CHAPTER 1648: CHAPTER 1648: CONTINUE INVESTIGATING (3)

"So, the Sect Hierarch of the Flame Sect is a descendant of King Zhao Gou?" Yang Ruxin felt like an entire herd of alpacas was stampeding through her mind. This news was just as startling as the information Chengzi and Weng Xin had sent: the Flame Sect was preparing to wage war, and they had a group of herbalists like Luo Da and Luo Er at their disposal...

"That’s unclear. We couldn’t investigate that far, because the Flame is extremely secretive, never revealing their true identity. Unless you’re part of their inner circle, you wouldn’t even have the chance to get within three zhang of them... In any case, they keep promoting the idea that the current Imperial Court is illegitimate, claiming the Flame Sect will restore a rightful dynasty for the people..." Du Juan sighed. "Young Master Luo said the headquarters of the Flame Sect is in Miaojiang. Not only do they have numerous followers in the southern regions of our country, but even in Nanzhao Country, they have a significant number of adherents. What’s even more concerning is that some southern officials are also believers in the Flame Sect..."

Yang Ruxin blew at the loose strand of hair brushing against her forehead. A descendant of King Zhao Gou? How many years had passed since then? Could they really find someone who was?

"Miss..." Du Juan suddenly called out, her expression somewhat grim, "There’s a possibility that such a person really exists..." And yet, she had given the treasure map to someone else—if that person came looking for it, what would she do?

"What does it matter?" Yang Ruxin raised her brows slightly. "How could they prove they’re a descendant of King Zhao Gou? Besides, if they really were a direct descendant, why didn’t they appear several generations earlier? This era doesn’t have paternity testing, and even if the technology existed, Zhao Gou has been dead for hundreds of years; there’s no way to extract anything for verification. Even if they are genuine, there’s no real evidence."

Of course, that was just her opinion. The general populace’s thoughts could be more fanciful. They might actually be fooled—even more so when someone could swap out hearts, livers, spleens, lungs, and kidneys. That was nothing short of astonishing.

Du Juan’s expression relaxed; indeed, there were many gaps in the claims.

"We’ll need to continue investigating this matter." Yang Ruxin stroked her chin thoughtfully. It seemed she’d need to send a letter to Chengzi and Weng Xin, asking them to gather intelligence in this area. "Du Man, tomorrow, head into town to find Qian Er and have him notify Chengzi and the others."

"Alright," Du Man nodded. "Actually, during the investigation, I found something odd: the Flame Sect claims it’s working for the benefit of the people, but only the wealthy can afford their treatments. After all, one has to offer respect to the Celestial Venerable—it’s not like you can just throw in a couple of eggs and be done with it. Of course, if you had two golden eggs, then you’d be fine..."

"We destroyed the Huichun Hall together and disrupted that courtyard outside the town..." Yang Ruxin glanced at Du Juan. "Now Luo Da and Luo Er are still living in the old house..." She paused. "So, I strongly suspect someone got wind of the treasure map and used the guise of being Zhao Gou’s descendants to swindle money, perhaps even plotting an uprising..."

This information, she felt, needed to be passed on to Gu Qingheng immediately. As for whether to report it or how to report it, she would leave that headache to him.

"Miss, don’t worry, I’ve already figured things out." Du Juan smiled faintly. "The six families have guarded this map for so many years. So many lives have been lost. To be honest, we’ve done our duty to the original master."

"It’s good you’ve come to terms with it." Yang Ruxin smiled as well. "Don’t worry. If he truly is legitimate, and he comes in good faith, I will hand him the map. If he’s an impostor, we’ll be able to discern that too..."