Three punches shattered the demonic soul, young hero, I'm an honest man!

Chapter 23: Pei Yun's Little Notebook

Luo Qingyi sensed things carefully, and the more she investigated, the more her brows furrowed.

Pei Yun's foundation is incredibly solid.

The Dao patterns flowing on it were extremely profound, and even she, a cultivator who had already reached a higher realm, found them somewhat blurry.

It was as if we were looking through a layer of mist.

"It seems that you are truly destined to have this 'Supreme Immortal Chapter' with you."

Luo Qingyi withdrew her finger, her tone complex.

That's the only explanation.

The method of practice and the person must also be "compatible".

"Thanks to the great man's good fortune, I escaped with my life and also had a stroke of good luck."

Pei Yun opened his eyes, responded with a grin, and his tone remained as lazy as ever.

Luo Qingyi rolled her eyes at him, exuding charm.

Stop being so cheeky.

She sat down opposite Pei Yun, casually picked up a seemingly ordinary scroll of documents from the table and flipped through it, asking as if by accident:

"Are there any difficulties in your cultivation? In the innate realm, the opening of the acupoints requires caution."

Pei Yun didn't stand on ceremony and pointed out a few parts of the "Supreme Immortal Chapters" that he found somewhat obscure.

Luo Qingyi, after all, possessed a profound understanding and extensive knowledge.

A few words can often reveal the key points, giving Pei Yun a sense of sudden enlightenment.

After giving her instructions, Luo Qingyi changed the subject:

"How's the investigation going with the Candle Shadow Sect?"

"Is there any clue about that saintess?"

Pei Yun understood; this tall, muscular boss was ultimately still concerned about business.

He pondered for a moment: "We have some leads, but the other party is elusive, so it will take some more time."

"Um."

Luo Qingyi nodded, not asking for further details.

She put down the documents and looked back at Pei Yun's face, her gaze filled with scrutiny and expectation.

"The capital city is not peaceful lately; beneath the surface, turbulent currents are brewing."

"The Imperial Observatory recently observed the stars and said that a 'demonic star' was invading the Purple Palace, which may indicate an impending disaster."

"You need to find out who the Candle Shadow Cult is hiding as soon as possible, especially that Holy Maiden."

"I... have high hopes for you."

Her last sentence was quite meaningful.

It seemed like a warning, yet also like encouragement.

An invisible pressure is quietly spreading.

Pei Yun felt a slight chill in his heart, but still maintained a smile on his face.

"Understood, I will certainly not fail in your trust."

Luo Qingyi stood up, said no more, and turned to leave.

The tall figure disappeared through the doorway, leaving behind a lingering fragrance and the echoing words, "Things aren't peaceful."

Pei Yun's smile gradually faded, and his gaze became deep.

He pulled a small, black-covered notebook, about the size of a palm, from his pocket.

Turn it over.

It is covered with densely packed information written in tiny characters.

[Li Si, the owner of the "Everlasting Victory Hall" gambling den in the west of the city, was caught in bed having an affair with the concubine of a Ministry of War official last night.]

The owner of the "Rejuvenation Pharmacy" in the southern part of the city is secretly acquiring "Bone-Rotting Grass," suspected of using it to concoct evil elixirs.

[A faint demonic aura lingers in the southeast corner of the imperial city, possibly indicating a low-level spirit.]

Qin Yu, the manager of Baidi Tower, has recently been in frequent contact with merchants from the Western Regions, discussing matters related to "ambergris."

……

The intelligence updated daily is not always useful.

Most of them are trivial matters or clues that require long-term observation.

Pei Yun casually crossed out some information of little value and marked out the suspicious points.

Occasionally, he would delegate some simple tasks that weren't worth his personal attention to Zhang Quan.

For example, raiding the pharmacy suspected of producing wicked medicines.

For example, send someone to the southeast corner of the imperial city to investigate the details of that monster.

Gradually, legends about "Commander Pei's little notebook" began to circulate within the Northern Garrison.

Some say that the notebook contains the private information of all the high-ranking officials and nobles in the capital.

Some say that whoever's name appears in that book is not far from being imprisoned.

Awe quietly arises.

Consequently, Pei Yun's position within the Northern Garrison Command became subtle and detached.

No one dares to provoke them easily.

When Zhang Quan came in to report on his work, he saw his father making notes and annotations in the "secret record" with eyes full of admiration.

He reported it cautiously.

"My lord, the pharmacy in the south city has been raided, and more than ten 'Bone-Corroding Pills' have been found. The shopkeeper has been imprisoned."

"Um."

Pei Yun didn't even look up.

"Also, Baidi Tower sent an invitation, saying that Manager Qin would like to invite you to his residence for a chat, and also sent a box of East Sea Pearls."

Zhang Quan added.

Pei Yun paused, his pen poised.

Qin Yu?

He recalled the "trouble" the other person had mentioned before.

but……

"Leave the post, return the items," Pei Yun said calmly.

Now is not the time to touch this line.

because……

[Intelligence Update]

A message suddenly caught my eye.

[The underground black market in the capital, "Wangchuan Ferry," has recently seen unusual trading activities related to "Ancient Entwined Branches," with the traders operating in secrecy.]

[Number of refreshes: 1]

Ancient twining branches!

It was that strange symbol that Miaole drew with trembling hands in the imperial prison that day!

Pei Yun's spirits lifted suddenly.

I've finally waited for you, and I'm so glad I didn't give up!

But, is it the River of Oblivion?

Pei Yun frowned slightly.

This place is completely different from the decadent and extravagant Baidi Tower; it is a true gathering place for people from all walks of life.

From down-on-his-luck officials to desperate swordsmen, from mysterious rogue cultivators to exotic merchants, they encompass everything.

Rumor has it that a powerful figure with deep roots in the capital stands behind him.

In terms of the mix of people and the depth of the water, Wangchuan Ferry is far superior to Baidi Tower.

Pei Yun knew perfectly well that if he wanted to investigate this place, his men alone might not be enough.

We need to call in reinforcements!

……

The rear hall of the Northern Garrison Command.

Unlike the bustling and somber atmosphere of the former government office.

The place is quiet, with only a bronze incense burner in the corner silently emitting wisps of smoke.

The scent is a very faint sandalwood fragrance, mixed with a subtle hint of coolness.

Luo Qingyi sat in the main seat, with a cup of still-warm tea in front of her.

Opposite her sat another man with an equally imposing presence.

He had a broad face and a large, robust build, and wore the same official robes as Luo Qingyi, which were worn by the garrison commander.

The only difference was that the color was darker, and the eyebrows conveyed the dignity and rigidity of someone who had long held a high position.

The Northern Garrison Command, another garrison commander—

Yan Xiu.

"Lou Zhenfu."

Yan Xiu's voice was deep and resonant, carrying the authority of someone who had long held a high position.

"There have been undercurrents in the capital recently. The sorcerers of the Candle Shadow Sect have infiltrated the city. This is no small matter and has already alarmed the person in the palace."

"Such a momentous matter, concerning the safety of the Immortal Dynasty, yet you entrust the crucial task of investigating it to... Pei Yun?"

He paused, seemingly considering his words.

"As far as I know, this boy's cultivation was completely destroyed a year ago."

"Although I don't know what stroke of luck brought some recovery, the foundation is definitely unstable."

"Isn't it too risky to put him in charge of such a dangerous case?"

Luo Qingyi raised her eyes, glanced at Yan Xiu, and spoke calmly.

"Commander Yan, Pei Yun's abilities were evident to all when he solved the Star Sand case."

Yan Xiu frowned.

"The Star-Attracting Sand Case was nothing more than the work of a few petty thieves from the demonic path, who were lucky enough to be caught in the act."

"And what kind of person is the Holy Maiden of Candlelight? She was able to cripple Pei Yun back then, and she will only be stronger now."

"Letting him investigate is like sending a lamb to the slaughter."

"Moreover, he is still relatively inexperienced, and it would be difficult for him to gain the respect of the people if he were suddenly entrusted with such an important task."

Luo Qingyi picked up her teacup and gently blew away the foam.

"Trust those you employ, and do not employ those you distrust."

"Whether Pei Yun is cut out for it or not, we'll find out by letting him try."

"Furthermore, given the importance of this task, to whom does Lord Yan think it should be entrusted?"

One sentence was enough to leave Yan Xiu speechless.

to whom?

Should it be given to Zhou Mingxuan?

Or is he leading the team himself?

The whereabouts of the Holy Maiden of Candlelight are elusive, and even her purpose in sneaking into the capital remains unknown.

It's like searching for a needle in a haystack for anyone who goes there.

Moreover, since Luo Qingyi has already spoken.

If he were to argue further, he would appear to be at a disadvantage.