144: Fan Xian breaks through the ninth rank! Assassination at the Hanging Temple! (13

Chapter 143: Fan Xian Breaks Through to Ninth-Grade! Assassination at Hanging Temple! (13)

About half a month after Li Chang'an's wedding, it was the Double Ninth Festival.

Every three years on the Double Ninth Festival, the Southern Qing imperial family would hold a chrysanthemum appreciation gathering at the Hanging Temple in the Suburbs of the Capital.

Nominally, those attending the chrysanthemum appreciation gathering included imperial descendants, as well as Meritorious Nobles and important officials who had rendered service to the nation.

These individuals occupied the uppermost positions of the Hanging Temple, while the lower areas for chrysanthemum appreciation were also open, with all officials in the capital attending.

Fan Xian, the First Earl, whose injuries had healed, also traveled to the Hanging Temple by carriage.

Along the way, there were carriages of various levels of capital officials everywhere, blocking the road to the Hanging Temple.

After two full hours of moving like a snail in the carriage, Fan Xian finally arrived at a fork in the road.

Imperial Guards holding flags were directing the flow of carriages.

"Third-grade and below Earls, proceed straight!"

"Third-grade and above Earls, turn right and go up the mountain!"

Fan Xian, sitting on the carriage shaft, called out, "I happen to be an Earl, which way should I go?"

The Imperial Guard soldier cupped his hands and replied, "Under normal circumstances, straight ahead!"

"But if it's Young Master Fan, please turn right!"

Fan Xian smiled and said, "So, I'm an exception then?"

The Imperial Guard soldier respectfully replied, "Please, Young Master Fan, go up the mountain!"

Fan Xian, sitting in the carriage, had only gone a dozen zhang when he suddenly heard someone flying overhead.

He looked up and saw two figures swiftly flying through the mountain forest. "Zong Zhui, who are those people!"

Zong Zhui was skilled in lightness-skill, and his observation and tracking abilities were stronger than most.

"Your Highness, these two have extremely high lightness-skill; most people wouldn't even notice them!"

"However, even though they are faster than me, they cannot escape my Dharma Eye!"

"Those two are none other than Uncle Prince Yong and Wang Qinian!"

Fan Xian asked in confusion, "Wang Qinian's ninth-grade Cultivation in lightness-skill is top-notch, everyone in the capital knows that."

"How does Li Chang'an also have such fast movement?"

Zong Zhui said mysteriously, "It is said that Uncle Prince Yong witnessed Great Grandmaster Ye Liuyun's move and gained some insight, already achieving a Breakthrough to ninth-grade!"

"You also had a Breakthrough to ninth-grade after your last assassination attempt, which was a blessing in disguise. Counting it, you are actually the youngest ninth-grade!"

Fan Xian still found it a bit unbelievable, "My Cultivation Technique is special, so my Cultivation advances very quickly, but why is Uncle Prince Yong Cultivating so fast?"

Zong Zhui speculated, "When Uncle Prince Yong once journeyed through Jianghu, he acquired many treasured Secret Manuals.

His Shadow Guard has many masters, who spend all their time helping Uncle Prince Yong study Secret Manuals, which is how he was able to swiftly advance his Cultivation!"

Fan Xian clicked his tongue in admiration, "Ultimately, it all comes down to money! Only with money can you hire so many helpers!"

Li Chang'an and Wang Qinian rushed all the way to the entrance of the Hanging Temple, then landed on the ground.

Ye Zhong quickly stepped forward and cupped his hands, saying, "Thank you, Uncle Prince Yong, for your consideration. The distance from the mountain gate to the Hanging Temple at the summit, I trouble you to walk up yourself."

Li Chang'an knew that traveling by carriage would definitely get stuck in traffic, so he and Wang Qinian used their lightness-skill to travel, reaching the Hanging Temple in less than a quarter of an hour.

However, the Hanging Temple was currently under high alert. If they were to fly directly into the Hanging Temple from the mountain gate, who knows how many Inner Court masters they would alarm.

At that time, Ye Zhong, the commander responsible for the guard, would have a massive headache.

Behind Ye Zhong at the entrance of the Hanging Temple, the soldiers' breathing was long and steady, indicating they all had seventh-grade Cultivation.

Under normal circumstances, seventh-grade and above were sufficient to be military officers.

Therefore, these seventh-grade individuals were not ordinary soldiers; they should be the elite ace troops of the Kyoto Guard Division.

Ye Zhong said enviously, "Uncle Prince Yong has truly broken through to ninth-grade!"

Wang Qinian chuckled, "Our Your Highness's strength is the most unfathomable."

"However, he still gained insight after seeing your family's Great Grandmaster make a move, cutting down a building with a single sword!"

Ye Zhong said with a solemn expression, "Both Uncle Prince Yong and Young Master Fan have broken through to ninth-grade, which should both be related to my uncle."

Li Chang'an asked in a low voice, "How are Grandmaster Ye's injuries?"

Ye Zhong replied helplessly, "Reporting to Your Highness, I don't know!

Upon hearing the news that my uncle was injured, we immediately sent people to Jiangnan."

"But my uncle has been out of contact ever since, he must be hiding to recover from his injuries."

"A Great Grandmaster being injured is the most dangerous time; who knows if Ku He and Si Gu Jian will take the opportunity to assassinate him."

"After all, our Great Qing has two Great Grandmasters. For Eastern Yi and Northern Qi, one less Great Grandmaster means they are safer."

Wang Qinian sighed, "I was also fortunate enough to be present the day Grandmaster Ye was injured.

I truly don't know what kind of bizarre hidden weapon could injure a Great Grandmaster!"

Ye Zhong's eyes darted around. Regarding Ye Liuyun's injury, various rumors were flying around.

Some said it was a new type of hidden weapon from the Supervisory Council, others said it was a divine Sharp Weapon from Jianghu seized by the Shadow Guard.

Still others said it was done by the other three Great Grandmasters hiding in the shadows, and many truly believed it was a thunderclap from the heavens.

Ye Liuyun's situation was tied to the rise and fall of the Ye family, so Ye Zhong was actually very nervous. Despite what Wang Qinian said, the possibility of the divine Sharp Weapon being with the Shadow Guard was not small.

After all, Wang Qinian, Xing Yusen, and Teng Zijing of the Shadow Guard had all broken through to ninth-grade, and even the maid Li Chang'an gave to Princess Yichen had broken through to ninth-grade.

If there was any powerful divine Sharp Weapon or method in the world, the Shadow Guard had the greatest suspicion!

"Commander Wang, Ye doesn't have the leisure to care about divine Sharp Weapons. If my uncle's injuries are too severe, it could shake the Foundation of my Ye family."

Li Chang'an smiled slightly, "It won't happen. Your Ye family enjoys great imperial favor, and His Majesty has always highly regarded you. Nothing will happen!"

Ye Zhong also gave an embarrassed laugh, then whispered, "Your Highness, for today's chrysanthemum appreciation gathering, I ask for Your Highness's help in overseeing it."

"His Majesty has decreed that we Imperial Guards are not to disturb His Majesty's enjoyment of the flowers."

"Therefore, within a few li of the Hanging Temple, security is tight, but once inside the Hanging Temple, only Inner Court guards are on duty."

"There aren't enough people inside. I've also spoken to the First Prince about it.

Since you entered ninth-grade a step before him, I naturally have to inform you as well."

Li Chang'an secretly chuckled. Emperor Qing probably still intended to set a trap for the Ye family.

However, the current situation was vastly different from the original story; the Second Prince was completely out of the picture.

So, Emperor Qing's plan should undergo significant changes. Would he still set a trap to drive the Ye family out of the capital?

This question, perhaps only the old man Emperor Qing himself knew.

"Commander Ye, you're afraid of assassins, aren't you? Being so timid when facing an enemy will affect morale."

Ye Zhong said somewhat awkwardly, "Protecting His Majesty is a grave responsibility; I dare not make any mistakes!"

It seemed Ye Zhong had a strong sense of crisis, knowing that Ye Liuyun's severe injuries would affect the Ye family.

If anything happened at the chrysanthemum appreciation gathering, his Ye family would be implicated.

"Master Ye, isn't your Junior Brother Gong Dian, the Imperial Guard Commander, here?"

Ye Zhong frowned and said, "Firstly, Junior Brother Gong's Cultivation is still a little bit weaker than yours."

"Secondly, he happens to be away today due to other important matters!"

Li Chang'an knew that Emperor Qing had used the Empress Dowager's decree to transfer Gong Dian out of the capital.

"Master Ye, don't worry. The Hanging Temple has never had any incidents in three years. Just relax."

After speaking, he turned to Wang Qinian and said, "Old Wang, I'm going up myself. You go find your own position."

Wang Qinian cupped his hands and said, "Your Highness, please be careful."

The various levels of the Hanging Temple were orderly, with officials and Meritorious Nobles arranged on different floors according to their positions and titles.

On the uppermost walkway of the Hanging Temple, several princes were walking along the walkway towards the viewing platform.

The Third Prince, Li Chengping, was trembling and clinging to the rock face, clearly suffering from severe acrophobia, while the First Prince mocked him and protected him as they walked.

The Crown Prince caught up from behind, revealing a simple and honest smile, "Oh, the little one is afraid of heights!"

Li Chengping swallowed and said, "Three years ago, I was too young to attend the chrysanthemum appreciation gathering."

"Coming today, I realized how high this walkway is, and how steep this cliff is, it's terrifying!"

The Crown Prince laughed heartily, "What's there to be afraid of? Only from a high vantage point can one see all the mountains as small!"

At this moment, Li Chengze, who had not appeared for a long time, suddenly emerged. "Uncle Prince Yong's poem is well-quoted, but not everyone likes to stand this high."

The Crown Prince looked at Li Chengze with a surprised expression, "Oh! Second Brother, you're out!"

Li Chengze snorted coldly, "I may not be a Prince, but I am still His Majesty's son. Coming out to appreciate flowers is by His Majesty's special permission."

The Crown Prince said profoundly, "They say the most heartless is the imperial family, but our family is an exception."

As he spoke, he noticed Li Chengze's disdainful expression, and the Crown Prince subconsciously took a few steps back.

Ever since he was publicly slapped by Li Chengze, the Crown Prince had become much more cautious, making sure to stay away from the second brother when performing.

Now the second brother had nothing to lose, so hitting him was pointless.

The Crown Prince said to Li Chengping, "Although this walkway is high, it's not scary at all. If you don't believe me, watch me."

As Li Chengqian spoke, he actually pressed tightly against the walkway railing, with his upper body extending beyond the walkway, showing no fear of heights at all.

"When I reach the summit, I shall see all mountains as small. What a good poem Uncle Prince Yong wrote!"

Li Chengze sneered, "Uncle Prince Yong also wrote a ci poem: 'It is too cold at the heights.' Only by standing firm at the heights can one enjoy the beautiful scenery."

Li Chengqian's upper body leaned out beyond the railing, his clothes fluttering in the wind, scaring the severely acrophobic Li Chengping into covering his eyes.

The Crown Prince laughed heartily, "Indeed, not everyone can stand at these heights, haha..."

As he was laughing, he suddenly turned his head and saw Li Chang'an had just rounded the corner and was walking towards them.

Li Chengqian immediately recoiled as if a mouse had seen a cat.

He dared not show off in front of Li Chang'an. Li Chang'an had just broken through to ninth-grade; if he accidentally pushed him down, the Crown Prince would truly have nowhere to complain.

"The Crown Prince himself said that not everyone can stand at these heights; you need to have the strength."

The Crown Prince found Li Chang'an's words to be sinister no matter how he heard them.

"Second Brother has been recovering well inside. Don't imitate the Crown Prince and do such dangerous movements. If you fall, the Crown Prince really won't be able to explain it."

Li Chang'an's words were not wrong; after all, Li Chengze had said that he would not commit suicide, and if he died, it would be Li Chengqian's doing.

The Crown Prince gave an embarrassed laugh and said, "Uncle Prince Yong is joking; my second brother and I have always been harmonious."

Li Chang'an didn't respond, and directly walked along the walkway to the viewing platform on the top floor.

After Li Chang'an arrived, he found that Lin Wan'er was already there.

"Wan'er, we meet again."

To outsiders, Princess Yichen Lin Wan'er and Prince Yong Li Chang'an were allies, while Fan Xian and the Crown Prince were allies.

Lin Wan'er covered her mouth and smiled, "Uncle Prince Yong, being newly married, naturally forgets the passage of time, feeling not much time has passed."

"Actually... we haven't seen each other for over a month."

"On the day of Uncle Prince Yong's wedding, Wan'er was unwell and did not attend. I hope Uncle Prince Yong will forgive me."

Li Chang'an knew that Lin Wan'er was afraid of being reminded of painful memories, as Lin Wan'er dreamed of marrying Li Chang'an openly and honorably.

Li Chang'an softly said, "Wan'er, you're being too formal. We are family, so why would I blame you?"

Lin Wan'er pouted her small mouth. Seeing that several princes had also entered one after another, she found it inappropriate to say anything more.

With everyone present, Emperor Qing walked in majestically amidst the cheers and tributes of the officials.

As soon as Emperor Qing entered, Li Chang'an heard someone approaching outside the window.

Indeed, it was Fan Xian coming to report that a fire had broken out on the lower level of the Hanging Temple.

Emperor Qing said with a cold face, "How is the fire?"

Fan Xian replied, "Reporting to Your Majesty, it has already been extinguished!"

Emperor Qing cursed, "Since it's extinguished, why are you shouting and making a fuss? Come in and speak!"

After Fan Xian entered the hall, he immediately suggested, "Your Majesty, this fire is too suspicious. If there truly are assassins, the highest point is the most dangerous!"

Emperor Qing said nonchalantly, "You and Uncle Prince Yong saw the Great Grandmaster struck by lightning, and you didn't even change your expression, did you?"

"A fire that didn't even fully ignite has scared you to this extent!"

Emperor Qing was actually trying to win over Fan Xian with paternal affection, as Fan Xian's barrett divine Sharp Weapon was too terrifying.

Eunuch Hou also interjected at the appropriate moment, "His Majesty has been assassinated forty-three times in his life, and has never retreated!"

Fan Xian insisted, "Your Majesty's safety concerns the stability of the nation; the Qing Kingdom's Foundation cannot afford any loss!"

Emperor Qing led everyone to the open-air viewing platform, while also lecturing Fan Xian.

"Both you and Uncle Prince Yong have broken through to ninth-grade, Li Chengru is also an eighth-grade master, and Eunuch Hou is also eighth-grade."

"With you all here, can I not even enjoy the flowers in peace?"

"Stop the nonsense. Since you're here, make yourself at home! Find a place to sit!"

Li Chang'an observed with a cold eye. Emperor Qing appeared strict, but everywhere he showed his emphasis and care for Fan Xian, performing what he understood as fatherly love.

Fan Xian was about to argue further, but Emperor Qing was already engrossed in the magnificent chrysanthemum scenery below the mountain.

The Crown Prince enthusiastically pulled Fan Xian over, "Fan Xian, come on, sit next to me."

As everyone took their seats, Li Chang'an had already spotted the two assassins on this floor.

One Inner Court guard, with ninth-grade lower Cultivation, who should be that Western Hu swordsman.

There was also an Inner Attendant, whose Cultivation was only seventh-grade, but had considerable intelligence gathering ability.

As soon as Emperor Qing had settled into the main seat, the ninth-grade guard instantly drew the steel saber from his waist.

His movements were extremely fast; in a blink of an eye, he was already rushing towards Emperor Qing with the steel saber in hand.

A sudden change occurred, and the viewing platform immediately erupted into chaos.

Almost at the same time the swordsman made his move, a white figure flew in from outside the window, long sword in hand, stabbing directly at Emperor Qing!

Emperor Qing watched with a cold eye, seemingly unable to react or dodge in time.

He saw Li Chang'an's figure flash lightly, appearing before the ninth-grade swordsman, and with just one move, he sent the swordsman's weapon flying.

And Fan Xian also launched his attack almost simultaneously, targeting the white-clad swordsman, who was the head of the Supervisory Council's Sixth Bureau, Shadow!

PS: The remaining two chapters will be posted at 6 PM.