It was dawn, Chu Li was cultivating in the courtyard of the Secret Guardians Hall . Xu Huande walked in with large strides .

Chu Li took a glance at him before continuing with his cultivation .

Xu Huande sat by the stone table . "Chu Li, you may now exit your seclusion . "

Chu Li smiled . "There's no rush . I've just entered the best shape and would need to go into seclusion for a while longer . This place is more suitable than the Imperial Residence . Very quiet indeed!"

Xu Huande coldly remarked, "Was it you who took down the two Secret Guardians?"

"Which Secret Guardian?" Chu Li was stunned and stopped his movements . He then came to a realization, "Oh, you mean those two who leaked intel to the enemies of the High Duke's Public House? What happened to them?"

Xu Huande scoffed heavily . "They've been dispelled of their cultivation!"

"Only dispelled of their cultivation? The Young Master is too forgiving . If it was up to me, I would kill them and find an isolated plot to bury them . Out of sight out of mind, who can say anything about it . " Chu Li continued with his movements as he shook his head and sighed .

Xu Huande glared sharply at Chu Li as if trying to see through him to validate his words .

Chu Li said, "Commander Xu is suspecting me? But I don't know who they are . I've been here from day to night, how could I possibly have killed someone?"

"Humph! It better not be you, or else . . . " Xu Huande gnashed his teeth .

Chu Li gently paddled his palms and leisurely responded, "Since you're allowing me out of seclusion, it must be calm on the outside . What's the situation like?"

Xu Huande coldly reb.u.t.ted, "To have the High Duke's Public House to publicize as such, is not a good thing!"

Chu Li answered, "The High Duke's Public House publicizing would be on His Majesty's watch . Anyway, publicizing it or not, His Majesty would have to be on the lookout . . . How's the two Secret Guardians?"

"They won't die . " scoffed Xu Huande .

Xu Huande was pretty annoyed with those two fellas, making their own decisions and mixing in personal agendas . There was too much of a personal vendetta that it had brewed into such a huge deal . Even if they were not dispelled of their cultivation, returning to the Secret Guardians Hall would not do them any good .

Chu Li slowly ended his flow and took a deep breath out .

The white breath that he breathed out shot out ten feet before it dispersed .

Xu Huande frowned .

This person's inner energy was the purest it could be and was indistinctly topping him by a large margin . It had only been fifteen days yet his advancement was much further than him . If this were to continue on, he would soon be unable to catch up to him!

——

A young man whose complexion was as clear as jade appeared at the Imperial Residence of King An . He had a remarkable presence, standing there like a tree in the wind, naturally attacking all of the gazes with his elegant bearing .

He arrived at the Imperial Residence and two protectors looked at him warily . They sensed the danger emitting from him .

"May we know if Young Master is looking for anyone?" One of the protectors closed fist saluted and asked solemnly .

"I am Meng Jian, brother of Meng Zhi . I wonder if my brother, Meng Zhi is around?" the handsome young man closed fist saluted and smiled .

"Deputy Commander Meng?" Two of the protectors were momentarily stunned and exchanged glances .

"Did something happen to my brother?" Meng Jian asked .

He became visibly upset and his voice was slow yet forceful . Each word he spoke shook these protectors to the core .

They trembled and immediately waved their arms .

The protector before him immediately answered, "Deputy Commander Meng has left the House and has yet to return . "

"How long has it been?" Meng Jian muttered .

"Over a month . "

" . . . I wish to see His Royal Highness," said Meng Jian .

"Young Master Meng, we are not in the position to decide . We can only pa.s.s on the message . "

"Alright, go ahead . "

One of the protectors ran into the Imperial Residence .

Chief Zhu quickly came out in large strides and closed fist saluted once he was out the main door . He grinned . "Young Master Meng, please come in quick! Please come in!"

Meng Jian returned the gesture with a closed fist salute of his own and dully smiled .

Chief Zhu replied, "Just call me Elder Zhu, I am the treasurer . Young Master Meng, please come in quick . "

"Chief Zhu . " Meng Jian gently nodded and followed him into the Imperial Residence .

On the way, Meng Jian asked, "I heard that my brother has left the Residence for more than a month and has yet to return . I wonder if he is okay?"

"About this… I am not too sure myself . Commander Meng reports directly to His Royal Highness and I have no authority to ask . His Royal Highness is currently in seclusion . I'm not sure if the commander is aware of this, I will have Commander Zheng come over . " Chief Zhu was helpless .

He brought Meng Zhi into the hall and ordered one of the maids to summon Zheng Lide and proceeded to eagerly attend to Meng Jian by brewing a pot of tea .

Zheng Lide entered the hall a short moment later .

"Commander Zheng, this is Commander Meng's brother, Young Master Meng Jian . " Chief Zhu took the chance to leave after introducing them .

Zheng Lide said, "I have long heard from Commander Meng that Young Master Meng Jian is a disciple at the Amethyst Mountain?"

He sighed internally about Meng Zhi having such a good brother, talented, dignified and no ordinary young man .

"You're too kind," Meng Jian closed fist saluted and gently responded .

He was cool and his voice was soothing in a calm demeanor .

"Sigh… My condolences on Commander Meng . There's yet any news on Commander Meng, he most likely met with an accident . " Zheng Lide shook his head and sighed .

Meng Jian frowned . "My brother is dead?"

"There have been no sightings of him nor a body . In these sorts of circ.u.mstances, it is hard to say…" Zheng Lide mentioned .

Zheng Lide spoke while shaking his head .

"What did my brother go out to do? I want to ask His Royal Highness personally," Meng Jian said .

"His Royal Highness is currently in seclusion . Young Master Meng, if you could wait a while you can ask once His Royal Highness is out of seclusion," answered Zheng Lide .

"It seems to me that His Royal Highness is not bothered whether my brother is alive or dead . He has not sent anyone to investigate, huh?" Meng Jian dully responded .

"His Royal Highness is naturally concerned about Commander Meng and has ordered me to investigate . But there are no leads at all as if he has disappeared into thin air," Zheng Lide quickly said .

Meng Jian asked, "Does my brother have any enemies?"

Zheng Lide was surprised . He seemed to want to say something but stopped short .

Meng Jian spoke placidly, "Commander Zheng is a fellow coworker of my brother . Are you going to sit by and let the killer loose?"

"There have been no sightings of Commander Meng's corpse so we can't conclude that he's dead . Maybe he had a chance encounter and is cultivating in seclusion now," remarked Zheng Lide .

Meng Jian shook his head . "My brother has indeed pa.s.sed . "

Meng Jian had sharp senses and the moment he stepped into the Imperial Residence he could finally conclude that his brother was indeed dead . His force was no longer in this world .

"Sigh… a shame! I had a good relations.h.i.+p with Elder Meng, how could he… I guess this is the fate of being in the martial arts world . " Zheng Lide shook his head .

Meng Jian announced, "I want to see His Royal Highness . "

"About this… His Royal Highness is in seclusion and won't see any guests," Zheng Lide replied sheepishly .

"I believe that His Royal Highness will want to see me," answered Meng Jian .

"Alright then, let's first ask Revered Sir, Xu Ning . Please follow me, Young Master Meng . " Zheng Lide finally gave in .

The two of them walked to the outside of the Cultivation Courtyard .

Xu Ning was dressed in his yellow cowl and his eyes were shut tightly . He was quietly sitting on a cattail ha.s.sock outside the Cultivation Courtyard . He was in meditation, not moving an inch .

With the appearance of both them, Xu Ning slowly opened his eyes . His clear eyes landed on Meng Jian's face . He pressed his palms together . "Almsgiver Meng . "

"From the Tempest Temple?" Meng Jian asked .

Xu Ning answered, "I am Xu Ning . I understand that Almsgiver Meng would like to see His Royal Highness . Please wait two hours . "

" . . . Alright, I wouldn't have imagined seeing a monk from the Tempest Temple in the Imperial Residence . " Meng Jian slowly nodded .

Xu Ning smiled and pressed his palms together . He then closed his eyes .

Meng Jian scoffed but remained silent .

Zheng Lide excused himself and left .

The sun was slowly rising and its radiance shone warmth that cast a sleep spell over the residence .

. . . . It was dawn, Chu Li was cultivating in the courtyard of the Secret Guardians Hall . Xu Huande walked in with large strides . Chu Li took a glance at him before continuing with his cultivation . Xu Huande sat by the stone table . Chu Li, you may now exit your seclusion . Chu Li smiled . Theres no rush . Ive just entered the best shape and would need to go into seclusion for a while longer . This place is more suitable than the Imperial Residence . Very quiet indeed! Xu Huande coldly remarked, Was it you who took down the two Secret Guardians? Which Secret Guardian? Chu Li was stunned and stopped his movements . He then came to a realization, Oh, you mean those two who leaked intel to the enemies of the High Dukes Public House? What happened to them? Xu Huande scoffed heavily . Theyve been dispelled of their cultivation! Only dispelled of their cultivation? The Young Master is too forgiving . If it was up to me, I would kill them and find an isolated plot to bury them . Out of sight out of mind, who can say anything about it . Chu Li continued with his movements as he shook his head and sighed . Xu Huande glared sharply at Chu Li as if trying to see through him to validate his words . Chu Li said, Commander Xu is suspecting me? But I dont know who they are . Ive been here from day to night, how could I possibly have killed someone? Humph! It better not be you, or else . Xu Huande gnashed his teeth . Chu Li gently paddled his palms and leisurely responded, Since youre allowing me out of seclusion, it must be calm on the outside . Whats the situation like? Xu Huande coldly reb.u.t.ted, To have the High Dukes Public House to publicize as such, is not a good thing! Chu Li answered, The High Dukes Public House publicizing would be on His Majestys watch . Anyway, publicizing it or not, His Majesty would have to be on the lookout . Hows the two Secret Guardians? They wont die . scoffed Xu Huande . . . Xu Huande was pretty annoyed with those two fellas, making their own decisions and mixing in personal agendas . There was too much of a personal vendetta that it had brewed into such a huge deal . Even if they were not dispelled of their cultivation, returning to the Secret Guardians Hall would not do them any good . Chu Li slowly ended his flow and took a deep breath out . The white breath that he breathed out shot out ten feet before it dispersed . Xu Huande frowned . This persons inner energy was the purest it could be and was indistinctly topping him by a large margin . It had only been fifteen days yet his advancement was much further than him . If this were to continue on, he would soon be unable to catch up to him! —— A young man whose complexion was as clear as jade appeared at the Imperial Residence of King An . He had a remarkable presence, standing there like a tree in the wind, naturally attacking all of the gazes with his elegant bearing He arrived at the Imperial Residence and two protectors looked at him warily . They sensed the danger emitting from him . May we know if Young Master is looking for anyone? One of the protectors closed fist saluted and asked solemnly . I am Meng Jian, brother of Meng Zhi . I wonder if my brother, Meng Zhi is around? the handsome young man closed fist saluted and smiled . Deputy Commander Meng? Two of the protectors were momentarily stunned and exchanged glances . Did something happen to my brother? Meng Jian asked . He became visibly upset and his voice was slow yet forceful . Each word he spoke shook these protectors to the core . They trembled and immediately waved their arms . The protector before him immediately answered, Deputy Commander Meng has left the House and has yet to return . . . How long has it been? Meng Jian muttered . Over a month . . I wish to see His Royal Highness, said Meng Jian . Young Master Meng, we are not in the position to decide . We can only pa.s.s on the message . Alright, go ahead . One of the protectors ran into the Imperial Residence . Chief Zhu quickly came out in large strides and closed fist saluted once he was out the main door . He grinned . Young Master Meng, please come in quick! Please come in! Meng Jian returned the gesture with a closed fist salute of his own and dully smiled . Chief Zhu replied, Just call me Elder Zhu, I am the treasurer . Young Master Meng, please come in quick . Chief Zhu . Meng Jian gently nodded and followed him into the Imperial Residence . On the way, Meng Jian asked, I heard that my brother has left the Residence for more than a month and has yet to return . I wonder if he is okay? About this… I am not too sure myself . Commander Meng reports directly to His Royal Highness and I have no authority to ask . His Royal Highness is currently in seclusion . Im not sure if the commander is aware of this, I will have Commander Zheng come over . Chief Zhu was helpless . He brought Meng Zhi into the hall and ordered one of the maids to summon Zheng Lide and proceeded to eagerly attend to Meng Jian by brewing a pot of tea . Zheng Lide entered the hall a short moment later . Commander Zheng, this is Commander Mengs brother, Young Master Meng Jian . Chief Zhu took the chance to leave after introducing them . Zheng Lide said, I have long heard from Commander Meng that Young Master Meng Jian is a disciple at the Amethyst Mountain? He sighed internally about Meng Zhi having such a good brother, talented, dignified and no ordinary young man . Youre too kind, Meng Jian closed fist saluted and gently responded . He was cool and his voice was soothing in a calm demeanor . Sigh… My condolences on Commander Meng . Theres yet any news on Commander Meng, he most likely met with an accident . Zheng Lide shook his head and sighed . Meng Jian frowned . My brother is dead? There have been no sightings of him nor a body . In these sorts of circ.u.mstances, it is hard to say… Zheng Lide mentioned . Zheng Lide spoke while shaking his head . What did my brother go out to do? I want to ask His Royal Highness personally, Meng Jian said . His Royal Highness is currently in seclusion . Young Master Meng, if you could wait a while you can ask once His Royal Highness is out of seclusion, answered Zheng Lide . It seems to me that His Royal Highness is not bothered whether my brother is alive or dead . He has not sent anyone to investigate, huh? Meng Jian dully responded . His Royal Highness is naturally concerned about Commander Meng and has ordered me to investigate . But there are no leads at all as if he has disappeared into thin air, Zheng Lide quickly said . Meng Jian asked, Does my brother have any enemies? Zheng Lide was surprised . He seemed to want to say something but stopped short . Meng Jian spoke placidly, Commander Zheng is a fellow coworker of my brother . Are you going to sit by and let the killer loose? There have been no sightings of Commander Mengs corpse so we cant conclude that hes dead . Maybe he had a chance encounter and is cultivating in seclusion now, remarked Zheng Lide . Meng Jian shook his head . My brother has indeed pa.s.sed . Meng Jian had sharp senses and the moment he stepped into the Imperial Residence he could finally conclude that his brother was indeed dead . His force was no longer in this world . Sigh… a shame! I had a good relations.h.i.+p with Elder Meng, how could he… I guess this is the fate of being in the martial arts world . Zheng Lide shook his head . Meng Jian announced, I want to see His Royal Highness . About this… His Royal Highness is in seclusion and wont see any guests, Zheng Lide replied sheepishly . I believe that His Royal Highness will want to see me, answered Meng Jian . Alright then, lets first ask Revered Sir, Xu Ning . Please follow me, Young Master Meng . Zheng Lide finally gave in . The two of them walked to the outside of the Cultivation Courtyard . Xu Ning was dressed in his yellow cowl and his eyes were shut tightly . He was quietly sitting on a cattail ha.s.sock outside the Cultivation Courtyard . He was in meditation, not moving an inch . With the appearance of both them, Xu Ning slowly opened his eyes . His clear eyes landed on Meng Jians face . He pressed his palms together . Almsgiver Meng . From the Tempest Temple? Meng Jian asked . Xu Ning answered, I am Xu Ning . I understand that Almsgiver Meng would like to see His Royal Highness . Please wait two hours . . Alright, I wouldnt have imagined seeing a monk from the Tempest Temple in the Imperial Residence . Meng Jian slowly nodded . Xu Ning smiled and pressed his palms together . He then closed his eyes . Meng Jian scoffed but remained silent . Zheng Lide excused himself and left . The sun was slowly rising and its radiance shone warmth that cast a sleep spell over the residence .