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Chapter 543 I Don't Remember (10,000 words)

"Dreams Come True" weaves a beautiful (yellow) dream of escape.

The old man really thought he could escape through the window.

When he opened the window, he glanced outside, and everything seemed normal.

That's why I stood up.

The windows of the "Dreams Come True" carriage and the windows of the inn rooms are very similar in height and size.

As soon as he stepped into the carriage, he heard a burst of admiration from outside: "Sir, you're amazing! How did you guess that old scoundrel would definitely run out the window?"

This is Zhou Leizi's voice.

But in reality, Zhang Meng, who was hiding in the shadows, was also amazed, having witnessed the adult's abilities firsthand.

Xu Yuan would definitely teach his subordinates what needed to be taught.

"He's older and more experienced. If he were younger, then focus on the doorway, and only leave one person guarding the windows." After saying this, he let them figure it out first, and then Xu Yuan would give them guidance if they couldn't figure it out.

Zhou Leizi was quite quick-witted and immediately realized: "Young people aren't as experienced, so they'll easily believe the waiter's words and open the door."

But the elderly might become alert and flee.

Xu Yuan nodded and added, "When we handle cases and arrest people, we also pay attention to tailoring our approach to the individual."

The key point here is not age, but experience.

At a glance, you should be able to quickly determine whether the thief is a novice or a seasoned veteran.

Newbies need to be dealt with, and seasoned thieves need to be treated like seasoned thieves.

Zhou Leizi nodded repeatedly as he listened, while Zhang Meng, who was hiding in the shadows, listened and pondered at the same time.

The theories adults talk about are not complicated, but it is not easy to apply them in the way adults do.

I need to learn and practice more in the Department of Purification in the future.

But the thought of joining the Exorcism Bureau as I had wished, being trusted by the magistrate, and being brought to the Northern Capital to handle a major case filled me with inexhaustible energy!

If I had this kind of energy back when I was in the prefect's office, I would have tormented "Lang Zai Lai" Xiao Lianhua to pieces!
How could he possibly be fooled by his feigned comfort, "Master, you must be tired from your work today!"
Inside the carriage, the old man heard the sounds outside clearly and was about to shout curses.

But darkness poured in, filling his mouth, his stomach, and his entire body.

He couldn't move; only his thoughts could barely move, and even then, they weren't flowing smoothly.

Suddenly, a little yellow bird flew in from nowhere in the darkness.

The bird emitted a soft yellow light, making it easy to see.

The bird circled around the old man's dog eye again and again, and the old man was afraid that the bird would suddenly fly down and peck at his eyeball.

But the bird displayed a rather human-like expression: bewildered.

The yellow warbler circled around several times, then suddenly realized: it had been replaced with a dog's eye.

No wonder he couldn't see the situation clearly and got caught by Xu Yuan.

Xu Yuan used Zhang Meng to track the scent and captured the old man, but then separated from Zhang Meng and Fu Jingyu halfway there.

They remain hidden in the shadows.

Xu Yuan brought the person back to the inn.

I originally wanted to take him to the county government office for questioning, but then I thought about how the county government office was like a sieve, full of flaws.

So we can only take them back to the inn first.

The interrogation of this old man must be conducted with the presence of three of the supervisors.

His Majesty forbade anyone else to interfere, yet he insisted on having Zang Tianlan and the other two come along to protect him—clearly, His Majesty trusted the Supervisor more.

This old man has tampered with Consort Yi's household registration!

This interrogation must be flawless.

Upon entering the inn, Wenren Luo, holding a teapot in both hands, asked, "Did you catch him?"

The voice of Master Miaoyan rang out in the air beside Xu Yuan: "We've caught him."

Not only the interrogation and arrest procedures, but also the procedures must be flawless.

Therefore, Xu Yuan invited his junior aunt to oversee the operation before taking action.

I don't need her to provide protection, I just want to be a witness.

Zang Tianlan had just taken a shower.

Because he had important business to attend to, he ended his "guidance" to Lang Xiaoba early.

Having changed into a clean and refreshing outfit, Zang Tianlan looked heroic and tall, with a firm and resolute gaze.

Xu Yuan and three of his subordinates discussed the matter: "I think we should directly examine the soul."

Although Miao Yan Zhenren is the most senior, Zang Tianlan is actually the one who truly makes the decisions among the three.

Among the third-generation disciples of the Imperial Censor, the Emperor trusted Zang Tianlan the most.

Anyway, martial arts practitioners are always more likely to gain the trust of others.

The emperor summoned Zang Tianlan privately on several occasions.

But Master Miaoyan...never.

Even the Grand Supervisor never mentioned himself, the youngest disciple, to His Majesty.

The Imperial Censor did not want the Emperor to see the Immortal Miaoyan—fearing that the old Emperor might suddenly issue an edict to take his young disciple into the harem.

Zang Tianlan immediately nodded: "I agree."

After passing through the gate of the Imperial Guard without incident, Xu Yuan shook the "Ten Thousand Souls Cloth," and a three-headed demon, leading a group of fierce and malevolent Yin soldiers, rushed into the carriage.

Miao Yan Zhenren was invisible, and no one could see her. Her two eyes, staring at the "Ten Thousand Souls Cloth," were bright and sparkling.

The True Person Miaoyan cultivates "Thunder Magic".

This method comes from the orthodox lineage of Taoism.

The more Miaoyan Zhenren looked at the artifact, the more she felt it resembled the legendary "Ten Thousand Souls Banner"!
This thing is infamous in Taoist legends.

However, Master Miaoyan was filled with curiosity about this thing.

I really want to borrow it and study it carefully.

But I'm too embarrassed to ask...

"Dreams Come True" and "Ten Thousand Souls Cloak" should be used together.

The old man's soul was quickly extracted.

A rousing melody rang out from the "Dreams Come True" carriage, seemingly trying to curry favor with Xu Yuan.

Three giant demons rushed out, carrying the old man's soul in their mouths.

After returning to the "Ten Thousand Souls Cloth", it transmitted some thoughts to Xu Yuan.

The old man's "magic" conceals a strange technique that causes the soul to spontaneously combust.

It was the "dream come true" that helped deceive this trickery and successfully capture the old man's soul.

Xu Yuan then reached out and rubbed the car door vigorously a few times.

Enjoying the comfort of "dreams come true".

Xu Yuan began his soul-searching process: "What's your name?"

"Okawa Yosuke."

Everyone was taken aback when they heard the name.

Wenren Luo blurted out, "Japanese?!"

Yosuke Okawa always answers questions.

He practiced the traditional Japanese "lower-level ninjutsu".

This "method" includes various tricks such as stealth, assassination, disguise, escape, and forgery.

His abilities are diverse, but his direct combat strength is not top-tier.

From the very beginning, Xu Yuan felt that the old man had ambushed him and deliberately mentioned Prince Jing's name—the whole thing was strange.

Regardless of which faction in Beidu sent him, there are aspects of his actions that don't make sense.

But if he is from Japan, then it makes perfect sense.

His purpose was to use this incident to disrupt the Ming Dynasty court.

Yosuke Okawa comes from a Japanese underground organization called the "Hidden Dragon Society".

This organization is very cautious, and everyone is only in contact with one person at a time. Even though Yosuke Okawa has a very high position in the Hidden Dragon Society, he can only contact his superiors and subordinates.

He was just one node in the entire "Hidden Dragon Society" network.

The ultimate goal of the "Hidden Dragon Society" is not just to restore Japan. Their ultimate goal is to restore the country, then move westward to occupy Goryeo, expand northward to conquer Seolsagui, and then attack the Ming Dynasty from the east and north, and finally completely annex the Ming Dynasty!
Even the usually audacious Wenren Luo was dumbfounded: "These scoundrels really dare to think of such things!"

They've been conquered and subjugated for over a hundred years, and they're still secretly plotting to annex us?!

There wasn't a single scholar present.

If a young master from a prominent family like Fu Jingyu were present, he could have analyzed the situation with them, citing classical texts: Japan has always harbored the delusion of swallowing up Tang territory!
Previously, the Ming Dynasty was unaware of this, as it was separated by the sea, and the Ming Dynasty had never bothered to learn about a tiny overseas country.

However, after conquering Fusang, many of their ancient books were sent back to the Ming Dynasty.

However, the scholars and officials of the Ming Dynasty merely smiled and laughed at these "delusions".

But the Japanese never gave up!
They will never give up their desire to destroy me.

"Okawa Yosuke, a fourth-rate figure, is actually just a pawn in the Hidden Dragon Society."

If you don't have the authority to influence the direction of the entire organization, then you're just a pawn.

At most, it's just a chess piece with some weight.

Xu Yuan thought for a moment and said, "This matter is too big for us to handle."

Zang Tianlan said, "I will notify the Imperial City Guard to escort Okawa Yosuke's soul back."

Xu Yuan nodded.

It was already past midnight.

We'll have to wait until tomorrow to talk about it.

Xu Yuan said, "I will personally keep watch to prevent the Hidden Dragon Society from snatching people."

According to Yosuke Okawa's memory, he acted alone this time, without any support from the "Hidden Dragon Society".

But it cannot be taken lightly.

To reiterate, Yosuke Okawa was merely a pawn.

He reported this operation to the "Hidden Dragon Society," which likely secretly sent people to keep an eye on him without informing Yosuke Okawa.

Zang Tianlan offered, "You've had a long day, let me do it."

Xu Yuan thought for a moment and said, "Then let's go together."

Although Zang Tianlan was a third-rate martial artist, he was a martial arts practitioner.

Martial arts practitioners have relatively limited methods, which worries Xu Yuan.

Wenren Luo yawned and went to sleep, still holding the rough porcelain teapot in his hand.

It'll be ready soon.

Wenren Luo is a Dharma practitioner.

But he practiced two different methods.

There is a well-known "law" and an extremely rare "treasure-collecting method".

His "treasure-gathering method" involves finding a suitable "embryo" and then keeping it close at all times, using his own "method" to nurture and activate the embryo, which can then be transformed into a "treasure".

However, it is difficult to find even a promising specimen.

Wenren Luo has not found many of them to this day.

Unexpectedly, after taking on this mission from the emperor, he found a fine piece of jade at a roadside tea stall as soon as he left the capital!

Wenren Luo felt that he had been extremely lucky lately. Once he had obtained this treasure, he would go to the casino in Chang County to play a few rounds.

I'm a little short on cash lately.

If Wenren Luo were to share this idea with Lord Xu, Lord Xu might tell him: Is it possible that it's not just your good luck, but rather my own abundant blessings?

Zang Tianlan is a martial arts practitioner, and Xu Yuan possesses the "Dragon Transformation Technique." Both of them are physically strong and remain energetic even after a night without sleep.

Fortunately, nothing happened overnight, and Zang Tianlan immediately used the "Harmony Wheel" to contact the Northern Capital.

“The Imperial City Guard will arrive this afternoon,” Zang Tianlan said to Xu Yuan. “You can go and investigate the case today; I’ll guard this thing.”

On the small table in front of the two of them was a ceramic jar about the size of a fist.

Inside is the spirit of Yosuke Okawa.

As dawn broke, "Dream Come True" also vomited up Yosuke Okawa's body.

Lang Xiaoba and Zhou Leizi carried it onto a door panel.

Both the soul and the body must be brought back to Beidu.

And that household registration book.

Within the Imperial City Guard, there are naturally experts who can discern whether the household registers have been altered.

Xu Yuan asked, "Where is that Imperial Censor Dai now?"

Imperial Censor Dai did not return to the Northern Capital.

Wenren Luo replied, "In Quyang Prefecture, the people from Jinxiu Academy are protecting his safety."

Fearing he trusted no one, Imperial Censor Dai urgently sought help from his master's school.

Xu Yuan nodded: "I will go and see this Imperial Censor Dai today."

But after thinking about it, I was still a little worried about Yosuke Okawa: "I'll wait until the afternoon and go with Kojoji."

Xu Yuan did not go out in the morning.

The county magistrate, however, came to find Xu Yuan with a mournful face: "The county magistrate really didn't go to Xiaotuo Township..."

Xu Yuan waved his hand: "We already know, don't worry, this matter won't involve you."

The county magistrate knelt down with a thud: "Thank you, Your Excellency. Please give me any orders, Your Excellency. I would give you my life."

Xu Yuan said, "I do have something to ask you. Do you know anything about the Li family and the Lei family?"

The county magistrate hesitated for a moment, then gritted his teeth and said, "I am a local of Chang County, so I naturally know about this matter."

Although there was no marriage agreement between the two families, everything the Li family said was true.

In a small place like ours, we don't do many things with the same level of rigor.

For example, regarding matters like marriage contracts, the Li family paid for Lei Chengyuan's education, and he and Consort Yi grew up together, so was a marriage contract still necessary?
The neighbors all already considered Lei Chengyuan to be the Li family's son-in-law.

The county magistrate paused for a moment, then continued, "When Consort Yi first entered the palace, the Li family became emboldened and immediately began to suppress the Lei family in the county."

The Lei family had originally bought a new house and hired maids and servants to serve the old woman, but the Li family, through some unknown means, forced the Lei family to sell the house and move back to the dilapidated old house.

Not long after, it was heard that Lei Chengyuan had been transferred to Mu Province.

However, after Consort Yi gave birth to Prince Zheng, the Li family suddenly changed their ways. They stopped pressuring the Lei family and began to build bridges and roads for their hometown. When disaster struck, they set up sheds and distributed porridge.

Originally, Mr. Li handled all the affairs of the Li family, but after that, everything was handed over to young master Li Ken.

Xu Yuan thought for a moment and asked, "When did he start helping his old neighbor?"

"That was done when the Li family had just become wealthy."

Based on this, Xu Yuan had already roughly sketched out the image of Old Man Li in his mind.

He may not possess great wisdom, but he is clear about right and wrong.

After giving birth to Prince Zheng, Consort Yi had grand ambitions.

So they began to pay attention to their family's reputation in the village.

Master Li probably didn't want to let the Lei family off the hook, so Li Ken became the one in charge of the Li family.

It now appears that the claim that Consort Yi "had been married" is a false rumor.

She only had a past relationship with Lei Chengyuan back then.

But why did Imperial Censor Dai submit this matter to the emperor?

Did they simply trust others blindly, or did they actually possess some evidence?
Although the imperial censors of the Ming Dynasty always reported matters based on hearsay, they could submit a report as soon as they heard something.

But Xu Yuan remembered that his third senior brother had once told him that he could trust Imperial Censor Dai's character.

Third Senior Brother wouldn't say such a thing easily.

Xu Yuan then instructed the county magistrate: "I have something for you to do."

"Please give your orders, sir."

"Go and investigate Imperial Censor Dai's whereabouts in Chang County, the more detailed the better."

"As ordered."

……

Xu Yuan had just finished lunch when the Imperial City Guard arrived.

The team was still led by Sheng Shancai.

This time, a full three hundred captains arrived and marched into Chang County in a grand procession!

Sheng Shancai strictly ordered his men: "Eat only the dry food and water we brought ourselves, and rest for a while!"

They must not dismount or remove their armor. Once the person is taken, return immediately!

Sheng Shan entered the inn, handed over the body to Zang Tianlan, and took away Okawa Yosuke's soul and body.

He brought a special iron coffin to seal the body inside.

This coffin ensures that the body will not change shape.

The group then immediately returned to Beidu.

Xu Yuan went to Quyang Prefecture with them.

Xu Yuan then suggested, "Please ask Senior Brother Zang Tianlan to come with us."

All the horses of the Imperial City Guard were equipped with calligraphy scrolls, and they moved extremely fast.

Upon arriving in the prefectural city, Xu Yuan was still somewhat uneasy when they parted ways. He said to Sheng Shancai, "Why don't we ask Senior Brother Zang Tianlan to escort you back to Beidu?"

Sheng Shan smiled and said, "Lord Xu, don't underestimate our Imperial City Guard."

He whispered to Xu Yuan, "Among my men, there are two third-rate individuals!"

Two third-rate figures were in charge! Yet they didn't tell Xu Yuan and Zang Tianlan that this was a covert operation to catch them.

"I'm not afraid of the Hidden Dragon Society coming; I'm afraid they won't come!"

With a wave of his hand, Sheng Shan sent the Imperial City Guard troops away in a rolling procession.

There were some embarrassing things that Sheng Shan didn't mention.

The Imperial City Guard was severely reprimanded by the Emperor.

Apart from the commander of the Imperial City Guard, the other two of the four commanders in Beidu also got their comeuppance and were all severely scolded by the Emperor.

It's been so many years since we conquered Japan, yet the remnants of Japan still have a "Hidden Dragon Society"?
Most importantly, your Imperial City Guard, as the Emperor's sharpest henchmen, actually had no idea that this organization existed!

That's right. This morning, Zang Tianlan used the "Harmony Wheel" to send a message to the Northern Capital. Afterwards, the Emperor summoned the Commander for questioning. The Commander looked blank at the name "Hidden Dragon Society," which enraged the Emperor.

Even if he was doing errands for the Emperor and got scolded if the Emperor was not satisfied, Sheng Shancai didn't feel wronged.

But everyone in the Imperial City Guard was holding their breath, eager to regain their dignity.

What's most infuriating is that the Emperor sent people to inquire with the Eastern Depot, Western Depot, and the Embroidered Uniform Guard, and it turned out that the Embroidered Uniform Guard actually had files about the "Hidden Dragon Society."

The commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard immediately straightened up, grabbed the files, and went to meet the emperor.

They happened to pass by Sheng Shancai and the other two outside the Imperial Study.

That smug look of his definitely provoked them.

After Sheng Shan left, Xu Yuan and Zang Tianlan entered the prefectural city.

However, this place is different from Chang County.

Xu Yuan went straight to the prefectural government office. After revealing his identity, the local prefect, Lord Liu, quickly came over: "Lord Xu, you've had a long journey. Is there anything you need to do in the prefectural city?"

Prefect Liu was clearly cautious.

They first adopted a cooperative but official attitude towards the investigation.

I am willing to cooperate, but I do not want to have any involvement with you, either publicly or privately.

Xu Yuan then asked, "Where does Imperial Censor Dai reside?"

"At the local branch of Jinxiu Bookstore." "Jinxiu Bookstore has a branch in Quyang Prefecture?" Xu Yuan was surprised: "Please send someone to lead the way, sir. I need to speak with Imperial Censor Dai."

Prefect Liu was prepared and waved his hand behind him: "Zhang Kongmu, you accompany Lord Xu on this trip."

"As ordered."

Zhang Kongmu was in his thirties and had an ordinary appearance. Xu Yuan opened "Looking at Fate" and glanced at him. He was an eighth-rate literary cultivator.

As Zhang Kongmu led Xu Yuan and Zang Tianlan out of the prefectural government office, they encountered a woman, also dressed in official robes.

Zhang Kongmu nodded to the other party: "Chief Constable Hua, you've returned from investigating a case?"

Hua Zongbu is outstanding in appearance; his only flaw might be his short stature.

However, a woman who can become the chief constable of Quyang Prefecture must have some ability.

She smiled and said, "I've got a lead on the case in East Third Alley, so I went out to investigate."

She glanced at Zhang Kongmu's side, and seeing that Zhang Kongmu had no intention of introducing her, she nodded in acknowledgment. The two passed each other, and Chief Constable Hua entered the gate of the government office.

Zhang Kongmu led Xu Yuan and the other man a little further before smiling and saying, "I hope Lord Xu knows that I am also a student of the Jinxiu Academy. I was fortunate enough to receive instruction from my third senior brother at the Beidu headquarters."

Xu Yuan smiled too. Zhang Kongmu's words were clever, and Xu Yuan also received his signal. This was his third senior brother's man, a trustworthy person in Quyang Prefecture.

……

Chief Constable Hua entered the prefectural government office and went to the arresting station on the west side of the office. On the way, she met several of her subordinate constables. After greeting them, she returned to her duty room, closed the door, sat down, let out a long breath, picked up the teacup next to her, took a sip, and her expression was uncertain.

Last night, a sixth-star ninja from our guild died in Chang County.

Hua Zongbu is not Yosuke Okawa's superior.

However, the task that Yosuke Okawa was to carry out had been reported to the organization.

Therefore, the order was passed on to Chief Constable Hua.

She was Yosuke Okawa's supporter.

However, Yosuke Okawa himself was unaware that he had "support" behind him.

Along with the order came Yosuke Ōkawa's "signature document".

This is a wooden plaque, made using sorcery. If Yosuke Ōkawa dies, his signature on it will disappear.

Chief Constable Hua had no intention of retrieving Yosuke Okawa's soul.

She doesn't have that ability.

She's just a nobody.

However, her status in the association was far higher than that of Yosuke Okawa.

Because she is a three-star Chunin.

Chunin need to have the ability to plan and command a large-scale operation.

Simply put, no matter how high their skill level, genin are just sharp weapons, while chunin are the hands that hold those weapons.

The Jonin are the brains.

The person in charge is responsible for overall planning and formulating the overall policies and guidelines of the "Hidden Dragon Society".

Aside from the Jonin, the truly distinguished members of the guild are the "nobles."

They are responsible for making decisions.

Furthermore, only the nobles knew where the Emperor's bloodline had now gone.

It has been over a hundred years since the fall of Japan, making it hard to imagine that the "Hidden Dragon Society" still retains the strict hierarchical system that existed in the country back then.

Early in the morning, Chief Constable Hua relayed the news of Yosuke Okawa's martyrdom back to the council—how to deal with it was naturally a headache for those noble gentlemen.

Everyone in the "Hidden Dragon Society" cherishes the ancient country and is utterly loyal.

But I will never do anything that is not my responsibility!

I just heard that the Imperial City Guard's army has arrived outside the city, which terrified Chief Constable Hua!

She thought she had been exposed as well, so she immediately fled the prefectural government office.

After observing secretly for a while, he vaguely felt that they weren't coming for him, so he returned and waited for the right moment to "coincidentally" meet Zhang Kongmu outside the yamen.

They wanted to find out more about Xu Yuan and Zang Tianlan.

Unfortunately, Zhang Kongmu kept his mouth shut.

After considering it for a moment, Chief Constable Hua finally gritted his teeth and decided to stay.

Her status as a three-star Chunin was mainly due to her position as the chief constable of Quyang Prefecture.

This position was obtained by her through countless sexual encounters with Ming Dynasty officials.

Those Ming Dynasty men disgusted her, yet she still had to fawn over them and praise their bravery.

Having paid such a high price, she won't give up easily.

Suddenly, the iron wind chime hanging under the window of the duty room rang in a specific rhythm.

The order from the council has arrived.

Chief Constable Hua immediately got up and went out to retrieve the order from a small temple not far from the yamen.

After reading the order, Chief Constable Hua felt relieved.

A new Seven-Star Genin has been dispatched during the meeting to continue Yosuke Ōkawa's mission.

This seven-star genin will be under the command of this three-star chunin.

……

The pursuit of knowledge was extremely popular in Zhengzhou, especially near the two capitals, North and South.

Therefore, although Quyang Prefecture was not considered wealthy, it still had a branch of the Jinxiu Academy.

The branch was supported by several local businesses, who funded the construction of a three-courtyard house.

Imperial Censor Dai lived in one of the small courtyards, and his protector was a fourth-rate scholar.

This fourth-rate scholar came from the Northern Capital, ostensibly to give lectures at the Quyang Prefecture branch.

Xu Yuan met with Imperial Censor Dai and voiced some of his questions. Imperial Censor Dai replied, "I dare not easily submit a memorial on such an important matter."

After careful investigation in Chang County, I found the spirit of Lei Chengyuan's former teacher. He testified to me that Consort Yi and Lei Chengyuan had already married before Lei Chengyuan went to the capital for the imperial examinations!

Where is that soul now?

Imperial Censor Dai produced a scroll: "It's in this painting."

Imperial Censor Dai solemnly handed the scroll to Xu Yuan, and he felt much more relaxed.

Several months have passed since he submitted his memorial.

He originally thought that as long as he submitted his memorial, he would be immediately summoned back to the Northern Capital by His Majesty.

I didn't expect it to take so long.

He was so anxious about having such important evidence on his person that he couldn't eat or sleep!

On the one hand, having anything on your person could attract a murderous calamity.

On the other hand, if this thing is lost... you'll lose your head!

Xu Yuan slowly unrolled the scroll.

A chilling aura swept over us.

This is Wenxiu's painting.

It depicts thatched cottages, distant mountains, terraced fields, and a small river.

It wasn't a very good painting, but everything in it came to life.

The wheat fields ripple like waves, and a stream flows gently.

The door of the thatched hut opened, and an elderly scholar stepped out.

"Lord Dai."

The old man cupped his hands in greeting, but then he noticed that Xu Yuan was standing next to Imperial Censor Dai, and the painting was in Xu Yuan's hands.

"Who is this……"

Imperial Censor Dai introduced him: "Mr. Lin, this is Lord Xu, who was specially sent by His Majesty to investigate this matter."

"Meet Mr. Xu."

Xu Yuan said, "Sir, there's no need to be so polite. This matter is of great importance, and I need to examine your soul. Please bear with me for a moment."

This is not a matter for discussion.

This is a very serious matter, and a definitive conclusion is necessary.

Even the soul can lie.

Mr. Lin's expression changed: "This..."

Xu Yuan said, "Sir, rest assured, I will be extra careful when I make a move. Although there may be some damage, as long as you cooperate, I will ask a high-level cultivator to help you recover afterwards."

Mr. Lin looked at Imperial Censor Dai.

Censor Dai nodded: "I, as a censor, vouch for Lord Xu with my reputation as a censor."

If it weren't for the third senior brother's secret instructions, Imperial Censor Dai probably wouldn't have stepped forward to vouch for him.

"Alright then," Mr. Lin reluctantly agreed.

Xu Yuan flicked his hand and released the "Ten Thousand Souls Cloth".

The methods used by the Exorcism Division to judge souls are always ruthless. After being judged, the soul will answer all questions, but that soul will be rendered useless and will dissipate when blown by the yin wind in the underworld.

There is no possibility of reincarnation.

But that was a method used against prisoners, and the prisoners strongly resisted it.

As long as Mr. Lin cooperates, Xu Yuan acts gently, and a skilled cultivator intervenes, it is indeed possible to recover.

Before long, Xu Yuan completed the soul-examination.

Mr. Lin's memories were fully revealed to Xu Yuan.

In my memory, there was indeed a simple wedding ceremony between his student Lei Chengyuan and the second sister of the Li family, which was officiated by him.

Moreover, these memories also indicate that because Lei Chengyuan was about to go to Beijing to take the imperial examination, there was no grand celebration.

However, close relatives from both sides, as well as elders from the clan, all participated.

The wedding was not held at the Lei family's or the Li family's residence, but rather in a courtyard rented specifically for the young couple.

The day after their wedding, Lei Chengyuan left home to take the imperial examination.

Xu Yuan's brows furrowed tightly.

Did both the Li and Lei families lie?
The two families are sworn enemies.

But in this matter, it's quite possible that they might have conspired to lie.

After all, if Consort Yi is found guilty of deceiving the emperor, her entire family will be executed!
The clan elders were determined to keep this secret for their own lives.

The Lei family was also guilty of a heinous crime punishable by the extermination of nine generations of their clan.

Although the magistrate of Chang County was a local, it was normal that he was unaware of the fact that the Lei and Li families had not held a large-scale celebration.

As for the neighbors... the Li family's neighbors are all supported by the Li family, while the Lei family's neighbors are most likely completely unaware of this.

If the Lei family had planned from the beginning that they would break off the engagement as soon as the student passed the high school entrance exam, they would never have told their neighbors.

Xu Yuan silently put away the scroll.

He then asked Imperial Censor Dai, "How did you discover this matter, Lord Dai?"

Imperial Censor Dai thought for a moment, then looked surprised and stood there speechless for a long time.

Xu Yuan pressed, "Lord Dai, what's wrong?"

Censor Dai's eyes were filled with shock, and he stammered, "This official...this official doesn't remember..."

"what?!"

"I have absolutely no recollection of who told me that the Imperial Concubine Yi had been married, nor do I remember how I found Mr. Lin's spirit!" Imperial Censor Dai was instantly covered in cold sweat: "In the past few months, I have never even realized that I have lost these memories!"

Xu Yuan pressed further, "What level is yours, sir?"

"Seventh-rate."

Xu Yuan pondered. To be able to trick a seventh-rate literary cultivator without him even realizing it, one must be at least a fifth-rate level.

Considering that Imperial Censor Dai came from a prestigious literary society and was also an imperial censor, his abilities should have exceeded those of ordinary seventh-rate officials, so he must be fourth-rate.

Xu Yuan found that the more he investigated, the stranger the matter became. Not only was it related to the "Hidden Dragon Society," but there was also a cultivator who was at least a fourth-rate... mage behind it.
But what kind of person or force is hidden behind this fourth-rate individual?
What is their purpose in doing this?
I originally thought the case was not complicated, but the difficulty lay in figuring out the emperor's intentions.

Now it seems that this case itself is not simple!

Xu Yuan reviewed Mr. Lin's memories again.

Mr. Lin was not a cultivator, but simply a scholar.

However, his knowledge was solid, and even in Quyang Prefecture, many students would make a special trip to Chang County to consult him.

He died after Consort Yi was favored by the Emperor.

That evening, one of Mr. Lin’s favorite students had a question that he didn’t understand. Mr. Lin kept the student behind and spent an extra half hour explaining it to him.

He finally saw the student off as it was getting dark.

After closing the door of the private school, he turned around and walked back, then he was struck hard on the back of the head, and everything went black before his eyes, and he knew nothing more.

He didn't know how much time had passed when he woke up to find himself living in a strange thatched hut, and he couldn't go too far from the hut.

It took him a long time to accept the reality that he had become a ghost.

He himself couldn't tell how long he had stayed in that thatched hut until Imperial Censor Dai opened the painting.

"So... Mr. Lin doesn't know who killed him, nor does he know who rescued his soul and brought it back into this painting." Xu Yuan thought to himself, "The only thing I'm sure of is the time of his murder: after Consort Yi was favored by His Majesty."

"That was...seven years ago!"

His Highness Prince Zheng was enfeoffed as a prince at the age of three, and is six years old this year.

For seven years, Mr. Lin remained enshrined within this painting.

Xu Yuan gently patted the scroll in his palm and said thoughtfully, "Lord Dai, don't panic. If you can't remember, that's the flaw left by the villain."

This suggests that the person who made the move was at most a fourth-rate individual.

If he were a third-rate person, he would certainly have the ability to directly tamper with Imperial Censor Dai's memories and fabricate a "perfect" memory for him.

Lord Xu happens to be very familiar with this method of erasing or altering memories.

Most of these are achieved through "Lingxiao".

Imperial Censor Dai calmed down and tried hard to search his memory, but he still couldn't remember anything.

Xu Yuan then asked, "Are there any people in the book club who are sociable and have a wide circle of friends?"

Imperial Censor Dai thought for a moment and nodded, "Yes." He then instructed the servant outside the door, "Go and invite Young Master Zheng Liu here."

Before long, Zheng Liu, who had been fortunate enough to be summoned by the Imperial Censor, arrived with a beaming smile.

Xu Yuan asked him if he had heard of Mr. Lin from Chang County.

Zheng Liu thought for a while before answering uncertainly, "I have a vague impression, it's been a long time."

There seems to be such a person, but he is not a scholar, so he doesn't have much interaction with the book club.

The students were only occasionally invited to literary gatherings, and they had heard people say that there was a certain gentleman who was quite adept at understanding the examiners' minds and was said to be able to predict the exam questions.

Xu Yuan nodded: "Do you know anything else?"

"The student is unaware."

This proves that there were indeed students who would travel all the way from Quyang Prefecture to seek instruction from Master Lin.

Xu Yuan thanked Zheng Liu and then said to Imperial Censor Dai, "Lord Dai, I will return to Chang County immediately to investigate the death of Mr. Lin."

"You remain in Quyang Prefecture. Until the case is solved, please ensure your safety!"

Imperial Censor Dai nodded somewhat absentmindedly, still unable to understand when he had fallen under a spell, his memories fading away without him even noticing!
But he still knew what was important: "I will not leave the branch office even a step before the superior sends me a message."

Xu Yuan was relieved and immediately left the city with Zang Tianlan to return to Chang County.

……

The Seven Stars Genin arrived at Quyang Prefecture at dusk.

Chief Constable Hua did not meet with the other party, but used the communication methods in the meeting to notify them to rush to Chang County.

Xu Yuan has arrived in the prefectural city today, and he will probably be delayed for a few days. She ordered the Seven Star Genin to take advantage of the time difference and continue Okawa Yosuke's mission while Xu Yuan is not in Chang County, to completely muddy the waters of Chang County!

The goal is to incite suspicion and infighting among the various factions within the Ming Dynasty's court!

When it was time to leave duty, Chief Constable Hua made a special trip to Zhang Kongmu's duty room to take a look.

Zhang Kongmu had indeed not returned yet; he must still be with Xu Yuan and the other two.

……

Xu Yuan rushed back to Chang County without stopping.

Zhang Kongmu offered to give it to Xu Yuan, but Xu Yuan declined.

Zhang Kongmu did not return to the yamen, but stayed at the branch office to consult with that fourth-rate person.

Such an opportunity is rare, so of course we should try every means to build a relationship with the fourth-rate staff of the Hokuto Headquarters.

……

Xu Yuan and Zang Tianlan returned to the Chang County government office as quickly as possible and ordered the county magistrate to bring over all the case files of murders in the county seven years ago.

Don't underestimate Changxian County, a small place; it has three or four homicide cases a year!

More than 90% of these are caused by evil spirits harming people.

Xu Yuan quickly found Mr. Lin's case.

In the dead of night, a strange event occurred. At dawn, the lurking figures suddenly attacked three students who had come to study together that morning.

They bit and killed two of them on the spot and ate them!

Only one ran away.

Mr. Lin was eventually captured by the county officials who arrived and had his men use several forks to pin him down, and then burned to ashes.

In Chang County, no one knew from beginning to end that Mr. Lin had actually been murdered and his body had been transformed into something else entirely.

Xu Yuan ordered the county magistrate to take him to visit the school where Mr. Lin had once been.

Seven years have passed. This place was sold to someone else long ago and is now used as a warehouse. There's no way any trace of it could have been left.

Mr. Lin's lead has reached a complete dead end here.

Xu Yuan sighed regretfully. Seeing that it was getting dark, he had no choice but to return to the inn.

But halfway there, Xu Yuan suddenly changed direction and went to the Lei family's house.

Xu Yuan thought of the "Hidden Dragon Society." If they refused to give up, the old woman from the Lei family would be the easiest target.

Xu Yuan coaxed and threatened Lei's mother out of her house, and then... sent her to the Li family.

Although the Li family was extremely unwilling, Li Ken was a reasonable man. He realized that the two families were now in the same boat, so he had no choice but to prepare a place for Lei's mother to stay at home.

Once you move into the Li family's residence, the Li family will naturally protect you.

Xu Yuan could bring Lei's wife back to the inn, but the thought of the old woman's shrewish and unruly nature gave him a headache, so he simply handed her over to the Li family.

……

Tian Hui was a knife sharpener. He carried his tools into Changxian County in the late afternoon.

The Ming Dynasty no longer strictly managed travel permits.

Some itinerant performers, knife sharpeners, and barbers would travel all over the country to make a living.

The three-star ninja provided intelligence, knowing that the Ming Dynasty's "imperial envoy" was accompanied only by a third-rate person.

They're both in the prefectural city.

Tian Hui’s real name is Ota Huiyu.

When the three-star ninja ordered him to continue the mission, his first reaction was to kill Lei Chengyuan's mother.

But then he thought: Why not just kill the "imperial envoy's" entourage?
This will produce better results!
He wandered around the city and found the inn where Xu Yuan was staying, then found the cheapest inn nearby to stay in.

After a hearty meal, I quietly waited for nightfall.

There is no moon tonight.

Total darkness.

He glanced outside and thought to himself: What a perfect moment to take lives!

(End of this chapter)