A moment later, the black dragon arrived upon hearing the sound.

Carrying them, we swam slowly across the wide lake, just like last time.

The wind gently brushed against my cheek, bringing a rare sense of ease and comfort.

The two sat side by side, needing no words, quietly gazing at the boundless expanse stretching to the horizon.

-

It was late at night, around 9 PM.

The abbot of Tongji Academy has arrived at the Sixth Prince's Mansion, and Prime Minister Xia has also arrived.

We are just waiting for Eunuch Zheng to arrive so we can begin discussing important matters.

"I'm sorry to have kept you waiting. Professor Tongji, it's been a long time."

"Eunuch Zheng."

“Master, I believe you already know the whole story. This time we need your help to testify that Kong Wang is a descendant of the late king.”

“Amitabha. I will certainly tell the truth. It’s just that I haven’t found my disciple yet…”

“Master, I’ve heard you can divine. Do you know where Kong Wang is now, and who kidnapped him? We’ve been searching all day without any results, and we’re truly at a loss,” said the Sixth Prince.

After he finished speaking, the old man with a long white beard took out a sand table.

He was muttering to himself.

After a series of rituals, he suddenly opened his eyes.

"My disciple is currently staying in a dilapidated inn with a fox demon."

The abbot of Tongji University frowned deeply. Just now, the image that appeared before his eyes was Kong Wang sitting on an abandoned bed board, with a dim candle lit, holding a book in his hands.

A pure white fox circled around him, nuzzling his hand with its head, wanting to be petted.

A little tabby cat was sitting on the threshold.

The scene shifts again, and the white fox on the bed has transformed into a beautiful woman. She snatches his book and throws it aside, then pins him down and teases him with a light smile.

"A fox demon?" The sixth prince was taken aback.

"That's right, and she's a beautiful fox that can only transform into human form."

"...It has a full head of white hair!" Prime Minister Xia pressed.

"Indeed!" Abbot Tongji leaned on his staff. "That must be the infamous bewitching concubine Bai Lingyu! What a vile concubine, daring to bewitch my disciple. This old monk will never let her go!"

“I have an idea,” Xiahou Qing said.

"What are your thoughts, Prime Minister?"

"I think we should tell the emperor directly about Kong Wang's abduction in court tomorrow."

Prime Minister Xia said, "Let's just say it was Bai Lingyu who did it. Those two people whose hearts were ripped out were clearly the work of a demon! Let's find a few more jailers to compare their testimonies and see if the Emperor will continue to protect that demonic concubine this time!"

“Prime Minister Xia is right. This matter cannot be delayed any longer.” The Sixth Prince pondered, “Kong Wang’s absence is impossible to explain to the Emperor. Let’s just do it this way.”

"Master Tongji, at daybreak, I will take you into the inner palace. When that demon returns, you will use your skills to capture it in one fell swoop. We will personally bring its true form to the court and execute it on the spot!"

"Okay." The host from Tongji University also thought it was feasible.

“But Kong Wang… he’s hiding and won’t come out, that’s not a solution either.” The Sixth Prince was troubled.

"Don't worry, I know my disciple. He has been kind-hearted since childhood. I have a way to make him show himself. However... it's a bit cruel, Amitabha... but for the sake of accomplishing our great cause, we can't worry about that now."

The host from Tongji University, with a righteous and awe-inspiring expression, put his hands together and said.