Water Ink Panel: Starting with Bow Technique to Hunt the Sun and Patrol the Skies

"Ah, is there really such a thing?!" Shen Qing's face was filled with shock as he exclaimed, "I remember Lord Xue was a martial master of the Primordial Spirit Realm, didn't he return victorious? How could he just die out of nowhere?"

Yang Henshan took over the conversation, saying, "Who knows? Lord Xue's cultivation was unfathomable, yet he was killed just like that, it's truly baffling. It's practically a slap to Your Majesty's face."

"Lord Lan has already entered the palace to meet with His Majesty. The days we have ahead will surely be tough."

...

Wanshou Palace.

The main door was wide open, sunshine streaming in, illuminating a solemn and grave scene.

Officials from the Internal Affairs Department, Military Department, and Mountain Sea Department were urgently summoned here.

Each of them bowed their heads in silence, intensifying the oppressive atmosphere in the grand hall.

At the front, Ji Zikong, donned in a dragon robe, sat regally on the high dragon throne, an undeniable authority emanating from his brows.

His gaze was sharp as he scanned the ministers below, and once everyone was present, he slowly spoke, his voice tinged with suppressed anger, "Beloved ministers, I've just received word that Xue Zhao, a key minister of the court, was viciously murdered just outside the Capital, right under my nose. What do you make of this?"

"Military Department?"

Lan Gongliang stepped forward and said, "Your humble servant is here!"

"Any leads?"

"Your humble servant... Your humble servant just found out."

"Mountain Sea Department, Internal Affairs Department? You were responsible for General Xue's return to the Capital."

"Your humble servant deserves death ten thousand times, I beg Your Majesty for forgiveness!"

As the head of the Internal Affairs Department, Chief Eunuch He Yong prostrated on the ground, trembling as he spoke.

Following him, Mountain Sea Department Chief Ji Hong also knelt down and pleaded, "Your humble servant deserves death ten thousand times, I beg Your Majesty for forgiveness!"

"Hmph! Forgiveness, forgiveness… If everything could be forgiven, what use do I have for you ministers?" Ji Zikong's face turned livid upon hearing this, his displeasure clear.

Suddenly, his imposing aura as the foremost martial hero in the world erupted like a raging storm through the entire grand hall.

His control over his power was astounding, not a hint leaked into the surroundings, it was all focused on Ji Hong, Lan Gongliang, and He Yong.

This aura felt substantial, heavy as a thousand pounds.

Under the pressure of this aura, Ji Hong and the others felt as if a giant mountain was crushing them, making it hard to breathe.

He gritted his teeth, exerting all his strength to straighten his back, but his body trembled uncontrollably.

Meanwhile, cracks and pops of bones breaking echoed throughout the grand hall.

Overwhelmed by Ji Zikong's aura, Ji Hong and the others felt their bones beginning to fracture.

"Investigate for me, at all costs. I want you to provide me a satisfactory answer in the shortest time possible!"

The three, drenched in sweat, kowtowed repeatedly, "Your humble servants obey."

Ji Zikong withdrew his aura, allowing the three to feel relieved.

They immediately adjusted their breathing to heal their internal injuries.

In the following days, news of Xue Zhao's death quickly spread throughout the Capital, causing an uproar.

The Military Department, Mountain Sea Department, and the Internal Affairs Department, the three most powerful departments of the Great Zhou, launched a joint operation, turning the Capital Region and its surroundings upside down.

As for Shen Qing, the instigator, he was also forced into this storm, leading a group of dispatch officers daily for patrol and catching the real culprit.

However, it was destined to be fruitless.

After a day of half-hearted efforts, Shen Qing returned to the government office as usual.

He hadn't even gotten comfortable in the Military Department Office when he saw Ji Bochu, the head of the Royal Armory, coming to find him.

"Lord Shen."

As soon as he entered, Ji Bochu greeted him with a smile, like a smiling Buddha.

Shen Qing was somewhat surprised and quickly stood up, clasping his hands in salute, "What brings you here today, Lord Ji? Is there something you need from me?"

"Can't I just come to see you without any reason?" Ji Bochu chuckled.

Shen Qing said, "You're joking, sir. Please, have a seat."

Ji Bochu glanced at Shen Qing, noticing his restrained aura and natural presence, clearly indicating an improvement in cultivation, leaving him astonished.

He started a conversation box, saying, "Lord Shen, you haven't visited the Royal Armory for some time, have you? Been busy lately?"

Shen Qing let out a long sigh and said thoughtfully, "Lord Ji, you know about the recent events in the Capital. Since His Majesty has issued an edict, we cannot slack off."

Ji Bochu nodded in agreement, saying, "It's indeed a huge matter. There's nothing you can do. However, I do have some good news for you."

"Oh, what good news is that, my lord?"

"Recently, His Majesty has gathered another batch of martial arts from across the world, and we are about to organize them. All departments are as busy as headless flies, and I couldn't find manpower to assist, so I came to request your aid, Lord Shen."

Shen Qing said, "Lord Ji, I also have numerous tasks at hand and might be hard-pressed to help."

"Ah, Lord Shen, there's no need to worry. You have the Cuilin Order from His Majesty. As long as you agree, I'll mention it to His Majesty. At your age, it's the perfect time for cultivation. If you keep burying yourself in these trivial matters, isn't it a pity?"

"If you come to my place, all you need to do is keep an eye on the fifth floor, and in your spare time, you can use the Spiritual Eye for cultivation."

"Moreover, it's a rare opportunity to make an appearance in front of His Majesty. Even if you gain just a little insight, it'll benefit you for a lifetime. Don't you think so?"

Upon hearing Ji Bochu's words, Shen Qing couldn't help but feel wary for some reason.

There are no free lunches in the world.

Even if there were, he wouldn't believe it would fall to him.

After a moment's hesitation, Shen Qing said, "Isn't that a bit inappropriate?"

"What's inappropriate? If one doesn't act for oneself, heaven and earth will destroy them."

Shen Qing fell into silence.

He subtly eyed Ji Bochu, unsure of what trick was up his sleeve.

While Shen Qing was amidst his wild speculations, he sensed a slight warmth in front of his chest.

It was the Spirit Communication Seal.

A message came from Xiao Hu's side.

Shen Qing excused himself, "Lord Ji, please sit for a moment. I need to handle a personal matter, I'll be right back."

Ji Bochu, unperturbed, said, "Lord Shen, go ahead."

Seeing Shen Qing leave, a sly glint flashed in Ji Bochu's eyes.

To him, when such a good opportunity falls in his lap, no one could refuse it.
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In the back hall.

Shen Qing took out the Spirit Communication Seal, revealing lines of small text: "Xue Zhao is dead."

A few moments later, more lines appeared on the Spirit Communication Seal: "The Dao Master is aware. He believes the Great Zhou's destiny has ended and has hastened his subordinates' actions. They'll attack the Ji family in the Capital, potentially as soon as three to five months, or as long as a year or two."

"The Dao Master's power is boundless. Brother Qingzi, please make preparations."

Seeing this message, Shen Qing's expression changed, not expecting Huang Tian Sect to move so swiftly.

In that case, the Capital, no, the entire Great Zhou's situation was dire.

Recalling the deadly formation encountered that day... a strong sense of crisis enveloped his heart.

Now, he suddenly thought of Ji Bochu in the living room, contemplating, "Ji Bochu came this time for me, he's baiting me to do something dangerous, what could it be?"

"If the most direct connection to him is the selection of that Immortal Martial art."

"Could the problem lie within that Immortal Martial art?"

As Shen Qing continued reasoning, he could only think of one possibility.

"In that case, I can use this to escape these mundane duties, avoiding capturing myself daily, focusing more on cultivation, and using the royal Spiritual Eye to hasten my training."

He thought carefully and found nothing imprudent.

Having made up his mind, Shen Qing exited the back hall.

Ji Bochu looked at Shen Qing and said, "Lord Shen, what have you decided?"

Feigning contemplation, Shen Qing hesitantly said, "Since you're so gracious, my lord, it would be rude of me to refuse. I'll be relying on you, Lord Ji."

Seeing Shen Qing agree, a sly smile crept onto Ji Bochu's face.