Inside the temple.
With a calm face, Lei Meng walked to where he was still a few feet away from the main seat and stood.
"Greetings to the Grand Hall, Second Highness."
Lei Meng arched his hands and cupped his fists, his tone was respectful, but his expression was neither humble nor overbearing.
"How did things go?"
On the main seat, Yan Peng stared at Lei Meng with a torch-like gaze and asked in a deep voice.
"All members of the Underworld Pavilion, including the three group leaders, have all been trapped by the Golden Rune Formation."
Lei Meng raised his head, his gaze locked with Yan Peng's, and blandly returned.
"Really trapped?!"
At those words, Yan Peng's eyes surged with surprise.
Next to him, the second prince, Yan Fengjun, also had an excited look on his face.
"Well, the Golden Symbol Formation is the strongest formation among the nine levels of trapped formations."
Lei Meng nodded and said, "Even if everyone in the Underworld Pavilion joined forces to break the formation, it would take more than ten hours."
Hearing this, Yan Peng finally couldn't hold back the excitement in his heart and got up violently.
All along, what he was most afraid of was one of his father's secret forces, the Underworld Pavilion organization.
If the Underground Pavilion were to move out, the plans for this celebration would undoubtedly be quite affected.
Although it is not possible to get rid of them, but to be able to trap them for more than ten hours, is also already enough.
By then, when they broke the formation and came out, the king of the Imperial Capital City would have already changed places.
Thinking of this, Grand Imperial Prince Yan Peng's heart surged, feeling that the great power was one step closer!
"Lei Meng, you've done a good job this time, you will be given a heavy reward when the time comes!"
He looked at Lei Meng and exclaimed with a deep smile.
"Many thanks to the Great Hall."
Lei Meng once again bowed, and the look on his face, however, did not change much.
"I'm curious, how did you manage to set up a trap formation under the eyes of so many assassins?"
Second Prince Yan Fengjun inquired rather suspiciously.
However, as soon as his words fell, he saw a figure, almost without warning, appear in front of him and met his four eyes!
"What speed!"
Yan Fengjun's face changed dramatically, and his figure immediately retreated.
He stared at Lei Meng with an astonished expression, "What kind of stance martial art is this of yours, it's so fast?!"
"Instantaneous movement!"
The one who spoke was not Lei Meng, but Grand Imperial Prince Yan Peng.
His gaze stared at Lei Meng in astonishment, unable to imagine that the latter would know such a strange martial art.
It was no wonder that he was able to not only invoke a trapped formation amongst so many experts in the Underworld Pavilion, but also retreat in one piece!
"What? This is the legendary spatial law, instantaneous movement?!"
The amazement on Yan Fengjun's face was immediately covered by a thick color of shock.
However, Lei Meng shook his head with a smile.
"I'm not that powerful, I only obtained a few spatial law talisman papers from the auction by chance."
Hearing this, Yan Peng's eyes lit up and he was surprised, "There are still such wonders in the world?
"Do you still have any, quickly take them out and show them to me!"
Spinning around, he couldn't help but urge.
"There is still one left."
With those words, Lei Meng's right hand touched his storage ring, from which he took out a nearly transparent piece of talisman paper.
This rune paper was about the size of a palm, and it was inscribed with complicated arcane runes.
Within the runes, as if they contained laws, there was an invisible spatial energy fluctuation that diffused out.
"It's a pity that there's only one of these wonders."
Yan Peng sighed softly, his tone was quite regretful.
If there were a hundred, or even dozens of such spatial talisman paper, the plans for tomorrow's celebration would undoubtedly be like a tiger with wings!
"If the Great Hall is interested, it can be gifted to you."
Lei Meng extended his hand and said with a faint smile.
Upon hearing this, Yan Peng stared at the translucent talisman paper in Lei Meng's hand, the light in his eyes flickering.
This kind of magical talisman paper that possessed 'instantaneous movement', although it could only be used once.
But at a critical moment, it might be able to play a great role.
Thinking of this, the interest in Yan Peng's heart grew stronger.
"Good, this Highness will remember you again."
Yan Peng let out a deep laugh, directly took the talisman paper and unceremoniously put it into the storage ring.
"Thank you, Your Highness."
Lei Meng bowed his head slightly, the hint of a smile that rose from the corners of his mouth, but it was difficult for people to speculate.
"Well, you guys go rest first, and at noon tonight, you will begin to act according to the plan. Those who disobey, kill without pardon!"
Coldness surged on Yan Peng's face, and in his voice, he was filled with a powerful ambition to grasp power!
"Yes."
Second Imperial Prince Yan Fengjun and Lei Meng nodded before turning to leave.
Yan Peng, on the other hand, resumed his seat at the main seat, looking at the formation of troops on the map.
This time, he would never allow a single slip in the plan.
Otherwise, there would never be a day of recovery!
...
Midnight.
The once-in-a-decade celebration grand festival of the Great Yan Dynasty finally kicked off.
In order to ensure order, the security forces of the Imperial Capital City had dispatched almost all of their troops to patrol every major street and alley.
However, when passing by the closed Golden Sea Pavilion Restaurant, they all seemed to have a tacit understanding and did not knock on the door to check.
Unbeknownst to them, at this time, inside the Golden Sea Pavilion, all the members of the Underworld Pavilion were all trapped in the formation.
"Bang Bang Bang!!!"
A fierce bombardment sound resounded continuously.
After several hours of furious attacking and pounding, the original golden aura of the formation's solid light shield had already become quite dim.
But with this level of progress, I'm afraid it will have to be noon tomorrow before the formation can be completely broken.
In order to guarantee that when the formation is broken, the organization still has the power to fight, the three groups of members take turns attacking the formation, reducing the consumption of their respective spiritual qi.
At this moment, it was the members of the fire group who were attacking the formation.
Lin Hao sat on the ground, and with the assistance of the ultimate cultivation talent, the consumed spiritual qi in his body recovered rapidly.
The trapped formation wasn't dangerous, and he didn't have the slightest bit of nervousness in his heart.
As for the coup or whatever, Lin Hao actually didn't care about it, what he was most concerned about was the three brothers.
Especially Lei Meng, that guy was even hiding his identity.
It was simply too unpredictable!
In response, Lin Hao couldn't help but secretly scoff.
How could he not be hiding a secret identity as an assassin?
Thinking like this, Lin Hao was relieved in his heart and no longer pursued this matter.
"Could it be that the bow and arrow mysterious person who shot out twice before to save me is Old Three?"
With the knowledge of Lei Meng's identity, Lin Hao felt that his previous suspicions were suddenly clear.
However, what Lin Hao was most worried about at this moment was Lei Meng's stand.
If the object of assistance was the fourth prince Yan Chen, then it was equivalent to the same camp as Qin Yu, able to fight side by side.
However, Lin Hao felt that this scenario was extremely slim.
After all, Lei Meng had been hiding his identity all along, obviously not related to Yan Chen, and had even politely refused the other party's invitation, wanting to focus on martial cultivation.
If analyzed like this, Lei Meng and Qin Yu and the two of them were clearly on opposite sides.
If there was really a mutiny at tomorrow's celebration, the two brothers would end up facing each other with swords!
Thinking of this, Lin Hao's brows slowly frowned.
The calm mood, also at this moment, became complicated and heavy all of a sudden.
Once the noon hour passed, it was already approaching the early morning.
The busy streets were still bustling.
All the civilians were celebrating the national day of their Dayan Dynasty, staying up all night in anticipation of the grand ceremony that would be held tomorrow morning.
However, under this festive atmosphere, a team of city defense forces began to appear on the streets.
These teams of city guards were obviously mobilized from the Imperial City.
They were heavily armored and heavily armed, and each soldier looked stern as if they were on the verge of an enemy.
The highest officer of the Public Security Department, 'Ma Yu', was taken aback after receiving the news in the first place.
Although with the upcoming National Day Ceremony, the Imperial City had recently increased its foreign population, causing the order of law and order to be a bit complicated.
However, with the current strength of the security forces, there wasn't much pressure to cope with it, so it didn't seem necessary to send the Imperial City's city defense forces to come and support them, did it?
Moreover, those city guards were dressed in a stern and murderous manner, not in bright clothing for festivals, but in a completely battle-ready attire!
It wasn't too appropriate for this once-in-a-decade festival, was it?
After analyzing it, and some insider knowledge from a while ago, Director Ma Yu immediately saw a hint of something wrong.
"It seems like the Imperial Capital City, is about to change."
This Director of Public Security stood at the window of his office with a heavy face, frowning as he watched a group of city defense troops walking quickly through the streets.
With that kind of stance, it seemed like he wanted to take over the work of the security team.
The more Director Ma Yu thought about it, the more wrong he became, and he turned around to return to his office, then called his men to go to General Qin's residence immediately to ask for instructions.
He used to be in the army and was Qin Xiong's subordinate, but then he broke his arm in the battlefield and was seriously injured, so he was no longer fit to continue leading soldiers into battle.
Qin Xiong arranged a position for him to act as the director of the Imperial City's security department, usually responsible for directing the patrols of the security team to maintain order, the work is easy, the salary is not low.
So far, for Qin Xiong's benevolence, he has always remembered in his heart, although now is no longer his direct subordinates, but still loyal.
About half an hour later, Director Ma Yu waited for the message, but it was all bad news.
The team he sent out this time was also extremely cautious, with a total of four men, all departing from four different directions.
However, each of them said that they were blocked by the city defense forces and could not go to the Qin Mansion smoothly.
And there was a piece of information that came along with it, that those city defense forces were just as he had guessed, forcibly taking over the patrols of the security team within the city.
"Asshole, are the city defense forces trying to revolt!"
Director Ma Yu was suddenly filled with rage.
And right at this moment, a young man dressed as a city defense force officer walked into the office.
This man had a stout figure and dark skin, and was clearly none other than Lei Meng.
At this time, his identity had changed again, and the insignia on his body was just like a deputy chief of the city defense army.
"Director Ma Yu, please listen to the military order!"
Lei Meng, with a cold face, stared at Director Ma Yu who was sizing him up, and said bluntly, "In order to ensure that the celebration goes smoothly, from now on, all the public security and affairs within the city will be taken over by the third regiment of our City Defense Army, officially!"
"On the other hand, all the troops of the Public Security Department will also be temporarily transferred to the Third Regiment of the City Defense Army to assist at will, so please be sure to cooperate."
Director Ma Yu was obviously also quite experienced, and said in a low voice, "There's no point in talking, take out your military orders, or else our Public Security Department won't listen to any arrangements or mobilization!"
Upon hearing this, the corners of Lei Meng's mouth spread into a smile as he took out a military order from his storage ring and placed it directly on his desk.
Director Ma Yu frowned and immediately picked up the military order and looked at it carefully.
However, he saw that on it, the content was the same as what Lei Meng had said, and there was also the signature of the City Defense Army's military commander, 'Bo Xiong', as well as the seal of the Ministry of Military Command.
The name of the person who stamped the seal was none other than one of the members of the Military Command, Captain Wang.
Director Ma Yu looked at the military order in his hand, his gaze was slightly stunned, and he felt a chill well up in his heart.
Sure enough ... this is going to be something!
All along, the Imperial Capital City had had an explicit order.
The Public Security Department was responsible for order within the city, while the City Defense Force was to guard the city and take care of the peripheral guarding work.
The two sides had a clear division of labor, and had always kept their hands off each other.
However, now the City Defense Force was interfering with the powers of the Public Security Department and taking over the rule.
All of this turn of events was nothing short of a rebellion.
After all, a full takeover of the imperial capital's law and order was only a superficial formality, but in fact, it had to be the Yan King's warrant before it could be truly enforced!
"I'm sorry, without the Emperor's personal order, our Public Security Department will not accept the transfer of your City Defense Force!"
Director Ma Yu's face was grave, his eyes burning as he stared at Lei Meng, his tone strong.
"In that case, there's no need for more words."
Lei Meng's eyes sank slightly, and the hand that was pressed above the hilt of his sword moved violently.
Swish-!
The sword swept past, and a flash of scarlet was instantly revealed on Chief Ma Yu's neck.
In the next split second, a wound cracked out of his throat and a large amount of blood seeped out.
"You ..."
Director Ma Yu covered his neck with both hands and looked at Lei Meng with a horrified expression.
Obviously, he also did not expect that this young man in front of him would be so ruthless!
Immediately, he couldn't raise a breath and fell to the ground dead.
"Director!"
At the entrance of the office, the two vigilantes who had detected the commotion, instantly burst in with shock and anger.
Poof poof!
However, just as they were about to draw their weapons, two long swords, respectively, stabbed in from their backs, straight through their chests.
At this time, the top brass of the Security Department in the other offices, all noticed the nip and tuck, and brought their men to check it out.
Hiss-!
Upon seeing the three corpses on the ground, they immediately sucked in a breath of cold air in fear.
"Bastards, how dare you City Defense Force come here to commit an assassination! And blatantly killed Chief Ma Yu!!!"
The deputy chief in the lead, a middle-aged man with a eight-beard, was shocked and angry at the moment, staring at Lei Meng and shouting harshly.
"This person disobeyed military orders, according to military law, kill without pardon!"
The corner of Lei Meng's mouth flared with a hint of coldness, and he directly threw the military order at the deputy director, saying, "The third regiment of the City Defense Army, will come to take over the Public Security Department on time, please cooperate."
The voice fell, but he saw a burst of neat footsteps coming from outside.
The officials of the Public Security Department and the deputy director's faces changed slightly, and they immediately looked at the compound outside, only to see that it had long been filled with people from the City Defense Army!
These guys were heavily armed and murderous, as terrifying as wolves and tigers.
Seeing this scene, the deputy director's heart thumped.
At the same time, he was sensitively aware of the unfamiliar City Defense Army chief in front of him, his palm pressed right above the hilt of his sword, a cold aura surging.
His heart immediately fluttered, if he dared to open his mouth and refuse now, he was afraid that he would instantly become a corpse on the spot, just like Director Ma Yu!
But once he cooperated, then the development of the situation would be uncontrollable!
The deputy director hesitated in his shocked and angry eyes.
However, looking at the corpses on the ground, he ultimately did not dare to voice his resistance and frowned, "It's fine to ask us, the Public Security Department, to cooperate, but on the premise that we are not allowed to disturb the order in the city."
Saying this, the deputy director added, "Also, my personal safety must be ensured!"
Upon hearing this, the other Public Security Department officials all immediately came back to their senses and hurriedly said, "And us."
Seeing this, Lei Meng smiled faintly, "As long as you obediently cooperate with the deployment of our City Defense Force, I will ensure your safety!"
"Yes, yes ..."
The crowd immediately nodded knowingly.
At this moment, in order to save their lives, where would they care about a coup d'état, or a rebellion.
Just like this, under Raymond's lead, in a swift and swift manner, the City Defense Army directly took control of the Public Security Department, completing the first step of the plan.