The Grand Preceptor's residence was located in an alley near the palace. When the two arrived at the residence, they found it heavily surrounded by soldiers. After showing their identification, they were able to enter the residence without any problems.

In the main hall of the mansion, they met several of the Grand Preceptor's attendants. One of them told them that the Grand Preceptor had suddenly disappeared more than a month ago without any prior warning.

They also told Qi Guze and Xu Yuehuai that the Imperial Preceptor rarely went out and spent most of his time cultivating and researching magic in his residence.

Qi Guze and Xu Yuehuai questioned the other servants and guards in the mansion, but they didn't get any valuable clues. They began to suspect that there must be some conspiracy behind this.

On the way out of the mansion, Xu Yuehuai suddenly remembered something. "I remember now. I heard some rumors in the palace before, saying that the Grand Preceptor and the younger brother of the Prince of Wuling had some grudges."

Qi Guze nodded. "I've heard about this too. Perhaps we can visit the younger brother of the Prince of Wuling." They arrived at the residence of the younger brother of the Prince of Wuling and introduced themselves and their purpose.

The Prince of Wuling's younger brother seemed to have been prepared, telling them that the Imperial Preceptor had suppressed and ostracized him, making it impossible for him to maintain his position in the court. He also told them that the Imperial Preceptor had threatened and intimidated him before his disappearance. Qi Guze and Xu Yuehuai exchanged a glance, already having some idea of ​​what was going on.

They decided to return and report the situation to Prince Wuling. During the report, they told Prince Wuling everything they knew.

After listening, the Prince of Wuling remained silent for a moment. "I had suspected before that my brother was involved in this matter, but I had no evidence." He sighed. "The most important thing now is to find the whereabouts of the Imperial Preceptor as soon as possible."

After discussing for a while, the three of them decided that Qi Guze and Xu Yuehuai would be responsible for continuing to investigate the truth behind the disappearance of the Imperial Preceptor, while Prince Wuling would be responsible for calming the unrest in the court and among the people.

Qi Guze and Xu Yuehuai left the palace and returned to their previous residence. They began to organize and analyze the clues they had obtained, trying to find a breakthrough.

“I think this matter is inextricably linked to the Prince of Wuling’s younger brother,” Xu Yuehuai said. “Didn’t he say before that the Imperial Advisor had suppressed and ostracized him?”

Qi Guze nodded. "Yes, I think so too. But we don't have any evidence, so it's hard to persuade the Prince of Wuling to take action against him."

Xu Yuehuai pondered for a moment and said, "We can search secretly and find out the evidence."

Qi Guze agreed with the idea, "Okay, let's get started right away."

They returned to the Imperial Preceptor's residence, meticulously searching every corner, hoping to find some clue. In a corner of the study, they discovered a tattered book with a note tucked inside.

The note read: "To know the truth, go to Yougu Mountain." Qi Guze and Xu Yuehuai exchanged a glance, a hint of excitement flashing in their eyes.

They immediately went to Yougu Mountain and searched for a long time before finally discovering a hidden cave. Upon entering the cave, they found an old man inside.

The old man opened his eyes and looked surprised when he saw them. "Are you here to see the Imperial Advisor?" the old man asked.

Qi Guze nodded. "Yes, we have been searching for the whereabouts of the Imperial Advisor." The old man sighed. "I know where the Imperial Advisor is, but he is in great danger now."

Qi Guze and Xu Yuehuai felt a pang of anxiety. "Do you know where the Imperial Advisor is? What happened to him?" they asked hurriedly.

The old man told them that the Imperial Advisor was being imprisoned in a secret place by the Prince of Wuling's younger brother. He had previously tried to rescue the Imperial Advisor but failed and was severely injured. Now, only Qi Guze and Xu Yuehuai could rescue the Imperial Advisor.

Qi Guze and Xu Yuehuai discussed their next move. They had learned that the Imperial Advisor was imprisoned and were determined to rescue him no matter what.

"We must act quickly. The Imperial Advisor has been imprisoned for quite some time, and we must rescue him as soon as possible," Qi Guze said.

Xu Yuehua nodded. "I know, but we must proceed with caution. The forces that imprisoned the Imperial Preceptor are extremely powerful; we need to devise a meticulous plan."

So they asked the old man for detailed information, including the location where the Grand Preceptor was imprisoned and the guards' situation.

The old man told them that the Imperial Advisor was imprisoned in a place called "Shadow Manor," and the manor's owner was a mysterious figure. This place was heavily guarded, and ordinary people could not approach it at all.

Qi Guze and Xu Yuehuai discussed it and decided to first go to the vicinity of Youying Manor to investigate the situation. They inquired along the way and finally found the location of Youying Manor.

After carefully observing the security at the mountain villa, they devised a rescue plan. That night, thick fog filled the sky, as if it were specially prepared cover for them.

Qi Guze and Xu Yuehuai, accompanied by some loyal guards, quietly approached Youying Manor. They passed through layers of guards and finally entered the manor.

The atmosphere here was exceptionally tense, as if even the air itself had frozen. Qi Guze and Xu Yuehuai followed the guards stealthily, avoiding the patrolling guards.

They arrived at the entrance to a secret chamber, where a guard was stationed. Qi Guze surveyed the surroundings and found a shady spot that could provide cover. He gestured for Xu Yuehuai and the guards to take their positions, then leaped out of the shadows and attacked the guard.

The guard, caught off guard by the ambush, was quickly subdued by Qi Guze. They swiftly dealt with the other guards and entered the secret chamber.

The secret chamber was pitch black, with only a dim yellow light barely illuminating the surroundings. They found the Imperial Advisor bound to a chair, looking extremely haggard. Qi Guze and Xu Yuehuai quickly stepped forward and untied the Imperial Advisor.

The Imperial Advisor looked at them, his eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you. I never thought I would be saved."

"It's good that you're alright. Let's leave here first," Qi Guze said.

They hurriedly left the secret room and successfully escaped the mansion.

Back at their temporary residence, Qi Guze and Xu Yuehuai settled the Imperial Advisor in to rest. They also inquired about his disappearance. The Imperial Advisor, looking exhausted, leaned against the cushions and weakly recounted his ordeal.

He told them that he had been framed and imprisoned by the younger brother of the Prince of Wuling. He had been locked in a dark room, given only a stale meal and a bowl of dirty water each day. His hands and feet were tightly bound, rendering him unable to move.

During that time, he suffered endless torment and pain, and almost wanted to give up hope.