The Sect Leader Has Taken in a New Female Disciple-Chapter 957 - 300: Which Prince Do They Want to Bring Down? (6k)

In response to Cao Zhengyang's inquiry, Zhong Yao immediately began the introduction.

"This is Princess Consort Ying, the biological mother of the Fifth Prince. Behind her are the elders of the Liu Family from the Imperial City, who are Princess Consort Ying's maternal family."

Upon hearing this, Cao Zhengyang suddenly understood.

Earlier, it was rumored that Chief Eunuch Gao Xianzhong, dissatisfied with the County Governor and Mansion Master's incompetence, had already returned to the Imperial City.

Not only did he clear himself thoroughly, but he also exaggerated the situation, provoking the Emperor's wrath and prompting punitive actions.

Regardless of the reason, a dignified prince could not die mysteriously without anyone knowing who the culprit was.

It seems this time Princess Consort Ying was bringing the fury of her maternal family, along with the authority granted by the Emperor, to demand an explanation personally.

Upon hearing this, Cao Zhengyang immediately stepped forward, bowed his hand in salute, and said: "Sect Leader of Taiqing Sect, Cao Zhengyang, greets Princess Consort Ying and the esteemed guests!"

Princess Consort Ying cast a cold glance at him, nodded slightly in acknowledgment. 𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺

"Sect Leader Cao," Princess Consort Ying spoke, her voice as cold as frost, "we are all smart people here, so I will get straight to the point."

"I have come not for anything else, but merely to seek justice for my son."

Cao Zhengyang nodded, indicating that he understood.

For the consorts in the imperial harem, giving birth to a prince meant having the potential to vie for the throne.

This Princess Consort Ying in front of him, it was unknown how much effort and how many resources she had spent to cultivate the Fifth Prince up to this point.

But in the end, he died in a foreign land, without even a complete body left behind.

Subsequently, Princess Consort Ying gestured to someone behind her.

Immediately, an elder stepped forward timely, taking out a Jade Scroll and presented it.

"This contains the appearance and attire of the Fifth Prince before his death, as well as the likenesses of several Guardians!"

The elder's tone carried an undeniable implication.

Looking at the Jade Scroll being handed over, Cao Zhengyang did not reach out to take it.

In any Cultivation Country, sects and dynasties held equal status; neither was subordinate to the other.

If you seek my help, it depends on whether I am willing to take it on.

Moreover, this matter entails a broad implicature, having ignored several individuals who reached Divinity Transformation Realm Perfection, slain the Fifth Prince and others without leaving a trace after the fact.

This clearly demonstrates the immense power behind the actions, most likely manipulated by other princes and their backing forces.

Currently, Taiqing Sect is already facing a multitude of issues, and I truly am not in the position nor willing to accept this matter.

Seeing Cao Zhengyang's demeanor, Princess Consort Ying's phoenix eyes narrowed slightly.

Then she spoke: "Sect Leader Cao, upon arriving at your esteemed sect, I have somewhat grasped the current situation here in the Eastern Domain."

"The connections and intelligence of Taiqing Sect in the Eastern Domain have long surpassed Cangyan Daoist Palace."

"As long as Sect Leader Cao is willing to help, for any clues found, I am willing to offer a thousand Top-Grade Spirit Stones as remuneration."

Upon hearing this, Cao Zhengyang couldn't help but feel a shiver at heart.

A thousand Top-Grade Spirit Stones! Such generosity is indeed astounding.

The foundation of the Imperial City's nobility is truly incomparable to those of us in small sects in the Eastern Domain.

Yet the fear lies where the money would be received but life might be forfeited before it could be spent.

His gaze swept across the haggard countenances of Zhong Yao and Xiao Ji, thought briefly and then shook his head.

Once involved, Taiqing Sect would essentially be tied to the dynasty's chariot, becoming associated with these individuals' status to a certain extent.

If all the Peak Masters and others were dispersed and sent out, and were eaten away by Lei Wuji, that poisonous king, the loss would outweigh the gain.

What is more frightening is, given the dynasty's usual conduct, if no results are found after taking the money, one might end up getting reversed blamed.

It's better to offend from the start than to face troubles later on.

Having figured this out, Cao Zhengyang bowed his hands and said: "Princess Consort Ying, I genuinely sympathize with the affair regarding the Fifth Prince."

"However, Taiqing Sect is currently amidst numerous predicaments, truly incapable of managing elsewhere, besides..."

He paused, his gaze sweeping across Zhong Yao and Xiao Ji: "Even the County Governor and Mansion Master are at their wit's end with this; we might also find difficulty in accomplishing anything."

Hearing this, Princess Consort Ying's eyes flashed with a cold glint.

The gray-robed elder, still holding out the Jade Scroll, snorted coldly: "Does Sect Leader Cao intend to decline?"

"Yes, that's correct," Cao Zhengyang nodded frankly, "apologies!"

Seeing the atmosphere becoming instantly tense, and Cao Zhengyang's firm posture, County Governor Zhong Yao quickly stepped up to mediate.

"Cao, the lady is acting out of a mother's affection. Perhaps this: Taiqing Sect only needs to keep an eye out for related clues, without dispatching people to investigate specifically."

Mansion Master Xiao Ji also chimed in: "Yes, consider it a favor to us."

Seeing that his stance had reached this point, Cao Zhengyang sighed and said: "Alright then, I will take this Jade Scroll and will instruct the disciples to be vigilant, but..."

He looked directly at Princess Consort Ying: "Taiqing Sect conducts its affairs in its own way, and I hope the lady understands."

Princess Consort Ying gave him a deep look and suddenly chuckled lightly: "Sect Leader Cao indeed speaks frankly. Very well, I shall await good news."

With that, she turned and stepped back onto the Flying Ship.

As for the five gray-robed elders, they cast a displeased glance at Cao Zhengyang before following her aboard.

Zhong Yao and Xiao Ji exchanged wry smiles, clasped hands at Cao Zhengyang: "Thank you, Cao, for your understanding. We still need to visit the Cangyan Daoist Palace, so we won't disturb you further."

Subsequently, the Flying Ship lifted into the air, soon becoming a streak of light in the sky.

Watching the receding Flying Ship, Cao Zhengyang looked down at the Jade Scroll in his hand, letting out a faint hum.

"Since choosing to ask a local like me for help, some modesty should have been shown, not dispensing charity with a royal attitude."

Elder Wuzhu stepped forward, leaning in to whisper: "Sect Leader, this Jade Scroll..."

"Keep it for now." Cao Zhengyang casually tossed the Jade Scroll to Wuzhu, a gleam flashing in his eyes.