However, the most crucial thing right now is to observe Zhong Nan's condition.

At this moment, Zhong Nan is extremely weak, even breathing is exceedingly difficult.

After exerting the Heaven and Earth Sorrow, even the Life Returning Pill's effects can't maintain his feeble facade anymore.

Now he is extremely old, almost on the verge of death.

Gu An's eyes are filled with joy, but he pretends to be concerned and says, "Is Lord National Master alright?"

Zhong Nan gestures with his hand.

Gu An promptly says, "I was in charge of White Emperor City's security this time, and with the National Preceptor being attacked, the responsibility lies with me. I will investigate thoroughly and give an explanation to the National Preceptor."

Then he bows to Zhang Jin and finally, leads the Celestial Shadow Guard towards the direction where the assassin fled.

Only then does Zhang Jin step forward to help Zhong Nan, saying, "Teacher, I'll assist you back to rest."

Zhong Nan nods, yet still looks towards Lin Chen and the others, saying, "Children, I scared you today."

Everyone only bows to bid farewell, not speaking much.

Today was also an important experience in their lives.

The incident of the National Preceptor being assassinated was actually encountered by them.

Inside, they felt anger, but also helplessness.

After Zhong Nan and the others left, Liu Gu and Daoist Zhang said, "Everyone, please don't leave yet, wait for our notification."

Having said that, the two hurriedly left towards the direction where Zhu Tong and the others disappeared.

When they were no longer present, the students began discussing fervently.

There was only one topic of discussion:

Who would dare make a move against the illustrious National Preceptor here in Cangling Ancient Country.

...

Gu An led the Celestial Shadow Guard in pursuit, but they couldn't catch sight of these people at all.

Seeing this, Gu An felt overly excited.

This time his collaboration with the Youlan Empire originally wasn't intended to take Zhong Nan's life.

With the support of the Dragon Transformation Skill, killing Zhong Nan is virtually impossible.

Now knowing Zhong Nan's condition was excellent news for him.

Once he sends this news back to the Celestial Capital, the Gu Family would certainly start planning a re-conquest of the National Preceptor position.

While contemplating, Ji Ru came in, saying as she entered:

"The Youlan Empire has arranged Death Warriors, all pointing towards the Hidden Cultivation Association as leads."

"Very well."

Gu An glanced at the report, then said, "Wait for a day, then deliver this report to Zhang Jin in the evening, telling him I'm still busy pursuing them."

"Yes."

Ji Ru nodded.

"Anything else?"

"Yes." Ji Ru pondered for a moment, then said, "According to the Celestial Shadow Guard's description, those assassins made a move against the students when they finally left."

Gu An didn't find it surprising and said, "They wanted to escape, using those students as hostages is quite normal."

"The issue lies here." Ji Ru said, "They didn't target a group of students, but specifically... the one named Lin Chen."

"What did you say?!"

Gu An certainly knows Lin Chen, whose Spirit Beast showed such potential that it alarmed all the big figures present then.

Everyone knows...

If nothing unexpected occurs.

The strongest among this year's new students would be Lin Chen.

"Idiots." Gu An thought for a moment and immediately understood Tyler's intention.

They likely feel uncertain about securing the championship and decided to take action against Lin Chen while they can.

If Cangling Ancient Country starts off losing three points, the Youlan Empire could claim this championship effortlessly.

Gu An realizes events have taken a turn, even if the National Master's Institute suspects the Hidden Cultivation Association, they would follow the clues and target them.

But now, given this event, with Zhang Jin, Zhu Tong, and their shrewdness, they will inevitably suspect the Youlan Empire.

Once they set their sights on Tyler and the others, an investigation will surely be conducted secretly.

The National Master's Institute's capabilities aren't something Gu An and the others can influence.

"We've already supplied them with information, and yet they still fear not capturing the last championship..." Gu An said coldly, "Now even fools would suspect it's their doing."

"What to do now?" Ji Ru asked.

Gu An stood, paced a bit, then said, "Even if they suspect, they probably won't find clues soon. Check how many people are aware of our involvement..."

Before he finished, Ji Ru bowed and said, "Understood."

"Do it a bit more elegantly." Gu An added.

"Yes."

Ji Ru bowed and left.

She understood Gu An's command.

If Tyler and the others are exposed, the Gu Family is at risk of being suspected.

Therefore, the best solution is to ensure these individuals never speak again.

....

Lin Chen and the others waited for three hours before being informed they could leave.

Under the protection of Celestial Shadow Guard, Liu Gu led Lin Chen back to the courtyard.

Liu Gu also said, "Before returning to Spirit Academy, Teacher will stay here."

Lin Chen nodded.

The last scene made Lin Chen aware that the other party seemed to have targeted him deliberately.

Clearly...

Liu Gu and the others also realized that.

In the evening, Liu Gu told Lin Chen that the investigation results were out.

"...Celestial Shadow Guard caught one person, but he's dead."

"According to the investigation, this person's identity is linked to the Hidden Cultivation Association."

Liu Gu spoke with a furrowed brow.

Lin Chen said, "The Hidden Cultivation Association doesn't exactly have major conflicts of interest with Cangling Ancient Country, does it?"

Liu Gu nodded and said, "If they hadn't attacked you, this matter would've been pinned on the Hidden Cultivation Association."

"But their intentional targeting makes us suspicious."

"Youlan Empire."

Lin Chen spoke decisively.

"It seems that's our strongest suspicion right now." Liu Gu said, "Your performance in the battle at Beiming Country was too impressive, the Youlan Empire probably feels it's not secure."

"Of course, this is just conjecture at the moment."

Lin Chen nodded.

Though it was a conjecture, from a perspective of interest, if Lin Chen can't participate, the Youlan Empire stands to gain the most.

As time passed, the entire White Emperor City came to know of this matter.

When Zhong Nan exerted the Dragon Transformation Skill, the impact was so great it was hard for people to overlook.

Thus, anger spread throughout Cangling Ancient Country.

National Preceptor is a symbol of their nation, and White Emperor City is a city of martyrs.

To assault the National Preceptor here was akin to declaring war.

"We must capture the culprits behind this, or it would be humiliating."

"Humiliation is minor; if not for the National Preceptor's Dragon Transformation Skill, he might've died here."

"How was Dubhe Pavilion handling the security procedures this time?"

"Rumor has it, those assassins also targeted Lin Chen afterward, wasn't this orchestrated by the Youlan Empire?"

"Currently, evidence points towards the Hidden Cultivation Association."

"The leader of the Hidden Cultivation Association seemingly confessed; this attack was theirs, seeking revenge for our previous oppression."

"I think this matter is not so simple."

In just one night, the city was abuzz with discussion.

Everyone felt the likelihood of Youlan Empire's involvement was greater due to the assassination detail concerning Lin Chen.

However, there was no direct proof indicating these people were directly sent by the Youlan Empire.

Moreover,

even if Lin Chen remained unharmed.

Given the current situation, it's extremely difficult for Cangling Ancient Country to win against the Youlan Empire.

The next day, Tyler publicly declared:

This attack on Zhong Nan surprised them greatly, and concerning the suspicion, they were even more outraged. He stated that on that night, all their team members were in an inn and did not go out, so this matter has no connection to the Youlan Empire, and they will actively cooperate with Celestial Shadow Guard's investigation to clear their name.

His words quelled much of the speculation.

Yet the matter stands as such...

Once doubt arises, this issue will continue to brew relentlessly.

Another day passed, and students from the Youlan Empire also started making statements, especially Dick, who boasted:

"Not to mention the Cangling Ancient Country has already lost two members, even at full strength we remain unafraid."

"The Youlan Empire's participation in the Beast Fighting Conference marks the championship as already decided!"

"Cangling Ancient Country, what can you use to compete against us!"

His words caused an uproar throughout the city.

However, those words indeed had an effect.

To some extent, many people started giving up on suspecting the Youlan Empire.

But upon hearing these words, a surge of frustration rose within them.

With Cangling Ancient Country starting off at a deficit, it was akin to a disastrous beginning.

Thus, whatever Dick said became accepted.

Regarding the final championship, it must belong to the Youlan Empire, nobody believes Cangling Ancient Country can turn it around.

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