Dragon Guard Villa! Demons, Spirit Demons, Demon People!

Yu Huatian hurried to Dragon Guard Villa without stopping. Unlike Cao Zhengchun, he never entrusted important matters to others.

Replacing the Imperial Guards’ instructor was good news, but he could not gauge Li Xunhuan’s character. Whether the man could become an ally in the future remained uncertain, so making contact with him in advance was important to Yu Huatian.

Handing the search for Li Xunhuan over to Dragon Guard Villa was merely a smokescreen. Yu Huatian would still send the Western Depot’s forces to investigate the man’s whereabouts.

This time, he had come to sound Zhu Wushi out.

Compared to the tense relationship between Cao Zhengchun and Zhu Wushi, the Western Depot and Dragon Guard Villa had never clashed. At the very least, they kept out of each other’s way.

Dragon Guard Villa’s location was mysterious, and few in the world knew of it, but Yu Huatian happened to be an exception.

But when he truly reached the vicinity of Dragon Guard Villa, Yu Huatian was at a loss. For no other reason than that he had forgotten about the troublesome illusion formation outside the manor.

Dragon Guard Villa, which gathered heroes from across the land, had several formation masters highly skilled in formations. Using the natural layout of the mountains as their foundation, they had created an illusion formation that concealed the entire manor.

Even if an army came to attack, without the proper method to break the formation, they would lose themselves within the illusion formation and find it difficult to escape.

The formations of this world were not merely simple tricks of the eye. They were genuine formations powered by spiritual energy. Even a martial arts expert like Yu Huatian would find it difficult to break one through brute force.

"Why did I forget this damned formation?!"

The scenery before Yu Huatian suddenly changed. He understood that he was already inside the grand formation, and that the right course now was not to act rashly.

Dragon Guard Villa would soon notice that someone had entered the formation. He only needed to wait patiently for someone to come.

A moment later.

Yu Huatian’s vision blurred, and several black-clad, masked figures appeared before him, silently watching him.

These were Dragon Guard Villa’s visible sentries. A portion of hidden sentries was also concealed within the illusion formation.

"By His Majesty’s decree, summon the Iron-Hearted Marquis to receive the edict."

Yu Huatian looked coldly at them.

The guards exchanged glances. Their leader cupped his fists toward Yu Huatian and said, "Please wait, Director."

With that, they vanished from sight.

Before long, the illusion formation suddenly dispersed, and Yu Huatian’s view opened up.

He was already standing before the gates of Dragon Guard Villa, and he could not help showing a startled expression.

He clearly remembered not taking a single step after entering the illusion formation. How had he suddenly appeared at the manor gates?

"Hahaha! Eunuch Yu, do not be alarmed. That is simply how an illusion formation works. It can imperceptibly affect one’s five senses. You may think you have not moved a step, but in truth, you have already traveled quite far!"

As laughter rang out, a vigorous middle-aged man suddenly appeared. With the bearing of an eagle and the gaze of a tiger, he exuded immense pressure.

"The Divine Marquis is joking. I was merely curious," Yu Huatian replied stiffly. Proud as he was, he naturally could not show weakness before Zhu Wushi.

Zhu Wushi did not expose him. Smiling, he asked, "What decree does His Majesty have that requires Eunuch Yu to make the journey personally?"

At the mention of official business, Yu Huatian turned serious and said in a low voice, "This is not the place to speak. Please arrange a quiet room, Divine Marquis."

The moment Zhu Wushi heard this, he understood the gravity of the matter. He hurriedly led Yu Huatian into Dragon Guard Villa and straight to his study, while stationing many people around the area.

All of this was completed in an extremely short time. Once the vast manor sprang into action, it resembled a tightly interlocked, cold machine.

Watching Dragon Guard Villa carry out orders with such strict discipline, Yu Huatian was secretly shocked. This level of execution far surpassed that of the Two Bureaus.

Could this man be training Dragon Guard Villa’s people like an army?

Yu Huatian suddenly felt a chill run down his spine.

After Zhu Wushi dismissed the others, he asked solemnly, "Eunuch Yu, what matter has made His Majesty so anxious?"

Yu Huatian said, "His Majesty remembers that Lord Guo, the Chief Constable of Six Doors, has rendered great service through his hard work. Fearing that he may exhaust himself, His Majesty has relieved Lord Guo of his post as Imperial Guards instructor and selected someone else to fill it."

Hearing this, Zhu Wushi revealed a shocked expression. "Brother Guo is diligent, loyal to his sovereign, and devoted to his country. Why has he been removed from office for no reason? What exactly does His Majesty mean?"

Yu Huatian coughed lightly. "Divine Marquis, I have already explained. His Majesty is concerned for Lord Guo’s health and fears that holding two posts will overwork him. There is no other meaning."

How could Zhu Wushi believe such an explanation? He began pondering what the young emperor was up to. In his eyes, ever since ascending the throne, the emperor had enjoyed doing things that others could not understand.

Yu Huatian smiled. "Divine Marquis, I came today because of the new Imperial Guards instructor position."

Zhu Wushi froze, then his heart surged with joy. Could it be that the young emperor intended to hand this important post to him?

If he controlled the Imperial Guards, his power would undergo a qualitative leap. He could even attempt things he had never dared to imagine before.

The greed buried deep in Zhu Wushi’s heart gradually surfaced.

"The Imperial Guards instructor is responsible for His Majesty’s safety. The responsibility is immense. This Marquis still has duties at Dragon Guard Villa, so I fear I may not be able to handle both."

Zhu Wushi smiled as he spoke. Regardless, it was better to decline first, lest the young emperor become suspicious.

"Hahaha! The Divine Marquis truly is His Majesty’s imperial uncle. You and His Majesty are indeed of one mind. His Majesty considered precisely this point, which is why he chose someone else for the Imperial Guards instructor position," Yu Huatian replied with narrowed eyes.

The smile on Zhu Wushi’s face swiftly vanished. He looked at Yu Huatian with an unfriendly expression. That damned eunuch dared to toy with him!

"Eunuch, it would be better if you said everything in one breath…"

Feeling Zhu Wushi’s attitude take a sudden turn, Yu Huatian withdrew his teasing manner and said seriously, "His Majesty wishes for Dragon Guard Villa to find Li Tanhua and have him serve as the new Imperial Guards instructor."

"Li Tanhua?" Zhu Wushi found the title somewhat familiar. After thinking carefully, he said in surprise, "Li Xunhuan, Little Li Flying Dagger, whose throws never miss?"

Yu Huatian nodded. "That is the man!"

"Would it not be somewhat risky for His Majesty to appoint him as Imperial Guards instructor? Li Xunhuan has disappeared for many years. No one knows what his current circumstances are."

Zhu Wushi seemed unwilling to give up on the Imperial Guards instructor position. Both openly and indirectly, he was trying to persuade the young emperor to choose someone else.

"Divine Marquis need not worry. Several years ago, I encountered Li Tanhua beyond the border. At the time, he used the unique Little Li Flying Dagger technique to kill more than twenty demons with a single throw, saving a passing merchant caravan. His skill was practically divine."

"To be honest, if we faced each other head-on, even this one would have no confidence in evading the legendary Little Li Flying Dagger."

Recalling the situation back then, even Yu Huatian, who had always looked down on others, could not help revealing a trace of fear.

Zhu Wushi said worriedly, "Since the great changes in heaven and earth several decades ago, more and more top sects have emerged in the Jianghu. If they join forces, they will pose a tremendous threat to the imperial court. We must be on guard."

"That is precisely why the Ming Dynasty’s court needs people like Li Xunhuan to return…"

"His Majesty means to have Dragon Guard Villa search for Li Xunhuan?"

"The Divine Marquis is wise. When it comes to intelligence-gathering, what force under heaven can compare to Dragon Guard Villa?"

"Did Eunuch Yu not encounter Li Xunhuan beyond the border? It should be easy for you to find him, shouldn’t it?"

"To be honest, after that brief parting beyond the border, I did search for Li Xunhuan once. But by then, he had already left the border region, and his whereabouts were unknown."

"Oh, then it will be somewhat difficult for Dragon Guard Villa to find him as well. Does Eunuch Yu have any other clues?"

"The Divine Marquis is joking. If I had other clues, His Majesty would not have troubled the Divine Marquis."

Zhu Wushi observed Yu Huatian’s expression. Only after confirming that he was not lying did he nod and accept the matter. Still, he felt that Yu Huatian was hiding something from him.

"His Majesty will await good news from the Divine Marquis. I hope the Divine Marquis finds Li Xunhuan soon."

Having said everything that needed to be said, Yu Huatian bade farewell and left. As he departed, he kept examining Dragon Guard Villa’s layout, hoping to discern some clues.

Unfortunately, he was merely a martial man and understood nothing about formations. Looking was pointless.

Zhu Wushi narrowed his eyes as he watched Yu Huatian’s departing back, looking thoughtful.

"Bring Tianya and Yidao to me!"

After the time it took to drink a cup of tea.

Duan Tianya, the Number One Secret Agent of Heaven, and Guihai Yidao, the Number One Secret Agent of Earth, arrived at Zhu Wushi’s study.

"Foster Father, what urgent matter made you summon us?"

Duan Tianya and Guihai Yidao knelt on one knee, asking respectfully.

"Set aside the matters currently in your hands. I have a more important task for you to complete!"

Although Duan Tianya and Guihai Yidao were somewhat puzzled, they obediently nodded and accepted Zhu Wushi’s command.

Zhu Wushi said, "The two of you will set out immediately to search for Li Xunhuan’s whereabouts. You must bring him back to the capital."

Duan Tianya found the name somewhat familiar and asked, "Foster Father, is this the Li Xunhuan who earned the title of Tanhua ten years ago, known as Little Li Flying Dagger?"

Zhu Wushi nodded.

Guihai Yidao asked, "Why are we looking for this man?"

Zhu Wushi frowned slightly and said with displeasure, "Do you remember the most important rule for secret agents?"

Guihai Yidao lowered his head and replied, "When carrying out a mission, do not ask the reason."

Zhu Wushi said coldly, "Good that you know. Remember one thing during this mission: if Li Xunhuan is unwilling to enter the capital, you may employ certain special methods."

"Yes!"

The two bowed, accepted the order, and departed.

Zhu Wushi paced back and forth in his study. After pondering for a long time, he walked to his desk and pressed the inkstone atop it. With a twist, rumbling sounds came from the innermost wall of the study, and a hidden passage slowly appeared.

He proceeded through the long passage until moisture began seeping from the pitch-black stone walls, and light suddenly appeared ahead.

When Zhu Wushi emerged from the passage, he was already standing in a pavilion at the center of a lake. Dragon Guard Villa had become a blurred backdrop in the distance.

Several black figures silently appeared before Zhu Wushi like ghosts. They respectfully knelt and shouted, "Master!"

These shadow-like beings were actually Shadow Guards secretly cultivated by Zhu Wushi. They were people who could never see the light of day. Not only was the emperor unaware of them, even Dragon Guard Villa’s secret agents knew nothing of their existence.

"You few, investigate Guo Bu Jing’s movements and find out what he has been doing recently."

"The emperor would not have stripped him of his post for no reason. He must have done something forbidden."

At this point, Zhu Wushi suddenly recalled Yu Huatian’s strange attitude and added, "Also investigate the recent movements of the Two Bureaus."

"As you command!"

The several Shadow Guards abruptly vanished before Zhu Wushi.

After doing all this, Zhu Wushi did not immediately return to Dragon Guard Villa. Instead, he sat in the lakeside pavilion and gazed at the endless mountain ranges around him.

At this moment, he seemed to merge with the pavilion itself. His life was like the mountains before him, tightly trapping him so that he could never gain freedom in his lifetime.

"Imperial Father, one day I will prove that I am stronger than Imperial Brother, stronger than his son. I am the one who should be the true master of the Ming Dynasty’s realm!"

After a hearty meal and a good drink at Tongfu Inn, Chu Yang left Seven Heroes Town with Li Gexiao early the next morning. Having spent more than twenty stifling years in the capital, he could hardly wait to embrace a new life.

Long caged in a confined space, he had finally returned to nature.

Chu Yang could safely leave everything on the road to Li Gexiao. Unlike a half-baked person like Guo Furong, Li Gexiao, once a thousand-household commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, possessed extensive Jianghu experience.

Accustomed to riding in carriages, Chu Yang decided to travel south on horseback. Together with Li Gexiao, he rode along the official road.

"Your Highness, we must still proceed carefully on this journey south. Lawless criminals are one concern, but more importantly, demons appear much more frequently there, including many Spirit Demons and Demon People."

"The legendary Country of Ten Thousand Demons seems to lie in the southwestern region. Aside from a few prosperous major cities that remain unaffected, demons run rampant through the other towns and cities. It is also the region where Divine Marquis Manor fights demons most fiercely."

"For safety’s sake, it would be best for us to avoid those places."

Listening to Li Gexiao’s description, Chu Yang asked curiously, "You just mentioned demons, Spirit Demons, and Demon People. What is the difference between the three?"

Li Gexiao knew that Chu Yang had grown up isolated in the capital and knew absolutely nothing about them, so he patiently explained, "Generally speaking, Spirit Demons are plants and animals that have gained spiritual intelligence through cultivation. Once some Spirit Demons possess sufficient strength, they can assume human form. Those are what we commonly call Great Demons."

"The Country of Ten Thousand Demons I mentioned is a gathering place for Great Demons."

Chu Yang nodded. Spirit Demons were basically the same as the demon clans of xianxia worlds, with no major differences.

Li Gexiao continued, "As for Demon People, one group consists of humans who have fallen into demonhood. Some cultivate demon clan techniques, while others inherit demon clan bloodlines and mutate into half-human, half-demon beings. The other group consists of descendants born from humans and Great Demons."

"Most Demon People share the Spirit Demons’ stance. They help Spirit Demons devise strategies and act as enemies of humanity. Therefore, all Demon People are regarded as traitors to humanity and are constantly hunted by humans. Quite a few criminals captured by Six Doors are Demon People."

Unlike the Half-Demons in xianxia worlds, rejected by both Grandma and uncle, Demon People were thriving in this world and were also humanity’s great enemies.

Chu Yang asked again, "What about demons? Are they Spirit Demons that have fallen into demonic corruption?"

At the mention of demons, Li Gexiao became more serious than ever before. He shook his head. "Though demons have the word ‘demon’ in their name, they have nothing to do with Spirit Demons."

"The birth of Spirit Demons is related to the great changes in heaven and earth several decades ago, but demons existed before those changes!"

"There are even rumors that demons were the root cause of those great changes in heaven and earth!"