The next day, news that an assassin had infiltrated the palace spread swiftly, and Wuji Kingdom’s capital instantly became incredibly strict. Soldiers armed with weapons were everywhere in the streets and alleys, questioning everyone individually.

Countless people locked their doors tightly and dared not venture outside, as situations involving military ruffians causing trouble were likely to arise.

Inside the Imperial Palace, a tall man was rushing towards the inner palace. His eyebrows were like sharp swords, his face like a bright moon, and he exuded a vigorous spirit.

"Your Highness, the Emperor has said that he is unharmed!" a senior eunuch, standing in front of the man with a stern expression, declared.

"Please convey a message for me, Eunuch Wei. I wish to see my father," he responded.

"Your Highness, please do not make things difficult for this old servant. You know the Emperor’s temper as well as anyone, why bother causing yourself distress? Please go back," the eunuch pleaded.

Reluctantly, the Crown Prince glanced at the palace. There was a time when he could come and go as he pleased, without needing to be announced. Ever since three years ago, when the Emperor’s personality had drastically changed, entering this palace had become exceedingly difficult.

"Thank you for your kindness, Eunuch Wei. Since my father is unharmed, I will return now," the Crown Prince said calmly and politely, settling his mind.

During their conversation, a gemstone had quietly made its way into Eunuch Wei’s hand. With no change in expression, Eunuch Wei hid the gemstone in his sleeve and with a slight smile said, "Rest assured, Your Highness, with this old servant looking after the Emperor, nothing will happen to him. You should return to your residence early and focus on your studies."

"In that case, I shall take my leave, Eunuch Wei," he said.

After the two parted, Eunuch Wei, with a brisk pace, walked into the palace where he saw the Emperor seated on the dragon throne, reviewing memorials.

"Your Majesty, the Crown Prince has returned to his residence. He asked me to extend his regards to you," Eunuch Wei reported with great respect, yet keeping a considerable distance from the Emperor, as if he were in the presence of a divine spirit.

"Hmm, I know. You may go," came the Emperor’s indifferent voice from inside. Eunuch Wei didn’t dare raise his head and slowly backed away until he had exited the main hall, where he finally wiped the cold sweat from his forehead.

The Emperor’s authority had grown even stronger, each encounter with him sending shivers down the spine of this high-ranking eunuch. As he looked around, all the guards and palace maids had been dismissed. He sighed inwardly, "The Emperor’s temperament is becoming more peculiar."

Shaking his head, Eunuch Wei slowly made his way to the inner palace, where a pile of trivial matters awaited his attention.

The Crown Prince, looking dejected, had just reached the entrance of his residence when he saw his officials lined up to greet him.

Lackluster, he waved his hand and said, "Let’s head back to the residence first."

Once everyone had returned to the Crown Prince’s residence, a middle-aged man with a dignified beard and scholarly appearance asked, "Your Highness, did you get to see the Emperor this time?"

The Crown Prince shook his head in frustration. "The Emperor still does not wish to see me, but Eunuch Wei said that he is not seriously hurt."

"I must say, the Emperor really has changed over the years. He has become colder towards the Crown Prince. If it weren’t for the fact that the Crown Prince is his only heir, I might suspect he plans to appoint someone else," another official commented.

"Be cautious in your speech. The affairs of the Emperor are not ours to judge," the middle-aged man sternly rebuked. Despite his scholarly appearance, his imposing voice silenced those who had been speaking freely.

After rebuking the man, he turned to the Crown Prince and said, "Your Highness, do not worry. The Emperor only has you as his heir. He would not think otherwise. However, with the lack of communication between the inside and outside, I fear that something might happen to the Emperor, with people inside the palace blocking information and coercing the lords by holding the Emperor hostage."

"Eunuch Wei and I have known each other for a long time. He often relays messages to me, and he hasn’t spoken up, so it must be nothing," the Crown Prince replied.

"The words of eunuchs should not be readily believed, Your Highness should still find a way to meet the Empress."

"But now I can’t even enter the Imperial Palace, how can I see my mother."

"Why doesn’t Your Highness go hunting, then use the offering of the pelts as a reason to enter the palace and request an audience? I believe then no one could stop you."

The Crown Prince nodded slightly upon hearing this, his mind already made up to go hunting outside the city to relieve his gloomy mood and to find an excuse to visit his mother in the palace.

"Do you have any information about the assassin from last night?" the Crown Prince suddenly remembered to ask.

The people shook their heads one after another, turning their gazes toward the middle-aged man.

"As far as I know, this assassin is extraordinary. Wang Qinghu, known as the bravest warrior of Wuji Kingdom, was astounded by the signs of a great battle last night, blatantly saying it was beyond human capability, and many of the guards firmly claimed someone had flown away into the sky."

"Could it be some kind of demon or ghost? Who knows what it wants in the Imperial Palace."

And the fearsome assassin they were guessing about had already left Wuji Kingdom behind the city walls.

"Ah! I haven’t had enough fun, and now I can only leave in such a sorry state," Bashan Tiger sighed softly.

Yi Hailong also nodded slightly, expressing agreement, as the worldly splendor had already dazzled these two little demons, who never imagined there were so many novelties in the world, hence their reluctance to leave.

"It can’t be helped, now that Wuji Kingdom is under martial law, the streets are deserted and not even a ghost is in sight. What’s the point of staying any longer? Moreover, there are many more countries to explore later," Lin Fang sighed softly.

He had originally planned to stay in Wuji Kingdom for a while, but after the incident yesterday, the whole of Wuji Kingdom was in panic. It seemed unlikely to return to normal soon, so staying further seemed pointless. It was better to leave, to avoid accidentally giving themselves away.

As they spoke, Lin Fang looked into the distance, where the sky was filled with colorful glow and auspicious clouds in abundance, quickly pulling the heads of several little demons down.

"Big Brother Lin, what’s happening?" Little Fox asked curiously.

Lin Fang hushed them gently, then softly said, "Look towards the East!"

The curious Little Fox and the others looked but saw nothing, hence they all looked puzzled at Lin Fang.

"Forget it, you’re not of high enough realm to see these things. Let me tell you, that area is shrouded with colorful auspicious clouds, and there are several divine spirits hidden in the sky. If I’m not wrong, the Scripture Seeker has arrived in Wuji Kingdom."

"The Scripture Seeker, is it the Great Sage Equalling Heaven?" Bashan Tiger immediately got excited.

"Keep quiet. The Scripture Seeker has The Twelve Divine Protectors, Dharma Protector Gālan, and Jiedi among his retinue. If they see us and decide to perform a demon exorcism, I won’t help you," Lin Fang threatened Bashan Tiger.

This statement indeed frightened the few little demons, who dared not breathe loudly.

Lin Fang watched silently the divine spirits in the sky, a cold smile playing at the corner of his mouth, "The Buddhist Sect really puts up quite a show; it’s a pity the spectacle is now unwatchable."