The high priest, in response to Nangong Mian’s query, retorted, “Can’t I come?”
Nangong Mian shook his head, clarifying, “That’s not the issue.” His surprise stemmed from the high priest’s recent presence at the competition ground. The ongoing matches should have held the high priest’s attention, making his sudden appearance unexpected.
The high priest maintained his silence, offering no explanation.
“Quanquan.”
Di Qin hurried to Huang Quan, scrutinizing her from head to toe to ensure her well-being. Only then did Di Qin visibly relax.
Looking at him, Huang Quan assured, “Qinqin, don’t worry about me. Those people are not my match.” She was confident they couldn’t harm her.
“Understood.”
Di Qin nodded and then shifted his gaze to the lifeless body on the ground.
The corpse exhibited signs of poisoning—bleeding from orifices and blackened lips.
“He bit the hidden poison in his mouth.” As Di Qin observed the corpse, the high priest approached with a composed expression.
“Come here!” Di Qin commanded sternly.
Following Di Qin’s directive, someone entered the room from outside.
The individual donned a green robe and a masked face, making it challenging to discern their true identity. Their aura was incredibly faint, nearly imperceptible without careful attention.
“Your Highness.” The newcomer faced Emperor Qin and respectfully saluted.
“Take this body back and deliver it to An Yesi.” Di Qin’s voice remained icy as he addressed the man, “Within half an hour, determine his identity and find out who hired him.”
Half an hour?
Nangong Mian was greatly surprised. Uncovering such information within that timeframe seemed challenging.
However, he had earlier communicated to Di Qin his desire for the mastermind’s identification, trusting that Di Qin could make alternative arrangements.
The man respectfully replied, “Yes.”
With that, he swiftly moved to the corpse, lifted it from the ground, exited through the window, and disappeared shortly after.
The high priest, maintaining his composed demeanor, turned his attention to Huang Quan and Nangong Mian. In a calm tone, he inquired, “Do you have any suspects?”
“There are suspects,” Nangong Mian responded with a furrowed brow, “but no evidence.”
The high priest raised his eyelids and addressed him, “I didn’t ask about evidence. I merely inquired about suspects. Answer my question, and leave the rest to me.”
Upon hearing this, Nangong Mian stated, “Xiwu Empire.”
Huang Quan chimed in, “Possibly the second prince of the Apocalypse Empire.”
“Second prince?” Nangong Mian questioned, puzzled. “The one Qin Yang associated with?”
Huang Quan nodded, confirming, “Yes.”
Nangong Mian turned to the high priest, stating, “That makes two.”
“I can add one to you,” he continued.
The high priest regarded them both indifferently and uttered, “Nangong Qingle.”
“Nangong Qingle?” Nangong Mian expressed confusion. “What does she have to do with this?”
Unaware of Nangong Qingle’s inappropriate gaze toward Huang Quan, Nangong Mian was puzzled. However, Huang Quan, recognizing the insinuation in the high priest’s words, felt a renewed sense of suspicion.
Looking at the high priest, Huang Quan questioned, “Are you suggesting that we are connected to the Nangong family of the Apocalypse Empire?”
“I cannot confirm whether we are related at this time.”
“Wait!”
Nangong Mian interjected in disbelief, “Quanquan, are you saying we are connected to the Nangong family?”
Huang Quan met his gaze and clarified, “Brother, I mean it literally.”
“Our lineage may have ties to the Nangong family.”
Nangong Mian couldn’t fathom it. “Are you referring to the Nangong family, the foremost family in the TianHuang Empire?”
