Invincibility starts when I see the BOSS health bar.

Chapter 993 Hongmen Banquet

Upon hearing this, everyone agreed that it made sense.

The atmosphere in the hall relaxed again, and the group began to whisper about the chaos of the previous night.

"The commotion last night was truly eerie... The aura of demons was overwhelming, and it felt like the entire capital was shaking."

"Yes, I was on tenterhooks last night too. Speaking of which, what exactly did Qianjin Xun do? He said he went to chase someone? And then that person died? Oh, right, I heard he imprisoned two people before?"

"Well, one is named Song Zhenrong, and the other is named Linghu Xiang. They're both guys who recently came to the capital. I don't know how they offended Master Qian, so they were imprisoned, but they were rescued..."

"They rescued them? Who has such great abilities to rescue people in the Foolish Underworld? And even kill Master Qian?"

"Who knows...then the lord of the manor had an accident...could it be that..."

"Shh! Watch your words! This is not something we can get involved in. Let's wait until the new lord arrives."

"Yes, yes, let's drink..."

They whispered amongst themselves, yet no one knew what had truly happened at the heart of last night's chaos, nor the truth behind the deaths of Ya Qingli and Hall Master Qian. A sense of indifference and complacency permeated the hall.

In the afternoon, the sunlight remained dim.

The new lord of the Underworld has arrived at the gates of the Foolish Underworld.

There were no ceremonial guards or attendants, only one person and one horse.

The horse was an ordinary black horse, but the man possessed an indescribable sharpness.

He was tall and imposing, dressed in a dark blue official robe, with a resolute face, sharp eyes, and a taut jawline, exuding an undeniable air of authority.

He dismounted swiftly and cleanly, landing silently.

This person's name is Lei Li.

He stood before the gates of the Foolish Underworld, glancing up at the slightly worn plaque. His eyes held no trace of unfamiliarity or hesitation, only a chilling, somber look. He stepped inside, his steps steady and powerful, each one seemingly treading on the heartbeats of those around him.

The hall masters, stewards, and guards who had received the news were already lined up in front of the council hall to wait.

Zhu Ming, Li Feng, and Wang Meng, the three hall masters, stood at the front, their faces displaying formulaic respect, but each had their own plans in mind, preparing to welcome their new master and possibly "show him the power" or "win him over."

Lei Li walked straight to the front of the council hall, his gaze sweeping over everyone like cold lightning. Without a word of pleasantries, he spoke directly, his voice not loud, but clear enough to reach everyone's ears, carrying the sound of metal and stone:

"I, Lei Li, have been ordered by the imperial court to take over the Yudi Prefecture."

"The former Lord of the Underworld, Ya Qingli, was murdered last night. Hall Master Qian also died in the line of duty yesterday. This is a great disgrace to the Underworld!"

He paused, his gaze sharpening as if a tangible blade were slicing across everyone's faces: "My first decree upon assuming office: Effective immediately, the entire Yudi Prefecture is to be mobilized! At all costs, thoroughly investigate the truth behind the murders of Prefect Ya Qingli and Hall Master Qian! Pursue all those involved! Anyone who slacks off, conceals, or obstructs will be punished as an accomplice!"

boom!
The order was like a thunderclap, exploding above everyone's heads!

The respect on Zhu Ming, Li Feng, and Wang Meng's faces froze instantly, then turned into astonishment and disbelief!

A thorough investigation? At all costs? Treating everyone the same as criminals?!

This is completely different from the attitude of Leng Cun, the star magistrate of Fengtian Prefecture, this morning!

The Star Lord only wanted an "explanation," but the new Lord of the Prefecture wants a "thorough investigation"?!

Moreover, he acted so decisively, showing such a do-or-die attitude right after taking office.

This isn't just a show of force; it's practically trying to tear the sky apart!

"Lord of the Prefecture!" Zhu Mingqiang suppressed the turmoil in his heart, forced a smile, and stepped forward. "Your Excellency is newly appointed and ambitious, which we admire! However... the matter of Lord Ya and Hall Master Qian has far-reaching implications, and Lord Leng Xing of Fengtian Prefecture has already made it clear that a 'complaint' is sufficient within a month. Your Excellency's large-scale operation might be... perhaps inappropriate? What if it alarms those above..."

"An explanation?" Lei Li's lips curled into a cold smile, his eyes filled with undisguised mockery. "What Chief Leng wants is an 'explanation,' but what I want is the 'truth'! As for disturbing the higher-ups?"

He suddenly took a step forward, and an invisible aura burst forth, pressing down on Zhu Ming so much that he couldn't breathe and involuntarily took half a step back, his heart filled with surprise.

Who is this guy? How dare he act like such a troublemaker?

"The deaths of Lord Ya Qingli and Hall Master Qian are by no means isolated incidents!" Lei Li's voice suddenly rose, like the beating of war drums. "Last night, a fierce battle broke out deep within the Foolish Underworld, with demonic energy rampant, affecting the capital and causing great chaos! Fengtian Prefecture has determined that this was a premeditated and organized attack! The deaths of Lord Ya and Hall Master Qian are very likely directly related to this! Fengtian Prefecture attaches great importance to this matter!"

"What?!" "A demon attack?!" "Is it related to the chaos last night?!"

Upon hearing this, not only the three hall masters, but also the deacons and guards lined up behind them stirred up, their faces showing shock.

The terrifying scene from last night is still vivid in my mind. If the deaths of the Lord of the Prefecture and the Thousand Hall Master are truly related to the chaos caused by those demons, then the nature of the matter is completely different!

This is no longer an internal matter of the Foolish Underworld, but a major case concerning the safety of the capital!
"Lord of the Manor, is this true?" Li Feng's voice trembled slightly.

"Hmph!" Lei Li snorted coldly, said nothing more, and directly took out something from his bosom and held it high!

That was a token.

The token was entirely black, neither gold nor jade, and felt heavy and cold to the touch.

On the front of the token are five stars arranged in a ring, emitting a cold, eerie starlight!
It's exactly the same as the badge on Leng Cun's shoulder, only bigger and more imposing!

"The Star Commander of Fengtian Prefecture commands this matter!" Lei Li's voice boomed like thunder in everyone's ears. "Seeing this order is as if the Star Commander himself is here! This prefecture is acting on the Star Commander's secret orders and is fully responsible for the investigation of this case! All officials of the Yudi Prefecture must obey orders and act accordingly. Anyone who disobeys will be executed!"

"Star... Star Commander's Order?!"

The moment Zhu Ming, Li Feng, and Wang Meng saw the token, their faces turned deathly pale, their legs went weak, and they almost knelt down on the spot!
They had just seen Leng Cun in person that morning and felt his terrifying pressure. Now, seeing this token that represented Leng Cun's absolute authority, their fear reached its peak!

This new prefectural lord... actually possesses Leng Xingchang's token?!

This is practically equivalent to acting as the acting star chief!
His statement that "Fengtian Prefecture attaches great importance to this" is by no means an exaggeration!

The things behind Ya Qingli's death are probably far beyond their imagination! "We...we...yes!" The three men had no more hope or perfunctory thoughts, and hurriedly bowed to accept the order, their voices trembling uncontrollably. The people behind them were even more silent, not daring to breathe.

Underestimating the Lord of the Prefecture is one thing, but underestimating the Star Token is tantamount to courting death. Moreover, they don't even know the background of the person in front of them.

Lei Li retracted his token, his gaze sweeping over the terrified faces of the crowd. His tone softened slightly, but remained cold and hard: "You need not be too alarmed. Although this case is dangerous, Fengtian Prefecture is not standing idly by. Lord Xing has already dispatched elite troops to secretly assist our Yudi Prefecture in handling the case. You only need to cooperate fully and obey our orders."

Secret assistance?

Zhu Ming and the others felt a chill run down their spines again. Since Fengtian Prefecture attached such importance to this, why didn't they send people to investigate openly? Instead, they were "secretly assisting" the Foolish Underworld? This didn't make sense! Could there be some deeper taboo involved?

“Lord of the Prefecture,” Li Feng asked cautiously, “Since Fengtian Prefecture has already intervened, why not conduct a direct and open investigation? Why this covert assistance…”

Lei Li glanced at him, his gaze seemingly piercing through to the heart. He didn't answer directly, but instead took out a file from his sleeve and unfolded it.

"This is a preliminary case report compiled by Fengtian Prefecture based on information from various parties." He pointed to the contents of the file. "Yesterday, Master Qian imprisoned and interrogated Song Zhenrong and Linghu Xiang in the secret prison within the prefecture. These two are suspected of being involved in a hidden incident. However, someone impersonated the captain of my Yudi Prefecture and infiltrated the secret prison, rescuing the two!"

"Upon discovering this, Hall Master Qian immediately led his men in pursuit. However... they were ambushed during the chase, which led to Hall Master Qian's tragic end!"

"And shortly after Master Qian's incident, Lord Ya Qingli went out and was subsequently murdered!"

Lei Li's voice was cold and clear, each word like a heavy hammer striking everyone's heart.

“Based on the evidence at the scene, the survivors’ testimonies, and intelligence from the secret agents of Fengtian Prefecture,” Lei Li’s finger pointed heavily to the three names at the end of the file, “all the clues point to these three people: Song Zhenrong! Linghu Xiang! And… a mysterious figure using the alias ‘Diao Deyi’!”

"Diao Deyi?" The name was unfamiliar to everyone.

"This person's identity is a mystery, and his whereabouts are elusive. But Fengtian Prefecture has reason to suspect," Lei Li's eyes sharpened, as if piercing the void, "that the person who impersonated the captain last night to rescue people, ambush and kill Master Qian, and may even have been involved in the plot to murder Master Ya, has a style of doing things that are extremely similar to the 'masked man' who has been committing crimes frequently in and around the capital recently, causing a great uproar! You could even say that their methods are exactly the same!"

Masked man!
This name, like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, stirred up a tidal wave in everyone's hearts!
That elusive, unpredictable, and enigmatic "masked man," who has caused headaches for all the major government departments, could actually be involved in the deaths of the Lord of the Foolish Land and the Hall Master?!
"This...how is this possible?" Wang Meng exclaimed. "The masked man...why would he be targeting our Foolish Underworld?"

"Whether it is or not, we'll find out after we investigate!" Lei Li said decisively. "If even Lord Ya and Hall Master Qian can't handle someone, this prefecture certainly won't send you to your deaths in vain. The secret forces of Fengtian Prefecture are there specifically to deal with such formidable enemies!"

He put away the files, his gaze sharp: "Now, do any of you still have questions?"

"We have no objections! We are at your command, Lord!"

The three hall masters and the crowd behind them responded in unison, without the slightest hesitation. With the Star Lord's decree in hand, the shadow of the masked man looming, and the Fengtian Prefecture providing covert support... they had come to a complete understanding that the depths of this quagmire far exceeded their imagination, and they had no choice but to follow this ruthless new prefectural lord closely.

"very good!"

A fierce glint flashed in Lei Li's eyes. "Send the order! Seal off all entrances and exits within the mansion, and thoroughly investigate all personnel on duty and patrolling last night, leaving no one out! Review all relevant files and records! Dispatch all available spies to track down Song Zhenrong and Linghu Xiang! At the same time, closely monitor all clues related to the 'masked man' inside and outside the capital! Report any clues immediately!"

"Yes!"

The dormant machine of the Foolish Underworld was suddenly activated under the powerful drive of its new master, Lei Li, emitting a tremendous roar filled with an aura of iron and blood.

Groups of people dressed in the attire of the Foolish Underworld poured out, carrying portraits, and stormed into various parts of the capital, especially the areas affected by the chaos of the previous night. They checked pedestrians, searched shops, and broke into residences, their attitude forceful and their methods brutal.

The people of the capital, still reeling from the demonic rampage of the previous night, were filled with anger and fear at the sight of these ruthless and cunning underworld officials, yet dared not utter a word of it. Having just experienced a nightmare, they now faced the iron hooves of the government; the air in the capital was oppressively suffocating.

Just as the Foolish Underworld was being turned upside down by the ruthless methods of its new ruler, Lei Li, a figure stealthily slipped into the backyard of a secluded, dilapidated City God Temple in the capital.

This person was Fang Yu.

He was dressed in an inconspicuous gray cloth robe, his eyes scanning his surroundings warily.

This was one of the hiding and communication points he had previously agreed upon with Hei Ao and Zuo Lü.

After last night's operation, he needed to understand the reaction of the mysterious organization "Juemen," especially their attitude after he "killed" Lulu and the Guardian Elder.

However, the temple was completely empty.

There were only dilapidated statues and dusty altars.

A musty smell permeated the air.

Fang Yu frowned slightly and examined the place carefully. There were no signs of a struggle, no bloodstains, but also no pre-arranged signals.

This is not right. Given Hei Ao and Zuo Lü's cautious nature, if they were to leave, they would definitely leave a message.

His gaze finally settled on an inconspicuous gap in the base of the statue.

There seemed to be something stuffed there. He carefully reached in and pulled out a folded piece of paper.

The paper was of ordinary quality, but the handwriting on it exuded a delicate yet sharp air. Fang Yu unfolded the paper, and the contents made his pupils shrink abruptly:

"Hei Ao and Zuo Lü are in my hands."

The first sentence made Fang Yu's heart sink! A chilling killing intent instantly emanated from him.

He suppressed his anger and continued reading:

“There may be some misunderstandings between us, but right now, I need you, Diao Deyi. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity has arrived. Seize it, and we will soar to unimaginable heights.”

"I have no intention of pursuing the death of Elder Huxin. I will also pretend that your assassination attempt on me never happened. For Elder Yanjin's sake, please meet with me."

"I want to... work with you again!"

The signature at the end was a name that deeply shocked him—Lulu!
Fang Yu's face instantly turned ashen, and his knuckles turned white from gripping the note so tightly.

That woman! She really didn't die!

What methods did she use?
Moreover, after so many things happened, he not only killed Elder Huxin, but also killed her once, almost completely breaking ties with the Juemen sect.

At this point, she actually took the initiative to come to me, not only saying she wouldn't pursue the matter but also wanting to cooperate again?
This is so unusual! It doesn't fit Lulu's vengeful and controlling personality at all!

(End of this chapter)