The Daqian Imperial City is divided into the inner city and the outer city.

The inner city is the place where the royal family lives, and its defense is much tighter. Although its area is only one-tenth or one-twentieth of the outer city, the defensive strength is far superior to that of the outer city.

The fact that the Foundation Establishment Realm level seven official lived in the outer city meant that even if he died, it was highly likely due to the weaker defense there.

At this moment, Qin Muge wanted to leave the inner city, wasn’t he just delivering himself into the mouth of another?

Qin Cangqiong ordered firmly that even if they had to break Qin Muge’s legs, they must bring him back.

The inner city commander, having received the order, immediately went to find Qin Muge.

But in less than half an hour, he returned once more.

The commander knelt before Qin Cangqiong and said: "Your Majesty, the Second Prince is missing."

"What?" Qin Cangqiong favored Qin Muge not only because of his talent in cultivation but also because he was pleasant to speak with. Although sometimes a bit stubborn, he was similar to himself.

Qin Cangqiong even hoped that one day he could cultivate Qin Muge to become his successor.

However, Qin Muge was too simple-hearted, and although he had Hua Nu, a loyal servant by his side, he didn’t pay much attention to the overt and covert calculations of court intrigue.

Such a person might be easily deceived and still be grateful to those who took advantage of him.

Therefore, half a year ago, Qin Cangqiong tacitly permitted Qin Muge to travel outside, hoping he would gain some insight into the treacherous nature of people. After returning, he might have a more profound understanding.

However, upon his return, Qin Muge became engrossed in cultivation, exhibiting a determination to break through the Foundation Establishment Realm.

Regarding this, Qin Cangqiong was quite relieved.

As a prince, one must either be exceptionally strategic or exceptionally powerful.

As long as one has mastered either, whether through force or intelligence, it is enough to suppress others.

The only thing Qin Cangqiong felt was lacking was the absence of a true expert by Qin Muge’s side.

Someone who could independently manage affairs and support Qin Muge.

Now, hearing that Qin Muge was missing, Qin Cangqiong finally felt something was amiss: "Spare no expense to find him."

On the other side.

Ye Guichen paid respects to the coiled dragon before returning to his residence.

A long the way, Dragon City’s streets were nearly deserted.

Occasionally, he would encounter a few patrolling soldiers, who upon seeing Ye Guichen out at night, rebuked him to return immediately.

Ye Guichen, perplexed, asked, "Esteemed officers, how is it that this place is so bustling during the day but deserted at night?"

The leader of the patrol soldiers glanced at Ye Guichen: "Are you new here?"

Ye Guichen did not deny it and nodded slightly: "Having long heard that Dragon City is the Daqian Dynasty’s largest city, I came to visit. I arrived today."

The leader scrutinized Ye Guichen but held no malice and explained, "Recently, due to Lord Wang’s affair, the entire Imperial City has been on alert. It’s highly likely that members of the Demon Clan have already infiltrated, so if there’s nothing urgent, it’s best not to go out at night to avoid any accidents."

Hearing this, Ye Guichen roughly understood the situation.

It seems that the so-called Lord Wang should be the Foundation Establishment Realm level six expert.

"Oh, thank you, Lord, for informing me." Ye Guichen cupped his hands and turned to leave.

Suddenly, there was a scream from the distant street.

The scream was very urgent.

However, it was quickly detected by the patrol group.

"What’s going on? Quickly, let’s go check it out." The patrol no longer paid attention to Ye Guichen, swiftly heading towards the direction the sound came from.

Ye Guichen, curious, followed them.

The group soon arrived in a small alley.

The alley reeked of blood.

A man’s corpse lay on the ground. 𝓯𝓻𝓮𝙚𝙬𝓮𝙗𝒏𝙤𝒗𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝒐𝓶

The man lay face-up, his heart seemingly torn open by a sharp blade, leaving a huge gash.

Blood flowed from the man’s chest.

A soldier quickly stepped forward to inspect.

Then stood up and reported to the leader: "The heart has been removed."

The leader’s expression darkened: "It must be a heart-eating demon. Search and find it!"

The soldiers, with solemn faces, took a deep look at the dead man and turned to search for the murderer.

Suddenly, a cat’s meow echoed.

Immediately, countless black cats appeared in the alley.

The number of black cats was tens of them, all staring at the patrol and Ye Guichen with their eyes.

Their gaze was chilling.

"Damn it, why are there so many black cats all of a sudden?" The leader, named Shen Lang, worked in a department within the Imperial City called the Heavenly Patrol.

Their duty is to patrol for the Emperor and protect the safety of the entire Dragon City.

The highest position in the Heavenly Patrol is the Chief, followed by various positions, arranged as Golden Bell, Silver Bell, and Copper Bell.

To become a Copper Bell, one’s minimum cultivation must be at Foundation Establishment Realm level three, and to become a Silver Bell, one needs to be at Foundation Establishment Realm level five. If one wants to become a Golden Bell, they must reach Foundation Establishment Realm level seven.

However, due to the abundance of talent here, even a Foundation Establishment Realm level seven expert finds it challenging to climb to the position of Golden Bell.

The slain Foundation Establishment Realm level seven Lord Wang had hoped to compete for the Golden Bell position.

For this reason, he was particularly hostile to the Demon Clan, using it as an excuse to expand his influence, but unexpectedly, he met a violent death.