364 Entering Lingjian Villa

However, Xiao Ge also mentioned that the various sects in all corners of the country sometimes have their own internal identification methods. Therefore, their waist badges might differ from those commonly used. Thus, this waist badge might also belong to Lingjian Villa.

With this information, Qiao Muchen and his companions decided to go to Lingjian Villa to investigate.

However, Wei Shulan stayed in the Capital City because she needed to discuss weapon designs with the Feng Clan's young general.

There was known collusion between officials and people from all corners of the country. Coupled with the current political unrest in the imperial court, Zhao Yue decided to stay in the Capital City. His purpose was to monitor the court's movements and coordinate with Zhao Zhitong and the others from the inside.

After making the decision, Qiao Muchen and Zhao Zhitong set off for Anyang County first.

「At the beginning of February」

The weather had started to warm up, and Lingjian Villa held a grand ceremony for the Young Master's succession in the early spring.

People from all corners of the country came to attend, making it an unprecedentedly lively event.

As friends of Liu Baixue, Qiao Muchen and Zhao Zhitong naturally received invitations.

Liu Baixue personally welcomed Zhao Zhitong and Qiao Muchen into the manor.

The two friends, who hadn't seen each other for a long time, were very excited to meet again. Zhao Zhitong's main concern was still Liu Baixue's health. She was relieved after learning that Liu Baixue had been taking her medicine on time and seeing that her vitality had indeed improved considerably.

Chatting, the two arrived at Liu Baixue's residence.

Zhao Zhitong also subtly inquired about matters concerning Lingjian Villa.

Liu Baixue was incredibly astute; no matter how subtly Zhao Zhitong inquired, she could sense it.

After they entered the room, Liu Baixue asked, "Finished asking? Is there anything else you want to know?"

Zhao Zhitong couldn't help but smile awkwardly and said to Qiao Muchen, "See? I told you Xue is so perceptive. We can't hide anything from her."

Liu Baixue's voice, though usually cool, was exceptionally gentle and pleasant. "You knew you couldn't hide it from me, yet you still didn't tell me?" she asked. "After all our years of friendship, what is it? Have you stopped trusting me?"

Zhao Zhitong naturally trusted Liu Baixue. She was just worried that Liu Baixue would be hurt if this matter was related to Lingjian Villa.

But in the end, she sighed and explained everything.

After hearing Zhao Zhitong's account, Liu Baixue's beautiful face showed no trace of surprise, as if she had known all along.

Indeed, in the next moment, Liu Baixue said, "I actually suspected as much. You know my father is obsessed with martial arts techniques. For a long time now, the villa's authority has effectively been usurped by my Uncle. That Uncle of mine is a man of deep schemes and great ambition, always involved in clandestine activities underground."

"He even had an underground manor built beneath our villa and has been secretly engaged in mysterious dealings there. I've been investigating, but I haven't uncovered anything concrete yet."

"Now that you've mentioned it, I can largely guess it might have been my Uncle's doing. I've seen this type of waist badge on him before."

Qiao Muchen and Zhao Zhitong exchanged a look; they both knew what this meant.

Now that they had found the individual from all corners of the country colluding with the imperial court, their next step was to identify the court official working with Master Liu.

Today, with the Liu Clan's celebration drawing a large and diverse crowd, it was the perfect opportunity for them to investigate, as there were many people and watchful eyes.

After understanding Zhao Zhitong's intentions, Liu Baixue gave them a map of the Liu Mansion, reminding them, "Be careful. If you encounter any danger, run towards the rockery nearby. There's a secret passage there that leads directly to my room. I'll help cover for you."

Once their plan was settled, they decided to act immediately. Zhao Zhitong and Qiao Muchen bid farewell to Liu Baixue and began to wander around Lingjian Villa, feigning a tour.

Following Liu Baixue's map and directions, the two successfully entered Master Liu's room.

As expected, they found nothing in the room, but they accidentally discovered and opened a secret door.

After exchanging a glance, they went inside.

「Meanwhile」

The succession ceremony had officially begun, and the Dragon Spring Sword, the heirloom symbolizing the authority of Lingjian Villa's successive Villa Masters, was presented. Instantly, it captured the attention of everyone present.

"Is this the famous Dragon Spring Sword? I never thought I'd live to see it."

"What's the Dragon Spring Sword? Is it a very powerful weapon?"

"Are you new to all corners of the country? You don't even know of the Dragon Spring Sword! This Dragon Spring Sword is the treasure of Lingjian Villa. When the Dragon Spring Sword appears, who can contend against it? Only successive Villa Masters are permitted to wield it."

"Is it really that formidable?"

"Absolutely."

That man spouted a lot of nonsense; in truth, he himself didn't know what made the Dragon Spring Sword so precious.

Only the successive Villa Masters knew the secret it held.

Amidst the buzz of countless discussions, the Dragon Spring Sword was slowly brought onto the stage. Liu Yian, dressed in white, stood spiritedly on the high platform, awaiting the presentation of the sword to complete the final rites of succession.

However, just at this moment, several dark figures suddenly appeared. One of them threw a rope that wrapped directly around the Dragon Spring Sword. In the next second, the sword flew out of reach.

"Ah! Someone is stealing the Dragon Spring Sword!"

The people of Lingjian Villa moved to stop the thieves from taking the Dragon Spring Sword. However, among the guests attending today, many saw an opportunity to fish in troubled waters and seize the sword for themselves. Under the guise of helping retrieve the sword, they secretly sowed chaos, and the scene instantly descended into turmoil.

The thieves seemed accustomed to such acts; they were well-trained and experienced. Aided by several 'troublemakers' also hoping to fish in troubled waters, the Dragon Spring Sword was thus stolen.

Without the Dragon Spring Sword, the succession ceremony had to be temporarily halted.

「Meanwhile」

Liu Baixue was sitting quietly in her room, embroidering. No matter how noisy and chaotic it was outside, she remained perfectly calm and composed.

Only when her subordinates reported that someone had stolen the Dragon Spring Sword during the succession ceremony did Liu Baixue finally put down her needlework. She summoned her confidants and instructed them to investigate her Uncle's activities.

She was somewhat worried about Zhao Zhitong and Qiao Muchen's safety, as they had disappeared after going out.

She waited late into the night, but there was still no news of the pair. However, her subordinates reported that there was no unusual activity from her Uncle's side either. They must still be safe for now, she reasoned.

Thinking this, she waved her hand. "Alright, you may all leave. I'm tired and wish to rest."

After her attendants had departed, Liu Baixue rose, blew out the candles, donned her cloak and veil, and walked to a corner of the room. With a CLICK, a secret passage opened.

After glancing left and right, Liu Baixue turned and entered the passage.

「Outside the city, in the woods behind the City God Temple」

A woman in a white brocade cloak and veil stepped lightly into the forest. After surveying her surroundings, she walked to a tree and clapped her hands three times.

Instantly, three dark figures dropped from the tree.

The leader was holding the Dragon Spring Sword!