Chapter 39: The Gate of Restoration!

"Guangfu Sect!"

Li Rui and the Commandant of the Capital looked at each other and spoke the name in unison. This sect had only appeared and become known in recent years.

"Damn it! I, Hu, will not rest until I find their lair and destroy it. How dare they stir up trouble right under my nose? If I, the Commandant of the Capital, let this slide, what face do I have left?"

The Commandant was quick-tempered and, once he set his sights on something, he had to see it through. He had been at the Left Chancellor’s residence that night as well, yet still allowed the Chancellor to be wounded. It truly was a blow to his reputation, not to mention that the capital was his territory to protect.

"Assassins attacking the Left Chancellor’s birthday banquet, and the killers sent by an organized group—this is a grave matter. I will report to His Majesty first thing in the morning for judgment."

Li Rui, too, found the situation troubling. Was someone orchestrating this from behind the scenes, or did the Guangfu Sect harbor some deeper plot? This sect had only emerged in recent years, branding a sun symbol on their wrists and naming themselves the "Guangfu Sect"—but to what end?

If they did not eradicate them now, while they were yet to gain strength, who knew what havoc the Guangfu Sect might wreak once they grew more powerful? This time, they had dared to openly and secretly target a senior minister of the court—clear proof that their audacity knew no bounds.

"Prince Rui, it's right for you to report this, but when the time comes for their eradication, you must take me along."

Though Hu Shizhong, the Commandant, was all hot-blooded fervor, he understood the need to proceed by the book. Still, he was eager for battle, ready to head to the front lines himself.

"Commandant, that goes without saying. However, much depends on His Majesty’s decision. Whether to eliminate them or let them be lies with the Emperor."

This was all Li Rui could say; it was uncertain whether permission would be granted to wipe them out. Time was needed to investigate the Guangfu Sect’s lair and to uncover the true story behind the attack and the assassination attempt.

The next morning at court, Li Rui reported the matter. The Emperor, furious, ordered that the culprits be apprehended at all costs, to set an example. Otherwise, these martial sects would have no regard for the law, believing they could challenge the dynasty at will.

Afterwards, the Emperor made time to visit the Left Chancellor himself, for the Chancellor was a founding elder of the state. That such a high minister should be attacked by assassins was a failure of the kingdom’s protection, and the Emperor had every reason to pay his respects.

The local inspector in the capital’s yamen had no hand in this affair, for both Li Rui and the Commandant were in charge. To find the lair, they had scouted for many days, finally discovering that the sect’s movements centered in the rugged mountains along the border between two nations.

After days of careful observation, the spies confirmed it was indeed the Guangfu Sect’s stronghold. Without delay, the Commandant led a mighty force of capital soldiers straight to the lair, with Li Rui selecting some of his own elite to join the assault.

That day, Commandant Hu Shizhong unleashed his full fury. The assassin organization had both seasoned killers and fresh recruits; though the official forces suffered some casualties, they fought with blood and iron, ultimately succeeding in crushing the enemy.

Of course, several managed to escape, and it turned out this was not their main base but merely a training ground. Thus, their victory did not mean the sect was annihilated—though they did not yet realize this.

"Hahaha! Prince Rui, fighting side by side with you today was exhilarating. We must find time to spar together one day!"

The Commandant had fought to his heart’s content. Though he’d sustained a few minor wounds, they were no more than scratches to him. Still brimming with energy, he issued a challenge to Li Rui.

"Let us leave this for another time. Reporting back must come first."

Li Rui neither accepted nor refused outright. He knew the Commandant was a man of passion, but preferred not to spar with him, lest swords or blades cause unintended harm.

"Very well, I’ll take that as a promise! Hahaha!"

Commandant Hu Shizhong paid no heed, simply taking Li Rui’s silence as agreement. Pleased with himself, he strode away alone, not giving Li Rui a chance to object.

"When did I ever promise him anything?" Li Rui could only shake his head in helpless resignation.