127, the sixth entry into the Imperial Palace

A secluded alleyway.

Accompanied by the swarm of government officers from the Imperial Court, the place suddenly became crowded and bustling.

From her vantage point, Haitang, who hurried over to help, first saw a carriage overturned and lying flat on the ground.

Then she saw Zhao Douan, standing in the alley, along with Jin Jian, whose presence was less conspicuous.

The body of the dead swordsman was exactly obscured behind the two, out of sight.

"Why have you come?" Zhao Douan was momentarily taken aback.

He was surprised not only by the appearance of his two colleagues but also by their use of the term "rebel."

Haitang looked him up and down, relieved to see that he was unharmed.

Her gaze then shifted to the young priest, and she paused momentarily.

In an instant, she seemed to understand something, completing a series of mental deductions, and then she greeted with hands clasped together:

"I've met Priest Jin Jian before."

She then quickly explained: