You, a tyrannical ruler, roam the heavens; you cannot understand my joy.

Yuelai Teahouse is located on a street corner in Xicheng that is neither too bustling nor too remote. It is a time-honored establishment that has been open for decades.

During the day, the storyteller's gavel would strike the court, and the tea drinkers would chatter noisily; but once the hour of Xu (7-9 PM) passed, the front door would close, leaving only the deep and quiet back alley. Only the cold wind would swirl withered leaves on the bluestone pavement, making a soft rustling sound, which contrasted sharply with the faint, indistinct noise coming from the direction of the old neighborhood in the distance.

The third locust tree is located at the deepest part of the back alley, right next to the narrow courtyard wall where the teahouse piles up coal ash and other debris.

The tree was an old tree, its branches gnarled and twisted, stretching out its bare branches in the winter night like countless ghostly hands reaching towards the night sky.

The shadows beneath the trees were so thick they seemed to obscure everything, as if even the moonlight deliberately avoided this place.

It's almost midnight.

Lu Zuo did not stand under the locust tree to wait.

He chose a more secluded location with a better view—the second floor of an abandoned, dilapidated old bookstore, diagonally opposite the teahouse.

The window was ajar, and he hid in the heavy shadows behind it, his aura and the faint divine sense brought by the "Spiritual Rhinoceros Forging Divine Technique" both concealed to the extreme.

His gaze pierced through the night, quietly locking onto the agreed-upon locust tree and the streets and alleys within a few feet around it.

He was dressed in an inconspicuous dark gray outfit, covered by a cloak of the same color, and his face was covered by an ordinary mask that he had bought casually at the night market.

This was something he found in an inconspicuous corner of the "Hidden Truth Pavilion," an item used by spies from the previous dynasty. Although it had no supernatural properties, it could effectively conceal one's face and figure.

He carried no weapons; his long, strong hands were slightly clenched under his cloak, and the true energy of the "Imperial Ultimate World-Suppressing Technique" within his body flowed slowly, adjusting to a state where it could be unleashed at any moment.

He wanted to see if Yan Qingfeng dared to come, and in what manner he would arrive.

Time, amidst the howling of the cold wind, slowly crept toward midnight.

Just as the sound of the water clock faintly approached, and midnight was just before it arrived, a figure that almost blended into the night and was even more agile than a raccoon dog silently appeared at the entrance of the alley.

Instead of heading directly towards the locust tree, he moved quickly and cautiously, like a ghost, clinging to the shadow of the wall on one side of the alley, almost gliding along.

He walked and stopped frequently, listening intently from time to time, his eyes sharp as a hawk's, scanning every corner where someone might be hiding.

Lu Zuo narrowed his eyes slightly.

What agile movements!

Such a cautious approach!

This person was not wearing the official uniform of the Jingmotai, but rather a black short-sleeved outfit suitable for nighttime movement. On his back was a weapon whose specific form was not discernible, carefully wrapped in strips of cloth, but judging from its length, it appeared to be a sword or similar weapon.

His face was indistinct in the shadows, but he was tall and slender, and his movements carried an almost instinctive vigilance and efficiency honed by years of battle and fighting against demons.

It was Yan Qingfeng.

Yan Qingfeng stopped in the shadows of a corner of a wall about three zhang away from the locust tree, without making a move to reveal himself.

His gaze swept across the lone locust tree and the empty ground beneath it, his brow furrowing almost imperceptibly.

He did not relax his vigilance, but instead slowly closed his eyes, as if listening intently, or as if probing with some kind of perception beyond hearing.

A moment later, he opened his eyes, his gaze filled with even more doubt and wariness.

He seemed to have discovered no ambush, nor sensed the other party to the agreement.

After hesitating for a moment, he finally moved. He still did not go directly to the locust tree, but instead circled around the outer perimeter of the tree and quickly moved around in the shadows further away. After confirming that no one was following or lying in ambush, he appeared under the locust tree like a ghost, leaning against the thick trunk and hiding himself in the deepest part of the shadows.

The entire process took no more than ten breaths, yet it perfectly demonstrated the qualities of an elite scout.

Lu Zuo nodded inwardly. This man was not only brave and fierce, but also meticulous in his thinking. He was a good prospect.

He waited patiently.

Yan Qingfeng stood quietly under the tree for about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, his body tense, like a cheetah poised to pounce.

Clearly, he was filled with distrust and suspicion about this mysterious invitation.

Just as Yan Qingfeng seemed to be getting impatient and was preparing to quietly retreat, Lu Zuo made his move.

He didn't jump directly from the bookstore across the street; that would have made him too conspicuous.

He gently pushed open the half-closed broken window, his figure like a leaf blown by the wind, silently drifting down to the shadow of the eaves on the other side of the alley, about five or six zhang away from the locust tree.

As he landed, he deliberately made a small piece of broken tile beneath his feet emit an extremely faint, yet distinct, "click" sound that was clear enough for a master like Yan Qingfeng to detect.

Yan Qingfeng's body tensed instantly, his right hand flashing as he pressed down on the weapon behind his back, his gaze sharp as a knife, suddenly shooting towards the direction from which the sound came!

"Commander Yan, you have great patience."

A slightly deep, deliberately altered voice came from the shadows of the eaves, calm and unwavering, revealing neither age nor emotion.

Yan Qingfeng remained vigilant, his gaze fixed on the shadow, but he couldn't make out the speaker's exact features, only a blurry outline.

He spoke in a deep voice, his tone rough like gravel, and he deliberately lowered his voice as well: "Who are you?"

What brings you here, Mr. Yan?

What does "Southwest shantytowns, dens of beasts, stench of blood" mean?

Who I am is not important.

Lu Zuo's voice remained calm. "The important thing is that I know Commander Yan was framed and suspended by Pan Ren for his persistent investigation into the disappearance of the old workshop."

I also know that your suspicions about the group of "strangers" in the shantytowns of Southwest China are valid.

There were indeed 'beast dens' there, and there was indeed a 'stench' blowing through."

Yan Qingfeng's pupils contracted slightly.

The other party not only knew the inside story of his suspension, but also pointed out his conflict with Pan Ren, and directly confirmed his suspicions about the shantytowns in Southwest China!

This is information that a mere manager of a pharmacy like "Jishetang" could not possibly possess!

Who exactly is this person?

"Since you are aware of this matter, and have specifically invited me to this secluded place, you must not be here to say such nonsense."

Yan Qingfeng's tone turned cold, carrying a hint of suppressed anger and wariness, "Are you one of Pan Ren's men?"

Or... is it related to that 'beast's den'?

Was he trying to test Yan, or was he trying to silence him?

"Pan Ren?

"Does he even deserve it?"

Lu Zuo's voice carried an undisguised contempt, "As for what's behind that 'beast's den,' I'd love to see it for myself, but unfortunately, it's not the right time yet."

"So what exactly do you want?"

Yan Qingfeng pressed on, his fingers already subtly tightening around the hilt of the weapon behind him.

"I want to know what Commander Yan found out about the group of people in the southwestern shantytowns before he was suspended from his post."

Aside from hearing the growls of wild beasts and smelling the stench, have you ever actually seen anything?

Or, have you discovered any unusual connections they have with other forces, inside or outside the capital?

Lu Zuo revealed his true purpose.

What Liu Quan got from Sun the Cripple was just hearsay, while Yan Qingfeng, as an official investigator, even if he was suppressed, must have had more crucial and specific clues.

Yan Qingfeng remained silent for a moment, seemingly weighing his options.

The other party clearly knew a lot and had no good feelings towards Pan Ren and the "Beast Den," which lessened his hostility, but his doubts remained.

Why should I tell you?

Yan Qingfeng countered, "Your identity and intentions are unclear."

How do I know you're not trying to trick me into revealing information, and that you have ulterior motives?

"Because we both want to find out the truth there, and we both want to get rid of the scourge there."

Lu Zuo said slowly, his voice carrying a strange penetrating power, "You have been suspended from your post and are unable to use the power of the Demon-Suppressing Platform."

And I happen to have some connections, so I might be able to provide some information that you can't find, or that's been deliberately concealed.

For example, the money that group used to buy the land did not come from a wealthy merchant, but was transferred out through a secret account of the "Yongtong" bank, which had close ties with a distant nephew of the current prime minister, Liu.

For example, the "beastly roar" and the "fishy stench" are not from ordinary wild beasts, but most likely from something catalyzed or even controlled by special methods... a demonized entity.

Yan Qingfeng trembled violently!

Yongtong Bank!

Liu Xiang's distant nephew!

The other party not only knew the inside story, but may even have been involved in a deeper collusion of forces that he had not even discovered!

Moreover, the other party's judgment on the "demonized creature" coincided with his suspicions, and was even more certain!

"Who...who are you?!"

Yan Qingfeng's voice was low and filled with disbelief and shock.

To be able to investigate to this extent, this person's power probably far exceeds his imagination.

"I said, who I am is not important."

Lu Zuo's tone remained unchanged, "The important question is whether Commander Yan is still willing to take another risk for those innocent missing people and for the peace of the capital."

Even if your superiors, your colleagues, or even some high-ranking officials in the court don't want you to continue the investigation.

These words struck Yan Qingfeng's heart like a heavy hammer.

He remembered the desperate looks in the eyes of the families who reported the crime, the woodcutter in the black pine forest whose face had been gnawed beyond recognition, and the undigested bones piled up in the spider's nest beneath the abandoned dye house...

I'm currently reading Chapter 321, "Are You Ready?", and I'm completely engrossed in it.

A long-suppressed anger and resentment, mixed with professional instinct and a determination to uncover the truth, surged within him.

He stared intently at the shadow, as if trying to see the person inside.

After a long while, he slowly loosened his grip on the weapon, but his body remained tense.

"What do you want to know?"

He asked in a deep voice, which was tantamount to acknowledging the possibility of cooperation.

"Did you find out who the leader of that group is?"

How do they connect with the outside world on a daily basis?

Have you found anything that looks like it has a 'mark'?

Lu Zuo asked, emphasizing the last sentence.

Yan Qingfeng took a deep breath; the cold wind made his mind even clearer.

He quickly said, "The leader is a one-eyed man with a scar on his face. He calls himself 'Master Hu,' and his men call him 'Scarface Master.'"

This person exudes a cold aura and is quite skilled, but he doesn't seem to have practiced any orthodox martial arts. Instead, he seems to be... a self-taught individual, or someone whose skills are honed through battle.

I tried to follow the carpenter, but he only bought rice, meat and vegetables at the nearby market and never contacted anyone suspicious.

As for the 'mark'...

He paused, as if recalling: "Once, I lurked in an abandoned attic near their hideout and observed them with a homemade 'periscope'."

I happened to see "Scarface" berating one of his men in the yard. He was very agitated and ripped open his shirt. I think I saw a dark red mark on his chest... like a birthmark, or maybe it was branded on. The shape was strange, and I couldn't make out the details, but the color was very dark, unlike a regular tattoo.

Dark red lines on the chest!

Lu Zuo felt a chill run down his spine.

This is remarkably similar to the "blood mark" on the wolf demon's forehead and the location of the "bloodline pact" mark recorded in ancient documents!

However, the form may vary depending on the individual or the "source blood".

This "Scarface" is very likely the henchman who was "bloodstained" by the "Queen," and may even be a crucial figure in this chain of events!

Do you know anything about the internal structure of that hideout?

How about the defense?

Approximately how many people are there?

Lu Zuo continued to ask.

"It was a large area of ​​connected, dilapidated shacks, which they had blocked and partitioned with planks and debris, with a complicated internal structure."

I couldn't get too close, but judging from the traces of their daily activities and the number of people who occasionally showed up, there were at least fifteen to twenty people who were stationed there permanently.

There are sentries hidden around the perimeter, and the area is very vigilant.

I considered sneaking in at night, but as soon as I got close to the outer perimeter, I felt several malicious eyes watching me, so I had to give up.

Yan Qingfeng answered truthfully, his tone tinged with resentment.

Fifteen to twenty people, likely all controlled by the "Blood Seal" and possessing a certain degree of demonic power, plus a leader suspected to be "Scarface"... the power of this lair should not be underestimated.

Given Yan Qingfeng's suspension and isolated situation, it is indeed difficult to shake his position.

"very good."

Lu Zuo's voice was devoid of emotion, "This information is very useful."

Commander Yan, if I were to tell you, there might be more than one such "beast den" in the capital.

Even within the imperial palace, unclean traces were discovered.

The mastermind behind all this has grand ambitions, potentially endangering the lives of millions in the capital. What will you do?

Yan Qingfeng gasped, his face draining of color.

More than one place?

Did they also exist in the imperial palace?

Is it threatening the entire city?

This...this has exceeded his worst expectations!

"Is this really true?!"

His voice was strained.

Believe it or not.

Lu Zuo said calmly, "I'm not here to ask you to risk your life right now."

I'm just telling you that you're on the right track, and the resistance you're facing is not unexpected.

The real storm is yet to come.

Are you ready?

Yan Qingfeng's chest heaved violently, and his eyes flickered with uncertainty.

Shock, anger, solemnity, and finally, a resolute determination to burn one's bridges.

He abruptly looked up at the shadows: "What do you want me to do?"

"Nothing needs to be done for now."

To Yan Qingfeng's surprise, Lu Zuo gave this answer: "Continue to 'suspend duties for self-reflection' and take good care of your mother."

But you must keep your eyes open.

Ears, stand up!

I will contact you again.

When the time comes, it will naturally be time for you to unsheathe your 'sharp blade'.

In addition, this fifty taels of silver is for your mother to buy medicine and recuperate; please don't refuse it.

A heavy little cloth bag flew silently out of the shadows and landed precisely three feet in front of Yan Qingfeng's feet with a dull thud.

Yan Qingfeng looked at the bag of silver, but did not pick it up immediately. Instead, he looked at the shadows again and asked, word by word, "One last question."

Why are you doing all this?

There was a moment of silence in the shadows, and then the deliberately altered voice seemed to carry an indescribable weight and majesty, as if emanating from a very high place:

"For the sake of a bright and clear world, for the sake of sweeping away all evil influences, for the sake of this capital city... that it should not be succumbing to darkness."

Before the words were even finished, the figure in the shadows shrank back like a ghost, instantly merging into the deeper darkness behind it and disappearing without a trace, as if it had never existed.

Only the bag of silver and the faint, chilling scent lingering in the air proved that what had just happened was not an illusion.

Yan Qingfeng stood still for a long time.

The cold wind ruffled his icy hair as he bent down to pick up the bag of silver, which felt heavy in his hand.

He gripped the money pouch tightly, his knuckles turning white, and the last trace of doubt in his eyes was replaced by an almost burning light.

"The heavens and earth are clear and bright... all evil influences have been swept away..."

He repeated those eight words in a low voice, as if the pent-up frustration in his chest had finally found an outlet.

Regardless of who the other party is or what their purpose is, at least in the fight against demons and the cleansing of filth, they seem to be on the same side.

This is enough.

He carefully put the silver away, took one last look at the empty shadow, and with a flick of his body, disappeared silently into the depths of the alley, just as he had come, coming and going like the wind, without stirring up any dust.

On the second floor of the abandoned bookstore across the street, Lu Zuo had already retreated behind the window.

Looking in the direction where Yan Qingfeng disappeared, he slowly took off his mask, revealing a young face that appeared exceptionally calm in the dim moonlight.

"The blade has been polished, awaiting only the moment to be drawn."

He muttered to himself.

Yan Qingfeng's reaction was even better than he had expected.

This person is usable, but still needs to be observed, and further "forging" and "binding" are required.

He didn't leave immediately. Instead, using the dim light streaming in from the window, he took out a charcoal pencil and a small piece of paper from his pocket and quickly wrote a few lines:

"Target: Southwest of the old town, 'Scarface,' with a suspected dark red mark on his chest, suspected to be an important location."

The nest contains approximately fifteen to twenty people, has a complex structure, and is highly vigilant.

Recommendation: Do not launch a direct attack for now. Instead, monitor the situation, look for any communication lines with the outside world, or wait for any unusual movements.

Additionally, a figure in red was spotted in a dry well in the abandoned palace grounds. The figure's features are similar to those found in the mass grave, suggesting that it may be the Queen or one of her close attendants. A thorough investigation of the well is necessary.

We could try starting with old archives from the Ministry of Works and cases of witchcraft from the previous dynasty.

Read and then burn.

After writing, he rolled up the paper, inserted it into a small copper tube, and sealed it with wax.

This was a "bee message" that he had Liu Gonggong prepare for the palace to transmit secret messages. Although primitive, it was difficult to intercept and crack.

He needs to pass this intelligence on to someone who can continue the investigation.

Liu Gonggong has limited abilities and should not take too many direct risks.

He thought of someone—the old clerk who copied Yan Qingfeng's case files for him and worked in the Ministry of War's archives.

This person has access to many inconspicuous files; perhaps he can help investigate the abandoned garden, the dry well, and the old files on the witchcraft case from the previous dynasty.

Of course, this requires a more ingenious approach and greater incentives.

After putting away the copper pipe, Lu Zuo glanced once more at the quiet back alley of Yuelai Teahouse, then lingered. He nimbly flipped out of the window, like a bat in the dark, and disappeared behind the rooftops in a few leaps, stealthily heading towards the palace.

The night grew deeper and the cold wind grew more biting.

But for Lu Zuo, this night was very fruitful.

He made initial contact with and assessed Yan Qingfeng, a possible "sharp weapon," obtained more specific information about the Old Workshop's lair, confirmed the possibility of the "blood seal's" existence, and further linked the anomalies within the palace with the calamities outside the city.

However, he felt no relief.

The more clues you find, the more complete the puzzle becomes, and the more chilling the resulting image becomes.

A "queen" who can control demons, infiltrate the palace, and may even extend her tentacles to important court officials, is plotting far more than just creating chaos.

"It has to be faster..."

Lu Zuo said to himself again.

"The blade has been polished, awaiting only the moment to be drawn."

He muttered to himself.

Yan Qingfeng's reaction was even better than he had expected.

This person is usable, but still needs to be observed, and further "forging" and "binding" are required.

He didn't leave immediately. Instead, using the dim light streaming in from the window, he took out a charcoal pencil and a small piece of paper from his pocket and quickly wrote a few lines:

"Target: Southwest of the old town, 'Scarface,' with a suspected dark red mark on his chest, suspected to be an important location."

The nest contains approximately fifteen to twenty people, has a complex structure, and is highly vigilant.

Recommendation: Do not launch a direct attack for now. Instead, monitor the situation, look for any communication lines with the outside world, or wait for any unusual movements.

Additionally, a figure in red was spotted in a dry well in the abandoned palace grounds. The figure's features are similar to those found in the mass grave, suggesting that it may be the Queen or one of her close attendants. A thorough investigation of the well is necessary.

We could try starting with old archives from the Ministry of Works and cases of witchcraft from the previous dynasty.

Read and then burn.

After writing, he rolled up the paper, inserted it into a small copper tube, and sealed it with wax.

This was a "bee message" that he had Liu Gonggong prepare for the palace to transmit secret messages. Although primitive, it was difficult to intercept and crack.

He needs to pass this intelligence on to someone who can continue the investigation.

Liu Gonggong has limited abilities and should not take too many direct risks.

He thought of someone—the old clerk who copied Yan Qingfeng's case files for him and worked in the Ministry of War's archives.

This person has access to many inconspicuous files; perhaps he can help investigate the abandoned garden, the dry well, and the old files on the witchcraft case from the previous dynasty.

Of course, this requires a more ingenious approach and greater incentives.

After putting away the copper pipe, Lu Zuo glanced once more at the quiet back alley of Yuelai Teahouse, then lingered. He nimbly flipped out of the window, like a bat in the dark, and disappeared behind the rooftops in a few leaps, stealthily heading towards the palace.

The night grew deeper and the cold wind grew more biting.

But for Lu Zuo, this night was very fruitful.

He made initial contact with and assessed Yan Qingfeng, a possible "sharp weapon," obtained more specific information about the Old Workshop's lair, confirmed the possibility of the "blood seal's" existence, and further linked the anomalies within the palace with the calamities outside the city.

However, he felt no relief.

The more clues you find, the more complete the puzzle becomes, and the more chilling the resulting image becomes.

A "queen" who can control demons, infiltrate the palace, and may even extend her tentacles to important court officials, is plotting far more than just creating chaos.

"It has to be faster..."

Lu Zuo said to himself again.