Lord of Deception

"Master Su, this is the newly sent information."

A monk in the realm of transformation sent dozens of jade slips and placed them on Su Li's table.

"Thank you, Mr. Li." Su Li said politely.

"Master Su, you're welcome. If you need anything, just ask."

Su Li watched the other party leave, with a hint of a smile on his lips.

He has been in a superimposed state of being unhappy and feeling happy lately.

He is just a fourth-level air sea realm monk, but he is still disabled. Although his newly grown arms appear to have recovered, it will still take some time to return to his original appearance.

This was because he listened to Yu Ziqing's advice and took a minor in a basic body training method to strengthen his physical body's energy and blood, so that he could recover faster.

In this situation, he became one of the eight shadow envoys.

Su Li himself knew very well that there were many people in the Shadow Department who disliked him, and there were also countless people who only dared to talk behind his back.

Because his strength, his ability, and his achievements are actually not convincing to the public.

Of course, strength is the most important thing.

However, none of those people dared to say anything to his face, and none of them were arrogant. They cooperated normally in official matters, and no one dared to hold back or hinder him.

There is no one who can truly become a member of the Shadow Division.

They clearly knew that the Shadow Department was completely different from other departments in Dali.

Li Huang nodded, but none of them dared to shake their heads.

There might even be a mole inside the Shadow Division. Not to mention hiding it, they didn't even dare to delay it for a while. They reported it to Emperor Li as soon as they got the news.

Su Li knew that he was promoted, but Li Huang was expressing his dissatisfaction and giving the senior executives of the Shadow Division a chance.

Su Li also understood that Li Huang actually didn't expect him to find anything in the Shadow Department.

Otherwise, even if he is not summoned in person, he will be asked to give a secret order by the chamberlain.

Others know it too, so they dare not be dissatisfied.

The internal review of the Shadow Department has quietly begun since his promotion.

These days, several people are apparently going on missions, but in fact, they have been quietly imprisoned in the dark death row of the Shadow Department.

After repeated interrogations and the cooperation of magic weapons, some problems were indeed found.

Su Li only read the file once and then stopped paying attention to it.

Those few were obviously scapegoats.

He could tell at a glance that these people had no access to some information. It was pure nonsense to say that they had caught a loophole and sneaked in quietly, and it was an insult to the rest of the Shadow Division.

No matter how detailed the information is, it is useless.

The rules of the Shadow Division are strict, especially regarding intelligence. Level-by-level authority is extremely restrictive.

Even if he is a shadow user and enters a place where intelligence is stored, he must strictly register.

When did you go in, when did you go out, and where did you go.

In some places where important confidential information is stored, who went in, which files were read, which information was read, when, and how long they were read, must be strictly recorded. In addition, the entire process must be taken, and the records must be recorded on the photo stone for archiving.

Over the years, the Shadow Division's loopholes have been continuously patched. Even if it cannot be said that it will never be leaked, it can basically be done. If there is a problem, you will know who to call.

After Su Li becomes a shadow user, he has access to more things and can make more accurate judgments.

He is now 100% sure that the person who caused the problem is at least someone of the level of the Eight Shadow Users.

Further up, even the Shadow Chief cannot be said to be fine until the dust settles.

Su Li deeply understood that no one expected him to achieve anything, he was more like a label now.

Therefore, now that he is in the Shadow Department, he actually does not participate in anything important. During meetings, he rarely expresses his opinions. Even if he is doing tasks, he very wisely only takes on some simple tasks.

On the surface, everyone's relationship with him was at least passable, and everyone felt that he was at least knowledgeable.

Now, Su Li has taken on a new mission.

Send a batch of magic weapons filled with filth and toxins to Busch Town.

When the magic weapon called sewage treatment began to be taken seriously, the imperial capital began to use it.

After counting the incidence rate among civilians living in the imperial capital, it was found that it had indeed begun to decline, and then this thing began to spread.

The importance began to increase, also because the magic weapon that reached the limit was indeed quite dangerous.

Of course, Shadow Division will also go with him.

According to the procedure, Su Li asked his men to escort him. Under the arrangement he made a month in advance, it was very logical that those people found reasonable excuses and could not accept the task.

Either he has a mission, or he has just completed a mission and is injured.

Anyway, they are all valid reasons for not being able to go.

Therefore, time was limited and dangerous items could not be stored for too long. Su Li had no choice but to escort these magic weapons in person.

A few days later, Su Li appeared openly outside the detoxification and beauty club.

Xianxian went to hand over the matter, Wu Shuangge went to handle it, and Su Li entered the back house.

Yu Ziqing has already made tea and is waiting for him.

"It's been a long time since we've seen each other. Brother Su, you're fine."

Yu Ziqing poured tea and waved.

"Brother Qing's experience is much more exciting than mine."

Su Li picked up the teacup, took a sip, and replied with a smile.

Yu Ziqing was taken away, and I don't know what happened in the meantime, which angered the forbidden area of ​​​​Jinlan Mountain. I don't know which strong person in the forbidden area, or what method was used, activated a great magical power.

Su Li naturally knew everything about this matter.

He even knew that the Lone Peak in the Northern Territory had archives in the Shadow Division.

"We just want to survive, but there are always people who don't want me to survive."

Yu Ziqing pointed to the side. Under the corridor, there were a lot of broken doors and broken windows.

"This was left by the person who came to arrest me last time. I kept it until Brother Su came to take a look."

With that said, Yu Ziqing took out two more pieces of paper.

One is painted with a jade mirror, the other is painted with a metal mask.

"A person wearing a metal mask uses this jade mirror magic weapon. He can step into the mirror and travel out of the realm of compassion.

I am very sure that he is not a member of Baiyang Xiesi.

Brother Su, you can see if you know anything about these things. "

When Su Li saw the simple painting with only lines, his eyes became serious.

"Also, Brother Su, I have received the news.

It can be confirmed with 100% certainty that the person who leaked your whereabouts to outsiders at that time was someone inside the Shadow Division. "

Su Li stood up with a sullen face and came to the broken doors and windows piled on the ground. He knelt down and examined the traces carefully.

Especially the door, there are very obvious traces of corrosion, as if the door was silently melted away by some kind of force.

He stretched out his hand and touched the fracture. The remaining power on it had long since dissipated, but just looking at the effect was enough to make a rough judgment.

After a moment, he sat back down.

"It seems that Brother Su already has a rough goal in mind?"

"Yes, the mask is the mask of the Faceless Man from the Great Earthquake, but in the case of the Great Earthquake, it would be too easy for one or two masks to be lost.

It's available in the Division of Shadows now.

As for this jade mirror, it was made by the Shadow Division to imitate the Shadow Mirror. However, its most powerful power is different from the Shadow Mirror. It only assists the escape method.

To be able to travel out of Miss Xianqian's domain, at least the jade mirror in the hands of the Eight Shadow Users is possible. "

With that said, Su Li took out an identical jade mirror.

He turned the jade mirror over, and there was a number seventeen on the handle on the back.

This is the jade mirror he was assigned after being promoted to Shadow Envoy.

"As for the power that can silently corrode formations and gates, there are indeed people in the Shadow Department who have practiced this method.

Moreover, he was once one of the eight shadow envoys.

Because he failed to improve his realm, his energy and blood began to decline and he retreated.

My current position is to take over from him.

He had access to my whereabouts before.

He also has the ability to make the broken door look like it is now, and he also has an imitation jade mirror in his hand.

He was not even in the imperial capital when something happened to Brother Qing. "

There are not many people who have the ability to do one thing. If all the conditions are met, then it is basically specified.

When Yu Ziqing heard this, his expression didn't change and he poured a cup of tea.

"Brother Su, is it basically confirmed that this is the person?"

"He is the only one who meets all the conditions in the Shadow Division. The Shadow Envoy who has already retreated is Ji Bochang." Su Li also picked up the teacup and drank it calmly.

The two sipped the tea slowly and were silent for a while.

Suddenly, the two put down their teacups, looked at each other, and laughed together.

"It seems that Brother Su thinks the same as me?"

"What do you think, Brother Qing?"

"If you don't know, this Ji Bochang has declined and retired, and Brother Su will take his place.

I would also think it was him.

But coupled with what Brother Su said, I feel that it is such a coincidence that so many clues have been left behind.

People in the Shadow Department can find out it's him with just a little investigation.

On the contrary, I felt that it wasn't him, or that he was just an abandoned person who was used to take the blame.

What does Brother Su think? "

“Based on my understanding of Master Ji and my understanding of the Shadow Division.

I think this is framed. "

Su Li sneered.

"Because, in the Shadow Division, few people get a good death.

Even if there is one more Ji Bochang, there is nothing strange about it.

As a shadow user, he has offended countless people in his life. Now he has failed to advance and lost his position as a shadow user.

There is nothing surprising if enemies come to your door one day and quietly kill you.

But after Ji Bochang retired, he lived quietly and took care of his health, and no powerful enemies took the opportunity to come to his door.

I don't think he has any enemies who regard him as a thorn in his side.

After being a shadow user for so many years, how could he not have any enemies? "

Yu Ziqing was thoughtful.

That was part of the reason he hadn't wanted to tell Forbes about it before.

Because I told Uncle Fu that if the news reaches the East Palace, the Prince of the East Palace will never intervene personally.

At most she would stab Li Huang.

And after all this coming and going, they still ended up in the Shadow Division.

Strictly speaking, taking Qing Ziyu away may not really be considered a betrayal of Emperor Li.

Even if he is colluding with the evil ways, it is still up to Li Huang to decide whether it counts or not.

So in the end, how to deal with it will not take into account his opinions and ideas, but look at it from the perspective of Emperor Li and Dali, whether it is beneficial or harmful.

And Ji Bochang, who was about to retire, followed the tradition of the Shadow Division and did not end well.

Look, tut, this is so normal.

Yu Ziqing touched his chin and thought for a while.

"Brother Su, do you know the specific situation of Ji Bochang? For example, how did he fail to advance to the next level?"

"I don't know very well. Things related to spiritual practice are secrets to everyone."

"In this case, I wonder if it would be convenient for Brother Su to pay a visit to Ji Bochang after he returns?"

"My position is to succeed him. I'm looking for a reason to visit him for advice. There's no problem. What does Brother Qing want to do?" Su Li was a little curious.

"Go and see how he failed to get promoted first.

Do you know Lin Guogong? "

"I know, Lin Guogong went crazy before. It is said that he has recovered, but he has not been to court for a long time. What is the specific situation? Everyone actually guesses that he has not recovered yet."

Yu Ziqing smiled, took out two jade bottles containing twenty drops of nectar and placed them on the table.

"This is Ganlin, Brother Su should have heard about it.

One of them was given to Brother Su. It is up to Brother Su to decide what to do with it.

The other one was when Brother Su went to visit Ji Bochang.

You can tell him directly what you have found out now. All the clues point to him.

See how he reacts.

Let's take a look again, if he failed because of the growth of demonic thoughts, which affected his promotion.

You will give this bottle of sweet rain to him as a thank you gift for visiting him frequently in the future.

Let him go to the Alms Town, where he can alms to the hungry ghosts, get rid of the evil thoughts in his heart, take good care of his body in the future, and maybe there will be a chance to try again. "

"This..." Su Li hesitated.

As a shadow user, how could he not know about Gan Lin? Giving alms to hungry ghosts can get rid of some of the evil thoughts in his heart every time.

This matter has been quietly circulated among the high-level officials in Dali recently.

The leader of the Lihuo Courtyard, whoever spares a few drops of sweet rain will appear to have no reputation.

But the value of this thing is extremely high.

"Take it, no matter how precious it is, it is still a foreign object."

"Thank you very much, Brother Qing. Don't worry, Brother Qing. I will definitely investigate this matter to the end."

Su Li took the jade bottle and sniffed it gently. He could smell a hint of aroma through the cork, which was completely different from the sweet rain he had come into contact with before.

"Brother Qing, can you take a look?"

"random."

Su Li opened it and was a little dumbfounded when he saw the amber rain inside and the unique fragrance.

"Brother Qing, this... this is too precious. It has not been diluted. I dare not accept it. Brother Qing, take it back quickly."

"Huh?" Yu Ziqing was startled.

Keywords captured.

dilution.

Yu Ziqing felt as if he had been struck by lightning.

Damn it.

He felt that he was a profiteer and should be hanged.

Never expected that.

What does it mean that one mountain is higher than the other, and there are profiteers who have found a way to dilute the spiritual liquid?

"Is the rain spreading in Dali diluted?" Yu Ziqing couldn't help it.

"Yes, it can be used if it is diluted several times with the best pure spiritual liquid. All the rain that spreads in Dali is like this.

The best kind of rain is recorded based on His Highness's description. "

"..."

Yu Ziqing secretly rejoiced that he did not let the Dali Prince act as an agent.

I still underestimated her, she could be more than a hundred times more valuable.

She can use the diluted rain to exert more than a hundred times the influence.

Now he also understood why No. 5 was so polite last time. What he wanted was just a hundred drops diluted several times.

But what I gave him was the most primitive rain.

He didn't kneel down and kowtow twice, which was considered reserved.

Yu Ziqing was wondering just now, is Lin Guogong still not well?

I had given him a full thirty-eight drops. If he had used them all at once in Bush Town, the huge number of hungry ghosts summoned from the abyss would definitely be able to press his demonic thoughts to the ground and rub them, but they might not be able to. Let every hungry ghost get a snack.

Why do people in Dali still think that Lin Guogong is not good?

Now he understood that if it was diluted with thirty-eight drops, it would be strange that Lin Guogong would be cured.

There may not be thirty-eight undiluted drops of the sweet rain still circulating in the entire Dali.

If you increase the price, you must increase the price. If you lose, you will lose blood.

"Brother Qing?" Su Li really didn't dare to ask for it.

Twenty drops of the finest nectar felt hot to his hands even when he held it.

"Brother Su, just take it."

After giving it away, how could Yu Ziqing take it back? It's good if the value is high. If the value is high enough, it will be more valuable when it is given away.

"After Brother Su goes back, he can find some of the best spiritual liquid to dilute it. Brother Su can decide on his own how to deal with it.

It would be best to help Brother Su gain a foothold in the Shadow Division.

As for the other bottle, dilute it and give it to Ji Bochang.

You should first see how he is doing when the time comes.

If the reason for his failure to advance had nothing to do with demonic thoughts, then forget it. "

"I think it's 80% related. People in the Shadow Division are exposed to too many things. It's difficult to be open-minded on the road of cultivation."

"That all depends on Brother Su."

After seeing Su Li off, Yu Ziqing let out a long sigh.

After all, he was kind-hearted and couldn't keep up with the ideas of profiteers.

…

Su Li delivered the dirty gas bucket and took care of it before returning to life with Kong's magic weapon.

When I returned to the Imperial Capital, I went to work on time as usual, and got off work on time when I had nothing to do. During meetings, I sat there and listened carefully as usual, but did not express an opinion.

If you are asked, you are just following the crowd. Your Excellency is right, what your Excellency says is true.

Ah, yes, yes.

Ah yes yes yes.

I have little qualifications and weak abilities. Everything depends on you adults.

When there is any task, it is left to the people below to do it, and all the credit goes to the people below.

Su Li just mingled around like this, and gradually, no one paid attention to him anymore.

Ten days later, when Su Li was looking at a document, he asked his subordinate.

"this place……"

"Sir, this is what Master Ji once commented. We... don't know what it means."

"That's it..." Su Li nodded, not embarrassing the uneasy subordinate: "How is Master Ji's recovery from his injury recently? Do you know?"

"Sir, I heard that you can go out and walk now."

"Oh, that's good. Do you know where Master Ji's residence is now?"

"Know."

"Well, please take me to visit Mr. Ji. I have indeed discovered many problems recently.

Now that Mr. Ji has almost recovered from his injury, he went to hand over some unfinished issues.

And, logically, I should have paid a visit long ago.

I am not qualified enough and my ability is far inferior to Master Ji.

When I go to visit, I'll also see if I can ask Mr. Ji to give me some advice. "

Su Li brought many documents and was led by his subordinates to Ji Bochang's residence.

As the former Shadow Messenger of the Shadow Division, even if he had the opportunity to retire, he would not be able to live outside the Imperial Capital.

All the way to Ji's house, they handed over their name cards, and soon a doorman welcomed them in.

When I saw Ji Bochang again, although he seemed to be walking as usual, his appearance was at least twenty years older than when Su Li saw him last year.

This kind of appearance on a monk is a sign of severe trauma.

Su Li was not in a hurry to ask anything else, just exchanged normal greetings, then handed over some things that had not been handed over before, and asked for advice on some things by the way.

After asking for advice, Su Li took advantage of the situation and asked.

"Su's qualifications are shallow and his abilities are weak. He has occupied his current position and is full of anxiety, fearing that he will fail his holy hopes.

I wonder if Su will be able to visit more often in the future. I would like Mr. Ji to give me some advice. "

Su Li's words ended here, still in his capacity as the current Shadow Envoy.

What else could Ji Bochang say?

It's not a big deal, and it gives him enough face, so of course he won't say no.

After the first visit, a few days later, Su Li came to visit again with some gifts.

After doing this seven times in a row, Su Li came to the door again.

"Teacher, I'm here to bother you again."

"Come on, come on. Don't bring anything with you when you come. Come in quickly." Ji Bo Chang waved his hand cheerfully, recognizing the name of the teacher.

He retired, could get a good death, and have a current shadow user who is humble, studious, and a good person. Call him teacher.

Then what is there to be dissatisfied with?

After coming in and asking for advice, Su Li looked around.

"I wonder if there is a secret room here, teacher?"

"Huh?" Ji Bochang's eyes narrowed, and then he nodded slowly: "Come with me."

Entering the secret room, Su Li took out a jade bottle.

"Teacher, this is fifty drops of nectar. Although it is diluted, it should be of great help to the teacher."

"This..." Ji Bochang was shocked.

"Teacher has been working for the Shadow Division for many years. After seeing too much darkness, it is inevitable that evil thoughts will arise.

I feel that if the teacher can get rid of the evil thoughts and take good care of his body, he may not be able to make further progress. "

With that said, Su Li took out another jade slip.

"I got this from Duke Lin's Mansion, the giving ritual, the giving mantra and the giving mudra.

Teacher, don’t give up, give it a try, it’s always right. "

Ji Bo often shook his head and smiled bitterly. He thought Su Li had something confidential to say.

Unexpectedly, this is what happened.

And fifty drops of sweet rain is indeed a big deal.

Ji Bochang wanted to push the jade bottle back, but after seeing Su Li's eyes and thinking about his situation, he hesitated and nodded.

"Okay, then I'll accept it shamelessly."

"Then I'll take a leave of absence and go to Busch Town with the teacher."

After coming out of Ji Zhai, Su Li felt quite complicated.

After several visits, he has confirmed many things, but he has not yet produced the evidence and clues.

He didn't take it out to test Ji Bochang's reaction. He had basically confirmed that Ji Bochang definitely didn't know those things.

There are people who want Ji Bochang to be the scapegoat.

A scapegoat that is both satisfying and reasonable for everyone.

Because the people who framed Ji Bochang didn't know a thing.

The secret method of melting snow that Ji Bochang had mastered could indeed break through formations silently, and it could also leave the same traces on the broken door left by Yu Ziqing.

However, three years ago, before Ji Bochang failed to advance, something went wrong.

At that time, Ji Bochang's secret method of melting snow could no longer be used. If he used it again, he would melt his own hands first.

Before this, Ji Bochang had not disclosed this matter to anyone at all.

A few days later, Su Li took leave and accompanied Ji Bochang to Bushi Town.

Next to the empty abyss crack, a new person came.

Su Li helped Ji Bochang arrange the altar and asked Ji Bochang to do alms by himself. He also told him all the important points.

As the alms filled with sweet rain began, countless hungry ghosts crawled out of the abyss.

Wisps of black energy flew out of Ji Bochang's body and fell into the hands of those hungry ghosts.

Watching the group of hungry ghosts retreat, Ji Bochang touched his chest with a look of surprise on his face.

The demonic thoughts in his heart have indeed disappeared.

If you take good care of your body and regain your spirit, it is indeed possible to attack again.

Su Li took Ji Bochang away. This time, he did not visit Yu Ziqing.

But no one noticed that under the crack in the abyss, sitting on a large raised rock, were two different hungry ghosts.

Although they also look like typical hungry ghosts, their eyes and posture are obviously different from other hungry ghosts.

Just among the countless hungry ghosts, no one can find it, and no one will go deep into the cracks of the abyss to find it.

One of the hungry ghosts stretched out a hand, and those hungry ghosts holding strands of demonic thoughts lined up and walked up to her, handing all their demonic thoughts to her.

When all the demonic thoughts were gathered together and rolling and struggling in her hands, she took out some sweet rain, swayed it out, turned it into tiny crystal water droplets, and distributed it to these hungry ghosts.

"Remember this from now on, don't be so impatient.

After you get the magic thought, even if you eat it, you have to go back and eat it again. Don't eat it in front of others. "

After giving the instructions, the two hungry ghosts disappeared into the stone wall.

The group of hungry ghosts, after bowing and thanking them, rushed into the abyss again.

In the backyard of the detoxification and beauty salon, two hungry ghosts emerged from the ground and regained their appearance.

"Master, I have brought back that person's demonic thoughts and detained them in the abyss of despair."

"Come on, come with me and have a look."

As soon as the sympathetic thoughts came to his mind, he and Yu Ziqing entered the abyss of despair.

There was a rolling mass of black energy inside, which was bound in place by chains. No matter how much it struggled and rolled, it couldn't let go or escape.

Yu Ziqing looked at the black air and frowned slightly.

This is a mindless demonic thought suppressed entirely by negative emotions, not even an inner demon.

"Can you deal with it? Let him at least communicate."

Xianxin nodded, walked to the black air, reached out and grabbed a handful of the black air, and pulled out a ball of something as black as ink, then stuffed it into his mouth and ate it like candy.

Sure enough, that black energy immediately became much more honest.

Unlike before, when he saw a hungry ghost, he dared to show his teeth and claws.

After Xianxian finished a bite of the snack, he grabbed another ball and handed it to Yu Ziqing.

"Master, do you want to try it? It's very similar to sanjiao and yuejiao with more fat. It's still very fragrant."

"..."

Yu Ziqing shook his head.

"Forget it, just eat it."

Seeing that it was half eaten, the black air became a lot more transparent, and now it had shrunk into a ball, shivering.

"It's not the inner demon. It's still a little troublesome after all. If the inner demon takes shape and becomes conscious, at least I can ask directly."

"Master, let me try again. I think it's still ok. If it doesn't work anymore, I'll just eat it as a snack."

"Then try again, be careful, don't kill yourself, I still want to ask questions."

Yu Ziqing just watched, stretched out a finger, and kept digging out a little bit of black air, constantly catalyzing it.

He also waited patiently.

When Yu Ziqing heard about Ji Bochang before, he had some ideas.

Although he judged that Ji Bochang had a high probability of being framed, and if necessary, he would be used as a scapegoat.

After all, with a shadow user, everything makes sense.

But this is just Yu Ziqing's own speculation.

Su Li was also guessing.

No one has definite evidence, and no one dares to say 100% that Ji Bochang is fine.

Isn't this matter a dead end?

After thinking about it, it seems that only Ji Bochang himself can be 100% sure that there is something wrong with him.

Thinking again about Ji Bochang's failure in promotion...

And he has worked in a dark place like the Shadow Department for most of his life.

Hey, tell me, is there a possibility that Ji Bochang failed to advance to the next level because he was affected by demonic thoughts?

What if his demonic thoughts are even more powerful, and instead of just having negative emotions such as anger, he already has some consciousness?

Besides Ji Bochang himself, who else knows him best?

His evil thoughts.

Whatever he thinks in his mind, whenever he does something, his demonic thoughts will know.

Ji Bochang could not be tortured, nor could he be sure whether Ji Bochang would tell the truth, let alone whether he would lie to others by telling the truth.

That's simple, give him some benefits and give him some hope of doing it again.

Then, torture his demonic thoughts.

Is this okay?

While letting Su Li go to investigate, it was impossible for Yu Ziqing to do nothing.

He can be sure that Su Li trusts him and will not give him any false information, but what if Su Li himself gets false information?

Now, this is what Yu Ziqing wants to do personally.

Seeing that under Xian Xian's precise operation, the group of demonic thoughts became smaller and smaller, shrinking into a ball and shivering.

He picked off a piece again and after eating the candy, finally, the demonic thought caused some fluctuations in his mind.

It's begging for mercy.

When it is forced to convey a little information, it starts to convey the same information continuously.

Spare your life, spare your life, spare your life...

Although his IQ does not seem to be high, at least he knows he is afraid of death.

Yu Ziqing stepped forward and looked at the huddled demonic thoughts.

"I'm asking you something. If you don't answer honestly, I'll just wait and treat you as a snack."