“What do you mean by ‘this year or the next’?” Chu Li’s voice boomed.

　　“Did you witness the assassination just now?” Xiao Shi turned to ask him.

　　Chu Li nodded. “The High Officials of the Holy Church of Light are low-ranking ones and they’re seeking their own death.”

　　“Is their martial arts prowess not up to par?”

　　“They’re worse than high-ranking High Officials and much worse than the disciples of the Holy Church of Light.”

　　“Did you see Little Sister’s swordsmanship?” Xiao Shi gave a wide smile. “Not bad, isn’t it?”

　　Chu Li looked at her helplessly.

　　She was obviously trying to fan a flame and stir up some trouble.

　　Xiao Qi regarded Chu Li weakly. “Looks like my level is a little bit lower than yours.”

　　Chu Li chuckled. “I kill people all the time and my abilities are often refining, but my Boundary isn’t anywhere as good as yours. Killing people isn’t a nice thing either.”

　　Xiao Qi remarked calmly, “You have become even stronger now. Did you gain anything in the Li Dynasty?”

　　Chu Li smiled. “I’ve joined the Holy Church of Light and become an outer mountain disciple. I have obtained the Scripture of Great Light and I need to begin my cultivation in isolation.”

　　“Have you really obtained the Scripture of Great Light?” Xiao Shi was surprised.

　　Chu Li nodded slowly. “I got lucky.”

　　Indeed, it was a stroke of luck. Everything fell into place like pieces of a puzzle. If something went wrong along the way, or if he made up a different story regarding his fortuitous encounter, he would not have made it this far. He could only say that it was fate and it was not just his wits that propelled him to this stage.

　　“The Scripture of Great Light…” Xiao Qi sighed and shook her head. “You can gain a ton of benefits just by cultivating this scripture.

　　Chu Li nodded with a smile. He was experiencing this advantage now.

　　He only cultivated its basic heart techniques and had not cultivated the Scripture of Great Light’s martial arts yet, but he could already sense changes in his physique. He was more agile and moved twice as fast.

　　Chu Li’s initial speed was impressive enough. At this point, it had not been a month since he cultivated the Scripture of Great Light and his speed had reached an otherworldly level. Now, he no longer feared Fang Qingyang’s body movement techniques.

　　Xiao Shi laughed. “Chu Li, I don’t think you should go undercover. Just join the Holy Church of Light publicly. With your abilities, I doubt it’ll be difficult for you to scale the ranks. After that, you can influence the Li Dynasty via the Holy Church. This is ten thousand times more important than the work you do at the Secret Guardians Hall!”

　　Xiao Qi frowned. “I fear that the Secret Guardians Hall won’t agree with this.”

　　“I don’t think they’ll be so short-sighted, will they?” Xiao Shi remarked.

　　Xiao Qi hummed and shook her head. “If the Secret Guardians Hall reveals anything about you, you’ll be in deep trouble and all of your previous efforts would be for naught!”

　　Chu Li spoke, “So far, only two people know my identity, Commander and Deputy Commander.”

　　Xiao Qi asked, “Can they be trusted?”

　　Chu Li grinned. “They trained me to be their successor.”

　　“You should be more careful, then,” Xiao Qi advised. “They probably won’t let you infiltrate the Holy Church of Light deeply.”

　　Chu Li nodded and sighed. “The Holy Church’s might is way beyond my imagination.”

　　He discovered the Holy Church’s vast influence from his mission.

　　“The four major sects have a deep concrete foundation. How could they not be powerful after being present for thousands of years?” Xiao Qi remarked weakly, “They’re unpredictable and don’t you try to destroy them. Even a godly Master like the emperor can’t do it.”

　　Chu Li nodded.

　　They heard the sound of footsteps approaching. Zheng Lide’s voice resounded across the place. “Head Chief, His Royal Highness requests your presence.”

　　Chu Li enquired, “What’s the time now? Isn’t His Royal Highness asleep yet?”

　　“His Royal Highness woke up with a start and wishes to meet you, Head Chief.”

　　“Alright.” Chu Li accepted this request and saluted the two women with cupped fists. Then, he turned and exited Tianshu Courtyard.

　　Zheng Lide saluted in return and gestured him to move along courteously.

　　Chu Li tilted his chin and motioned to Zheng Lide to lead the way.

　　The latter did so and walked in front.

　　Chu Li asked nonchalantly, “How’s the recovery of His Royal Highness’ martial arts?”

　　Zheng Lide answered, “His Royal Highness’ martial arts prowess is exceptional. I can’t tell with the Young Prince’s.”

　　“Looks like he has mostly recovered,” Chu Li said. “Did he get a miraculous pill again?”

　　Zheng Lide kept quiet.

　　Chu Li snorted silently. He already understood what went on in Zheng Lide’s mind.

　　Last time, it was a Primary Heaven Pill. This time, it was also a Primary Heaven Pill. However, previously, King An got it personally from a disciple of Green Deer Cliff. This time around, that disciple sent someone to hand it over.

　　Chu Li frowned privately.

　　‘Is Green Deer Cliff involved as well?’

　　Both of them arrived at King An’s study.

　　Zheng Lide announced, “Your Highness, Head Chief is here.”

　　“Enter,” King An responded with a deep voice.

　　Chu Li stepped into the main hall.

　　The hall was brightly lit. King An was seated in the center and gazed coldly at him.

　　Chu Li gave a fist salute. “Your Highness.”

　　To the left of King An was an elderly man dressed in purple who was a High Official of the Imperial House. To the right of the king stood Xu Ning. His yellow robe shimmered brilliantly under the light. Nonetheless, his eyelids were partially closed as if he was reciting a mantra and was oblivious to his surroundings.

　　“From what I heard, did some assassins arrive again?”

　　“Yes.”

　　“Lately, a number of Masters have entered our Residence. Which sects are these Masters from?”

　　“Don’t you know, Your Highness?” Chu Li gave a subtle smile. “They were solicited through the help of friends. All kinds of them, some are from Snow Lunar Pavilion, some are from Amethyst Mountain.”

　　“Amethyst Mountain?” King An remarked in a low voice, “There was a Master from Amethyst Mountain?”

　　Chu Li nodded. “There were four Amethyst Mountain Masters. We paid a very high price and they only helped us for one year.”

　　“What price?”

　　“A huge supply of Spirit Blessing Pills.” Chu Li sighed. “The Eldest Master of High Duke’s Public House was worried about the Lady and purposely recruited them, so it basically cost him an arm and a leg. Currently, the supply of Spirit Blessing Pills in the Public House is rather limited. Fortunately, it’s still considered to be stable within the boundary.”

　　“My martial arts prowess was disrupted twice, all because of the disciples of Amethyst Mountain!” King An said coldly, “Looks like Xiao Tieying is behind it!”

　　Chu Li twitched his brows. “You’re wrong, Your Highness. Why would the Eldest Master do such a thing? The greater the defenses of the Imperial Residence, the safer the consorts will be. I bet there’s an incitement going on.”

　　“Hmph, incitement!” King An glared at him. “Did you plan this?”

　　Chu Li made a startled expression. “I don’t understand what you mean, Your Highness.”

　　“You sent someone to disrupt my prowess!” King An yelled.

　　Chu Li chuckled and shook his head. “Why do you have to falsely accuse me, Your Highness?”

　　“You know this and I know this!” King An snarled. “You attempt to toy with me. You don’t even regard me as your king!”

　　Chu Li smiled weakly. “You’ve misunderstood me, Your Highness.”

　　“Quit pretending!” King An roared. “I know all about your diabolical tactics!”

　　Chu Li let out a sigh. “It looks like you’re hell-bent on accusing me of wrongdoing, Your Highness, regardless of what I say.”

　　“Correct, regardless of what you say!” King An sneered. “Bunch of sweet talk. Get him!”

　　“Yes.” Two elderly men clad in purple responded and pounced on Chu Li.

　　Chu Li frowned and observed the two approaching men in purple. They struck their fists on him.

　　Their fists were solid and appeared right before Chu Li’s eyes in no time. The two men had been building up force in their fists for quite some time and their blows came like hammers.

　　Chu Li counter-attacked with both his left and right palms.

　　“Boom!” A loud noise was heard and all three men took a step back.

　　King An frowned subtly.

　　He knew how powerful Chu Li’s martial arts prowess was, yet he felt that even if two of his finest Imperial House High Officials were to tackle him, they could still teach Chu Li a lesson and wipe that smug grin off his face despite failing to kill him.

　　Little did he know that Chu Li’s skills were so powerful that he was on par with the two High Officials.

　　“Boom! Boom!” The two High Officials struck again. Chu Li attacked with outstretched palms and the three men took a step back again.

　　Chu Li announced, “Your Highness, I’ll be leaving now. I’ll explain again next time!”

　　As soon as he finished speaking, he spun around and disappeared.

　　“Get him!” King An cried.