After all these crazy events concluded, Zhang Yong returned along with Master Gu Zixian, Su Ming, and Liu Yan to the peak of Serenity.
"Ah man, that was a close call," Zhang Yong sighed heavily.
"You were a hair's breadth from execution, I'd say you're incredibly lucky," Su Ming mocked Zhang Yong's situation. Truly, scoundrels live long.
"You two never calm down, really, none of my disciples are quiet," Master Gu laughed heartily.
Liu Yan giggled softly, "Hehe, Master, you can't guarantee all of us. I just came out of seclusion."
"I disappeared to do some work, and even you are no exception. Do you think I didn't know you broke down some disciple residence doors with Su Ming to look for the killer?" Master Gu raised an eyebrow as he spoke.
Liu Yan looked away, trying to avoid seeing Master's face. "Oh, I don't know what you're talking about, Master."
"Hehe, couldn't be helped in this matter, Master," Zhang Yong chuckled lightly before his expression suddenly changed. "Hmm? Who's there?" Zhang Yong quickly stopped, and two figures appeared before him.
The first was a young man in golden robes with long black hair tied with a hair crown. His appearance was dignified, but his eyes were sharp as an eagle's. Zhang Yong knew him well—it was the First Prince!
The other was an elderly man. He was tall, and his back was straight, giving a sense of being as solid as a mountain. But his eyes gave off an aura of righteousness that couldn't be hidden.
Master Gu stepped forward and bowed with his hands clasped. "I didn't expect Your Highness the First Prince and Lord Imperial Investigator to grace us with this unexpected visit. Had you informed us, we would have prepared the sect to receive you."
The minds of both Su Ming and Zhang Yong jolted upon hearing Master Gu's words. The Imperial Investigator and the First Prince. That brought back an unpleasant memory for both and a sense of foreboding as well.
The Imperial Investigator was known for his wisdom and was a powerful investigator of justice, a Venerated of the Eighth Rank, one rank higher than the Sect Master.
He was not biased towards any side in any case and was a model of justice, showing no mercy when required—the terror and nightmare of every demonic cultivator.
"Master Gu is too polite, no need for that. We are here on an investigation mission," said the Imperial Investigator. He had already made a name for himself long ago and was also a member of the Imperial Court, but his attitude was polite and friendly.
The First Prince took a step forward and spoke in a serious tone: "The matter concerns my brother, the Third Prince. He has been missing for over two months, so the Imperial Investigator has been entrusted with the investigation."
Liu Yan and Su Ming exchanged worried glances, while Zhang Yong tried to maintain a calm appearance, but he felt the heavy gaze of the Imperial Investigator upon him, as if piercing his depths.
Master Gu said with a faint smile: "This is very sad news, Your Highness. Of course, the sect will contribute to the investigation."
The Imperial Investigator looked at Master Gu with a stern expression. "I hope so, Master Gu."
The First Prince spoke in a calm yet powerful tone: "We do not wish to create conflict with the Purple Star Sect. All we want is to find my brother and return him safely."
It was unexpectedly ironic. A person missing for over a month without any news meant nothing but that he was dead.
While the atmosphere was tense, suddenly the Imperial Investigator stepped towards Zhang Yong, stood before him, and looked at him intently. "You... are Zhang Yong, correct?"
Zhang Yong bowed respectfully. "Yes, Lord Imperial Investigator."
The Investigator placed his hand on Zhang Yong's shoulder with a smile. "I've heard much about you. Without a powerful family background, you managed to achieve a top rank in the Alchemy Competition. You are talented. I look forward to seeing your future."
Zhang Yong's eyes gleamed with pride, and he bowed. "I thank Lord Imperial Investigator for the praise, but I still have a long way to go."
The Imperial Investigator smiled and looked towards Master Gu. "Master, we are new here and don't know the place well. Would it be possible for young brother Zhang Yong to guide us?" the Investigator suddenly asked.
Master Gu looked at the Investigator with suspicion, but he was an authority from the Imperial Court. Nothing could be rushed. "Of course, my disciple would be delighted to show you around our sect."
Zhang Yong immediately bowed. "It would be my honor."
After that, Zhang Yong took them on a tour of the Purple Star Sect.
"The Purple Star Sect was founded a long time ago, over three thousand years ago. Its size extends to cover the five peaks and surrounding terrain. It is located in the middle between five cities: Maple Leaf, Swallow, Little Star, Purple Wolf, and High Heaven."
...
"This is the Skill Hall. Disciples gather here to practice. External disciples are not allowed above the third floor."
...
"This is the Mission Hall, where missions are posted and rewarded with merit points. Those points can be used to purchase pills, weapons, and skills."
...
"This is the Combat Hall. It is itself divided into two: the Ranking Combat Hall and the Life-and-Death Combat Hall. The latter is clear and occurs in the case of disputes. The former is for joining combat for a rank in the outer sect."
...
"This is the Punishment Hall, responsible for enacting and enforcing laws within the sect."
...
"These are the Seclusion Caves behind the peaks. When disciples practice behind closed doors and enter seclusion, they enter these caves."
...
As Zhang Yong explained to them, the two gained much information about this sect.
"Here ends our little tour. I hope both gentlemen are satisfied," Zhang Yong bowed with a shy expression to the two.
"Hahaha, we are indeed satisfied, very satisfied!" said the Imperial Investigator.
On the side, the First Prince was very sullen. "I say, Zhang Yong, you are the one who killed my third brother, aren't you?"
Dead silence filled the place, as if time had stopped for a moment. The First Prince's words carried an undeniable weight, piercing Zhang Yong's heart like a poisoned arrow.
While the Imperial Investigator's eyes turned into two slits of ice, watching the reactions meticulously.
Zhang Yong smiled calmly despite the cold sweat beginning to gather on his forehead. He bowed lightly and said in a calm, steady voice:
"Your Highness, I admit I overstepped my bounds that day at the auction. But even if I held a grudge, would I dare to do something to the royal family? I possess neither the authority nor the strength to challenge a member of the Imperial Family."
A wave of caution appeared on the Imperial Investigator's face, but he said nothing yet. The First Prince's reaction was undoubtedly rash, but the Investigator wasn't a fool to believe this without any evidence.
The accused is innocent until proven guilty—this was a truth engraved in his depths.
But there was another benefit to this—it was to gauge Zhang Yong's reaction.
The First Prince took a step forward, his eyes staring into Zhang Yong's face, filled with suppressed anger. "My brother disappeared shortly after your public confrontation at the auction. Tell me, where is he?"
The Imperial Investigator stepped forward and stopped the First Prince. "Your Highness, I understand how you feel, but it's not right to accuse before investigating." Then the Investigator turned to Zhang Yong. "Young brother Zhang Yong, I heard that some materials were stolen from you after the auction ended."
Zhang Yong shook his head. "Yes, that's true, but I caught him and retrieved my belongings. Lord Investigator, I understand the Prince's feelings, but have you searched the last place he appeared?"
The Investigator shook his head calmly. "Of course, we investigated the place to search for the Prince. That's when I heard about what happened to you. We will not accuse you unjustly."
When starting a case, it wasn't necessary to understand the details of the case. The first step to solving a case was to scan the surrounding areas, then came the interrogation.
Therefore, just in case, Zhang Yong had returned to the city at that time and created an illusion of him killing the thief in front of the city guards. He presented one of the corpses from his storage to deal with the matter, and it turned out what he did was right.
So the Investigator could only be inwardly displeased. There was a lack of evidence and the Prince's nature of making enemies. It was impossible to know the culprit.
Zhang Yong held his chin for a moment and thought. "If Lord Investigator permits me to speak, I'd like to ask."
The Investigator looked at Zhang Yong with some curiosity but nodded quietly. "You may."
Zhang Yong explained lightly. "I know my relationship with the Imperial Family isn't good due to my childish behavior. But, did the Prince possess something the culprit wanted? I mean, what could be the motive?"
The Investigator looked at Zhang Yong. It wasn't that he hadn't thought about it. During that period, most of the Third Prince's things were with the First Prince. The culprit didn't demand a ransom, and with this time passed, the probability of the Prince being alive was very low.
So if there was a motive, it was most likely hatred.
But who would dare do that to the royal family? Not to mention that a person of Venerated rank was guarding him, and he could only be approached by eliminating the guard.
The Investigator looked at Zhang Yong with some admiration. "Continue."
Zhang Yong was surprised that this Investigator really allowed him to proceed. "Actually, when I think about it, there are two possibilities. I remember there was a dispute between His Majesty the Emperor and another Emperor. I mean, the only person who wouldn't fear the Emperor's rank is another Emperor."
Zhang Yong's words carried a profound meaning, arousing the Imperial Investigator's curiosity and even the First Prince, who looked at him with an obscure expression.
The Imperial Investigator said in a thoughtful tone: "Your theory is interesting, but if it were true, it would be a big problem due to the current situation of the war with the barbarians. But you said you have two possibilities. What's the other one?"
At that moment, Zhang Yong lowered his head and his gaze turned towards the First Prince.
The Investigator understood immediately, and with a snap of his finger, sound was isolated in the area between him and Zhang Yong. "You can speak freely now."
Zhang Yong scratched behind his head quietly. "I don't mean to offend the Imperial Family, but I trust the Investigator more. After all, if I say what I'm thinking, my life might end up in danger."
The Investigator shook his head. "I understand your concerns, so you can speak now."
Zhang Yong looked at the Investigator with confidence. "What if... the Prince is the one who killed his brother?"
A moment of heavy silence passed between Zhang Yong and the Imperial Investigator. The Investigator's face was rigid, but his eyes reflected a spark of caution and contemplation.
The Investigator said in a calm yet weighty tone: "This is a very serious accusation, Zhang Yong. Do you have evidence to support your idea?"
Zhang Yong smiled lightly and shook his head. "No tangible evidence, Lord Investigator. Just conclusions based on observations. Think about it: if someone wanted to get rid of the Third Prince, who would have a better chance of reaching him without raising suspicions? With the competition for the throne, the lack of a competitor gives opportunities to the rest."
The Investigator looked coldly at Zhang Yong. 'This boy, to notice all this in a short time. Either he's smart and observant, or... he prepared for all this in advance. What he said is logical. But the Third Prince was under the First Prince's care. The Prince wouldn't do anything to harm him. But if he didn't do it... that doesn't mean others wouldn't!'
The Imperial Investigator took a deep breath, weighing the choices, then spoke in a low but cautious tone: "Zhang Yong, what you mentioned is interesting, but we cannot make accusations like this, especially when it concerns the Imperial Family. If you are right, that would create unimaginable consequences."
Zhang Yong replied with a faint smile, lowering his head respectfully. "Of course, Lord Investigator. I dare not accuse directly, I just wanted to share my observations. I understand your mission is complex."
A smile was placed on the Investigator's face, and he patted Zhang Yong's shoulder. "You are a smart young man. What do you think about becoming my disciple? After some guidance, you would be suitable to succeed me as the next Imperial Investigator."
Zhang Yong's body trembled. This offer was an opportunity, but getting involved in court matters always caused problems, and belonging to it would make them more. This wasn't the right time to interfere in political wars.
"I apologize to the Investigator, but my place is here with my brothers in the sect," Zhang Yong bowed slightly.
A disappointed expression appeared on the Investigator's face. "A pity, but I understand your feelings. If you ever want to join, you can come to the court and show the token, and you will be brought to me directly." The Investigator turned his palm, and a pentagonal wooden piece appeared, which he placed in Zhang Yong's hand.
"Thank you, Lord Investigator," Zhang Yong thanked gratefully.
The Investigator dissolved the sound isolation, stepping back a step while his face was stern and devoid of any emotions. On the side, the First Prince hadn't heard the isolated dialogue, but he felt an invisible tension between the Investigator and Zhang Yong.
The Investigator called quietly, "Your Highness, the investigation here is concluded. We will leave."
As the Imperial Investigator and the First Prince left, Zhang Yong stood there for a few moments and stared at the token the Investigator gave him.
"Unfortunately, I won't join, you cunning one." Immediately, Zhang Yong's red eyes flashed, and he activated his Heavenly Eyes, scanning the token and detecting a thread of consciousness inside it.
The purpose was clear. He was trying to give him a sense of security. The token was to monitor Zhang Yong's location and eavesdrop on him. Zhang Yong wanted to destroy it, but the Investigator would feel it immediately and put him in danger.
But that didn't mean there was no way to deal with it. As long as he buried it or placed it somewhere, that would be enough.
"From now on, I must be cautious. Who knows if this investigator will secretly monitor me?"
Now, Zhang Yong had to make additional plans. So far, regardless of his main goals, he didn't have an actual plan. Almost a year had passed, so he had nine years left. Time flies with unexpected speed.