Impossible, right?

If there really is a mole, then this is just too ridiculous.

Dao Mountain Ancient Land might as well not be called that anymore, it should be renamed as a branch of the Longevity Sect.

“Senior Li Changqing, Brother Li is heading to Zhenguo Mansion and it could be dangerous. Please tell him not to go!” Lu Qiaoqiao was clearly anxious.

Li Changqing didn’t speak, just looked at Lu Qiaoqiao. The urgency in his eyes didn’t seem feigned.

Moreover, at this moment, Lu Qiaoqiao’s figure had become somewhat ethereal.

This made Li Changqing feel a bit strange; usually, it was only at dawn that Lu Qiaoqiao’s figure would start to fade. Why was she disappearing so soon this time?

“Who exactly are you?” Li Changqing asked coldly.

Startled by Li Changqing’s question, Lu Qiaoqiao hesitated for a moment.

She was just about to explain when her expression suddenly changed: “It’s not good, she’s about to wake up.”

“Senior Li Changqing, I know you might not trust me now. But there are two things you must convey to Brother Li, you must tell him.”

Lu Qiaoqiao was so anxious she was almost crying.

“Go ahead,” Li Changqing sighed lightly, resigned to listen.

“First, if Brother Li sees me at Zhenguo Mansion, he must not easily believe what I say. If he sees me wearing red clothes, he must stay far away from me!”

“Second, do not easily trust the leader of Dao Mountain Ancient Land, Luo Xiaochuan, because he…”

Before she could finish, Lu Qiaoqiao’s figure twisted and then disappeared.

The entire Divine Soul Lake became eerily calm.

Lu Qiaoqiao’s voice was gone.

At this moment, Li Changqing on the bed also abruptly opened his eyes.

Lu Qiaoqiao’s words had left Li Changqing unable to sleep. What on earth had happened?

Today’s Lu Qiaoqiao was somewhat different from the one he had met before. Although the changes weren’t very obvious, there were subtle differences.

And what did those two things Lu Qiaoqiao mentioned mean?

Not to trust oneself at Zhenguo Mansion, and to avoid oneself if seen wearing red clothes?

And the second thing was even more concerning to Li Changqing.

Do not trust Luo Xiaochuan, the leader of Dao Mountain Ancient Land, because he…

Before she could finish, Lu Qiaoqiao was gone.

What exactly happened to Luo Xiaochuan?

This was of particular concern to Li Changqing, as the person who had suddenly sent his son to Zhenguo Mansion was none other than the newly returned leader of Dao Mountain Ancient Land.

Suddenly, an inexplicable sense of crisis loomed.

Li Changqing felt uneasy.

His son’s trip to Zhenguo Mansion might indeed be a trap.

Could Luo Xiaochuan really be the branch leader of the Longevity Sect?

With this thought, Li Changqing could no longer sit still. He made a decision.

He would follow his son.

To protect his son’s safety at all times.

No sooner thought than done.

Li Changqing simply didn’t bother to sleep anymore, got out of bed, and walked out the door.

“Someone come.”

Li Changqing called out to the outside.

“Great Protector.”

Immediately, two guards from the Yan family approached, respectfully saying, “Great Protector, what are your orders?”

“Go to the Bai family and fetch Bai Jingfei for me,” said Li Changqing.

The two guards’ expressions changed; it was the middle of the night.

To go to the Bai family and fetch Bai Jingfei?

The man was probably asleep by now, right?

Probably no one else in Changting Town would dare to wake Bai Jingfei from his bed in the middle of the night.

“Yes.”

The two guards quickly responded.

Then they hurried off to the Bai family.

As expected, it was already past the third watch, and Bai Jingfei had long been asleep.

He was then abruptly awakened by a series of urgent voices.

“Master, Master.”

An anxious voice came from outside the door.

Bai Jingfei woke from his sleep, frowning and scolding, “What’s the matter that can’t wait until tomorrow?”

“Reporting to the master, Mr. Li Changqing has urgently summoned you, asking you to hurry to the Yan family,” the butler outside hurriedly said.

Hearing that it was Li Changqing who had summoned him, Bai Jingfei instantly lost all desire to sleep, hurriedly got out of bed to put on his trousers, and then rushed out to the Yan family.

The two guards from the Yan family were also deeply shocked; it seemed that in the whole of Changting Town, only their Great Protector could pull the master of the Bai family from his dreams.

“Mr. Li Changqing, you were looking for me.”

As soon as Bai Jingfei entered, he saw Li Changqing already sitting in the courtyard. Bai Jingfei didn’t know what was so urgent that Li Changqing would drag him out of bed in the middle of the night.

“Do you have any intelligence on Zhenguo Mansion?” Li Changqing looked at Bai Jingfei and said, “If so, tell me about the situation at Zhenguo Mansion.”

“Zhenguo Mansion?”

Bai Jingfei didn’t expect that Li Changqing would summon him in the middle of the night just to get information about Zhenguo Mansion.”Yes,” Bai Jingfei hurriedly said, “Although our Changqing Trading Company’s intelligence organization hasn’t been established for long, it has already begun to take shape. The intelligence departments in the Great Yuan Dynasty, North Cold Country, and Path Mark City are my main sources of information. Moreover, our Changqing Trading Company is now wealthy, with ample funds, and I have also recruited some innate experts to join our intelligence department.”

“The Zhenguo Mansion is technically within the territory of the North Cold Country, but it’s actually a place with weak management. Because there are several huge rivers, the areas are named after these rivers. It’s a mixed bag there, with both humans and ghosts.”

“Since it’s close to the human race’s border, just relying on the North Cold Country’s power isn’t very reassuring for the other human forces. Therefore, the North Cold Country mainly manages it, along with the Dao Mountain Ancient Land, the Great Yuan Dynasty, and the people from the Shao family, who jointly manage it by dispatching disciples to serve as Inspectors.”

Li Changqing nodded, gaining a basic understanding of Zhenguo Mansion.

“However, Inspectors are generally disciples with cultivation levels above the innate realm,” Bai Jingfei continued. “After all, in such a place, many local powers have innate experts in charge. Without sufficient cultivation, how can one command respect?”

Li Changqing frowned. His son was only at the peak of the Houtian realm, yet Luo Xiaochuan had actually sent him to serve as an Inspector there.

Wasn’t this sending his son to his death?

Luo Xiaochuan was no good either.

If he followed, he definitely couldn’t live in Zhenguo Mansion; otherwise, if his son saw him, wouldn’t that crush his son’s last bit of hope?

That would truly be the end.

So Li Changqing asked, “What are the nearest cities within the range of Zhenguo Mansion?”

“The nearest…”

Bai Jingfei recalled for a moment, then said, “Close to Zhenguo Mansion are some small frontier cities belonging to the North Cold Country, such as Zi Wu City and Changlong City.”

“Zi Wu City has a garrison stationed there, near the Heigu Forest.”

“The Heigu Forest stretches for thousands of miles, but it’s not just the ferocious Spirit Beasts that are a concern; the Ghost Clan often tries to smuggle across from there. So, the garrison in Zi Wu City is there to prevent them from causing trouble in North Cold City.”

“As for Changlong City, although it’s called ‘prosperous,’ it’s actually a very poor place,” Bai Jingfei said with a smile.

“I think I understand.”

Li Changqing nodded.

“You can go back now,” Li Changqing waved his hand and said.

“Yes.”

Bai Jingfei bowed with his fist and then left.

The next morning, Li Changqing arrived at the Wan Shu Tower and found a map inside. He located Zhenguo Mansion on the map.

Zhenguo Mansion covered a large area.

Then, looking at the positions of the two cities, Li Changqing thought that if he wanted to protect his son, Zi Wu City was the closest.

It was only separated from Zhenguo Mansion by a large river.

If his son really encountered danger, he could cross the river with his sword and rescue him.

Li Changqing nodded, satisfied with the plan.

After leaving the Wan Shu Tower, Li Changqing returned to the small courtyard and saw Zhang Fuguang busy at work. Li Changqing told Zhang Fuguang that he would be away for a while.

“How long will Mr. Changqing be away?” Zhang Fuguang asked.

“I’m not sure,” Li Changqing didn’t know when he would be able to return.

“Sir, let me accompany you,” Zhang Fuguang said. “You’ll need someone to take care of things when you’re away.”

“How can that be? The journey is long and arduous, and most importantly, what about Siyao? She’s still studying here,” Li Changqing shook his head repeatedly.

“Studying can be done anywhere. If Mr. Changqing leaves, how could we father and daughter have the face to continue staying at the Yan family’s place?”

Zhang Fuguang hurriedly said.

“You two stay, it’s fine,” Li Changqing said with a smile. “You are my people; the Yan family won’t trouble you.”

“If Mr. Changqing leaves, then we father and daughter will have to say goodbye as well,” Zhang Fuguang insisted.

“This…”

Seeing Zhang Fuguang’s insistence, Li Changqing hesitated for a moment, then finally nodded: “Alright, but the conditions won’t be as good as here, and it might be tough.”

Hearing this, Zhang Fuguang smiled and said, “We father and daughter are not afraid of hardship; we’ve endured much more.”

“Then alright, pack up.”

Li Changqing said, and then went to find Yan Botao. After all, he had to inform Yan Botao about this matter.

If it were just him, Li Changqing was prepared to ride Fei there, but now with Zhang Fuguang and Zhang Siyao joining, Li Changqing simply had someone call for the people from the Cangyuan Escort Agency, planning to take the flying mounts of the Cangyuan Escort Agency for the journey.It would take just over two days to reach Ziwu City.

Yan Botao was startled to hear that Li Changqing was leaving.

But upon learning that Li Changqing was heading to North Cold Country, he realized that Li Changqing had no intention of leaving Changqing Trading Company and felt somewhat relieved.

Li Changqing took everything he could from his small courtyard, especially the items he had crafted in the backyard, bringing them all with him this time.

However, after Li Changqing’s departure, Shi Yan Studio would likely no longer have any interesting stories to tell.

Once everything was prepared, Zhang Fuguang picked up Zhang Siyao from the school and told her they would be moving to a new place to live.

The conditions might not be as good as they are now.

But Zhang Siyao cheerfully said, “Wherever Daddy and Mr. Changqing are, that’s where Yaoyao will be.”

After explaining the situation, Li Changqing and a few others left Changting Town, mounted the black crow, and headed towards Ziwu City in North Cold Country.

The black crow soared into the sky, and as Li Changqing looked back at the tiny Changting Town, he couldn’t help but feel sentimental, not knowing when he would return next.

Dao Mountain Ancient Land.

Past noon, a messenger bird flew in, landing directly in front of Xue Qianbai.

Xue Qianbai opened the letter and couldn’t help but laugh in silence.

The letter was from Li Changqing.

Informing Xue Qianbai that he had gone to North Cold Country.

Xue Qianbai wasn’t surprised at all by this news; Li Changqing was an absolute fanatic when it came to his son. With his son heading to Zhenguo Mansion to become an Inspector, it was only natural that Li Changqing would follow.

The letter didn’t say much else.

Meanwhile, behind a waterfall in a hidden cave, Luo Xiaochuan was leisurely fishing by the river.

Suddenly, a figure approached Luo Xiaochuan from behind, knelt down, and respectfully said, “Sect Master, Li Changqing from Changting Town has indeed set off. You truly have a divine foresight.”

“It’s not surprising.”

Luo Xiaochuan said indifferently, “Li Changqing treasures his son greatly; of course, he wouldn’t stand idly by and not follow him to a place like Zhenguo Mansion where his precious son is to become an Inspector.”

“Sect Master, the Su Family has already arrived at Guanglan Palace,” the figure behind him added.

“Let them arrive; there’s no need to be overly anxious about Guanglan Palace,” Luo Xiaochuan said calmly. “Guangzu is a minor concern; he cannot hinder me.”

“Ah, yes.”

The figure behind him was inwardly shaken by these words.

Guangzu was once a being who could compete with the Lord of Cangyuan Realm, and yet, in the eyes of his own Sect Master, he posed no threat at all?

Looking at Luo Xiaochuan’s back, he realized he understood less and less.

Could it be that their Sect Master had already taken that step?

He couldn’t figure it out, couldn’t see through it, but he felt that their Sect Master was playing a grand game of chess involving heaven and earth!

A game so vast that even the Longevity Sect, which prided itself on its divine destiny, was merely a pawn in the hands of their Sect Master.

Two days later.

The black crow slowly descended outside a city.

Li Changqing looked at the city, which was no smaller than Bewilderment City, with its smooth and even royal roads.

The soldiers stationed outside were from North Cold Country.

“Let’s enter the city; from now on, we will live here,” Li Changqing said to Zhang Fuguang and Zhang Siyao.

Various merchants were entering the city, and the soldiers guarding the city had eagle-like eyes, scrutinizing the passersby.

The city was not bustling, but it was lively.

It was morning, and one could see all kinds of shops, as well as many plainly dressed poor people and silk-clad young nobles.

“Let’s find a place to stay first.”

Li Changqing passed by a place called ‘Baiwei Residence’.

Li Changqing led the two inside.

Several people inside saw Li Changqing enter and immediately came forward to greet him; they were agents of the residence.

In modern terms, they were real estate agents.

Buying a house through them was the simplest thing.

“Guest, are you looking to see a house? Do you want to rent or buy?” an agent with a tag around his neck approached.

This person’s name was Lao Hei.

Seeing this name, Li Changqing’s expression changed; was the name ‘Black’ written so blatantly?

“I want to buy a small courtyard, with a slightly larger backyard, comfortable living space, and a place in front to do some small business,” Li Changqing stated his requirements.

After all, coming here, he couldn’t just sit around all day; Li Changqing also wanted to do some business to pass the time, and it would be convenient for gathering some local intelligence.

“Alright, I’ll look for you.”

Lao Hei hurriedly searched for a suitable house.

Meanwhile, in a corner, an agent gnawing on a steamed bun had his gaze fall upon Zhang Fuguang and his daughter Zhang Siyao.However, that glance was fleeting; he stuffed the last piece of steamed bun into his mouth, took a sip of soup, stood up, and walked away.

Not long after, Old Hei hurried over with a few pieces of paper in hand, which had the layouts of houses on them.

Li Changqing glanced at them and then picked one that caught his eye.

“Sir, you have a good eye. Doing business here…” Old Hei was speaking when his face turned dark, and he couldn’t help but chuckle bitterly, “This place isn’t suitable for business, is it? Your entrance is an alley, hardly anyone passes by. Doing business here, I’m afraid you’ll lose money.”

“Let’s settle here, it’s quiet,” Li Changqing insisted, having taken a liking to the place.

“Alright then.”

Since Li Changqing insisted, Old Hei had no choice but to take a few people to check out the house.

The location was indeed not that great.

In an alley with little foot traffic, as there were hardly any businesses nearby. Although it was quiet, it seemed impossible to run any kind of business there.

The small courtyard, however, was very nice. The front house could fit a few tables, and there was a large courtyard in the back with several rooms, which looked very promising.

Li Changqing liked it as soon as he saw it.

Most importantly, it was close to the great river, which Li Changqing felt might bring him closer to his son.

Eventually, the house was bought for two thousand taels of silver.

After purchasing the house, Li Changqing and Zhang Fuguang took Zhang Siyao out to buy some furniture and other household items, and they planned to buy a few servants to tidy up the place. They left Fei at home to watch over it.

Walking on the bustling streets, Zhang Siyao was also very happy, looking around with her beloved red leather ball in her arms.

There were also several business associations here.

After visiting a few shops, Li Changqing bought quite a few things and asked them to be delivered to his home in the evening.

“Mr. Changqing, there are many soldiers here,” Zhang Fuguang observed, noting that every so often, they would see patrolling guards.

The management seemed very strict.

“Normal, this place is different from Minghong Prefecture. After all, this is the North Cold Country, a dynasty with troops stationed here, so there are naturally more soldiers,” Li Changqing said casually.

Just then, Li Changqing suddenly noticed a carriage shop in a small alley ahead.

“We should also buy a carriage,” Li Changqing decided to take a look.

In his previous life, he couldn’t afford a car, but in this life, he had money and wanted to buy a decent carriage.

Zhang Fuguang followed.

But at this moment, Zhang Fuguang frowned slightly, as he had a bad feeling, an intuition honed from years of being an assassin!

Several carriages were parked at the entrance, each made from different materials.

Zhang Fuguang held Zhang Siyao’s hand with one hand and kept an eye on their surroundings with the other.

“Is there no one in the shop?” Li Changqing looked inside the empty shop.

Just as Zhang Fuguang was about to say something, suddenly, an unexpected event occurred!

A figure burst out from under one of the carriages, a short sword in hand, lunging straight at Zhang Fuguang!

In an instant, Zhang Fuguang dodged with his daughter.

But before his short sword could even strike halfway, he was horrified to find that his entire body was immobilized.

“The Five Absolute Seals?”

The assassin exclaimed in surprise.

Then he turned his head to look at Li Changqing, whom he had not taken seriously before, thinking he was just an ordinary person.

Who would have thought it would be the Five Absolute Seals from Dao Mountain Ancient Land!

At this moment, it felt as if countless chains imprisoned him, rendering him unable to move.

At this time, Zhang Fuguang didn’t waste words. He covered Zhang Siyao’s eyes with one hand and drew a short knife from his waist with the other, piercing the assassin’s throat!

The movement was swift and efficient.

Because Zhang Fuguang recognized that this person’s methods belonged to the Blood Shadow Sect.

He had just merged into the carriage to assassinate him.

And now, taking action, Zhang Fuguang also looked at Li Changqing, noticing that Li Changqing was curiously watching him.

Zhang Fuguang knew he could no longer hide his identity as an assassin.

“Ah! Murder!”

Just then, a shocked cry rang out.

The owner of the carriage shop, who had just gone to the toilet, witnessed the scene and saw Zhang Fuguang behead someone.

He cried out in alarm and turned to run.

Zhang Fuguang’s brow furrowed; attracting the attention of the city guards here would be troublesome.

“Sir, there’s been a murder over here.”

“It’s them!”

The carriage shop owner led a team of soldiers over, and they immediately surrounded Li Changqing and the two others.

“What seems to be the matter, sir?” Li Changqing asked indifferently.”The carriage shop owner says you’ve committed murder. Do you realize that murder is a grave crime?” the leading captain of the soldiers bellowed angrily.

The others also gripped their weapons tightly.

“Oh?” Li Changqing expressed his surprise, “Whom did we kill?”

“You still dare to quibble,” the carriage shop owner stepped forward, hastily saying, “The body was clearly still…”

However, his voice abruptly stopped.

He pointed to the ground, but the ground was empty, astonishingly devoid of anything.

The corpse that was just there had vanished!

How could this be?

The carriage shop owner was utterly dumbfounded.

“Where’s the body?” the captain of the guards also looked towards the carriage shop owner.

“I…”

“I really saw it.”

The carriage shop owner hurriedly searched everywhere, under the carriage, inside the carriage, and even checked the surrounding alleys, but he couldn’t find a trace of the body.

“Could you have been seeing things?” the captain of the guards asked, frowning.

“But I…” the carriage shop owner was on the verge of tears.

He had seen it clearly, Zhang Fuguang had killed the man with a single stroke of his knife, so why was there no sign of it now?

“He just used the knife on him, he has a knife on him!” the carriage shop owner quickly insisted.

“Is carrying a knife also a crime?” Zhang Fuguang asked coldly.