"It's you, Brother Qin. When are you coming back?" Li Xi was pleasantly surprised to see the figure.
"Yes, I just got back from Beiji." Qin Xiaolin's voice carried a hint of fatigue.
Although golden eagles can move freely, flying at high altitudes for extended periods is extremely physically demanding.
But the long absence instantly dispelled most of that fatigue.
He smiled, his gaze gently falling on Li Xi. "It seems Situ Feng treats you quite well; you look like you've gained quite a bit of weight."
Qin Xiaolin spoke as he slowly approached.
Her cheeks flushed slightly, and she patted them gently, laughing, "No wonder, my clothes have been feeling a bit tight lately. But that's perfect, I feel like I could tear Japanese devils apart with my bare hands right now."
Li Xi is becoming more and more satisfied with her current figure.
She's tall with long legs, slender muscles, and seems to have inexhaustible energy. But playing the role of a saintess, she has to restrain herself a bit.
Upon hearing this, Qin Xiaolin's smile deepened. "Tearing Japanese devils apart with your bare hands? That's a novel analogy."
After joking around for a while, the two got back to business.
Although Xiao Cheng now seems to have secured a foothold in Beiji, he knows in his heart that this is just an appearance.
Emperor Ji was actually just using him as a shield, with the aim of suppressing the other princes.
The so-called father-son relationship did not exist at all; it was all just a means for Emperor Ji to consolidate his throne.
On the surface, he entrusted Prince Zhen, Xiao Cheng, with important responsibilities, but in reality, he wanted to use him to stabilize his own position.
However, Xiao Cheng also took this opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the inner workings of the Northern Ji court and palace.
Since we're already caught up in this whirlpool, let's just make it even muddier!
When Li Xi learned that Gu Cheng was actually Xiao Cheng, the seventh prince of Bei Ji, she was shocked.
But soon she felt fortunate, perhaps it was fate's arrangement.
The two now realize that Li Xi is in a predicament where she has no way out. Every step must be taken with extreme caution, for the slightest misstep could lead to utter ruin.
After Qin Xiaolin finished speaking, he was about to go to the palace to report back to the emperor.
He was about to take Li Xi's hand when he heard a cough from outside.
The sound was exceptionally clear in the quiet night, instantly interrupting their thoughts.
It is carried by the wind.
A short while later, Situ Feng knocked on the door, "Xiaoyue, are you asleep?"
Although Li Xi was somewhat displeased, she still replied softly, "Not yet, Brother Situ, please come in."
Situ Feng pushed open the door and entered, with a hint of apology: "I'm really sorry, but my godfather needs to see us and wants us to go there now."
Upon hearing this, Li Xi frowned slightly, but quickly composed herself and said softly, "It's alright. Since it's my godfather's summons, I should go immediately. But, it's so late, what urgent matter could it be?"
Situ Feng walked to the table. “I don’t know the specifics either, but judging from my godfather’s expression, he seems quite anxious. You should pack your things first, and we’ll set off immediately.”
Li Xi nodded, stood up, straightened her clothes, and simply tied her long hair back, making her look both capable and gentle.
She picked up a thin cloak, draped it gently over her shoulders, and smiled at Situ Feng, "Alright, let's go. Don't keep Godfather waiting."
The two walked out of the room one after the other.
The night was deep, and the moonlight, like water, spilled onto the bluestone path, adding a touch of mystery to the tranquil night.
They walked through the winding corridors and arrived at the study.
Situ Feng knocked gently on the door, and after receiving permission, he pushed the door open and entered.
Inside the study, candlelight flickered, and a middle-aged man dressed in a black robe and wearing a mask sat upright at the desk, holding an ancient book in his hand.
He looked up, his deep gaze peering through the gaps in his mask as if he could see into people's hearts, and called out softly yet authoritatively, "Xi'er, Feng'er, you've come."
Li Xi and Situ Feng bowed respectfully. Li Xi said softly, "Father, what urgent matter do you have to summon me so late at night?"
The man in black robes put down the ancient book, stood up, and slowly walked to the two men. His tone carried a hint of unspoken heaviness: "There is indeed a matter that concerns the rise and fall of our religion."
He stopped in his tracks, his gaze shifting between Situ Feng and Li Xi.
Finally, his gaze settled on Li Xi, his voice deep and powerful: "Xiao Yue, you have been exceptionally talented since childhood, and I have taught you many internal energy cultivation techniques. Now it is time for you to stand on your own. Recently, your father has encountered a problem."
"A difficult problem?" Li Xi frowned, a hint of doubt flashing in his eyes. "Godfather, please speak freely. Xiaoyue will do her best."
The leader sighed softly, seemingly considering his words, and after a moment slowly said, "I believe you are all aware of the news that the Red Shirt Army has recently captured several cities in Jingyuan."
He paused for a moment, his eyes sharpening. “My sect has never interfered in these disputes, but the leader of the Red Shirts saved my life back then.”
Years ago, I promised him that if he ever needed anything, I would do everything in my power to help him. Now that he is facing difficulties and has turned to me for assistance, I, Li, cannot forget this kindness, nor do I wish to be indebted to him.”
"So, does Godfather mean we should intervene in this war and help the Red Shirts?" Li Xi asked with a hint of surprise. "But aren't the Red Shirts rebels?"
The cult leader shook his head, then nodded, his expression complex: "It wasn't direct intervention, but rather covert assistance. They demanded that we kill Prince An, who was sent to reinforce them."
What?! You killed Qi Yu?!
"This, this, murdering a prince is a capital offense. If the court investigates, they will definitely not let our Red Lotus Sect off the hook," Li Xi said, feigning fear.
Upon hearing this, Situ Feng frowned as well: "Godfather, our Red Lotus Sect has finally gained a foothold among the people. If the Red Shirt Army were to enter the capital, wouldn't the world belong to the Red Shirt Army?"
Li Xi never expected Situ Feng to be so naive.
They actually thought that the Red Lotus Sect were righteous people who saved all living beings?
Judging from the memories they fabricated for her, the cult leader never allowed them to come into contact with the inner workings of the Red Lotus Cult.
Situ Feng always knew that his adoptive father was a descendant of the previous dynasty's royal family and believed that restoring the previous dynasty was the way to uphold justice.
His adoptive father is the true ruler of the world. The current emperor is nothing but a descendant of treacherous officials.
But he never considered that the downfall of the previous dynasty was entirely their own fault.
No wonder people always say that one becomes like those one associates with.
Situ Feng had followed the cult leader since childhood, and had been raised to have this kind of inability to distinguish right from wrong.
His so-called righteousness was nothing but a lie he fabricated to cover up his cruelty and inhumanity.
Back then, the entire Xuanming Sect perished, Elder Sun was forced to separate from his family, and all those other Jianghu figures who were harmed were the work of the sect leader.
But back then he was ruthless, and almost everyone who knew the truth was silenced. How could the world know the truth behind it?
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