"I don’t know about that. Some say it’s the ghosts in the palace causing trouble, while others suggest it’s man-made. Still others point directly to the Ninth Prince, since he is the only new arrival."
"Is that so?" Bai Junjun asked, curious.
Lady Lin shook her head: "Whether it’s true or not, the fact is that Prince Hanying hasn’t taken any action against the Ninth Prince so far. It probably doesn’t involve him."
"Then that’s strange." Bai Junjun was still pondering who the killer could be when Lady Lin waved her hands dismissively: "Who cares who it is? We’re not constables. Let the constables worry about such things. I’m about to share another piece of news."
"..." Everyone present.
They really hadn’t expected Lady Lin to be the type to dig holes without filling them in.
Shouldn’t they discuss the outcome of the gossip before moving on to the next topic?
However, Lady Lin clearly didn’t want to waste time on unseen conclusions, and she slowly began to speak:
"The next piece of news isn’t from the Imperial Capital, but it’s still somewhat related to us." She glanced meaningfully at Manager Qiao: "People outside are saying that the selection process for the Saintess of Witch Ancestor Mountain has started."
"The selection of the Saintess?"
Manager Qiao stood up excitedly, and after repeatedly confirming the accuracy of the news, he turned pale and muttered, "It’s over, it’s over..."
"What happened?" The crowd didn’t know much about Witch Ancestor Mountain, and hearing the word ’selection’ didn’t seem too bad. Hadn’t they known from the beginning that Wu Nuan was to become the 16th Saintess and participate in the selection?
This was a predetermined event, so why was Manager Qiao so uneasy?
Manager Qiao shook his head: "No, you don’t understand. Once the selection for the Saintess begins, the final successor must be determined within a month. During the competition, it’s permissible for the Saintesses to die or have accidents during Gu Dueling, because Witch Ancestor Mountain wants the strongest."
Manager Qiao didn’t expect the selection to come so quickly; he had been thinking of waiting for Junjun to finish her journey before setting out together. But now, there was no time left. He had to return to Witch Ancestor Mountain immediately to protect Wu Nuan; otherwise, she surely wouldn’t survive the month of internal strife.
Li Wenli furrowed his brow: "It doesn’t have to be so pessimistic. From what we’ve seen, Wu Nuan does have some skills."
"Right. Even if you go back, it would be of no use. Not to mention you’ve lost your Lifebound Gu. Even if it were still with you, you’re not a combatant. What could you possibly do to help her?" Bai Junjun added fuel to the fire.
Manager Qiao was choked up by their words and completely lost his train of thought for a while before regaining his composure.
"I’m well aware of her abilities. Although she is talented, the other Saintesses are not weak. Plus, if others join forces, that girl will only be strangled."
At this moment, Manager Qiao was as anxious as an ant on a hot pan, frantically agonizing.
Bai Junjun and Li Wenli exchanged a glance, realizing that the ten-day agreement would most likely have to be brought forward.
However, the meeting of the Three Kings had only reached its second day, with three more days to go before concluding, and the Imperial Palace had just released news of the Dowager Empress’s disappearance. There might be bigger moves coming up, so leaving now would indeed be improper.
Facing two important issues, they didn’t immediately know how to decide.
In the end, Bai Junjun made a decision: "Fox, why don’t you go ahead."
Implicit in her words was that Li Wenli should set off for Witch Ancestor Mountain first.
After all, Yuwen Jun was still here, and it was more appropriate for her to deal with Yuwen Jun than for Li Wenli to stay.
Li Wenli remained silent.
Bai Junjun looked at him firmly once more: "Listen to me. You and Ah Dao head to Witch Ancestor Mountain first. After the meet of the Three Kings, I’ll bring the main forces to join you."
Li Wenli sighed: "Then be careful."
Their conversation ignited a glint of hope in Manager Qiao’s eyes.
He held both of their hands with an excited face.