Chapter 194 The Mystery of the Jade Pendant and the Search for the Martial World
Chapter 194 The Mystery of the Jade Pendant and the Search for the Martial World
Hongli, holding the jade pendant, immediately summoned several ministers who were well-versed in antiquities to the palace.
After carefully examining the jade pendant, an old minister frowned and said, "Your Majesty, the pattern on this jade pendant is ancient and mysterious. I have never seen anything like it in any ancient book. But judging from its carving technique and texture, it does not seem to be from the Central Plains."
Another minister chimed in, "Your Majesty, this jade pendant exudes an eerie aura. This old minister believes it must be closely related to the murals in the Shadow Pavilion, and perhaps it is the key to unlocking the secrets of the murals."
Little Swallow asked eagerly, "Then how can we find out the secret of this jade pendant?"
The ministers looked at each other, shaking their heads to indicate they didn't know.
After a moment of contemplation, Hongli said, "Keep this jade pendant safe first, and then I will send people to search among the people for someone who can recognize it."
In the martial world, Hongzhou, accompanied by a few trusted men, searched far and wide. They arrived at a bustling inn, and Hongzhou shouted, "Waiter, prepare a superior room for me, and bring out all your best wine and dishes!"
The waiter hurried over to greet him: "Sir, please wait a moment. You have an distinguished air about you; you must have come from afar."
Hongzhou raised an eyebrow: "I've come here to inquire about some things. Have you heard of any mysterious forces secretly manipulating the martial world?"
The waiter's expression changed, and he said nervously, "Sir, I'm just a waiter, I dare not speak carelessly about such things. I only know that things have been quite unsettled in the martial arts world recently, and many sects have been inexplicably drawn into some conflicts."
Hongzhou tossed a silver ingot to the waiter: "Think it over carefully. If you find any information, I will reward you handsomely."
The waiter took the silver, hesitated for a moment, and said, "Sir, I've heard of a mysterious organization. Their people all wear a special mark, which looks like a black lotus flower. I only heard about it by chance and don't know if it's true or not."
Hongzhou's heart skipped a beat, and he exchanged a glance with his confidant: "A black lotus? Could this be related to the Xuan Ying Sect?"
They continued their travels through the martial world, eventually arriving at a secluded valley. A reclusive swordsman lived in the valley, and Hongzhou went to pay him a visit.
Hongzhou respectfully said, "Senior, I am Hongzhou, and I have come to seek your guidance. Recently, the Xuan Ying Sect has been causing trouble in the martial world, and it seems that a mysterious force is controlling it behind the scenes. Does Senior know anything about this?"
The reclusive swordsman looked at Hongzhou and slowly said, "Fifth Prince, the waters of the martial world run deep. The forces behind the Xuan Ying Sect are indeed not simple. They seem to be plotting a huge conspiracy involving both the court and the martial world. If you want to find out the truth, you must be careful. That force is ruthless and will stop at nothing."
Hongzhou clasped his hands in a gesture of respect: "Thank you for the reminder, senior. I will certainly not back down."
At the Prime Minister's residence, Lin Yuxuan and Lin Yuhang remained vigilant. Lin Yuxuan said to Lin Yuhang, "Brother, I have a feeling that Niu Hulu Zhixi and Rong Mama won't let this go. We have to be careful to protect our family."
Lin Yuhang nodded: "Brother, you're right. I've already arranged for some people to guard the mansion from the shadows, so we can respond promptly if anything unusual happens."
Meanwhile, in the inner palace, Zhixi and Rong Mama were plotting something.
Zhixi said, "Granny, how should we deal with Lin Xiaoyan's family? We can't be too blatant; we need to think of a clever way."
Rong Momo smiled sinisterly: "Your Highness, this old servant has an idea. We can first make a fuss about Lord Lin's handling of state affairs, find an excuse to impeach him, and keep him preoccupied with his own problems. Then, we can secretly target Lin Yuhang and Lin Yuxuan, putting them in a difficult situation. This way, Xiao Yanzi will definitely panic."
Zhixi clapped her hands and praised, "Granny, this is a brilliant plan. Let's do it this way!"
Little Swallow wasn't idle in the palace either. She pulled Consort Ling aside and said, "Consort Ling, I want to go see Little Swallow. Has this child gotten into any trouble lately?"
Consort Ling smiled and said, "Little Swallow, Little Swallow is very clever. But it would be good for you to go and see her; she always talks about you."
Little Swallow arrived at Little Swallow's residence, and Little Swallow ran over happily: "Sister, you've finally come! I'm so bored in this palace, I don't understand so many of the rules."
Little Swallow patted her head affectionately: "Little Swallow, you have to learn slowly. Although there are many rules in the palace, it is also very interesting."
Little Swallow blinked and asked, "Sister, what are the murals in the Shadow Pavilion? I've heard the palace maids talking about them."
Little Swallow's expression changed, and she quickly said, "Little Swallow, this is not something you should know. Don't ask anymore."
Will Hongzhou be able to find more clues about the mysterious force in the martial arts world? Will the Lin brothers be able to deal with Zhixi and Rong Momo's conspiracy? When will the secret of the jade pendant be revealed? The situation in the palace and the martial arts world remains unpredictable. Everyone continues to move forward in this turbulent situation. This chapter is now complete. Stay tuned for the next chapter.
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