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

Inside Yuqin Garden.

The storm arose suddenly, and then subsided just as quickly.

The previous peace and prosperity had been replaced by panic and chaos.

Given these unforeseen circumstances, the tea ceremony could no longer continue.

The heavily armed cavalry of the Northern Garrison quickly sealed off all exits.

The gleaming embroidered spring knife clashed with the remaining enchanting spring scenery in the garden, adding a sense of desolation.

The group of terrified guests were trapped in the garden.

Prince Yanxu's expression was solemn.

Surrounded by several guards from the Prince's Palace, he tried his best to calm the restless crowd.

"Please be patient, everyone. This is a case handled by the Embroidered Uniform Guard, and we ask for your cooperation."

Princess Changyang and Princess Yongle, escorted by their maids, had already taken the lead and were preparing to board their carriage and leave.

Before leaving, Princess Yongle looked at Pei Yun with her clear almond-shaped eyes.

It carried a touch of girlish innocence and gratitude, along with a hint of barely perceptible curiosity.

The girl's mind was simple.

The thrilling scene she had just witnessed had inexplicably instilled in her a sense of trust and goodwill towards this handsome commander of the Imperial Guard.

Pei Yun nodded slightly in response.

The carriage slowly drove away from Yuqin Garden.

Inside the carriage, Princess Changyang still frowned, gently stroking her daughter's wrist.

"Le'er, how are you feeling? Is there anything wrong?"

Princess Yongle, however, had a gentle smile on her face, a smile that hadn't been seen in a long time.

"Mother, I feel better than ever before."

Princess Yongle gently shook her mother's hand, her tone filled with a hint of joy.

"After Commander Pei dispelled that chill for me, the feeling of stagnation that had been weighing on my heart since childhood seemed to disappear all at once."

"Even though the imperial physicians in the palace tried everything they could, they could only provide slight relief."

"My daughter has never felt so relaxed and at ease."

Princess Yongle took a deep breath and felt light and refreshed.

Upon hearing this, Princess Changyang tightened her grip on her daughter's hand slightly.

She carefully observed her daughter's expression and saw that her eyes were bright and her complexion was rosy, indicating that she was not forcing a smile.

Her daughter's poor health was a huge worry for her.

Despite consulting numerous renowned doctors and consuming countless rare medicinal herbs, such miraculous effects could not be achieved.

"Pei Yun..."

Princess Changyang murmured the name, her eyes deep and thoughtful.

The atmosphere inside Yuqin Garden remained tense.

Meanwhile, the Imperial Guards of the Northern Garrison were in a state of panic, questioning each of the guests present.

However, after a thorough investigation, nothing was found.

Everyone present was either rich or noble, and every single one of them was a shrewd and calculating person.

Zhang Quan, the squad leader, quickly walked to Pei Yun's side and lowered his voice.

"My lord, everyone in the garden has been searched, and no suspicious traces related to the Candle Shadow Sect have been found."

"Many of these people are members of the imperial family, nobles, and sons of princes. If they were all brought back to the imperial prison..."

Zhang Quan's voice carried a hint of hesitation.

If they were all arrested and brought back, it would be tantamount to offending the entire circle of powerful figures in the capital, and the capital would likely be thrown into chaos.

Even the Northern Garrison Commander must be cautious about such pressure.

Pei Yun calmly swept his gaze over the guests with their various expressions.

Sun Shaoyou had long lost his previous arrogance and was now huddled in a corner, afraid of being targeted by the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

Prince Yan Xu cooperated actively with the investigation, appearing calm and composed.

Li Xuanping remained aloof, as if everything around him was irrelevant.

"Fall back."

Pei Yun spoke calmly.

"Release them."

Zhang Quan was taken aback, somewhat confused.

"My lord, this..."

Pei Yun shook his head and explained softly:

"Let's not even talk about whether there are any heretics from the Candle Shadow Sect among these people."

"Even if it is true that a demon from the Candle Shadow Sect has infiltrated, the fact that they dare to stay here means they are not afraid of our investigation."

"Continuing like this will only make my Northern Garrison Command look bad, and will not achieve anything."

"The problem with today's events lies in the formation, so let's investigate along the lines of the formation."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Quan knew that what the superior said made sense, and immediately accepted the order.

The tense atmosphere in the garden visibly relaxed as the Imperial Guards withdrew.

The guests felt as if they had been granted a pardon and took their leave one after another.

Yunniang knew that the young master was busy with important matters at the moment, so she did not disturb him.

The sudden turn of events left Yunniang feeling a tightness in her chest, even though things had calmed down.

Despite the terrifying scene, Yunniang simply stood beside the young master.

The chaotic heartbeat miraculously calmed down a bit.

Then she saw the young master calmly step forward and dispel the cold, malevolent aura from the princess. In his conversation, he exposed the conspiracy of the Candle Shadow Sect.

From afar, Yunniang felt that the young master's composure was more reassuring than ever before.

Qin Yu sat on a stone bench, feeling a slight cramp in his calves.

Having grown up in luxury and frequented brothels, he had never seen anything like what he just witnessed in his life.

Only now that things have settled down did Qin Yu muster up the courage to approach, his voice trembling slightly.

"Brother Pei, what kind of evil spirit is causing this?"

"It's just some petty tricks of the Candle Shadow Sect, no need to panic," Pei Yun said casually.

A little trick?

Qin Yu almost knelt down.

That was aimed at the princess, but in Pei Yun's words, it was just a "little trick".

Just how many more horrifying scenes has this Commander Pei witnessed to be so calm and collected?

He had previously thought that asking Pei Yun to help resolve the Chamber of Commerce's troubles was like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut.

But now it seems that in Pei Yun's eyes, this trivial matter of the Chamber of Commerce is probably not even a "small trick".

The thought of being able to befriend such a person filled Qin Yu with a sense of pride.

Young Master Qin's taste is not bad, is it?

Qin Yu did not linger for long, and after a few polite words, he hurriedly took his leave.

I'm frightened. I need to go and comfort those young ladies who were flirting with me at the tea party.

At this moment, Yunwei walked over.

"Commander Pei, thank you for today's matter."

If it weren't for Pei Yun, and if Princess Yongle were to have an accident, the Imperial Observatory would also be held responsible.

"You're welcome," Pei Yun said.

"It's just my duty."

Pei Yun knew perfectly well that following the formation to investigate was merely a superficial act for outsiders.

Based on his understanding of the Candle Shadow Sect, especially the style of the Candle Shadow Saintess, this path was most likely a dead end.

A year ago, he relentlessly pursued that saint.

Therefore, he was all too familiar with that woman's methods.

When they make a move, it is always flawless, leaving no room for error.

The chaos in Yuqin Garden today, though seemingly dangerous, also carries a familiar feeling.

Previously, the Candle Shadow Sect had remained hidden, making them as difficult to find as searching for a needle in a haystack.

But now the other side has made a move.

Even though the plan seemed perfect, it wasn't entirely fruitless for him.

Pei Yun's fingertips gently caressed her inside her sleeve.

The system's intelligence clearly indicated that the target of the Candle Shadow Sect today is Princess Yongle.

During the chaos just now, there was a clear connection with Princess Yongle, and there was an opportunity to secretly act when the formation was disrupted...

Apart from Yunwei, the Director of the Imperial Observatory whom he knew.

Three figures clearly appeared in Pei Yun's mind.

Yan Xu, the heir apparent of the Prince of Yan's mansion.

Li Xuanping of the Tai Su Daoist lineage.

And then there's Miss Su Jinyue, who accidentally broke the spell by "splashing tea."

Unbeknownst to anyone, he could use the chaos of the array's riot as cover to secretly plant a wisp of "Soul-Eating Evil Qi" into the princess's body.

These three are the prime suspects.

Instead of aimlessly searching for any trace of the Candle Shadow Sect in the vast capital city like headless flies,

This time, he was confident he could catch that slippery fox tail.

Most importantly, that Holy Maiden of Candlelight probably never dreamed of this.

Her seemingly flawless plan had already been exposed by him.

Now the balance of power has shifted.

The enemy is in the open, while we are in the dark.

Pei Yun's lips curved into a barely perceptible smile.

This game has only just begun.