"Li Yinxiao, you’ve been with the Night Patrol for quite a while; you should know that the Church Court has many ways to make people speak the truth, right?" Lei Qinglu squinted as he spoke.

Li Xin’s expression changed slightly, but then he showed a warm smile, "As you said, as part of the Night Patrol, there’s nothing to hide. It’s our duty to uphold justice, though I’m just worried about my inexperience due to my youth. But since you trust me, I’m willing to do whatever it takes!"

"If only you’d said so earlier. We’ve just finished examining the corpse, so tell me your thoughts." Lei Qinglu said.

"Sir, I have a few questions I’d like to ask, if you don’t mind answering?" Li Xin knew there was no escaping it; rank suppresses subordinates, and his superior was several ranks higher. Out of respect for Uncle Luo, he was willing to speak rationally, so Li Xin seized the opportunity.

"As long as it’s related to the case, feel free to ask." Lei Qinglu nodded.

"What are the identities of these deceased individuals? Which organization are they associated with?" Li Xin asked.

"The identities of the deceased vary; there are civilians, officials, minor nobles, and Church members. The secret organizations involved are difficult to trace, but they all have some connections with the Hundred Martial Hall." Lei Qinglu replied.

Hundred Martial Hall, a native organization of the Li Long United Kingdom, semi-secret, has helped many Li Long people. Although they worship the Martial God, this worship differs from the Church Court’s faith; it’s more a sense of gratitude. Many have learned skills there and received help, from gangs to the upper echelons, exerting a massive influence in Li Long.

Back then, the Moon God’s Court emerged victoriously from Governor Luthor’s religious freedom policy, gaining a foothold in the Li Long Kingdom and securing its recognition. Unexpectedly, the Hundred Martial Hall emerged quietly.

"Sir, if this issue involves the Hundred Martial Hall, I’m afraid a mere Shadow Owl would be unable to uncover anything significant." Li Xin said.

"Whether it involves the Hundred Martial Hall remains unclear. In Dragon Capital, most Awakened are connected to the Church Court and Hundred Martial Hall, which is quite normal. Your task is to investigate the case thoroughly; no one expects you to conflict with the Hundred Martial Hall. Share your thoughts on the corpses." Lei Qinglu spoke calmly.

"I’m relieved to hear that," said Li Xin. "Based on these corpses, it’s highly likely they’re all Fallen. In Dragon Capital, organizations capable of nurturing so many Fallen aren’t numerous, but the Hundred Martial Hall has such means. They create chaos using this heinous method to undermine our Church’s authority. The first step is to dismantle us Night Patrollers, as one can’t sleep soundly when someone else is present; this is aimed at the Church Court."

Lee Qinglu frowned slightly seeing Li Xin’s righteous indignation; yet a hint of disappointment crossed his eyes. The Hundred Martial Hall indeed affected the Church Court’s beliefs, involving overt and covert struggles, but Li Xin’s reasoning seemed overly ambitious, deviating from the case itself.

"Sir, I’m certain it’s like this. Let’s imagine, manufacturing the Fallen and deliberately staging a gory incident could frame the Night Patrol. They might be waiting for an opportunity, and once exposed, the Night Patrol’s reputation would be ruined. We need to take the initiative." Li Xin looked at Lei Qinglu as though discovering a new continent, eyes burning with eagerness.

"You’re saying they create the Fallen themselves, then kill them themselves?" Lei Qinglu’s mouth curved with a hint of dissatisfaction.

"Sir, it seems illogical, but it’s actually quite reasonable; isn’t this just a ruse of self-sacrifice?"

"Alright, you can go back now. Today’s events must remain confidential, not a single word can be leaked outside, or you’ll face family law punishment." Lei Qinglu said.

"Sir, shouldn’t we act preemptively, in case..." Li Xin, seeing the Metropolitan’s lack of interest, couldn’t help but speak again, fearing prolonged uncertainty would arise.

"The Church Court has its own considerations. Without orders, Silver Owl can’t act independently." Lei Qinglu waved his hand.

Seeing the Metropolitan’s dismissal, Li Xin could only leave reluctantly. 𝕗𝗿𝕖𝐞𝐰𝗲𝕓𝐧𝕠𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝐨𝚖

Upon leaving the Great Cathedral, once aboard the carriage, away from the Great Cathedral’s vicinity, Li Xin leaned against the carriage, his expression remained grim, shaking the cat bell in his hand.

At the Celestial Principle Academy, Xueyin attended classes daily, but not from Jackson. The basic training was instructed by Grand Scholar Zhuang Zhidong, a rare privilege. Xueyin also brought Justin along, who would fall asleep upon hearing the lectures, finding them more soothing than spells.

The bell awakened Justin, who glanced at Xueyin attentively attending classes, then quietly slipped away on cat’s paws.

Summoned by Dog Xin.

Far away in the Hedan Royal City of Moncalleta.

A new king ascends the throne, the Royal Palace refurbished, many things replaced. Hokele had long shed his early awkwardness, growing accustomed to being addressed as "His Majesty" rather than "His Highness," enjoying the feeling, utterly different from being a prince.

But becoming a king comes with kingly troubles; the vast nation falls under his care, the upheaval of the Golden Tree arouses Black Meteor Empire’s covetous gaze. Though border skirmishes have occurred over the last few years, they weren’t significant. However, any disturbance involving the Golden Tree could potentially spark a war at any time.

Hokele isn’t just talk; he spent time on the borders, witnessed Black Meteor Empire’s iron cavalry and the madness of Black Meteor warriors. He isn’t conceited; Moncalleta’s Knight Order is formidable, but Black Meteor Empire’s Knight Order is mad.

On the long table in the large dining room, only Hokele and Estella were present.

"Estella, you’re getting older too. Mother has recently been asking about your marriage prospects with concern." Hokele wiped his mouth, placed his napkin down, and spoke warmly.

"Your Majesty, I’ll meet the right person." Estella said, though Mother showed concern, she never urged her.

Hokele smiled, "The fame of Moncalleta’s jewel has long resonated throughout Dao Yuan’s nations. I heard Dragon Capital’s Hex Bird Report conducted a beauty contest, seeking the top beauty, somewhat audacious."

"Your Majesty, you flatter me. Appearance is merely a facade. I’m aware of that competition; it’s a meaningful event, a comprehensive contest, not solely based on appearance. It’s fundamentally an encouragement for women, befitting the city of freedom." Estella placed down her cutlery.

"I have a good candidate, Black Meteor Empire’s Crown Prince Frederick, perfectly ten years older than you, mature and brave." Hokele said, "Moreover, he admires you greatly."

Estella smiled slightly, "Your Majesty, Frederick is indeed brave, having slain many of our compatriots; his being ten years older and admiration won’t suffice to make him someone I like or would marry."

Hokele’s gentle expression gradually waned, "Estella, though recent upheavals have subsided, they still caused immeasurable damage to the Kingdom. The lurking Black Meteor Empire eyes our borders; for peace, for countless citizens, a marriage alliance is an excellent choice for both sides. You two are well-matched in talent and beauty. I can’t think of anyone on Dao Yuan Continent worthy of your status and beauty."

Estella gazed at Hokele with regal solemnity, "Respected Majesty, I’m willing to sacrifice my life for the country, unafraid of death. But treating your sister as a gift to the enemy undermines Your Majesty’s dignity and national honor."