Immortal Dynasty Hounds

Chapter 117 A traitor who serves three masters, a seductive act that involves scraping the bone.

"It's one thing for the bone-scraping knife to suspect, but even His Majesty summoned me to the palace to investigate Lianshan Jingcheng and see if he is Jiang Ping'an."

"If it weren't for the fact that the Bone-Scraping Knife is an elder of the Demonic Sect, I would have suspected that His Majesty and she were in cahoots. The two of them are actually interested in an ordinary doctor from Jiangzhou. Moreover, His Majesty asked me to investigate Lianshan Jingcheng, but he deliberately avoided the Empress Dowager."

"Interesting, very interesting. Could there be a conflict between the Nine Heavens and His Majesty behind this?"

That's all I wanted to say.

Qi Shiyun remained calm and never made eye contact with Cao Fuhu.

But she felt a mix of amusement and exasperation.

Was there anyone in the Great Yu who didn't communicate with demons?
Why is it that every random person you meet seems to have connections to the evil cult?
Like Thousand Faces and Blood Guanyin, Scraping Bone Knife is one of the four elders of the Demonic Sect.

Specializing in seduction techniques.

As you can tell from his nickname, Gua Gu Dao is best at sexual enhancement.

The Blood Guanyin and the Blood Guanyin are two extremes.

It's not surprising that Qi Shiyun knew someone in the imperial court had undergone bone-scraping surgery to replenish their essence.

However, Qi Shiyun never expected that the newly appointed governor of Jiangzhou would have such a relationship with the bone-scraping knife.

Emperor Yongchang was incredibly accurate in his selection of personnel.

Or is it that even if Cao Fuhu wasn't used, using someone else would still have a connection with the Demonic Sect?
Considering that her father also had intricate connections with the Demonic Sect, Qi Shiyun thought to herself that it was really hard to say.

It was one thing for Cao Fuhu to have a relationship with Guagudao, but what truly worried Qi Shiyun was that Emperor Yongchang had secretly sent Cao Fuhu to investigate Lianshan Jingcheng behind the Empress's back.

"Does His Majesty suspect A-Xin? Or does he suspect Lianshan Jingcheng?"

"He must be suspicious of Lian Shan Jingcheng. If His Majesty really suspected A Xin, A Xin should be dead by now."

"Then why not let the Empress Dowager investigate? Why only give the order to Cao Fuhu?"

Qi Shiyun knew that the answer was not hard to guess.

Lian Shan Xin impersonated a prince; Jiu Tian must have investigated this.

The information on He Miaojun and Lian Shanjingcheng must have also been presented to Emperor Yongchang.

In retrospect, Emperor Yongchang was not satisfied with this.

He suspected that Jiutian was secretly protecting Jiang Ping'an.

"The relationship between His Majesty and the Empress is quite complicated. Cao Fuhu... it's hard to say whether he's His Majesty's man or a member of the Demonic Sect. Even with his telepathic abilities, I can't make a judgment."

Qi Shiyun wouldn't assume that just because she sensed a connection between Cao Fuhu and the Bone-Scraping Knife, she would automatically consider Cao Fuhu a spy for the Demonic Cult.

Zhuo Biyu and Lian Shanxin are also connected to the Demonic Cult; she herself is a demonic fetus, but no one considers her a member of the Demonic Cult.

Cao Fuhu only had a casual acquaintance with Guagudao.

This has nothing to do with him being a member of a demonic cult.

While Qi Shiyun was assessing Cao Fuhu's stance, the Crown Prince spoke again: "Celestial Master, Governor Cao, could you give me a little time? I have something to tell Axin. It will be soon and won't delay your flight."

"nature."

The Celestial Master and Cao Fuhu certainly wouldn't disrespect the Crown Prince.

So the whole group boarded the "Vermilion Bird".

Only Lian Shanxin remained where he was, bidding farewell to the Crown Prince.

The feeling of being the center of attention is, to be honest, somewhat exhilarating.

Lian Shanxin sensed that "Tianyan Check" was showing a trend of resuming use.

The Crown Prince's public support for him this time was quite effective.

"Your Highness, is there anything you need to instruct me on?" Lian Shanxin asked.

The Crown Prince was still holding Lian Shanxin's hand. With his back to the people on the Vermilion Bird, he winked at Lian Shanxin and chuckled softly, "I have nothing to do with you, Ah Xin. I just want to talk to you a little more."

Lianshanxin: "..."

"Actually, I did it on purpose, Ashin. You're still young. Although you're exceptionally talented, in our Great Yu, talent alone isn't enough to get ahead. You need connections. By being so close to you in front of everyone, they'll know you're one of my people. When I was still the Crown Prince, even the Celestial Master and Cao Fuhu would have looked up to you."

The Crown Prince's words touched Lian Shanxin: "Your Highness, you are truly considerate of your humble servant."

“Between you and me, there is no hierarchy; we are not outsiders,” the Crown Prince said magnanimously. “Besides, what I am doing has both advantages and disadvantages for you. The advantage is that I will not fall from power, and you will have another powerful backer. But if I lose power in the capital, you will also suffer. At that time, I will be the one who has wronged you.”

Lian Shanxin shook his head and said, "With my background, I can only take care of the present first and deal with the future later. Waiting for the best price is something only Qi Tanhua is qualified to do. I've chosen Your Highness."

The prince's smile grew even more tender: "Ah Xin, I will always remember your kindness to me. Don't worry, we have a long future ahead of us."

"it is good."

"There's one more thing: Cao Fuhu is one of my men."

"what?"

Lian Shanxin looked at the Crown Prince in shock.

The prince's smile was a mixture of restraint and smugness: "He has already pledged his allegiance to me in private, so if you need anything, you can seek his help."

"Your Highness is truly a wise ruler."

Lian Shanxin was genuinely surprised.

It seems the Crown Prince doesn't rely entirely on him.

I do have some things of my own.

"Alright, we can't waste too much time and keep the Celestial Master and Cao Fuhu waiting. Ah Xin, the journey to Jiangzhou is long and arduous, so please be careful."

"Although Your Highness is in the capital, the capital is a place where hidden talents abound and intrigue is raging. Your Highness's situation is even more dangerous than mine, so you must take good care of yourself."

"Ah-xin".

"Your Highness."

At that moment, both of them were touched by the other's concern for them.

Because they could both sense that the other person was sincere.

The two embraced each other tenderly one last time before Lian Shanxin returned to the Vermilion Bird, bidding a reluctant farewell to the Crown Prince.

When the Vermilion Bird took off, Lian Shanxin was greeted by the strange looks from his fellow members of the One Heart Society.

Tian Ji gave Lian Shanxin a thumbs up: "Xin, although I've always thought that women can slow down our ascent, you're still amazing. You went straight for the Crown Prince. I'm ashamed of myself."

Zhuo Biyu was also convinced: "Axin, I think you have the potential to be the Crown Princess."

Lian Shanxin hardened his fist: "I did this to appease the Crown Prince. He condescended to win me over. Am I supposed to turn him away?"

"Ah Xin, you don't need to explain. Explaining is just covering up. Actually, we all understand," Qi Shiyun comforted her. "With you here, what happened between me and the Crown Prince is nothing. From now on, the Crown Prince will be yours, and the Crown Princess will be mine. Isn't that wonderful?"

Lianshanxin: "..."

Tian Ji complained, "Crazy Qi, I think Ah Xin wants to take care of all three of you by himself."

Qi Shiyun kicked it out.

"Don't make trouble."

The celestial master at the very front of the Vermilion Bird turned around and glanced at the four people.

There were quite a few people on the Suzaku, and their commotion was starting to affect others.

"Except for a few, only those who have reached the Transformation Realm can fly. Half of you have not yet reached the Transformation Realm. Today, you soared into the sky with the help of the Vermilion Bird refined by Mo Hou. This is truly your opportunity. Pay attention and you will find that once you land in Jiangzhou, your path to becoming a Grandmaster will have already begun," the Celestial Master instructed.

All the martial artists below the Grandmaster level, including Lian Shanxin, turned solemn and responded in unison.

Speechless all the way.

It was already late at night when we landed in Jiangzhou.

The group landed at Bailudong Academy.

The Celestial Master needed to connect with the Heavenly Sword, and Cao Fuhu would also need to take over the governor's mansion during the day, so they first rested at the White Deer Cave Academy.

"Ah-Xin, are you going home tonight?"

"Tomorrow, it's too late now."

"Then come to my room."

As soon as Qi Shiyun said this, Zhuo Biyu and Tian Ji both looked at her.

"What are you looking at? You two come along too."

Tian Ji asked politely, "Is this convenient?"

This time, Zhuo Biyu kicked it out: "Of course it's convenient."

Tian Ji chuckled and said, "I have mastered some of the physical training, so you can no longer easily make me feel pain."

Zhuo Biyu: "..."

"Alright, be serious, let's talk in my room."

Qi Shiyun decided to share the information with her friends.

The fact that Cao Fuhu is connected to the Bone-Scraping Knife proves that the Demonic Cult has become involved in this matter.

The newly appointed governor of Jiangzhou is going to investigate Lianshan Jingcheng again, so Lianshan Xin will definitely continue to be in the spotlight.

Lian Shanxin's nine clans were linked to the three of them.

Qi Shiyun cannot afford to ignore this.

"Wait a moment."

Lianshan stopped in his tracks.

He heard the voice transmission from Qianmian in his ear.

To be honest, Qi Shiyun and the others definitely wouldn't believe it; even Shan Xin didn't know which person on the Vermilion Bird was Qianmian.

As Maitreya, he cannot ask on his own initiative.

But Qianmian implicitly acknowledged that Lianshan Xin knew.

After arriving at Bailudong Academy, Qianmian originally intended to lie low and recuperate.

But he made an amazing discovery.

"Something's wrong with the servant boy next to Cao Fuhu."

The voice of a thousand faces continued to echo in my ears.

next moment.

Du Jiu ran over and bowed to Lian Shanxin, saying, "Young Master, it is truly a cause for celebration that you have returned safely from the capital."

Lian Shanxin's heart stirred.

"Ninth Brother, Qi Tanhua and I still have things to discuss. Please go to my room and wait for me. I'll catch up with you later."

"Sir, I have something to report."

"Then come in with me."

Lian Shanxin no longer hesitated.

He was certain that the Du Jiu in front of him was Qianmian in disguise.

At this moment, Qi Shiyun turned around and glanced back.

Her expression remained unchanged; she simply nodded and said, "Oh, it's Xiao Jiu. Since you have something to report, come along."

"Thank you very much, Scholar Qi."

Du Jiu followed Qi Shiyun into her room. As soon as he closed the door and turned around, he found that Qi Shiyun, Zhuo Biyu, and Tian Ji were already armed with swords. Only Lian Shanxin was unarmed and completely unprepared.

"Du Jiu" laughed instantly: "Don't be nervous, I am no match for you now, and I will not seek my own death. In fact, I have already taken Tianyan as my master, and from now on we are all on the same side."

"what?"

Tian Ji immediately retorted, "Tell me, who did you take as your master?"

“Of course it’s me,” Lian Shan said.

"puff."

Zhuo Biyu couldn't hold back either: "Ah Xin, you're really something. Thousand Faces, you really are flexible and adaptable. What about the dignity of a Grandmaster?"

Qianmian didn't take it to heart: "Those who know the times are the heroes. You know nothing about our master's strength and background."

Qi Shiyun's heart stirred.

As expected, she guessed correctly; Qianmian was convinced that Ashin was a demon child.

"Disciple, you just said that the servant next to Cao Fuhu was acting strangely. What's going on?" Lian Shanxin asked.

Thousand Faces' tone turned serious: "The servant beside Cao Fuhu is in disguise. Although the disguise is very good, how could it escape my discerning eyes?"

Lian Shan believed it.

This means we've stumbled into the area where Qianmian excels most.

Although Qianmian's strength has greatly declined, Ferrari is still Ferrari even when it's old.

In terms of disguise, no one can rival Qianmian—Emperor Yongchang is the best endorsement for Qianmian.

“Cao Fuhu is the governor of Jiangzhou. It’s normal for him to keep some disguised retainers,” Tian Ji said.

Zhuo Biyu nodded: "High-ranking officials of the fourth rank or above in the imperial court all have guest advisors in private. Cao Fuhu was originally a military general, but now he has been appointed as the governor by His Majesty. If nothing unexpected happens, he plans to take the path of becoming a prime minister. He has great ambitions and naturally needs help from many sides. It is not surprising that he has some martial arts masters around him."

“But that master’s disguise technique is seven-tenths my work,” Thousand Faces said in a deep voice.

The four of them stood up straight, looking dignified.

"From the Demonic Sect?"

Qi Shiyun had already guessed the other party's identity.

However, she pretended not to know and only guessed: "There shouldn't be many people in the Demonic Sect who would let you teach them disguise and disguise techniques, right?"

"Indeed, not many. Apart from my disciples, I have only taught two people."

"Who?"

"The King of Hell and the bone-scraping knife."

These two names, which struck fear into the hearts of the martial arts world, caused the four people in the room to fall silent.

Qianmian looked at Lianshanxin: "Yan Wang has been gone for twenty years. Master, I suspect that the person around Cao Fuhu is likely to be Gua Gu Dao. This time, the imperial court has sent a governor who is connected with demons."

Lian Shanxin asked in a strange tone, "How come there are so many people who communicate with demons like Yu the Great?"

"That's not surprising. A cunning rabbit has three burrows. Apart from the royal family, everyone wants to leave themselves and their families a way out." Qianmian sneered, "Those important officials in the court of Yu the Great all claim to be loyal to the emperor and patriotic, but in reality, they are all two-faced. If this continues, how can Yu the Great not perish?"

Lian Shanxin glanced at Qianmian and retorted, "What's so great about the Demonic Sect? You and Xue Guanyin are both four elders of the Demonic Sect, yet you're still locked in a fierce battle. What right do you have to look down on the imperial court?"

Thousand Faces: "...That's all the fault of Blood Guanyin, she doesn't understand the bigger picture. How can the Holy Sect be run well with someone like that around?"

Zhuo Biyu retorted, "That's what the Blood Guanyin also criticized you for."

Thousand Faces instantly broke down: "That stupid woman dares to turn the tables?"

"Alright, why bother arguing with the dead? Let's talk about the Bone-Scraping Knife and Cao Fuhu." Lian Shanxin steered the conversation back on track: "Before leaving Shenjing City, the Crown Prince told me that Cao Fuhu had secretly pledged allegiance to him."

"what?"

Everyone was shocked.

Including Qi Shiyun.

Even with Qi Shiyun's telepathic abilities, she couldn't discover Cao Fuhu's secret.

"So, the Crown Prince was deceived?" Tian Ji looked at Lian Shan Xin.

Lian Shanxin shrugged: "Perhaps Cao Fuhu is betting on both sides."

“No, Cao Fuhu is a traitor who has served three masters.” Qi Shiyun also revealed her secret, but she gave a reasonable reason: “Her Majesty once said that Cao Fuhu has always been His Majesty’s man.”

Thousand Faces: "..."

He suddenly realized that there was a reason why the Demonic Sect was no match for the imperial court.

Even a mere Tiger-Taming General is already such a master.

There were many ministers of Cao Fuhu's caliber during the reign of Yu the Great.

Lian Shanxin was also somewhat surprised.

Does everyone curl their hair like this?
He thought it was already amazing that he was going to bring his talent to the Demonic Sect.

It now seems that heroes of the world are as numerous as carp crossing a river.

"Now it's harder to determine whose side Cao Fuhu is on, so the key is the bone-scraping knife."

Qianmian quickly regained his composure: "Master, you should be careful. I suspect the bone-scraping knife is aimed at you."

"Why?" Lian Shanxin was taken aback.

“Once you’ve revealed your name as the Heavenly Eye, the sect leader will definitely take notice of you. If the sect leader sends someone else to investigate you after you see through my disguise, that person will be at least at the Domain Realm level, and very likely a Grandmaster, not to mention…”

"Not to mention what?"

"Moreover, we also need to investigate your parents," Thousand Faces reminded him. "If there are problems with your background, then there must be serious problems with your parents' identities as well. Therefore, it is safest to have a Grandmaster investigate."

Qi Shiyun's heart stirred again.

She knew that Qianmian was right.

“Ah Xin, although Lord Tianjian has confirmed that Doctor Lianshan is not Jiang Ping’an, His Majesty may not believe it,” Qi Shiyun reminded. “Perhaps you should ask Doctor Lianshan to find a way to prove that he really is not Jiang Ping’an.”

Lian Shanxin protested on behalf of his father: "How can my father prove that he is not someone else?"

Qi Shiyun thought for a moment and said honestly, "It seems a bit difficult."

It's just like how Lian Shan Jingcheng wanted to prove that Lian Shan Xin was his son, which was very difficult for him.

It's also difficult to prove that you're not Jiang Ping'an.

It's a ridiculous thing, but it's also true.

“If Ah Xin’s father really is Jiang Ping’an, there shouldn’t be any major problems, right?” Tian Ji suggested another possibility: “His Majesty is not in good health now. Although Jiang Ping’an was a traitor in the past, times have changed and His Majesty should not pursue the matter. On the contrary, he may need Jiang Ping’an’s help.”

“That seems to be the case, but when you consider Ah Xin’s background, everything becomes problematic.” Zhuo Biyu said calmly, “Don’t forget, in His Majesty’s eyes, Ah Xin is now his son. What does this former rebel want to do by adopting His Majesty’s son? His Majesty will definitely have many questions.”

"What? My mentor is a prince?"

Qianmian was shocked.

"Master, what's going on?"

"It's not important, just know this." Lian Shanxin didn't explain further: "Whether my father is Jiang Ping'an or not, even the bone-scraping knife wouldn't dare to touch him."

Qi Shiyun nodded: "Unless the Demonic Sect wants to start a full-scale war with the Nine Heavens, I don't think the Demonic Sect has the confidence to do so right now."

"That means they're coming for me. If nothing unexpected happens, the bone-scraping knife will try to seduce me."

At this point, Lian Shanxin's tone became strange: "Then we'll trap them like turtles in a jar, waiting for the knife to fall into our trap. Whether we capture or kill them, it will be a great achievement."

“My esteemed master is wise. Although the art of the Bone-Scraping Knife is unparalleled, it will surely be exposed before your divine eyes. Once you break the art of the Bone-Scraping Knife, the leader will know that my defeat to you was not due to a lack of skill, but rather to your extraordinary talent.”

Qianmian was more proactive than Qi Shiyun and the other two.

He had gotten wet in the rain himself, so he had to tear the other elders' umbrellas to shreds.

To sink into depravity together is the mark of a good elder in a demonic cult.

"good."

Lian Shanxin was very pleased with his disciple's attitude.

……

The words are divided into two parts.

Cao Fuhu was quite pleased that the bone-scraping knife had come to him again and that they were rekindling their old relationship.

Although he is now extremely weak.

My legs were trembling.

"Though no heads fall, your marrow is secretly drained. Your 'Bone-Scraping Knife' has reached a state of perfection. This time, it has cost me at least three months of cultivation."

Cao Fuhu's rough hands lingered on the bone-scraping knife, unable to resist the temptation even though he knew it was poison.

The bone-scraping knife chuckled lightly, exuding charm: "What? You don't like it?"

“I like it, but the price is too high.” Cao Fuhu sighed softly, “If this happens a few more times, I guess I’ll have to go see Lian Shan Jingcheng for treatment again.”

The smile on the face of the man who had been wiping his bones vanished slightly: "Remember what you promised me, to thoroughly investigate this Lian Shan Jing Cheng from the inside out. How could a mere doctor from Jiangzhou possibly eliminate the potential harm of my 'Bone-Scraping Knife' technique? What makes him so capable?"

"Didn't you say he was Jiang Ping'an? If he really is Jiang Ping'an, I wouldn't dare to lay a hand on him. Why doesn't your Demonic Sect test him yourselves?"

The Bone-Scraping Knife said in a deep voice, “Lianshan Xin has joined Jiutian. Now, to attack Lianshan Jingcheng is to provoke Jiutian. We do not want to start a war with Jiutian at this time. Only your status is suitable. What? Do you want to go back on your promise to me?”

"No, how could I refuse your request? Speaking of which, since you can't lay a hand on Lian Shan Jingcheng, why don't you investigate Lian Shan Xin? It's a bit strange that a mere eighteen-year-old boy claims to have a pair of heavenly eyes that can see through a thousand faces of disguise."

The Bone-Scraping Knife nodded slightly: "That's exactly what I was thinking. Even I can't see through Thousand Faces' disguise. If he really can... then that would be really interesting."

Cao Fuhu lowered his head, a glint of shrewdness flashing in his eyes: "I've heard that this Lian Shanxin has mastered the true meaning of seduction, and is born with a seductive nature. If that's true, wouldn't he be a natural fit to be your disciple?"

"If the rumors are true, he is indeed qualified to inherit my mantle. I will personally take action this time to see if he lives up to the title."

Cao Fuhu remained silent.

His mind drifted back to what Emperor Yongchang had said to him after he entered the palace:

"Contact the Bone-Scraping Knife and have him personally examine Lian Shanxin to see if his claim of being born with a seductive nature is true. Once this matter is clarified, I will forgive your past with the Bone-Scraping Knife."

Cao Fuhu immediately knelt before Emperor Yongchang, realizing that the emperor had already seized upon his weakness. However, the emperor's mind was unpredictable, and he never acted on it.

He did not know why Emperor Yongchang wanted to investigate whether Lian Shanxin was born with a seductive nature, but he knew that Lian Shanxin had a great secret that Emperor Yongchang was concerned about.

Combined with Lian Shanjingcheng's medical skills.

Cao Fuhu felt more and more that Lian Shanxin's family was unfathomable.

He didn't want to get involved in these troublesome things if he could.

However, with Emperor Yongchang holding the key to his downfall, and with the knife in his hand as well, he had no choice.

"By the way, why are you so interested in Jiang Ping'an?"

Cao Fuhu didn't remain silent for long and took the initiative to change the subject.

The Bone-Scraping Knife made no secret of it: "After I mastered the art of seduction, I was invincible, except for one person who failed me."

"Jiang Ping'an?"

"Yes, he didn't even give me a second glance." The Bone-Scraping Knife said, his tone turning cold: "He is the biggest flaw in my Dao heart. If I can't get past him, I will be stuck at the Dharma Aspect Realm for the rest of my life."

Cao Fuhu found it unbelievable: "Is there anyone in this world who can resist your charm? How did Jiang Ping'an manage to do it?"

"He said he doesn't like men," the bone-scraping knife said hatefully.

　Yesterday, I saw a comment from a reader saying that there were so many women among the high-ranking members of the Demonic Cult. I can only say I'm furious and speechless. What makes you presume the gender of the Bone-Scraping Blade? Your perspective is too narrow.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)