Chapter 1027: Wasting a Precious Resource (2)
Editor: Henyee Translations

Fifth Master Xuan said, “Yes, if we obtain the things from the Nalan family, our Xuan family wouldn’t need to depend on imperial power anymore and could gain freedom.”

This made Xuan Louze curious. If it was the First Emperor’s imperial seal, they would be chased by all the nations and it wouldn’t be related to freedom. Could there be something else in the Nalan family?

“Do you know where the Nalan family is?” Xuan Louze tested.

“I only know it’s near Liang City. I don’t know the exact location.” Fifth Master Xuan knew a lot, having been secretly investigating this matter.

“Liang City? A border town?” That was convenient. If it was in Liang City, he could meet up with Jinghong later.

“Yes.” Fifth Master Xuan gritted his teeth, not wanting to say these things but unable to stop himself. He wished he could sew his mouth shut.

“Do others in the family know about the Nalan family?” Xuan Louze realized that Fifth Master Xuan was quite valuable for information and knew a lot.

“I don’t know. The things I know were found out secretly, and I haven’t told anyone.” Fifth Master Xuan said, his heart pounding. Why couldn’t he control his mouth?

“Alright, that’s enough for today. We’ll talk later if there’s anything else.” Xuan Louze raised his hand and used a bit of spiritual power to knock Fifth Master Xuan out, then used a spell to suggest it was all a dream before leaving.

After leaving Fifth Master Xuan’s place, Xuan Louze went directly to the inn to investigate the whereabouts of his two disciples.

The inn was currently empty, with only a few guards outside in the dark.

Xuan Louze searched around the inn but found no clues. “It seems I’ll have to ask someone.”

He went to the gatekeeper’s room. The guards changed frequently, but the gatekeeper remained, so he might know something.

A bell rang…

Xuan Louze entered the gatekeeper’s room to ask about Yuan Hongjun and Bao Linjiang.

The gatekeeper said they were taken by a group of imperial guards the day after they arrived. He didn’t know where they were taken.

Imperial guards? Xuan Louze frowned. Why were the imperial guards involved?

The trail had gone cold for now, so Xuan Louze left the inn.

Walking down the street, a figure emerged from the darkness ahead. “Xuan Louze, the Crown Prince requests your presence.”

The Crown Prince? Dong Dengyu? “Not interested.”

The man immediately drew his sword to block the way. “You must come with me… bang—”

Before he finished speaking, Xuan Louze kicked him away. He hated these dawdling people. Xuan Louze continued on his way.

…

“What did you say?” Dong Dengyu was furious.

The subordinate, trembling, said, “Crown Prince, Xuan Louze doesn’t care about you at all. Before I could finish, he kicked me away.”

Dong Dengyu slapped the table. “Outrageous!”

The subordinate lowered his head, not daring to speak.

“A mere Xuan Louze dares to disregard this prince? Is he trying to overthrow the heavens?” Dong Dengyu had faced obstacles since returning to the country. Even the Empress no longer supported him, making him feel stifled every day.

“Go, call Fifth Master Xuan here. This prince wants to ask him how he raised his son!” Dong Dengyu needed someone to bear the brunt of his anger.

“Yes, Crown Prince.” The subordinate left quickly but returned soon after. “Crown Prince, Fifth Master Xuan is asleep, and we can’t wake him.”

Dong Dengyu nearly collapsed. No one took him seriously. “Get out! Get out now!”

The subordinate fled, knowing the Crown Prince was furious and would lash out if he stayed.

This news soon reached the Second Prince, Dong Denglin.

Dong Denglin laughed heartily. “My elder brother doesn’t realize he’s lost power and still dreams of a comeback. How laughable.”

An attendant asked, “Second Prince, what should we do now?”

Dong Denglin thought for a moment. “Although Xuan Louze’s actions at home are outrageous, he’s forced by circumstances. This prince thinks he can be forgiven. What do you think?”

The attendant agreed. “The Second Prince is right.”

“Prepare a generous gift and send an invitation. Invite the Fifth Young Master to Riverbank Cuisine for a drink. Say this prince only wants to drink with him, no other matters.” Dong Denglin ordered.

“Yes, Second Prince.” The attendant went to prepare immediately.

…

Early in the morning, Xuan Louze received Dong Denglin’s invitation. He couldn’t help but smile. An ally delivered to his door—why not accept?