C7 A Terrifying Conspiracy!

Lin Xi shot Lu Hao a sharp look. The Purple Ripple Lion was a High Rank Profound Beast, and while it wasn't as formidable as the Royal Treasure Butterfly that Guo Yajie had encountered in the Tripitaka Sutra Pavilion, it was still a force to be reckoned with. It appeared that the esteemed families of the empire all possessed such High Rank Profound Beasts. Lin Xi mused that he should acquire an even more superior one for himself someday.

"So, Lin Xi, that's why I've come to you. I'm hoping you can help me retrieve the Purple Ripple Lion Cub. I can't seem to find anyone else in the academy who can assist me with the Purple Ripple Lion. If not, I'm as good as dead," Lu Hao pleaded with a look in his eyes that was reminiscent of a woman trapped in sorrowful seclusion.

Lin Xi felt a chill run through him at the sight of Lu Hao's desperate gaze. If he didn't lend a hand, Lu Hao might indeed end up embodying the very image of a woman consumed by grievances.

"Alright, alright, alright. You don't need to look at me like that; I'll help you," Lin Xi declared, emphasizing each word. Despite the Academy Examination looming, his brotherly bond prevailed. He couldn't bear the thought of his close friend Lu Hao facing Old Master Lu's wrath upon returning to the capital.

Lin Xi recalled an incident when Lu Hao had erred, reportedly losing a family treasure in a gamble. Though the Lu family's heirloom was later recovered by Minister of Works Lu Hong at a steep cost, Lu Hao was severely punished by Old Master Lu. That beating was no less severe than the one Lin Xi had received from Great General Lin Sen after his alleged impropriety with Princess Jinger.

"Third Young Master, I'm forever grateful. I knew you wouldn't leave me in the lurch. You're truly the best," Lu Hao exclaimed, embracing Lin Xi.

Lin Xi felt as though he was enveloped by a greasy pig, his entire being slick with oil, as if he had been plunged into a deep fryer.

Lu Hao was aware that even with Lin Xi's intervention, the chances of finding the Purple Ripple Lion were slim. Yet, having one more ally meant additional strength, and Lu Hao harbored an unspoken trust in Lin Xi.

"You mentioned that your Purple Ripple Lion vanished near the back mountain?" Lin Xi asked, collecting his thoughts and recalling Lu Hao's previous words.

"Yes, that... Lin Xi, please don't get the wrong idea. I know you're incapable of such an act as molesting Princess Jinger. Hmph, to think that if you had actually molested that unattractive princess, not only would you be innocent, but your lifelong reputation would have been tarnished by her devious plot," Lu Hao spoke up in Lin Xi's defense.

"Young Master Lu, do you truly trust that I haven't wronged Princess Jinger?" Lin Xi was taken aback by Lu Hao's words, yet they also fell in line with what he had anticipated.

"Need you even ask? I know exactly who you are, Third Young Master. I might believe you're a wastrel, but I can't fathom you actually molesting anyone! Sure, you're a bit of a rogue, but you're not rotten to the core," Lu Hao affirmed, looking at Lin Xi with eyes that resonated with unwavering trust.

"Young Master Lu, you understand me well," Lin Xi replied, meeting Lu Hao's gaze, which was devoid of any impurity. A wave of emotion washed over him as he recognized the genuine belief Lu Hao held—that Lin Xi was innocent of any misconduct toward Princess Jinger. Lin Xi was touched; despite Lu Hao's reputation for frivolity, he was earnest at heart. He acted on his true feelings without a hint of artifice, exuding authenticity. If everyone were like Lu Hao, the world might indeed be a more peaceful place. Unfortunately, there are those who are the opposite—full of deceit and prone to underhanded tactics.

"The incident with Princess Jinger also seems to be connected to the area behind the mountain," Lin Xi mused, a shadow crossing his expression as he sensed that something was off. It began with the fatty losing the Purple Ripple Lion Cub, but somehow, the blame had shifted onto him. There seemed to be a hidden agenda at play, with Lin Xi as the intended target.

Could this be a calculated plot? Or perhaps a snare?

If the incident with Princess Jinger was just the start, then surely more devious plans were in the works. Maybe someone was using the accusation against Lin Xi as a ploy, aiming directly at him. But Lin Xi suspected that targeting him was merely a facade; their true aim was likely his father, Great General Lin Sen, or even the entire Lin family. After all, Great General Lin Sen was not someone easily provoked.

Lin Xi observed the fat man before him, pondering whether the loss of the Purple Ripple Lion Cub was accidental, intentional, or orchestrated by another. Seeing the fat man in a state of utter disarray, Lin Xi came to a conclusion: if the loss was accidental, the man posed no threat; if it was intentional, then he was a hidden danger; and if it was the third case, the involvement of another party complicated matters even further.

"If anyone dares to target the Lin family, I, Lin Xi, will make sure they regret it!" Lin Xi vowed silently, a glint of cold determination flashing in his eyes.

"Third Young Master, shall we set out now to search? The sooner we find it, the less I'll have to suffer," Lu Hao said, looking at Lin Xi with hopeful eyes.

"There's no need to hurry. Let's head back to the dormitory and rest for a bit. We'll start our search in the afternoon," Lin Xi replied. Having just left the Tripitaka Sutra Pavilion, he realized it was already noon. Lin Xi felt it was essential to return to the dormitory to ponder their next move and to familiarize himself with the college's back mountain.

"Indeed, Third Young Master. Your dorm is quite nice. Living alone in such a spacious room must be comfortable. Is my bed still there?" Lu Hao inquired.

"It's still there; I've kept it for you," Lin Xi confirmed. He remembered that Lu Hao had brought the bed into his dorm room so they could hang out together. To some extent, Lu Hao was like a roommate to him.

"Great, let's rest for a while then," Lu Hao agreed, feeling the weariness set in. The long run had taken its toll, and he felt he'd lost several pounds. Seeing Lin Xi again, he experienced an odd sensation—he could sense that Lin Xi had changed.

Together, Lin Xi and Lu Hao made their way to the dormitory.

In the mid-afternoon, around two or three o'clock, Lin Xi and Lu Hao emerged from the dormitory. Lin Xi was composed, while Lu Hao was slightly excited.

Their destination was the academy's back mountain. Despite their efforts to move discreetly, they were spotted by someone lurking in the shadows, who began to tail them.

"We're being followed!" Lin Xi's unease deepened. He sensed a large trap, suspecting that the back mountain concealed unknown secrets.

"Jade Purity experts sure hold me in high regard," Lin Xi mused. His cultivation of the Chaos Scripture had significantly enhanced his abilities, particularly his soul perception, which was now exponentially more acute. He detected the tail immediately but chose to act oblivious, continuing their trek toward the back mountain.

The back mountain of the academy was merely a small part of the institution, yet it served as a haven for the playboys. The academy paid little attention to this area, which often became a gathering spot for such individuals. However, it was also fraught with danger. Behind the mountain lay the Dark Abyss, a place where a fall meant almost certain death. The abyss was home to various dangerous Profound Beasts, and survival after a fall was nearly impossible.

Roughly fifteen minutes passed before the person tailing them vanished, only to be replaced by someone else. Lin Xi paid little mind to this, as he was fairly certain that the disappearance of Lu Hao and the Purple Ripple Lion was no accident.

In a dormitory of the Celestial Enlightment Empire, a man dressed in black stood before a young man exuding elegance. "Young Lord, Lin Xi and Lu Hao have entered the back mountain!" he reported, kneeling before the other.

"Understood, you've done well. Keep tracking those two dandies. Once they're within our target range, we'll execute our plan. Remember, no mistakes, or you're aware of the consequences," the young man replied, his eyes flashing with a hint of malice.

"Yes, Young Lord!" With that, the man in black swiftly exited through the window.

This refined young man was none other than Liu Linxiang, the grandson of Liu Kun, the current Minister of Justice of the Celestial Enlightment Empire. With his handsome features, dressed in white, he exuded an air of elegance and grace. He stood by the window, observing the changing scenes outside with a calm and composed demeanor. He was also one of Princess Jinger's admirers.

"Lin Xi, you think you can get away with your insolence towards Princess Jinger with that playboy demeanor? I'll make sure you pay dearly, perhaps with a blood price, and ensure you never get the chance again," Liu Linxiang mused, a glint of cold determination in his eyes.

"Linxiang, Lin Xi himself may not be a concern, but Lin Sen, the man behind him, is not to be trifled with. If he gets wind of our actions, we may not fear him, but it will certainly complicate matters," said an elder in green attire, who had appeared behind Liu Linxiang without notice. His tone carried a hint of reproach, yet it was light and confident, betraying no real worry about Liu Linxiang's capabilities.

The elders are known for their caution, a trait that Linxiang admires. However, Lin Xi is the epitome of a wastrel. For someone like him to mobilize a Spirit Purity expert would be to acknowledge him as a significant figure. To deploy such a powerful individual would be to overestimate him greatly.

This time, our plan is foolproof. Even if Lin Xi were to vanish, no one would suspect us.

Currently, within the National Academy, the factions of the Celestial Enlightment Empire, including the royal family, are likely seeking to exploit this situation to set each other up. Not to mention the three princes, who have undoubtedly already begun their covert maneuvers. And let's not forget the various powers within the academy itself, as well as the branches from other empires. As long as actions are taken in secret, they will go undetected.

In the end, should Lin Xi perish, his death will be in vain."

"True, Lin Xi may be a playboy, but he has a high opinion of himself. Pitting wise and resourceful individuals against him would only backfire. And there's certainly no need to engage our core forces."

"You've got a point!" The man in blue regarded Liu Linxiang with a glimmer of appreciation. Liu Linxiang, as the leading figure of the Liu family's younger generation, exuded leadership in every aspect, from his demeanor to his speech. He was impeccable! His strategic mind was always a step ahead, and his cultivation of Clear Qi was nothing short of genius. At just twenty-three, he had already advanced to the Spirit Purity Middle Period, a feat unparalleled in the entire Celestial Enlightment Empire. The man in blue, as the Liu family's guardian, held Liu Linxiang in high esteem.

Liu Linxiang was composed and measured, neither arrogant nor rash. He maintained a low profile and was adept at orchestrating plans behind the scenes. With his youthful brilliance and profound knowledge, he surpassed even Liu Kun in his prime.

It is foreseeable that the Liu family's ascent to greatness will hinge on Liu Linxiang. As the grandson of an old friend, he is a source of immense pride.

Liu Linxiang's merit lies in his pragmatic approach and commitment to realism. His assessment of Lin Xi as a playboy is an objective observation, free from personal bias.