Chapter 119 - 97: Entering the Dao Through "Archery

Chapter 119: Chapter 97: Entering the Dao Through "Archery

The whistling of the wind continued to ring in their ears.

Zeng Anmin and Bai Ziqing returned along the exact path they had taken. It was nearing the third lunar month, and even the night breeze felt mostly pleasant as it brushed against their faces. Although his posture was somewhat undignified, Zeng Anmin rode his "mount" all the way back into the Capital City.

TAP.

With a light tap of a toe against the ground, Zeng Anmin felt as if he were soaring through the clouds. In the next moment, they safely vaulted over the city wall of the Capital City.

"We can’t linger here. We need to hurry back," Bai Ziqing said, beginning to strip off his night-stalking suit.

Zeng Anmin naturally followed suit. After taking off his own suit, he solemnly warned Bai Ziqing, "Tonight’s events must rot in your stomach. Also, you must find a way to bring me along when Prince Qi’s estate is raided."

Zeng Anmin’s expression was incredibly serious. Prince Qi might be dead, but the whereabouts of Emperor Xi’s Map had to be figured out. Otherwise, it would be like a sharp sword hanging over his head, ready to fall at any moment.

"Is your grudge really that deep?" Bai Ziqing was somewhat puzzled.

"Yes, absolutely irreconcilable." Zeng Anmin couldn’t be bothered to explain further. His gaze remained dead serious. "This matter cannot be taken lightly."

"Alright." Bai Ziqing could sense that Zeng Anmin seemed to have some hidden agenda, but he wasn’t the type to meddle in other people’s business. Since he had promised Zeng Anmin, he would definitely handle such a small matter.

"As for that case..." Zeng Anmin shifted his gaze toward Bai Ziqing. By this time, the two had secretly made their way to the edge of the street.

"It’s just a minor case. I have my own ways of handling it." Bai Ziqing chuckled softly, waving his hand to decline Zeng Anmin’s goodwill before adding, "There are still a few days left anyway. If all else fails, I’ll come find you then."

"Hmm..." Zeng Anmin frowned but nodded. "Alright then. If there’s nothing else, I’ll head home first."

"Okay."

Later that night.

"Father?" As soon as he arrived home, he saw a figure standing in his courtyard. By the moonlight, Zeng Anmin could clearly see his father standing there, looking calmly toward the entrance.

"COUGH, COUGH." Zeng Anmin cleared his throat and walked toward his father. "Why aren’t you asleep yet?"

"I’m waiting for you." Zeng Shilin looked at him expressionlessly and slowly sat down on a stone stool in the courtyard before asking, "What were you out doing?"

Zeng Anmin didn’t hide anything and recounted the events of the night to his father in detail.

"A mysterious expert?" His father’s brows furrowed slightly, his eyes flickering with an unreadable light as he fell deep in thought.

"What is it? Do you have someone in mind?" Zeng Anmin blinked, assuming his father already had a suspect.

"No." His father shook his head. "I’m not an Immortal." At this point, his gaze turned appreciative. "However, you didn’t go alone tonight and instead chose to bring Bai Ziqing along... I am very pleased by that."

"I mainly felt that I should avoid the risk of exposure as much as possible. Besides, by dragging Bai Ziqing onto our boat, it’ll be hard for him to get off later," Zeng Anmin explained.

He then walked over and sat down in front of his father, his voice turning somber. "With Prince Qi dead, the two of us have finally established a foothold in this massive Capital City."

"It doesn’t count as a firm foothold, but it’s more than enough to deter the petty scoundrels." His father chuckled softly, a look of unmistakable pride appearing on his face.

He was extremely satisfied with his son’s political acumen. The entire scheme to bring down Prince Qi was so flawless that even a seasoned veteran like him, who had navigated the officialdom for years, had to praise it as perfect. It had accurately manipulated the psychology of everyone involved, especially Emperor Jianhong, and had perfectly utilized all the clues and resources at hand. In the end, Zeng Anmin, the mastermind behind it all, hadn’t even shown his face. This did not seem at all like something a sixteen-year-old boy could plot. If this kid grew a little older, who knew what heights he would reach?

"Then I wish you a prosperous official career, Father, and that you soar straight to the top!" Zeng Anmin said with a cheerful chuckle, offering a few flattering words.

"Yes. As for Emperor Xi’s Map, you absolutely must not let your guard down." His father looked at Zeng Anmin with a grave expression.

He could naturally guess his precious son’s current predicament. Once Emperor Xi’s Map was awakened, Zeng Anmin might not be directly exposed, but due to the existence of the Celestial Dao Alliance, the secret that there were exactly five Celestial Dao Maps in the world would definitely not be kept! In that case, the exposure of the Dragon Inspection Map would only be a matter of time...

"Don’t worry, Father. I know what I’m doing." Zeng Anmin took a deep breath. He was even more worried than his father and naturally wouldn’t joke about this matter.

The next day.

The night had passed without further incident. Early that morning, a fast horse galloped urgently toward the palace.

"Prince Qi has been killed! The escorting guards, along with the Captain, have all been wiped out!"

Under Emperor Jianhong’s fury, this major case was handed over to the Imperial City Department and the Jingzhao Prefecture for a joint investigation. Furthermore, he demanded that the culprit be found within seven days.

Meanwhile.

Of course, this had little to do with Zeng Anmin.

The date for raiding Prince Qi’s estate still hadn’t been set. Meanwhile, he began a rare and leisurely student life at the Imperial College. It was pleasant and wonderful.

Given the sheer size of the Imperial College, there was even a Training Ground specifically established for the students. Among the Six Arts of the Gentleman, not many chose to major in archery. However, because the Imperial College had such a massive student population, there were quite a few people at the Training Ground. At a rough glance, there were about twenty or so students present.

At this moment, a middle-aged man in his forties stood in the very center of the Training Ground. He had a fair complexion and a solemn expression. The pure white scholar’s robe draped over him was incredibly eye-catching.