The night was as dark as ink, and the hazy moonlight spilled across the earth, draping everything in a mysterious veil.
Qimeng's figure moved swiftly through the night like a ghost, each leap light and agile.
Her toes lightly touched the ground, stirring up a gentle breeze. The hem of her dress fluttered in the wind, like a black night butterfly dancing gracefully in the darkness.
From a distance, ordinary people would only see a black shadow flash before their eyes and think they were seeing things, not having time to see her figure clearly.
After a few leaps and bounds, Qi Meng had already entered the Tianxuan Realm and was rushing towards the capital without stopping.
She moved incredibly fast, as if she had blended into the night, becoming part of the darkness.
During her journey, Qi Meng rapidly circulated her internal energy while subconsciously touching her empty finger, where a ring that used to be worn was now gone.
Thinking of the ring, a meaningful smile appeared on her lips as she murmured to herself, "Qin Qianluo, I hope you like this gift I gave you."
If you still can't guess, then I'm really disappointed.
The voice was like a ghostly whisper in the night sky, carrying a hint of mockery and a hint of anticipation.
It disappeared into the howling wind, as if issuing a silent challenge to Qin Qianluo in the distance.
The inky night pressed heavily on the border land, and all was silent except for the general's mansion, which was brightly lit, pushing away the thick darkness.
Inside the council chamber, Qin Qianluo and Lin Fu sat facing each other, the fatigue of a day's investigation weighing heavily on their shoulders.
However, their eyes remained sharp, focused and serious, as they whispered about the various matters they had investigated that day.
"What? The county magistrate's entire family suffered a terrible tragedy and was wiped out?" Lin Fu's previously calm face instantly flashed with disbelief and shock.
The hand holding the teacup suddenly stopped, the tea inside sloshing around and almost spilling.
General Liu, standing to the side, was the same. His hand, which was about to stroke his beard, froze in mid-air, his eyes wide with astonishment as he stared straight at Qin Qianluo.
Seemingly confirming that he hadn't misheard: "This... how is this possible? Didn't he escape to Youzhou? How could he..."
Seeing this, Qin Qianluo showed a hint of helplessness in her expression, nodded slightly, and gave a definite answer again: "Absolutely true."
General Liu and Lin Fu couldn't help but sigh in unison, and the council hall fell into a brief silence.
They were all stunned by the sudden bad news, filled with shock and bewilderment, and for a moment, they didn't know how to respond.
Soon, Lin Fu was the first to come to his senses. He sat up slightly, a sharp glint in his eyes.
He hurriedly asked, "Did the county magistrate die within the Tianxuan territory?"
Upon hearing this, Qin Qianluo slowly shook her head, her brows furrowing slightly, her face full of worry. She then turned her gaze to General Liu beside her.
With a solemn expression and earnest tone, he said, "I'm afraid we'll have to trouble General Liu this time."
The death of that magistrate is shrouded in mystery. If his body could be found, perhaps crucial clues could be obtained.
This will be of great help in uncovering the mastermind behind this. General Liu is experienced and exceptionally capable; no one but you can handle this task.
The flickering candlelight reflected the somber atmosphere in the council chamber.
Liu Pingshuo sat upright, his posture as straight as a pine tree. This General Zhenbei, who was thirty-eight years old, had been guarding the border of Youzhou for a long ten years.
He was tall and robust, like a majestic mountain peak, with broad shoulders that seemed capable of bearing immense weight.
His face, weathered by time and the elements, is sharply defined, as if carved by a knife and axe, with unwavering determination etched in every wrinkle.
His eyes were deep and bright, like cold stars in a cold night, reflecting the composure and sharpness honed by years of battlefield experience.
It was as if they could see through all illusions and understand every conspiracy of the enemy.
Looking back, Liu Pingshuo's path of conquest is full of legendary color.
From the naivety and inexperience of a newcomer, they stepped into the military camp with a heart full of enthusiasm.
He fought his way through countless brutal battles, enduring life-or-death trials, and with extraordinary courage and wisdom, quickly grew into a pillar of the military.
On the battlefield, he held a long spear with a fiery tassel, charging ahead like a war god descended to earth, turning the tide countless times at the critical moment, striking fear into the hearts of the enemy.
For his outstanding achievements in defending the border, he was awarded the supreme honor of General Zhenbei, and the battalion he led was praised as the "Cold Edge Battalion".
Under his strict training and careful leadership, the soldiers of the Cold Peak Battalion were like unsheathed blades, tenacious and brave.
Clad in heavy armor and wielding sharp weapons, they marched in orderly steps across every inch of the frontier land.
Every expedition was undertaken with the determination to defeat the enemy. They repeatedly repelled foreign invaders, safeguarded the peace of the border, and earned widespread fame.
However, the massacre of the village that happened a few days ago struck Liu Pingshuo's heart like a heavy hammer.
It was a deathly quiet morning. When Liu Pingshuo led the Hanfeng Battalion soldiers to the scene of the massacre, the sight before him made his eyes widen in anger, and the veins on his clenched fists bulged.
The village reeked of blood. Amidst the ruins, the bodies of villagers lay scattered about—old people and children alike—their faces still bearing the marks of terror and despair.
Seeing these tragic scenes, Liu Pingshuo was filled with anger and self-blame.
The emperor entrusted him with important responsibilities and gave him full trust, but now such a thing has happened. He feels that he has failed the emperor's grace and has lost face.
During those days, he couldn't sleep at night, his anger burning fiercely, yet he had nowhere to vent it. He could only grit his teeth and vow to thoroughly investigate the truth and give an explanation to the dead people.
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