About an hour later, the Ji Clan representatives retrieved the hostage who was found to be unconscious at an inn. In the meantime, the princess was also informed. She arrived at the location, shortly after them.
Suspecting that they might harm them after getting back their kid, Zhan Tai, the deputy of Feng Wu, had long fled the inn but stayed hidden while roaming in the neighborhood.
Once he confirmed that Ji Guanli is with them, Zhan Tai abandoned Huo Fen and returned to the hideout.
As for whether Huo Fen betrays them or not, the prince himself doesn't worry about that. Why should he care?
The princess took them to the Imperial palace while also intending to interrogate Huo Fen about the location of Kunyu bandits as well as Lu Zhen's involvement in this crime.
After putting the boy to rest at a royal guest room, Arch Bishop Ma, Ji Clan's elder Ji Wu, and Ji Clan's Patriarch Ji Cheng went and meet the Emperor, leaving the princess behind who voluntarily stayed to look after her close friend.
At the meeting chamber, Grand Secretariat Li was also waiting for them. The three of them sat down after greeting the two of them.
"Tell me everything that happened without leaving any detail." The Emperor's expression was quite serious as this will complicate the relationship between Genesis store and the Imperial Palace and might turn sour forever.
Ji Cheng explained everything, starting from how Ji Guanli left for the dungeon of Taslan with four Elite guards of the six-circle realm to how they found him at an inn unconscious.
"So, they put the ransom as a deposit to buy weapons from Lu Zhen? Are they planning to invade soon?" The Emperor wondered out loud.
"Brother Fu, here I'm talking about getting justice to my son and you are talking about an invasion." Ji Cheng slammed the table as he went outburst for a second before he realized his mistake quickly, "I apologize, Your Majesty, I…"
"It's alright, Brother Ji," The Emperor waved his hands. "I'm also a parent. I understand your pain too."
Just like their children, as the two of them were close since their childhood, the Emperor forgave for his rude remarks. But then again, Lu Zhen is important to the palace.
So, he tried to defend the owner of Genesis weapon store, "Brother Ji, I know that you are angry that someone abducted your son and placed him as the hostage for the past two weeks. But, did you ever think of a possibility whether someone is deliberately trying to pit you against Lu Zhen?
Lu Zhen had humiliated the Sui Clan. So, one shouldn't be surprised if Mt. Hua sect will try taking revenge on him by instigating another clan to form enmity with him."
Something suddenly clicked inside Ji Cheng's mind and he turned towards the Arch Bishop who was the one that performed the investigation. If the Emperor is true, then, wouldn't it be the same as they are being made fools?
Thankfully for him, Arch Bishop Ma dismissed the Emperor's hypothesis, right away, "I'm confident that Fang Bao isn't lying. It isn't a secret that our Cardinal was blessed with the eye of truth. So, nothing can be hidden from his third eye.
Moreover, we have the victim right in the palace. Once young master Ji wakes up, he can testify the truth."
"And, Your Majesty! Forgive me for not agreeing with you but if the Mt. Hua sect had a hand in this, why would they send their member? Wouldn't it be logical to send a stranger instead?" Elder Ji also voiced his opinion, strengthening their argument.
"Look, Brother Ji. I want to help you too but I'm helpless in this situation. We have already dragged him to the public trial without knowing the full details. He isn't a simple commoner, you know. If we arrest him, then, not only we will unnecessarily make an enemy but also lose our reputation." The Emperor said to him, displaying his helplessness over the matter.
He then added, "We need strong evidence that can't be countered with any logic. Unless you do that, we can do nothing to him. How about I form a special investigation team?"
Previously, it was important for the Emperor to stay good with Lu Zhen, but now, after he received the reports from the second prince, regarding Lu Zhen's weapons that are waiting to be mass-produced, it became a necessity for him to keep Lu Zhen in the Phoenix Empire.
What if Lu Zhen set up his store at the northern Empires and then, he supply weapons of destruction to them? He cannot let that happen.
Unlike other fools who care about more false prestige, Emperor cares about the future of his Empire and also the welfare of his citizens. He was also farsighted than others. It is why he minded his tone when requested for the attack helicopters.
But, at the same time, he cannot let his vassals grow discontent with him either. It will give sow the seeds of rebellion in them. That's why he felt the need to tread this matter very carefully and maintain balance.
The Emperor's reply naturally displeased the representatives of Ji Clan. Ji Cheng had decided to leave the place without waiting much longer. He will use everything he can, to take revenge on both the traitors as well as Lu Zhen.
Just then, the Arch Bishop opened his mouth, "Your Majesty, I will have to remember you an important thing. Lu Zhen possesses…"
"Arch Bishop Ma, this isn't the time." Ji Cheng timely interrupted him.
"Eh? But why?" The Arch Bishop was confused.
"We are only here to get justice for Guanli. So, let's keep it that way," Ji Cheng tried to convince him with whatever came to his mind, hoping that the Arch Bishop read the atmosphere for a moment.
Unfortunately, it was too late. The Emperor's curiosity increased. What is that Lu Zhen possessed? Another powerful weapon like the flying puppet?
The Emperor told the Arch Bishop to out with it.
Ji Cheng tightly shut his eyes as the Arch Bishop started explaining, "He was raising a beast Emperor cub. And I think you are aware of the saying. The disasters follow wherever the Emperors of the beasts roam the land.
If you don't want a disaster to befall on your Imperial Palace, either you have to banish Lu Zhen from your Empire or kill the beast when it is in its infancy.
Both of the solutions will surely form enmity between you two.
So, you might as well take this opportunity to make a move against him and save the prestige of all the noble clans that became victims to his deeds."
It came as a shock to the Emperor who wasn't prepared for such a thing. A trace of disbelief can be seen on his face as he said, "A Beast Emperor? Are you sure?"
"Yes, I confirmed it with my own eyes." Arch Bishop nodded firmly.
In an instant, the Emperor's eyes lit up, contrary to the expectations of the Arch Bishop.
He turned his head and looked towards the old man sitting beside him, "Grand Secretariat Li, the store will be opened till 10 o'clock, right?"
"Yes, Your Majesty." Li ZhenKang nodded in response.
The Emperor stood on his feet, "we are leaving right away. Follow me."
"I'm sorry, Brother Ji. I will return quickly. You are a guest at the Imperial Palace. Please make yourself home." The Emperor scurried away without even bothering to hear their reply.
"What the hell?" Arch Bishop looked at the Emperor's back in a daze.
Ji Cheng slapped his own forehead, "great, Arch Bishop Ma. You had to say it."
"Eh?"
