55. The Tip of the Iceberg
The black-clad swordsmen were indeed a direct unit of the Baiyao Dynasty.
This was what Mo Ke had learned from those men.
People tended to reveal important information casually when they were relaxed.
One of them said,
“Hmph, I heard someone is investigating us, but their methods are truly perverted.”
“Yeah, even if we know they’re investigating us, we can’t figure out who they are.”
“The only ones who would care about our identity… could it be the Eight Desolations Sword Master’s people, or… them…?”
At the mention of “them,” the man seemed a bit frightened, but he quickly composed himself. “No, it can’t be them. They’re all dead, injured, or have fled.”
“Absolutely… absolutely impossible. It must be someone else.”
“What are you so nervous about? I didn’t say it was them. It’s just a possibility.”
“Instead of worrying about this, we should be thinking about how to complete His Majesty’s task. The Sword Alliance can be used, but we both know they have their own agendas.”
Although their conversation was cryptic, a key title had emerged.
Yes.
“Your Majesty.”
Connected to Haifeng Hall, the person behind the scenes was referred to as “Your Majesty.” There was no other possibility.
“So it’s the Baili family…” This news was within Gong Yiling’s expectations. “This Emperor has his hands in many pies. He ignores what he should be managing and meddles in what he shouldn’t.”
Mo Ke seemed hesitant to speak.
Gong Yiling noticed his guarded expression and asked, “What is it?”
“About this, Immortal Master, do you remember what I said before?”
“What?”
“About the many families that were annihilated.” Mo Ke said, “You asked me to investigate if there was a connection between them. Although on the surface there was none, there is one thing worth noting.”
“What is it?”
“Look at this paper.”
Mo Ke placed a piece of paper on the table. “This is a list of places they all frequented. I’ve already had someone compile the locations each family visited.”
And on the paper was written:
The Youcang Court.
“The Youcang Court?”
This was unexpected.
Strictly speaking, this wasn’t much of an answer.
These families weren’t incredibly wealthy, but they could certainly afford to spend some money at an auction house.
So, what was so special about the Youcang Court?
However, the Youcang Court… of all places.
“Old Mo, help me analyze this.”
Gong Yiling frowned and stroked her chin. “The Youcang Court is suspected to be connected to the Eight Desolations Sword Master. Those annihilated families all visited the Youcang Court. The Baili royal family is suspected to be cooperating with the Eight Desolations Sword Alliance, and the royal family has been indifferent to these massacres.”
“If you connect all these dots, what do you think is the truth?”
Mo Ke thought for a moment, and a rather exaggerated… no, a rather logical explanation came to mind.
“Does Immortal Master mean…” he said, his voice trembling, “that the mastermind behind the slaughter of those sects and families is either the Eight Desolations Sword Alliance or the Baili royal family?”
Yes.
When she asked this question, she had already considered this possibility.
She just wanted someone to confirm she wasn’t wrong.
“I just think it’s a possibility.” Gong Yiling said, “The more terrifying a thing sounds, the more likely it is to be true.”
But this left one question.
The Eight Desolations Sword Alliance was a reclusive family. They wouldn’t interfere in royal affairs or fight for the Baiyao Dynasty. This was evident from the many civil wars among the Four Kingdoms.
If so, why would the Baili royal family help them?
What kind of deal did they make for the royal family to firmly stand with the Eight Desolations Sword Alliance against the Sword Master, instead of just watching from the sidelines?
No wonder the system’s quest was to investigate the matter between the Sword Alliance and the Sword Master, and to find a win-win solution if possible.
With the Baili family involved, the matter was definitely not simple. And what she had deduced so far was probably just the tip of the iceberg.
Behind the scenes, there was an even more chilling truth.
“Old Mo, that’s enough for now.” Gong Yiling looked at Mo Ke. “I’ll investigate the rest myself.”
“Immortal Master, you mean…?”
“They’ve already discovered your intentions. For now, it’s just the black-clad swordsmen. If the Baili family and the Eight Desolations Sword Alliance notice you, they will surely hunt you down.”
“…Indeed.” Mo Ke could only nod silently. “We are not strong enough. We have disappointed you, Immortal Master.”
“To have found out so much is already quite unexpected.” Gong Yiling smiled. “After all this is over, gather everyone. I want to see what they’ve bought, and I’ll help them improve their cultivation.”
Mo Ke was so moved he almost knelt down. “Thank you… Immortal Master!”
Initially, they had no choice, but after turning over a new leaf, they realized their past actions were truly… foolish.
By following this Immortal Master, they were exposed to things they had never seen before and had a completely different perspective on many matters.
“This isn’t for free.” Gong Yiling crossed her arms and snorted. “I don’t care who you have grudges with, but I will not tolerate you harming innocent people with your insidious methods.”
“If I find out, you know the consequences.”
Hearing this, Mo Ke quickly cupped his hands. “I will keep an eye on them. They won’t do anything evil. If anyone dares, I will beat them senseless and bring their heads to you!”
“Mmm, you may leave.”
“Yes.”
Watching Mo Ke leave, Miss Gong was fairly certain these people had been properly disciplined and could be trusted.
As for the Baili family, she had to think of a way to gather some information.
