Once only the two of them were left in the hall, he slightly sobered up and whispered, "Brother Zhou, now that no one is here, speak freely if there is something you wish to discuss."

Zhou Qing did not speak directly but instead transmitted his voice, "Indeed, there is something I am unsure whether I should mention."

Xuanyuan Yichen’s hand holding the pot paused slightly.

If Zhou Qing acted with such caution, it must not be a trivial matter.

He nodded calmly, "Between you and me, there’s no need for formalities."

"If the Taiqing Sect had not precisely avoided the trap set by Princess Consort Ying and the Liu Family, the death of the fifth Brother would likely have been blamed on me, and I might still be under Father Emperor’s scrutiny."

Zhou Qing pondered for a moment, then transmitted his voice again, "To be honest, I came to the Imperial City this time initially to seek our senior brother, but I heard of the Nangong Family’s incident... Your Highness should know what I mean."

The smile on Xuanyuan Yichen’s face froze, and then he slowly said, "This matter has caused quite an uproar in the city; I am naturally aware. However, there are many with the same name across the world, not necessarily..."

Zhou Qing’s eyes were sharp, "Yet when he countered against Nangong Xiao, he carelessly allowed one of the followers to escape."

"This person not only heard their mutual addresses but also truthfully described their appearances to the Nangong Family."

"Because of this, they could swiftly locate Zhao Hanyue, Lan Caiwei, and others."

Zhou Qing suddenly leaned forward, "Now, the Nangong Family has portraits of our senior brother and others, and there’s no way Your Highness isn’t aware."

"If you disclose the location of the Taiqing Sect to the Nangong Family, surely it would earn some significant favor."

At this point, Xuanyuan Yichen gazed at Zhou Qing for a moment, then sighed, "Fine, I admit that upon hearing of the Ghost Mastiff’s counterattack against Nangong Xiao, I immediately thought of your senior brother."

"After seeing the portraits, I was even more convinced. I immediately instructed those who had accompanied me to the Taiqing Sect in the past, including Ninth Sister, to keep silent about the matter."

He paused, a hint of reminiscence in his eyes, "As I mentioned earlier, though my acquaintance with your senior brother wasn’t deep, we did meet under unusual circumstances back then."

Xuanyuan Yichen stood upright, his tone becoming more sincere, "Plus, with your assistance in restoring our Dynasty’s border array and the fifth Brother’s incident, I keep these favors in mind."

"Moreover, the Holy Martial Dynasty has vast territories, and your senior brother and others are cautious in their actions; everyone believes they are loose cultivators."

"Zhao Hanyue and others have sealed their memories, hiding their origins."

Zhou Qing heard this and felt a surge of gratitude.

At any rate, he did not add insult to injury, which was already the best outcome.

Xuanyuan Yichen shifted the topic, asking with great interest, "Speaking of which, I am quite curious about the ’Mr. Ji’ who assisted your senior brother."

"This person’s combat strength is astonishing; not only did he completely overpower the six Divinity Transformation Realm Perfections of the Nangong Family, but it’s also said he slew all nine elite Jieyun Thieves."

He paced to the window and continued, "Even more remarkable is that he is a third-level Array Master. It’s heard that the Duobao Trading House has already released news, willing to pay a significant sum to recruit him."

Zhou Qing feigned a bitter smile and then shook his head, "I am more curious than Your Highness."

"These past two days upon arriving in the Imperial City, as you know, Lingyun Mansion is a long journey from here; I traveled day and night for two years."

"So..." Xuanyuan Yichen mused, "You come to bring me news of your senior brother?"

Upon closer thought, that indeed seemed to be the case.

Just arriving, Zhou Qing already heard of such developments.

In this Imperial City, he had few connections; likely, the only person he could turn to for help was Yichen.

Zhou Qing nodded and said earnestly, "That is indeed why I have come; I wonder if Your Highness can offer assistance?"