Huo Qixiao stayed at the Prince Rui's mansion until the afternoon. Not long after he left, it began to pour down rain. Prince Rui stood under the eaves, watching the falling raindrops, his expression shifting through a complex range of emotions.
His heart was a battlefield of conflict and anticipation. He hoped the old Daoist Priest Huo Qixiao mentioned was a fraud, thus dispelling any talk of impending disaster.
Yet, deep down, a greedy ambition stirred. He yearned for such a person to exist, for precognition was an extraordinary ability! With such a capable individual by his side, wouldn't the entire empire be within his grasp?
The storm raged all night, its intensity only gradually subsiding around midnight. After much deliberation, Prince Rui decided against meeting Prince Ning for the time being. He would personally verify the old Daoist Priest's words the next day before deciding whether to bring up the matter of the Furong Pavilion.
Prince Rui finally fell into a troubled sleep in the dead of night. The following morning, he made a point of waking early and setting out half an hour ahead of schedule.
Once inside his carriage, he specifically instructed the driver to take a detour via Jinfeng Street, thinking this would allow him to evade the old Daoist Priest's prophecy.
Perhaps due to insufficient sleep the previous night, Prince Rui soon drifted off. Fate, however, works in mysterious ways, and many of life's occurrences are predestined.
Prince Rui's convoy meandered along Jinfeng Street. Midway through their journey, the road ahead became unexpectedly congested. The driver overheard conversations from passersby, learning that a significant portion of the road had collapsed due to the previous night's heavy rain.
It was difficult for pedestrians to pass, let alone for carriages. Unaware that Prince Rui had intentionally avoided Jinling Street, the driver did not seek further instructions from his master upon discovering the impassable road. Furthermore, several other carriages had arrived behind them, making it impossible to turn back.
Consequently, the driver turned onto a nearby side path and headed towards Jinling Street.
After traveling a considerable distance, Prince Rui in the carriage suddenly felt something was amiss. He lifted the carriage curtain and looked out. At this moment, Prince Rui's convoy was traveling along Jinling Street.
The wide street was bustling with people. Prince Rui recognized the road as Jinling Street and immediately ordered the carriage to halt, scolding sternly.
"Wait a moment, isn't this Jinling Street? Why have you taken this route? Did I not instruct you this morning to travel via Jinfeng Road?"
The usually mild-mannered Prince Rui's sudden outburst startled the driver, who quickly knelt on the road to reply. "Your Highness, please quell your anger. It is this servant's fault. However, the Jinfeng Road we were taking was washed out by yesterday's heavy rain, causing a long obstruction ahead. This servant, fearing delay, turned onto Jinling Street."
Upon hearing this, Prince Rui's heart sank. Could it be that the old Daoist Priest's prophecy was unavoidable today? "What time is it now?"
"Reporting to Your Highness, it is almost the third quarter of the hour of the serpent."
Before the driver could finish speaking, a group of assassins clad in black suddenly descended from above. brandishing their weapons, they lunged directly towards Prince Rui's carriage, clearly having been lying in ambush.
The pedestrians on the street scattered in panic at the sudden turn of events, throwing the area into chaos. Prince Rui was momentarily stunned by the unexpected attack. By the time he regained his senses, there was no time to ponder the prophecy.
There were more than ten assassins in total, each a master of martial arts. Fortunately, Huo Qixiao had informed him in advance about the possibility of an assassination attempt today.
Therefore, even after changing the time and route at the last minute, Prince Rui had brought twice the usual number of guards with him that morning for safety.
Yet, even with twice the usual number of guards, after a fierce battle, Prince Rui's side suffered heavy casualties, and Prince Rui himself was wounded. Without the extra guards, he might have met a terrible fate today.
The wounded Prince Rui was escorted back to the mansion and attended by the imperial physician. Prince Rui, his face grim, sat in a chair. After his injuries were treated, he instructed his subordinates to summon the eldest young master of the Huo family, Huo Qixiao, and to do so discreetly, avoiding detection.
By the time of the hour of the serpent, no one had come to fetch him. Huo Qixiao was anxiously pacing in the courtyard. Could it be that he had remembered the date incorrectly? In his past life, had Prince Rui not been ambushed on this very day?
But it shouldn't be like this! He clearly remembered that in his past life, Prince Rui was assassinated a few days before Prince Ning's incident. The person who sent assassins after Prince Rui that day was Prince Ning, and it was said that Prince Rui was the one who eventually killed Prince Ning in the Furong Pavilion.
Just as he was consumed by anxiety, someone leaped through his bedroom window.
Huo Qixiao's expression turned cold, and he fixed his gaze on the uninvited guest. "Who goes there? How dare you trespass into my Huo mansion!"
Seeing Huo Qixiao seated by the window, the person quickly stepped forward and bowed. "Greetings, Young Master Huo. I am a runner from Prince Rui's mansion. I have been specially sent by His Highness to request your immediate presence at the mansion for a meeting."
Huo Qixiao took a sip of his tea, then calmly inquired, "So you are from Prince Rui's mansion. Does His Highness have a command for me?"
The runner from Prince Rui's mansion was surprised that Huo Qixiao, upon learning it was a summons from His Highness, did not immediately accompany him, but instead asked for details. "This humble one does not know. His Highness encountered assassins on Jinling Street today and sent me to fetch you upon returning to the mansion. Young Master Huo should depart quickly and not keep His Highness waiting."
"I understand. It would not be appropriate for us to travel together. You go ahead; I will be there shortly." Huo Qixiao's tone was placid, but his heart was finally greatly relieved.
Prince Rui had indeed been ambushed. It seemed the test for today had passed...
After the runner from Prince Rui's mansion departed, Huo Qixiao's face broke into a triumphant smile. He leisurely finished his tea, then went to the bronze mirror to check his appearance before humming a tune and leaving the Huo mansion for Prince Rui's residence.
In Prince Rui's mansion, Prince Rui, with a bandage wrapped around his arm, paced back and forth in the main hall. The runner had reported that Huo Qixiao would arrive shortly, but nearly half an hour had passed without any sign of him.
Just as Prince Rui's patience was wearing thin, a servant's announcement came from outside. "Reporting to Your Highness, the eldest young master of the Huo family seeks an audience outside."
"Quickly, invite him in!" Prince Rui visibly relaxed at this.
Huo Qixiao was led to the hall by the servant. As he prepared to perform a kowtow, preparing to kneel by lifting his robe, he was interrupted by Prince Rui's voice.
"Young Master Huo need not be so formal. Please, have a seat. Attendants, serve tea."
After the servants brought the tea, Prince Rui dismissed them, leaving only the two of them in the hall.
Huo Qixiao raised his teacup and toasted Prince Rui, who was seated in the place of honor. "Thank you, Your Highness."
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Prince Rui spoke hesitantly. "To be frank, I have specially invited Young Master Huo today because I have an impolite request."
Huo Qixiao knew exactly what was on Prince Rui's mind but still offered polite words. "Your Highness is too kind. Please speak freely of any matter."
"Haha, it is truly nothing major. I merely wish to inquire about the whereabouts of that old Daoist Priest. I wonder if I am fortunate enough to have an audience with him?"
While Prince Rui spoke with a smile, his gaze upon Huo Qixiao was clearly filled with danger and the probing of a superior.
"This... it is not that I am unwilling to introduce you, Your Highness, but that old Daoist Priest comes and goes without a trace. Since parting ways at Qishen Mountain last time, I have not seen him again, so I am truly powerless in this matter... I beg Your Highness's forgiveness." As Huo Qixiao spoke, he moved to the center of the hall, lifted his robe, and knelt to beg for forgiveness.
This time, Prince Rui did not stop him from performing the courtesy but looked at the kneeling man with complex eyes. He pondered how credible Huo Qixiao's words were. Was it truly impossible to contact the immortal, or was there another reason?
"Hehehe, if that is the case, then I am not fortunate enough. This is not Young Master Huo's fault, and naturally... it cannot be blamed on Young Master Huo."
After saying this, Prince Rui proceeded to drink his tea as if nothing else mattered. Although he claimed not to blame Huo Qixiao, his actions clearly showed no intention of telling him to rise.
Huo Qixiao understood the suspicion in Prince Rui's eyes. This was an opportune moment to pledge his loyalty and win over Prince Rui. "Although I cannot locate the old Daoist Priest at present, he did offer me some guidance before he departed. While it is not even a fraction of an immortal's ability, I can foresee major events in the future."
Prince Rui looked at Huo Qixiao with a mixture of belief and doubt. However, if the other party truly refused to reveal the immortal's whereabouts, he was helpless. He might as well test whether Huo Qixiao possessed the abilities he claimed.
"Since you have put it this way, I shall not press further about the old Daoist Priest's whereabouts. However, Young Master Huo, could you help me deduce who the mastermind behind the assassins today is?"
"I am willing to serve Your Highness with all my might!" As soon as Prince Rui finished speaking, Huo Qixiao cupped his fists and declared his stance.
He knelt straight and maintained a solemn expression, appearing as if he were genuinely loyal to Prince Rui. At least, Prince Rui himself, seated at the head, felt his trust in him increase somewhat.
After Huo Qixiao had stated his allegiance, Prince Rui then acted as if he had just noticed him still kneeling, chiding him with mock disapproval. "You are too mindful of etiquette; you have been kneeling all this time. Did I not tell you that Young Master Huo need not be so formal in my presence?"
"Your Highness will be the next ruler of the Great Yu Dynasty. It is only right and proper for Qixiao to kneel before the future monarch of the Great Yu Dynasty." Huo Qixiao's matter-of-fact reply pleased Prince Rui greatly.
He had never expected that the rumors circulating in the city about the eldest young master of the Huo family being uneducated, constantly frequenting pleasure quarters, and being a complete good-for-nothing rake would be so misleading.
However, after these two encounters, Prince Rui realized that the true Huo Qixiao was nothing like the person described in the rumors. It seemed this individual was deliberately hiding his true abilities.
Huo Qixiao ignored Prince Rui's scrutinizing gaze, withdrew a compass from his sleeve, and murmured softly, reciting pre-prepared words.
With his other hand, he raised his fingers and made a few gestures in a seemingly practiced manner. After lowering his hand, in a place Prince Rui could not see, he discreetly tapped a few acupoints on his own body.
Prince Rui watched him chant, occasionally pointing his fingers, then frowning, all with an air of great seriousness.
Moreover, as time passed, Huo Qixiao's complexion began to change, and fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead, making it seem as if he were truly exerting himself.
After about the time it took to drink a cup of tea, he solemnly put away the compass. Huo Qixiao first raised his hand to wipe the sweat from his brow. His face and lips were now pale, giving the impression of extreme exhaustion from internal energy depletion.
After he had rested for a moment, Prince Rui asked with concern, "Is Young Master Huo alright? Your complexion seems poor; are you feeling unwell?"
Huo Qixiao's voice was hoarse as he replied wearily, "Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. Qixiao is fine. It is merely that I have overexerted myself by using the technique taught by the immortal."
"Then did you receive any revelations?" Prince Rui thought that if Huo Qixiao truly possessed the abilities he claimed, and looked so weak, he must have discovered something.
Huo Qixiao did not delay, directly answering what Prince Rui wished to know. "The mastermind is none other than Prince Ning, and Prince Qin is also an accomplice."
"What did you say?" Upon hearing the answer, Prince Rui shot up from his armchair.
"You are not trying to deceive me, are you..." Prince Rui's gaze was sharp as he spoke, and he slowly approached Huo Qixiao.
"Your Highness's words are rather disheartening. This is the first time I have used this divinatory art, and I am still unfamiliar with it. I exerted all my strength to derive this answer. To think that my sincere devotion is met with Your Highness's boundless suspicion. Alas, had I known this, Qixiao should not have been so meddlesome as to come to Prince Rui's mansion to pledge my loyalty in the first place." Huo Qixiao's face was filled with profound disappointment as he spoke.
Prince Rui was, after all, a prince. Moreover, with the current emperor aging and the throne vacant during a sensitive period, his vigilance was exceptionally high.
While he desperately hoped Huo Qixiao truly possessed the abilities he claimed, which would make him a valuable asset, he was also deeply concerned that Huo Qixiao might be an agent sent by other princes to sow discord among them, allowing those princes to reap the benefits later, thereby dimming his own prospects.