To his surprise, Lord Heroic Chen Yi instructed him and Li Qingzhou to guard Yang Huan while he himself infiltrated the Heavenly Prison to slay Wang Yang.
This shows that Chen Yi is extremely knowledgeable about the "Eagle" affair, managing to uncover Yang Huan's identity as the Third Mister, and also knowing their setup in the Heavenly Prison.
Yang Wanli paused and replied, "Indeed, it was Lord Heroic Chen Yi! Last night, after he slew Wang Yang, he delved into the Sky Prison Tower and conversed with Lord Kong for a long time!"
Emperor Wei cast a sideways glance at the Great Master, his gaze still carrying traces of displeasure, saying, "Old Prince was disturbed, and it was Chen Yi who went personally."
"Great Master, do you still intend to conceal the truth?"
"I dare not," the Great Master lowered his head slightly, clasping his hands as he replied, "Earlier, I hadn't come face-to-face with Chen Yi. It was from his Master Li Qingzhou that I learned about Yang Huan's identity."
"So, it seems you hold Chen Yi in high regard." Emperor Wei snorted, "The Chen Family lad had you keep watch over Yang Huan, clearly intending to deal with Yang Huan after handling Wang Yang in the Heavenly Prison."
"Perhaps, according to his plan, last night he should have been able to catch them all in one fell swoop."
"Thanks to you, Yang Huan was exposed, and the others no longer stayed hidden—you really startled the snakes!"
Although Emperor Wei hadn't directly met Chen Yi either, over the years the Imperial Family wasn't entirely uninformed about the "Eagle."
Judging by his knowledge of those people, combined with the investigation results from last night, it wasn't hard to deduce Chen Yi's scheme.
Thus, last night he pressed the Great Master in such a manner—pressuring a Divine Power Realm veteran guardian of the Wei Dynasty for three hundred years.
The Great Master heard this and lowered his head further.
Indeed, his actions toward the Third Mister Yang Huan last night were indeed misguided.
If what Emperor Wei just said was true, not only did he startle the snakes, but he also indirectly disrupted Chen Yi's plans.
"This matter truly was my fault."
Seeing him admit it, Emperor Wei's expression improved a bit, he sighed and said, "Enough, I know you're the Academy Saint of the Kyoto Academy, and also Yang Huan's teacher, so learning he's part of the 'Eagle' naturally shook your mind."
"I do not blame you, I do not blame you..."
At this moment Nine Thousand Years bowed, saying, "The Holy Emperor's words are correct; last night the 'Eagle' people refrained from direct action due to concerns."
"Were it not for someone hidden in the Demon Court, the Great Master should have been able to control Yang Huan."
Emperor Wei waved his hand, gave him a sideways glance, and said, "Do you think I don't understand? Forget it, forget it... Now that it's known that Chen Yi has some understanding of the 'Eagle' affair, let's invite him to the Imperial City for a discussion."
"It's been a while since he's been in seclusion; I haven't summoned him, yet I didn't expect he'd do so much in silence."
Speaking of which, Emperor Wei paused and pondered, "What did Prince Kong say earlier? What did he discuss with Chen Yi?"
Yang Wanli clasped his hands and said, "In reply to the Holy Emperor, Lord Kong discussed matters of the Buddhist with Lord Heroic."
Emperor Wei shook his head and said, "It seems the Chen Family lad really knows quite a bit."
"Then, let us summon him right away." Nine Thousand Years bowed in reply.
Before he could leave the study, Liu Gao's voice came from outside, "Holy Emperor, it's time for the imperial audience, would you like to move to the Imperial Palace?"
Emperor Wei thought for a moment, stood up, and looked at the Great Master, saying, "Wait here, and once Chen Yi arrives, we'll proceed with discussions."
Little did he know, as soon as he said this, Liu Gao outside seemed to hear his voice and quickly replied:
"Reporting to the Holy Emperor, today Lord Heroic has also come to the Imperial City, seemingly to attend the imperial audience."
Emperor Wei and the Great Master exchanged a glance, and smiles surfaced on their faces.
While walking out, he laughed and said, "After doing such a big thing last night, he comes to meet me today as if he has something to say."
"Very well, very well... Ever since Chen Aiqing became famous throughout the Wei Dynasty, accomplishing great feats at the South-Garrison Pass and Kyoto Prefecture, I haven't had a chance to meet with him. Today let me have a good look at him!"
"Speaking of which, when he was a child, I even held him, haha..."
Seeing Emperor Wei leave the study laughing loudly, the Great Master breathed a sigh of relief.
Nine Thousand Years signaled for Yang Wanli to return to the Heavenly Prison, perceiving the activity outside and secretly transmitted to the Great Master:
"After knowing what happened last night, the Holy Emperor's emotions are inevitably stirred; he's very worried that after this, he might miss the chance to act against the 'Eagle.'
The Great Master knew he was trying to comfort him, and couldn't help but respond with a wry smile: "I'm aware..."
"As you said earlier, Yang Huan, whom I myself taught, alas... Even after I found out his identity early, I still couldn't bring myself to be harsh."
"Because of this, while I was guarding him alongside Li Qingzhou, I momentarily neglected, hence he sensed something wrong and exposed himself."
Nine Thousand Years shook his head quietly, thinking, perhaps he might have acted the same way.
To paraphrase the teachings of Confucian sages—one cannot be perfect without making mistakes.
"Today, for Chen Yi's first time in the Imperial Court, I'm afraid there will also be exchanges with us, though..."
Unfortunately, if Emperor Wei's guess was correct, last night might have seen the slaying of more "Eagle" members.
"After the imperial audience, I also want to hear what else Chen Yi knows."
After all, he had waited for three hundred years; the Great Master didn't mind waiting a bit longer.
If there's a chance to completely destroy the "Eagle's" plans on Tianyuan Continent, then in his lifetime he could also visit Taizhou Mountain.
Thinking of this, the Great Master's expression grew a bit sorrowful.
Compared to Wang Yang, Yang Huan caused him more anguish.
"This matter should come to a conclusion!"
Within the Imperial Palace, extravagance abounded; carved beams and painted rafters, golden jade filled the hall.
Yet upon first entering the Imperial Palace, Chen Yi had no regard for this; it might hold some interest within the Wei Dynasty territory, but compared to the clusters of palaces in his mind, it's far too simple.