“Firstly, it implies that the Tu brothers were kept quiet because they knew certain suspicious details of the transactions within the Jade Immortal Mansion, especially those involving the allocation of resources and the handling of certain special materials.”
“Secondly, this incident may be related to some elders in the external government who were dissatisfied with Fei Qing’s control over internal affairs. They secretly hired someone to seek revenge, with the intention of breaking Fei Qing’s influence and damaging her prestige.”
“Third, and most subtle, it is mentioned that the rocks on the Fallen Soul Slope may not be solid, which implies that the Soul Refining Array or related items may have suffered damage.”
“These messages were spread so carefully, through convoluted channels, that they should not be traceable back to us in the short term.”
“However, considering Fei Qing’s suspicious nature and his emphasis on power, it would be impossible for him to remain indifferent when hearing these rumors.”
“Especially the last one, involving the Soul Refining Crystal, which was both his life saver and the source of his greatest insecurity.”
David nodded: “Very good. What Fei Qing is most afraid of now is that the matter of the Fallen Soul Slope will be exposed and the Soul Refining Crystal will have problems.”
“Rumors about internal strife will also make him hesitate to act rashly and dare not easily use all his resources to investigate. Instead, he may rely more on his trusted people, or personally confirm whether what he cares about most is safe.”
“Does Mr. Chen mean that he is likely to take action today?” Ming Li asked.
“The imposition of martial law and searches are aimed at external threats. Stabilizing the internal situation and ensuring the security of core secrets is what he needs to do more urgently now.”
David’s gaze was a little cold. “Especially because, if he was going to meet Yu Wuji to report, he would probably go somewhere first.”
“The secret storage room where Soul Refining Crystals are stored!” Lianxing interrupted, with a glint in his eyes.
“That’s right.”
David stood up. “Brother Daoist Lianxing, do you have any spies under your command who can infiltrate the Inner Palace or approach important areas of the Inner Palace without arousing suspicion?”
“They don’t need to do anything dangerous. They just need to observe from a distance whether Fei Qing will leave the core area of the Inner Palace this morning and head in a certain direction, especially to the west of the Hundred Gardens, near the Treasury or a more remote corner.”
Lianxing immediately thought: “Yes! We have a brother who works as an all-round handyman in the inner palace kitchen, responsible for transporting ingredients to certain areas. He can take advantage of the opportunity to wander around some of the passages outside the inner palace.”
“To the west of the Hundred Gardens… that area is close to the Cold Cellar and the Old Alchemy Chamber, and is indeed quite remote. I immediately arranged for him to watch the passages in that direction.”
“Very good.” David looked at Ming Li and Brother Leopard. “You two continue to monitor the search and capture activities in the city as well as the reactions of the higher-ups in the Jade God Palace. Monkey, you stay here and don’t come out.”
“Senior, you mean” Lianxing vaguely guessed David’s plan.
“If Fei Qingzhen is really bothered by the rumors and worried about the Soul Refining Crystals, he should go to the secret storage room himself to check.”
David’s voice was calm, but contained firm determination: “That’s the best time for us to make a move. The odds are much greater on the remote path to the secret dungeon than in the Spirit Pool shrouded by magic arrays.”
“But senior, even though Fei Qing left the core area, he definitely had bodyguards by his side, and the location of the secret vault was definitely heavily guarded…” Brother Leopard said worriedly.
“Everything depends on human effort.”
David didn’t say much, but his calm and confident demeanor, as if he had everything under control, subtly influenced everyone.
The waiting time felt very long.
The air in the retreat felt frozen, and everyone could hear their own hearts beating.
About an hour later, there was a rhythmic chirping of birds from outside the hermitage.
Lianxing’s expression changed, and he quickly walked out of the hermitage. A moment later, he returned, his face showing a mixture of suppressed excitement and nervousness.
“Senior! We have news!”
He spoke more quickly, “Our people saw that about 15 minutes ago, Fei Qing, accompanied by two bodyguards, left the Qingxin Pavilion and headed towards the west side of the Hundred Gardens, behind the ancient alchemy room!”
“Further in that direction, there are abandoned courtyards and mountainsides that have been designated as restricted areas. We always suspected there was a hidden entrance or secret room there!”
A gleam of light appeared in David’s eyes: “He really left. He was accompanied by only two bodyguards?”
“It has been confirmed that there are only two people, both of whom are his trusted accomplices, with a cultivation level around the fourth rank of the Upper Immortal Realm.”
Lianxing confirmed, “Moreover, they walked very fast, deliberately avoiding the main roads and choosing remote roads, and they seemed very alert.”
“Okay.” David no longer hesitated. “Name the most likely point on that path that is also the most appropriate for taking action.”
Lianxing prepared and immediately took out a simple but clear map showing the outer perimeter of the inner palace, pointing to a narrow path winding between artificial hills and old gardens.
“This place is called Pine Tree Listening Road. This road is filled with ancient pine trees and scattered rocks. The road is winding and the view is obstructed. In addition, because it is close to an abandoned area, there are only a few security guards patrolling on weekdays, and the interval between patrols is quite long.”
“This is one of the few routes they can take to get from Qingxin Pavilion to that forbidden area, and it is also the route they are most likely to choose.”
David carefully examined the map and memorized the route and surroundings.
“Mingli, you will come with me to provide support around the Listening Pine Pass, to guard against unexpected events and to provide assistance.”
“Lianxing, all of you, move immediately and leave this place. Go to the safe houses you have prepared beforehand. Don’t act rashly without my message,” David quickly issued an order.
“Senior, please be careful! Fei Qing is not weak in cultivation and is as clever as a fox. She definitely has a way to protect herself and her life!” Lianxing warned solemnly.
David nodded, said nothing more, exchanged glances with Ming Li, and the two of them disappeared soundlessly from the hermitage, as if they had merged with the shadows in the sunlight.
The chance left for them was very short.
Before Fei Qing returned after checking the secret vault, a high-risk operation of interception, subduing, interrogation, and then evacuation had to be completed at Ting Song Street.
FAQ Novel
Q: What drastic changes occur in Jade Immortal City at the start of the chapter?
A: The city suddenly implements strict martial law, closing all but one city gate, sealing the teleportation array, and significantly increasing guard patrols throughout the city.
Q: How do David and his companions react to the new security measures?
A: David, Ming Li, Lian Xing, and others immediately notice the heightened security and discuss the implications of the city’s lockdown, particularly the sealed exits.
What are your thoughts on these new developments in Jade Immortal City?