"You didn't... sorry, I didn't notice you just now."
'Gong Kang' bumped into someone while hurriedly fleeing, instinctively wanting to curse, but he quickly realized the situation, humbly apologized, knowing that this was not the time to cause further complications, lest trouble arise.
"Hey, aren't you Gong Kang, my next-door neighbor? Are you also out for a stroll?" Qin Muye's voice came.
However, instead of pleasing Gong Kang, these words nearly scared him half to death since people were searching for him everywhere now.
But he quickly realized that the other party probably didn't think much of it and also understood that after he was put under house arrest, all the neighbors around him had actually been cleared out, so the other should not know his specific situation.
"It's you, ah. When did you move?" 'Gong Kang,' suppressing his emotions, spoke in an even tone.
"Oh, some local tycoon took a fancy to my house, the kind with considerable influence here. Not only did they return all the rent I had paid, but they also gave me an extra amount to make me move immediately. I thought it was a great opportunity, so I just moved," Qin Muye seriously stated.
What he said was actually a lie. The real situation was that they had killed all the people around, disposed of the bodies, and then moved in directly.
The arrogant and haughty Prince's Manor giving money to commoners? Ha, killing them was considered their honor.
'Gong Kang' also realized something significant, Qin Muye's story had a big issue. Knowing the true nature of the Prince's Manor, he saw right through it. ThisisasamplefromMyVirtualLibraryEmpire.Readthereston*.
However, he had no intention of delving deeper and was ready to leave.
"I see, congratulations on your good fortune then. I have some matters to attend to and must leave first." 'Gong Kang' bowed and was about to leave.
But Qin Muye grabbed him, "Where are you going? If you don't mind, take me with you. Today is the Flower Festival, and since I'm free, let's go together."
Qin Muye shamelessly tagged along, almost pushing 'Gong Kang' to the brink of action.
Fortunately, he controlled himself, as his identity could not be revealed. He was also puzzled, wondering what the deal was with this person. Did he truly recognize him or was it all a facade?
"Is it inconvenient? If it's inconvenient, then never mind," Qin Muye said subtly, aiming to advance by giving the impression of retreating.
'Gong Kang' hesitated for a moment. Now that the Prince's Manor was searching for him on a large scale, any interaction with Qin Muye could lead to inquiries revealing his situation. He could leave Qin Muye behind but that could create problems later.
On the other hand, taking him along and deceiving him to a secluded place to kill him would eliminate a potential threat since not many knew him.
Most were Spirit Masters, but at this time, they were all gathered by the Prince's Manor to better manage their movements and facilitate the Blood Sacrifice.
So he had to take him along.
"There's nothing inconvenient about it, just not very convenient to bring a guest along," 'Gong Kang' promptly stated.
"That's true, let's leave it then, next time I'll visit Brother Gong again," Qin Muye agreed as if it made perfect sense.
"However, it's fine with my friend. He likes a crowd, enjoys liveliness, and it'd be great for you to join us," 'Gong Kang', upon hearing this, hastily added.
No need for a next time if he couldn't get through this one; they'd all be gone, no need for future plans.
"Really? You're not planning to lure me to a dark corner and then stab me, are you?" Qin Muye suspiciously stated.
'Gong Kang's' face stiffened; he hadn't expected Qin Muye to say that.
"It's all a joke, we're so familiar, how could you possibly stab me, right?"
"Is it a bit inappropriate for us to show up empty-handed? Maybe we should bring something."
Qin Muye was already arm-in-arm with 'Gong Kang,' looking for all the world like old acquaintances. In truth, the two barely knew each other.
'Gong Kang' felt quite repulsed by Qin Muye's behavior but, constrained by his own status, found it difficult to express his anger.
Therefore, he could only muster a reluctant smile, "No need. My friend's family lacks nothing. Besides, things are so expensive during the Flower Festival. We can always make it up next time."
"Tsk, you really know how to manage a household," Qin Muye conceded. "Indeed, buying a gift now would be a complete rip-off with the holiday and tourist area prices combined."
As the two walked arm in arm, 'Gong Kang' caught a glimpse of a hurried group from the Prince's residence brushing past them. At that moment, all his muscles tensed, thankfully the group only glanced at the pair and seemed to notice nothing.
'Did I just dodge a bullet? What's going on?'
'Gong Kang' was perplexed about his unexpected escape. He had no idea how it had happened.
'Wait, could it have been his cover for me? It must be; after all, to the royal residence, I am but a lone individual, and I wouldn't be wandering around so openly. Thus, could I infiltrate the royal residence?'
'The matter of the Blood Sacrifice isn't just about granting the Prince the life of a Daluo Golden Immortal. If used properly, I too could reach the peak of Golden Immortal strength, propelling me straight to becoming a Daluo Golden Immortal.'
'Gong Kang' wasn't foolish; although he had been manipulated before, he had gained a substantial understanding of the Blood Sacrifice. Now, this knowledge became crucial to his breaking the game.
However, the current issue was how he should enter the Prince's residence and bring along the man currently covering for him.
"Ahem, brother, I am actually planning to attend a banquet at the Prince's residence. Do you have any connections?" 'Gong Kang' asked quietly.
Qin Muye was somewhat shocked. That straightforward? Aren't you afraid that once inside, you'll be seized by eight hundred guards and then it's goodbye to the great Han life?
"Come on, do I look like someone who could possibly have a way into the Prince's residence?" Qin Muye countered. How could an ordinary person get into such a place?
Spirit Master? That term doesn't even count as ordinary; the moment one contracts with a Spiritual Beast, one becomes Transcendent.
"This..." 'Gong Kang' hadn't expected Qin Muye to be so blunt.
"Still, it's not impossible. I have a cousin whose second nephew's father's third niece's partner has an uncle whose next-door neighbor's aunt's husband supposedly works at the Prince's residence. We could sneak in as servants to see the inside if you're okay with that," Qin Muye mused.
"???" 'Gong Kang' was utterly confused. What kind of relationship was that? It seemed a bit far-fetched—no longer even a familial relationship, considering a neighbor completely distorted the link.
After thinking about it, 'Gong Kang' felt there shouldn't be too big of an issue, especially since Qin Muye would be going too.
"Then shall we go broaden our horizons?" 'Gong Kang' proposed right away. He now understood that there were paths for snakes and ways for rats. He hadn't felt it before, but it had become clear in his downfall.
Otherwise, if he tried to infiltrate on his own, he would probably be discovered instantly.
"Sure, but I remember the banquet doesn't start until the evening. We'd be working for free if we went now. Let's go tonight; a few Silver Taels might even let us meet some of those Spirit Masters, and perhaps even the Prince," Qin Muye said with a grin.
This statement made 'Gong Kang' quite uncomfortable, but he didn't show it: "Indeed, such important figures are rare. Otherwise, how could we claim to gain insight?"
"But weren't you going to introduce me to your friend? Will you have time tonight? Should we bring him along?" Qin Muye inquired further.
"No rush on that. Friends can be met anytime; I haven't made specific plans. Tomorrow is fine too. Today, let's focus on gaining insight," 'Gong Kang' gave a smooth excuse. Initially, to kill him required a secluded place, but unexpectedly, there was a way into the royal residence, so hands couldn't be laid. He still needed the other's help.
Now that he thought about it, it was no wonder he was so thick-skinned about meeting a friend; it was probably to expand his network. Like today, being able to get into the royal residence through such a distant connection would have seemed unbelievable before.