Chapter 124 - 120: Undercurrents

Everyone’s gaze fell on Li An.

Even Jiang Cheng, the steward from the Prince Mansion, rarely commented, "Chief Zuo should go, he’s most suitable."

"If he can establish such a great achievement, reaching the position of chief in the future would not be impossible—"

Direct promise!

Li An, however, felt a stir in his heart, sharply sensing something, and instantly began to ponder.

The main issue was Jiang Cheng!

He hadn’t felt any Demonic Qi on Jiang Cheng.

Moreover, Jiang Cheng was willing to let him go to White Tiger City...

But once he left Celestial Yang City, the control of the Demon Sect over him wouldn’t be as strong, and he would have a chance to escape along the way!

This was in conflict with the Demon Sect’s "fattening pigs" strategy!

So, Jiang Cheng letting him go indicated two possibilities:

First, Jiang Cheng was also part of the Yin Yang Demon Sect, but they weren’t afraid of his escape, being able to control him firmly en route.

Second, Jiang Cheng was not part of the Yin Yang Demon Sect, or if he was, he was unaware of the Third Princess and the others’ plans, not knowing that Li An had already been preordained as a vessel by them, thus causing a conflict with their strategy.

Li An thought... it was likely the second point.

Because over these years, the Third Princess never ceased her surveillance over him.

Watching him so closely, why would she suddenly be willing to let him out?

Could it be that in Prince Zhenbei’s Mansion, only the Third Princess was part of the Demon Sect? But not the Prince behind Jiang Cheng?

Or perhaps the Prince was also part of the Demon Sect, but he was unaware of what the Third Princess was doing?

Li An still couldn’t figure it out.

Clearly, the intentions of both sides were different!

The Third Princess’s side intended to use Li An as a vessel, while the Prince represented by Jiang Cheng was unaware, not even clear about Li An’s identity?

This was... possible.

Every faction would naturally have various interest groups and differing factions, and it was normal for their desires to be inconsistent.

Neither Jiang Cheng nor the others present could ever have imagined that just a word or two from Jiang Cheng would allow Li An to discern so much.

Such is the benefit and experience accumulated over several lifetimes; for someone at this level of existence, every word is an expression of interest from a faction. With precise analysis, one can grasp the conflicts and grievances between different factions!

Thinking thus far, Li An finally gritted his teeth, "Zuo Wen is willing to serve the Prince Mansion with all my loyalty!"

He agreed!

No matter what, being able to leave the city was an opportunity.

He should seize it first.

"Good, then I’ll trouble Chief Zuo—"

Qin Xuan smiled slightly, suddenly saying, "No, this trip will surely succeed, so it should be Chief Zuo, hahaha..."

She laughed heartily, and the others followed suit.

But Li An slightly frowned, Qin Xuan... this was intentional.

She was putting him on the spot...

He noticed that Xu Changkong, Mo Rong, and others were all showing signs of displeasure in their eyes, yet they were forcing a smile!

...

In the following months, the Treasure Pavilion was busy preparing for this matter.

Li An was even more particularly attentive.

After all, this trip’s safety was truly unpredictable.

To his surprise, Pavilion Master Qin Xuan personally arranged, ordering five Foundation Establishment powerhouses, not enough, even her personal maid—Cai’Er to escort.

Cai’Er was a Fake Pill expert!

Besides, the Prince Mansion should be dispatching a True Core powerhouse to escort as well.

Safety should be ensured.

In essence, while Li An’s participation was important, his role was mainly to act as an Artifact Evaluator, lending credibility to the treasures. The true key figures were undoubtedly the Core Formation experts sent by the Prince Mansion.

"Reporting to the master, the Third Princess is waiting for you in the study."

One day, when Li An returned from the Treasure Pavilion, a servant quietly reported.

Li An immediately felt a chill, striding quickly into the study.

The Third Princess was casually browsing a book. Seeing Li An enter, she raised an elegant eyebrow and smiled, "Congratulations, Chief Zuo."

Li An replied, "The Princess flatters me; what joy does Zuo Wen have!"

"If you can return safely from White Tiger City, wouldn’t it be a great joy to become the Chief Artifact Evaluator?"

Li An said, "All thanks to the Princess’s grace. Without the Princess’s constant support, how could Zuo Wen have achieved this today?"

The Third Princess chuckled, "I came this time, precisely for this matter."

"Please instruct, Princess!"

"The items this time are too precious, accompanied by danger. Firstly, there’s a high chance of assassination attempts en route, and secondly, in White Tiger City, although White Tiger Master is already a Golden Core powerhouse, that doesn’t mean no one would dare take the risk."

The Third Princess said, "There’s danger at every turn."

Li An’s brows furrowed tightly, a troubled expression appearing on his face, "Princess, could you please help arrange for someone else from the Pavilion to go to White Tiger City?"

"This journey seems indeed too perilous..."

The Princess shook her head, "Since Steward Jiang has chosen you, I should not intervene further. However, you need not worry too much; I still have some methods to ensure your safety..."

Li An hurriedly said, "Please instruct me, Princess!"

The Third Princess took out an item and handed it to Li An, "Take this Jade Talisman."

Li An received the blood-colored Jade Talisman. The moment he held it, he sensed the mysterious Demonic Qi within him gently trembling in a wave that even his Divine Sense couldn’t capture!

"This is a communication Jade Talisman. If you encounter danger, you can use it immediately. I’ve secretly sent someone to follow you, and if you’re in danger, they will naturally come to your aid."

"Moreover, once you safely reach White Tiger City, you can rest assured; I have people there too, ready to assist you at any time."

The Third Princess appeared very calm.

But Li An’s heart had already sunk.

This communication Jade Talisman was indeed useful.

But as long as it was in his possession, the Third Princess could also monitor his location.

And most importantly, the Jade Talisman just triggered the mysterious Demonic Qi within him, which meant... the Demon Sect could indeed monitor the Demonic Qi inside him.

In other words, even if he changed his appearance to escape en route, he couldn’t escape the clutches of the Demon Sect.

He might even attract disaster!

Sure enough, with the effort the Demon Sect put into selecting him as their "pig," how could they let him easily escape the "pen"?

"Thank you, Princess!"

He expressed his gratitude with words of thanks.

The Third Princess left.

...

"Another form of warning..."

Li An couldn’t help but sigh.

Actually, now the Demon Sect treated him with suspicion and caution.

The Demon Sect couldn’t confirm whether Li An had discovered the Demonic Qi within him.

So, their moves were both open and covert.

On the surface, it’s the Third Princess showing him care and support.

In secret, there were various hints and warnings.

If Li An hadn’t discovered the Demonic Qi in him, he certainly wouldn’t feel these warnings and hints, and everyone would be happy.

If Li An knew everything, the Demon Sect might as well openly tell him he’s been marked by them.

No matter which, Li An could never escape their grasp.

Of course, Li An felt that the Demon Sect most likely believed he hadn’t discovered the Demonic Qi and all their precautions were merely out of caution.

But these factors didn’t matter anymore.

Now, the situation was clear, he had to go to White Tiger City, and escaping was challenging.

The only strategy left was enduring.

Enduring until he could fully refine the Demonic Qi inside him, then he could swim freely in the ocean, soar into the sky!

"However, as I guessed, it seems there’s a rift between the Third Princess and the Prince represented by Jiang Cheng..."

From his probing, it seemed Li An’s journey to White Tiger City was somewhat unexpected even for the Third Princess.

It should be that on the Prince’s side, they unintentionally interfered with her plan.

...

Meanwhile.

In a secret chamber within the city.

"Is everything ready?"

Pavilion Master Qin Xuan inquired calmly.

Cai’Er replied, "Rest assured, Pavilion Master, as soon as the opportunity arises... he will never return to the Treasure Pavilion alive."

Qin Xuan nodded, "The message has been sent discreetly; rest assured, opportunities will be created for you. Just handle the matter cleanly."

Cai’Er nodded, but still showed signs of worry on her face, "Pavilion Master, will our actions disrupt the Prince’s grand plans?"

"Grand plans?"

Qin Xuan’s face displayed a hint of sarcasm, "Will the success of the Prince’s grand plans make my son the Chief Artifact Evaluator?"

The loss to the Prince didn’t matter to her. What mattered was maintaining her wealth and arranging a secure future for her son.

...

Half a month later.

The group from the Treasure Pavilion departed from Celestial Yang City, heading towards White Tiger City!

...