Chapter 257.1
Following that, the Great Hong court dispatched troops to arrest those spreading malicious rumors.
At the same time, they explained to the outside world that their countrys Grandmaster Dugu Yifang was not dead but in seclusion for cultivation.
Therefore, there was no news about him to be heard.
I just knew it. How could the Grandmaster possibly get into trouble so easily?
The Grandmaster Dugu is invincible, who in the world could possibly kill him?
It must be someone spreading rumors. It scared me to death!
We should capture the person spreading such nonsense and dunk him in the pig cage!
Its truly despicable!
Public opinion quickly calmed down.
However, the two major dynasties nearby, Great Yan and Great Liang, were not so easily convinced.
Inside the imperial palace of the Great Yan Dynasty.
The Great Yan Emperor was looking at the news from the Great Hong Dynasty, frowning and pacing: The rumors there say that the Great Hong Grandmaster Dugu Yifang has died, but the Great Hong court insists that Dugu Yifang is not dead, but is in closed-door cultivation! I find this matter rather suspicious Yuanfang, what do you think?
Standing in front of the Great Yan Emperor was a dignified man in a brocade robe.
This man, named Li Yuanfang, possessed Imperial Qi strength, was skilled in investigation and information gathering, and was extremely loyal and trusted by the Great Yan Emperor.
He was responsible for the dirty affairs of the Great Yan Dynasty and was known as the Living King Yama.
He respectfully said, Reporting to Your Majesty, theres an old saying that theres no smoke without fire! This rumor suddenly erupted, and I am certain that hidden forces behind it are trying to stir up trouble in Great Hong to fish in troubled waters! The other party must have some solid evidence to act so recklessly!
(TLN: Fish in troubled waters = take advantage of a confused situation)
The Great Yan Emperor nodded slightly: Well said, continue!
Regardless of who this hidden hand is and what their motives are, lets talk about Dugu Yifang. He indeed hasnt shown himself for over a month! The Great Hong court claims he is in closed-door cultivation
However, according to the intelligence weve gathered, Dugu Yifang is not in his own residence or the imperial palace. This is very strange! Where else could he be if hes not at home or in the imperial palace cultivating?
The Great Yan Emperor nodded again: Good point, go on!
Furthermore, during this period, our Shadow Division has noticed frequent movements of Great Hongs Jinyiwei and Dongchang, indicating that something secretive and significant has occurred!
Only the Great Hong Emperor himself could mobilize so many departments! Such actions only occur when it involves his own comfort or the safety of the state!
However, there has been nothing unusual in the Great Hong Dynasty lately, except for the disappearance of Dugu Yifang!
Li Yuanfang glanced at the Great Yan Emperor and said, Therefore, I suspect that there is a problem with their Grandmaster Dugu Yifang! He might be missing, or he might be dead!
You make a lot of sense!
The Great Yan Emperor nodded once more: Only if the Grandmaster has encountered a problem would it warrant such a massive mobilization! However, I am more inclined to believe that Dugu Yifang is missing!
After all, a Grandmaster is a top-tier powerhouse of this era, and there are very few who could kill him. Moreover, if he were truly dead, the Great Hong Court would definitely keep it a secret rather than cause such a commotion that would draw attention!
Your Majesty is wise! Li Yuanfang bowed.
At this time, the Great Yan Emperor called for their nations Grandmaster and informed him of the situation.
The other party also believed that Dugu Yifang was more likely missing than dead.
Grandmasters understand the strength of a Grandmaster best. Its difficult enough for a Grandmaster to defeat another, let alone kill one.
Unless it was a Great Grandmaster above them who took action.
But why would such a lofty, almost divine being bother to strike at a little Grandmaster?
It was completely unnecessary!
The disappearance of Dugu Yifang this presents a rare opportunity for us!
The Great Yan Emperor smiled: Without the Grandmaster, the Great Hong Dynasty is vulnerable, and we can send some people over to stir up trouble and weaken their national power! This winter is going to be tough. Lets make it even tougher for them!
Your Majestys words are very true! Everyone laughed.
Thus, the Great Yan court dispatched several Innates, leading some skilled individuals to sneak into the Great Hong Dynasty.
The Great Liang Dynasty court also had the same idea and sent some experts to cause trouble in Great Hong.
Such as assassinating people, setting fires, and harassing the courts soldiers.
They were very shrewd, never directly clashing with Great Hongs experts, focusing instead on sabotage.
After killing people and setting fires, they ran awayit was so exciting!
In just a few days, they turned the Great Hong Dynasty into a place filled with smoke, resentment, and complaints.
Inside the imperial palace, the Great Hong Emperor was fuming with rage: This is outrageous! Great Liang and Great Yan have no sense of martial honor. They actually sent people to cause trouble while Senior Dugu was away. I hate them so much! I wish I could flay them alive!
He wanted to fight fire with fire, an eye for an eye, but he dared not send anyone over.
Because the enemy had a Grandmaster who could slaughter Innates as easily as butchering dogs.
If his own forces were killed upon going there, it would be a huge loss.
So, he could only swallow his anger.
We will settle the score with them when Senior Dugu returns!
He turned his head and asked the officials below, trying to suppress his anger: Have you found out whos been spreading rumors behind our backs? And have you found any trace of Senior Dugu?
Report to Your Majesty. We have not found anything yet, please forgive us!
The Great Hong Emperor was furious: You havent found a single piece of information after all this time. Youre all useless! Completely useless! Get out of my sight immediately! The farther the better, I dont want to see any of you again!
Yes Your Majesty! The officials scurried away in a panic.
.
In the secret residence of the Beggar Sect.
Elder Qian, the rumors we spread have had an effect. Both Great Liang and Great Yan have sent experts here to cause trouble, creating chaos everywhere and plunging Great Hong into turmoil!
Good! Elder Qian nodded in satisfaction.
As a result, the people of Great Hong are filled with complaints and dissatisfaction towards Great Hong, and they are more inclined towards Great Xia! Perhaps they will open the gates and welcome us when our Great Xia troops come in the near future!
Elder Qian was even more pleased: Very good!
Elder Qian, what should we do next? a Beggar Sect disciple asked.
Now, the Great Hong court is arresting those who spread false rumors! If we continue to spread rumors, it could be very dangerous!
Its best not to act rashly now! Rest well and conserve your strength. Leave the rest to me. Ill give them a big surprise! Elder Qian took out the Xuanxiao Child Sword.
***
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