Ji Yunshu noticed Jingrong’s expression.

She grasped his arm.

As a gesture of comfort.

Song Zhi had been keeping his head down eating the whole time, but suddenly sensed something was wrong with the atmosphere. When he looked up, he noticed the expressions on Jingrong’s and Ji Yunshu’s faces, so he glanced at Bai Yin and asked, “What’s wrong with them?”

Bai Yin shot him a look. “Just eat your food.”

“Oh!”

Song Zhi pressed his lips together and could only continue eating with his head down.

Ji Yunshu looked at Jingrong with comforting eyes, wanting to say something to console him, but didn’t know what to say.

Jingrong lowered his eyes for a long moment.

Temporarily pushing aside his worries.

But in his heart, he secretly decided that once they reached Gaoding, he would go find Jing Xuan.

Just at this moment—

Suddenly, four or five sword-bearing men entered the inn.

There were few travelers on the Changgu trade route, let alone sword-bearing men.

Lian Que had a cold expression and never smiled. When he entered, his eagle-like eyes sharply swept over everyone in the inn, but when they passed over Jingrong and his group, there was a noticeable pause.

When the waiter saw them, he immediately bowed and approached. “Honored guests, will you be staying at the inn or dining?”

Lian Que looked coldly at the waiter and said, “Both staying and dining.”

“Excellent, honored guests, please come inside.”

The waiter led Lian Que and his men to two empty tables, wiping the tables with the cloth in his hand. “Honored guests, our establishment has everything, including fine wine. Would you like me to recommend some dishes?”

“No need, just bring a few specialty dishes and a pot of good wine.”

“Very well, please wait a moment.”

The waiter hurried off to prepare.

Almost everyone in the inn turned their attention to them.

The previous chatter also came to an abrupt halt.

Jingrong’s and Bai Yin’s gazes fell on them the moment they entered.

The two then exchanged glances, both understanding what the other was thinking.

Last night, they had fought with those men in black and clearly remembered their builds. These men walked without making a sound, showing they possessed formidable martial arts skills!

They were very similar to those men in black from last night!

The waiter had already brought the prepared pot of wine to Lian Que’s table, just passing by Jingrong.

So—

He imperceptibly stuck out his foot and tripped the waiter.

“Ah!”

The waiter’s body lurched heavily forward, and the wine in his hand was also thrown out.

In the next moment, Lian Que extended his foot, and just as the wine pot was about to hit the ground, he caught it with the tip of his foot, then lightly flicked it upward. The wine pot was tossed up, he caught it with his hand, and placed it steadily on the table.

But the waiter had fallen to the ground.

Landing on his nose!

Blood immediately flowed.

Then he rubbed his chest, covered his nose, and quickly stood up, bowing to Lian Que. “My apologies, honored guest, this lowly one didn’t mean to.”

Lian Que didn’t even look at him, just lifted the wine pot to pour himself a cup, then said, “It’s fine, be more careful next time.”

“Yes, yes, yes, I’ll go bring your dishes right away.”

The waiter went to the kitchen, touching his bleeding nose.

Jingrong and Bai Yin had both witnessed Lian Que’s skills just now.

They were even more certain that those men were undoubtedly the men in black from last night.

But why were they here?

However, they could be certain that they definitely came with ill intentions.

Bai Yin became alert, remembering the fierce combat scene from last night. His eyes tightened, and he placed his hand on his waist, preparing to draw his dagger.

But Jingrong suddenly pulled him back and slightly shook his head.

Signaling him not to act rashly.

To observe and wait for developments.

Bai Yin had no choice but to release the dagger and suppress his impulses.

Their exchanged glances were caught by Ji Yunshu, who looked toward Lian Que in the distance, then asked, “What’s wrong?”

Jingrong didn’t want her to worry and said, “Nothing, let’s eat.”

Though Ji Yunshu sensed something, given they were in public, it wasn’t appropriate to ask more.

So she swallowed her words.

Before long, the people at Lian Que’s table finished eating and followed the waiter upstairs.

Jingrong became more cautious and made note of their room location.

After finishing their meal and returning to their room, he instructed the guards, “You few keep a close watch outside Miss Ji’s room, don’t let anything happen to her.”

“Yes.” The guards acknowledged.

So Jingrong took advantage of the darkness and quietly went to the back of the inn.

But—

Just as he turned the corner, he saw Bai Yin standing under the eaves waiting for him.

“Why are you here?”

Bai Yin said, “Whatever you want to do, I want to do.”

“You know what I’m doing?”

“If I didn’t know, I wouldn’t be waiting for you here.” Bai Yin walked toward him and said, “Let’s go together. I also want to know exactly who they are. And what game are they playing by appearing here now?”

Sure enough, whatever Jingrong was thinking, he really knew.

Indeed, Jingrong wanted to investigate and see exactly who they were.

They had clearly fought last night, and the men in black recognized Jingrong and his group. If they recognized them, then why would they appear so brazenly before them?

If they wanted to kill them to silence witnesses, they wouldn’t have retreated last night.

This was full of doubts.

So the two took advantage of when no one was paying attention and vaulted from a spot in the back courtyard onto the inn’s rooftop.

They carefully walked to above a guest room.

“Right here,” Jingrong said.

Bai Yin gently lifted a roof tile.

Dim light shone through from inside, falling on their faces.

Looking down from above, they could see Lian Que and several of his companions in the room.

Lian Que sat to one side, his face still wearing that cold expression.

His subordinate said, “Brother Lian, I don’t think those people are with the ones who kidnapped Lord Chen.”

“Mm.” Lian Que nodded. “They’re indeed not the same group. But regardless, don’t let your guard down. Those few have considerable martial arts skills.”

“Yes.”

“But they saw us kill people and rescue someone, so why not… kill them to eliminate future troubles.” One person said viciously.

Lian Que narrowed his eyes and didn’t speak for a long time.

Just as he was about to speak—

“Clatter…”

Suddenly, a bird flew onto the rooftop, flapping its wings toward the dim light.

Its claws frantically stepped on the roof tiles.

Making a series of sounds.

Lian Que heard the sound and looked up, seeing two dark figures above.

“Who’s there?”

Jingrong pulled Bai Yin and immediately jumped from the rooftop into the courtyard.

At the same time, Lian Que had already leaped down from the window with his sword.

His two companions also successively jumped down.

“So it’s you. Tell me, who exactly are you?” Lian Que asked them.

Jingrong said, “That’s what I should be asking you.”

“Enough talk, seize them.” Lian Que ordered.

His subordinates moved forward.

The two groups engaged in combat.

Flashing swords and sabers.

“You should leave quickly,” Jingrong told Bai Yin.

“I’m not leaving.”