Immortal Dynasty Hounds

Chapter 96 Fame Resounds in the Capital, Demon Emperor Covets

To be honest, Qianmian probably wouldn't believe it, but Lian Shanxin still couldn't see through him this time. To be precise, before Lian Shanxin even tried to see through him, Qianmian revealed his identity.

From Qianmian's perspective, he was transparent to Lian Shanxin, so it would be foolish for him to continue faking his identity. Qianmian prided himself on being the wisest man in the Demonic Sect and wouldn't do anything foolish.

Thus, the combination of "Sky Eye" and "Thousand Faces" was born.

Start increasing the strength of Shenjing City.

The effect is remarkable.

After all, the last time Tianyan and Qianmian joined forces, they directly caused Emperor Yongchang to become depressed.

This is the second time.

Outside the capital city, under the watchful eyes of everyone, Thousand Faces fled in panic, but once again demonstrated his formidable strength. Even with the intervention of the Inner Minister, they were still unable to stop him.

The only one that Qianmian was wary of was that young but sharp-witted boy.

Unbeknownst to anyone, at that moment, Lian Shanxin was thinking of kowtowing to Qianmian.

I was so moved that I almost cried.

That Thousand Faces guy, he's really something when it comes to trouble.

Compared to the number one patron who is inhuman, the number two mentor is practically his adopted son.

Lian Shanxin secretly vowed that if Qianmian were to die in the capital city, he would definitely choose an auspicious burial site for him.

"After you've settled in, come find me at Miaoyinfang."

Lian Shanxin, who was deeply moved, suddenly narrowed his eyes.

Miaoyinfang?
Lian Shanxin looked in the direction where Qianmian had disappeared without a trace, and his brows furrowed.

How did Xiaoqian get involved with Miaoyinfang?
Could my mother really be the leader of a demonic cult?

A thousand faces in a single sentence made Lianshan Xin's mind wander.

"Brother, you made it!"

Tian Ji excitedly patted Lian Shan Xin on the shoulder, bringing him back to reality.

"From now on, the title 'Heavenly Eye' will be widely known in the capital city," Tian Ji said excitedly. "This is true fame and fortune; everyone will look at you with new respect."

Zhuo Biyu was also very excited, but her excitement stemmed from something different from Tian Ji's.

She drew her ring-pommel sword and glared menacingly at the Ministry of Justice: "The Ministry of Justice has audacity! How dare you collude with Thousand Faces in broad daylight to murder members of Nine Heavens. I think the Ministry of Justice, from top to bottom, needs to conduct a thorough investigation."

Qi Shiyun reacted and immediately added, "That's right, not only the Ministry of Justice, but the Second Prince deliberately implicated Jiutian and colluded with Qianmian. The evidence is conclusive, and Jiutian will definitely pursue this to the end."

Since the leaders of the Nine Heavens are not present, Zhuo Biyu and Qi Shiyun have taken on the role of representing the Nine Heavens.

Under the watchful eyes of everyone, the nine clan leaders later learned that even if they had to bite the bullet, they had to stand up for Zhuo Biyu and Qi Shiyun, otherwise the Nine Heavens would lose all their prestige.

In this way, the Heavenly Gang was reversed, and instead of the Ministry of Justice investigating the Nine Heavens, the Nine Heavens were investigating the Ministry of Justice.

Lian Shanxin has thus been completely spared from today's imprisonment.

Looking at Zhuo Biyu and Qi Shiyun, his two partners who fought hard to protect him, and Tian Ji, his little accessory, Lian Shanxin was once again moved.

They certainly weren't worried about not being able to withstand the severe torture that would lead to the extermination of their entire clan; it was purely a bond of friendship.

In this lifetime, what more could one ask for than two beautiful women who would risk their lives for you and a brother who is like a trinket to you?
Lian Shanxin felt content with himself, so he showed his magnanimity: "Let it go. When gods fight, mortals suffer. They are just soldiers kept in the dark. A thousand faces of disguise can be seen through by anyone but me, not even a grandmaster. Why make things difficult for them?"

Upon hearing Lian Shanxin's words, the eyes of everyone in the Ministry of Justice instantly turned to gratitude.

A woman took the initiative to clasp her hands in greeting and said, "Young Master Xin's kindness in repaying evil is admirable. We were all acting under orders today and had no idea when Qianmian had impersonated Lord Fang. Now that things have come to this, we will leave the rest to the higher-ups to decide. If Young Master Xin is so kind, we colleagues can host a banquet for you at Dengke Tower tomorrow to apologize."

Qi Shiyun whispered to Lian Shanxin, "Feng Xishuang is the only daughter of General Shenfeng. She is gaining experience in the Ministry of Justice. We have to give her face and ask for her favor. Ah Xin, just tell her that the banquet is unnecessary and that she shouldn't bother me with old matters anymore."

Lian Shanxin looked puzzled: "Old news?"

Qi Shiyun casually said, "Don't worry about these things. In short, let's use today's incident to settle our old score. Ah Xin, you won't refuse to help me, will you?"

What could Lianshan Xin say?
He could only say magnanimously to Feng Xishuang, "Lord Feng, you flatter me. We are both innocent victims of this disaster. Today, we have become acquainted through this unexpected encounter. There is no need for a banquet. I only have one request."

"Please speak, Young Master Xin," Feng Xishuang said politely.

She followed Fang Yanfeng the whole way without finding any flaws, but Lian Shanxin saw right through her.

She genuinely admired that insight.

Lian Shanxin coughed lightly, somewhat embarrassed: "I hope Lord Feng can reconcile with Scholar Qi just as he did with me today."

The gratitude on Feng Xishuang's face visibly vanished, and her voice turned extremely cold: "Does Young Master Xin know what Qi Shiyun did to me?"

Lian Shanxin coughed lightly again.

I really don't know.

But it's probably not a good thing.

"she……"

Before Feng Xishuang could speak, Qi Shiyun interrupted her, her voice fierce: "Feng Xishuang, you don't want all your colleagues to be arrested and taken to the Nine Heavens by me under the pretext of communicating with demons, do you?"

Feng Xishuang's fist hardened.

Lian Shanxin couldn't stand it any longer: "Qi Tanhua, calm down. We Jiutian never bully others by abusing our power. Lord Feng, let's leave it at that. If the Ministry of Justice wants to continue arresting me, please produce evidence. Otherwise, I won't give you all face next time."

Lian Shanxin pointed to his eyes, his tone threatening: "I can see through a thousand faces, so I can see through many demons and monsters. I believe the officials of the Ministry of Justice are wise and powerful, and would never make trouble for an eighteen-year-old boy like me."

Feng Xishuang understood Lian Shanxin's threat.

She was certain that the officials in the Ministry of Justice would understand as well.

As for whether they will be threatened, that depends on their stance.

It has nothing to do with her anyway.

She came to capture Qi Shiyun, but since she couldn't capture Qi Shiyun, she decisively led her team to retreat.

……

As the officials from the Ministry of Justice left, Eunuch Wang returned belatedly, his expression not very pleasant.

The four men from Lianshan were all clever enough not to ask Eunuch Wang such a foolish question as whether he had captured Qianmian.

Tian Ji's eyes darted around, and he said directly, "Qianmian is not strong, but he is a master at escaping. In Jiangzhou, he escaped from Tianjian's sword three times."

Zhuo Biyu nodded, and spoke up for her master: "Your Majesty said that Master was raising an enemy to enhance his own prestige, but little did he know that Qianmian is indeed skilled at escaping and hiding. Defeating him is easy, but capturing him is as difficult as climbing to heaven."

“That’s right, Qianmian didn’t even have the courage to fight you. You have won a great victory over Qianmian this time.” Qi Shiyun quickly followed up.

Lian Shanxin never expected that he would even fall to fourth place in flattery.

If you're not as strong as someone else, you can't even speak as quickly.

Lian Shanxin became even more determined to become stronger.

Eunuch Wang was amused by the trio's banter, and the gloom of Qianmian's escape vanished: "Well, if he were so easy to catch, he wouldn't be Qianmian. But if it weren't for the bustling capital and his ability to blend into the crowd, he wouldn't have escaped so easily this time. I can sense that Qianmian is about to fall from grace, his strength far below the average Grandmaster level, but I can't bear to kill the innocent rather than let the guilty go free."

"Your Excellency should be careful with your words," Lian Shanxin whispered a reminder. "If this gets to His Majesty's ears, it might be detrimental to you."

He believed what Eunuch Wang said was true, because Qianmian had already been severely injured by Zhang Aniu when he was in Jiangzhou.

However, the fact that Eunuch Wang is kind-hearted does not mean that the top-ranking person on the list shares the same attitude.

What if the top-ranked player thinks that some necessary sacrifices are necessary to kill Thousand Faces?

Eunuch Wang knew that Lian Shanxin was thinking of him, so he gave him an approving look and said proudly, "Don't worry, His Majesty is not that kind of person. Besides, I am, after all, a Grandmaster."

Seeing that Eunuch Wang didn't take it seriously, Lian Shanxin stopped reminding him.

Eunuch Wang continued to praise, "Xiao Xin, Tianjian praised you for your 'Heavenly Eye,' and I was half-believing at the time, but today I am completely convinced. You are indeed exceptionally talented. Rest assured, once I enter the palace, I will definitely speak well of you before His Majesty. Such talent is truly the pride of our Great Yu, and the court should give you an important position. It would be a great pity to ruin it with internal strife. Young people have their own battlefield; they shouldn't get involved in such political turmoil."

Lian Shanxin sensed the genuine appreciation in Eunuch Wang's words, devoid of any familial ties, and thus sincerely expressed his gratitude: "Thank you, Eunuch Wang. Your kindness can never be repaid."

Eunuch Wang laughed heartily: "You are Shiyun's junior brother, and can also be considered Miss Xie's disciple, so we are family, no need to be so formal."

Lian Shanxin realized that although Eunuch Wang's appreciation for him wasn't based on familial ties, it was mixed with the sycophantic nature of someone who idolizes another. Even so, he still bowed deeply in gratitude.

And I realized a truth:
There are two types of simps: the damned simps and the simps who are good to you.

Those who should be treated differently should still be treated differently.

Moreover, I am naturally charming and will become the man of the first succubus of Yu the Great in the future. I should be able to attract a lot of sycophants. I need to learn the art of managing sycophants.

Lian Shanxin thought about it and realized that he might be able to learn from the top leader in this regard.

"You go to Jiutian with Shiyun and the others first. I'll take Governor Jiang to see His Majesty. After we meet His Majesty, I'll speak on your behalf. His Majesty has always valued talent, so this matter should be over."

Eunuch Wang paused, then turned his gaze to Qi Shiyun, sighed softly, and lowered his voice: "Shiyun, you should always consider the consequences of your actions. Even with all the methods Miss Xie used back then, it was still those people whose deaths were personally carried out by His Majesty."

Qi Shiyun looked completely innocent: "I don't know what you're talking about?"

Grandpa Wang smiled and said, "It's good that you don't know. None of the four of you are allowed to know."

Shaking his head, Eunuch Wang led Governor Jiang and a group of imperial guards back to the palace to report.

The four men, including Lian Shanxin, were left looking at each other in bewilderment.

Tian Ji whispered, "Is Eunuch Wang guessing...?"

"Shut up."

Zhuo Biyu interrupted Tian Ji directly.

"We'll talk about it when we get back to Jiutian."

Lian Shanxin waved to the surrounding crowd and said, "My name is Lian Shanxin, I am eighteen years old, and I come from Jiangzhou. When you are making up my story, please remember to describe me as handsome and dashing."

Today, the second-ranked brother has arranged such a grand show; it's no wonder he's become famous throughout the capital.

Lian Shanxin also hopes to become more and more famous, so he does not hide his pursuit of fame and fortune.

As long as the onlookers in the capital don't make up stories about him, that's fine.

Seeing that Lian Shanxin, a young prodigy from the Nine Heavens lineage, was so approachable, many onlookers applauded and cheered.

Someone else asked loudly, "Young Master Xin, may the storyteller tell your story?"

"Of course, but please describe me as handsome and dashing, with a more positive image."

Young Master Xin remained approachable.

Because he knew that disallowing it wouldn't make a difference.

It's easier to stop the people from speaking than to stop a river from overflowing. Besides, what's there to stop?

Go ahead and tell him; it'll help him become famous.

"Young Master Xin is so generous." The Beijing gentlemen applauded again.

Lian Shanxin felt that the common people living near the capital were indeed different.

His story today involves the struggle for the throne, with princes and princesses involved, intertwined with the battle between the Nine Heavens and the Ministry of Justice, and also involving an inner minister and a grandmaster of the demonic path.

But the local Beijingers weren't afraid at all; they even wanted to make money by turning this into a story.

As expected of a seasoned veteran like Lord Jing. Lian Shanxin thought about it and realized he was right; after all, such incidents had occurred several times in this ancient imperial city.

His little incident is only new these past couple of days; it's nothing in the long river of history.

Even so, this was enough to make Lian Shanxin famous throughout the capital city in just one day.

Moreover, his name quickly reached the ears of the true rulers of this imperial city.

"Lianshan letter?"

"Sky Eye?"

"The last place on the Hidden Dragon List?"

"The Hidden Dragon Ranking wasn't exaggerating. He really could see through Thousand Faces' disguise. That's Thousand Faces, a disguise that even Grandmasters can't see through. How did he do it?"

"With exceptional talent, there are still too many outstanding individuals in the nineteen provinces of Great Yu."

"This person has only been a member of the Chosen Ones for less than half a month, yet he has already grown to such a level. Give him a year, and wouldn't he soar to great heights?"

"Young Master Jiutian, we need one more seat."

"Troublesome, it turns out to be a rising star of the Chosen One lineage."

Many powerful figures who wanted to win over Lian Shanxin stopped trying after discovering that Lian Shanxin was introduced to Jiutian by Qi Shiyun and joined the Heavenly Chosen One lineage.

The Chosen Ones lineage is still incredibly intimidating.

However, some truly audacious individuals, whether intentionally or out of curiosity, immediately made Lianshan Xin aware of their courage.

"Lianshan Letter? Heavenly Eye?"

Princess Wenxi returned after leaving.

"I underestimated you just now. I didn't expect that Scholar Qi would have discovered another chosen one in Jiangzhou." Princess Wenxi's voice was a little strange: "If I had known, I would have gotten to know you better."

“Your Highness is too kind. It’s not good for you to try to win me over in front of everyone,” Lian Shanxin said clearly.

Their lineage doesn't shy away from getting close to the princes and princesses.

However, the princes and princesses had to avoid getting too close to them in public.

Princess Wenxi chuckled: "You've just arrived in the capital and are unaware of the situation there. Although I have no desire to vie for power, I still wish to do my part for the sake of all the people."

Lian Shanxin had nothing to say.

Yu the Great's struggle for the throne was much more direct than he had imagined; it was almost an open secret.

This is the result of having too much martial virtue.

Of course, Emperor Yongchang was also a good role model.

He seized power by killing the crown prince.

"I don't get along with Scholar Qi. I hope Young Master Xin can rise to prominence among the chosen ones. If you need my help, you can come to the Princess's residence to find me. Go, give Young Master Xin a Princess's residence pass."

Princess Wenxi's maidservant respectfully handed over a waist token.

Lian Shanxin glanced at Qi Shiyun.

Qi Shiyun shrugged: "Just accept it. Even if our lineage keeps it hidden, no one will believe you are indifferent to worldly affairs."

“That’s right.” Princess Wenxi clapped her hands and chuckled. “Young Master Xin is still not used to the atmosphere in the capital. Actually, the capital is very simple. If you survive, everyone will look at you with more respect.”

"Thank you for your guidance, Your Highness."

"I'm leaving now. Come find me if you need anything. Helping me will definitely be more beneficial to you than helping others."

Princess Wenxi stopped straightening her back, then walked away shakily.

Tian Ji looked at her with sympathy: "She seems to have misunderstood Lian Shanxin's gaze."

Zhuo Biyu also felt pity: "She actually tried to use her beauty to seduce someone."

Lian Shanxin looked at the two people strangely.

What's wrong with using a honey trap?
I didn't say I couldn't marry a princess.

How did these two become path-dependent after killing a princess?
Even after killing two princesses, Lian Shanxin still remembered that princesses were not only useful for being killed, but could also enhance one's cultivation.

The way he looked at the prince was the way he truly looked at his prey.

For example, this one now.

The third prince also turned back.

After scrutinizing Lian Shanxin for about half a minute, the Third Prince took Lian Shanxin's hand and said sincerely, "I didn't see you just now, you're not angry, are you?"

Lianshanxin: "..."

It's too straightforward.

Why are the men of Beijing so honest?
Is it because they are all too strong that they are too lazy to pretend?

"Lian Shanxin, I won't lie to you. Before you see through Qianmian, I can't see you as a person."

Lian Shanxin spoke frankly: "Your Highness is truly a straightforward person."

The Third Prince nodded in deep agreement: "But since you can see through the thousand-faced disguise, it proves that you are the talent I need. Young Master Xin, from now on you will be my honored guest. What my elder sister can give you, I can give you. What my elder sister cannot give you, I can also give you. Don't be polite with me, the whole capital knows that I am the most generous and righteous, and I like to make friends with young heroes."

Lian Shanxin asked curiously, "Doesn't His Majesty mind you doing this?"

The Third Prince laughed heartily: "Of course not, Father is overjoyed. Our royal family doesn't like to raise useless people, you'll understand once you get to know them better."

Lian Shanxin felt that the royal family was a bit too reckless.

Even in a large family, there have to be some useless members. If everyone is too virtuous, problems can easily arise.

However, considering his own lineage's cultivation, he thought the royal family was doing well.

"We'll get to know each other better in the future. Since this is your first time in Beijing, go report to Jiutian first."

The Third Prince didn't talk much.

Like Princess Wenxi, he only became acquainted with Lianshan Xin briefly.

Only after making amends could they ignore Lian Shanxin's coldness, lest Lian Shanxin harbor resentment.

As for further contact, they will need to observe further.

Every year, outstanding young talents emerge in the capital city, but only a few remain as evergreen trees in the long run.

Lian Shanxin's current influence was enough to make them stop and say a few more words.

The road ahead is long and arduous.

Lian Shanxin was naturally aware of this, so he told himself to guard against arrogance and impatience, and to seize the opportunity to take advantage of the number one and number two spots on the leaderboard again.

……

The top-ranking man was currently summoning Eunuch Wang.

"How is Jiangzhou?"

Eunuch Wang gave Emperor Yongchang a detailed report on the situation in Jiangzhou.

After listening, Emperor Yongchang pondered for a moment and slowly nodded: "It seems that Tianjian has not been too negligent in his duties. Although he has selfish motives, he has not interfered with important matters. This time, he will neither be punished nor rewarded."

Normally, when one of the Nine Heavens goes out on official business, the emperor will reward him handsomely upon his return, and the Grandmasters on the Heavenly Ranking will receive a Grandmaster's fee.

Those who didn't pay the announcement fee, like Qianmian, dealt a heavy blow to Emperor Yongchang.

Emperor Yongchang had always treated Jiutian with great courtesy and never owed him wages.

But this time, he was still angry.

Eunuch Wang also realized that Emperor Yongchang was venting his anger, and he was immediately alarmed.

Several days have passed, so why is His Majesty, who is usually so magnanimous, so petty this time?

"Where are Qi Shiyun and the other three?" Emperor Yongchang suddenly asked.

Eunuch Wang then reported to Emperor Yongchang again what had happened in front of the gates of Shenjing City.

He did not expect that Emperor Yongchang's reaction after hearing this report would be much more significant than before.

"What did you say? An eighteen-year-old child can see through a thousand disguises?" Emperor Yongchang couldn't believe it.

He didn't see through it even inside the imperial estate.

Otherwise, why would things have come to this?

Eunuch Wang nodded earnestly: "Your Majesty, this is truly a blessing from heaven. Even though Thousand Faces was arrogant for a time, Heaven has still sent you a young hero who can specifically counter him. With Lian Shan Xin around, I believe Thousand Faces will be captured soon."

Emperor Yongchang was not as delighted as Eunuch Wang had predicted; instead, his expression became uncertain.

"Which faction of the Nine Heavens has Lian Shanxin joined?"

"The chosen one."

Snapped!
Emperor Yongchang slammed his fist onto the dragon bed.

This startled Eunuch Wang: "Your Majesty, what's wrong?"

Emperor Yongchang's face was ashen: "This young man named Lian Shanxin, since he was valued by Qi Shiyun and joined the Nine Heavens lineage, must be quite courageous."

"It's natural."

"He can see through a thousand faces, do you think he can see that Zeng Ningbing has my blood flowing through her veins?" Emperor Yongchang asked quietly.

Suddenly, Eunuch Wang's face turned deathly pale.

He was unaware of this.

Emperor Yongchang's eyes flashed with murderous intent: "If he cannot see through Zeng Ningbing's bloodline, it means that his claim of seeing through the Thousand Faces is false, and he is likely a spy for the Demonic Sect. If he can see through Zeng Ningbing's bloodline, yet still kills her... this child must not be allowed to live!"

Eunuch Wang cautiously reminded him, "Your Majesty, the dossier submitted by Jiutian says that Qianmian was the one who killed Zeng Ningbing."

Emperor Yongchang slammed his fist on the dragon bed again: "Go test him to see if he has mastered the 'True Meaning of Slaying Dragons'."

In the end, Emperor Yongchang revealed his murderous intent.

……

It is no coincidence.

Emperor Yongchang's old lover, Blood Guanyin, also heard the legend of the "Heavenly Eye".

"Dai Yongzhen seems to have mentioned the name Lian Shanxin in his letter to me, saying that Yueying likes him."

"He can see through a thousand disguises, so he can definitely see through Chu Yongzhen as well."

"Could it be that I've misunderstood Qianmian this time?"

Blood Guanyin's eyes turned bloodshot: "Faithless men deserve to die!"

　This chapter was originally 10,000 words long, about Lian Shanxin's fame spreading throughout the capital and his release from prison. I reread it today and realized something was wrong. While it's reasonable for Tianyan to become famous in the capital, I overlooked the reactions of Emperor Yongchang and Xue Guanyin in my outline. Putting myself in their shoes, after learning about Lian Shanxin's achievements, I realized they would definitely have doubts about him; otherwise, they would be incredibly foolish. I can't lower the intelligence of these two powerful characters just for the sake of excitement, so I deleted 5,000 words and rewrote the plot. Please forgive me for not reaching 10,000 words; I need to reorganize the subsequent plot developments. I'm just a novelist; I have a main storyline, but I can make mistakes and may not know as much as everyone else. Please point out any oversights.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)