The Grand Preceptor's Palace, as it was called, was even grander in scale than the main hall of the Imperial Palace.
It was clear that Liu An, the Grand Preceptor, was living a truly comfortable life.
"Cultivators don't care about enjoyment," Luo Mingyue said with a frown. "First, settle these people, and then, tell me in detail about the situation these past few years."
Liu An quickly agreed.
He had people take Ye Qing'er and the others to be settled, and then personally poured tea for everyone.
Liu An carefully recalled the events of the past few years, recounting them one by one.
However, his words, apart from how wonderful his life as Grand Preceptor was and how respectful the Emperor was to him, contained nothing else.
As he spoke, Liu An himself began to feel guilty.
When he first arrived, he had still remembered his duties and was very diligent.
But.
The life in the mortal world was truly intoxicating with its wealth and allure.
Everyone was deferential to him, and even the Emperor treated him with the respect due to a disciple, showing no hint of neglect.
Five years ago.
The former emperor passed away, and the third prince ascended the throne.
Liu An had wondered if the new emperor would be disrespectful to him, and if he should display his power to awe the new emperor.
The result!
The new emperor was even more respectful to him than the former emperor.
This Grand Preceptor's Palace was built for him by the new emperor, and the daily supply of fine wine, beautiful women, gold, silver, and jewels was countless.
He was immersed in such a life, and it was inevitable that he became somewhat lax...
Of course, he dared not neglect his duties; he would naturally carry out the investigations required by the sect. However, for such tasks, the difference between being meticulous and not being meticulous was simply too great.
Liu An dared not admit his laziness in his words, only skillfully avoiding the important points.
After listening to Liu An, Li Shuang suddenly asked, "So, after the third prince ascended the throne, your treatment improved even further? This Grand Preceptor's Palace is indeed magnificent, Grand Preceptor Liu, I'm afraid you haven't left the Grand Preceptor's Palace for a long time, have you?"
Within the Grand Preceptor's Palace, there was everything one could desire, all the most exquisite enjoyments in the world. Liu An truly could live his entire life without ever leaving.
Liu An's legs went weak, and he knelt down in a panic: "Please forgive me, Senior Brothers and Sisters. These past few years... I have indeed been a bit lazy. But that demonic path is hidden so secretly, even if I meticulously investigated, I might not be able to find it."
Luo Mingyue snorted coldly: "Your dereliction of duty, when I report back to the sect, someone will come to settle accounts."
"The mastermind behind that demonic organization is still hidden in the dark. If you can help find some clues, it will count as a meritorious deed, and when we report back to the sect, it will be considered as making amends for your mistakes," Liu Juncheng added.
Liu An's eyes lit up, and he quickly said, "If that demonic path is truly hidden near the capital, I can still be of some help! Please give me some time, and I will definitely find this person."
"Grand Preceptor Liu, your reaction speed was quite fast when you suddenly appeared in the outskirts of the capital this time," Li Shuang said.
Liu An showed a somewhat embarrassed expression: "To be honest, Senior Sister, I... I wasn't that perceptive originally. It was the Emperor who personally came and said there was a huge commotion in the outskirts of the capital. That's why I rushed there. The Emperor greatly respects cultivators; besides me, the Grand Preceptor, he has also gathered many other rogue cultivators. I suppose it was those rogue cultivators who sensed something. But rogue cultivators are just rogue cultivators; they can't be of much use. To truly handle things, I still have to be the one to step in."
As Liu An spoke, he became a little self-satisfied again.
Li Shuang quietly glanced at him, then said, "Nothing else. You go attend to your duties."
Liu An agreed and hurried out.
"Liu An is the Grand Preceptor, with the power of a nation to assist him, he should be able to find some clues. Everyone has worked hard in this demon-extermination mission, so why not rest here for a few days first," Liu Juncheng said.
No one objected, so everyone temporarily stayed.
On the surface.
Li Shuang and the others were passively waiting for Liu An to find results.
In private.
The few from Ruthless Peak secretly gathered once.
Sui Jin slowly said, "That person deliberately activated the sub-gu, just to make us stay. Liu An's appearance is also a bit too coincidental."
"Third Senior Brother means that Liu An is a traitor?" Luo Mingyue was stunned for a moment.
"Not necessarily a traitor. But he is absolutely foolish," Liu Juncheng said expressionlessly. "That person deliberately made us stay, but didn't show up immediately. Obviously, he has a conspiracy in motion, but it requires a certain amount of time for arrangements."
"To break the situation, we need to quickly pinpoint the target. The faster we are, the less prepared that person will be, and the greater our chances of victory."
Luo Mingyue said, "Master has already sent word; she has already departed from the sect. Given Master's speed, she should arrive in at most five days."
"But Ye Qing'er and the others only have three days to live at most. They might not be able to wait for Master to arrive," Li Shuang frowned.
Ye Qing'er and the others were just an excuse for the mastermind to keep them there.
As for their life and death, it was not a concern for the mastermind.
He hadn't even thought of using the lives of Ye Qing'er and the others to threaten them.
In the mastermind's view, they and these rogue cultivators were merely chance acquaintances, with no deep relationship. The lives of these rogue cultivators were insignificant to him, and should also be insignificant to Li Shuang and the others.
But Li Shuang knew.
If there was a glimmer of hope, she still wanted to try her best to save the lives of Ye Qing'er and the others.
"Indeed," Sui Jin also said. "Furthermore, the methods of the Heavenly Venerate Dao involve refining the body with true blood. One day's delay means who knows how many more innocent lives will be lost. This matter must be resolved quickly."
"At the very least, we should first identify the demonic identity. When Master arrives, we will have a specific target," Liu Juncheng said.
Everyone quickly reached a consensus on finding the mastermind as soon as possible.
Next came the speculation.
"Assuming Liu An's appearance wasn't a coincidence, who could have subtly influenced him?" Li Shuang said. "He's been living a life of indulgence in this Grand Preceptor's Palace; if the Emperor hadn't sent someone, he wouldn't have gone out."
"The Emperor also gathered many rogue cultivators, which is quite strange behavior."
"Over the years, he has also used various means to make Liu An willingly stay in this Grand Preceptor's Palace."
Everyone compared notes, and all the suspicious points seemed to point to one person.
That was the current Emperor.
If the mastermind behind the demonic cultivation was the ruler of a nation, then many things could be explained.
"Then let's verify it tonight," Luo Mingyue narrowed her eyes. "Tonight, I'll sneak into the Imperial Palace and see if there's anything strange."
Li Shuang said, "Count me in."
Luo Mingyue nodded: "Good, you and I will act separately."
Liu Juncheng glanced at Sui Jin: "You're responsible for keeping an eye on Ye Zhaozhao, and also use a honey trap to investigate if there are any demonic presences in this Imperial Palace."
Sui Jin's smile froze: "???"
Luo Mingyue couldn't help but laugh: "Yes, this matter is also very important. Third Senior Brother, then you'll have to work hard."
"Third Senior Brother, good luck," Li Shuang blinked.
Sui Jin: "..."
His fate was truly bitter.