The National Preceptor's recent activities, as of seven days ago, were closely monitored. Although Yan Shouyi had only recently gained the ability to perceive the emotions and desires of others, he sensed, through some unseen connection, that Yu Lumen's changes had occurred around this time.
The National Preceptor was the murderer of the Old Celestial Master, Zhang Yin, and Yu Lumen harbored a deep hatred for him, making it impossible for him not to desire his death.
Therefore, Yan Shouyi worried that Yu Lumen harbored other secrets, and he could not afford any mistakes in the endeavor to eliminate the National Preceptor.
"The Celestial Master's daily schedule is quite monotonous. He wakes up in the morning to meditate and cultivate, teaches in the lecture hall during midday and afternoon, and reads in seclusion at night. Only when Senior Uncle Zhang Shantong and I are unavailable does he deviate from his routine to tend to the souls of children."
"No anomalies in seven days?"
"Let me think..." Liu Yiren pondered for a moment, recalling, "Now that you mention it, I do remember the Celestial Master descending the mountain seven days ago. However, he didn't explain where he was going to anyone, and he returned in less than an hour."
"What was the specific time?" Yan Shouyi pressed.
The two checked the times, and it turned out to be the night after Yan Shouyi had severely wounded the National Preceptor.
This immediately put Yan Shouyi on alert.
While he was reluctant to suspect Yu Lumen, the numerous coincidences forced him to seriously consider the possibility of a connection between Yu Lumen and the National Preceptor.
Logically, Yu Lumen and the National Preceptor shared a bitter enmity, and their stances were completely opposed. It was impossible for them to have any association.
But how could Yu Lumen's inner malice be explained?
"Returning in less than an hour suggests he didn't go far. Perhaps he stayed within Longhu Mountain..."
Yan Shouyi pondered for a moment, then asked, "Were there any changes after he returned?"
Liu Yiren shook his head again, "He continued to meditate, lecture, and read. If I had to mention a change, it would be that he started reading a little later each day."
Yu Lumen had good habits and rarely stayed up late, usually leaving his study around nine in the evening to return to his residence.
However, recently, Liu Yiren had noticed that Yu Lumen often read until eleven or twelve at night, occasionally instructing a young acolyte to fetch him something to eat.
Liu Yiren hadn't paid much attention before, but now, thinking about it, Yu Lumen's schedule had indeed changed seven days ago, and he had never had a habit of eating late-night snacks.
Liu Yiren was not foolish. With Yan Shouyi asking so many questions, it was clear he wasn't just seeking gossip.
Thus, Liu Yiren said earnestly, "Yan Shouyi, have you made some discovery? I don't think you should keep it from me."
Yuan Jianxin, who had been leaning against the door, listening intently, couldn't help but interject,
"Brother Yan, what exactly is going on? You don't suspect the Celestial Master, do you?"
The situation was becoming increasingly perplexing, and investigating it alone would indeed be difficult for Yan Shouyi.
So, he shared his findings with the two of them.
Upon hearing it, both were shocked and incredulous.
Their reactions were the same as Yan Shouyi's.
"But he is the Celestial Master, and he harbors such a deep hatred for the National Preceptor. What reason could he have..." Yuan Jianxin murmured.
Liu Yiren lowered his head and said, "I consider myself to know the Celestial Master quite well. He is not that kind of person. We shouldn't suspect him."
"But precisely because we believe in him, shouldn't we strive to clarify the matter?" Yan Shouyi sighed. "Yu Lumen is also my friend, my confidant. If he were to go astray, do we not have a responsibility to guide him back to the right path?"
These words immediately convinced the two.
Yuan Jianxin said seriously, "Brother Yan is right. Regardless of the truth, we must investigate thoroughly."
"...Alright, how do you plan to investigate?" Liu Yiren agreed. "I still have some privileges on Longhu Mountain. I can take you to places you cannot go."
Yan Shouyi nodded slightly and said, "From the clues you've provided, Yu Lumen's life is largely routine. The only anomaly lies in his study."
"What reason disrupted the Celestial Master's routine, and why does he frequently order late-night snacks?" Yuan Jianxin frowned.
Suddenly, Liu Yiren's eyes widened in astonishment, and he gasped,
"Could it be... the Celestial Master is keeping someone in his study... Is that person the National Preceptor?!"
At these words, the three fell silent.
The more they thought about it, the more plausible it seemed.
"It seems we need to investigate the study," Yan Shouyi proposed.
Liu Yiren's expression turned serious, "There's no time to lose. We'll act tonight. Once it's a bit later, I'll take you to the Celestial Master's study."
But they had to put on a convincing act.
Yan Shouyi worried that Yu Lumen might have people watching him. If he stayed with Liu Yiren until midnight, it would surely arouse suspicion.
So, the three discussed and decided to have Yuan Jianxin take Yan Shouyi's paper figurine doppelganger back to divert attention.
Yan Shouyi took out the paper figurine gifted to him by A Gong, transforming it into his likeness. It looked no different from a real person, except its complexion was slightly paler, and it would tear if poked.
However, the paper figurine's aura was identical to Yan Shouyi's true self. Unless Yu Lumen stood directly in front of it, no one could tell the difference.
Yuan Jianxin, carrying Yan Shouyi's paper figurine substitute, returned to their lodging in a believable manner, even engaging in casual conversation with the figurine along the way.
But after walking a few hundred meters, Yuan Jianxin suddenly came to his senses.
If he left, wouldn't Yan Shouyi and Liu Yiren be alone together?
Had he been tricked by the two of them???
Yuan Jianxin was already quite naive, but at that moment, he couldn't quite discern whether Yan Shouyi genuinely intended to investigate Yu Lumen or was merely finding an excuse to send him away, so he could meet his old flame...
When Yuan Jianxin returned to their lodging with the paper figurine substitute, Luo Ning was the first to rush out, scrutinizing Yan Shouyi's paper figurine substitute with a discerning gaze.
"Hmph, it seems you're sensible enough not to do anything that betrays Zhitong!" Luo Ning declared.
Long Feicheng floated out, glancing at the substitute with surprise. "Why didn't Brother Yan come back?"
Luo Ning smacked Long Feicheng. "Are you dead, or blind? Yan Shouyi is right here!"
"This isn't Brother Yan!" Long Feicheng stated honestly.
Yuan Jianxin didn't conceal anything from them and quietly explained Yan Shouyi's plan for the night.
Both were utterly astonished.
Then, they shared Yuan Jianxin's doubt: "Could they just be making an excuse to send you away?"
Yuan Jianxin scratched the back of his head. "I believe in Brother Yan's character."
"I believe him too!" Long Feicheng immediately sided with them, patting his chest and saying, "I believe Brother Yan is as pure and upright as I am!"
Luo Ning narrowed his eyes. "I would have believed Yan Shouyi if you hadn't said that. Now it's hard to believe."