Chapter 171: Dragon Guard Manor! Demons, Spirit Beasts, and Half-Demons!
Yu Huatian rushed toward Dragon Guard Manor without a moment's rest. Unlike Cao Zhengchun, he never entrusted important matters to others.
The changing of the Imperial Guard's drill instructor was good news, but Yu Huatian couldn't get a clear read on Li Xunhuan's character. Whether the man could be an ally remained uncertain, so it was important for Yu Huatian to make early contact.
Assigning the task of finding Li Xunhuan to Dragon Guard Manor was merely a cover. In truth, Yu Huatian still intended to mobilize the Western Depot's network to investigate his whereabouts.
This visit was mainly to sound out Zhu Wushi.
Unlike the tense relationship between Cao Zhengchun and Zhu Wushi, the Western Depot and Dragon Guard Manor had never clashed—in fact, they had maintained a peaceful, non-interfering relationship.
Dragon Guard Manor's location was mysterious and little known to the world, but Yu Huatian happened to be one of the few exceptions.
However, once he approached the area, Yu Huatian suddenly found himself at a loss. The problem wasn't his memory—it was the tricky illusion array set outside the manor that he had forgotten about.
The manor, which gathered heroes from across the land, housed several master arrayists. Using the mountainous terrain as a foundation, they had created an illusion array that concealed the entire estate.
Even if an army came to attack, without the correct method to break the formation, they'd be hopelessly lost inside, unable to escape.
In this world, formation arrays weren't mere visual tricks. Powered by spiritual energy, they were genuine magical constructs. Even a martial master like Yu Huatian couldn't brute-force his way through.
"Damn it, how could I forget about this cursed formation!"
The scenery before Yu Huatian abruptly shifted. He realized he was already within the array and knew better than to act recklessly—waiting patiently was the right move.
Dragon Guard Manor would soon sense an intruder had entered the formation, and someone would come to investigate.
Sure enough, moments later—
Yu Huatian's vision blurred, and several masked men in black appeared silently before him, staring at him without a word.
These were the manor's overt sentries. The array also concealed hidden guards as well.
"By imperial decree, summon the Iron-Guts Marquis to receive the edict."
Yu Huatian stared coldly at the group.
The guards exchanged glances. The leader cupped his hands and said, "Please wait a moment, Director."
With that, they vanished from sight.
Not long after, the illusion suddenly dissipated. Yu Huatian's vision cleared, revealing the manor gates right in front of him.
He couldn't help but show a shocked expression.
He clearly remembered not taking a single step after entering the formation. How had he suddenly ended up at the manor's entrance?
"Hahaha, no need to be alarmed, Director Yu. That's how the illusion array works—it can subtly distort all five senses. You thought you hadn't moved, but you actually walked quite far!"
A hearty laugh rang out as a middle-aged man appeared. Imposing and spirited, with the commanding gaze of an eagle, he exuded overwhelming pressure.
"Marquis, you're joking. I was merely curious." Naturally, the proud Yu Huatian wouldn't show weakness in front of Zhu Wushi, and his reply was stiff.
Zhu Wushi didn't press the matter. With a smile, he asked, "What matter requires a personal visit from you, Director, by imperial order no less?"
At the mention of official business, Yu Huatian's expression turned solemn. In a low voice, he said, "This isn't the place to talk. May I trouble the Marquis to arrange a quiet room?"
Zhu Wushi instantly understood the gravity of the situation and quickly led Yu Huatian into Dragon Guard Manor, heading straight for his study. He also posted many guards around the area.
Everything was done in mere moments. When the vast manor moved, it was like a seamless and efficient machine.
Watching the discipline of the manor, Yu Huatian was secretly shaken. Its mobilization ability far surpassed that of the Eastern and Western Depots.
"Has this guy been training his people like a military force?"
The thought sent a chill down Yu Huatian's spine.
After dismissing his attendants, Zhu Wushi asked gravely, "Director Yu, what matter has made His Majesty so anxious?"
Yu Huatian replied, "His Majesty is concerned that Chief Constable Lord Guo has overworked himself serving the Six Gates and as the Imperial Guard's drill instructor. Fearing for his health, His Majesty has relieved him of the latter post and will appoint someone else."
Zhu Wushi was visibly stunned. "Brother Guo is diligent and loyal. Why was he dismissed out of the blue? What is His Majesty playing at?"
Yu Huatian coughed lightly. "Marquis, as I just explained, His Majesty is only concerned for Lord Guo's health. There's no other motive."
Zhu Wushi didn't believe that for a second. He began to wonder what new game the young emperor was playing—ever since his ascension, the boy had taken to unpredictable decisions.
Yu Huatian smiled. "Marquis, today's visit concerns the appointment of a new Imperial Guard drill instructor."
Zhu Wushi froze for a moment, then was inwardly delighted. Could it be that the young emperor intended to hand such an important position to him?
If he controlled the Imperial Guard, his power would soar dramatically—he might even attempt things he'd never dared dream of before.
A surge of greed welled up in Zhu Wushi's heart.
"The Imperial Guard drill instructor is responsible for His Majesty's safety—a role of great importance. But I also have my duties here at the manor. I fear I can't be in two places at once."
Zhu Wushi smiled lightly as he deflected. Regardless of his intent, it was safer to decline at first to avoid arousing suspicion from the emperor.
"Hahaha, as expected of His Majesty's dear uncle! You truly understand His Majesty's mind. He thought of that too, so he chose someone else for the position." Yu Huatian smiled slyly.
Zhu Wushi's smile vanished, his expression turning sour. This damned eunuch was playing with him!
"Director, you'd best say everything at once…"
Sensing the shift in tone, Yu Huatian dropped the mockery and said seriously, "His Majesty wishes for Dragon Guard Manor to locate the Flower Snatcher Li to serve as the new Imperial Guard drill instructor."
"Li the Flower Snatcher?" The name rang a bell for Zhu Wushi. After thinking for a moment, he blurted, "The one known as Little Li Flying Dagger, Li Xunhuan?"
Yu Huatian nodded. "That's the one!"
"His Majesty wants him to take on the role? Isn't that risky? Li Xunhuan has been out of the public eye for years—no one knows what condition he's in."
Zhu Wushi clearly still had hopes for the position himself. His words were laced with suggestions for the emperor to reconsider.
"No need to worry, Marquis. A few years back, I encountered him beyond the borders. With his flying dagger technique, he slew over twenty demons in a single strike, saving a merchant caravan. It was utterly miraculous."
"To be honest, if we fought face-to-face, I'm not confident I could dodge the legendary Little Li Flying Dagger."
Even Yu Huatian, who normally looked down on others, showed a hint of fear at the memory.
Zhu Wushi frowned. "Ever since the great upheaval decades ago, the top martial sects have grown more powerful. If they band together, they'll be a serious threat to the court. We must be vigilant."
"Exactly why the imperial court needs someone like Li Xunhuan to return…"
"So, His Majesty wants Dragon Guard Manor to find him?"
"Marquis, you're as insightful as ever. When it comes to intelligence gathering, what faction under heaven can compare with Dragon Guard Manor?"
"Didn't you encounter Li Xunhuan beyond the borders? Shouldn't it be easy for you to find him?"
"To be frank, after we parted ways back then, I did search for him. But by then, he'd already left the region—his whereabouts are currently unknown."
"Oh? In that case, it might be hard even for Dragon Guard Manor to locate him. Do you have any other leads?"
"Come now, Marquis. If I had other leads, His Majesty wouldn't have troubled you."
Zhu Wushi watched Yu Huatian carefully. Once he confirmed the man wasn't lying, he nodded and agreed to the task—though he had a strong feeling something was being kept from him.
"His Majesty will await your good news, Marquis. May you locate Li Xunhuan soon."
With nothing further to discuss, Yu Huatian took his leave, carefully examining the layout of Dragon Guard Manor on his way out, hoping to glean some insights.
Unfortunately, as a martial artist with no knowledge of arrays, his efforts were in vain.
Zhu Wushi narrowed his eyes, watching Yu Huatian's departing figure with a thoughtful expression.
"Summon Tianya and Yidao!"
About the time it takes to drink a cup of tea later—
Top Heaven-ranked agent Duan Tianya and top Earth-ranked agent Guihai Yidao entered Zhu Wushi's study.
"Godfather, what's the urgent matter?"
The two knelt on one knee with solemn respect.
"Set aside your current tasks. A more important mission awaits!"
Though puzzled, they quickly nodded in agreement.
Zhu Wushi instructed, "You two are to depart at once and track down Li Xunhuan. He must be brought back to the capital."
Duan Tianya furrowed his brow. "Godfather, is that the same Li Xunhuan who ranked third in the imperial exams a decade ago—the one they call Little Li Flying Dagger?"
Zhu Wushi nodded.
Guihai Yidao asked, "Why are we looking for him?"
Zhu Wushi frowned slightly, displeased. "What's the most important rule for secret agents?"
Guihai Yidao bowed his head. "Carry out missions without asking why."
"Good," Zhu Wushi said coldly. "Remember this: if Li Xunhuan refuses to come, you are permitted to use… special methods."
"Yes, sir!"
The two bowed and took their leave.
After pacing for a while, Zhu Wushi walked to his desk, pressed down on the inkstone, and gave it a twist. A grinding noise came from the far wall, revealing a hidden passage.
He continued down the long, narrow tunnel until water began seeping from the dark stone walls, and a faint light suddenly appeared ahead.
When Zhu Wushi finally emerged from the tunnel, he found himself standing in a pavilion at the center of a lake, with Dragon Guard Manor now a distant and blurry backdrop.
Several black figures appeared before Zhu Wushi like phantoms, kneeling respectfully to the ground and calling out, "Master!"
These shadow-like figures were the Shadow Guards Zhu Wushi had secretly trained. They operated entirely in the dark—so hidden, in fact, that not even the emperor was aware of their existence, and the spies of Dragon Guard Manor knew nothing about them either.
"You few, go investigate Guo Bujing's whereabouts. I want to know what he's been up to lately."
"The emperor wouldn't strip him of his post without reason—he must have done something taboo."
At this point, Zhu Wushi suddenly recalled Yu Huatian's strange attitude and added, "Also, check into the recent movements of the two bureaus."
"Yes, sir!"
The Shadow Guards vanished abruptly before Zhu Wushi's eyes.
Having given his orders, Zhu Wushi didn't immediately return to Dragon Guard Manor. Instead, he remained seated in the pavilion, gazing at the unending mountains surrounding him.
In that moment, it was as if he and the pavilion had become one. His life felt like it was trapped by the mountains before his eyes, bound for eternity, never to be free.
"Imperial Father… one day, I'll prove that I am stronger than my imperial brother, stronger than his son. I'm the one who truly deserves to rule the Ming Dynasty!"
…
After a satisfying night of drinking at Tongfu Inn, Chu Yang set out with Li Gexiao early the next morning, leaving behind Qixia Town. After over twenty years of a stifled life in the capital, he was now eager to embrace his new life.
Long caged, he yearned to return to nature.
Chu Yang left everything along the journey in Li Gexiao's capable hands. Unlike Guo Furong, who was only a half-baked amateur, Li Gexiao had once been a commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard and possessed extensive experience in the martial world.
Tired of riding in carriages, Chu Yang decided to travel south on horseback, riding side by side with Li Gexiao along the official road.
"Your Highness, we must remain cautious on our journey south. Bandits are one thing, but more importantly, the frequency of monster sightings is increasing sharply. There are quite a few spirit beasts and half-demons among them as well."
"They say the legendary Nation of Ten Thousand Monsters lies somewhere in the southwest. Aside from a few wealthy major cities that remain unaffected, most towns there are ravaged by monsters. It's also the region where the Divine Constable Bureau clashes most fiercely with the demonic forces."
"For safety's sake, we'd best steer clear of those places."
Hearing Li Gexiao's account, Chu Yang couldn't help but ask with curiosity, "You just mentioned monsters, spirit beasts, and half-demons. What's the difference between the three?"
Li Gexiao knew that Chu Yang had grown up in the isolated capital and was completely unfamiliar with the distinctions, so he patiently explained, "Generally speaking, spirit beasts are plants or animals that have gained intelligence through cultivation. Once they grow strong enough, they can take on human form—what we commonly refer to as great beasts."
"The Nation of Ten Thousand Monsters I just mentioned is a gathering place for such great beasts."
Chu Yang nodded. Spirit beasts were basically the same as the demon race in most xianxia worlds—not much difference there.
Li Gexiao continued, "As for half-demons, some are humans who've fallen into demonic cultivation. Some practice demonic techniques, while others have inherited demon bloodlines and mutated into half-human, half-demon hybrids. Still others are the offspring of humans and great beasts."
"Most half-demons align themselves with spirit beasts, offering them counsel and aid in their conflict against humanity. For this reason, all half-demons are seen as traitors to mankind and are relentlessly hunted. Many of the criminals captured by the Six Gates Bureau are half-demons."
Unlike the unloved, outcast half-devils in typical xianxia worlds, half-demons in this setting had carved out a powerful place for themselves—and had become humanity's sworn enemies.
Chu Yang asked again, "And monsters? Are they just spirit beasts that have fallen into darkness?"
Li Gexiao grew more serious than ever at the mention of monsters. Shaking his head, he said, "Despite the word 'monster' containing the same character as 'spirit beast,' they're completely unrelated."
"The emergence of spirit beasts is linked to the great upheaval in heaven and earth decades ago—but monsters existed long before that upheaval!"
"In fact, there are even rumors that monsters were the very cause of that upheaval!"
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