Chapter 100

Tonight, the imperial palace was bustling with activity, but no matter how lively it was, it wouldn't disturb the Emperor. It seemed that the powerful figures in this world had an unspoken agreement: no matter how arrogant they were, they would never deal with the emperor.

Xiaoxiao used to be puzzled, but now that he knew the emperor was connected to the fate of the human race, it wasn't surprising at all!

As the night grew deeper, Xiaoxiao lost interest in watching the gate. As time passed, more and more experts gathered. There were ragged, stinky beggars, bald monks who could light up the darkness, Taoist priests with a divine air who kept fanning away mosquitoes with their dusters, and fierce old nuns who looked at everyone as if they owed them money!

All kinds of peculiar people, "Monks, nuns, Taoist priests, beggars, all are formidable characters not to be provoked!" Xiaoxiao smirked, but after his complaint, he had no more interest in observing.

The Golden Hall, also known as the Hall of Supreme Harmony, was where the experts were currently gathered. Fortunately, the hall was large enough, and not many experts were allowed to enter the palace to watch the duel, so there was no shortage of tickets!

"Where's Lu Xiaofeng? I haven't seen him," Xiaoxiao asked Huamanlou, who was standing quietly to one side.

Huamanlou always wore a gentle smile, and this refined man was like a rare snow lotus lingering in the world, standing tall and proud amidst the mire of the mortal world. Every time Xiaoxiao saw him, he would inwardly praise him, but when he saw those lifeless eyes, his heart was filled with endless regret.

"He's watching Ye Gucheng."

"Why don't you go?"

"One person is enough. Ye Gucheng is a proud man; once he agrees to a duel, he won't run away! So Lu Xiaofeng is just there to ensure everything goes smoothly," Huamanlou said calmly.

Xiaoxiao was quite surprised, "I didn't realize you all had so much confidence in Ye Gucheng!"

Huamanlou lowered his head and thought for a moment, "We all have different paths. Although I don't understand swordsmanship, I know his sword cannot be avoided!"

"You're all right, but today's conspiracy isn't just Ye Gucheng's. Even if he disdains to do such things, there are others who will do it for him!" Xiaoxiao said with a cold smile.

"Lu Xiaofeng once told us that if anyone could guess the truth, it would be you! We had our doubts, but after hearing your words, we believe you!" Huamanlou remained as calm as ever.

"Thank you for your trust, I'm truly flattered!" Xiaoxiao chuckled, then asked, "Everyone is gathering in small groups, why are you standing alone? That's not like you!"

"My style? What style do I have?"

"Optimistic, tolerant, elegant, and composed. You should be chatting with friends right now!"

Huamanlou smiled and nodded, "Thank you for your praise. I just noticed something strange!"

Xiaoxiao was curious, "What is it?"

Huamanlou sniffed, closed his fan, and pointed around, "Since entering the Hall of Supreme Harmony, I've smelled a strange odor. This odor has spread throughout the entire square. The square is so large and well-ventilated, so the source of the odor must be here for it to linger so long."

Xiaoxiao frowned and sniffed around, "You're right! There is a smell, it's a bit like the fragrance of the palace maids."

Huamanlou shook his head, "For ordinary people, it might be, but I can detect other odors. This smell is somewhat pungent, and when mixed with the fragrance, I can't immediately identify it."

"Is it poisonous?" This was the most concerning point. The plot changed completely once Ye Gucheng's dark history was known. Different motives would naturally lead to different processes and outcomes, the butterfly effect!

Ye Gucheng would certainly disdain using poison, but Wei Zhongxian, that cunning man, was unpredictable. Moreover, according to Ye Zhanqing, the Pingnan Prince's son was involved in all sorts of vices! He didn't seem like someone who would play by the rules.

This world was so complex; it was hard to rule out the possibility of some bizarre biochemical weapon, like the "Bisu Qingfeng"!

Huamanlou laughed, "You're overthinking it. At least eighty percent of the people on the square are grandmasters! Once a martial artist reaches the grandmaster level, they are almost immune to poisons! Besides, with such a noticeable fragrance, they would have already checked their bodies. If it were poisonous, they would have reacted long ago!"

"Is that so? That's a relief!" Xiaoxiao nodded in relief.

"Although it's not poison, since someone is using the fragrance to cover something, it must have a special purpose! Since you know the whole conspiracy, do you know what this is?" Huamanlou asked.

Xiaoxiao rolled his eyes, then remembered Huamanlou couldn't see, and said resentfully, "I said I know the whole story, but I didn't say I could guess the process! Forget it, I can't explain it to you, I'll go find my master!"

Xiaoxiao turned and left, while Huamanlou shook his head and continued to fan himself, waiting for the duel to begin.

...

"Xiaolingzi, many strangers have come to the palace today. I don't think things are that simple!" Linglingfa said solemnly as Xiaoxiao approached.

Xiaoxiao chuckled, "That's a real waste of words! These strangers are all formidable, and watching them is a waste of time! It's better to watch Ye Gucheng like Lu Xiaofeng, since he initiated the duel, any conspiracy must involve him!"

Linglingfa wagged his finger in a disappointed manner, "I've always said that understanding human nature is important. Look at me, I'm so well-connected in the palace!"

"Ha ha!"

Linglingfa, embodying the spirit of a teacher, began to explain, "Do you think I'm here just to watch the show? No, I'm observing everyone, trying to identify who might pose a threat to the Emperor." He pointed to a rooftop, "Look at that man, he's tall and exudes a powerful aura! He's the first grandmaster to arrive, and he made a grand entrance! This shows his significant status in the martial world, and he must travel with a large entourage. Most importantly, the rooftop he's standing on is the second highest after the Golden Hall. Standing in such a prominent position shows he considers himself no less than Ye Gucheng and Ximen Chuixue! If he were to vie for the throne, he would be a formidable rival! But I've never heard of such a person, so he's just a martial figure and won't be involved in the palace conspiracy!"

Xiaoxiao followed his finger and saw a middle-aged man with a strong, imposing presence, his beard flowing to his chest, exuding a powerful aura. Upon closer inspection, he was accompanied by a clear, ethereal aura, the same mysterious figure who had been enveloped in a cloud earlier!

Linglingfa then pointed to another rooftop, "Look at that old man, completely covered in a robe. Such a secretive person is suspicious, but his robe is white! Combined with the white hair occasionally visible from his hood, I can conclude that he's just an old immortal! He came specifically to watch the duel, so he chose the best vantage point! Such a conspicuous person doesn't seem to have any ulterior motives!"

Xiaoxiao looked again, and indeed, apart from the hooded robe, there was nothing suspicious.

Linglingfa was about to continue, but Xiaoxiao interrupted, "Master, you've been observing for a while! Have you found any suspicious points, anyone who might harm the Emperor?"

"No!"

Xiaoxiao's face darkened, and he sighed, "Thanks, Master, for narrowing down the suspects for me."

Linglingfa seemed a bit embarrassed, coughed lightly, and said, "Uh, you're welcome. I'll go check on Ye Gucheng!" and left decisively.

Xiaoxiao smirked and looked at the sky, "It's about time, we should set off!"

...

At the same time, the Emperor was staring at a petal in the imperial study.

It was a petal from a peony. In recent days, whenever the Emperor woke up, he felt refreshed and invigorated. Looking down, he would always find a peony petal on his pillow.

The petal emitted a pleasant fragrance. At first, the Emperor was terrified, as someone could leave a petal on his pillow, they could also easily take his life!

Later, the Emperor had the petal examined by the imperial physician, who found it not only non-toxic but also soothing and beneficial to health!

Over time, the Emperor, unable to find the source, became increasingly curious about the person behind it!

"Your Majesty! It's getting late, the duel is about to start!" Wei Zhongxian reported loudly from outside the study.

The Emperor came to his senses and looked at the sky, "It's this late already! Has the Prince arrived?" he asked loudly.

Outside, Wei Zhongxian quickly replied, "Your Majesty, Ye Gucheng and Ximen Chuixue have not arrived yet, but the full moon is almost up!"

The Emperor nodded, "No rush. The main characters haven't arrived, so I can't arrive early. The most respected person should arrive last!"

Wei Zhongxian's lips twitched imperceptibly, "Shameless! The most respected person! Do you realize that none of the experts here are here for you!" he thought, but then, "Forget it, after tonight, you'll only be able to show off in the netherworld. Let you be arrogant for a bit more!"

"Your servant will take his leave!" he said respectfully, then waved to the eunuchs, maids, and guards, who nodded and quietly left.

Wei Zhongxian's eyes glinted with a chilling light, and he left with a cold laugh.

But in a corner he hadn't noticed, someone stepped out, "Huh? Can't hold it in anymore! Looks like this old eunuch's mental fortitude isn't that great! The conspiracy hasn't even succeeded, and he's already showing his true colors!" Xiaoxiao shook his head in disdain.

...

The full moon slowly rose to the highest point in the night sky!

"Ah! It's Ximen Chuixue!"

Someone shouted, and a pure white figure soared through the air!

Still in his white robes, he was unforgettable! His face was stern, ignoring the calls from below, he was aloof! He was the center of attention wherever he went!

He landed lightly on the top of the Forbidden City, and with his opponent not yet arrived, he scanned the surroundings. Perhaps out of respect for his peers, the imposing man and the old man in the white robe both reined in their auras. The other monks, nuns, Taoist priests, and beggars suppressed their auras completely!

Ximen Chuixue nodded to a few people, then closed his eyes and waited for his opponent!

The peak confrontation was about to begin!