Chapter 458: Solution? (2)

Chapter 458: Chapter 458: Solution? (2)

Li Feng quickly averted his eyes, pretending to focus intently on the Emperor’s condition.

The Regent Empress Fen Ling noticed the subtle exchange between the two envoys but completely misinterpreted it.

"Envoy Li Feng, it seem Sister Lan to trust your abilities greatly, do you have any suggestions for the initial suppression?"

Li Feng forced a humble smile and cupped his fists.

"This junior... has no suggestions at the moment."

But then, Lan Suyao suddenly spoke up, her voice carrying clear authority while her eyes gleamed with a hint of mischief.

"Li Feng, I know how capable you are. No need to be so humble. If you need some...

privacy

, we can certainly arrange it."

The deliberate emphasis on the word "privacy" made Li Feng’s scalp tingle.

He glared fiercely at her.

’Don’t drag me into your weird ideas, Lan Suyao! I refuse! My dual cultivation is reserved for beautiful women only!’

On the surface, he maintained a perfectly respectful and slightly embarrassed expression, as if he were simply being modest in front of the Empress.

"Your Majesty, Senior Sister Lan is exaggerating. This subordinate’s abilities are limited. I will simply follow Senior Sister’s instructions and provide support."

Fen Ling’s crimson eyes flickered with even greater interest.

’So even the aloof Lan Suyao trusts him this much... and offers him privacy for his methods? This hidden genius truly must possess profound means. Perhaps his techniques are too powerful or secretive to display openly.’

A faint, intrigued smile touched her lips as she nodded gracefully.

"If Envoy Li Feng requires privacy or special conditions to display his full strength, the Fen Dynasty will naturally accommodate it. You may use His Majesty’s chambers as you see fit."

Then, Lan Suyao’s lips curved into a rare, almost wicked smile as she added fuel to the fire.

"See? Even Her Majesty is understanding. Don’t hold back, Li Feng."

Li Feng felt like he was being backed into a corner.

’These women are going to kill me one day...’

...He had already decided to ’punish’ Lan Suyao severely once they were alone.

With a sigh, Li Feng finally spoke seriously, his voice humble yet sincere.

"I do have some small tricks, but as you have heard, the soul sea is a very delicate area. I fear there might be an accident if I were to act recklessly. My apologies, Regent Empress as this junior is merely at the Foundation Establishment stage, so I am not very confident in handling something this critical."

Fen Ling nodded slowly, her crimson eyes showing understanding.

What Li Feng said made sense.

She had only tried to urge him because Lan Suyao seemed to place great trust in him.

But if the person himself admitted he wasn’t confident, pushing further would be unwise, especially with His Majesty’s life at stake.

"I understand completely, Envoy Li Feng," she replied gently, her voice carrying imperial grace. "Caution in the face of the unknown is the mark of true wisdom. We cannot afford any risks with the soul sea."

Soon, a long silence fell as the Regent Empress became lost in her own thoughts.

Li Feng silently appeared beside Lan Suyao, who currently wore a smug expression.

Before she could react, Li Feng’s hand moved like a phantom... swift, precise, and shameless.

He gave her firm, perfectly rounded rear a bold, possessive grope, squeezing the soft flesh through her robes.

"...!"

Lan Suyao’s entire body stiffened instantly.

Her eyes widened in shock, and a faint, involuntary gasp nearly escaped her lips before she clamped it down.

’You shameless pervert—!’

Li Feng’s face remained perfectly humble and focused on the Emperor, as if nothing had happened.

But inwardly, he was smirking triumphantly.

’Heh. That’s what you get for trying to throw me under the bus with your weird dual cultivation ideas. Consider this your first punishment... There’s more waiting for you later when we’re alone.’

Yue Lan who was standing on the other side, noticed the rough hand currently molding Lan Suyao’s rear but pretended she saw nothing.

She simply looked straight ahead with a calm, graceful expression.

Just as Lan Suyao reached back to pry that shameless claw off her backside, she noticed Li Feng’s suddenly serious and focused expression.

She paused, then sighed softly in resignation and gave a small nod.

Playtime was over.

It was time to get back to serious matters.

She discreetly removed his hand and composed herself, her professional demeanor returning in an instant.

Turning toward the Regent Empress, she spoke in a calm, respectful tone.

"Your Majesty, may I ask a few questions? It is impossible for such a powerful plague to coincidentally affect the Emperor... Who do you suspect is behind this? Have there been any unusual incidents, visitors, or clues before His Majesty fell ill?"

Fen Ling snapped out of her thoughts and turned to Lan Suyao, her expression becoming sharp and dignified once more.

"A wise question, Envoy Lan. We have been investigating relentlessly and... there were indeed strange movements within the imperial court. Some ministers have been acting oddly, and certain high-grade spiritual herbs from the royal medicine garden have gone missing over the years without anyone realizing it until we rechecked the records."

"...But strangely, most of them were suppressing-type herbs. We suspect a traitor within the palace, but we have yet to uncover concrete evidence."

Lan Suyao nodded seriously.

"I will send an emergency letter to the Sect Leader with all these details and request immediate backup."

She paused briefly, then continued with a respectful bow.

"Your Majesty, given the urgency and the possibility of internal sabotage, would it be possible for us to investigate the palace more thoroughly? Allowing us free access to the restricted areas could help us uncover clues related to the missing herbs or the origin of the plague."

That was Lan Suyao’s true intention.

Once they received free rein of the palace, Li Feng would have an easier time locating and ’securing’ the Imperial Princess.

With his strength, she wasn’t worried at all.

And the moment he got what he wanted, they could bolt out of the Fen Dynasty and let the sect’s experts handle the rest.

The Regent Empress Fen Ling fell silent for a moment, her crimson eyes scanning the three envoys with a calm expression.

And after a brief consideration, she nodded gracefully.

"Very well. I authorize full access to the inner palace, the royal medicine garden, and the restricted archives. Only the Emperor’s private quarters and my own residence will remain off-limits unless absolutely necessary. I will inform the imperial guards immediately so you may investigate without hindrance."

Then she looked directly at Li Feng, her voice carrying a slightly meaningful tone.

"Envoy Li Feng... I hope your sharp eyes can find something we have missed. The Fen Dynasty will remember your contributions."

Li Feng bowed humbly.

"This junior will do his utmost not to disappoint Your Majesty."