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

Pei Yun received his orders from Luo Qingyi, but did not rush straight to the Imperial Guard camp as everyone expected.

"Plan carefully before you act, and you will be successful in everything you do."

This is Pei Yun's consistent code of conduct.

"Zhang Quan".

"Your humble servant is here." Zhang Quan bowed.

"Go to Commander Zhao's place and bring me all the case files of Li Yu, the son of General Weiyuan, who is involved in the illegal sale of military equipment."

"yes!"

Zhang Quan accepted the order and left swiftly and decisively.

Before long, a thick stack of files was placed on Pei Yun's desk.

The flickering lights illuminated Pei Yun's handsome profile.

He picked up the yellowed pages with his fingers, his gaze focused and sharp.

The case file details how Li Yu, relying on his father General Weiyuan's influence, secretly traded military equipment.

The evidence of embezzlement is irrefutable!

However, when the Imperial Guards came knocking, Li Yu's reaction was unusually intense.

Not only did they injure Commander Wang, they also immediately fled to the Imperial Guard camp to seek protection from the Shence Army.

Such behavior seems to exceed the typical reaction expected in a corruption case.

Pei Yun's brows furrowed slightly.

"Ordinary embezzlement is not a capital offense."

Pei Yun tapped the tabletop lightly with his fingertips, seemingly lost in thought.

"His panicked state seemed to indicate that he feared that if he stepped into the imperial prison, he would never see the light of day again."

There must be something hidden behind this.

Pei Yun closed his eyes and sank his mind into his sea of ​​consciousness.

The daily refreshed [Intelligence] ability has been quietly activated.

In the dark sea of ​​consciousness, lines of pale golden characters slowly emerged:

[Intelligence Update]

Li Yu, son of General Weiyuan, is suspected of reselling military equipment for exorbitant profits.

[Secretly colluding with the demonic "Tiger Fiend Hall," selling them some military equipment at high prices and providing them with conveniences.]

[Number of refreshes: 1]

Pei Yun suddenly opened his eyes, a glint of light flashing in them.

"So that's it! That's his real Achilles' heel!"

They colluded with evil forces and aided the enemy.

This is a grave offense in the Great Ying Immortal Dynasty!

No wonder he was so terrified that he risked his life to hide in the Imperial Guard camp.

Once this matter is exposed, let alone a nobody like Li Yu...

Even his father, General Weiyuan, would likely be implicated.

"Tiger Demon Hall..."

Pei Yun's lips curled into a cold smile.

These bedbugs hiding in the shadows should finally see the light of day.

He immediately summoned Zhang Quan.

"Boss, what are your orders?"

Seeing Pei Yun's expression, Zhang Quan knew that a major discovery had been made.

Pei Yun handed Zhang Quan a slip of paper with several addresses and names written on it.

"You immediately take your elite brothers and, following this clue, investigate secretly."

His voice was steady and carried an unquestionable authority.

"Before I head to the Imperial Guard camp tomorrow, you must gather all the irrefutable evidence of Li Yu's collusion with the demonic path and present it to me."

"Remember, this matter must be done quickly and discreetly; do not alert the enemy."

Zhang Quan took the note, glanced at it, and his expression suddenly hardened.

The words "Tiger Fiend Hall" on the note, along with several blood-stained names, instantly made him realize the seriousness of the matter.

"Understood, sir!"

Zhang Quan clasped his hands in acceptance of the order, his eyes gleaming with excitement and determination.

Following Commander Pei in solving cases is always so exhilarating!

Meanwhile, elsewhere in the capital.

Shence Prefecture, the Capital Garrison Command, and the Governor's Residence.

This place is heavily guarded and is the central hub of the entire Shence Prefecture.

Ordinary officers are not allowed to enter unless summoned.

Those who can sit on equal footing with the Garrison Commander and discuss matters with ease are all important figures of great significance.

At this moment, the atmosphere in the back hall of the governor's mansion was rather heavy.

Yan Chongyue, the Garrison Commander of the Capital Region, was sitting opposite Qin Lanfei, the President of the Sihai Chamber of Commerce.

Yan Chongyue was about fifty years old, with a resolute face and sharp, angular features that exuded the iron-blooded aura of someone who had been through many battles.

He was wearing a specially made black Qilin armor.

With broad shoulders and a sturdy back, he sat upright like a mountain, exuding an aura of authority without anger, his entire being radiating a deep and profound presence.

Consort Qin Lan was dressed in an elegant palace gown, her hair styled in a high bun, exuding exceptional charm.

She held a cloud-patterned round fan, gently waving it and smiling.

She appears gentle, but her words reveal a firm stance.

On the rosewood table in front of them were two cups of fragrant tea, still steaming hot.

But no one had the heart to taste it.

"Governor Yan, our Sihai Chamber of Commerce has already paid a 30% deposit on this batch of 'Star Pattern Secret Iron' from Yunzhou."

Qin Lanfei's voice was melodious and pleasant, yet it carried the shrewdness of a businesswoman.

"If your family wishes to acquire all of them, the price will likely have to be different from what we've discussed before."

Yan Chongyue frowned slightly and spoke in a deep voice.

"President Qin, matters of national importance are not child's play."

"This batch of secret iron is crucial to the development of our Shence Army's new military equipment, and we must obtain it."

"Price is negotiable... but priority purchasing rights are non-negotiable."

Yan Chongyue's tone was firm and left no room for argument.

Consort Qin smiled gently, like a spring breeze caressing the willows.

"Everything in this world has its price; why must Governor Yan force someone to do something they cannot?"

"Our Sihai Chamber of Commerce is open to doing business, and we believe in making money through harmony. However, we are not pushovers to be bullied."

It appears to be a concession, but in reality, it conceals a sharp edge.

She was well aware of the importance of this batch of secret iron to the Shence Mansion.

A hint of displeasure flashed in Yan Chongyue's eyes, and his expression darkened.

"If it weren't for the fact that Chairman Qin has had a relatively pleasant cooperation with the Shence Prefecture over the years, I would have directly ordered the seizure today."

Qin Lanfei's smile faded slightly.

Just as the atmosphere was tense, a series of hurried yet steady footsteps approached from afar.

A young general in armor strode in from outside the door.

It was Wei Zheng, the commander of the Left Battalion of the Imperial Guards.

He walked into the hall, glanced at Consort Qin Lan, then knelt on one knee, his voice booming:

"Reporting to the Commander-in-Chief! This subordinate has important matters to report!"

Upon seeing this, Consort Qin Lan turned her beautiful eyes slightly, and knowingly stood up and gracefully gave a curtsy.

"Since Commander Yan has important matters to attend to, I will not disturb him any longer."

"Regarding the matter of the Star-Patterned Secret Iron, I will visit the Governor another day to discuss it in detail."

She smiled gracefully and withdrew with elegant poise.

In his heart, however, he was secretly plotting how to break Yan Chongyue's bottom line and maximize the benefits of that batch of Star Pattern Secret Iron.

Yan Chongyue nodded slightly: "President Qin, please take care."

After Qin Lanfei left, Yan Chongyue's expression darkened as he looked at Wei Zheng.

"What's the matter that you're in such a panic?"

Wei Zheng then briefly reported on the matter of Li Yu, the son of General Weiyuan.

This includes Li Yu's illegal sale of military equipment, his injury to Wang Song, a centurion of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, and his hasty retreat to the Left Camp of the Imperial Guard.

And how he personally intervened and blocked the menacing Jinyiwei commander Liu Mang.

Upon hearing this, Yan Chongyue flew into a rage.

"Bang!"

He slammed his hand heavily on the hard rosewood table, making the teacups jump.

"You worthless brat! How did Li Weiyuan raise his son?!"

His voice was like thunder, and his anger was raging.

"As the descendant of a military family, how dare he embezzle and resell military equipment? How is he any different from a traitor to the country! Knowing the law and breaking it, his crime is doubled!"

"Once this matter is resolved, this government will certainly send him to the military court for severe punishment!"

Wei Zheng lowered his head and remained silent, waiting for what was to come.

After Yan Chongyue's angry rebuke, his chest heaved for a moment.

Then his tone changed abruptly, and his expression gradually turned cold.

"But no matter how despicable Li Yu may be, he is still a member of the Imperial Guard under my Shence Army!"

"He made a mistake, and he will be dealt with according to the military law of my Shence Army!"

A cold glint flashed in his eyes.

"The Embroidered Uniform Guards want to arrest people directly from my Shence Army's territory? They're really showing us no respect!"

"Wei Zheng, you did the right thing!"

"This case must be investigated and handled internally by my Shence Prefecture first, so as to give the court an explanation."

"It's not their place to overstep their bounds and interfere!"

"That Luo Qingyi, at such a young age, has already attained such a high position; her influence is far too great!"

Yan Chongyue snorted coldly, his tone clearly showing dissatisfaction and wariness.

"If the Embroidered Uniform Guard wants to arrest someone, they'll have to ask the Shence Army for permission first!"