The Human Emperor (200-400)

C251: The Expert of the Bureau of Military Personnel and Bureau of Punishments

"Did you find out where he went?" Wang Chong asked Ma Yinlong as he lifted his gaze.

"I didn't follow him. Due to the lush flora and fauna in the mountain forest, there's a good chance that I might be noticed by him. Thus, I backed off at this point. However, there is no doubt that the gathering point of the Goguryeon elite warriors is outside the city, " Ma Yinlong replied, knowing that Wang Chong was referring to the assassin.

"Outside the city?" Wang Chong's eyebrows twitched. He turned to look at the slightly protruding tip of the mountain above the city wall as he fell into deep contemplation.

After combing through the capital time and time again, the largest gathering point of the Goguryeons turned out to be outside the city. Even though it felt weird, it was understandable.

First, they had the secret tunnel so it wasn't too difficult for them to enter the city in large groups. Second, it was also much more convenient for them to escape should their trail be uncovered.

"What do you intend to do next?"

Wang Chong glanced at Ma Yinlong. The current Ma Yinlong carried a spirited disposition far different from the abject middle-aged man who was beaten up outside the Royal Jade Pavilion. His eyes seemed to be burning with intense fighting spirit.

Given Ma Yinlong's capabilities, he could have easily captured the assassin and interrogated him for the location of their base. However, he didn't do so. Instead, he let the assassin go.

Wang Chong believed that the other man must have his reasons for doing so.

As the person who boasted the most thorough understanding of King Sosurim, Wang Chong felt that Ma Yinlong deserved to be trusted.

"The Goguryeon warriors are all death troops, it is impossible to obtain any useful information out of them. Capturing them abruptly would only alarm them instead." Knowing what Wang Chong was thinking, Ma Yinlong explained his actions.

"After so many years, they finally appear once more. It's about time to settle it once and for all." Ma Yinlong sighed deeply as complicated emotions surfaced in his eyes.

---

Ma Yinlong had asked for a three-day break. He didn't mention where he was heading to, and Wang Chong didn't ask either. Everyone had a story behind them, and Ma Yinlong was no exception either. There was no need to dig up the details.

But three days later, Wang Chong saw the results of Ma Yinlong's efforts in the Royal Jade Pavilion.

Standing before Wang Chong were three disheveled middle-aged men. The first man was a bird merchant, and an exceptionally large eagle was perched on his shoulder. The second man was a single-armed drunkard. His left sleeve drifted along with the wind, and even from afar, Wang Chong could smell the scent of alcohol from him.

As for the last man, he looked like a mercenary who would do anything for money.

The trio looked a little extraordinary for those in their trade, as though there was something deeper to them. However, that was all there was to it.

There were plenty of people like them in the capital.

Usually, Wang Chong wouldn't have spared this trio an additional glance on the streets.

However, Ma Yinlong spent three whole days gathering these three people in order to introduce them to Wang Chong. Given that effort, he really had to examine them seriously.

"These people... they were officials from the Bureau of Punishments back then?" Wang Chong asked as he assessed the trio before him. He could sense the same emotions from them as the one he sensed from Ma Yinlong back then. If his deductions weren't off, they should be those who were also affected by the case back then.