The Legend of the Devil
Ch. 166 - The mastermind of the conspiracy
After successfully rescuing Jiazhen Wu, Xue Zhan decided to exit the Imperial Palace through the back roads to avoid close scrutiny.
They were fortunate to be assisted by Right Hand spy Jiazhen Wu who helped disguise the intrusion to the outside of the palace.
They were picked up by five of Jiazhen Wu's personal bodyguards outside the palace. After several hours of traveling through the forest and valley, finally Xue Zhan and Jiazhen Wu arrived at a small place on a hidden hillside. They immediately headed towards the Hangyi Wall which was the entrance gate into the hidden place.
Up in front of the gate, the two walked to the right of the wall and opened a hidden door made of thick wood. They entered into a dark hallway that meandered until they reached a large room decorated with red lantern lights that emitted a dim light.
There, they found Jiazhen Wu's right hand had been waiting and led them to a room where they could talk about urgent matters.
The room was lit only by small candles mounted on its walls. They were guarded by dozens of soldiers standing firm with shiny iron armor, ready to protect whenever an unexpected attack came.
Silence struck, they fell silent and recognized each other. Then Xue Zhan introduced himself. He took out the tools he used to change his appearance and released them carefully. Before long, a much different face appeared, the face of a 20-year-old young man who now reminded Jiazhen Wu of a boy. Jiazhen Wu gasped and shut up speechlessly.
He had been looking for the young man for a very long time, as he was the only person who might know where his son had gone. But everyone said he had been killed the same day his son disappeared.
"You ..."
He shook slightly as he continued his words,
"Xue Zhan, you have returned," said Jiazhen Wu still slightly surprised.
"Yes, Mr. Jiazhen. I came to save you," Xue Zhan said with a hold. "And also requested some information about your son, Jiazhen Yan as well as information surrounding this Empire."
Before that of course Jiazhen Wu had not been able to recover from her shock.
"I don't know how you survived, but it's shocking..."
"If you're looking for my son, he's been missing for five years since you left. I had no idea where he was going other than the last time I found his clothes and a plaque and a shapeless body. Everyone says my son is gone. But I believe he's still here." He turned to look at Xue Zhan.
"Do you think he's alive?"
Xue Zhan did not take much time to answer. "He's not that easy to die. I'm sure she's alive, I've dreamed of her once ..." Xue Zhan threw a momentary glance.
"His sword was full of blood and his gaze was dark. I didn't understand the meaning of the dream and it continued to pique me. That's why I'm here, I need to know where he's going and punch him in the head if he's involved in bad things."
Jiazhen Wu drew a smile.
"I was so happy when I saw someone who cared about him other than me. Thank you, you know, I really love that kid even though I've been hard on him sometimes. But that doesn't diminish my affection for her in the least."
Jiazhen Wu looked at Xue Zhan with gratitude. "You have dared to come here and face great risk to save me. I owe you my life."
"You're very condescending, Mr. Jiazhen."
Xue Zhan gave a short nod until he finally raised the question that had been spinning in his head ever since.
All of this had to do with Kang Jian's death. Five years of not getting any news about the situation in Diqiu Empire, many shocking things left Xue Zhan confused and shocked.
Xue Zhan looked at Jiazhen Wu closely, “Why did you accuse Emperor Ziran of murder?”
Jiazhen Wu replied in a heavy voice, “I found the talisman given by her grandson in the place where Kang Jian killed himself, that is the damned river of the Eternal Valley. There are many conspiracies that all lead to Emperor Ziran, if you want to read the details I have prepared the file that I should have given to the Council of Nine. But since the situation is like this ... Looks like I'll get some of my guys to deliver directly to them.”
Xue Zhan pondered for a moment. "Mr Jiazhen did intend to hand over this document before being beheaded?"
The man laughed, Xue Zhan's words immediately hit to the point.
"You read my mind, heh," he responded casually. Xue Zhan was not out of thought with his friend's father. It was the same with them, it was just that Jiazhen Wu was more dignified than her son.
His eyes traced paper after paper containing information about the allegations and claims of Jiazhen Wu. He looked back at Jiazhen Wu.
“Did Teacher Kang really commit suicide? I can't believe it. He is an honorable swordsman and very loyal to Emperor Ziran.” Xue Zhan refuted.
"This talisman is proof that Ziran Zhao was involved in the murder,” Jiazhen Wu said firmly.
Xue Zhan could not believe what he heard. He knew that Ziran Zhao believed in Kang Jian very much and that there was no way he would kill him. He asked Jiazhen Wu to show the talisman.
Instantly his subordinates carried the talisman, and Xue Zhan looked at it closely. “This is impossible. Emperor Ziran could not possibly do something like this. Something's not right here."
Jiazhen Wu shook her head. "I've done a lot of research. All the information I found was full of twists and turns. There was a lot of conjecture and overlap in it, but as I know, something was hidden by Emperor Ziran. I want everyone to realize that, at least after I die, there will be one person who continues this investigation."
Xue Zhan silently digested all the information he got from the paper. Before he finally looked back at Jiazhen Wu.
Jiazhen Wu looked back at Xue Zhan. "May I ask you a question?" The charisma on his face made Xue Zhan reticent and immediately nodded. "Please, Mr. Jiazhen."
"How did you survive the Void of Regret that reached tens of thousands of meters deep and survive the monster demons there? People say that just before you fell, my son held you. Unfortunately, he suddenly let go of your hand until you fell. Maybe my son regretted it and decided to disappear."
Xue Zhan couldn't possibly tell about Xiang Yi Bai. After finding out the man was carrying a precious heirloom that was prone to being targeted, he decided not to involve Xiang Yi Bai as much as possible.
"I was dying for months and living critically in a cave. I don't know how I'm going to get that far, maybe a miracle" he replied. Jiazhen Wu nodded, that answer alone was enough for him.
"You saved my life. Tell me what information you want from me. I'll answer as I can."
Xue Zhan nodded. He had already prepared all the questions in his head. All the things that have happened in the five years since his departure, Jiazhen Wu knows all about it - even confidential information.