https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-355-Dao-Fruit-s-Double-Transformation-Divine-Heaven-Tribulation-Thunder-and-the-Heavenly/12988188/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-356-Xixi-s-Entry-into-the-Mortal-World-and-the-Guest-Scholar-s-Examination-Part-1-/12988190/
Chapter 355: Dao Fruit's Double Transformation, Divine Heaven Tribulation Thunder, and the Heavenly
Chapter 355: Dao Fruit's Double Transformation, Divine Heaven Tribulation Thunder, and the Heavenly Forecast Tower (Part 2)
Her identity is too sensitive..."
Hong Shiffo, seeing that Li Che wasn't interested in chatting about chess, sighed lightly.
It had been many years since such a brutal case had occurred in the Second City.
As soon as it happened, it seemed like a terrifying case that made one's scalp tingle.
Second City... just one city away from the Imperial Palace Temple in the First City of the Divine Capital!
The entire First City is, in fact, the Imperial Palace Temple, which means that the scene of this major incident is separated from the Jing Emperor's residence by only a wall.
"Yes, it's a huge case. It really makes one's heart tremble. I had just arrived in the Divine Capital with my daughter... who would have thought we'd encounter such a major case. It's truly a headache."
"I just want to be safe with my daughter. I never imagined..."
Li Che shook his head and sighed.
Hong Shiffo only felt Li Che's simplicity and honesty.
After briefly comforting Li Che, Hong Shiffo's expression suddenly turned solemn.
He dusted off his robe, its folds in disarray, and said, "The headquarters of the Divine Capital Heavenly Forecast Bureau, the Eight Treasures Multi-Eaved Dripping Heavenly Forecast Tower... we're here!"
"This is the residence of the Grand Inspector, the master of heavenly calculations."
A look of reverence, as if on a pilgrimage, appeared on Hong Shiffo's face.
This was the first time Li Che had seen such an expression on the usually carefree Hong Shiffo's face.
Clearly, Hong Shiffo held a special reverence for the headquarters of the Heavenly Forecast Bureau, but Li Che could sense that his reverence was for the person, not the building.
The carriage driver pulled on the reins, and the dragon horse, with its shimmering scales, neighed, bathing in the cool rain and exhaling hot air, slowly stopping its hooves.
The curtain was drawn back, and Li Che stepped out of the carriage.
Without an umbrella, and not needing one, he let the cold spring rain fall on him, bringing a refreshing sensation that cleared his mind.
As soon as he stepped out of the carriage, Li Che looked up and saw the towering Nine-Floor Eight-Angled Multi-Eaved Dripping Heavenly Forecast Tower.
Although called a treasure tower, it resembled a pagoda, with its top divided into eight sections, each adorned with lifelike dragon carvings chasing a single, most precious crystal-like pearl.
As far as the eye could see, the pearl seemed to reflect a rainbow-colored glow in the light.
"The headquarters of the Divine Capital Heavenly Forecast Bureau is not open to the public. Only First-Rank and Distinguished Guest Scholars are allowed to come and go..."
"And in all nine cities of the Divine Capital, there are branches of the Heavenly Forecast Bureau where cultivation resources can be bought and sold."
Hong Shiffo, carrying a chessboard on his back, smiled as he introduced the place to Li Che.
"It's already difficult to get to the Second City, let alone enter the Heavenly Forecast Bureau."
Li Che wasn't surprised to hear this.
His status as a Second-Rank Guest Scholar didn't normally grant him access, but he was here to participate in the Distinguished Guest Scholar Examination as a Divine Sculpture Master.
Moreover, with Hong Shiffo, the Supervisor of the Heavenly Forecast Bureau in Heavenly Origin City, leading the way, entry was guaranteed.
"Please, Li Half-Saint," Hong Shiffo said with a smile, his black and white striped Daoist robe fluttering in the wind.
Li Che responded with a gentle smile.
This headquarters of the Heavenly Forecast Bureau, the Nine-Floor Treasure Tower, stood atop ninety-nine white jade steps. To reach the tower, one had to climb these ninety-nine steps.
This reminded Li Che of the strange temple within the Deceptive Tower.
Li Che and Hong Shiffo strolled through the rain, their feet splashing on the wet white jade steps, heading towards the treasure tower, its layout vaguely reminiscent of the strange temple.
However, they had only climbed halfway when the sound of galloping hooves shattered the air, echoing like thunder.
Then, the clatter of marching soldiers filled the air.
Li Che stood on the white jade steps, his black robe billowing in the wind, his hair flying.
He saw a figure riding an exceptionally handsome dragon horse, wearing an embroidered light golden python robe, a golden crown on his head, and a handsome and dignified aura. His hair fluttered in the wind, and his eyes seemed to contain intertwining lightning.
"The Third Prince?!"
Hong Shiffo was startled.
...
...
Lotus Pavilion.
The rain beat down on the roof, creating a continuous, fine pattering sound.
A carriage slowly returned from the First City.
It was an ordinary carriage, but it was adorned with lotus patterns. The drivers were two elders, one thin as a stick, half-blind, and the other short and stout, with a missing leg.
They were the Imperial Tutor's bodyguards, Heavenly Wound and Earth Defect.
The carriage came to a slow stop.
The two dragon horses neighed, exhaling hot air.
The curtain was drawn back, and Xie Yunshen, the Imperial Tutor, stepped out, holding an oiled paper umbrella. The rain fell on the umbrella, creating a crisp pitter-patter sound as the raindrops hit the surface.
"Imperial Tutor, you're back," Heavenly Wound said, his one good eye staring intently as he spoke respectfully.
Xie Yunshen smiled and thanked the two.
He then stepped down from the carriage.
However, as soon as he did, the accumulated water on the ground soaked his cloth shoes. He looked up.
He noticed a figure standing at the entrance of the Lotus Pavilion, letting the rain soak through, clenching his fists, and shivering slightly.
Xie Yunshen's smile faded slightly.
He raised his hand and gestured, and the rain distorted as a figure in black appeared, bowing and saying, "Imperial Tutor..."
"What happened?" Xie Yunshen asked.
If nothing had happened, Lu Chi wouldn't be standing before him like this.
"The Imperial Concubine Ji is dead."
"She was murdered in the Ji Family Mansion..."
The old man spoke in a low voice.
Xie Yunshen's eyebrows twitched slightly. "The work of the Netherworld?"
The old man was taken aback, seemingly surprised that Xie Yunshen had guessed this with just one word.
"Governor Wang Kui has made such a judgment..."
"Then it must be the Netherworld's doing. It's impossible for Ji Mo Li to kill Ji Yan. It must be the Netherworld. As for when Ji Yan offended the Netherworld..."
Imperial Tutor Xie Yunshen stroked his beard, his cloth robe fluttering in the spring breeze.
He looked at Lu Chi, standing in the cold spring rain, shivering from the cold without using his Qi Blood to dispel the chill.
Xie Yunshen approached Lu Chi.
Lu Chi trembled, and he struggled to lift his head.
"Imperial Tutor..."
Xie Yunshen raised his hand and gently caressed Lu Chi's face, cold as ice.
"Do you know what I just did in the First City?"
Lu Chi shook his head, expressionless.
A look of pity appeared on Xie Yunshen's face, and he used the umbrella to shield Lu Chi from the spring rain.
"Child... your mother is dead..."
"Do you know who killed her?"
"Tell me."
...
...
Hong Shiffo's words echoed in Li Che's ears.
The sound of the spring rain pattering was barely audible.
Li Che's eyebrows rose slightly, "The Third Prince?"
The first treasure of the Imperial Concubine, the prince who competed with the First and Second Princes for the position of Crown Prince!
Lu Chi's half-brother? This was Li Che's first time seeing the Third Prince, and indeed, he was quite handsome, with an extraordinary aura and impressive cultivation. Although only twenty years old, he had already entered the Saint realm in martial arts, and he wore a divine armament that concealed his aura.
Unless Li Che used his Star Snatching Eye to observe, he might not have been able to see through the prince's true cultivation with his eyes alone.
However, the Third Prince posed no threat to Li Che, and thus, there was nothing to fear.
"Why has the Third Prince come here? Is he also seeking an audience with the Grand Inspector?"
Hong Shiffo was surprised.
The Third Prince arrived at the base of the white jade staircase leading to the Treasure Tower, dismounted from his horse, and his face was extremely pale. His eyes were filled with bloodshot lines, and his gaze was filled with grief and pain.
Behind the Third Prince, a luxurious carriage approached, escorted by a group of armored guards.
Li Che recognized these guards as the Third Prince's personal guard.
Among them, Li Che spotted a somewhat familiar face, resembling Su Lei Bao.
It was Su Yunliu, the Su family's powerful member stationed in the Divine Capital, who had been sent by the Su family to support the Third Prince.
With just a glance, Li Che confirmed that this person had indeed broken through the Qi Sea and reached the realm of the Mountain Opening Path, as mentioned in the Su family's intelligence.
A charming woman emerged from the carriage.
"Your Highness, wait for me..."
The woman's voice was soft and seductive. She was Su Yunji, the young girl sent by the Su family to support the Third Prince.
The Third Prince paid them no heed and proceeded directly to the white jade staircase, taking two steps at a time as he climbed towards the headquarters of the Celestial Observatory.
But soon, the Third Prince noticed Li Che and Hong Shiffo.
His gaze shifted instantly, landing on Li Che.
He climbed to the same height as Li Che on the white jade staircase, his eyes carrying a hint of ferocity. His eyebrows rose, and he stared intently at Li Che.
"You're Li Che?!"
The Third Prince asked coldly.
"My mother went with Lu Chi to seek you for a marriage proposal with your daughter. Why did you refuse? A marriage with the royal family is a fate that many yearn for. It's an opportunity for your daughter to change her destiny. Why did you refuse?!"
The Third Prince spoke with a chilling tone, "And after you rejected my mother, she was murdered... Could this be related to you?!"
The Third Prince's tall figure seemed to glow in his pale golden dragon robe, and his entire demeanor became intimidating.
His voice carried the awe-inspiring aura of the Heaven Earth Soul.
Li Che's expression remained calm, "Third Prince... My daughter is the Young Sect Master of the Heavenly Origin Sect. Her status is so carefree and unfettered. Why do you think a marriage with the royal family could be better than her current identity?"
"Still talking about changing fate while in a cage? How laughable."
"As for your mother's death, it has nothing to do with me. I, Li, have been with Hong, the Grand Inspector, at all times. Governor Wang Kui has confirmed this as well. How can you, Third Prince, accuse me without evidence?"
Seeing that Li Che showed no fear under his pressure, the Third Prince, Lu Litiang, narrowed his eyes.
Whoosh—
A sound of breaking through the air reverberated.
Suddenly, a purple-robed woman appeared beside the Third Prince. Her face was wrinkled, and her aura was suppressed, but Li Che still felt a sense of oppression.
She was one of the top-tier experts, Li Che's eyes narrowed.
Although the purple-robed woman was aged, her back was straight, and her vitality was strong.
"Your Highness, please refrain from causing trouble in front of the headquarters of the Celestial Observatory."
"The death of Concubine Ji is being investigated by Governor Wang. The truth will come to light."
The purple-robed woman spoke in a deep voice.
The Third Prince gave Li Che a cold glance, then turned and continued climbing the white jade staircase.
The purple-robed woman slightly bowed to Li Che and Hong Shiffo, "Apologies, sirs. The Third Prince is deeply grieved by his mother's death, and his temper is hard to control. Please forgive his harsh words..."
Then, the purple-robed woman turned and followed the Third Prince.
Below, Su Yunji and the others dared not climb the white jade staircase.
"This person is one of the top-tier experts in the Imperial Palace. The Second Prince and the Third Prince each have a top-tier expert as their protector. The First Prince doesn't need one, and the Young Prince... doesn't need one either."
Li Che glanced at Hong Shiffo, his words skillfully phrased.
"This person is Han Si Xi, ranked fifteenth at the Heavenly Gate Pass... There are only fifteen people at the Heavenly Gate Pass, and they are already considered the top fifteen in the martial world. The fact that the Grand Inspector ranked her among them is enough to prove her prowess."
"The Second Prince's protector is also a top-tier expert, but she's not among the Heavenly Gate Pass. This shows the favor and emphasis of Emperor Jing."
Hong Shiffo was from the Hong family, which had fallen from the ranks of ancient noble families, but he still had access to the necessary information.
Li Che nodded in thanks for Hong Shiffo's explanation.
Then, the two of them continued climbing the staircase, bathed in the spring rain.
After climbing the ninety-nine steps, they arrived at a spacious courtyard. The white jade bricks on the ground were carved with patterns, and a divine aura seemed to emanate from them.
The wooden door of the headquarters of the Celestial Observatory, adorned with carved patterns, was tightly shut.
The Third Prince approached the door but couldn't step inside; he was blocked at the entrance.
Hong Shiffo and Li Che arrived, but the Third Prince didn't even glance at them.
He bowed and saluted, "Grand Inspector, Lu Litiang, pays his respects!"
However, there was no response from the Grand Inspector within the Treasure Tower.
Hong Shiffo bowed and spoke, "Grand Inspector, I, Hong Shiffo, the Supervisor of the Heavenly Origin City, bring the newly emerged Half-Saint Li Che to participate in the Elite Guest Scholar Examination!"
Upon hearing this, Li Che bowed and said, "I, Li Che, have come to pay my respects to the Grand Inspector."
After Li Che spoke, a faintly ethereal voice finally came from within the Treasure Tower of the Celestial Observatory.
"Third Prince, today, a guest has come to the Treasure Tower of the Celestial Observatory to undergo the Elite Guest Scholar Examination. Please return, and come again another day."
The voice fell silent.
The Third Prince, Lu Litiang, was filled with bloodshot eyes.
He clenched his fists.
His anger seemed to be on the verge of exploding.
"Grand Inspector... My mother was brutally murdered today, and the murderer is still at large. My heart bleeds, and I'm filled with rage. I... can't wait any longer!"
The Third Prince slammed his fist on the ground.
Instantly, a jade token appeared.
"Grand Inspector... This is the Celestial Token given by my father! He said that holding this token would guarantee each prince one request for the Grand Inspector's assistance!"
The Third Prince, Lu Litiang, knelt on the ground, holding up the jade token.
His bloodshot eyes met Li Che's gaze, and he took a deep breath.
His chest rose and fell.
"I want to ask the Grand Inspector to calculate..."
"Who killed my mother?!"
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
