Chapter 50: Someone Wants to Harm You?

The Lantern Bureau was located near the Imperial Palace of the Great Zhou, neither too close nor too far from the Duke of the Nation’s residence. Cheng Guang mounted his Dragonhorn Horse, and after about two hours, he arrived at his destination.

The Lantern Bureau was vast. Outside stood a grand, exquisite pavilion, imposing and solemn, with many small courtyards within. On either side of the black jade-paved roads, enormous statues of human figures stood tall. Each generation of Lantern Bureau’s heroes was depicted holding an Everlasting Lamp, symbolizing the opening of new paths for the human race.

Although it was only February and the temperature had begun to rise, approaching the Lantern Bureau brought an inexplicable chill that enveloped one’s entire being.

Cheng Guang leapt from his Dragonhorn Horse, handed it to Lin Cheng, and strode directly into the Bureau.

Within its halls, powerful figures abounded. Anyone he passed was far beyond his current capabilities. Yet these formidable beings, whose strength dwarfed his own, would narrow their eyes upon seeing Cheng Guang, halt respectfully to salute, and only rise again once his figure vanished from sight, exchanging puzzled glances.

They wondered silently why the heir had suddenly come to the Lantern Bureau today.

Cheng Guang walked through the Bureau for about half an hour before someone approached him. Upon seeing Cheng Guang from afar, the man stopped and bowed deeply.

“My lord.”

The man’s features were dignified, his face rugged and resolute, around forty years old. He wore the Lantern Bureau’s black and gold uniform, appearing crisp and efficient. Though his aura was intimidating, when he looked at Cheng Guang, there was a gentle warmth, like a spring breeze.

Cheng Guang glanced at him and immediately recognized him as Qian Siyuan, the deputy to Cheng Zhihai.

Qian Siyuan’s strength was second only to Cheng Zhihai in the Lantern Bureau, his martial prowess reaching the eighth rank—a being no ordinary mortal could compare to. In the capital, he was known as a butcher and a murderous demon, feared by countless nobles and aristocrats, all of whom had been personally eliminated by this seemingly amiable middle-aged man.

“Uncle Qian,” Cheng Guang greeted respectfully. Even the true heir would remain humble in the presence of this man.

Qian Siyuan nodded slightly, his gaze flicking over Cheng Guang. At that moment, Cheng Guang was clad in elegant robes, his finely sculpted features noble and deep, every movement exuding dignity without arrogance, instead showing great humility.

Truly a fine young man.

Even Qian Siyuan thought Cheng Guang’s appearance outshone that of Bureau Chief Cheng Zhihai, as if he were not a biological son.

After appraising Cheng Guang, Qian Siyuan asked, “My lord, what brings you to the Lantern Bureau today? Are you here to see the Chief?”

“More or less, I have something to discuss,” Cheng Guang replied.

Qian Siyuan sighed. “The Chief is currently in a meeting. It seems traces of the demon clans have appeared across Great Zhou, and no one knows how they managed to sneak in. The Chief is quite troubled by this.”

“If you had come any later, the Chief might have already left the capital.”

“Follow me, my lord, and wait in the side hall.”

Cheng Guang thanked him and followed in step, pondering Qian Siyuan’s words.

“All across Great Zhou there are signs of demon clans?”

“Smuggling?”

“Could this have something to do with Bai Shuxuan, or with those behind her?”

“Bai Shuxuan is clearly one of the demons who smuggled in from the Eightfold Demon Domain, but her status is far above that of ordinary demons…”

Cheng Guang’s eyes flickered. He suddenly felt that the organization behind those who sought to assassinate him might also be involved in the demon smuggling incidents. He knew little of other demons, but Bai Shuxuan’s arrival in the Great Zhou surely relied on their assistance.

Led by Qian Siyuan, Cheng Guang arrived at a side hall and then entered a tea room. The tea room was simply furnished, with only a wooden chair and a desk, upon which various tea utensils were neatly arranged.

After pouring tea for Cheng Guang and asking him to wait, Qian Siyuan departed.

After a short while, the door to the tea room opened.

Cheng Zhihai entered, his brow furrowed with worries, but upon seeing Cheng Guang quietly seated inside, his expression softened and a doting smile appeared.

“Guang’er, what brings you here today?”

Cheng Guang rose and, without much preamble, spoke directly, “Father, someone wants to harm me.”

He did not hesitate for a moment.

If all he needed was to survive the assassins’ attack, he might not have needed Cheng Zhihai’s help. But to capture them all alive, the covert guards arranged by his father would not suffice. To be safe, Cheng Guang sought his father’s assistance.

Cheng Zhihai was momentarily startled by his words, not thinking much of it.

“Someone wants to harm you? Who would dare?”

He assumed Cheng Guang was complaining about some rivalry or dispute, as had happened before.

But Cheng Guang’s next words changed his expression instantly.

“The Saintess of the Qingqiu Fox Clan, Bai Shuxuan.”

“She is backed by others and will send people to assassinate me in a few days.”

Cheng Zhihai’s eyes twitched at the mention.

“The Saintess of the Qingqiu Fox Clan? A demon?”

“Where is this demon? How did she get close to you?”

Cheng Zhihai had arranged many guards around Cheng Guang, poised to respond to any disturbance. How could the Saintess of the Qingqiu Fox Clan have appeared near his son without his knowledge? If Cheng Guang hadn’t told him, he would never have realized that demons had infiltrated the capital.

Cheng Guang’s expression remained calm as he met his father’s gaze. “The Saintess, Bai Shuxuan, is currently the courtesan of the Blossoming Flower Tower. She seeks to enchant me and control my mind.”

“But for some reason, I was not affected.”

“I overheard her plotting. In a few days, she plans to have me dismiss all my guards, making it easier for assassins to strike.”

Cheng Zhihai listened, breathing deeply, thoughts racing through his mind. The recent demon incidents faced by the Lantern Bureau suddenly became clearer.

“So that’s it. Such audacity, daring to reach for my son.”

“If Guang’er hadn’t noticed, I would likely have left the capital by now to investigate the demon smuggling. Clearly, this is a diversion…”

He murmured to himself, a surge of fear rising as he grasped Cheng Guang’s hand to examine him.

“Guang’er, are you alright? Has the fox demon affected you?”

Cheng Guang shook his head. “I’m fine.”

“She is unaware that her identity has been exposed.”

“So I plan to play along, lure the snake from its hole, and capture her and the assassins she brings in one fell swoop.”

Cheng Zhihai nodded, a smile appearing as he found Cheng Guang’s body unharmed.

He relaxed at last.

Cheng Guang’s visit had provided crucial clues and much-needed help. The frequent demon smuggling incidents were clearly designed to lure him away from the capital—making it easier for those behind the scenes to act.

Their aim was to assassinate Cheng Guang.

They thought their plan was flawless, but never guessed his son would see through their scheme.

He had exposed the fox demon’s plot at a glance, neither alarming her nor acting rashly, but instead coming to his father with a clever plan to entrap them all.

Cheng Zhihai felt a surge of emotion; Cheng Guang had truly matured, no longer as inexperienced as before.

He was both gratified and apprehensive, still concerned for his son’s safety, afraid he might be harmed by the fox demon if he let his guard down.

A glint of coldness appeared in Cheng Zhihai’s eyes.

No matter who they were, anyone who dared target his son deserved only death.