Chapter Eighteen.

The following morning Lei Qiang wakes up early and instructs Hong Yi to prepare a carriage and they head to the Governor's Residence immediately. Luckily enough,Lord Du Yuan is an early bird,they find him practicing Martial arts outside his mansion. He is deeply immersed into slashing the sword across the air that he doesn't notice the unexpected visitors coming in. The next time he turns around his sword almost slits Lei Qiang's throat but Lei Qiang is quick enough to dodge.

"Martial Son, forgive my ignorance."

"It doesn't matter. We are the ones who came at the wrong time."

"It's not the wrong time."

"So do you have time to talk?"

Lei Qiang and Lord Du Yuan head inside to Lord Du Yuan's study while Hong Yi remains outside.

"Young Master Lei,ever since you recruited new disciples you rarely visit me,"Lord Du Yuan says jokingly,"Anyway what do you want to talk about?"

Lei Qiang informs him about the reappearance of the assassins from the Illusion Lair,a famous assassin organization. Their reappearance means Long Gong is going to encounter chaos soon. Lord Du Yuan and Lei Qiang share ideas on how to deal with the issue to ensure safety of the residents. It seems like Lord Du Yuan has to call for a meeting with the County Officials. After an hour of talking Lei Qiang decides to leave so no one would notice he's not at the sect. As Lei Qiang and Hong Yi walk out of the gate,they meet Du Yichen and Duan Xinyue on their way in. They exchange greetings but before they part Duan Xinyue secretly winks at Lei Qiang and smiles. Lei Qiang and Hong Yi board the carriage and leave.

"Why was he here so early in the morning?"Duan Xinyue asks curiously.

"He hasn't visited my father in a long time. Maybe he was here because he missed him."

"If he wanted to visit him he would have stayed for a while and maybe take breakfast together or play some game. Something serious must have happened,"Duan Xinyue deduces.

Du Yichen doesn't like talking about serious things so he immediately changes the subject as they head towards his pavilion. When Lei Qiang and Hong Yi arrive at White Pavilion, they find Du Bai Xin standing outside. Immediately she sees them her worried face brightens up and she greets them.

"Qiang-ge,where did you go so early in the morning? I've knocked at your door several times but there was no response."

"Miss Du,how may I help you?"

"I visited my grandmother in Liushu County and I happened to bring some nice aromatic tea leaves so I'm here to invite you to have tea with me at my Treasure Pavilion,"Du Bai Xin smiles warmly.(Liushu meaning 'Willow tree')

"Miss Du thank you for the invite but I'm not interested,"Lei Qiang replies coldly. Du Bai Xin pouts as she leaves disappointed about her failed plan.

"My Lord, it's just taking tea why do you have to be so cold to her?"Hong Yi mumbles nervously.

"Why don't you join her instead?"Lei Qiang says as he opens the door angrily and gets in. Hong Yi follows him in like a fearful dog with it's tail between legs. Lei Qiang settles down to read documents as usual,Hong Yi serves him tea and scallion pancakes. Lei Qiang hardly touches the food as he's lost in his thoughts. Ever since Duan Xinyue joined the sect he has encountered several attacks,he's also the one who knows about the Freezing Palm Technique. He recalls Duan Xinyue warning him that he would be attacked and hunted just like his master. And why did Duan Xinyue wink at him?According to Lei Qiang,all the evidence about the Illusion Lair points towards Duan Xinyue.

"My Lord what are you thinking about? You've hardly touched your food,"Hong Yi asks in a concerned voice bringing Lei Qiang back to reality.

"Go and find out everything about that Duan gongzi especially his origin and when he came to Meanders City,"Lei Qiang instructs.

"Yes,"Hong Yi replies obediently and leaves.

At the military camp on the Eastern border of Long Gong County,one of the military officers brings General Fu Jiuyun a letter. It's a small secret letter informing him it's not the right time yet for the Illusion Lair assassins to appear. He burns the letter immediately after reading it.

That same day Lord Du Yuan calls for a meeting with the county officials and informs them about the reappearance of the assassins from Illusion Lair. The meeting leads to a heated argument as some officials argue there's a mole among them while others says there are several Illusion Lair spies in Meanders City. When such arguments occur it becomes difficult for Lord Du Yuan to make a decision. Lord Xu Kong dissolves the argument and assigns the Minister of Justice Bei Sang to conduct an investigation and bring back the report.

The meeting ends as the officials leave the governor's residence still arguing. Lord Du Yuan is left stressed but Zhou Lian brings him tea and Lord Xu Kong stays behind to discuss the Illusion Lair matter with him further. Lord Xu Kong thinks he shouldn't have informed the officials about the matter because if one of them has colluded with the Illusion Lair that is like alerting the enemy to hide the evidence. Even though he assigned the Minister of Justice to conduct the investigation,he's sure no evidence will be found. The enemy will probably wait for them to lower their guard so they can appear again.