CHAPTER 326: CHAPTER 144: SHI FEIYANG OUTSMARTS LV YUAN, THE FAILED MANHUNT BECOMES A LAUGHINGSTOCK

Time quietly slips away, day after day, yet Lv Yuan’s patience and resolve do not diminish with the passage of time.

He insists on personally reviewing the intelligence submitted by the Jinyi Guard, meticulously reading each report, analyzing word by word, without missing any clues possibly related to Shi Feiyang.

Lv Yuan occasionally holds the intelligence up to his eyes, squinting and scrutinizing; at other times, he slams it heavily on the table, murmuring to himself, "Shi Feiyang, oh, Shi Feiyang, I don’t believe you can hide forever. One day you will show a weakness."

Meanwhile, Lv Yuan takes precautions and begins to formulate a series of contingency plans. He knows well that in this contest with Shi Feiyang, unexpected situations can occur at any moment, and only by being prepared can he respond skillfully at crucial times.

Lv Yuan summons his trusted subordinates to discuss the details of the contingency plans, his gaze resolute as he says, "We must consider all possible scenarios and devise strategies in advance. Only then can we ensure foolproof success."

Finally, on one idyllic afternoon, the peace was thoroughly shattered.

The Jinyi Guard brought thrilling news: They discovered Shi Feiyang secretly visited a reclusive elder in the deep forest late at night. This elder lives simply, with profound mystery, rumored to have complex ties with certain enigmatic forces in the Jianghu.

This significant discovery was like a ray of light in the darkness, giving Lv Yuan hope.

His eyes instantly became sharp, like a leopard spotting its prey, and a barely noticeable excitement passed over his usually austere face.

Lv Yuan swiftly stood up, clenching his fists tightly, as though foreseeing the dawn of victory: "Good, finally a clue. Seems Shi Feiyang is not flawless." He then ordered the Jinyi Guards to intensify surveillance on the elder and quickly investigate the specific connections between him and Shi Feiyang. Lv Yuan knew this could be the crucial breakthrough to uncover Shi Feiyang’s secrets.

He resolved to seize this opportunity to thoroughly unearth Shi Feiyang’s background and publicly expose the conspiracy behind him.

To avoid drawing attention, Lv Yuan carefully decided upon an extremely cautious action strategy. He secretly assembled a group of loyal and highly capable Jinyi Guard elites, gathering them at a secluded location for meticulous planning.

Standing before them, his face serious, voice low but full of power: "This mission is vitally important. We face an extremely cunning opponent, and any slight misstep might result in ruin. Everyone must strictly follow the plan; remember, we represent the honor of the Jinyi Guard—only success is permitted, no failure!"

These elites were divided into several action teams, each tasked with different surveillance and investigation missions, ensuring thorough tracking from various angles of the elder and Shi Feiyang without omission.

Simultaneously, Lv Yuan fully utilized his network and influence within the court, quietly initiating an investigation into the Jianghu forces linked to the elder. Through various covert channels, he maneuvered with different forces to cleverly obtain intelligence.

At times, he would raise glasses with the officials at court, slipping by inquiries in the laughter and chatter; at others, he would secretly meet with informants from the Jianghu, using incentives to acquire key clues.

Lv Yuan understood that behind these Jianghu forces often lies a tangled web of complex, intertwined interests, much like a tangled skein of yarn. Only by clearing these relationships can he find the key to breaking Shi Feiyang’s defenses.

While waiting for further news, Lv Yuan was far from idle.

He, like a thoughtful strategist, carefully considered various potential scenarios and developed multiple detailed response plans.

Sitting before a desk crowded with documents, his brush worked swiftly across the paper, recording his thoughts. Occasionally pausing, brows furrowed in contemplation; then, suddenly resuming writing, as if he had discovered a solution.

He clearly recognized that the contest with Shi Feiyang was not just a fierce battle of intellect but a brutal trial of will, where any minor oversight could lead to complete defeat.

At last, through the relentless, day-and-night efforts of the Jinyi Guard, the mysterious veil between the elder and Shi Feiyang gradually lifted. It turned out that this elder was a long-lost elder from a mysterious sect in the Jianghu, and through this sect, Shi Feiyang secretly colluded with certain forces in the Jianghu, attempting to fulfill his unspeakable ambitions.

Upon learning this key piece of information, Lv Yuan inwardly rejoiced for maintaining composure and not rushing for instant success. Leaning against the chair back, a slight smug smile appeared on his face: "Ha, Shi Feiyang, let’s see how you escape this time." He knew that the real contest was just beginning, and he was fully prepared, with a spirited resolve to face the upcoming severe challenges.

The early spring season in Suzhou Prefecture was like a poetic scroll gradually unfolding.

Along the quaint, ancient street, willow trees sprouted fresh green buds, their slender branches lightly dancing in the gentle breeze, like graceful maidens waving delicate sleeves, pouring spring’s tenderness and vitality over this land.

Peach blossoms bloomed, radiant and splendid, with pink and green petals flourishing on branches; clusters upon clusters, like colorful clouds from the sky falling to earth, attracting bees and butterflies bustling among the flowers, the buzzing sounds endless, adding liveliness and vibrancy to this spring-filled scene.