Qin Feiyang nodded at Ren Wushuang.
Ren Wushuang channeled her Battle Intent, pouring it into the Image Crystal Stone.
In less than a moment, a young figure quickly materialized.
He was a young man in purple attire, about twenty-four or twenty-five years old, with eyebrows sharp as swords and an awe-inspiring manner, clearly possessing a high cultivation.
"Wushuang, it really is you!"
Upon seeing Ren Wushuang, the young man's face immediately lit up with surprise and delight.
Ren Wushuang smiled. "Lu Xingchen, long time no see."
"Wushuang, where have you been these past twenty-odd years? We've searched every place in the state office's jurisdiction, but found no trace of you. We sent you messages, but you never replied. We all thought you were dead."
Lu Xingchen looked perplexed.
It was evident that he and Ren Wushuang had a good relationship.
Ren Wushuang said, "It's a long story. I'll explain it in detail when I return to the state office. For now, I need your help with something."
Lu Xingchen gave her a discontented look. "Why be so formal with me? Just say what's on your mind."
Ren Wushuang said, "Please notify Commander Wang Hong and ask him to come to Yan Province."
"You're in Yan Province now?" Lu Xingchen asked, surprised.
Ren Wushuang nodded.
Lu Xingchen said, "Notifying him is easy, but I'll need a reason."
Ren Wushuang said solemnly, "Tell him someone in Yan Province is refining Bloodfiend Pills."
"What?! Who dares!" Lu Xingchen was furious.
Ren Wushuang said, "This matter is too complicated to explain clearly. Just tell Wang Hong I'll be waiting for him at Quiet Heart Lake in Yan City's Martial King Palace."
"Alright."
Lu Xingchen nodded, and his illusory figure quickly dissipated.
Qin Feiyang walked up to Ren Wushuang and chuckled, "Sister, it looks like that Lu Xingchen is interested in you!"
Ren Wushuang rolled her eyes at him and warned, "That man is not a good person. When we get to the state office, you should stay away from him."
"Really? I didn't notice!" Qin Feiyang was surprised.
Ren Wushuang sighed. "Some people are too good at hiding their true selves. You can't judge their character by their appearance. In short, no matter where you go or whom you face, always be cautious."
Qin Feiyang was momentarily stunned.
These words reminded him of Uncle Yuan. During his five years in Iron Bull Town, Uncle Yuan had told him this more than once. He wondered where the old man was now. Was he doing well?
WHOOSH!
Suddenly, a white figure descended noiselessly above Quiet Heart Lake.
He was a middle-aged man with a square jaw, a rugged face, thick eyebrows, large eyes, and a black eyepatch over his left eye.
It was Wang Hong!
He moved like air. Qin Feiyang and the others hadn't even sensed his arrival.
Wang Hong glanced down, and with a flicker, his figure landed on the lakeshore.
"Who's there?!"
Qin Feiyang and the others were startled. Upon recognizing Wang Hong, they quickly cupped their fists and said, "Greetings, Lord Wang Hong."
Wang Hong glanced at Qin Feiyang and Chief Li, but his gaze fixed on Ren Wushuang. A hint of joy flickered across his otherwise indifferent face.
He took out the Eye of Heaven Stone, his expression impassive, and said to Ren Wushuang, "Come here."
Ren Wushuang knew Wang Hong wanted to confirm her identity. She stepped forward, extended her hand, and placed it on the Eye of Heaven Stone.
A moment passed.
The Eye of Heaven Stone showed no reaction.
Wang Hong put away the Eye of Heaven Stone and looked Ren Wushuang up and down with dissatisfaction. "Over twenty years have passed, and you're only a one-star War Emperor. You've greatly disappointed me. I believe if your grandfather knew, he would be thoroughly disappointed too."
"I'm sorry." Ren Wushuang bowed, a trace of self-reproach in her eyes.
Grandfather? Qin Feiyang was puzzled.
Wang Hong sighed. "We'll discuss your matters when we get back. Tell me, what's this about the Bloodfiend Pills?"
Ren Wushuang looked at Qin Feiyang. "You tell Senior Wang Hong."
"Mm." Qin Feiyang nodded.
Wang Hong also turned to look at Qin Feiyang.
He saw through Qin Feiyang's cultivation at a glance and was inwardly surprised. A seven-star Martial Ancestor already? So fast?
"Senior Wang Hong, it's like this. Years ago, there was a man named Zuo An..." Qin Feiyang recounted everything he knew in detail. This included the matter of Ma Cheng and Elder He secretly keeping the Elixir Formula for themselves.
After listening, Wang Hong's cold expression became even icier. "Such a major issue, and they actually concealed it instead of reporting! It seems they've gotten bold!"
Qin Feiyang said, "Senior, this junior has a request."
"Speak," Wang Hong said.
Qin Feiyang cupped his fists. "Although Yan Nanshan was also at fault, he is an upright and impartial man. I implore Senior to show him leniency."
Wang Hong snorted coldly. "You're guilty yourself, and you have the nerve to worry about him?"
"What crime have I committed?" Qin Feiyang asked, puzzled.
"The last time I came to Yan City, you should have told me the truth. If you had, Jiang Zhengyi wouldn't have died. But you knew and didn't report it. If it weren't for Ma Cheng and Elder He misappropriating the Bloodfiend Pill's Elixir Formula, you probably would have continued to help them hide it, wouldn't you! Qin Feiyang, you're a clever young man. How could you do something so foolish?" Wang Hong's face was filled with anger.
Hearing this, Qin Feiyang felt a deep bitterness in his heart.
Wang Hong said, "I know you're concerned about Yan Nanshan and don't want him to be punished, but you should have considered the bigger picture."
Qin Feiyang cupped his fists and said earnestly, "Senior, your lesson is well-received. This junior will take it to heart."
Wang Hong gave him a deep look and sighed. "Fine. Considering you masterminded the plan to wipe out the Blood Slaughter Palace, I won't pursue your responsibility in this matter."
"Thank you, Senior. Then, Yan Nanshan..." Qin Feiyang looked at him imploringly.
"I will give serious consideration to how Yan Nanshan should be punished. Now, let's talk about Ma Cheng and Elder He. Are you sure they privately kept the Elixir Formula for the Bloodfiend Pill?" Wang Hong asked gravely.
Qin Feiyang nodded. "I'm certain. The eagle saw it with its own eyes, but I have no proof."
Wang Hong's brow furrowed.
Ren Wushuang looked at Wang Hong and said, "I can testify."
Wang Hong mused for a moment, then said, "Since you will testify, then there's no doubt about this matter. Immediately notify Yan Nanshan, the Yan King, Ma Cheng, and Elder He to come see me."
Chief Li hurriedly took out an Image Crystal Stone to notify the four individuals.
Qin Feiyang glanced at Wang Hong, then at Ren Wushuang, his mind filled with disbelief. Before Ren Wushuang spoke, Wang Hong had been hesitant. But as soon as she offered to testify, Wang Hong was completely convinced. Just what was the background of this readily-accepted 'sister' of his? And from Wang Hong's tone, Ren Wushuang's grandfather seemed to have a significant background as well.
Upon receiving the message, Yan Nanshan and the other three men rushed towards Quiet Heart Lake, all filled with extreme surprise and doubt. Why would Wang Hong come? And at such a critical time?
WHOOSH!
In less than ten breaths, the four of them landed by the lake. They walked up to Wang Hong, bowed, and said, "Greetings, My Lord!"
Wang Hong scanned the four. Without a word, he raised his arm. A streak of Battle Intent cut through the air and pierced Elder He's forehead.
"AH!"
Elder He collapsed and died on the spot. His bloodcurdling scream echoed over Quiet Heart Lake, lingering for a long time.
"What's going on?!" Seeing this, Yan Nanshan, the Yan King, and Ma Cheng turned deathly pale.
Wang Hong looked at the three, his expression impassive. "Do you know why I killed Elder He?"
"Please enlighten us, My Lord," the three men bowed.
Wang Hong said, "Because he privately kept the Elixir Formula for the Bloodfiend Pill."
The three men trembled, their expressions subtly different. Yan Nanshan and the Yan King looked shocked, clearly only learning of this now. Ma Cheng, however, had a flicker of panic in his eyes. Though he concealed it well, both Wang Hong and Qin Feiyang noticed it.
Wang Hong shouted, "Ma Cheng, do you confess your guilt?!"
Ma Cheng trembled and hastily knelt. "My Lord, this lowly one admits guilt! It was due to my negligent supervision that Elder He committed such a heinous crime. Please punish this lowly one, My Lord!"
"Even now, you're still playing dumb with me. Speak! Why did you privately keep the Elixir Formula for the Bloodfiend Pill?" Wang Hong bellowed.
Ma Cheng shook his head. "This lowly one doesn't know either. Perhaps Elder He was momentarily confused and did such a foolish thing."
Wang Hong clenched his fists, his voice low and dangerous. "Don't test my patience. I'm not asking about him; I'm asking you. Why did *you* privately keep the Elixir Formula?"
"Me? My Lord, this lowly one didn't! Did Qin Feiyang tell you something? My Lord, this lowly one is innocent! Qin Feiyang holds a grudge against this lowly one. He's trying to use this opportunity for personal revenge! Please, My Lord, investigate clearly! To be frank, My Lord, just last night Qin Feiyang used an excuse to annihilate the entire Lin family! Though young, he is incredibly shrewd and calculating; even we feel inadequate in comparison." A venomous hatred filled the depths of Ma Cheng's eyes.
"Oh?" Wang Hong raised an eyebrow and turned to look at Qin Feiyang.
Qin Feiyang's gaze flickered. He nodded. "Senior, I don't deny it. I did have some personal motives..."
Before he could finish, Wang Hong waved his hand. "We'll discuss this matter later."
Then, he looked down at Ma Cheng.
"Originally, considering your many years managing the Elixir King Palace, even if you had no great merits, you've certainly worked hard. I intended to give you a chance to admit your wrongs and turn over a new leaf. But I didn't expect you to be so incorrigibly stubborn. What I despise most are irredeemable people like you."
Wang Hong raised his arm. Battle Intent gathered at his fingertips, and his eyes filled with murderous intent.
Ma Cheng's heart trembled. He cried out frantically, "My Lord, spare me! This lowly one is truly innocent! Please, My Lord, don't listen to slander..."
"Die!" Wang Hong spoke coldly, cutting Ma Cheng off.
WHOOSH!
Ma Cheng's heart sank. He suddenly shot forward, his hands lashing out to grab Qin Feiyang with one and Ren Wushuang with the other.
"Ma Cheng, what do you think you're doing?! If you have something to say, say it properly! Don't act recklessly!" Yan Nanshan's expression changed drastically, and he shouted hastily.
Wang Hong also lowered his arm, his expression turning grim. But his other hand discreetly slipped back into his sleeve.
"Hahaha... I have indeed seen the Elixir Formula for the Bloodfiend Pill! It's right here in my head. If you have the guts, come and take it!" Holding Qin Feiyang and Ren Wushuang hostage, Ma Cheng looked brazenly at Wang Hong and the others, laughing maniacally.
Wang Hong frowned. "So, you truly intend to refine the Bloodfiend Pill?"
"That's right! I've sacrificed so much for the Elixir King Palace, and what did I get in return? And look at you, Lord Wang Hong! You do nothing, yet you can order us around as you please. On what grounds? Isn't it just based on strength? As long as I have enough strength, even if I refine Bloodfiend Pills, who would dare to say a single word against it?" Ma Cheng sneered viciously.
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