Lingqu City, in recent years, often had children disappear.

Although it was only reported by refugees, and under Zong Bi's direction, the Lingqu City officials did not handle the cases, Yuchi Youde always kept it in mind... After all, the best way to dispel rumors is to find the true culprit behind Lingqu City's disappearance cases, thus proving his foster father's innocence.

However... as the investigation went on, even Yuchi Youde himself grew uncertain.

Xie Xuanyi took the jade scroll and scanned it with his Divine Thought.

Yuchi Youde's investigation was meticulous. He had visited every street and alley in Lingqu City and even carefully inspected the scenes of the "disappearance cases".

"My lord,"

Yuchi Youde knelt on the ground, and sincerely said, "Perhaps these refugees' lives are cheap, but after all, each life counts... I have found traces of Hehuan Sect evil cultivators in many places. These traces can't be a coincidence."

"..."

Xie Xuanyi looked down at the man in front of him.

He was somewhat reluctant to reveal the truth.

This Southern Border Demon Cleansing was a grand affair, with dozens of treasure ships from the Imperial City, and many Yin God Realm experts were dispatched. In the eyes of most cultivators in Lingqu City, this was the Great Chu Royal Family striking hard at the Southern Border Evil Cultivators.

How could Yuchi Youde know that the Great Chu Royal Family had long come to terms with the Three Great Sects?

This Demon Cleansing campaign, Hehuan Sect could even be considered an "ally" of the Great Chu.

"This matter should be investigated by the City Lord Mansion of Lingqu City."

After a moment of silence, Xie Xuanyi said, "You... should go find Zong Bi."

"I..."

Yuchi Youde bit his lip and after a long time, finally said hoarsely, "My lord, I suspect the collusion with the evil cultivators is related to my foster father..."

Xie Xuanyi said, "So, are you intending to sacrifice your personal relationship for the greater good?"

"I..."

Yuchi Youde was stunned, clearly caught in a dilemma.

After pondering for a long while, he finally murmured, "My foster father has been very kind to me. He once told me that he hoped Lingqu City would remain pure and innocent, so no matter what others said, I always refused to believe my foster father would collude with evil cultivators. I painstakingly investigated the case to clear his name. But now, this case seems... far more complicated than I imagined. I have limited abilities, so I seek your help tonight, my lord."

Xie Xuanyi asked faintly, "What if your foster father is truly colluding with the evil cultivators?"

Yuchi Youde remained silent.

"Why did you come to me?"

Xie Xuanyi suddenly let out a slight laugh and asked again, "We are not related. Why do you think I would help you?"

"Because, my lord, you are Xie Xuanyi's disciple."

Yuchi Youde did not dare to lift his head.

Scratching his head, he said, "Xuan Yi Sword Immortal was known for his hatred of evil and eventually died at the hands of the Yin Mountain White Ghost... You are his disciple and must be at odds with the Three Great Sects."

Xie Xuanyi chuckled speechlessly.

In a sense,

Yuchi Youde made a very right choice. If he had sought another "grand figure," he might have been betrayed instantly.

Only Xie Xuanyi would never collude with evil cultivators.

"Is it that simple?"

Xie Xuanyi was somewhat helpless, "Just because of this reason... you came to me? Since you know I'm Xie Xuanyi's disciple, why are you so confident I would help you?"

The case in Lingqu City is, in truth, not significant.

The elite of the major families and the Great Holy Land seldom concern themselves with these "trivial matters."

"I... didn't think that far ahead."

Yuchi Youde awkwardly laughed.

Stretching his mouth, he said, "Some things, someone always has to do them, right?"

Such words had not been heard for a long time.

In today's Great Chu, the court is corrupt.

Beneath the appearance of prosperity lie countless decayed bones...

Loyal and honest individuals like Yuchi Youde are becoming rare.

Xie Xuanyi sighed lightly in his heart.

Gazing at the man before him, he pondered for a moment and said, "Get up."

Yuchi Youde was stubborn and refused.

"The matter of Lingqu City, the Book Tower has already taken notice,"

Xie Xuanyi said, "Even if you hadn't presented the jade scroll tonight, I would still investigate... You can be at ease; this case will eventually have a result. Everyone colluding with the Hehuan Sect will receive the punishment they deserve."

Yuchi Youde's heart trembled.

Xie Zhen's response confirmed the connection between the Lingqu City case and the Hehuan Sect.

The investigations he'd conducted these days had been useful...

However.

This response also instilled unease in his heart.

"My lord, the Book Tower is already investigating?"

Yuchi Youde asked shakily, "Is my foster father innocent?"

Xie Xuanyi did not answer.

"No more questions now. After you leave the courtyard, keep our meeting tonight to yourself."

He just shook his head, gently said, "When the investigation is complete and the truth comes to light... you will naturally know."

...

...

After Yuchi Youde left the courtyard, a second "guest" arrived shortly.

No knocking.

No greetings.

Ye Qinglian descended directly from over the courtyard wall with sword control.

"Young Valley Master,"

Xie Xuanyi was sitting in the courtyard, brewing a pot of hot tea, perfectly splitting it into two cups. He was not the least bit surprised by Ye Qinglian's visit.

When Yuchi Youde entered the courtyard earlier, a Divine Thought had already landed in the yard.

"Don't worry, I won't speak a word about the recent affairs,"

Ye Qinglian straightforwardly said, "I have no interest in these petty matters of Lingqu City... I came just to ask one question, was it you who killed the Yin God in the outskirts of the city?"

"What is the Young Valley Master talking about?"

Xie Xuanyi smiled, "I do not understand your meaning."

Ye Qinglian's Divine Thought fell upon the small courtyard; she had seen clearly when Yuchi Youde, the City Lord's adopted son, came to visit him.

However.

The courtyard was long laid with a formation.

Xie Xuanyi knew very well.

The Divine Thought sent by Ye Qinglian couldn't possibly hear any useful content.

"Tonight's banquet, only you did not attend."

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