260: Not to discuss, but to inform!

Deep within the Imperial Palace, the Imperial Study.

Although the night was deep, candles burned brightly, illuminating Female Emperor Mu Qingning's peerless and cold face.

She sat behind the dragon desk, her fingertips gently tapping the smooth surface, producing a rhythmic soft sound.

Below her, several elders, clad in python robes or official attire, stood solemnly.

Their auras were profound, and their eyes, when opening and closing, occasionally flashed with brilliance; they were all esteemed elders from the Great Qian Imperial Family, senior princes and county princes, whose cultivation had reached the peak of the Second or Third Grade.

Some were still active in the imperial court, while others had retired to the background, content with secluded cultivation and enjoyment.

But without exception, all those in the capital were urgently summoned to the palace by Female Emperor Mu Qingning overnight, knowing that something significant must have occurred.

"Esteemed Imperial Uncles, Imperial Elders..."

Female Emperor Mu Qingning spoke, her voice clear and resonant, yet carrying an undeniable authority, echoing through the silent study, "I have just received news that Lord Li Shengyuan successfully destroyed a demon cult stronghold overseas last night, personally slaying a Second Grade Demon Lord and another Second Grade expert from overseas!"

"Some of you should already know the news, and others will soon; I might as well tell you first."

As her words fell, a hint of shock flashed in the eyes of several old princes.

The demise of two Second Grade experts was a earth-shattering event no matter where it occurred, let alone when it was at the hands of Li Shengyuan?

His growth rate was truly astonishing!

Before they could fully process this news, Female Emperor Mu Qingning continued, her tone growing even colder:

"And according to what was obtained through soul-searching, as well as clues I've secretly investigated, the reason Lord Nu Tao and other overseas and demon cult members were able to easily wipe out the Shen Family and commit such a heinous bloodbath, is because someone within our Great Qian Imperial Family was an inside traitor, colluding with the demon cult multiple times, acting as an inside-out accomplice!"

Her sharp gaze swept across the face of every prince present, taking in their subtle changes in expression.

"This person is Prince Wei, Mu Weiran!"

"What? Prince Wei?"

"This... is there concrete evidence?"

"Your Majesty, this matter concerns the reputation of the Imperial Family, we cannot make hasty judgments!"

"..."

The princes immediately began to murmur, their faces filled with shock and disbelief.

Although Prince Wei Mu Weiran held no real power within the clan, his talent was considerable, and he was regarded as a promising junior by many of the older generation.

As a son of the late emperor, some even supported his contention with the Empress, but Mu Weiran had actively refused.

Now, suddenly being accused of colluding with the demon cult and harming loyal subjects, they found it difficult to accept.

Female Emperor Mu Qingning let out a cold snort, and a powerful imperial aura spread, instantly quelling all the noise:

"Evidence? Li Shengyuan is currently collecting it! Do you think I would make baseless accusations? Mu Weiran, for his selfish desires, colluded with the demon cult, leading to the annihilation of the loyal Shen Family; such actions are anathema to heaven and man! This is his first crime!"

"As an Imperial Prince, he did not contemplate serving the country, but instead consorted with evil demons and heretics, shaking the foundation of the nation and tarnishing the reputation of the Imperial Family; this is his second crime!"

"Now, Li Shengyuan has avenged the Shen Family by slaying a Second Grade Demon Lord, thereby demonstrating his stance. What he will do next is personally go to Prince Weis Residence, take Mu Weiran's life, to console the wronged souls of the Shen Family, and restore honor to our Imperial Family!"

However, an elder who had a good opinion of Mu Weiran frowned and said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, even if Mu Weiran truly committed this act, it should be our Imperial Family to clean up our own house. Why should Li Shengyuan intervene?!"

Female Emperor Mu Qingning's gaze was like an icy, sharp sword, piercing the speaking elder: "I summoned you all here today not for discussion, but to inform you!"

"Li Shengyuan's will is my will! When the evidence is conclusive, that will be the moment Prince Wei is brought to justice."

"At that time, I do not wish to hear any voices pleading for Mu Weiran or questioning this decision. The Imperial Family... cannot afford to lose face!"

"Do you all understand?"

The final sentence carried an overwhelming pressure that made even the highly cultivated old princes feel a chill in their hearts.

They exchanged glances, and finally fell silent.

The speaking elder, though his face was grim, was powerless to refute.

The Empress's stance was clear, and Li Shengyuan's strength and determination were evident.

To offend both the rising Empress and the terrifyingly potential and decisively lethal Li Shengyuan for a Prince Wei who was proven to have colluded with the demon cult?

They could do the math.

Watching the silent crowd, Female Emperor Mu Qingning knew they had made their choice.

She waved her hand: "Since there are no objections, you may withdraw. Remember what I said today."

The princes bowed and silently exited the Imperial Study, each with a heavy stone weighing on their hearts.

The pattern of the Imperial Family, and even Great Qian, was likely to undergo another drastic change due to tonight's events.

In the dead of night, a powerful spatial fluctuation emanated from the Imperial Observatory outside the capital.

As a streak of light shot towards the south, the night returned to quietude... Simultaneously, at Prince Weis Residence.

Inside the study, candlelight flickered, casting Mu Weiran's shadow, making it alternately long and short.

He was not asleep, but sat stiffly in his grand armchair, his face so gloomy it seemed on the verge of dripping water.

Ever since he learned of Lord Nu Tao's capture by Li Shengyuan, he had been restless.

Although his collusion with the demon cult was secret, there was no guarantee that Lord Nu Tao wouldn't reveal something under soul-searching.

He had already witnessed Li Shengyuan's ruthless methods!

"Li Shengyuan... Shen Family..." he muttered to himself, his fingertips turning white from clenching, then he let out a self-mocking cold laugh.

"Treasure? Heh heh..."

A strong premonition of ill omen coiled around his heart like a venomous snake, making him restless.

He tried to contact the demon cult to inquire about the situation, but it was like a stone sinking into the sea, with no response.

This feeling of being out of control made him almost frantic.

He looked up at the dark night sky outside the window, as if he could feel an invisible net slowly tightening, and he himself was the fish in the net.

"No, I can't just sit here and wait for death..." A ruthless glint flashed in his eyes... On Lake Heart Island, in the study.

Li Shengyuan sat silently in the darkness, like a lurking leopard, awaiting the moment of the final strike.

Outside the window, night gradually receded, and a faint sliver of dawn appeared on the horizon.

Suddenly, a tall figure, almost merging with the shadows, appeared silently in the study; it was Zixuan.

She held a jade slip for recording images and several secret letters in her hand, and whispered:

"Young Master, it's been found..."

Li Shengyuan took the jade slip and secret letters, and as his divine sense swept over them, the cold light in his eyes intensified.

Almost immediately, the study door was gently pushed open, and Xue Yao, clad in white and as cold as snow, also entered.

She nodded slightly to Li Shengyuan, and her clear, cold voice rang out:

"Young Master, everything is ready!"

Li Shengyuan slowly stood up, gathering all the evidence.

He walked to the window, pushed it open, and the crisp morning breeze rushed in, carrying the last chill before dawn.

In the east, the sliver of dawn was gradually expanding, and the faint light fell, illuminating his resolute and stern profile.

"The time has come."

He murmured softly, and with a flicker of his figure, he vanished from the study.

Everyone else on the island opened their eyes, looking outside the room.

The next moment, Li Shengyuan appeared outside Lake Heart Island, and facing the nascent light of dawn, he took a step, heading directly towards Prince Weis Residence.

The sky was on the verge of breaking, the long street was cold and desolate, only he walked alone, his steps firm, his killing intent restrained, yet more piercing than the cold wind of the morning.

The outline of Prince Weis Residence was already vaguely visible in the faint light of dawn...