#216 - Separation between father and son, Infernal Affairs

The Third Prince also revealed a look of surprise, somewhat suspecting whether this guy was setting him up.

Could it be that this gift box contains someone's head?

With Duan Ming's character and methods, he could very well do such a thing.

"This prince will gladly accept Lord Duan's gift, please come in!"

Duan Ming chuckled and accepted the gift box, gesturing for him to enter.

However, Duan Ming didn't move, saying faintly, "Doesn't Your Highness plan to open it and see what gift this envoy has brought?"

The Third Prince's expression twitched slightly, and Lie Mang also narrowed his eyes, sizing up Duan Ming, wondering what this guy was up to.

The assembled officials looked at the gift box in the Third Prince's hands, also somewhat curious about what exactly it contained. Could it be some incriminating evidence of the Third Prince's that couldn't see the light of day? That would be truly exciting!

After hesitating again and again, the Third Prince opened the gift box. Instantly, spiritual light shone from the box, emitting dazzling rays.

"A Sixth-Rank Mixed Yuan Pill?"

Everyone present revealed a look of astonishment.

This was a top-tier Sixth-Rank pill, with a great boosting effect on cultivators at the Fusion Realm, and without any side effects. It had extremely stringent requirements for the alchemist's skill, making it exceptionally precious even in the Goddream Dynasty.

The Third Prince breathed a sigh of relief, but was also somewhat delighted. He hadn't expected Duan Ming, who was usually unapproachable, to give him such a precious pill. Was this trying to curry favor with him?

He subconsciously glanced at Lie Mang beside him.

He saw Lie Mang also frowning at this moment, sizing up Duan Ming, equally surprised.

"What does Duan Ming mean by this? Could he be trying to choose a side?"

"That's possible, otherwise why would he suddenly be so amiable towards the Third Prince?"

"His position in the court is extremely sensitive. Daring to show favor to a certain prince, His Majesty won't let him off easily."

The officials couldn't help but secretly transmit their voices, discussing and not understanding what Duan Ming was trying to do.

"Thank you for Lord Duan's gift, this prince likes it very much!" The Third Prince smiled and put the gift box into his storage ring, once again gesturing, "Please!"

Only then did Duan Ming flick his cloak and stride in.

"Granduncle, what does Duan Ming mean by this?" The Third Prince and Lie Mang walked behind, frowning and asking through voice transmission, "Could it be that he has discovered our affair?"

Lie Mang stared at Duan Ming's back, stroking his beard and saying, "Unlikely. You and I are in single-line contact, and we haven't done anything. Although Duan Ming is ruthless and unapproachable, he always emphasizes evidence and won't act rashly."

Duan Ming's actions left everyone puzzled, and the matter quickly spread, attracting the attention of others.

"His Majesty has arrived—"

Above the nine heavens, Lie Huan arrived on a dragon carriage with the Empress, Luo Xiangfei.

The officials hurriedly went out to welcome him.

"Yao'er!"

Lie Huan laughed heartily, his eyes flashing with satisfaction towards his son, "You've reached the mid-stage of the Fusion Realm so quickly, not disappointing your father's expectations, not bad, not bad!"

Luo Xiangfei flipped her jade hand, took out a gift box and smiled, "Yao'er, this is a gift that the Emperor and I prepared for you. You must cultivate well and strive to break through to the Celestial Realm as soon as possible!"

The Third Prince hurriedly bowed and accepted the gift box, saying firmly, "Thank you, Your Majesty, thank you, Empress Mother!"

Lie Huan swept his gaze and landed on Lie Mang's body, narrowing his eyes slightly, smiling and saying, "Royal Brother has also come!"

Lie Mang smiled and said, "Royal Nephew's cultivation has greatly improved. I happened to be in the Imperial City, so I should come and take a look."

Lie Huan remained noncommittal, then turned his gaze to Duan Ming, his expression slightly cold, "The Supervisor also has a lot of leisure time."

Duan Ming cupped his hands and didn't say anything.

With the officials present, Lie Huan couldn't say much, and directly took his seat.

Before long, in the large mansion, songs and dances were performed.

… …

A day later, Duan Ming, who received a summons, quickly walked into Lie Huan's study.

"Your Majesty!" Duan Ming respectfully saluted.

Lie Huan held an ancient scroll made of unknown beast skin, saying faintly, "What did you do at Yao'er's place?"

A fierce light burst out in Lie Huan's eyes, putting down the ancient scroll in his hand, and said in a deep voice, "What do you mean? Didn't you say before that there was nothing between them?"

Duan Ming cupped his hands and said, "Last time, the Empress was beside me, and some words were inconvenient for this subject to say clearly. In fact, the Surveillance Department has long obtained information in this regard."

A prince, and a prince with outstanding talent, colluding with a powerful prince, what good could come of it?

It was estimated that any emperor would involuntarily have associations.

It should be known that Lie Mang himself was also a Fusion Celestial, and also had a Fusion Celestial under his command. If it weren't for the need for him to guard the southern border to prevent the Yuanxu Dynasty from invading, Lie Huan would not have given him such great power at all.

"So, you went to congratulate Yao'er this time to probe the truth?"

Lie Huan slowly sat back, his eyes flickering.

Duan Ming said, "Yes and no. This subject also doesn't want the Third Prince to develop dissent, causing discord between Your Majesty and the Third Prince, so I wanted to verify it."

Lie Huan narrowed his eyes and asked, "Then what did you find out?"

Duan Ming said, "From the information this subject currently has, there are only private interactions between the Third Prince and Prince Mang, without any other actions. Your Majesty doesn't need to worry."

Lie Huan sneered, "No other actions? Does it have to wait until they are colluding with each other, and there are signs of raising troops before it counts as an action? My third son has always been ambitious, I'm afraid he has long been dissatisfied with this father emperor constantly controlling the imperial power. Lie Mang has also repeatedly proposed to me to attack other dynasties, increase the dynasty's territory, and unify Yong Province, but I have rejected them all. It seems that the two of them really hit it off…"

Duan Ming hurriedly said, "Your Majesty thinks too much, maybe it's just uncles and nephews increasing their affection…"

Lie Huan had already become suspicious at this time, how could it be easily eliminated, staring at Duan Ming coldly and saying, "Does it have to wait until Yao'er breaks through to the Celestial Realm, and their camp has three Fusion Celestials, before it's considered not thinking too much when they raise troops to rebel!"

Lie Huan stood up, took a deep breath and said, "You keep a close watch on Yao'er and Lie Mang, and report to me as soon as there is any action."

"Yes!"

"You may leave!"

Lie Huan closed his eyes and waved his hand.

Walking out of the study, Duan Ming looked back again, and a cold smile slowly appeared on the corner of his mouth.

— —

Inside the Supervisor's bedroom.

Duan Ming, who was sitting cross-legged looking at the jade slip, moved in his heart and looked towards the corner. A black-robed doppelganger slowly walked out.

"Master!"

Duan Ming hurriedly saluted and paid respects, shocked in his heart. This alliance master was indeed all-powerful. His place could be said to be heavily guarded, with various large arrays layered and shrouded, yet the alliance master was able to break in silently!