Huanzhu Time Travel: Yan Luo's Unbreakable Love in the Yong Dynasty

Back in the city, Liu Meng, Li Feng, and Zhang Yu remained silent, each pondering the gains and losses of their operation. It was midday, the sun blazing high, its intense heat baking the earth, yet their spirits were as cold as ice. While their exploration had pinpointed the Shadow Cult's stronghold, it had also exposed their location, significantly increasing the difficulty of their subsequent investigation.

They went straight to Fu Ankang's residence. Fu Ankang was in his study when he heard the three of them arrive, and immediately rose to greet them. The study was simply furnished, with bookshelves filled with all kinds of books. A large desk was placed in front of the window, and sunlight streamed through the window onto the desk, illuminating the open scrolls and writing brushes.

"So, what did you gain from this trip to the west of the city?" Fu Ankang asked solemnly, his gaze sweeping over the three of them.

Liu Meng stepped forward, clasped his hands in greeting, and said, "Lord Fu, we found clues in an abandoned temple in the west of the city. Following the clues, we found a valley that is very likely an important stronghold of the Shadow Cult. However, we encountered a highly skilled black-robed man inside the stronghold, which exposed our identities, so we had to retreat first."

Fu Ankang frowned slightly and paced back and forth in the study: "Exposing our identities is no small matter, but being able to pinpoint the location of the stronghold is a significant breakthrough. Tell me in detail what this man in black robes looks like?"

Li Feng interjected, "This man is tall, wearing a black robe and a silver mask, so we can't see his face. Moreover, his martial arts skills are extremely high; even the three of us working together are having some difficulty."

Fu Ankang pondered for a moment and said, "It seems that this man in black robes is no ordinary person; he is likely an important figure in the Shadow Cult. It is truly remarkable that you were able to escape unscathed."

Zhang Yu scratched his head, somewhat annoyed, and said, "Lord Fu, it's all our fault for being careless and revealing our whereabouts. What should we do next?"

Fu Ankang stopped in his tracks, his gaze resolute: "Now that we've been exposed, we need to change our strategy. We can't act rashly anymore, lest we alert them. We need to plan carefully and find other breakthroughs."

Liu Meng frowned and pondered for a moment before saying, "Lord Fu, perhaps we can start by looking at the relationship between the Shadow Cult and Black Wind Stronghold. Uncle One-Eyed mentioned that they had dealings before, so we can investigate Black Wind Stronghold and maybe find some new clues."

Fu Ankang's eyes lit up: "That's a good idea. Black Wind Stronghold is quite famous in the martial arts world. They collude with the Shadow Cult and may know a lot of inside information. However, the people of Black Wind Stronghold are ruthless and cunning, so you must be extremely careful when you go to investigate."

Li Feng nodded and said, "Don't worry, Lord Fu, we will act cautiously. However, Black Wind Stronghold is located in a remote area, and we need some time to prepare."

Fu Ankang walked to the desk, picked up a brush, wrote a few lines on a piece of paper, and then handed it to Liu Meng: "This is some information I have collected about Black Wind Stronghold. It includes their approximate location and some characteristics of their operations. You can use it for reference. In addition, I will arrange some manpower for you to assist your operations."

Liu Meng accepted the paper with both hands and said gratefully, "Thank you very much, Lord Fu! We will certainly live up to your expectations."

Fu Ankang patted Liu Meng on the shoulder: "This mission is arduous, and your safety is of utmost importance. If you encounter danger, do not fight recklessly; come back and report immediately."

The three answered in unison, "Yes!"

Fu Ankang gave a few more instructions, and then the three took their leave. After leaving Fu Ankang's residence, Liu Meng, Li Feng, and Zhang Yu went to a tavern. The tavern was bustling with activity, filled with the laughter of patrons and the shouts of the waiters. They found a secluded corner to sit down and continue discussing their plan of action.

"How should we proceed with our trip to Black Wind Stronghold? Black Wind Stronghold is easy to defend and difficult to attack, so we can't launch a direct assault," Zhang Yu said while pouring wine.

Liu Meng picked up his wine cup, took a sip, and said, "We can first send someone to scout out Black Wind Stronghold, find out their defensive layout and the patterns of their personnel's activities. Then we can figure out a way to infiltrate them."

Li Feng nodded in agreement: "That's right, and we should try to avoid direct conflict with them. We can try to contact some minor figures in Black Wind Stronghold and get information from them."

Zhang Yu frowned: "But how can we gain the trust of those insignificant people? They're bound to be wary of strangers."

Liu Meng pondered for a moment: "We can use some underworld tactics, such as helping them solve some problems or giving them some benefits. As long as they feel that we pose no threat to them, we might be able to find a breakthrough."

Li Feng smiled and said, "Liu Meng is right. We have some friends in the martial arts world, and perhaps we can use them to make connections."

The three drank and discussed every detail carefully. Before they knew it, dusk was falling. The tavern was getting busier and busier, its lights shining brightly.

Meanwhile, in the palace, Hongli and Fuheng were still discussing the Shadow Cult in the imperial study. Inside the study, the candlelight flickered, casting their shadows on the wall.

"Fuheng, although the secret team was exposed this time, it also gave us a better understanding of the Shadow Cult. Next, we must formulate an effective countermeasure as soon as possible." Hongli sat on the dragon throne, his expression serious.

Fu Heng bowed and said, "Your Majesty, Fu Ankang is already arranging the next step. They plan to start with Black Wind Stronghold to investigate clues about the Shadow Cult. I believe that Fu Ankang and his team will definitely make some progress."

Hongli nodded slightly: "Black Wind Stronghold... these bandits have always committed numerous evils. If they are truly colluding with the Shadow Cult, they will pose a great threat. We must wipe them out as soon as possible."

Fu Heng's expression was solemn: "Your Majesty, rest assured, I will keep a close eye on this matter. I will report to you immediately once there is any news."

Just then, a eunuch's voice came from outside the door: "Your Majesty, the Empress requests an audience."

Hongli frowned slightly and said, "Summon her in."

Little Swallow skipped and hopped into the Imperial Study. Seeing Hongli and Fuheng, she quickly bowed and said, "Your Majesty, Lord Fuheng. I heard that the secret team went out to investigate. Is there any news?"

Hongli looked at Xiaoyanzi and smiled helplessly: "There has been some progress, but we've also encountered some trouble. The secret team's whereabouts have been exposed, but they have identified a stronghold of the Shadow Cult. Now they are preparing to continue their investigation starting from Black Wind Stronghold."

Little Swallow's eyes lit up: "Black Wind Stronghold? Yongqi and I seem to have heard of this place when we were adventuring in the martial world. Your Majesty, can we help you?"

Hongli shook his head: "This operation is very dangerous. You and Yongqi should not participate. Just do your own thing in the palace and pay attention to your surroundings."

Little Swallow was a little disappointed: "Alright, Your Majesty. But I really want to help."

Fu Heng smiled and said, "The Empress's loyalty is remembered by the Emperor and the court. Your presence in the palace with Prince Yongqi is also a form of support for the Emperor."

Little Swallow nodded: "Alright then. Your Majesty, Lord Fuheng, if there's anything we can do for you, please let us know."

Hongli smiled and said, "Alright, you can go back now. I will let you know as soon as there is any news."

After bowing, Xiao Yanzi turned and left the Imperial Study.

Watching Xiao Yanzi's departing figure, Hongli said to Fuheng, "Although the Empress and Yongqi were somewhat impulsive, their loyalty is commendable. I hope the secret team can find out the truth as soon as possible and restore peace to the palace."

Fu Heng bowed and said, "Your Majesty is benevolent. I will do my utmost to assist Fu Ankang in completing his mission."

Inside the imperial study, the candlelight still shone brightly as the two continued their discussions on strategies to deal with the Shadow Cult. Outside the palace, Liu Meng, Li Feng, and Zhang Yu were making final preparations for their mission to Black Wind Stronghold. This battle between good and evil was taking a new turn; what kind of power struggles would unfold among the various factions? Everything was fraught with unknown variables.

This chapter concludes here. Stay tuned for the next chapter.