“If it’s within my power,” Hua Rongjian replied.
Over the years, he’d dealt with many people, but only a few could be called friends. Lu DanzhiHua was one of them. Though Hua Rongjian was often reckless, he never neglected a friend’s request.
“First, that woman is Yelü Hangwu. You’ve probably guessed that already,” Lu Danzhi said, having composed himself. “The second matter concerns you.”
Hua Rongjian looked puzzled.
“Though I’m not skilled in medicine, I excel at making human skin masks. To create flawless masks, one must understand bones and flesh,” Lu Danzhi paused. “Rongjian, you’re only in your early twenties. Did you know this?”
Hua Rongjian froze, muttering, “Impossible…”
His denial betrayed hesitation. He couldn’t remember his childhood. He’d grown slower than his peers, and his father explained it was due to a severe illness that had affected his memory and health. He recalled being very weak for a time before gradually improving.
However, Hua Rongjian knew his own body better than anyone and had harbored doubts. But his family life seemed normal – a doting mother, a strict but caring elder brother, a father often exasperated by his mischief. What reason would they have to conceal his true age?
Hua Rongjian never doubted he was of Hua blood, as he closely resembled his father and looked nearly identical to his younger brother Hua Rongjun. They could easily pass as twins if dressed alike.
“Perhaps I’m mistaken,” Lu Danzhi said. Heavily concealed truths were rarely good news. He wouldn’t have revealed this if it wasn’t likely their last meeting. “The third matter… I’ve buried a box in our old spot in the back hills containing my life’s work. I entrust it to you. It may prove helpful.”
Hua Rongjian, still reeling from the previous revelation, grew more confused at these words that sounded like a final testament.
“Rongjian, my time is short,” Lu Danzhi said.
“How can that be? Cui Yichen’s death isn’t your fault. Don’t blame yourself,” Hua Rongjian thought he was considering ending his life out of guilt.
Lu Danzhi shook his head. “I was injured by little Chen’s ultimate technique and the aftermath of Jingxian. After fleeing for over a month, I’m at my limit. Fortunately, you arrived in time.”
When Cui Yichen was ordered to kill Lu Danzhi in the cabin, Lu Danzhi’s pleas and tricks only made him hesitate briefly.
Though Lu Danzhi escaped to the deck, he had already sustained severe internal injuries. Otherwise, Jingxian’s aftermath wouldn’t have affected him so easily.
“After I die, please cremate me and scatter my ashes somewhere secluded,” Lu Danzhi smiled. “I love being free.”
“Alright, I promise,” Hua Rongjian felt dazed. He’d never experienced the death of a close friend or relative. Even hearing Lu Danzhi’s last wishes, he couldn’t fully grasp the situation. He was overwhelmed by the flood of information.
An Jiu quietly left, returning to her room.
The next day, as dawn broke, knocking sounds echoed throughout the inn.
An Jiu’s door was also knocked.
“What is it?” she responded.
The servant cautiously explained, “A guest passed away last night. His family wishes to hold the funeral at the inn. If you’re uncomfortable with this, please leave by daybreak at no charge. If you wish to stay, the deceased’s family will cover your expenses.”
This kind of imposing behavior was typical of Hua Rongjian.
An Jiu, on a covert mission, didn’t want Hua Rongjian to recognize her. “I’ll leave shortly,” she said.
“Thank you for understanding,” the servant sighed in relief.
An Jiu left promptly, but many influential guests at Yunlai Inn wouldn’t tolerate such bullying. Soon, a commotion arose outside.
…
Despite the resistance, the situation didn’t escalate too much publicly. The inn manager’s agreement suggested the deceased was either an official who died in the line of duty or someone with deep connections. Everyone chose to negotiate privately.
As Yunlai Inn staff began hanging white mourning cloth amidst whispered discussions, An Jiu exited her room. She saw Hua Rongjian standing dazed by the railing. Lowering her hat and concealing her presence, she calmly walked through the main hall.
Outside, she wandered around before choosing an inconspicuous private inn to wait.
Five days later, An Jiu hid in the rafters of Qingfeng Restaurant from dawn to dusk, but Chu Dingjiang didn’t appear as agreed.
Chu Dingjiang’s absence suggested two possibilities: either Misty Mountain Manor’s message was intentionally delayed, or Chu Dingjiang had encountered trouble. Though unsure where he might be in trouble, An Jiu could only think of one place – Cui Linglong.
After nightfall, An Jiu carved the characters for “Linglong” on the beam before swiftly heading to the small town near the docks.
The night was hazy.
From afar, the entire town was dark, exuding an unusual aura. Only a few lanterns still glowed at the distant docks.
An Jiu halted in a small grove not far from town.
Though she couldn’t see Cui Linglong from here, An Jiu dared not approach carelessly. If even Chu Dingjiang, with his ninth-level skills and transcendent mental power, was trapped, what chance did she have?
An Jiu kept watch silently through the night until dawn, with no movement.
As the first ray of sunlight appeared, the town came to life. By noon, it bustled with activity, showing no trace of the previous night’s deathly stillness.
It was very strange!
Recalling her feelings when passing the docks, An Jiu sensed a connection to Misty Mountain Manor.
Cautiously, An Jiu decided to observe for another day or two rather than enter the town.
During the day, a steady stream of vehicles and horses passed through the town.
She approached the road, using her mental power to probe passing travelers. To her surprise, she detected many skilled martial artists, with several exuding a murderous aura.
An Jiu was all too familiar with this aura, which only came from those who had taken lives.
As more such individuals passed, An Jiu’s suspicions deepened.
The following evening, An Jiu’s mental power caught a familiar presence. Her gaze locked onto a grey-canopied carriage on the road. Her usually calm demeanor showed a hint of joy.
She tracked the carriage, moving parallel through the forest until they reached a crossroads. There, she whistled once.
The carriage hesitated. An Jiu quickly approached and leaped aboard.
Inside sat two people: Chu Dingjiang and Zhu Pianpian.
Zhu Pianpian trembled upon seeing An Jiu, shrinking into a corner to make room. She looked at the pair with a pitiful expression.
An Jiu shot Chu Dingjiang a questioning glance.
“We’ll talk once we’re in the city,” Chu Dingjiang said.
The carriage continued. Once safely within the city walls, Zhu Pianpian finally relaxed.
“You waited outside for two days?” Chu Dingjiang asked.
An Jiu nodded.
Though she’d done nothing wrong, Chu Dingjiang felt a mix of admiration and displeasure at her composure. “If you didn’t come to rescue me and I died, what then?”
An Jiu considered seriously before replying, “I would certainly avenge you.”
“…”
The atmosphere grew tense. Zhu Pianpian, observing these two strange individuals, coughed lightly. “Brave warriors, now that we’re in the city, may this humble one take her leave?”
Chu Dingjiang gave her an unfriendly look.
Zhu Pianpian felt a chill run through her body. Quickly adopting a tragic expression, she declared, “This humble one will live and die alongside you two brave warriors, sharing your fate!”
“Once Misty Mountain Manor begins a hunt, they won’t stop until they achieve their goal,” Chu Dingjiang said, the corner of his mouth twitching in a half-smile as he looked at Zhu Pianpian. “Miss Zhu, will you cooperate with us or fend for yourself?”
Zhu Pianpian seethed inwardly. She was far too clever not to guess that these two were responsible for her predicament. However, she plastered on a bright smile. “How could this humble one possibly stand against Misty Mountain Manor alone? If you two brave warriors don’t mind this one being a burden, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude.”
“I’ve long heard of Miss Zhu’s reputation,” Chu Dingjiang said bluntly. “There are few tasks Misty Mountain Manor can’t complete in this world. Whatever skills you possess, there’s no need to hide them.”
Zhu Pianpian indeed had some renown, but most stories about her focused on her greed. Few knew of her true capabilities. Chu Dingjiang didn’t know either, but since Misty Mountain Manor had offered six thousand taels, killing her must pose some challenge.