So she said, "This matter involves conflicts and power struggles within the martial arts world. I need to discuss it with the sect leader before deciding whether to cooperate with you."

Feng Monian nodded and said, "I understand. I will tell you all the information I know, and I hope we can work together to uncover the true nature of this mysterious force."

The two agreed on a date for further discussion, but Li Xi was unable to calm down. She began to plan how to develop a deeper cooperation with Feng Monian.

About an hour later, when all was quiet, Li Xi said, "It seems those people didn't catch up. Let's go back."

Feng Monian carefully surveyed the surroundings and confirmed that there was no one else. "Then let's go. Let's take the back path to avoid being tracked down by them."

The two walked quickly back along the path, with Li Xi pondering how to further cooperate with Feng Monian as they went.

She knew that uncovering the true nature of this mysterious force would be difficult to do alone; she would need an assistant like Feng Monian.

Back at Tingfeng Courtyard, Meng Zhelan was still busy, so she immediately pulled Li Xi into her room.

"Xi'er, I have something to talk to you about." Meng Zhelan observed the surroundings and, after confirming that no one else was around, closed the door and mysteriously led Li Xi to sit down.

"Lan'er, why are you being so mysterious? Is something important?" Li Xi asked curiously, looking at Meng Zhelan.

As night fell, the surroundings became unusually quiet, broken only by the chirping of a few insects.

Meng Zhelan recounted the events of the past two days to Li Xi, "Xi'er, do you think only the Red Lotus Sect possesses this Yama Powder? I've heard you mention it before."

After listening to Meng Zhelan's account, Li Xi couldn't help but feel a chill of fear. She realized that the Red Lotus Sect had infiltrated the royal family, which made her very uneasy.

To avoid any potentially irreversible consequences, Li Xi advised Meng Zhelan: "Lan'er, the Red Lotus Sect is secretive and powerful. I suggest you decline Prince An's treatment to avoid getting involved."

Meng Zhelan was somewhat embarrassed. "But I have already promised the Empress Dowager. Even if I don't go, I'm afraid the Emperor will still send my father. After all, my father is skilled at curing these mysterious poisons in the Imperial Hospital."

Both of them had valid points, leaving them in a dilemma.

Li Xi felt a mix of emotions. She was worried about Meng Zhelan's safety, and at the same time, she was concerned about the Red Lotus Sect's infiltration of the entire Jingyuan.

Meng Zhelan held Li Xi's hand tightly. "Xi'er, don't worry, I will be careful." Her eyes were firm, as if she had made up her mind.

Li Xi took a deep breath. She knew Meng Zhelan's personality; once she made up her mind, it was difficult to change it. Her only recourse was to ask the Empress Dowager to arrange for someone to protect Lan'er's safety.

As night deepened, the lights in the palace dimmed. Emperor Wenyuan was still reviewing memorials in his study, his face showing undisguised fatigue.

Since he ascended the throne, he has worked tirelessly day and night, with the affairs of the state weighing heavily on him, making it hard for him to breathe.

Nevertheless, he remained steadfast in his duties and did his best to bring benefits to the country and its people.

Suddenly, a cold wind blew through, making the door to the imperial study creak. Emperor Wenyuan looked up and saw a dark figure dart past the doorway. He was startled; could it be an assassin?

Emperor Wenyuan quickly rose, drew his sword from behind the bookshelf, and gripped it tightly in his hand. He took a deep breath, composed himself, and prepared to face the impending danger.

“Your Majesty, it is I,” the man said softly.

Upon hearing the voice, the emperor lowered his sword and said with a wry smile, "Why are you treating me less and less like an emperor lately? You always show up so suddenly. Aren't you afraid I'll chop off your head?"

The man chuckled softly, "Your Majesty is joking. I had no choice; things happened suddenly, and I needed to consult with you."

"Oh? Tell me about it," the emperor asked curiously.

"Your Majesty, this incident may affect the safety of our country," the man said solemnly.

Upon hearing this, the emperor's expression changed, and he asked anxiously, "What has happened? Is it really that serious?"

The man took a deep breath and said, "The Red Lotus Sect is probably connected to the royal family. I heard that something happened at His Highness Prince An's residence, and that 'Yama Powder' was used by people from the Red Lotus Sect."

After hearing this, the emperor remained silent for a moment, and then said, "I can't even protect my own son. A cult has been able to disturb Jingyuan for more than ten years."

The man said, "Your Majesty, the Red Lotus Sect is mysterious and unpredictable. It seems that the forces behind it are not just members of the royal family. According to the news brought back by our spies, they may also have connections with neighboring countries."

Upon hearing this, the emperor's expression changed drastically, and he angrily exclaimed, "Outrageous! These heretical cults dare to collude with foreign enemies and threaten the safety of our country; their crimes are unforgivable!"

The man bowed his head and said, "Your Majesty, the Red Lotus Sect recently came to my door seeking cooperation. I have already sent people to follow them, and I believe we will be able to obtain some useful information."

The emperor was very pleased to hear this, saying, "It's good to have you. All my ministers combined are no match for you."

The man didn't say anything after hearing this, he just smiled slightly.

The emperor looked at the man before him with eyes full of admiration.

The emperor took a deep breath and said in a deep voice, "You must be careful. These cult organizations are often extremely cunning, so we must be on guard."

The man nodded firmly and said, "Your Majesty, rest assured, I know what I'm doing."

The emperor slowly rose, walked to the window, and gazed at the dark night sky outside, his mind filled with countless thoughts.

The Red Lotus Cult has become increasingly rampant in recent years, not only causing chaos throughout the country but also colluding with foreign enemies, posing a serious threat to the safety of Jingyuan. As the ruler of the nation, how can the emperor ignore the safety of his people?

"Your Majesty," the man called softly.

The emperor came to his senses and looked at the man, saying, "You may leave now. This matter is of great importance and must not be leaked in the slightest."

The man smiled slightly, bowed, and withdrew.

As the emperor watched his departing figure, he couldn't help but sigh inwardly, "Although this man is a江湖人士 (jianghu person, someone from the martial arts world), he is both wise and brave, loyal and reliable, truly a pillar of the nation."

Meanwhile, in a secluded manor outside the city, the leader of the Red Lotus Cult was having a private conversation with a man in black. "How is it going?" the leader asked.

The man in black replied, "Don't worry, Master. Our men are bringing the master of Yinxian Manor here. They should arrive in a couple of days."

"Very good, I will personally go to welcome them then." The leader nodded in satisfaction. "This cooperation between us and the Hidden Sage Manor will surely overthrow the imperial court and establish the Red Lotus Sect's hegemony!"

He bowed his head humbly and said, "The Master is wise!" Then he silently left the room.

He walked to a secluded, deserted corner, took out a carrier pigeon from his pocket, tied a note firmly to its leg, took a deep breath, and gently tossed the pigeon into the night sky.

As he watched the carrier pigeons disappear into the darkness, he too vanished into the darkness.