally be ideal... Find a way to remain at White Rainbow Tower. There will be tasks for you later."

"I understand."

Hearing him mention urgent business, Shen Qingshi knew it was likely an edict Emperor Yongzhao had directly issued to the Four Envoys. She refrained from asking further and rose to leave, but unexpectedly, Shen Xin stepped forward and whispered in her ear, "Spies report that Prince Li of Shuzhou has recently had dealings with Zhou Jinglei, the master of White Rainbow Tower. You should know what I mean. This matter is of grave importance and must be thoroughly investigated. If anything goes wrong, don't blame me for calling you incompetent."

"Qingshi understands."

Shen Qingshi inwardly thought, This is bad.

Shen Xin was deliberately dragging her into this mess.

Everyone knew Emperor Yongzhao's forbidden territory. Once treason was involved, even imperial relatives faced near-certain death.

Originally, this investigation was solely Shen Xin's responsibility, but now it implicated her as well. If they failed, it might even implicate Cao Zhao and the Bi'an Department.

The Chaofeng Envoy truly lived up to his reputation as the foremost villain of the court.

Recalling Cao Zhao's past assessment of Shen Xin, Shen Qingshi maintained a calm expression and respectfully said, "Qingshi will naturally assist you in succeeding."

With that, she turned to leave. When she glanced back, Shen Xin had already vanished without a trace.

Why would Zhou Jinglei get involved with Prince Li?

On her way back to White Rainbow Tower, Shen Qingshi pondered this question incessantly.

Prince Li Yuan Mu was the current emperor's younger brother. Fifteen years ago, after Emperor Yongzhao ascended the throne, he was demoted to commoner status until his title and fief were restored a decade ago. Since then, Prince Li had resided in Shu, routinely monitored by the Southern Zhao Ming Division.

Over the years, Prince Li had kept a low profile, behaving impeccably, and had never visited the Jiangnan region. Why would he suddenly establish contact with Zhou Jinglei?

Even without the Chaofeng Envoy's warning, Shen Qingshi understood the stakes.

Emperor Yongzhao had always been wary of the martial world. Now, the wealthiest figure in the martial world had suddenly connected with a imperial prince. If any conspiracy were confirmed, countless heads would roll.

Preoccupied with these thoughts, she returned to White Rainbow Tower, only to find the Seven Killings Tower in complete chaos.

Not only had several factions of the Four Seas Alliance been humbled by the sudden appearance of Guanri, but Zhou Huai—who had nearly fallen victim to an assassination attempt—had suddenly fallen ill and was now locked in a standoff with numerous experts.

"What happened?"

Shen Qingshi hadn't expected such turmoil in the main hall after being away for only the time it takes an incense stick to burn.

Frowning, she approached Yang Wujian and noticed his expression was equally grim.

"Lost him?"

Yang Wujian scrutinized her as he spoke, relaxing only after confirming she had no external injuries.

The martial arts Guanri had displayed earlier were far beyond their capabilities. Even if Longyin Sword and Lei Shuang joined forces, they would likely only manage a barely even exchange.

Did Baihe advise against pursuing the White-faced Guest because he had already guessed the opponent's identity?

Shen Qingshi shook her head. "Couldn't catch up. He was too fast."

"Indeed. After years apart, the demon has become a great demon."Yang Wujian let out a bitter laugh. "This is truly bizarre. The moment you left, Young Master Zhou suddenly went mad, as if possessed. I don’t know if it’s due to excessive fright, but he’s completely unreachable now."

"Doesn’t he have medicine on him?"

"Even if he has medicine, we’d need to restrain him to administer it. Now, with Zhou Jinglei present, the Four Seas Alliance members dare not use harsh methods against him. Yet, the young master’s possession skills are exceptionally cunning and fierce. At this rate, who knows how long this standoff will last."

Though Yang Wujian said this, he had no intention of intervening.

The sudden reappearance of the Old Palace Master of Longevity Palace, who had been missing for fifteen years, inevitably aroused suspicion within the Four Seas Alliance. Even if he could conceal his identity with stolen martial arts techniques, it was still easy to attract unwanted attention.

Come to think of it, Guanri had hidden in Medicine King Mountain for six years, posing as a elder of the Eleventh Medicine Hall without raising suspicion. Could it be because he had also secretly learned the martial arts of Medicine King Mountain?

Yang Wujian belatedly realized this.

Many of the martial arts manuals the Longevity Palace members had secretly studied to avoid exposure had been brought back by Guanri in the past. Where had he obtained them? Had he infiltrated other sects before?

While Yang Wujian was pondering the intricacies of the matter, Shen Qingshi was thinking of something else entirely.

She needed to find a way to remain inside White Rainbow Tower.

And the quickest way to achieve that was, of course, only one.

Shen Qingshi acted decisively. With a light tap of her toes, she was already in front of Zhou Huai. Frowning, she said, "Wake up! Do you know who you are right now?"

Zhou Huai giggled foolishly, clearly afflicted by the Evil Sickness. Without a word, he raised his sword and executed another move from the Immeasurable Manor’s sword techniques—Floating Clouds Embracing Moon.

Although this move was later incorporated into the Immeasurable Sword Manual, it originally came from Gui Sanyan, the sworn brother of the old manor master, Zhuang Tianyou.

It was well-known in the martial world that the reason Zhuang Tianyou’s number one sword under heaven was a broken blade was because, in his youth, during a duel with Gui Sanyan, a corner of the blade was severed by Gui’s lethal move, Floating Clouds Embracing Moon.

Over a decade ago, Gui Sanyan lost his right arm during the siege of Longevity Palace. Though he could still wield a sword with his left hand, his strength was greatly diminished, and he grew despondent. Eventually, he ended his remaining years in the Hero's Tomb.

Rumors in the martial world said that Zhuang Tianyou, in mourning for his sworn brother, included Gui Sanyan’s unique skill, Floating Clouds Embracing Moon, in the sword manual. However, he never grasped its essence. As a result, this unique lethal move of Gui Sanyan was never fully realized in the hands of Immeasurable disciples and was only used as an ordinary sword technique.

Yet, the Floating Clouds Embracing Moon that Zhou Huai executed now was clearly different from the ordinary version.

After the upward flick came a slicing cut, followed by a reverse slash—almost every move aimed at fatal acupoints. If not for Shen Qingshi’s quick reflexes, her neck would have been severed with the first strike.

"Zhou Huai, snap out of it! Look at me, who am I?"

Ignoring the ferocity of his sword techniques, Shen Qingshi continued trying to wake Zhou Huai. Meanwhile, Longyin Sword observed from the side, increasingly convinced that the Floating Clouds Embracing Moon Zhou Huai used was vastly different from what they had learned on the mountain. Or rather, what he was using was the true Floating Clouds Embracing Moon.

Could it be that Gui Sanyan had possessed him?Everyone present was inwardly alarmed by this thought. At that moment, Shen Qingshi had already been forced into a corner of the Seven Killings Hall by Zhou Huai. Seeing Zhou Huai thrust his sword toward her, Shen Qingshi didn't even attempt to dodge. Instead, she directly met the blade. Instantly, the White Rainbow Sword pierced through her shoulder. A sharp pain shot through her, yet Shen Qingshi gritted her teeth and tightly grabbed hold of Zhou Huai, shouting, "Yang Wujian!"

Yang Wujian hardly needed her reminder. He immediately rushed over, gripping the Golden Rings. Without a word, he struck Zhou Huai hard on the back of the neck. The young master went limp, and the White Rainbow Sword in his hand clattered to the ground. Shen Qingshi also collapsed to her knees.

"Have you gone mad?!"

Just moments ago, Shen Qingshi had risked her life to seize the sword, startling Yang Wujian so much that he nearly used the Longevity Heart Sutra on the spot.

He pressed firmly on Shen Qingshi's heavily bleeding wound. "The White Rainbow Sword cuts through iron like mud—it's a renowned divine weapon in the martial world! How dare you block it with your body? Aren't you afraid he'd cripple your arm?"

"Didn't I have you?"

Shen Qingshi, drenched in cold sweat, cut off all his arguments with a single sentence. Yang Wujian gritted his teeth in frustration, thinking that Shen Qingshi must have truly recognized him. Otherwise, why would she trust him so blindly?

Just then, Zhou Jinglei rushed up with a group of servants, feeding Zhou Huai medicine and water, finally bringing the chaos in the Seven Killings Hall to an end.

"Young heroes, since you've been injured for my son's sake, please stay in the manor for now."

Zhou Jinglei's next words hit exactly what Shen Qingshi had hoped for. Knowing her goal was achieved, her mind relaxed, and her vision suddenly went black. She collapsed directly onto Yang Wujian.

"Yang Wujian."

She uttered her last words before losing consciousness.

"You handle the wound for me."