336: The Imperial Palace Treasury! Lu Xuan wants to collect all the treasures in the world!

Chapter 334: Royal Palace Treasury! Lu Xuan Desires to Scour the World for Treasures!

The court was instantly in an uproar, everyone was dumbfounded.

No one had expected that Grand Tutor Lu would admit it so frankly.

Couldn't you at least offer a defense?

How is His Majesty supposed to handle this?

How are we supposed to stand on the moral high ground and point fingers?

Smack!

An elderly Hanlin Academician slapped himself hard, grimacing in pain.

"Old man here... this isn't a dream, is it?"

Lord Qian, the Vice Minister of Revenue, stood rooted to the spot, his jade tablet clattering to the ground with a bang, completely unnoticed.

He mechanically turned his head to look at a colleague: "Lord Li... pinch me..."

"Ouch!" Lord Qian yelped, hopping in pain.

"You actually pinched me!"

The court instantly descended into chaos, several old officials pushing and shoving each other, like idle spectators watching a show in the marketplace.

"Official Wu!

"What... what exactly is going on?" The Vice Minister of the Grand Court of Justice grabbed the sleeve of the colleague beside him, his voice distorted.

The old official, referred to as Official Wu, pinched his thigh hard, grimacing in pain: "Illusion!"

"This must be an illusion!"

He pointed to his bruised thigh, "Official Feng, look, even the pain is fake!"

The Minister of Works beside him suddenly pulled out a refreshing sachet he carried, taking two deep sniffs: "Cough cough... Looks like I drank too much tonic wine last night..."

He ended up choking on the sachet for a moment, coughing incessantly, spraying spit all over the back of Prime Minister Zhao Xian in the front row.

Several younger officials were even more exaggerated, huddling together and whispering: "Could it be that Grand Tutor Lu has been possessed by some spirit?"

"Shh!"

"I heard some evildoers from the Western Regions have a kind of disguise technique..."

"Nonsense!"

"Spreading evil rumors!"

The most unbelievable was an Imperial Censor from the Censorate, who actually pulled out a bronze mirror he carried to look at himself, muttering: "Could it be that this official has fallen under some illusion?"

The crowd of officials exchanged glances, all seeing unbelievable shock in each other's eyes.

This Grand Tutor Lu, who had been upright and impartial for decades, even strictly punishing his own son for breaking the law.

Today, he actually admitted to prison break in public?

This was even more unbelievable than the sun rising from the west!

On the dragon throne, Qianxi Emperor's face had turned ashen, his knuckles clenched white.

He watched helplessly as the court descended into chaos, those officials who were usually so dignified.

At this moment, they were making fools of themselves, like market shrew.

"All of you, shut up for Us!"

Following a furious roar, the imperial dragon-patterned inkstone was fiercely thrown down. The inkstone shattered into pieces on the golden bricks, and the splashing ink stained the hems of several officials' robes black.

The court instantly fell silent, even breathing could be clearly heard.

"Grand... Grand Teacher Lu..."

Qianxi Emperor's voice suddenly became hoarse, he stared intently at Lu Xuan below the platform, his fingers beneath the dragon robe digging deep into his palm, drawing slight traces of blood.

Those dragon eyes, usually full of majesty, now carried a hint of panic.

"What... what is the meaning of this?"

At the front of the civil officials' ranks, Prime Minister Zhao Xian's inner emotions changed in an instant.

His well-maintained old face first turned bright red, then all color drained away, finally becoming a deathly ashen blue.

His hands hidden in the wide sleeves of his purple robe trembled uncontrollably—

How did the killing trap he had painstakingly set up collapse in an instant?

According to his original calculations, he should have used Lu Jinyun's prison break as a pretext to launch his attack, pressing step by step.

In the deathly silence of the hall, Prime Minister Zhao Xian's Adam's apple bobbed with difficulty.

He suddenly realized a terrifying truth!!!!!

This Grand Tutor Lu, who had always adhered to his duty as a subject, was going to tear off the disguise of impartiality today!

How could he maneuver now?

How could he play the game?

How could he use the rules of the court as leverage?

In the face of absolute power, all political schemes, calculations, and verbal attacks became a complete joke!

It was like an ant baring its fangs and brandishing its claws at a giant elephant, how ridiculous it looked!

Several officials who had just spoken passionately now wished they could shrink into the cracks in the ground.

Zhao Xian's lips trembled violently, but he couldn't utter a single word.

His thoughts were suddenly pulled back to that bloody twilight thirty years ago—

At that time, he was just a minor fourth-rank official, accompanying the army to supervise the transport of grain and fodder.

Just outside the city gate pass, he personally witnessed what a living Hell was like.

One hundred thousand Northern cavalry surged like a tide, the earth trembling beneath their iron hooves.

Just as the defending army was about to collapse, a figure in black stood alone on the city wall.

That was the first time he saw Grand Tutor Lu make a move.

He saw that Grand Tutor held a saber in one hand, and the world suddenly changed color.

Tens of thousands of Tiger's Roar Saber Qi shot out from all directions, each one accurately piercing the throat of an enemy soldier.

That army of one hundred thousand quickly collapsed.

Streams of enemy blood converged, dyeing the entire Gobi Desert red.

The most terrifying thing was that Grand Tutor Lu, after doing all this, did not have a single drop of blood on his robes.

When he turned around, those eyes as calm as water, were exactly the same as the eyes in the hall at this moment... exactly the same!

Invincible, unmatched in the world!!

Qianxi Emperor on the dragon throne had already dug his fingernails into his palm, blood dripping down along the dragon patterns.

He finally understood his so-called imperial stratagems of these years.

In front of true power, he was just a toddler learning to walk.

Court rules?

The etiquette between ruler and subject?

Those were only games that counted... when this Supreme Grandmaster was willing to play with you!

Beneath the white tiger skin chair, Lu Xuan sat upright.

His expression was frighteningly calm, those deep eyes like a bottomless cold pool, making people feel awe.

It was precisely this composure, remaining unchanged even when Mount Tai collapsed before him, that made the entire court of officials feel like they had thorns in their backs, sweating profusely.

At this moment, everyone finally realized—how could this person before them be a loyal and patriotic subject?

He was the pillar supporting the Great Qian Dynasty, a god of slaughter who could make three armies retreat, the one who could turn masts and oars to ashes with a laugh... the Supreme Grandmaster!

The various privileges granted to Grand Tutor Lu by the late Emperor were not due to excessive favor...

But were necessary!

Qianxi Emperor on the dragon throne now had a face like golden paper, he finally understood the deep meaning of his imperial father's dying words, "Treat Grand Teacher Lu with caution."

How was this a reminder to him to heavily rely on virtuous officials?

It was clearly a warning to him—never provoke this supreme being who could change the world!

The hall gradually fell into a deathly silence, even breathing could be clearly heard.

"Grand Teacher Lu, We..."

Just as Qianxi Emperor was about to speak, his voice abruptly stopped.

Lu Xuan stood with his hands behind his back, his purple robe moving without wind, directly interrupting the Emperor's words: "Your Majesty."

His voice was neither fast nor slow, but it made the hearts of the entire court of officials tremble.

"This old man's grandson was framed by villains and unjustly imprisoned."

"Now my grandson's vitality is greatly damaged."

Lu Xuan continued, each word heavy as a thousand catties.

"He urgently needs some heavenly treasures and earthly rarities such as thousand-year blood ginseng and nine-leaf spiritual ganoderma to recuperate."

After speaking, Lu Xuan's gaze was like lightning, looking directly at Qianxi Emperor above.

"This old man happens to hear that the Royal Palace treasury contains these two items."

"This old man hopes Your Majesty... will fulfill this humble request."

Lu Xuan's voice was very light, but it struck everyone's heart like a heavy hammer.

Within the seemingly respectful words, it was clearly wrapped in an irresistible pressure.

Unjustly accused?

As soon as these words were spoken, the court was in an uproar.

Several officials exchanged glances, their eyes full of surprise and doubt—wasn's Lu Haowu's case already supported by ironclad evidence?

Miss Zhao's testimony, the torn clothes, the witnesses all over the street...

In this ironclad case, even the joint trial by the three judicial offices couldn't find a single flaw!

Moreover, back then, you, Old man, personally tacitly approved it and agreed with the result.

Now, just a few days have passed.

Not only do you, Old man, not agree, but you also caused a great commotion in Qianning City.

You let Lu Jinyun and others lead the Tiger's Roar Guard to force their way into the heavily guarded heavenly prison and take away the death row prisoner Lu Haowu.

So, it all depends on your mood, Old man, right?

What the Hell, who is the Emperor of Great Qian?

Even if he were the Emperor of Great Qian, he couldn't go back on his word in front of everyone in the world.

At this moment, Zhang Zhaoran, the Vice Minister of Justice, bravely spoke out: "Grand Tutor, please be aware, this case has both human and material evidence, and even... you back then..."

Zhang Zhaoran's voice suddenly choked, as if an invisible hand had grasped his throat.

Lu Xuan's gaze swept over him, as if looking at a corpse!

"Ironclad evidence?"

A meaningful smile curved at the corner of Lu Xuan's mouth.

Qianxi Emperor forced himself to be calm, but his voice couldn't stop trembling: "Grand Teacher Lu, this... the evidence in this case is conclusive..."

"Is that so?"

The next moment, Lu Xuan suddenly revealed a chilling smile.

"Zhao Xian, this Grand Tutor will give you one last chance."

Hearing this, Zhao Xian was suddenly overjoyed, his eyes shining brightly, and he repeatedly replied: "Alright, since Grand Tutor says so."

"This Old man will immediately order someone to retrieve the evidence!"

He turned and gave Sun Lingyuan a look: "Commander Sun, you and Vice Minister Zhang quickly go and bring my daughter, the witnesses, and all the testimonies!"

Qianxi Emperor on the dragon throne, his tense shoulders finally relaxed slightly—

It seems this Grand Tutor, after all, still cares about the dignity of the court.

Sun Lingyuan and Zhang Zhaoran took their leave, the sound of their golden armor clashing gradually fading away.

The officials in the hall secretly breathed a sigh of relief, some even began to whisper.

"Grand Tutor is still impartial after all."

"After all, this is in court."

"It seems there's still room for maneuver in this matter."

Inside the archives of the Ministry of Justice compound, it was dim and dark, with candlelight flickering.

Thick volumes of files were neatly arranged on the shelves, emitting the scent of old ink.

Five duty officials were engrossed in sorting documents, when they suddenly heard a creak—

The archive door was slowly pushed open.

A hunched figure stood against the light, a large cloak covering their face, revealing only a section of a withered, bony wrist.

"Presumptuous!"

The leading official slammed the table and rose, "This is a vital area of the Ministry of Justice, unauthorized personnel..."

Before he finished speaking, a chilling wind swept past.

As the candlelight flickered violently, the hunched figure had already drifted like a ghost to the desk.

"Hand over all the evidence for Lu Haowu's case."

"You can be spared death."

"Come..." A young official was just about to shout, when his eyes suddenly widened.

A red line, as thin as hair, had appeared on his throat at some point.

The entire person, like rotten wood, crashed to the ground.

Bang—

The sound of the body heavily hitting the ground was particularly jarring in the silent archive room.

The remaining four people turned ashen, one quick-witted official among them trembled and knelt on the ground: "Senior, spare my life!"

"This humble official will go get it now!"

He scrambled towards the innermost iron cabinet, the key frantically turning in the lock.

The other three remained frozen in place, cold sweat soaking through their robes.

......

On a main street in Qianning City.

Suddenly, a dozen figures, like phantoms, swooped down from the rooftops facing the street.

Sword light was like a silver chain breaking through the air, wherever the cold light flashed, the silk shops, tea houses, and rice shops on the street.

Doors and windows were successively split open by the sword light.

Screams rose one after another, and streaks of sword light drew sharp arcs under the sunlight.

More than ten men hadn't even reacted before their throats were accurately pierced.

Blood spurted out, staining the counters and desks red.

These people lying dead on the spot were precisely the bribed eyewitnesses in Lu Haowu's case.

The dozen or so perpetrators sheathed their swords, their figures quickly disappearing into the noisy crowd, leaving behind only the terrified citizens filling the street.

Zhao Manor!

Inside the Prime Minister's Manor of Great Qian.

Zhao Ningxue wore a plain white long dress, the three-foot green blade in her hand reflecting a cold, sharp light in the setting sun.

Her sword movements flowed like clouds and water, each stance carrying a fierce killing intent, but always lacking that final touch.

Clang—

The sword in Zhao Ningxue's hand suddenly flared up, shattering the Taihu stone in the courtyard into pieces.

"Why!"

She suddenly let out a sharp cry.

"That bastard Lu Haowu, why does he deserve it!"

Amidst the flying stone fragments, her beautiful face was twisted like a devil from Hell.

The sword tip scraped the ground with a harsh sound, Zhao Ningxue's chest heaved violently.

Lu Haowu, who was several years younger than herself, had long since broken through to the Realm of Inner Energy Major Accomplishment.

While she had painstakingly cultivated for over twenty years, yet found it difficult to even break through to the Middle Stage of Inner Energy.

This was also the reason she wanted to frame Lu Haowu.

"Teacher is almost here..."

Zhao Ningxue suppressed her anger and wiped the fine sweat from her forehead: "This time, I must obtain the latter three layers of the Startling Heart Sword Technique..."

Her voice stopped abruptly, Zhao Ningxue suddenly heard faint footsteps.

Her body stiffened, and she slowly turned around.

Under the sunlight, a hunched figure had, at some point, already stood three steps behind her.

"You—"

Withered, bony fingers, like lightning, instantly clamped down on her snow-white neck.

With a crisp "snap", one of the Great Qian Dynasty's foremost talented women perished.

Blood flowed windingly along the bluestone ground, gradually spreading over the... jade-inlaid treasure sword that had fallen to the ground.

Inside the Imperial Hall, the air seemed to freeze.

"Where is Ningxue?"

Zhao Xian's voice echoed in the hall, but no one answered.

Everyone's gaze was focused on the two disheveled figures in front of the hall door—

Sun Lingyuan and Zhang Zhaoran, these two, actually returned empty-handed.

Lu Xuan slowly rose, not even sparing a glance for Qianxi Emperor on the dragon throne.

"Your Majesty, this old man... has already given a chance."

This seemingly light sentence made the entire court of civil and military officials feel as if they had fallen into an ice cave.

Before he finished speaking, Lu Xuan had already walked towards the outside of the hall with his hands behind his back, Lu Jinhua and the other two closely following him.

The sound of boot soles stepping on the gilded floor tiles was particularly grating in the deathly silent hall.

Qianxi Emperor opened his mouth, but could not make a sound.

He watched helplessly as that figure passed through the hall door, the sunlight casting Lu Xuan's shadow very long, Just right covering the entire dragon throne.

"Royal Palace treasury..."

Lu Xuan whispered in his heart, a hint of anticipation flashed in his eyes—

If he could find those legendary heavenly materials and earthly treasures, this worldly trial might soon... come to a perfect end!

If it's still not enough, Lu Xuan wouldn't mind learning from Boss Cao's approach.

Control the Emperor to command the world, and collect heavenly and earthly treasures for him!