The real Ji Tianrui died fifteen years ago. The current Ming Cult Leader is named Ji Tianrui.
But whether it was Ji Tianrui or Ji Tianrui, both were Miao people, and their original names should have been Ge Pu Tianrui and Ge Pu Tianrui. Because they did not want to expose their origins, they used 'Ji Pu' as a pseudonym, which sounds similar to 'Ge Pu', and then simplified it to the surname 'Ji'.
Why did the Miao people collude with the Ming Cult, and where did the Ming Cult's Witchcraft come from?
Because both Ming Cult Leaders are Miao people, and both originated from the 'Ge Pu Shi' of the Miao people's Twelve Sect Branches, they are themselves legitimate inheritors of Witchcraft.
All questions were answered by this.
But at the same time, new questions arose.
Ji Tianrui, a Miao person, first appeared thirty years ago and overpowered the Five Great Factions' experts with the Ming Cult's ultimate techniques. Where did his profound foundation in Ming Cult martial arts come from? Before Ji Tianrui, who connected the Ming Cult and the Miao people?
What attitude do the Miao people hold towards the Ming Cult? If they are enemies, why did they rebel with the Ming Cult fifteen years ago? If they are allies, why did they secretly leave a reminder in the Miao King's Tomb, allowing Li Miao to find the Jia Yi Divine Skill, Yong Nu, and the Gu Beast, thereby obtaining the most crucial clue?
What is the relationship between Ji Tianrui and Ji Tianrui? Their names suggest they are siblings, but where was she when Ji Tianrui died and the Ming Cult was severely weakened? And why is she appearing now?
This Ji Tianrui not only did not strictly guard against these matters but seemed to be guiding Li Miao step by step closer to the truth.
Ji Tianrui was here not long ago, residing in this secret room. Everything in this secret room, as well as the Celestial Human Realm Yong Nu, were clues she deliberately left for Li Miao.
Li Miao put down the stack of papers and looked at the two bound booklets on the table.
He picked up the booklets and flipped through them.
One stack contained maps of various Miao villages in Miao territory. The maps were extremely detailed, showing manpower, locations of overt and covert sentries, various building orientations, and routes clearly. If they attacked according to this booklet, with the Ming Cult's strength, success would be almost certain.
The other stack contained maps of Shuntian Prefecture city, also detailing the distribution of various markets, garrisoned soldiers, and defense lines. If this information were leaked, at least a third-rank official would die.
Li Miao scoffed, "As expected of a family, even their actions are cast from the same mold."
Clearly, Ji Tianrui intends for the Ming Cult to split into two groups, just like Ji Tianrui did fifteen years ago. One group will go to Shuntian Prefecture, and the other will remain in Miao territory.
From the distance, the implication is that she wants Li Miao to go to Miao territory first, then to Shuntian.
It's just unknown what new trouble the Ming Cult plans to stir up in Shuntian Prefecture this time.
Li Miao smiled silently.
He took the two stacks of documents, turned, and walked out of the secret room, finding An Ziyang peeking around.
"Go to your family's gate. There should be someone waiting there now. Tell him it's my order and bring him over."
An Ziyang took the order and left.
Soon, he brought over the Jinyiwei (Imperial Guards) who had been guarding the gate and following Li Miao around for the past few days.
Li Miao pulled him aside and spoke a few words.
The Jinyiwei's face instantly turned pale and extremely unsightly.
"Lord Commissioner, this, this..."
"This matter, it might just shake the heavens."
Li Miao handed him the two stacks of documents and said,
"Take these to the Commander. Let him handle it as he sees fit."
"I have some matters to attend to. I should be able to make it back for the family's matters. Tell him not to wait for me; he can just depart."
"Yes!"
The Jinyiwei accepted the order and quickly departed.
Li Miao then turned back, without any movement or sound, and suddenly appeared behind An Ziyang, who was eavesdropping with his ears perked up in the corner.
"Have you heard enough?"
"Holy crap!"
An Ziyang jolted violently, then forced himself to calm down, turned, and said with a fawning smile,
"Sir, I'm not—"
"Alright, alright."
Li Miao waved his hand.
"Since things have come to this, let's eat first."
"We can talk about business after we're full."
----------
By the time Li Miao finished eating, it was almost sunset.
He had eaten for a full two hours.
When one's martial arts reach his level, there's no need to eat daily like ordinary people. One meal could last half a month, or even a month.
However, Li Miao was not like those martial arts fanatics; he wouldn't deliberately torment himself. He couldn't go without gourmet food and fine wine for any meal; otherwise, what would be the point of practicing martial arts?
Although the An Family had been troubled by the Ming Cult, first, their family fortune was indeed substantial and could withstand the turmoil; second, not everyone in the Ming Cult knew the art of disguise. All things considered, most of the An Mansion's servants were still there.
After An Wenjie received An Ziyang's message, he immediately arranged the most luxurious banquet, filled with mountain delicacies, seafood, fine wine, and delicious dishes.
If a dish got cold, it was removed without Li Miao saying anything, and the kitchen would bring out a new one, ensuring that every dish on the table was steaming hot.
Li Miao was not so much 'eating' as 'savoring' each dish.
Having stayed in Shuntian Prefecture for too long, the Southern cuisine was fresh and had a unique flavor.
Anyway, once he was full, a slight circulation of his internal energy would empty his stomach again.
He was at ease, but the An father and son were on pins and needles, enduring two hours of dining with Li Miao.
To this day, they still didn't know Li Miao's identity. Rabbits eating with a tiger, their ability to endure without fleeing was a testament to their composure.
Li Miao had tasted enough. Seeing that the dishes being served were starting to repeat, he put down his chopsticks, rinsed his mouth with tea, and spat into the basin. Then, he took the hot towel offered by a servant and wiped himself, finally looking at the two of them.
"Almost forgot, I haven't introduced myself to you two yet."
"Jinyiwei Northern Garrison Office Lord Commissioner, Li Miao, greetings."
With that, he took out the waist token that the Jinyiwei guarding the door had returned to him and swept it before the two men.
The two men's expressions instantly changed.
"Lord Commissioner!"
"We failed to welcome you! We did not know your identity before, and we apologize for any offenses. We beg your forgiveness."
The two stood up together, pulled back their robes, and were about to kneel directly.
"No, both of you, get up. Sit and talk."
Li Miao made a gesture in the air, and the two involuntarily straightened up, momentarily speechless.
Jinyiwei (Imperial Guards)! Lord Commissioner!
The two exchanged furtive glances, both filled with inexplicable shock.
They had long suspected Li Miao was someone important, but who would have known he was *this* important!
The Ming Cult left, and a Jinyiwei Lord Commissioner arrived. Are people even allowed to live!?
The two exchanged glances in secret, then cautiously spoke to Li Miao.
"Sir, is there anything our An Family needs to do?"
Li Miao smiled, pointing at the father and son.
"Sensible."
"At the moment, I do need you to run an errand for me, to bring someone to Miao territory."
An Ziyang asked tentatively, "May I ask who it is?"
"The Shaolin Abbot, Yongjie."
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