五月丁香五月丁香激情

Min Jiangtao frowned deeply. “What exactly happened to Mo Qing? I heard it was Emperor Han Qianchou of the Hanyuan Dynasty who caused his demise.”

Previously, Min Jiangtao had harbored doubts, wondering if Ling Buyang was behind it. But seeing Elder Ouyang supporting Ling and Yue Longxiao also taking his side, those suspicions dissipated, replaced by a sense of absurdity.

With such powerful figures backing him, forget about Mo Qing—even if Ling’s teacher were slain, no one would dare utter a word in protest. In this world, strength reigns supreme.

Moreover, just now, if the elder seated here had casually ordered, “Kill him,” Elder Ouyang would undoubtedly have obeyed without hesitation. In that sense, Ling had actually saved Mo Qing’s life. How could he then be the one to have murdered him?

“Yes, it’s precisely that man…” Zhang Xuan reiterated the excuse he had given Yue Longxiao earlier: Han Qianchou had invited them to a banquet where Mo Qing took a liking to the Prince of Pingyuan’s consort. A conflict broke out, and Mo Qing was killed.

“That’s exactly what happened. I saw it all with my own eyes. It’s the absolute truth,” Yue Longxiao earnestly corroborated, his tone leaving no room for doubt. Since Mo Qing had left the courtyard, Yue Longxiao had been present, witnessing every event unfold. He held the most authoritative account.

“For a woman, Han Qianchou dared to attack Junior Brother Mo Qing? Who gave him such audacity?” Min Jiangtao squinted, his disbelief evident.

When had the Mo Dao Sect’s deterrence weakened to this extent? Could a mere dynasty now act so recklessly? Even if Mo Qing had committed a grave offense, shouldn’t they have first informed his teacher before deciding his fate?

“Take me to see Han Qianchou. I’ll question him directly. Even if Junior Brother Mo Qing was at fault, it’s not his place to deal out such punishment!” After a moment of contemplation, Min Jiangtao waved decisively.

Although he trusted the account from Zhang Xuan and Yue Longxiao, he still needed to verify the specifics. Otherwise, he wouldn’t know how to answer his teacher.

“Yes!” Zhang Xuan nodded and turned to Yue Longxiao. “Might I trouble Sect Master Yue to accompany us as a witness? If His Majesty Han Qianchou admits to killing Senior Brother Mo Qing, we can promptly relay the news back to Zouyi Dynasty.”

“Of course! I’ll gladly assist!” Yue Longxiao readily agreed. Despite Elder Ouyang’s departure, with three prodigies present, the gathering remained significant. Strengthening ties here was an opportunity he couldn’t miss.

“Let’s go!”

Seeing Yue Longxiao’s agreement, Zhang Xuan breathed a sigh of relief and led the group out of the mansion. Knowing that the emperor was nearby in a teahouse, Zhang Xuan avoided advancing straight ahead. Instead, he approached the hidden guards surrounding them.

Before he got close, a large group of soldiers surrounded the area.

“Vice Hall Master Ling, please return to the mansion…” The leader, a young man in azure armor, appeared to be about thirty years old.

“So, I’m under house arrest now? Excellent! Just wonderful!” Zhang Xuan’s face filled with indignation. “Has the Mo Dao Sect truly declined to the point where we can be humiliated so blatantly?”

He subtly glanced at Min Jiangtao, who predictably wore a grim expression. Any lingering doubts Min Jiangtao had about Han Qianchou’s role in Mo Qing’s death were rapidly vanishing.

“We’re merely following orders. Please forgive us, Vice Hall Master Ling…” the young man said with a placating gesture.

Zhang Xuan snorted. “Fine, I won’t proceed any further. But you must immediately inform Han Qianchou that my Senior Brother Min Jiangtao demands an audience. Tell him to come here and pay his respects!”

“This…” The young man hesitated.

Zhang Xuan frowned. “My senior brother isn’t just a powerful figure in the Mo Dao Sect; he’s also an elder of Zouyi Dynasty’s Destiny Hall. Relay the message truthfully, and I’m certain Han Qianchou will make a wise decision!”

“Yes!” Though reluctant, the guard turned to leave and soon returned. “His Majesty is waiting at the teahouse ahead. He asks that you come to meet him.”

“What? He wants us to go to him and pay respects?” Zhang Xuan trembled with anger, his face reddening.

Even Yue Longxiao was dumbfounded. “What’s wrong with Han Qianchou? Didn’t he used to be quite reserved? How did he become so audacious today?”

After taking a few deep breaths, Zhang Xuan suppressed his fury and looked at Min Jiangtao apologetically. “Senior Brother, it’s my lack of influence in Hanyuan City that’s dragging you into this…”

“No matter. I’ll see for myself what kind of backing this Han Qianchou relies on!” Min Jiangtao declared, motioning for the guard to lead the way.

The group arrived at the teahouse where Zhang Xuan had previously met Han Qianchou. Inside, the seating arrangement had changed slightly. Han Qianchou sat comfortably at the head of the table. Without looking up as they entered, he casually poured tea.

“Han Qianchou! My senior brother is here, and you still won’t pay your respects?” Zhang Xuan shouted, clenching his fists.

“Silence! His Majesty is preparing tea. How dare you interrupt him? Do you want to die?” a gold-armored guard bellowed.

“Enough!” Han Qianchou waved a hand and set the teapot down, finally glancing up. His gaze fell on Min Jiangtao. “You must be Min Jiangtao. Take a seat. Once the tea is ready, I’ll address your questions.”

He briefly shifted his gaze to Yue Longxiao and offered him a reassuring wink, as though signaling, Don’t worry, I’ve got this.

“???” Yue Longxiao was thoroughly confused. You’re acting arrogant, but why are you looking at me?

“You’re bold. Very bold,” Min Jiangtao seethed, his body trembling with rage. His initial suspicion—that Mo Qing may have provoked the incident—was fading. It seemed more likely Han Qianchou had deliberately sought conflict.

Even Yue Longxiao, known for his patience, couldn’t hold back. “Your Majesty, this Elder Min is the second disciple of the Mo Dao Sect Master himself…”

“I know! Sect Master Yue, no need to worry. I understand your concerns,” Han Qianchou interrupted with a smile, winking again at Yue Longxiao.

“What? Understand? Understand what?” Yue Longxiao was utterly baffled. I’m telling you to show respect, not to escalate this further! What is wrong with this guy?

Clearly, something was seriously wrong.

Author\'s Note