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

Pei Yun stepped into the back hall and immediately saw Yan Xiu opposite Luo Qingyi.

This is a bit different today.

This Commander Yan is a notorious old-fashioned man in the Northern Garrison, and he and Luo Qingyi have never been on the same page.

Pei Yun had a thought in his mind, but his face remained calm as he bowed respectfully.

"Your subordinate Pei Yun greets Lord Luo and Lord Yan."

Yan Xiu gave a soft "hmm" sound through his nose as a response.

Luo Qingyi nodded and asked.

"What is it?"

Pei Yunzhi stood up, his eyes clear and bright.

"Reporting back to Lord Luo, during the interrogation of the demonic monk Miaole, I discovered that there are still many unresolved questions regarding the case of the Star-Attracting Sand."

"Oh?"

Luo Qingyi gestured for him to continue.

"This subordinate has discovered a clue pointing to the underground black market in the capital called 'Wangchuan Ferry'."

"I suspect that the mastermind behind the Yinxingsha case is involved in this, and may even be more deeply involved."

"I humbly request that Your Excellency allocate manpower and permit me to conduct an in-depth investigation at the Forgotten River Ferry."

As soon as he finished speaking, Yan Xiu frowned.

"Commander Pei!"

Yan Xiu spoke, his tone carrying an unquestionable authority.

"In the case of Yinxingsha, the case file submitted by Commander Zhou clearly states that the perpetrators and the stolen goods were caught red-handed, and the case is closed."

"What points of suspicion are you bringing up now?"

"Moreover, the demons of the Candle Shadow Sect are now a major threat!"

"The department is already short-staffed; where would we find extra people to investigate black market transactions? It's utterly ridiculous!"

Luo Qingyi didn't speak, but just looked at Pei Yun quietly, as if waiting for his explanation.

Pei Yun understood that his superior needed a reason to silence the gossip.

He smiled slightly and spoke calmly:

"Lord Yan, you are mistaken."

"Although the case has been closed in the file, the doubts have not disappeared."

"Sir, you surely know what kind of 'Joyful Zen' sect is, don't you?"

"They're just third-rate demonic cultivators, making a living with their crooked and evil cultivation methods. Even if they had ten times the guts, would they dare to mess with the Imperial Observatory?"

"And then there's that demonic monk Miaole, a useless fellow who's just entered the Foundation Establishment stage and has a weak foundation. Most of his cultivation comes from absorbing external nutrients. Even Zhang Quan, the captain, and a few of his brothers could easily take him down."

"How did he manage to eliminate that Foundation Establishment stage Star Guardian from the Imperial Observatory so quietly?"

Pei Yun's voice was calm and his thoughts were clear.

His tone was relaxed, but his words were as sharp as knives.

"You should know that the Star Guardian was not killed, but disappeared without a trace; neither alive nor dead was found."

"This method is definitely not something Miaole could do."

"Therefore, I conclude that the Myo-raja and Yo-raja schools are merely pawns pushed into the open, and there must be another mastermind behind them!"

He abruptly changed the subject, his gaze sharpening.

"This mastermind can easily deal with Foundation Establishment cultivators, accurately calculate the escort routes of the Imperial Observatory, and precisely know that unorthodox substances like 'Drunken Dragon Incense' can conceal one's aura..."

"Lord Yan, don't you think this operation bears some resemblance to the Candle Shadow Sect?"

The last sentence struck Yan Xiu's heart like a heavy hammer.

He opened his mouth.

However, he discovered that Pei Yun's reasoning was interconnected and logically consistent, leaving him with no way to refute it.

The clues surrounding the Yinxingsha case ultimately point to a possible mastermind behind the scenes, connected to the Zhuyin Sect.

This is no longer "nonsense".

Luo Qingyi smiled almost imperceptibly and put down her teacup.

Luo Qingyi's lips curled into a faint smile.

"What does Commander Yan think of Commander Pei's deduction?"

Yan Xiu's expression darkened slightly, but he didn't say anything more.

But he was clearly not willing to give up, and his gaze fell on Pei Yun again, scrutinizing her.

"Commander Luo, Commander Pei is a promising young man with unique skills in solving cases, which I admire."

But then he changed the subject.

"But the River of Oblivion is a mixed bag, and its waters are very deep."

"What can you possibly find out by barging in here, a mere child with only recently recovered cultivation and little experience?"

"In my opinion, it would be better to hand this clue over to Commander Zhou. He is experienced and his advice is more reliable."

These words, seemingly showing consideration for Pei Yun, actually questioned Pei Yun's ability to take responsibility on his own.

"No need."

Luo Qingyi's tone was indifferent, yet carried an undeniable firmness.

"Pei Yun's ability to solve the Star-Attracting Sand case proves his capabilities."

"I believe him."

Yan Xiu frowned even more deeply. He couldn't understand why Luo Qingyi trusted this young man so much, even to the point of favoring him.

Is it just because of that little bit of merit he made back then?

"Lord Luo, please reconsider!" Yan Xiu insisted.

"If anything goes wrong in this matter..."

"Strictly govern."

Luo Qingyi interrupted him, a playful smile suddenly appearing on her face.

"Arguing here is pointless. How about we make a bet instead?"

Yan Xiu was taken aback: "A bet?"

Luo Qingyi nodded, her eyes darting between Pei Yun and Yan Xiu.

"That's right, let's bet on Pei Yun and this case."

"He was able to follow the 'Crossing the River of Oblivion' line to find out the identity of the forces behind the Stardust Case and to find concrete evidence that they were related to the Candle Shadow Sect."

"Within ten days."

"If Pei Yun manages to do it..."

She paused, then parted her red lips slightly, uttering words that made Pei Yun's heart skip a beat:

"Commander Yan then stored you in the Zhenfu Division's treasury for many years, and gifted you the 'Nine Aperture Exquisite Pill,' which is of great benefit to cultivation in the Innate Realm."

The Nine-Orifice Exquisite Elixir!

Pei Yun raised an eyebrow.

This is good stuff!

This elixir is made by collecting nine kinds of rare and precious ingredients from heaven and earth and refining them using a secret method.

Cleansing and refining the acupoints can solidify one's innate realm and even help in breaking through to higher levels.

For cultivators at the eighth-grade Innate Realm, it is a coveted treasure!

I never expected that old-fashioned Yan Xiu would have such a treasure.

Hidden in the Zhenfu Division's treasury, it's probably prepared for my future descendants.

"If he cannot do it, I, Luo Qingyi, will personally apologize to Commander Yan."

Luo Qingyi continued, her voice carrying a hint of lazy laughter:

"Furthermore, I will give you half of the authority to allocate the Embroidered Uniform Guard's 'secret intelligence resources' next month."

hiss--

Upon hearing this, Pei Yun felt a pang of heartache for Luo Qingyi.

Secret intelligence resources!

That was the Embroidered Uniform Guard's covert network and intelligence network planted among various forces, and its value was immeasurable!

A glint of light flashed in Yan Xiu's eyes.

This bet is incredibly high!

Luo Qingyi was actually willing to go to such lengths for Pei Yun?

He gave Pei Yun a deep look, then looked at Luo Qingyi and saw that her expression was firm and did not seem to be fake.

Does this woman have that much faith in this guy?

Pei Yun felt Luo Qingyi's gaze, a gaze filled with trust, devoid of pressure.

A warm feeling washed over him.

This tall, handsome boss truly treats him like one of his own.

He stepped forward and bowed deeply to Luo Qingyi.

Before Yan Xiu could speak, Pei Yun raised his head, his face beaming with a bright smile, but his eyes were sharp as knives.

"With Lord Luo placing such trust in me, how could Pei Yun dare to be negligent?"

He spoke loudly, his voice not loud, but it echoed clearly in the back hall.

"Ten days? That's too long!"

"Five days!"

"Within five days, I will definitely find out the truth."

"Investigate this cowardly individual's identity, along with his connection to the Candle Shadow Sect, thoroughly and present the truth to you two!"

The entire room was astonished!

Yan Xiu's pupils contracted sharply as he stared at the young man in disbelief.

mad!

That's insane!

five days?

How to uncover a hidden force that may be involved with the Candle Shadow Sect?

This is simply a fantasy!

A hint of satisfaction flashed in Luo Qingyi's eyes; she liked Pei Yun's spirit.

Yan Xiu stared at Pei Yun with a complicated expression.

There were doubts, but more than anything, there was admiration for the youthful vigor.

Yan Xiu stared at Pei Yun for a long time, then suddenly burst into laughter.

"Good! Well done, Commander Pei! You've got guts!"

"That's how the Embroidered Uniform Guard should be!"

"Boy, I'll take this bet with you!"

"I hope your abilities match your boasts!"

Pei Yun grinned.

"Then you'd better prepare the Nine Aperture Exquisite Pill in advance."

He turned around and bowed to Luo Qingyi.

"Your subordinate takes his leave."

After saying that, he walked out of the back room decisively.