Immortal God of War-Chapter 734 - 699: The Fox’s Tail_1

"What?"

"What’s he going to the Fragrant Moon Tower for?"

「In a certain part of the Imperial Palace.」

The Eldest Prince scowled down at Zhuge Mingyang.

"From what I’ve gleaned, this person isn’t one to court publicity. However, if he ever acts ostentatiously, he must be scheming something," Zhuge Mingyang said.

The Eldest Prince asked, "And what do you think he’s planning?"

"I don’t know." Zhuge Mingyang shook his head.

The Eldest Prince then asked, "So, should we go or not?"

"We must," Zhuge Mingyang stated without hesitation.

"Why?" The Eldest Prince frowned.

"Your Highness, why haven’t you made a decision all these days? I suppose it’s partly because you can’t let go of your dignity, and partly because it’s inconvenient to go to the Temple. After all, your status is different now. But things have changed; Qin Feiyang is no longer in the Temple. You can completely cast aside your reservations and meet him. Regarding your dignity, I believe Your Highness has heard the saying, ’Great men don’t fuss over trivialities.’ If you’re unwilling to swallow your pride and proactively meet him now, I fear he’ll be swayed by other Princes. You’re well aware of Qin Feiyang’s value without me needing to state it, Your Highness. If he were to join another Prince’s faction, he would become your greatest threat. Therefore, Your Highness, you can’t hesitate any longer," Zhuge Mingyang said solemnly.

The Eldest Prince’s gaze darkened. He stood up and declared, "We head to the Fragrant Moon Tower immediately!"

Truthfully, he knew full well that even being instated as Crown Prince now didn’t guarantee he would ultimately ascend the throne. In the imperial family, there were far too many variables. Therefore, before ascending the throne, he needed to act with extreme caution. After all, one wrong step could mean losing everything.

That was precisely why he had made every effort to win over Zhuge Mingyang, once the foremost prodigy of the Imperial Capital. Zhuge Mingyang, with his family background and personal strength, could help solidify his current position as Crown Prince. And now, another person had appeared, someone even Zhuge Mingyang regarded with extreme caution. Naturally, he couldn’t afford to be complacent.

DONG!!

At this moment, the third-floor corridor of the Fragrant Moon Tower was swarming with people, completely congested. The sound of knocking was incessant, but Qin Feiyang ignored everyone.

"Make way, make way!"

A moment later, a waiter carrying an exquisite tray made his way up to the third floor. On the tray sat a jade teapot, steam gently rising from its spout, carrying the rich fragrance of tea.

Seeing the waiter approach, the people gathered in the corridor quickly stepped aside, clearing a narrow path just wide enough for one person to pass.

One of the black-haired young men asked the waiter, "Are you delivering tea to Qin Feiyang?"

"Yes!" the waiter nodded.

The young man immediately put on a fawning smile and said, "In that case, could you please inform Qin Feiyang that Young Master Wan of the Wan Family from the Second District wishes to see him?"

"Well..." The waiter hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Alright, I’ll pass on your message. But whether he agrees to see you will be up to Master Qin."

The young man was overjoyed and cupped his hands. "Naturally, naturally! Thank you, brother."

"You’re too kind, Young Master," the waiter replied humbly, though he felt a surge of pride inwardly.

This black-haired young man was indeed Young Master Wan. The Wan Family was considered one of the most prominent and influential families in the Imperial Capital. Ordinarily, Young Master Wan wouldn’t deign to even look at him, much less ask for his help. Consequently, the waiter felt quite pleased with himself now.

"Brother, please also inform him that the Young Master of the Mu Family from the Third District seeks an audience."

"Yes, and please tell him that if he helps, there will be a substantial reward!"

Along the way, many others asked the waiter to convey their requests. It was clear Qin Feiyang had no intention of opening his door, and no one dared to force their way in. Thus, the waiter became their sole means of communication.

The waiter reached the door, knocked lightly, and then pushed it open to enter. Seeing Qin Feiyang and his companion seated in the tea room, the waiter closed the door behind him, hurried into the tea room, and said with an ingratiating smile, "This is our establishment’s finest tea. Please, Master Qin, Miss, enjoy."

"Leave it there," Lu Hong said, gesturing to the tea table.

The waiter nodded and gently placed the teapot on the tea table.

Lu Hong glanced towards the door. "What’s all the commotion outside? It’s so noisy."

The waiter chuckled. "It’s because they heard Master Qin has come to our Fragrant Moon Tower. Everyone wants to pay their respects."

Qin Feiyang said calmly, "Tell them all to disperse. I won’t be seeing anyone."

"Understood." The waiter nodded.

Qin Feiyang added, "However, if anyone in black attire or wearing a mask comes looking for me, let them come up."

"Men in black? Masked men?" The waiter scratched his head, looking perplexed. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞

Qin Feiyang clarified, "Essentially, people who appear rather mysterious."

"Ah, I understand now!" The waiter’s confusion cleared, and he said with a subservient smile, "Please enjoy your tea then. I’ll get back to my duties."

"Go on," Qin Feiyang waved dismissively with a slight smile.

After the waiter left, Lu Hong asked, "How did you know the Eldest Prince and the others would disguise themselves to enter the Fragrant Moon Tower?"

"Two words: reputation," Qin Feiyang chuckled.

Lu Hong nodded in sudden understanding. Indeed, given the Princes’ esteemed status, personally visiting a Temple disciple like Qin Feiyang would be a blow to their pride. More importantly, it would become scandalous gossip. Therefore, they would naturally conceal their identities and enter the Fragrant Moon Tower covertly.

"By the way," Lu Hong began, "there’s something that’s been puzzling me for a long time. Only those at the War Ancestor realm or higher can enter the Temple, right? So, what about those below the War Ancestor realm?"

"In the Fifth District, there’s a branch temple. Disciples below the War Ancestor realm reside there," Qin Feiyang explained. "Furthermore, the Imperial Capital isn’t just this one city; there are other cities as well. And each of those cities also has a branch temple."

"Other cities?" Lu Hong looked slightly taken aback, then gave a wry smile. "I actually thought the Imperial Capital was just this single city!"

"How could that be possible?" Qin Feiyang chuckled. "Imperial Capital is a general term. To be precise, this place is called the Capital City, and it’s located in the very center of the Imperial Capital region."

"I see." Lu Hong nodded.

DONG!

Just then, another knock sounded at the door.

"They’re here." Qin Feiyang looked towards the door, a sharp glint in his eyes.

Lu Hong also rose and stood behind Qin Feiyang. "Come in," she called out.

The door swung open soundlessly, and two figures in black robes entered, one after the other. They were tall, their faces partially obscured, making them difficult to recognize, but their auras were incredibly strong. By Qin Feiyang’s estimation, they should be comparable in strength to the ugly old woman.

"Who are you?" Qin Feiyang frowned. None of the Princes possess such formidable strength.

"Greetings, Master Qin." The two men first bowed, then one said, "We are guards of His Highness, the Crown Prince. His Highness has ordered us to invite you to the Imperial Palace."

"The Eldest Prince?" Qin Feiyang subtly raised an eyebrow. This is impossible! He knew the rules of the Imperial Palace; ordinary people weren’t qualified to enter. Besides, the Eldest Prince wouldn’t invite him to the Imperial Palace before even meeting him. This has to be a trap!

One of them stepped aside and gestured respectfully. "Master Qin, the Crown Prince has been waiting for a long time. Please, come with us."

Qin Feiyang’s eyes flickered. He said coolly, "That doesn’t sound right. The Eldest Prince personally invited me to meet at the Fragrant Moon Tower. Now you’re telling me to go to the Imperial Palace? Have you made some mistake?"

"What? The Eldest Prince invited you here?" The two looked genuinely surprised.

Just as I thought, it’s a trap! A chill ran down Qin Feiyang’s spine. They’ve slipped up. If they were truly the Eldest Prince’s guards, they would never dare to refer to him so directly as ’the Eldest Prince.’

Despite this, he showed no nervousness. He picked up his teacup, took a leisurely sip, and asked calmly, "So, who are you two really?"

"What are you saying, Master Qin? We don’t quite understand," one of them said, though they both looked at Qin Feiyang with suspicion, their voices betraying a hint of panic.

"You don’t understand?" Qin Feiyang put down his teacup, stood up, and smiled. "If I’m not mistaken, you’re guards of the Thirteenth Prince, aren’t you?"

"This..." The two exchanged uneasy glances.

Qin Feiyang chuckled. "It seems I guessed correctly."

"Master Qin, please don’t joke with us. We are truly here under the Crown Prince’s orders to welcome you," the two said helplessly.

Still trying to deny it? Is there any point? Qin Feiyang scoffed internally, then said aloud, "In that case, do you dare to show me your faces?"

"This..." The two hesitated.

Qin Feiyang said calmly, "To be frank, I met with the Eldest Prince privately a few days ago and also saw his guards. So, I just want to confirm your identities."

"What? You’ve already met the Eldest Prince privately?" They exchanged looks, their eyes filled with astonishment and doubt.

One of them transmitted to the other, "This kid is too sharp. We don’t know if he’s telling the truth or bluffing. What should we do? Seize him directly?"

The other pondered for a moment, a cold glint suddenly flashing in his eyes, and transmitted back the order, "Seize him!"

SWOOSH!!

The two struck almost simultaneously, one lunging for Qin Feiyang, the other for Lu Hong.

"So, you’re finally showing your true colors," Lu Hong sneered.

"You brought this upon yourself for not knowing what’s good for you! Don’t blame us for being ruthless," one of them said with a sinister grin.

"Is that so?" Qin Feiyang scoffed. "Then let’s see if you have the ability." He grabbed Lu Hong and, without a second thought, vanished into the castle.

"Where did they go?" Their pupils contracted as they scanned the room in bewildered shock.

DONG!!

Just then, another knock came from the door.

"Damn it!" Glancing at the door, they cursed under their breath before leaping out the nearby window.

DONG!!

The knocking sounded again.

Qin Feiyang and Lu Hong reappeared in the tea room out of thin air. After sweeping her gaze around the room and confirming the two men were gone, Lu Hong finally let out a sigh of relief and asked in a low voice, "How did you know they were the Thirteenth Prince’s men?"

"I was just bluffing earlier; I wasn’t entirely sure," Qin Feiyang admitted. "But I’ve only been in the Imperial Capital a short while, and the Thirteenth Prince is the only person of significance I’ve offended. And for these two to dare impersonate the Eldest Prince’s guards, their backing must be considerable. So, the Thirteenth Prince was the most likely suspect." After this brief analysis, Qin Feiyang returned to his seat, looked towards the door, and said, "Come in."

Before he even finished speaking, the door was pushed open, and two masked individuals walked in, one after the other.