“Third, the current City Lord of Firesilk City, Meng Kui, possesses a divine ability known as ‘Watching the Mountain.’ It is truly extraordinary.”

“Of Meng Family’s Four Great Generals, Meng Kui is the sole strategist. He has managed Firesilk Immortal City for many years, achieving political harmony and universal satisfaction.”

“You possess Golden Core cultivation, the Heaven-granted Golden Eyes, and are protected by the nation’s treasury of magical treasures. Your combat prowess is remarkable.”

“However, once Meng Kui unleashes ‘Watching the Mountain,’ it creates an aura of fortune, causing drastic changes in the destinies of those within its sphere of influence.”

“Treasures capable of suppressing fortune are exceedingly rare. Without a powerful artifact to guard you, it will be difficult to stabilize your own fate, and you will be vulnerable to interference.”

“I shall bestow upon you a ‘Wind-Rising Chime’ as a warning!”

“This subject kowtows in gratitude for the King’s grace!” Zhu Xuanji once again knelt halfway to the ground.

Finally, the King of South Bean Kingdom waved his hand, “The intelligence concerning the Molten Lava Immortal Palace is confidential, recorded within the royal family’s secret realms. Before you depart, examine it thoroughly. It will assist you in completing this mission. Remember, all secrets are inviolable and must not be divulged!”

“This subject obeys!” Zhu Xuanji accepted the command and withdrew.

Zhu Xuanji left the capital city.

Alone and incognito, he journeyed far and wide, finally arriving at Firesilk Mountain.

“The Meng Family…” Zhu Xuanji’s expression grew grave.

Within the South Bean Kingdom, the Su Family and the Meng Family were equally renowned and possessed comparable power.

Zhu Xuanji proceeded covertly, reaching the mountain peak before being discovered.

He employed his Heaven-granted Golden Eyes, gazing towards the Molten Lava Immortal Palace. This was his first time beholding it in person.

He, along with Chi Dun, visited the Zheng Family, obtaining information regarding the Shadow Demon cultivators.

He delved deep into the Crimson Flame Demon Caverns, using the ‘Root-Tracing Source-Seeking Art’ to discover that the Fire Spirits and the Clockwork Fire Apes were the true culprits behind the Immortal Palace’s destruction.

Then, the investigation stalled.

Whether it was the Clockwork Fire Apes or the Fire Spirits, both leads were evidently manipulated, possessing little value!

During the Firesilk Festival, Zhu Xuanji monitored the entire scene, failing to detect even a trace of the Shadow Demon cultivator.

Yuan Dasheng’s performance elicited his sympathy.

Yuan Er, on the other hand, disappointed and disgusted him.

From the fragments of the Clockwork Fire Apes, he once again gathered numerous clues.

He resolutely abandoned them, believing it to be the enemy’s diversion, unwilling to waste his energy and time.

He surmised that the Shadow Demon cultivator was likely in league with a certain power within the city.

The adversary had long prepared against the Root-Tracing Source-Seeking Art, concealing themselves deeply, a formidable opponent.

Zhu Xuanji resolved to apply himself diligently.

He requested all the records of the Four Great Factions, constructing a list of suspects.

He deliberately made the list public, hoping to flush out the enemy.

Zhu Xuanji acted conspicuously, beginning his investigation with Li Leifeng.

As a result, he fell into a trap!

Li Leifeng died of old age.

Zhu Xuanji secretly investigated, confirming it to be true.

Thereafter, he dedicated his time entirely to inspecting Firesilk Immortal City, reviewing the past performances of officials and clerks, but found no suitable candidate.

He specifically wrote a memorial and sent it to the royal court, detailing the situation and hoping that the Zhu Family could dispatch a member to assume the responsibility of the orchard.

Zhu Xuanji continued his investigation, eliminating Zhao Die and Liu Ying when demon cultivators resisted.

He confirmed that they did not possess the ‘String-of-Life’ divine ability.

He acted boldly and ostentatiously, triggering a series of reactions.

Demon cultivators and rogue cultivators within Firesilk Immortal City either fled, formed alliances, or sought refuge.

But Zhu Xuanji was unperturbed.

The investigation proceeded steadily.

During this time, the Qi Refining prodigies of the Four Factions were simultaneously ambushed and assassinated.

Zhu Xuanji immediately took action, launching an investigation. He uncovered many clues, but the crucial points had all been severed.

However, most still pointed to Fei Si.

Zhu Xuanji knew in his heart and remained patient.

He was deeply disappointed, knowing that this was not the true culprit he sought.

Instead, it was a secret confrontation between the Four Great Factions.

The three families wanted to use him, turning him into a weapon to attack the City Lord’s Mansion, all for their own benefit.

Zhu Xuanji understood perfectly.

He questioned Su Xiyao.

During the interrogation, the Zhou Family specifically dispatched a family elder to support Su Xiyao.

Zhu Xuanji did not detect Su Xiyao lying and walked out of the Zhou Family with an impassive expression.

“Interesting!” He looked up at the sky.

Such a blatant disturbance, alarming countless individuals, yet failing to provoke the true culprit.

“The mastermind is deeply hidden!”

Zhu Xuanji unfolded the list of suspects and examined it again.

His list was divided into three segments.

The first segment consisted of cultivators who were confirmed to have entered the Molten Lava Immortal Palace, such as the two Golden Core cultivators from the Zheng Family, a Golden Core ancestor from the Zhou Family, Li Leifeng, Zhao Die, Liu Ying, Su Xiyao, and so on.

The second segment consisted of cultivators with considerable skill in mechanisms and fitting the criteria for entering the Palace, but the Four Great Factions had no records of their entry and exit. This included the Disheveled-Hair Guest.

The third segment consisted of those with skill in mechanisms, who had either entered and exited the Palace without a record or were generally believed to be dead.

He had already investigated the first segment. Now, it was time for the second segment.

After investigating two individuals, it was the Disheveled-Hair Guest’s turn.

The Disheveled-Hair Guest was very mysterious but had sold numerous, large-scale, clockwork creations on the black market.

His last appearance was when he, along with Han Ming, raided Purple Sun Residence, successfully stealing a large quantity of pills in cooperation with a mysterious third party.

Oddly, these pills appeared in Firesilk Forest and then mysteriously disappeared.

Zhu Xuanji had long been aware of this clue, but after careful consideration, he felt that the Disheveled-Hair Guest and the Shadow Demon cultivator were unlikely to be related.

Sun Lie had tampered with the pills to guard against Han Ming!

The Disheveled-Hair Guest’s group had likely discerned this method, realizing the pills were unusable, so they abandoned them.

However, having toiled in vain, they threw the pills directly into Firesilk Forest out of revenge or to shift the blame, framing the Shadow Demon cultivator.

Once the City Lord’s Mansion and the Shadow Demon cultivator fought, Firesilk Forest would inevitably suffer, and the City Lord’s Mansion would suffer heavy losses.

At that time, these demon cultivators would watch from the sidelines, undoubtedly gloating and rejoicing.

Zhu Xuanji approved of Fei Si’s handling of the Firesilk Forest situation.

Fei Si performed his duties diligently, truly protecting the vast wealth of Firesilk Forest.

This was both for the City Lord’s Mansion and for the South Bean Kingdom.

Zhu Xuanji’s reasoning for dismissing the Disheveled-Hair Guest and Shadow Demon cultivator’s relationship was quite simple and direct.

If the Disheveled-Hair Guest and others were truly involved with the Shadow Demon cultivator, why not secretly send the pills?

Why make such a conspicuous show, letting everyone know?

And now, Zhu Xuanji was still investigating the Disheveled-Hair Guest, following the list.
“The Lord of the Black Market is named Sun Lingtong, a peak Foundation Establishment cultivator and an outer sect disciple of the Bukong Sect. He must know something!”

Harboring this thought, Zhu Xuanji came knocking.

“The Drooping-Haired Guest, eh?”

Sun Lingtong’s large eyes darted around as he said with a cheeky grin, “Lord Zhu, what do you want with him?”

Zhu Xuanji remained expressionless. “You only need to cooperate and tell me the details. What I want him for is none of your concern.”

Sun Lingtong scratched his head. “Oh dear, I can’t possibly lie in front of Lord Zhu!”

Zhu Xuanji nodded slightly. “Sun Lingtong, I’ve investigated you. Although you’re the Lord of the Black Market, you’re not a heinous villain. Over the years, you’ve rectified the Black Market and adhered to the rules you’ve set yourself. In a way, you’ve prevented many bloody conflicts.”

“Just tell the truth, and I won’t make things difficult for you!”

Sun Lingtong spread his hands. “Then I’ll speak plainly. I know the whereabouts of the Drooping-Haired Guest, but if you want to know, you’ll need this!”

Saying that, Sun Lingtong extended a delicate finger and rubbed it in front of Zhu Xuanji.

“You want money? Heh!”

Zhu Xuanji was amused. “In all my years of handling cases, I’ve never had to bribe for information. You’re testing my limits, you audacious brat!”

“Hmm?” Suddenly, a glint of golden light flashed in Zhu Xuanji’s eyes.

His expression changed. “That’s not right. You’re lying.”

“Even if I paid you, you wouldn’t reveal the truth!”

This time, it was Sun Lingtong’s turn to change color.

“Interesting!”

Zhu Xuanji stared at Sun Lingtong, his eyes blazing with golden light. “You’re protecting the Drooping-Haired Guest so fiercely. Could it be that you were involved in the Ziyang Courtyard case as well?”

Sun Lingtong cried out, “Lord Zhu, what are you talking about?”

“You’re trying to frame me!”

“I-I-I’m just a child. How can you, a grown man, accuse me so openly, bullying me?”

“Help! Someone come and see! Divine Enforcer Zhu is bullying people!”

Sun Lingtong plopped down on the ground, pounding his chest and stamping his feet as he wailed loudly, “It’s too much! They have no conscience! Members of the royal family bullying children!”

“Wuwuwu.”

“I can’t live on, I can’t live on!”

“I’ve been wronged, framed by the Zhu family, the famed Divine Enforcer making accusations without evidence.”

“How am I supposed to live after this?”

“My reputation!”

“What will people think of me? Heavens!”

“I’d rather just die, wuwuwu, I’m so pitiful!”

“Quick, record this scene on a jade scroll, I’ll keep it for future grievances!”

“Come and see, the Zhu royal family is bullying ordinary folk!”

Sun Lingtong sobbed and wailed, rolling around on the ground, flailing his delicate arms and legs.

Zhu Xuanji: …

The small vendor who had been kicked to the ground by Sun Lingtong just moments before: …

However, the burly men brought by Sun Lingtong remained silent, accustomed to this.

One of them actually pulled out a jade scroll and held it in his hand, recording the scene.

Zhu Xuanji was so infuriated that he laughed out loud. “You think you can escape my investigation with this kind of tantrum?”

“Sun Lingtong, stand up, don’t make me look down on you!”

Sun Lingtong wailed, “No, I won’t, come and see, someone’s bullying a child!”

He cried while crawling towards Zhu Xuanji.

Zhu Xuanji instinctively took a few steps back, but Sun Lingtong still managed to grab his leg.

Zhu Xuanji was enraged, kicking and shouting, “Sun Lingtong, you run the Black Market, you’re a figure of prominence! What difference is there between you and a three-year-old child now?”

Sun Lingtong, “I don’t care, you’re just bullying me, if you have evidence, then take it out!”

“Wuwuwu, my Sect Elders aren’t here, so you take advantage of the weak and young, are you even human?”

The commotion attracted many gazes.

Zhu Xuanji’s face turned green as he frantically kicked.

Sun Lingtong clung on tightly, refusing to let go, like a leech.

He even rubbed his face against Zhu Xuanji’s trouser leg, smearing snot and tears on it.

Zhu Xuanji, “Sun Lingtong, you’re going too far!”

Sun Lingtong shouted, “Just beat me to death, Lord Zhu, just beat a child to death. You’re the Zhu Divine Enforcer who investigates the concealed and brings peace to the people, how could you possibly be wrong?”

End of Chapter.