94 - Investing in the Reborn Empress, She Actually Calls Me ‘Husband’

## Chapter 94: Plan Succeeds, Infiltrating Xi Yu Lou "This letter comes from Xi Yu Lou," remarked Zuo Qiu Yang, as he noticed the swallow pattern at the bottom left corner of the envelope. He stood up abruptly, fury boiling within him. "Hmm?" Shang Wu cast a sidelong glance with her almond-shaped eyes. Faced with her gaze, Zuo Qiu Yang appeared fierce, but then he crouched down, holding his head. "Master, it seems he has some understanding of Xi Yu Lou," she observed. "Knowing Xi Yu Lou's intentions and movements will aid our cause," Li Mo calmly reasoned with his master, appealing both logically and emotionally. He then gestured for Zuo Qiu Yang to bring the letter over so they could read it together, as the cryptic symbols on the letter were beyond his understanding. The letter appeared to use Xi Yu Lou's secret script—a form of hieroglyphics that one couldn't comprehend without specialized training. Zuo Qiu Yang took the letter and began to read aloud: "Have the three of you kept up with your martial arts?" "The world is in turmoil, yet you remain hiding in Huai Mountain Town, doing nothing more than petty thievery. How can you expect to make a name for yourselves? With the Unending Trial opening, this is your chance to break out and join Xi Yu Lou. There, you will have a solid backing." "Although I am not particularly talented, I have advanced to a new level in the Mystic Vision realm and secured a position in Xi Yu Lou as a personal executioner." As Zuo Qiu Yang read this part, his voice trembled with intense emotion. He was certain that the sender was the enemy who had killed his master. The mere mention of the enemy seemed to bring them within arm's reach, and his anger was palpable. "I know you're anxious, but hold on for a moment," Li Mo indicated for him to finish the letter. Taking several deep breaths, Zuo Qiu Yang continued: "Recently, I've received news that the traitor we dealt with years ago left behind a disciple who has also learned techniques from Xi Yu Lou." "For daring to learn our school’s martial arts, he should naturally be eliminated. You should kill him and meet me at the old location." "The main branch is preparing to open a new branch in Ziyang Prefecture. If you succeed in this task, I will put in a good word for you with the branch leader, and securing a favorable position should not be an issue." "Sincerely, Xiao Mituo.” The letter revealed many details, prompting Li Mo and his companions to reflect. "Xi Yu Lou intends to set up a branch in Ziyang Prefecture?" Li Mo pondered aloud. It made sense they chose the location for the Unending Trial, likely planning local recruitment. Yet, Ziyang Prefecture, located on the periphery of the Eastern Wilderness, was far from prosperous or central. Why would the profit-driven Xi Yu Lou establish a base there? "I understand holding the Unending Trial, but trying to extend their reach into Ziyang Prefecture?" Shang Wu huffed, her brows furrowing, "If I find the branch leader, I'll beat him to a pulp." The notion of allowing a rival organization to establish presence within their territory was unacceptable and encroached on Clear Abyss Sect's borders. No sect would tolerate an assassin organization setting up shop so close to home. But Xi Yu Lou's elusive nature and widespread network, like a slippery stir-stick in troubled waters, made wiping them out challenging. Even a concerted effort by the grandest dynasties and sects had failed to eradicate them completely. "Identifying Xi Yu Lou's new branch won't be easy," Xiao Qin mused. He picked up three iron tokens stamped with swallows. Zuo Qiu Yang regarded the tokens with slight confusion, recognizing their special crafting. During the Unending Trial, these tokens absorbed a sliver of their bearer's internal energy. Upon the bearer's death, the tokens shattered. Intriguingly, these remained intact. Had the trio of Mount Huai's plotters fallen to their own energy? "Could we possibly pose as the Huai Mountain Trio and infiltrate Xi Yu Lou?" "There are just enough of us if Brother Zuo participates," Xiao Qin added with a sense of duty, committed to fulfilling the sect's mission earnestly. Zuo Qiu Yang shook his head, "I've practiced the Lifeless Blade technique. Xi Yu Lou would see through my disguise immediately." Li Mo glanced at the young girl beside him with an inquisitive look. He wondered if she had ever considered a role as an emotionless assassin. Ying Bing was puzzled by the notion. Zuo Qiu Yang interrupted with another idea, "This might not work. Those three were clearly in frequent contact with Xiao Mituo. If we ran into him, he’d see through our ruse." "Unless... we kill Xiao Mituo! Then no one would know we’re impostors." His eyes sparkled with the prospect of vengeance. Working together with the Clear Abyss Sect disciples seemed the only feasible way to defeat someone at the Mystic Vision level. "Looking forward to our cooperation," Li Mo grinned. Helping someone seek revenge was also an investment, and completing the sect's mission was a bonus. He had no reason to refuse. The remaining challenge was locating the elusive 'Xiao Mituo.' "I'll search the city, but quick results aren't guaranteed," Zuo Qiu Yang acknowledged, wary of the target’s cautious nature. Throughout his journey to Ziyang Prefecture, he’d gathered little about him. "Instead of chasing him down, we could make him come to us," Li Mo proposed. "If we perform outstandingly under the guise of the Huai Mountain Trio during the Unending Trial, it might draw him out." Zuo Qiu Yang had an epiphany. The Clear Abyss Sect disciple certainly had a sharp mind. "Reviving the prestige of Jade Peak starts now." "If a struggle is beyond you, call for me," Shang Wu decided her student's intellect matched her own and found it unnecessary to overthink. He'd handle the strategy; she'd intervene if needed. A flawless team. "Wait, how will we identify participants of the Unending Trial?" Xiao Qin spotted a flaw. "Renovate this relay station. I’ll handle the rest," Li Mo compared it to a map. This was the nearest way station to Ziyang Prefecture city. Most would pass through there. Once he activated his Destiny Eye, all would be clear. Both Zuo Qiu Yang and Xiao Qin were curious, but Li Mo’s confidence suggested he had a method. They trusted him and began tidying the area. Li Mo snapped his fingers, emitting his internal energy. Instantly, the bodies turned to white ash. Ying Bing frowned slightly, seemingly displeased with the scattering ashes, before casting her hand out. Clouds gathered, sweeping the ashes into a flower garden as an offering to nature. "Their inner strength..." Zuo Qiu Yang was taken aback. Among his peers, few could rival him in power. Yet this pair of young talents from Clear Abyss Sect, with just an outward release of their qi, inspired awe. Was this the charm of Clear Abyss Sect prodigies? Also... Why were they so adept at covering evidence? And they’d even formed a complementary male-female team. Xiao Qin arranged the furniture and scratched his head, "Are we forgetting something?" "No, how could we be?" Li Mo retorted. "It's all ashes now. There's nothing left to miss." Absolutely no mistakes. Meanwhile, at the heart of Ziyang Prefecture City, the central hall of the government mansion was lively with sect members from near and far, engaged in merrymaking and conversation. “I wonder why the representatives from Clear Abyss Sect haven’t arrived?” “Yes, it would be their issue, and yet we’re the ones left to manage it.” “Well, with Shang Wu leading the team, reliability was never a given.” Those from other sects engaged in lively discussions. "The tranquility of Ziyang Prefecture relies on all of you," the Prefecture Master announced with a sincere gleam in his eyes as he stood to propose a toast. "Your words humble us, Master Cui," the assembly responded. "It is our duty to uphold justice and perform virtuous deeds."