【One Month Ago · Ministerial Line】
White Grand Preceptor Bai Taishi returned to the capital in a forced march of eight nights from Fulong Camp. His travel-worn robes still carried the frost of the frontier as he first stepped into the Jiying Hall.
On the imperial throne, after the Son of Heaven heard the detailed report of the Purple Judgment Flower case—
The full sequence of how Zhao Chengyuan was framed by Tianji Pavilion and the Wu Clan in a joint conspiracy, nearly reduced to a traitorous criminal—
The dragon face instantly turned iron-dark, and he struck the table in fury:
“Brazen beyond measure! Transmit my decree: order White Grand Preceptor to fully investigate the remaining heretics of Tianji Pavilion. All involved, regardless of official rank, shall be severely punished without exception!”
After receiving the decree and expressing gratitude, White Grand Preceptor did not even have time to drink a cup of hot tea before he drove straight to the headquarters of the Zhenyue Division.
The Zhenyue Division was the heart of the capital’s defense, controlling the deployment of Asura Hunters and mission assignments. Calling it the “security vault of the capital” would not be an exaggeration.
And the one who governed this vault was Commander Zhao Yancheng of the Qin Prince’s lineage—the cousin of Zhao Chengyuan, known in the martial world as the “Yama King Prince.” His methods were ruthless and decisive, and his handsome face was always covered in frost, as if everyone owed him eight hundred taels of silver.
At that time, Zhao Yancheng was bent over reviewing military affairs. The stacked Asura Squad case files on his desk were so high they could block half his body. His ink-stained fingers still carried wet traces.
Upon hearing White Grand Preceptor arrive, he rose to greet him. Fatigue lingered between his brows like ink spreading, yet it could not conceal those sharp eyes like blades that swept over the Grand Preceptor’s dust-covered robes with three parts scrutiny:
“White Grand Preceptor visiting my humble division—this must be a visit with purpose rather than courtesy, yes?”
White Grand Preceptor sat after cupping his hands and spoke directly without greeting:
“Old man indeed has important matters to report.”
“Teacher, please speak.”
Zhao Yancheng’s voice was like a great bell. When he returned to his desk, the sword tassel at his waist swayed slightly, carrying a soldier’s steadiness.
“Does Commander Zhao know of the Purple Judgment Flower incident?”
Zhao Yancheng paused his fingers. A flash of concern passed through his eyes:
“I have heard a little. Dingheng he… is he well?”
“Fortunately, I did not fail. This old man has already clarified the truth and restored Dingheng’s innocence.”
White Grand Preceptor then carefully explained how Tianji Pavilion and the Wu Clan manipulated poison, set up traps, and framed him.
After listening, Zhao Yancheng’s face first showed surprise, then his brows tightened slightly as his tone grew heavier:
“So it seems I must also take caution.”
Although he was always confident, he also knew Tianji Pavilion’s methods were sinister. Since they could frame Dingheng, they could naturally extend their hands into the Zhenyue Division.
White Grand Preceptor, seeing this, continued in a serious tone:
“Tianji Pavilion’s schemes are unfathomable. During this investigation, I deeply felt the precision of their layout. I fear there may also be hidden spies within the Zhenyue Division. I hope the Commander will be vigilant and not underestimate them.”
Zhao Yancheng sneered, slamming his palm onto the desk, shaking the piled documents into disarray like startled pages:
“Teacher worries too much! Everyone in the Zhenyue Division was personally promoted by me—each one loyal. Where would spies come from?”
He changed tone, anger blazing in his eyes, knuckles tightening:
“Rather, that Li Chong’an—border rifts are appearing frequently, monsters are running rampant, and Asura squads are repeatedly hindered in purification missions due to lack of Purification Masters!”
“That man has controlled the selection power of Purification Masters for years. Whenever we request personnel, he either delays endlessly or sends low-quality ‘half-skilled’ ones, or simply refuses allocation, causing countless Asura to die from berserk states!”
“My lifelong ambition is to uproot Li Chong’an and his faction completely, to console the fallen Asura spirits!”
These words were spoken with grinding hatred, as if he would immediately draw his sword and go reason with the Prime Minister’s estate.
White Grand Preceptor sighed:
“The Commander’s resentment, how could I not understand? But whether Li the Prime Minister is connected to Tianji Pavilion, or even colluding with the Wu Clan, the enemy is far more complex than what we see. If there are traitors within the Zhenyue Division leaking information, then not only will we fail to eliminate them, but we may also suffer counterattacks.”
Seeing Zhao Yancheng’s expression shift slightly, White Grand Preceptor pressed on:
“The Central Wanjin Alliance spans the martial world and even foreign lands, with countless elite Asura under its command and a vast intelligence network comparable to the capital’s ‘gossip center.’ I have already requested the Emperor to issue an edict, sending a person to assist the Zhenyue Division. This person possesses great abilities and is a capable member of the Wanjin Alliance. They can help investigate Tianji Pavilion remnants and also replenish Purification Master recruits, relieving your urgent need.”
Zhao Yancheng pondered for a moment, tapping the desk rhythmically:
“If the Wanjin Alliance truly has such talent, then it would naturally be good.”
“Since the Emperor has issued an edict, I will obey.”
White Grand Preceptor nodded and reminded him a few more times to be cautious before taking his leave.
As he exited the Zhenyue Division, he thought inwardly:
“This Zhao Yancheng is straightforward, though his temper is like a firecracker. I only hope he does not cause trouble later.”
【Eight Days Later】
Crown Prince Zhao Jingheng returned from Fenghe Granary still carrying the scent of grain.
This trip to Fenghe Granary was originally to investigate merchant affairs, but unexpectedly uncovered a shocking secret—
The illegitimate son of Prince Kang had been secretly dealing with the Lingxi Merchant Group, selling foreign banned drugs.
After returning, the Crown Prince immediately met White Grand Preceptor and revealed everything, his expression as heavy as storm clouds.
“Does the Grand Preceptor know? That Lingxi Merchant Group appears to trade medicinal goods, but in truth sells foreign narcotics, aphrodisiacs, and even drugs that control the mind!”
He took out a warm transmission stone and handed it over:
“This stone was given by the Wanjin Alliance leader. He said if I need help in the capital, I may seek ‘Mefang Tower’ manager Mudan.”
White Grand Preceptor took the stone, feeling its smooth cold surface, eyes flashing:
“The Wanjin Alliance leader is indeed righteous. Since we have this, let us contact Madam Mudan first.”
【Mefang Tower】
After their discussion, White Grand Preceptor and the Crown Prince set out for Mefang Tower.
Mefang Tower was a strange place in the capital—
A so-called second-largest pleasure house, also operating as both teahouse and brothel, located deep within the western market alleys.
Its exterior appeared elegant and clean, the plaque “Mefang Tower” written with powerful brush strokes, yet inside it concealed both worldly romance and underground intrigue—literati by day, nobles seeking pleasure by night.
Upon entering, there was a courtyard with blue stone flooring, a shallow pond with koi fish, stone tables where scholars drank tea. Passing through led to a teahouse hall, bamboo furniture neatly arranged, ink paintings of winter plum blossoms on the walls. Side corridors led to private rooms where silk lanterns swayed and music and laughter echoed.
A maid in plain dress greeted them, eyes gentle yet sharp:
“May I ask whether you are here for tea or companionship?”
White Grand Preceptor tapped the transmission stone three times and said:
“We are here under the Alliance leader’s command to meet Madam Mudan.”
The maid nodded and led them inward.
Soon, a red figure entered.
Mudan, the manager of Mefang Tower, wore light makeup and a crimson robe. Her expression was both charming and decisive.
She bowed:
“Mudan greets the Crown Prince and White Grand Preceptor. The Alliance leader has already informed me. I will fully assist.”
She handed over a note detailing layouts, guard rotations, and suspicious personnel of the Xunhua Brothel.
White Grand Preceptor praised her intelligence.
Mudan explained that Xunhua Brothel was heavily guarded, involving aristocrats and officials, and that infiltration would require careful planning.
She proposed using merchant disguises and insider assistance.
White Grand Preceptor agreed, emphasizing caution.
Mudan also promised protection and intelligence support.
The Crown Prince acknowledged the plan.
After they left, the sun set over the plaque of Mefang Tower.
The Crown Prince said:
“This place is truly a hidden dragon and crouching tiger.”
White Grand Preceptor smiled:
“In places of pleasure, truth is often hidden most deeply.”