HomeSheng Shi Di FeiChapter 79: The Sick Scholar's Threat

Chapter 79: The Sick Scholar’s Threat

“Show mercy!”

“Zhuo Jing!” Ye Li called out sternly. An San’s eyes darkened as he swiftly withdrew his sword, flipping through the air to land lightly on a tree branch not far away. Now there were three people perched on the treetops, ready to launch an attack at any moment. If the other side couldn’t control the snake swarm in time, they would be at a complete disadvantage.

A tall middle-aged man wearing Southern Border attire emerged from the forest. The totems on his clothes matched those of the young man, and his unconsciously displayed aura of authority made everyone understand that he must be a high-ranking member of the Luoyi tribe. As the middle-aged man strode forward, the snake swarm parted to create a path, clearly fearful of his presence. “Friends from Da Chu, my unruly son has offended you. Please show mercy. Our tribe will treat you as honored guests.”

Ye Li laughed coldly in her heart. Unruly? This man had been in the forest from the beginning, only showing himself when his son was in real danger. Now he thought he could brush it off with a mere word about unruliness.

Han Mingxi stood on the tree branch, his tall figure swaying with the branches. “Unruly indeed. Chief of the Luoyi tribe, how dare you let your son run wild like this?” The middle-aged man’s expression darkened. He walked over to the young man and gave him a casual glance. The youth immediately withered like a leaf touched by fire, shrinking back and not daring to raise his head. The middle-aged man snorted softly before stepping forward to cup his hands toward Ye Li and the others: “I am Le Jiang, chief of the Luoyi tribe, and this is my son Le Nan. We deeply apologize for any offense caused to our guests from the Central Plains.” This tribal chief surpassed his son not only in appearance but also in speech and conduct – one could hardly believe they were father and son.

Ye Li said, “Although your tribe’s hospitality is somewhat frightening, shouldn’t the chief first have someone deal with these little creatures?” They stood within a circle surrounded by snake-repelling medicine and bonfires, while the out-of-control snake swarm avoided this area and slithered elsewhere. Given enough time, even if people went searching, they might not be able to find them all. The tribal chief nodded and waved to the snake charmers around them. The charmers began playing their short flutes again, with several walking off in different directions, clearly going to search for the snakes that had scattered. After giving these instructions, the tribal chief turned back to smile at Ye Li and the others: “Since you’re passing through our tribal lands and have been disturbed by Le Nan’s rudeness, why not rest at our village? Consider it my apology to you all.”

Ye Li pondered for a moment, glancing sideways at the three people in the trees. Han Mingxi looked indifferent, and An San naturally wouldn’t have an opinion contrary to Ye Li’s. However, the sick scholar frowned and said, “We’re in a hurry. We won’t trouble Chief Le Jiang.”

The tribal chief raised his eyebrows and shook his head repeatedly: “How could this be trouble? Frightening guests from the Central Plains would damage our Luoyi tribe’s reputation for hospitality. Please rest in our village, and tomorrow I’ll have someone personally escort you to the capital.” Hearing his words, the Central Plains visitors all inwardly smirked. The Southern Border people were famously xenophobic, so except for some bold merchants and those capable of self-defense, ordinary Central Plains people would never enter the Southern Border. However, compared to other tribes deep in the Southern Border, the Luoyi tribe, which bordered Da Chu, could indeed be considered hospitable. Having a local Southern Border guide would make their journey much easier.

“Well… then we’ll trouble the chief.” Seeing the sick scholar make the decision, Ye Li merely raised an eyebrow without objecting.

The tribal chief was delighted and enthusiastically called over his attendants to help the guests with their luggage. Ye Li’s group had very few possessions – she bent down to pick up a bundle placed by the rocks and tossed it to An San, who was still in the tree while keeping one for herself. The sick scholar also traveled light, but Master Liang took quite a while with the help of his butler and guards. However, his careful protection of his luggage from the Southern Border people made Ye Li curious about what was actually in that seemingly oversized package, as its weight didn’t suggest gold or silver.

The Luoyi tribe’s village wasn’t far from where they had camped. On horseback, it took less than a quarter-hour to reach their destination. Of course, their original horses had either fled when the snake swarm appeared or were no longer usable. They rode horses provided by the Luoyi tribe, which was also why Ye Li hadn’t objected to going to the village. Besides this village, the next inhabited place where they could buy horses was at least two hundred li away, meaning they would likely have to continue on foot if they didn’t accept the offer.

The Luoyi tribe’s village was built on a mountainside, though the path wasn’t as mysterious and treacherous as Central Plains rumors suggested about Southern Border villages. Wooden buildings were scattered sparsely across the mountainside. Since it was already deep into the night, the chief led them to a guest house, ordered some food and hot water to be brought, and then took his leave with the still cowering young chief Le Nan, who hadn’t dared speak the entire time.

After the girls wearing tribal dress were dismissed, Han Mingxi contentedly washed his face with the water and sighed, “It’s so much better having a proper house to stay in. Why didn’t we just come straight to the Luoyi tribe for lodging?” Ye Li sat to the side, curiously examining the food on the table while smiling, “Do you think if we had come directly, you might not have found snakes under your bed in the middle of the night?”

Han Mingxi imagined the scene and shuddered, shaking his head before smiling at Ye Li: “Speaking of which, Jun Wei, you should be careful. Southern Border women are known for being passionate, and they especially like fair and delicate young masters like Jun Wei. Be careful… hehe…” He covered his face with a folding fan, laughing with ill intent. Ye Li responded in kind, “Don’t worry, Brother Han. If I have such romantic fortune, I’ll certainly share it with you. Besides… no one in this village’s obsessing over my face.” At the mention of Le Nan, Han Mingxi’s playfully handsome face immediately darkened. He snorted softly, a cold light flashing quickly through his eyes. The romantic young master could certainly hold a grudge!

An San stood by the tightly closed window, waiting until the two had finished before turning back to say quietly, “There are people outside.”

Ye Li raised an eyebrow, stood up, and with a wave of her sleeve extinguished the candle on the table. Faint moonlight filtered through the window lattice on the wall – though still dim, it didn’t hinder Ye Li’s movement. She strolled casually to An San’s side. “They’re not watching us.” An San nodded, pointing to a small house nearby: “They’re watching them, though someone is also keeping an eye on us, probably just as an afterthought.” Han Mingxi quickly adapted to the darkness in the room and laughed softly, “So these people are indeed suspicious? What do they mean by involving us?” Ye Li smiled faintly, “Since they’re plotting something, it will eventually come to light. After such a long night, I think we should rest first.”

An San nodded, pointing to the inner bedroom: “Master, go rest. Han Mingxi and I will keep watch outside.”

Han Mingxi wanted to object but saw Ye Li unhesitatingly nod and turn away, waving to both of them as she went to rest. Blinking his eyes, Han Mingxi complained pitifully, “I want to rest too.” He wasn’t the only one who hadn’t slept well in the wilderness! An San gave him a cold glance and pointed to the bamboo couch in the hall, “You can sleep there.” Han Mingxi was speechless – was that bamboo couch even half his length? The bed inside was very large. Seeming to read Han Mingxi’s thoughts, An San impassively moved his position to the doorway of Ye Li’s room and sat down in a chair. The meaning was clear – if Han Mingxi wanted to enter, he would have to step over An San. Han Mingxi could only angrily curl up on the bamboo couch to rest, inwardly regretting deeply: Why did I say I would stay with Jun Wei?

Ye Li woke early as usual. Before even getting up, she knew they probably couldn’t leave today. The pitter-patter sound from outside indicated it was raining heavily. Ye Li was well acquainted with the rainy weather of the south, but this rain had come rather suddenly – if they had camped in the wilderness last night, they would be quite miserable now. Thinking of this, Ye Li suddenly felt the Luoyi tribe’s young master wasn’t so detestable after all. After tidying her clothes and going out, she found An San still sitting in his chair by the door with his eyes closed in meditation, though Ye Li knew he wasn’t asleep. Hearing Ye Li’s footsteps, An San immediately opened his eyes and turned to look at her.

“Go in and rest for a while. We can’t leave this morning.” Ye Li said softly, glancing at Han Mingxi who was frowning as he curled up on the bamboo couch.

An San hesitated for a moment but still nodded and went inside. Ye Li entered the main hall and pushed open half the window to admire the curtain of rain outside.

“Jun Wei, how cruel of you. Taking such a large bed for yourself while making me sleep on the bamboo couch.” Han Mingxi had opened his eyes at some point and was lying lazily on the bamboo couch, his alluring eyes gazing reproachfully at Ye Li. Ye Li turned to look at him with a smile, “You can go sleep with Zhuo Jing now.” Han Mingxi raised an eyebrow, smiling at her, “I have no problem sleeping with Jun Wei. This young master is very clean, you know.”

“I prefer to keep good things to myself. I always monopolize the best.” Ye Li said with an unchanging expression.

Han Mingxi mumbled something indistinct before sitting up. Frowning as he adjusted his soft dark red silk robe, he walked to Ye Li’s side to watch the rain outside the window, sighing softly, “The Southern Border’s rain has its charm, but such frequent rain is rather hard to bear.” Before Ye Li could respond, footsteps sounded outside, followed shortly by a knock at the door.

Opening the door revealed the sick scholar standing there with an oil-paper umbrella. After half a night’s rest, his complexion hadn’t improved but rather seemed more sallow and lackluster. His empty hand covered his lips as occasional muffled coughs escaped, “Master Han, Master Chu, am I disturbing you?” Ye Li smiled faintly, “Not at all, please come in.”

The sick scholar stepped inside, looking around before his gaze settled on the inner room’s doorway. Ye Li smiled mildly, “Zhuo Jing is still resting. Please sit. What brings you here so early, sir?”

The sick scholar sat down and coughed lightly twice before speaking, “On this journey to the Southern Border, I hadn’t expected to meet Master Han. Master Han… *cough* should know who I am, right?”

Surprised by his directness, Han Mingxi paused before smiling, “Indeed, I’ve long heard of the Third Master of the King of Hell Chamber in Xiling.” From his form of address and self-reference, it was clear Han Mingxi wanted to avoid offending this person and was quite wary of him. The sick scholar smiled faintly, “No need for formalities. The Chamber Master and your elder brother are close friends, and I also have some friendship with your brother. However… this young master here is quite unfamiliar.” Ye Li considered internally while displaying a calm smile, “I’m not from the jianghu, so I’m rather unknowledgeable. Please excuse my ignorance.” I don’t know you, and you don’t know me, so we’re even. The sick scholar stared at Ye Li as if evaluating something, but Han Mingxi, unwilling to let him keep staring at Ye Li, interrupted with a smile, “I heard from my elder brother that you rarely leave home these past few years. What brings you to the Southern Border? Is there anything the Tianyi Chamber can help with?”

The sick scholar paused slightly, shaking his head with a smile, “Just some personal matters. No need to trouble Master Han.” Since he was unwilling to speak of it, Han Mingxi naturally wouldn’t press further – in fact, he wished to stay as far away as possible. Why didn’t Mo Xiuyao just kill this plague back then? Han Mingxi smiled while inwardly grumbling. The sick scholar had no intention of dwelling on his matters and smiled at Ye Li and Han Mingxi, “What do you two think of this village?”

Han Mingxi frowned, “I’ve been to the Southern Border two or three times, but I never noticed the Luoyi tribe’s village was so close by.”

“What does Master Chu think?” the sick scholar asked Ye Li.

Ye Li frowned, “The Luoyi tribe is said to be one of the largest tribes in the Southern Border. However, I don’t think there are more than a hundred people in this village. I heard Southern Border tribal settlements are usually very secretive, so why would the Luoyi tribe’s village be built right by the main road?” Han Mingxi raised an eyebrow, smiling at Ye Li, “So Jun Wei noticed last night. If you saw so many issues, why did you still come?”

Ye Li raised her eyebrows, “Did we have a choice? We had no horses, and poisonous snakes surrounded us. They were going to invite us as guests anyway – isn’t it better to be politely invited than to be tied up like dumplings and thrown in here? However… I’m curious about what they hope to achieve with such an elaborate setup. Apart from slightly offending the young tribal leader in Yonglin City, I don’t seem to have any value worth such trouble.” After speaking, Ye Li’s gaze settled firmly on the sick scholar. The sick scholar sighed softly, “Master Chu, though young, is remarkably quick-witted. Indeed, they’re after us.”

Ye Li raised an eyebrow, “Please elaborate.”

“I’m sure you both noticed last night that people were watching us outside. The Luoyi tribe’s goal is quite simple – they’re after a treasure in Master Liang’s possession.” The sick scholar said flatly. Han Mingxi smiled, “I’ve never heard of you working as an escort.” The sick scholar frowned, suppressing a cough as he looked at Han Mingxi with a faint smile, “Indeed, I didn’t come to protect Master Liang.”

Han Mingxi leaned against his chair back, glancing at the sick scholar, “I know, you want that item too. If so, why not just kill the old man? Why go through the trouble of bringing him to the Southern Border?” The sick scholar looked at Han Mingxi, a flash of viciousness crossing his originally refined and smiling features, his entire demeanor suddenly becoming more sinister and dark, completely unlike his previous appearance as a sickly scholar.

“True, I could kill him. But unfortunately… he’s no fool. That item is in the Nanzhao capital, and he only has half of the tokens needed to obtain it. No one but him knows where the other half is, let alone how to use the token once obtained.” The sick scholar’s eyes flashed with killing intent, clearly furious at Master Liang’s craftiness. Han Mingxi raised an eyebrow and smiled, “Perhaps you could consider torture.” The sick scholar snorted coldly, “Does Master Han truly not know who he is?”

Han Mingxi shrugged indifferently, but seeing Ye Li’s gaze turn to him, he smiled and said, “I do. Besides the Four Great Merchants of Da Chu – the Feng, Yan, Jin, and Lü families – there’s the fifth, the Liang family of the Northwest, even richer than my elder brother. Moreover, while my brother loves money like life itself, Master Liang values money above life. They say once when bandits kidnapped his most beloved concubine and demanded twenty thousand taels as ransom, he didn’t even acknowledge it. And despite his wealth, he’s extremely frugal, living more modestly than ordinary merchants. Last night when he was boasting about going to the Qingfeng Mingyue House? My brother hates him most because one night at Qingfeng Mingyue House, he only ordered the cheapest tea, spending less than twenty taels. If someone like that has some treasure, he probably wouldn’t give it to you even if you killed him.”

Ye Li looked at the sick scholar, “I’m more curious why you’re telling us this. Aren’t you worried we might be tempted by the wealth?”

The sick scholar said flatly, “I need your help. Last night I saw that Master Zhuo’s martial arts were impressive, and while Master Chu’s abilities aren’t apparent, they must be significant. As for Master Han, I naturally won’t let you go unrewarded afterward.” Han Mingxi propped his chin up, tilting his head to look at him, “I thought you just said you didn’t need the Tianyi Chamber’s help.”

The sick scholar nodded, “I don’t need any intelligence from the Tianyi Chamber, but since we happened to meet Master Han, I’ll have to ask for your assistance as well.”

“Can we refuse?” Han Mingxi asked.

“I’m afraid not.” The sick scholar said gravely, his slightly gloomy gaze slowly passing over both of them. Han Mingxi felt as if he’d been stabbed by a knife, deeply uncomfortable. Ye Li’s expression remained unchanged, but her hand hidden in her sleeve unconsciously tightened slightly. The sick scholar’s smile was cold and fierce as he elegantly raised his left hand to admire his fingers, which were slightly different in color from his right hand, saying mildly, “I believe Master Han won’t refuse, right?”

Han Mingxi’s expression changed as he warily watched the sick scholar, “You poisoned us?!”

The sick scholar returned a smile without answering, but Han Mingxi’s face grew ugly. Seeming certain that Han Mingxi wouldn’t refuse, the sick scholar turned to look at Ye Li, “What about Master Chu?”

Ye Li poured herself a cup of cold tea, frowning slightly at the bitterness in the cold liquid, “I refuse.”

“Refuse?” The sick scholar was somewhat surprised, and after a pause, his gaze toward Ye Li carried more threat, “Is Master Chu certain?” Ye Li smiled calmly, putting down the teacup, “A few days ago, I heard of your reputation and know that your mastery of poisons is unparalleled in the world. However… unless you plan to use an instantly lethal poison, it’s better not to act at all.”

“What do you mean?” The sick scholar stared at Ye Li with a dark expression.

Ye Li lowered her gaze to her hands resting on her knees and said softly, “I heard that you injured your heart meridian years ago. Though I don’t understand such injuries well, I do have some rudimentary knowledge of the pathology. In my opinion, unless you can kill your opponent in an instant, it’s better not to act at all. Because… your heart might not withstand prolonged intense shock, isn’t that right?”

The killing intent in the sick scholar’s eyes became almost tangible for a moment as he gritted out, “Are you sure I can’t kill you?”

Ye Li smiled, “You’re welcome to try.”

The sick scholar naturally wouldn’t try. Though this Chu Jun Wei hadn’t shown any martial prowess during their journey or appeared to have profound inner strength, his instincts told him this calm and composed youth was extraordinary. Moreover, beside him was the vigilant Han Mingxi, and in the room was a capable guard who hadn’t yet appeared. Han Mingxi leaned back in his chair, supporting his handsome face with one hand as he looked from the gloomy-faced sick scholar to the serenely smiling Ye Li, blinking with an engaging smile – it seemed he had heard quite an interesting secret.

“Hehe, Master Chu is indeed no ordinary person. However… it’s too late for regrets now.” The sick scholar laughed coldly.

“What do you mean?” Han Mingxi asked with narrowed eyes.

The sick scholar said, “After I just left the small building, I suspect Liang is no longer there.”

“You planned this?” Han Mingxi asked. The sick scholar nodded, “Indeed. Liang came to the Southern Border specifically to find the Luoyi tribe, and last night they weren’t coming to make trouble for us but to receive him.” Han Mingxi frowned, “So what?” The sick scholar snorted, “So what? He’s reached his destination, and naturally, those who know his whereabouts must be… silenced. If they didn’t invite us all here and someone escaped, wouldn’t all their efforts be wasted?”

“The other day when Zheng Kui came to invite us to travel together – that was your idea?” Ye Li calmly asked the sick scholar.

“Correct. Zheng Kui thought he was just escorting Liang to Nanzhao for business. I told him you two were skilled and traveling together would provide good support. Honestly… I didn’t originally want to choose you, but this season there aren’t many people heading to the Southern Border. Yet I needed capable people to help. Fortunately, Master Han and I have some connection, right?”

Han Mingxi smiled, “I’m more curious why you didn’t use people from the King of Hell Chamber. Surely there are many there willing to brave fire and water for you?”

The sick scholar’s face darkened as he said coldly, “This is my matter.”

Ye Li stood up and walked to the window, looking at the still-pouring rain outside before turning back, “What treasure does Master Liang have that makes someone like you go to such lengths?”

“It’s better if Master Chu doesn’t know. After all, the less you know, the safer you are. Out of consideration for Master Han, I won’t harm you afterward,” the sick scholar promised grimly. Ye Li gave him a faint glance and smiled, “I’m sorry, but I don’t particularly like being kept in the dark and used as a pawn.”

The sick scholar laughed coldly, “You won’t be able to leave even if you don’t help me. Take a good look outside yourself.” Han Mingxi quickly floated to the window to look out – the scenery in the distance was barely visible through the rain curtain, but a faint strange fragrance wafted through the air. Ye Li pulled Han Mingxi away and closed the window. The sick scholar nodded in approval at Ye Li, “I indeed wasn’t wrong about you. Master Chu is quite knowledgeable about poisons.” Ye Li shook her head, “I don’t know much about poisons, but I was recently knocked out by a Southern Border sleeping drug, so I’m more cautious now.”

That time she had fallen prey to Ye Yue, and afterward, Ye Li had carefully recalled the circumstances multiple times. Finally, she confirmed that Ye Yue hadn’t administered the poison after she entered the hall – from the beginning, the poison had been set in the two pots of half-bloomed orchids at the entrance of Yaohua Palace’s main hall, with two more similar pots inside. Later, she had seen the same orchids in the small courtyard where Mo Jingli had imprisoned her. Of course, perhaps they weren’t orchids at all, just something that looked similar.

The sick scholar said, “All our paths up the mountain have been cut off, and those flowers and plants on the slope outside… it’s fine for Master Han to smell them now, there’s no great harm. These poisonous flowers are only effective on sunny days. But once the rain stops, their fragrance will become deadly poison – anyone who smells it won’t be able to move a step.” Han Mingxi looked at him, “You have the antidote?”

The sick scholar said proudly, “Such a minor poison, what difficulty is there?”

Han Mingxi walked back to his seat and sat down, “So unless we agree to help you, you won’t give us the antidote? Aren’t you afraid we’ll go down the mountain while it’s still raining?” The sick scholar smiled, “Martial artists naturally don’t need to worry about whether there’s a path when going up or down mountains. You can try going out – it would help me by drawing away the people and poisonous insects.” Han Mingxi remembered last night’s dense snake swarm and felt goosebumps rising. He quickly rubbed his arms and looked pleadingly at Ye Li.

Ye Li stood with hands behind her back and said calmly, “Then may I assume that you not only have antidotes for those poisonous flowers and plants but also ways to deal with the poisonous snakes and insects? And all we need to do is deal with those people?”

The sick scholar nodded with good humor, “Correct.” His earlier displeasure at having his weakness exposed had finally dissipated somewhat, and the killing intent in his gaze toward Ye Li gradually dispersed. Ye Li pondered for a moment before nodding, “I can agree to your terms.”

“Hey, Jun Wei, aren’t you afraid he’ll go back on his word and silence us?” Han Mingxi whispered in warning – the sick scholar was no kind person. Ye Li smiled, “I trust the word of the Third Master of the King of Hell Chamber.”

“In that case, it’s settled.”

Hey hey… does that guy even have something like credibility?

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