The Peerless Emperor (TPE)

"Remember, conceal your presence. Don't let anyone notice you're there," Lin Qian instructed, waving his hand to signal the soldiers to begin their mission.

"After you're done, go to the secret valley behind Wanxiang Sect and investigate Gao Yuefei's situation."

"Yes, Your Majesty!" The swift soldiers nodded, then disappeared into the shadows, leaping off the cliff.

Standing at the edge of the cliff, Lin Qian watched as the soldiers vanished into the abyss, their forms swallowed by the darkness. The images formed by the lightning-infused soul power also dissipated, scattering into shimmering particles that floated away in the wind.

With a final glance at the disappearing figures, Lin Qian turned and walked back to his residence, confident that he would receive good news by tomorrow.

The next morning.

Just as Lin Qian finished his morning cultivation and stepped out of his room, the door was suddenly flung open.

"Junior Brother, how did you do it?" Gao Benli, who stormed into the room, asked in shock.

Lin Qian glanced at him, unfazed. "Do what?"

"What do you mean, 'what'? Qian Long and his group were all found dead in their rooms. The method was identical—stabbed through the back and their throats slit."

"Their bodies had only those two wounds, and there were no signs of struggle in the room. This means the killer was a master of assassination, stronger than them. Otherwise, they would have sensed it during their cultivation."

Gao Benli looked at Lin Qian with a mix of curiosity and bewilderment. "You're becoming more and more of a mystery to me."

Lin Qian shrugged and said, "Now that those planted around you are gone, you can release Ding Zhirong and the others."

"Like I need you to tell me. Those guys died so cleanly, without sending any messages back. Now I can finally breathe easy." Gao Benli stretched his arms out in relief.

"Your problem is solved, but what's going on with your grandfather?" Lin Qian asked, frowning in confusion.

Gao Benli looked just as puzzled. "I have no idea. Since I returned, I've barely seen him. In all this time, I've only met with him four times, if you can believe it."

"Only four times? You're supposed to be his prized grandson. Don't you live with him?" Lin Qian was surprised by the revelation.

After all, someone like Lei Heng, who deeply cared for his grandson Lei Qian, would always want him to return home after training. Since Lei Qian was Lei Heng's only grandchild, living together was a basic expectation.

Gao Benli's situation was very similar—his parents had passed away, and he was raised by his grandfather. Now, for Gao Yuefei not to live with his grandson and only meet him four times seemed off.

"It does feel strange," Gao Benli admitted, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "My grandfather stays in his secluded cultivation area, yet he controls the sect's affairs. Every time I seek an audience with him, I leave disappointed."

"Of the four times we've met, the first was when I returned. The other three were when some elders complained to my grandfather about those guys causing trouble, and he reluctantly called me in to discuss reigning them in."

"But honestly, it felt like my grandfather was just going through the motions, appeasing the elders rather than being genuinely concerned. If he truly cared, he wouldn't have seen me just three times."

It was clear that Gao Benli was just as baffled by the situation.

"It sounds like your grandfather is avoiding you, as if he's afraid you'll discover something," Lin Qian said as they walked toward the courtyard. "You're his grandson. What could he possibly be hiding from you?"

As they continued their conversation, they reached the front courtyard, where they heard approaching footsteps and some puzzled murmuring.

"How odd... Why would Gao Benli release us after those guys died?"

"Who knows? But those bullies got what they deserved. They caused so much trouble for the sect's disciples."

The voices grew closer, and soon, several figures entered the courtyard.

Leading the group was Lei Qian, who called out as he walked in, "Boss, I've brought everyone back!"

"Yeah, I see that," Lin Qian replied.

The people following Lei Qian were none other than Ding Zhirong, Zhao Haiming, Li Letian, and Wang Lanxin.

"Wow, it's lively here!" At that moment, Ye Lin also arrived, carrying Bai Ren on her back.

Hearing the commotion, she had quickened her pace to join the others in the courtyard.

Suddenly, the entire courtyard fell into a stunned silence.

"Gao Benli!" The seven newcomers exclaimed in unison.

"Hahaha, you all seem so surprised to see me!" Gao Benli laughed and waved. "Let me reintroduce myself—I'm Gao Benli, this kid's senior brother."

He playfully punched Lin Qian in the chest as he finished speaking.

Everyone stood there, dumbfounded, staring at Gao Benli, then turning to Lin Qian for confirmation.

Lin Qian nodded lightly. "Yes, he's really my senior brother."

He then looked at Ding Zhirong and the others. "That's why he only locked you up. Otherwise, he could've just crippled you to save trouble."

After some explanations and reassurances, the group finally understood the situation.

"My apologies for all the suffering you've endured," Gao Benli said sincerely, bowing deeply to Bai Ren.

Seeing Gao Benli lower himself so humbly, the resentment in Bai Ren's heart dissipated. "Senior Brother Gao, you even prepared a healing pill for me. I understand your situation."

With all past grievances resolved, the group soon warmed up to Gao Benli, chatting excitedly with him, eager to learn more about him.

Suddenly, Lin Qian's expression changed drastically. He turned to Gao Benli and shouted, "Senior Brother, your grandfather is already dead!"