Chen Ping felt a stir in his heart, committing the name Liu Kun to memory. “Thank you for the reminder, Sovereign. Fellow Daoist Zi Yuan and I will begin the investigation today, and we will report any progress to you immediately.”
“Good!”
Wu Hao stood up, patted Chen Ping on the shoulder. “The safety of the divine kingdom is entrusted to Fellow Daoist Chen. If there is any need, I will spare no effort from the divine kingdom to support you.”
After leaving the imperial palace, Zi Yuan looked at Chen Ping. “Fellow Daoist Chen, where should we start our investigation next?”
“First, let’s go to the divine kingdom’s secret intelligence department to check the records.”
Chen Ping said, “Since the Evil Dao Hall was able to infiltrate the Thunder Sound Temple and steal the Thunder Sound Bell, they must have investigated and understood the Thunder Sound Temple beforehand. Perhaps we can find some clues from past secret reports. Additionally, we can also check Liu Kun’s background. The Sovereign has doubts about him, so we must be cautious.”
Zi Yuan nodded in agreement, leading Chen Ping to the secret intelligence department. The secret intelligence department was located in a secluded courtyard on the west side of the divine capital. It appeared ordinary on the outside, but inside it was heavily guarded, filled with hidden formations.
The one in charge of the secret intelligence department was an elder named Mo Chen, with cultivation at the seventh rank of Earth Immortal realm. Seeing that Chen Ping held the investigation jade token, and hearing that he was a strong expert possessing golden dragon bloodline, he dared not show any neglect. He immediately brought out all the records concerning the Evil Dao Hall and Liu Kun.
The two of them spent an entire day reviewing at the secret intelligence department, yet the gains were minimal.
The records about the Evil Dao Hall were mostly scattered rumours, noting traces of suspected Evil Dao Hall cultivators in certain places, but lacking any follow-up.
As for the records on Liu Kun, they were all about his achievements in assisting the divine kingdom, along with some routine governmental records. There were no traces of any collusion with the Evil Dao Hall.
“It seems Liu Kun is hiding very deeply, or perhaps he truly has no collusion with the Evil Dao Hall.”
Zi Yuan put down the record in her hand, saying somewhat disappointedly.
Chen Ping, however, shook his head. “The more perfect it appears, the more likely there is a problem. Liu Kun has held power for many years. If he wants to cover up some traces, it is not difficult. We cannot rely solely on the records from the secret intelligence department. We need to approach from other angles.”
At that moment, a minor official from the secret intelligence department hurried in to report. “Lord Mo Chen, Lady Zi Yuan, Mr. Chen, someone from the Prime Minister’s residence has sent an invitation, inviting Mr. Chen to a banquet tomorrow.”
Zi Yuan took the invitation, opened it, and saw that it was from Liu Kun, inviting Chen Ping to a banquet at the Prime Minister’s residence tomorrow at noon, to discuss “assisting the divine kingdom in dealing with the crisis.”
She looked at Chen Ping, her eyes filled with vigilance. “Liu Kun suddenly inviting you, I’m afraid it’s not that simple.”
Chen Ping picked up the invitation, a cold smile curling at the corner of his mouth. “Since he has invited me, I will go meet him. It’s a perfect opportunity to see what plans this Prime Minister has.”
The next day at noon, Chen Ping went alone to the Prime Minister’s residence.
The Prime Minister’s residence was located in the noble district on the east side of the divine capital, covering a vast area with grand architecture. Two huge stone lions stood at the entrance, exuding a majestic aura.
Inside the residence, there were intricately carved beams and painted rafters, with pavilions and towers arranged harmoniously. The garden was filled with exotic flowers and rare herbs, surrounded by immortal qi, displaying utmost luxury.
Liu Kun was already waiting in the “Moon Invitation Pavilion” within the residence. He appeared about sixty years old, dressed in a purple official robe, with a thin face and deep eyes. He seemed gentle, yet carried the authority of someone long in high position.
Upon seeing Chen Ping enter, Liu Kun quickly stood up to greet him, a smile piling on his face. “Mr. Chen honours us with his presence. This old man failed to welcome you from afar, please forgive me.”
“Prime Minister is too polite.”
Chen Ping cupped his hands in return, his gaze discreetly scanning the surroundings of the Moon Invitation Pavilion. Outside the pavilion stood several black-clothed cultivators, their auras all above the eighth rank of Earth Immortal realm, clearly Liu Kun’s guards.
On the stone table inside the pavilion, rare delicacies were laid out in abundance, with two maidservants standing respectfully nearby.
Liu Kun invited Chen Ping to sit, personally pouring him immortal wine, and laughed. “Mr. Chen possesses golden dragon bloodline, with outstanding strength. Coming to assist our divine kingdom is truly a blessing for the divine kingdom. This old man has long admired Mr. Chen’s reputation. Today, I have specially prepared this modest wine, hoping to befriend you.”
