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Gu Xiaoxi also gathered some materials afterward.

She suspected that Long Ji was also a Special Ability User. Moreover, the religion he propagated had long rooted his reputation as the Saintly Sage in Yi State deeply.

"This king is not to be underestimated!" Jing Haoran concluded in the end.

In the end, Gu Xiaoxi decided to head to Dong State from the yet-unengaged border of Yi State.

To take another look at King Aotai.

She needed to personally and thoroughly understand the reactions of the citizens, and then calculate the king’s character. Next, to figure out a way to get close to the king and understand the causes and consequences of the situation.

On the way, Jing Haoran voiced his doubts, "Xiao Xi, I feel like these two aren’t really interested in fighting. Look, it’s been so many days. Their clashes are limited to just two cities. The defenses are still being held. It seems like they are wary of something!"

"Not only that! Their battlefields are in the most remote areas. Although it has been many days, there haven’t been many casualties." Gu Xiaoxi stroked her chin, it was obvious the other party was jockeying.

Gu Xiaoxi estimated, if it was for a woman... Could it be that they both kidnapped each other’s beloved?

Thinking of using them as bargaining chips to make the other concede and give ground? Or perhaps, both are after the same thing?

Clearly, she let her imagination run a bit wild.

*

The journey from Yi State to the border of Dong State was not easy.

The Lavis Mountain stood formidably between the two nations, severing them with its towering snowy peaks which mere mortals could not scale.

Previously, though Gu Xiaoxi had seen this mountain on the map, she paid it no mind. In her view, there was no mountain that could not be crossed.

But when she reached the foot of the mountain, she finally understood.

The Divine Power of nature could create anything unbelievable.

That mountain, tall and steep, was such that not even snow could lodge on its cliffs. Thus, the valleys below enjoyed evergreen springs, with beautiful lakes adjoined one after another. The plains below were home to simple villagers who did not worry one bit that war might unfold behind them.

At this time, Gu Xiaoxi and Jing Haoran finally understood.

Why the war started from both sides, and yet the central area was left untouched by anyone.

"Xiao Xi, this mountain is impassable. What should we do next?" Jing Haoran was anxious. They had been out for five days. He didn’t know if Jing Rui had accomplished his mission.

"Go to the Imperial City, and find a way to track down Long Ji’s whereabouts," said Gu Xiaoxi. "As for Aunt Jing’s side, they must also be observing the dynamics between the two emperors. As long as the war doesn’t worsen, everyone will be at peace with each other."

Gu Xiaoxi thought about the mission’s ten-billion compensation, feeling a little excited inside. Worthy of the International Alliance—engaged in major undertakings and offering high salaries.

If only she were a formal member.

Although this mission had nothing to do with her, she still wanted to get involved and see for herself.

She was very curious about how much value and significance the existence of the International Alliance truly held.

After several transfers along the way, they finally arrived at the capital of Yi State Country, the Sun City.

The luxury of Sun City was on par with that of Imperial City. Skyscrapers stood shoulder to shoulder, and the Sun Palace at the city center was so lavish it could dazzle one’s eyes.

Below the emperor’s feet, the citizens here seemed even more at ease.

Life went on as normal with food, drink, and entertainment.

Occasionally, they would speak of their great and handsome king. Their eyes filled with nothing but admiration.

Gu Xiaoxi bought many books about Long Ji in a bookstore and conducted a detailed investigation of him.

In the end, she summarized a few reasons why he was so supported and trusted by the people.

1. First and foremost, rumors! It was said that Long Ji was the incarnation of a deity; since his ascension, Yi State had been blessed with perfect weather, having never suffered any natural disasters.

2. Then there was his positive image, his eloquence. He filled his citizens with motivational speeches.

3. Reforms of various systems pleased the hearts of the people. To such an extent that in their minds, he was like a god.

As long as he spoke, everyone was willing to walk through fire and water for him.

Even in the case of a war without reason, there would be no opposition.

After understanding this, Gu Xiaoxi felt her intelligence drop.

A man in his late twenties, whose tactics were astonishing to all.

Even Jing Haoran had to admit, this king really rode the waves of success.

"Recently, many people have been trying to find out Long Ji’s whereabouts. But since the war started, all his information has been sealed off. He only occasionally updates his status on the official website to reassure his citizens," Jing Haoran concluded from his investigation.

Gu Xiaoxi sat in the café with a computer in front of her. "It seems that he’s not only smart but also very resourceful. A computer expert indeed!"

"What do you mean?"

"Frequently updating his status without ever showing his face. Could it mean that he’s injured?" Gu Xiaoxi tapped her fingers on the table, speculating.

Jing Haoran shook his head in confusion, "Who can say, he might be busy with other things!"

"Impossible! At such a critical moment, there’s no way he wouldn’t make an appearance." Gu Xiaoxi thought for a moment, then hurriedly turned on her computer and searched all of Long Ji’s residences.

Jing Haoran thought, "If your analysis is correct, does that mean we could soon find out where Long Ji is?"

"Yes!" Gu Xiaoxi gazed at Long Ji’s residences, well-known throughout Yi State Country, and fell into deep thought.

If he were injured, he would definitely choose a remote place to recuperate.

But all his residences were public knowledge, and no matter where he stayed, he would ultimately be disturbed or found.

"Yesterday we saw Secretary Qiao. He’s as handsome as ever!"

"They say the king is strategizing to protect everyone’s safety. Asking everyone to patiently wait and trust him."

"It’s strange, where did the king go? Since the war broke out seven days ago, he hasn’t shown himself at all."

"Right! Instead, Aotai has provoked us repeatedly! If it weren’t for Secretary Qiao speaking on behalf of the king time and again, we would have thought the king had disappeared."

In the café, a group of women sat chatting with each other.

Hearing this, Gu Xiaoxi had a flash of insight and finally made up her mind.

In the end, she quickly left the café with Jing Haoran.

"Did you find Long Ji’s location?" Jing Haoran asked.

Gu Xiaoxi nodded and hailed a taxi, "I have a guess where he might be!"

At that moment, the taxi stopped in front of them.

Gu Xiaoxi recited a series of addresses.

It was a high-end villa district not far from the hospital in the city center.

The residence of Long Ji’s personal secretary, Qiao Bu.

Because the high-end villa was well-guarded and extremely secure.

Gu Xiaoxi had arrived, but she couldn’t act rashly.

She planned to sneak in at night, find Secretary Qiao’s house, and start investigating.

As long as she found Long Ji and figured out the reasons behind this war, she would immediately call Jing Rui, thus helping them and also proving her strength.

Soon, night fell.

Luxurious high-end villas with cars coming and going; each car was strictly inspected by the security. Even the identities of those who entered were recorded.

Gu Xiaoxi stealthily climbed over the wall from beneath a coconut tree and surreptitiously searched for Qiao Bu’s residence.

Long Ji was very likely to be inside!