Lu Xingzhou froze for a moment, then scrambled to his feet.

He had just challenged Huo Zhang to prove himself last night, and now the fourth brother, Huo Lu, was dead?

Did Huo Zhang do it? That was too efficient!

Such efficiency couldn’t possibly be for good intentions. Given that his private meeting with Huo Zhang was stumbled upon by Huo Qi last night, and then this happened the same night, it was a direct attempt to drag him into trouble!

And what was the point of killing Huo Lu anyway? Lu Xingzhou had already beaten Huo Lu so badly that his bones were shattered and he was paralyzed in bed. The Huo family didn’t dare use immortal pills for treatment, and with normal medical means, he wouldn’t be able to get up for at least ten years. What difference would his death make?

It was utterly insincere.

No…

This might not actually be Huo Zhang’s doing.

Lu Xingzhou’s mind raced as he slowly got dressed, whispering to Pei Chuyun, “You hide first. After they leave with me, you can quietly slip away.”

Pei Chuyun nodded. “Do you need my help?”

Lu Xingzhou chuckled and ruffled her head. “Your tone is quite bold now.”

“Hmph. I’m not that little maid you bullied anymore, anyway.” Pei Chuyun also got dressed, smiling brightly. “I’ll go listen to your trial later, you smelly murderer.”

Lu Xingzhou laughed, unconcerned, and stepped out. Two Zhen Mosi agents were already waiting outside. They were familiar faces he had seen several times before, and their expressions were very serious. “It’s just a routine inquiry, Young Master Lu, don’t be nervous.”

“I was nervous at first, fearing someone might impersonate the Zhen Mosi to kill me, but seeing familiar faces put my mind at ease.”

The Zhen Mosi constable couldn’t help but laugh. “Young Master Lu is really…”

“Is it funny?” Lu Xingzhou sighed. “These kinds of cases aren’t necessarily handled by the Zhen Mosi. What’s the Jingzhao Yamen for? They should at least investigate first, and only hand it over to the Zhen Mosi after some results…”

The three walked out side by side. The Zhen Mosi constable chuckled, “Young Master Lu thinks too much. Most people wouldn’t ponder these things.”

“If I don’t think more, I won’t live long. Look at Huo Lu; he died without even knowing how.”

How Huo Lu died was unknown, but it was clear that his living-dead state in bed was your doing, and you’re still fine.

“Normally, it wouldn’t be our concern, but this matter involves you, Young Master Lu, and the Chief personally intervened.” Both constables said, “Additionally, this matter directly alarmed the Emperor and has his attention, so it’s considered a major case. It’s only natural for the Chief to handle it. But it also means it’ll be difficult to be vague, so Young Master, you need to be careful.”

Lu Xingzhou smiled. “Those words from the two of you are enough.”

This was Lu Xingzhou’s second visit to the Zhen Mosi Yamen. Coincidentally, his last visit was also because of Huo Lu.

In the hall, Huo Lu lay dead on a stretcher. Sheng Qingfeng sat in the main inquisitor’s chair, glowering at Lu Xingzhou as he entered. There was another chair to the side, occupied by the aggrieved party, Huo Lu’s father, the head of the Huo family, and Zhenyuan Hou, Huo Xingyuan.

Huo Qi and Huo Zhang stood behind him.

Seeing Lu Xingzhou enter, Huo Xingyuan looked at him calmly, with no discernible emotion in his gaze. He didn’t seem to have directly pinpointed Lu Xingzhou as the suspect.

As the constables said, it was just a routine summons.

The constables saluted. “Lu Xingzhou has been brought.”

Sheng Qingfeng nodded, motioning for them to retreat, and directly asked Lu Xingzhou, “Where were you last night?”

Lu Xingzhou replied, “I returned to my cave dwelling at Dan Academy to sleep. The guards can verify.”

Sheng Qingfeng sighed. “If you truly wanted to leave at night, which guard would see you? That kind of proof is meaningless.”

Lu Xingzhou said, “Logically, you should first prove I’m a suspect. I was sleeping soundly, so why should I prove I didn’t leave?”

“Firstly, Huo Lu was severely injured by you.”

“So what? He’s been injured for so long and hasn’t died. Oh, don’t say he died right after I returned; I stayed in the capital for a long time before I left.”

Sheng Qingfeng couldn’t be bothered with him and continued, “Secondly, you got into a fight with Huo Heng right after seeing him last night, which indicates you still hold significant resentment towards the Huo family brothers.”

Speaking of this, Sheng Qingfeng was furious. He had promised not to commit violence in public, and now look, it became a reason for suspicion.

However, Lu Xingzhou didn’t respond to the “resentment” part, instead explaining, “I wasn’t in public. ‘Public’ means at least three people or more. At that time, only Huo Qi and Huo Zhang were observing.”

“?” Sheng Qingfeng was so choked up with a string of expletives that he didn’t know what to say.

The onlookers didn’t understand the subtle verbal sparring between the father-in-law and son-in-law. Huo Qi couldn’t help but interject, “All in all, you harbor deep resentment towards the Huo family. You just returned from your trials, and our fourth brother was assassinated in his bed. Your suspicion cannot be dismissed.”

Lu Xingzhou chuckled. “What resentment? Why not say I was also drinking with Young Master Huo Two? My personal grudge with Huo Heng, I didn’t take it out on Huo Zhang, did I? I didn’t even take it out on you.”

Sheng Qingfeng shot Huo Qi a cold glance. “This is the Zhen Mosi’s public court, not your Huo family’s interrogation room. Allowing Master Huo’s family to observe is out of respect for the aggrieved party, but interrupting the interrogation here means you have no regard for the Zhen Mosi?”

Stared at by Sheng Qingfeng, Huo Qi felt a chill run down his spine.

He then realized that the murderous intent emanating from this usually jovial Zhen Mosi Chief was far beyond what a young master from the capital like himself could compare to. Sheng Qingfeng had climbed to this position, having slain countless heinous demonic cultivators; the stench of blood was astonishingly thick, and the killing aura overflowed.

Huo Xingyuan waved his hand. “Apologize.”

Huo Qi quickly bowed and apologized, “My apologies. My brother’s death has grieved me deeply, and my words and actions were improper. I ask for the Chief’s forgiveness.”

Sheng Qingfeng snorted coldly, a flicker of almost imperceptible disdain in his eyes.

In truth, he had glared coldly at Lu Xingzhou several times already. One must know that the old man’s killing intent towards the young punk definitely surpassed Huo Qi’s mere interruption just now, yet Lu Xingzhou remained perfectly composed.

At that time, this kid was only Fourth Rank, twenty years old. This Huo Qi was over thirty, Third Rank, yet he broke out in a cold sweat from a single glare.

Useless.

This young punk was more agreeable… he was just too infuriating.

Sheng Qingfeng calmed down and asked Huo Zhang, “Young Master Huo Two, why did you privately meet Lu Xingzhou for drinks last night? To my knowledge, you two have never met.”

Huo Zhang casually said, “What kind of talk is that? He’s my seventh… well, we naturally have a connection. I was dismissed from my post and staying at home. When I heard he was back in the capital, what’s so strange about inviting him for a drink? We didn’t go to any private place, just an ordinary, bustling eatery where any cat or dog could wander in uninvited. Is that even a big deal?”

Huo Qi’s face turned green at being referred to as a “cat or dog” who would wander in uninvited.

Huo Xingyuan glared at Huo Zhang. “How are you speaking?”

Sheng Qingfeng said, “What did the two of you talk about?”

Huo Zhang hesitated. “That’s our private business, isn’t it inappropriate…”

“This involves a murder suspect, so there are no private matters.” Sheng Qingfeng said, “Young Master Huo Two, you don’t really think a conversation at a time like this can be kept secret, do you?”

Huo Zhang sighed. “I merely invited Lu Xingzhou to our home for dinner.”

Huo Xingyuan was stunned, and Huo Qi narrowed his eyes.

Huo Zhang continued, “Father had also invited him before. Although I didn’t consult Father when I did this, I assume Father wouldn’t object. As for whether Lu Xingzhou agrees or not, it doesn’t matter. What’s wrong with simply making a friend? I’ve been in Beijiang for a long time and rarely see the talented young men of the capital. Lu Xingzhou, at such a young age, has made it onto the list of heroes. Who does it bother if I privately make a friend and build a connection?”

Sheng Qingfeng said blandly, “Your fourth brother is dead, and Lu Xingzhou at least has some suspicion, yet you don’t seem to care at all about your attitude?”

This remark was quite cunning. On the surface, it spoke of Lu Xingzhou’s suspicion, but in the Zhen Mosi’s eyes, Huo Zhang was equally suspicious. Your fourth brother is dead, and you don’t care at all, even fraternizing with the “suspect.” Is there a possibility that you were the one who killed him?

Huo Zhang said, “What’s wrong if I don’t care? Lu Xingzhou isn’t brain-damaged; he wouldn’t commit murder on the night he returned to the capital. If he really wanted to kill someone, why not return to the capital a day early, kill him, quietly leave the city, and then swagger back the next day? Wouldn’t that leave no suspicion at all?”

Sheng Qingfeng chuckled in exasperation. “Do you think my Zhen Mosi’s methods are just for show, to fall for your childish ruse!”

Huo Zhang grunted twice, muttering softly, “I don’t think you’re that smart either.”

He had already said what needed to be said; what he wanted to convey was that Lu Xingzhou wasn’t so foolish as to commit murder on the night he returned to the capital.

Lu Xingzhou had been observing their conversation. At this moment, he smiled slightly, cupped his hands, and said, “Thank you, Second Young Master, for speaking up for justice.”

Huo Zhang said, “You’re welcome. If I hadn’t invited you for a drink, this trouble wouldn’t have happened, right? Damn it, don’t let me find out who it was. Killing my brother and then framing my other brother… hmm.”

Huo Zhang’s words were almost explicitly telling Lu Xingzhou that he hadn’t killed the person either, and that he knew killing at such a time would lead to “framing Lu Xingzhou,” and that he wouldn’t have chosen this time to prove his strength by taking someone’s head.

Of course, deliberate intent couldn’t be ruled out.

“Alright,” Sheng Qingfeng said blandly. “You brothers can talk later. Lu Xingzhou, you said you needed your suspicion established first, and it has been. Although it doesn’t truly prove your motive, you should know that after sifting through the entire capital, only you remain suspicious.”

Lu Xingzhou thought for a moment. “Indeed, if we’re strictly talking about suspicion, it seems I’m the only one.”

“Then after you returned to Dan Academy last night, who can prove that you didn’t leave?”

Pei Chuyun, fanning herself in the crowd outside the hall and listening in, had been smiling, but now she looked unsettled.

Strange, did Sheng Xiaogua’s father want to use this opportunity to get rid of the young punk who abducted his daughter? Why was he pressuring Lu Xingzhou so much with every sentence?

Or was it because the Emperor was watching, and he had to show that he wasn’t favoring Lu Xingzhou?

If that was the case, would Lu Xingzhou have a hard time, and would he need help?

In the hall, Lu Xingzhou was saying, “But have you not considered that, with Huo Lu’s death, everyone would suspect me, and so someone might exploit this common assumption to deliberately frame me?”

Sheng Qingfeng said blandly, “Of course, we don’t rule out that possibility, but the Zhen Mosi needs to investigate each person one by one. First, we need to clarify your whereabouts. If you can clear yourself of suspicion, that would naturally be best. Otherwise, if there’s insufficient evidence to close the case, you’ll have to live with this suspicion hanging over you, which isn’t a good thing.”

Those words were true. Pei Chuyun squeezed through the crowd and blurted out, “Last night, he was with me…”

Lu Xingzhou’s ears twitched, deeply moved.

The little demoness had always been unwilling to go public, wanting to maintain a cold and unapproachable image, making Lu Xingzhou “pursue” her. Mainly, she had just returned to the Pei family and needed to establish an image, and she didn’t want Pei Qingyan to think she was a loose woman from a pleasure-seeking background.

By now, her reputation as the capital’s foremost talented woman had spread throughout the land, making her even more valuable. It would be even less suitable for rumors to spread about her private rendezvous with a man at night, or her carefully cultivated reputation would instantly crumble.

Yet, the little demoness remained unwavering, simply to clear his name and prevent the Emperor from having an opportunity to target him.

What a wonderful little demoness.

But Pei Chuyun’s act of sacrificing her reputation to clear her lover’s name couldn’t continue. Lu Xingzhou reacted extremely quickly; before she could finish her sentence, he quietly tickled her armpit with a spell.

The little demoness’s words caught in her throat, turning into giggles.

Sheng Qingfeng’s gaze finally turned over. “Miss Pei, this is not a place for jokes.”

Clearly, her half-spoken words turning into giggles appeared as a joke to everyone.

Pei Chuyun shot Lu Xingzhou a resentful look. Just as she was about to say something, an elder’s deep voice came from behind her: “Lu Xingzhou was with this humble one last night.”

Pei Chuyun turned in surprise and saw A’nuo quickly approaching with a Taoist-robed elder.

The new acting Imperial Preceptor, Su Yuan, an elder from Tianyao Sacred Land.

He was not a monk, and was wearing a Taoist robe against his will. He hadn’t even chosen a Taoist name or warmed his seat before A’nuo hastily dragged him over to save the day.

Pei Chuyun’s expression became very strange.

Hmm, he was with you last night… so the person he so diligently “ploughed” and “bit cherries” with last night was you?

Su Yuan entered the main hall. Sheng Qingfeng also had a hint of a smile in his eyes as he asked, “Is the Imperial Preceptor’s statement true? Did Lu Xingzhou leave Dan Academy to meet the Imperial Preceptor, or did the Imperial Preceptor sneak into Dan Academy to secretly meet with Lu Xingzhou?”

“Naturally, it is true.” Su Yuan said blandly, “But this humble one must correct Chief Sheng. There was no ‘sneaking in’ or ‘secret meeting.’ This humble one was already at Dan Academy last night, researching His Majesty’s case files for treatment. Knowing that Lu Xingzhou had returned, I drank and conversed with him until late into the night.”

The hall fell silent. Huo Xingyuan’s eyes flickered, and he pondered without speaking.

When the Imperial Preceptor spoke, even if it was just a temporary one, the meaning was different.

His status was sufficient for his words to be “golden and inviolable”; whatever he said was evidence.

In reality, he wasn’t at Dan Academy yesterday, but no one could investigate. Whatever he said, went.

After all, he represented not just the position of Imperial Preceptor, but also the peerless figure, Ye Tinglan.

Su Yuan secretly thought, *The person who truly represents Ye Tinglan is currently being questioned by you all… Damn it, do you even know why I’m acting in this position? Firstly, it’s because I’m familiar with Lu Xingzhou and was specifically sent to assist him. Secondly, it’s because I’ve previously worked at the Imperial Observatory and am familiar with the affairs.*

*Assisting Lu Xingzhou is the priority, understand?*

*Otherwise, with so many elders in Tianyao Sacred Land, why would it be my turn?*

*Yet, Lu Xingzhou just returned, and before I could even meet him, you’re interrogating him as a suspect. If the Sect Master finds out about this, I’ll lose a layer of skin.*

Sheng Qingfeng said, “May I ask why the Imperial Preceptor deigned to converse with Lu Xingzhou last night?”

Su Yuan said blandly, “When Lu Xingzhou went to the Tianshuang trials, he and this humble one conversed very happily and became fast friends despite our age difference. His alchemy is unique and thought-provoking, with many points for discussion. Do you all not know that the currently popular marrow transplant treatment for blood carbuncles was Lu Xingzhou’s medical treatise during his Dan Academy examination? When three walk together, one is bound to be my teacher. Although this humble one is First Rank, I should still remain humble.”

“Well said.” Sheng Qingfeng praised.

He stopped pretending. Where did he want to interrogate Lu Xingzhou? His words seemed like an interrogation, but in reality, he was constantly steering the conversation towards “clearing Lu Xingzhou’s suspicion.” Now that the Imperial Preceptor had vouched for him, Sheng Qingfeng didn’t even bother to keep up appearances and directly announced, “Young Master Lu, please don’t be offended, this was merely a routine inquiry. Since Young Master Lu was with the Imperial Preceptor last night, he naturally has no suspicion. You may return.”

“Wait a moment.” Lu Xingzhou, however, began to push his luck. “Just now, Chief Sheng said that suspects should be investigated one by one, first ruling out my suspicion before discussing others. Now that my suspicion has been eliminated, what about the second suspect?”

Sheng Qingfeng’s eyes held a smile. “There is no second suspect for now.”

“I’ll offer one, ha.” Lu Xingzhou leisurely said, “As I just mentioned, someone caused trouble right after I entered the capital, with the motive of framing me. So, shouldn’t the suspect be investigated from among my enemies?”

Sheng Qingfeng said, “For example?”

Lu Xingzhou said, “Young Master Huo Three, Huo Heng, who I fought with last night.”

Sheng Qingfeng’s smile deepened. “He and Huo Lu are brothers.”

“What a coincidence,” Lu Xingzhou said blandly. “So am I.”

The whole hall was in an uproar. Huo Xingyuan’s eyes suddenly blazed with sharp light, Huo Qi’s expression was ashen, and Huo Zhang wore a half-smile.

Was this the first time Lu Xingzhou had publicly stated that he and the Huo family members were brothers?

Even though he used to casually call out “Fourth Brother” and “Sixth Brother,” the concept was different!

Lu Xingzhou ignored the varied gazes of the crowd and said blandly, “So since I have to be interrogated, Huo Heng naturally has to be as well… and even…”

Saying this, he pointed to Huo Qi, who was standing behind Huo Xingyuan. “Huo Qi, too.”

A murmur of private conversations arose in the public court, turning into a chaotic mess.

So, Lu Xingzhou’s meaning was that the entire Huo family was under suspicion. And not just brothers; looking at where his finger pointed, was he really pointing at Huo Qi?

He even wanted to drag Huo Xingyuan down with him!

Sheng Qingfeng, despite his excellent training in stifling laughter, almost failed to hold it in. He said blandly, “This humble one has his own considerations. The conclusion for today will first be reported to His Majesty. Court is temporarily adjourned.”

With that, he rose from his seat and asked Su Yuan, “Since the Imperial Preceptor has graced us with his presence, would you like to have a meal before you leave?”

“No need,” Su Yuan said blandly. “This humble one has pressing matters, Chief, please don’t be so courteous.”

The two exchanged idle pleasantries, their peripheral vision both on Lu Xingzhou.

Over there, Huo Xingyuan was walking towards Lu Xingzhou, stopping in front of him and staring intently into Lu Xingzhou’s eyes. Lu Xingzhou met his gaze calmly.

After a long stare, Huo Xingyuan slowly spoke, “How about coming to the Huo family for dinner today?”

Lu Xingzhou smiled faintly. “Certainly.”

The expressions of those eavesdropping changed somewhat. Lu Xingzhou going back to the Huo family for dinner…

The implications within this…

“However…” Lu Xingzhou smiled faintly. “Marquis Huo, please return first. I still need to speak with a friend and will come later.”

Everyone followed his gaze and saw Pei Chuyun standing there like a white flower.

To “talk” with a woman, he left a First Rank Marquis, possibly his own father, waiting… Such arrogance…

Huo Xingyuan said, “With Huo Lu’s death so recent… when can’t you talk about childish things?”

“My apologies, Marquis Huo,” Lu Xingzhou’s smile faded, and he said coldly, “Even if ten thousand Huo Lus died, they wouldn’t be worth a single hair on her head.”