This Martial Saint's Health Bar is Too Thick!

"In the end, everyone has secrets. In the court with so many prominent figures, how many could withstand a thorough investigation?

It is quite likely that these people really have nothing to do with the assassination, but in the course of investigating, other secrets might be unearthed...

However, as this case involves 'assassinating a ruler', how can one uncover the truth without a detailed investigation?

When Li Fei first heard of the assassination, his initial reaction was that the mastermind was aiming for 'heartbreaking'.

Arranging an assassin with only the Tao Foundation Stage cultivation could not possibly succeed in assassination; it was merely a play on public sentiment.

But now, hearing what the Crown Prince had said, he realized he had underestimated the situation.

The true intention of the person behind this assassination wasn't just for the assassin to shout that sentence in public.

The real deadly move was a 'stab' hidden in the shadows!

The assassin's identity was meticulously arranged; a detailed investigation might reveal a series of issues.

But if one doesn't investigate thoroughly, that 'stab' would forever remain buried.

Could the Emperor tolerate this?

Wouldn't the court officials suspect each other?

"Looks like being the Blue Patrol Envoy really isn't easy."

Li Fei lamented with a wry smile.

The Crown Prince also smiled and made a promise, "If you encounter any difficulties during the investigation or need my assistance in the future, feel free to ask."

"Thanks a lot, Your Highness."

"Hey, today I help you, tomorrow perhaps you'll help me. That's how it should be between friends."

The Crown Prince patted Li Fei's arm then left.

Li Fei gathered his belongings and prepared to leave the Imperial Palace under the guidance of an eunuch.

However, the eunuch guiding him didn't lead him out of the Palace but took him towards a less crowded area.

This scene gave Li Fei a sense of deja vu.

Thoughtful, he soon saw a black sedan, and beside the sedan stood a plain-looking maid.

"Marquis, the Third Prince requests your presence."

The guiding eunuch bowed and informed Li Fei.

Li Fei walked towards the car parked ahead.

The maid named Little Hua opened the rear door of the car for Li Fei; the Third Prince sat inside and flashed Li Fei a smile.

The python robe on the other party was still present, a folding fan now in his hand, and his entire demeanor had an added touch of a dashing young master.

Li Fei bent down to get in.

"People really aren't comparable to one another."

The Third Prince remarked, "Last time we met, you were just an imperial envoy, a Level 9 secret inspector. Several months later, here you are, the youngest Marquis, a Level 15 official. Congratulations."

"Thank you, Third Prince. I also need to thank you for your advice before."

Li Fei replied.

The fan in the Third Prince's hand tapped his palm, "It was you who seized the opportunity. Given your nature, even without my advice, you probably wouldn't have easily backed down."

Li Fei gave a noncommittal look, "May I know what advice the Third Prince has for me this time in meeting me privately?"

The corners of the Third Prince's mouth curled up.

Last time after Li Fei concluded the court meeting, he was assigned the 'Lifespan Extension Pill case'.

The Third Prince had advised him in this way.

This time Li Fei was assigned the 'Heavenly Altar assassination case', and the Third Prince met him in the same manner, presumably also with advice.

"If I'm not mistaken, the Crown Prince must have met you first. What advice did he give you?"

The Third Prince asked.

Li Fei candidly replied, "The Crown Prince said he would fully support me in the investigation."

"Oh?"

The Third Prince seemed surprised, "It seems I have somewhat underestimated him."

Li Fei: "Does the Third Prince think that the Crown Prince like before, would advise me not to probe too deeply?"

The Third Prince didn't answer but instead asked,

"What do you think is the reason His Majesty assigned you to this case, and granted you the position of Blue Patrol Envoy?"

"Please enlighten me."

"Because His Majesty wants you to be a Lone Minister."

"...."

"The first time when you were sent to investigate the Lifespan Extension Pill case, it was actually a test for you because the actual truth of the case wasn't important at all. The Emperor had already planned the disposition concerning the Daluo Sect and Qing Xu True Monarch well in advance. Sending you to investigate was merely a move he casually made; the Emperor wanted to see your temperament.

Now, the results of the assessment are out; determined, courageous, talented, daring to do what others dare not. If used as a blade, you might someday become the sharpest knife under the heavens!"

"..."

"Now, granting you the title of Marquis and the authority to inspect the entire world, I intend to forge you into a sharp blade. Sending you to investigate the assassination at the Heavenly Altar is a process of sharpening."

The Third Prince suddenly unfolded his fan and looked into Li Fei's eyes:

"A nineteen-year-old Marquis, with unparalleled talent in history, who else would dare employ you if you weren't a lone minister?"

Li Fei was silent for a moment, then calmly said, "Your Highness's words always aim straight at the heart."

The Third Prince smiled, "You wouldn't think I'm here to probe your mind again, would you?"

Li Fei also smiled in response, "How could I dare?"

The Third Prince shook his head, his eyes fixed intently on Li Fei as if he could see through to one's soul:

"I know you don't mind being a lone minister, but this time my advice is not to delve deeply into the assassination at the Heavenly Altar."

"Oh?"

"The Emperor gave you the task to investigate, but did not specify a timeline; now that you are the Blue Patrol Envoy, you could start with the cases you are most interested in. There's no need to wade into the murky waters of the Capital City."

Although the Emperor did not directly instruct Li Fei to review the Shangguan Xiao case, by appointing him to this position, it was tantamount to granting him the authority to review it.

Li Fei and the Third Prince looked at each other, word by word, Li Fei said:

"Isn't Your Highness afraid that such remarks might lead to misunderstandings?"

The Crown Prince knew the Emperor wanted him to be a lone minister, to sever connections with all parties during the investigation process, yet he still expressed full support for his investigation.

The Third Prince, however, advised Li Fei not to delve too deep, naturally arousing suspicion.

The smile remained on the Third Prince's face as he snapped his fan closed again:

"I'm only giving you advice, like before. Whether you take it or not is your own decision."

This indicated it was time for the guest to leave.

Li Fei bowed respectfully, "Thank you for your advice, Your Highness."

Then he got out of the car and, led by a eunuch, left.

Little Hua took the driver's seat, started the car, and slowly drove away from the area.

"Do you think he will listen?"

The Third Prince suddenly spoke from the back seat.

While driving, Little Hua casually said he did not know.

The Third Prince laughed, "True, a man like him will only follow his own heart."

....

Li Fei left the Imperial Palace and randomly picked a guard to take him to the Cabinet.

He was going to the Monitoring Pavilion to 'report,' and to collect his official robe, command plaque, and gold seal.

With these items, he would officially be the Blue Patrol Envoy, a level 15 Sitting Official.

Being a Marquis really was different; as soon as Li Fei showed his badge to the guards inside the Imperial City, they immediately arranged a special car to send him to the Cabinet.

Sitting in the car, Li Fei reminisced about what the Crown Prince and the Third Prince had said.

Combining the information provided by both, he was almost certain that the Emperor really intended for him to be a lone minister.

Originally, when he had defeated the Eldest Prince in the street and kicked him flying,

the news had barely spread when the Emperor allowed him to pick an extra Secret Manual from the Royal Book Collection Pavilion.

Looking back now, perhaps the Emperor had already contemplated making Li Fei a lone minister then.

To sever ties with all parties, not be close to anyone, and yet dare to offend anyone!

This is what the Third Prince meant by forging the sharpest blade!

Granted the title of a Marquis and bestowed with the powers of an envoy, such 'sharpening' was indeed grand, compelling one's admiration.

The Third Prince had indeed spoken words that resonated deeply with Li Fei.

He truly did not care about being a lone minister; what he cared about was investigating the cases he was interested in.

After all this detour, he finally had the blade for revenge!

"Marquis, we have arrived at the Cabinet."

The driver in the front seat slowed the car down, turned around, and respectfully spoke to Li Fei.

"Good, thank you."

"You mustn't say that, Marquis! It is merely my duty."

"Hmm."

Li Fei opened the car door and got out, looking up at the grand entrance of the Cabinet, and strode in.

This was his first step towards revenge.

....

PS: Still busy with renovations, can only update once today.