Tang Lici closed his eyes again. Chi Yun had already returned with tea—a pot of cold water steeping tea stems that he banged down in front of Zhong Chunji with a “thud.” Chi Yun said coldly, “Drink!” She was stunned. Tang Lici smiled slightly, “Chi Yun’s tea-making technique is unparalleled under heaven. Miss might as well try it. Tea can dispel worries—consider it Chi Yun’s apology to you.” Chi Yun rolled his eyes skyward and sneered without speaking. Zhong Chunji was caught in an awkward position and could only reluctantly take a sip, smiling bitterly, “Master Tang speaks truly. I still have urgent matters, so I’ll take my leave now. I’ve disturbed you both.” After drinking the cold water with tea stems, her mouth was full of strange flavors. She hurriedly entered another guest room and shut the door.
“You really know how to play the good person,” Chi Yun said coldly. Tang Lici closed his eyes and smiled slightly, “After all, the young lady drank your fine tea—shouldn’t that calm her anger?” Chi Yun snorted, “Clearly you’re the one who provoked me.” After a pause, he continued, “Shi Tinghe killed Jiang Cheng. If Jiang Cheng came to Xiaoyan Lake to make contact with that little girl to find that immortal Xue Xianzi, then at least Yanmen knows about the Scarlet Ghost Nine Heart Pills.”
“To investigate the Scarlet Ghost Nine Heart Pills, rather than pursuing to Yanmen, it would be better to follow Zhong Chunji,” Tang Lici’s brows furrowed slightly. “It’s just… it’s just…” His hands rested on the quilt, originally pressing his waist and abdomen. Now his hands slightly tightened their grip on the bedding, “Hmm…” Chi Yun strode over, “For over three years, your abdominal pain hasn’t improved at all. The doctors in the capital are complete nonsense.” Tang Lici smiled slightly, “Over three years ago I said you were no ordinary person, and indeed you’re extraordinary. Over three years ago I said this ailment couldn’t be cured, and indeed it can’t be cured.” Chi Yun sneered, “You mean to say your words are always accurate and never wrong?” Tang Lici said, “Of course.” Chi Yun was speechless with anger, “If it weren’t for seeing you collapsed on the bed unable to get up, I would have gone to Yanmen long ago. Why would I stay here and suffer your abuse!” Tang Lici still smiled slightly, “Have you decided to go to Yanmen?”
“I miscalculated once, and that bastard Shi Tinghe chopped Jiang Cheng into four pieces,” Chi Yun said coldly. “The Scarlet Ghost Nine Heart Pills are quite interesting. If I don’t play this game to the end, wouldn’t that damage my reputation?” Tang Lici said, “If you want to go, then go. I have my own matters.” Chi Yun looked at him suspiciously, “I really suspect you’re deliberately pretending to be sick to torment me.” Tang Lici coughed lightly, “Well, if I said I wasn’t, you wouldn’t believe me anyway.” Chi Yun was speechless with anger again, “I never want to encounter you, this white-haired fox spirit, on the road again in this lifetime! Serving you for half a year without being driven to death by anger—that’s my good fortune!” A white shadow sprang out and departed with a flourish of sleeves.
Tang Lici smiled slightly, closed his eyes, placed his hands on the quilt, his expression serene. The baby beside him had long been awakened by Chi Yun’s shouting, but with round, bright eyes, the infant gripped Tang Lici’s long hair firmly with both hands, pulling and tugging, playing with focused concentration without crying or fussing. Outside the window, sunlight was pale and spring was abundant. Inside the room, the light was dim with only a few traces of faint light penetrating, hazily revealing that Tang Lici had smooth, soft gray hair.
Zhong Chunji rushed into the adjacent guest room, but her anger had already dissipated. Though Chi Yun’s words were venomous, he meant no real harm. Moreover, since they were strangers who had met by chance, there was no need to take his disagreeable nature too much to heart. Closing the door, she poured herself a cup of cold tea from the teapot and took a small sip. She felt indescribably troubled and confused. Jiang Cheng had been killed by Shi Tinghe, Shi Tinghe had been killed by Chi Yun—this chain of killing seemed all related to the poison Shi Tinghe had consumed. But… though she knew this was a sign of great trouble brewing in the martial world, her heart couldn’t fully focus on it. Vaguely, she thought that if he entered the martial world, perhaps… perhaps the situation would be different.
After drinking a few sips of cold water, she gently sighed. Suddenly she heard the sound of a baby’s giggling laughter from next door and was slightly startled. Tang Lici was the honored adopted son of the National Uncle—why would he be traveling the martial world carrying an infant? There were truly countless things in this world that defied common sense.
Outside the “Immortal Guest’s Arrival” inn, two men wearing straw shoes and cloth clothes entered the inn. They patted the somewhat simple-minded middle-aged woman and moved into the inn’s last remaining guest room. One of them said, “Cao Wufang, that bastard Chi Yun has already gone far. As we guessed, he’s given up on the girl surnamed Zhong and is striking back at Yanmen.” The other said, “Haha, since that’s the case, you poison that girl to death, and we can take her head back to report our mission accomplished.” While they spoke, the middle-aged woman outside the door had already silently collapsed to one side, as if asleep.
Zhong Chunji steadied herself and spread out paper and brush to carefully write a letter to Xue Xianzi. But Xue Xianzi’s temperament and behavior were even more eccentric than Chi Yun’s. Even she, his disciple, couldn’t say whether this letter would smoothly reach Xue Xianzi’s hands. In her heart, she wrote clearly about what Chi Yun had said regarding the Scarlet Ghost Nine Heart Pills, requesting her master to help. If her master saw the letter and agreed, she asked him to meet at Yanmen after one month. She wrote this way, but whether Xue Xianzi would read it or care about it, she had no confidence at all. Though she wrote requesting her master to emerge from seclusion, unconsciously she kept thinking of her master as “him.” If only she could request Yuedan to emerge from seclusion, that would be wonderful. In her heart she knew it was like falling flowers and flowing water—all in vain—yet she couldn’t help fantasizing.
Someone walked past outside the window and gently knocked on her window. “Miss, this humble scholar has something to ask.” Zhong Chunji looked up upon hearing the voice and saw a young man in brown clothes outside the window, smiling as he gently pushed open her window frame. She sensed something was wrong and pressed her hand to draw her sword. Her sword was barely half-drawn when she smelled a delicate, rich floral fragrance through her nose. Her brain grew dizzy, and with her left hand she grabbed the inkstone from the table and threw it out the window.
With a “crack,” the inkstone hit the ground and ink splattered everywhere. Hua Wuyan walked leisurely into Zhong Chunji’s room with his hands behind his back and brushed the back of his hand against her face, lovely as a spring flower. “What a pity, what a pity, such a fresh flower…” Someone outside the window said indifferently, “If you can’t bring yourself to do it, let me.” Hua Wuyan took a small jade bottle from his bosom and said to Cao Wufang, “Hold your breath.” Cao Wufang outside the window flashed away. Hua Wuyan removed the bottle stopper, and extremely pale green smoke rose from the bottle. Immediately, the flowers and plants in the room withered and died, and the tables and chairs made a “hiss” sound, turning black over a large area. Zhong Chunji’s snow-white face instantly turned blue-purple, and as the green smoke spread, the flowers and trees outside the window gradually yellowed.
“Waaah—” Suddenly a loud infant’s cry came from next door as a child burst into tears. Hua Wuyan said “Eh?” and put away the bottle. He heard Cao Wufang shout outside the door, and with a “whoosh” a spray of water suddenly burst through the window. The green smoke permeating the room immediately faded, and when the water spray hit the ground, it became a strange green water that turned everything it touched black. Hua Wuyan’s face changed color. What kind of skill could make clear water burst through window frames? Moreover, who could see at a glance that his “Dream Drunk” poison, though it couldn’t be neutralized with clear water, could be dissolved with clear water?
Outside, Cao Wufang only saw someone emerge from the adjacent room. The person wore plain clothes and shoes with uncombed long hair, as if he had just gotten up—he only saw this much. As for how this person picked up the water vat stored in the courtyard, how he splashed the water, and how he approached to pat him once, he saw none of it at all. After being patted by the newcomer, half his body was paralyzed. He couldn’t attack the enemy or dodge, and even his tongue was numb—he couldn’t speak a word. Inside the room, Hua Wuyan laughed lightly, “Here’s the antidote—spare his life.” A white bottle was thrown out from the room. The gray-clothed man caught it with one hand and smiled slightly, “How clever.” Cao Wufang only felt a shadow flicker beside him, and Hua Wuyan had already taken him and leaped three zhang, escaping over the rooftops.
“I said rather than pursuing to Yanmen, it would be better to stay here. Too bad someone listened but didn’t hear,” the gray-clothed man shook his head. Holding the antidote, he stepped into the room, opened the bottle, and shook out some powder. The green water on the ground turned to black water. He lifted Zhong Chunji’s head and poured some powder into her mouth.
When Zhong Chunji woke up, a pair of round, bright eyes was staring at her intently. She was startled to see that lying beside her was an infant less than a year old, leaning very close to look at her. Wasn’t she poisoned with an extremely powerful toxin? How could she be here? Zhong Chunji suddenly sat up, her head spinning slightly. Fortunately, she managed to support herself on the bed board and didn’t fall. Someone beside her said gently, “Miss, the deadly poison has just been neutralized. You still need rest. Please don’t get up.” She turned her head and saw someone with a full head of gray hair tied in a topknot. After looking for a while, she recognized it was Tang Lici. “Master Tang saved me?” But she was still confused—at Tang Lici’s age, being an honored National Uncle, when she couldn’t resist the enemy earlier, how could he have saved her? Moreover, wasn’t he ill?
Tang Lici had changed clothes. The earlier garment was a sleeping robe, inappropriate for wearing. Now he wore a lotus-colored scholar’s robe, making his features look even more picturesque. She frowned slightly. Tang Lici wore a silver bracelet on his right wrist. Though the material wasn’t the finest, the patterns on it were intricate, actually depicting dozens of figures including seasonal flowers and birds, and embroidering women spinning—it must be a priceless treasure. This person was truly mysterious and unfathomable. She heard him say, “You saw Shi Tinghe’s death, so Fengliu Store naturally wanted to kill to silence witnesses. After all, the matter of Scarlet Ghost Nine Heart Pills shouldn’t be known to outsiders.” Zhong Chunji asked, “Fengliu Store?” Tang Lici nodded, “Fengliu Store is what sells the Scarlet Ghost Nine Heart Pills. Besides Shi Tinghe, ‘West Wind Swordsman’ Feng Chuanxiang and ‘Iron Brush’ Wen Ruiqi also died from them.” Zhong Chunji exclaimed, “Feng Chuanxiang is already dead?” She was quite shocked. ‘West Wind Swordsman’ Feng Chuanxiang was upright with decent martial arts—how could he take poison? Tang Lici picked up a cup of tea from the table and handed it to her, “Feng Chuanxiang’s wife Xiao Emei was killed by ‘Floating Ghost Shadow’ Wan Yu. To seek revenge, Feng Chuanxiang took the forbidden medicine. After killing Wan Yu, the poison flared up in Feng Chuanxiang’s body and infected his close friend ‘Iron Brush’ Wen Ruiqi. Both committed suicide together.”
Zhong Chunji opened her bright eyes wide, extremely horrified. “When did this happen?” Tang Lici held the clear tea and smiled slightly, “Half a month ago. Please have some tea, Miss.” Zhong Chunji took the tea Tang Lici handed her, her emotions still shaken. Looking down, she saw the teacup was made of thin porcelain with a transparent body, lightly painted with clouds and sea in elegant, refined style—another precious porcelain piece. “How does Master Tang know about Feng Chuanxiang’s death?” Tang Lici sat properly on the chair beside the bed, “The news came from Yanmen.” Zhong Chunji said curiously, “Yanmen? ‘Letter Goose’ Jiang Cheng?” Tang Lici nodded, “Shi Tinghe followed Jiang Cheng. The mantis stalks the cicada while the oriole waits behind. Chi Yun followed behind Shi Tinghe and heard the two talking on Xiaoyan Lake. The poison Feng Chuanxiang took was given by Shi Tinghe. When he took it, he didn’t know the medicine was poison. After killing Wan Yu, the poison flared up. Shi Tinghe extorted money from him to buy Scarlet Ghost Nine Heart Pills, but Feng Chuanxiang refused outright and escaped. He was taken in by Wen Ruiqi, and the toxicity infected Wen Ruiqi. When they discovered the poison couldn’t be cured, both severed their own meridians and died—truly heroic.” Zhong Chunji said, “Feng Chuanxiang was originally a gentleman.” Tang Lici said, “Jiang Cheng was also a close friend of Feng Chuanxiang. He was determined to investigate Feng Chuanxiang’s death and traced it to Shi Tinghe. I guess he originally wanted to inform your esteemed master Xue Xianzi through you, or perhaps wanted to find ‘Bright Moon Golden Doctor’ Shui Duopo through Xue Xianzi to cure the poison. Unfortunately, before he could see you, he died under Shi Tinghe’s sword. Chi Yun didn’t expect Shi Tinghe would draw his sword to kill. Unable to rescue in time, he became furious and has now rushed to Yanmen.” Zhong Chunji lowered her head in silence for a long while, “But before this, Chi Yun already knew about the Scarlet Ghost Nine Heart Pills.” Tang Lici smiled slightly, “Correct. Before this, Chi Yun already knew about the Scarlet Ghost Nine Heart Pills. I was the one who told him.” Zhong Chunji suddenly sat up, “You?”
“Woo—gugu—yi wu…” Suddenly a pair of soft little hands grabbed her sleeve from behind. Her sitting motion was too abrupt, and the baby suddenly brightened up with joy, giggling and waving hands and feet while grabbing her sleeve. Tang Lici said, “Fengfeng.” The baby swallowed the laughter that was about to emerge with an extremely aggrieved expression, timidly withdrew his hands, and slowly crawled under the quilt to hide. Zhong Chunji looked at the little baby who buried his head under the quilt and found it quite amusing, “Is this your son? What an adorable child.” Tang Lici said, “A friend’s child. He’s quite well-behaved.” After a slight pause, he said, “The matter of Scarlet Ghost Nine Heart Pills showed signs at the beginning of the year. The inside story is not suitable for outsiders to know.” Zhong Chunji found it even stranger and stared intently at Tang Lici. This person had beautiful features, and though the scar on his left eyebrow was very faint, it extended deep into his hairline, suggesting the original injury was quite dangerous. “Master Tang, being imperial family, why did you leave the capital to wander the martial world? Aren’t you afraid your family will worry?” Tang Lici said, “This matter is even less suitable for outsiders to know.” Zhong Chunji lowered her head and took a sip of tea, feeling quite embarrassed. How could someone speak like this? He kept calling her an “outsider.” Though she was indeed an “outsider,” it was still rather rude. She was Xue Xianzi’s distinguished disciple, and everyone gave her respect, but she had never met anyone who treated her with such distant coldness.
“Miss, your poison injury hasn’t healed. I’ve paid the room fee here for eight more days. If you don’t mind, please stay here to rest.” Tang Lici picked up Fengfeng from the bed, “I have other matters, so I’ll take my leave.” Zhong Chunji said, “But the innkeeper outside…” Wasn’t the innkeeper outside already killed? How could she stay for eight more days? Tang Lici smiled slightly, “She was injured by sleeping drug. She’ll be fine after sleeping for a day. Please rest, Miss. If you see your esteemed master Xue Xianzi, please say Tang Lici sends regards to an old friend.” Zhong Chunji was greatly surprised and struggled to get out of bed, “You know my master?” If he was Xue Xianzi’s “old friend,” wouldn’t that make him her martial uncle’s generation? How could this be? Tang Lici neither confirmed nor denied, smiled, and left.
Orioles and swallows danced, flowers and grass flourished. Deep among the southern flowers and trees was a grand mansion compound.
A blue-clothed young man stood before the vermillion main gate, looking up at the sky with tightly knitted sword-like brows, seemingly troubled.
“Young Hero Gu,” a black-bearded old man inside the gate sighed, “That Chi Yun surely won’t come again today. You needn’t guard the entrance so bitterly. You’ve worked hard these past days.”
The blue-clothed young man shook his head, “This person’s martial arts are supreme, and his actions are unpredictable. I don’t know what his intentions are in infiltrating Yanmen. I can never feel at ease.”
Just then, the sound of horse hooves came. The blue-clothed young man turned to look and saw a white horse with plum-blossom spots galloping from afar. On it rode a young woman in pale purple clothes, galloping swiftly with flowing sleeves, radiating an elegant and refined aura without appearing rough or unruly—it was Zhong Chunji. Seeing the blue-clothed young man standing at the gate with hands behind his back, she laughed lightly and suddenly reined in her horse. Meihua’er neighed and reared up. Zhong Chunji leaped up like a plum blossom in the wind, landing lightly before the blue-clothed young man with a smile, “Big Brother Gu, have you been well?”
The blue-clothed young man smiled slightly and bowed in greeting, “Sister Zhong, have you been well? Xitan has always been fine.” He indicated the black-bearded old man beside him, “This is Yanmen’s sect leader Jiang Feiyu, father of ‘Letter Goose’ Jiang Cheng.” Zhong Chunji’s heart shook and her expression darkened, “Uncle Jiang.” Jiang Feiyu stroked his beard, “Miss, you’re from a distinguished family with outstanding bearing. Speaking of my unworthy son, he hasn’t been seen for two months after making an appointment with you. Do you know his whereabouts?” Zhong Chunji said, “This… Big Brother Jiang, Big Brother Jiang has already at Xiaoyan Lake… Xiaoyan Lake…” She bit her teeth, “He already died at Xiaoyan Lake under Shi Tinghe’s hand.” Jiang Feiyu’s whole body shook greatly as he cried out, “Could what that Chi Yun said actually be… true?” Zhong Chunji said, “That Chi Yun has already reached Yanmen?” The blue-clothed young man said, “Not only did he reach Yanmen, but he broke into Yanmen’s Yanggao Pavilion without permission, rummaging through everyone’s sleeping quarters, stealing all private letters. He kept saying Shi Tinghe killed Big Brother Jiang, claiming someone in Yanmen must be collaborating with Shi Tinghe, giving him information so Shi Tinghe could catch up to Big Brother Jiang at Xiaoyan Lake and kill to silence him… Could what he said actually be true?” He stepped forward, “Sister Zhong, Shi Tinghe’s heroic reputation is known throughout the land. How can I believe Chi Yun’s one-sided words?”
“Though he’s from the dark path, I think what he said isn’t false,” Zhong Chunji said sadly. “I didn’t see Big Brother Jiang at Xiaoyan Lake, only Shi Tinghe’s corpse.” The blue-clothed young man asked curiously, “Shi Tinghe’s corpse? With Shi Tinghe’s extraordinary martial arts, able to defeat Yu Qifeng, how could he be killed?” Zhong Chunji said, “When I saw him, his whole body was covered with red spots, poisoned with deadly toxin. According to Chi Yun, Shi Tinghe took medicine to enhance his power, which is why he could defeat Yu Qifeng. He died under Chi Yun’s blade because the deadly poison had flared up and he was powerless to resist.” Jiang Feiyu’s face changed, “Shi Tinghe was poisoned with deadly toxin—did he take it himself, or was it administered by Chi Yun?” The blue-clothed young man shook his head, “I’ve never heard that Chi Yun uses poison. If he could use poison, he should have employed it yesterday when fighting me, but he was unwilling to fight to the death and retreated.”
Zhong Chunji looked down at her sleeve corner, “Though Chi Yun has an eccentric temper, I believe his words aren’t false. Moreover, I was saved by him… If he had poisoned and killed Shi Tinghe, he could have killed me too, and no one in the world would know. Yet he saved me from others.” She thought those two each had their oddities. It was better not to mention Tang Lici’s involvement much. Anyway, those two were master and servant as one—it could be considered that Chi Yun saved her. The blue-clothed young man said in surprise, “He saved you? But why didn’t he say so?” Zhong Chunji thought to herself that he didn’t even know “he” saved me, and suddenly found it somewhat amusing. The corners of her mouth curved up slightly, “He…”
“When did I ever save you? Little girl talking complete nonsense—don’t credit some other white-haired fox’s small favors to me!” Someone above suddenly said coldly. Zhong Chunji was greatly shocked, and red clouds immediately flooded her face. In her lifetime, she had rarely told a lie, yet she was caught red-handed. She stamped her feet, not knowing how to explain. The blue-clothed young man and Jiang Feiyu both looked up. On the vermillion main gate, a white-clothed person sat cross-legged, looking down disdainfully at the people below, “If I wanted to kill everyone in your Yanmen sect, it wouldn’t take any effort. If I really poisoned Shi Tinghe to death, would I need to spend these days squabbling with you turtles for so long? I would have finished you all off one by one with my blade.” Jiang Feiyu said hoarsely, “Is Jiang Cheng really dead?” Chi Yun said, “Dead as dead can be. Though I know you’re grieving, I can’t say he’s not dead.” Jiang Feiyu wept bitterly. The blue-clothed young man supported him, his expression complex. To immediately believe Chi Yun’s words was obviously difficult for him to do at the moment. Chi Yun looked at his expression from the gate and said coolly, “The orthodox Central Plains martial world—a bunch of turtles. Since you don’t believe what I say, I’ll introduce someone to you. My words are hard to hear, but his words, I’m sure you’ll all love to hear.”
“Who?” Several people from inside Yanmen had already come out upon hearing the commotion. The leader wore green clothes and carried a sword, frowning at Chi Yun on the gate, “Sir, since you’re friend not foe, could you come down from the gate and speak more politely?” Chi Yun looked up at the sky, “What if I just won’t come down?” That person drew his sword angrily, “Do you take our Yanmen as a place where you can bully and come and go as you please?” Chi Yun said, “Isn’t it?” That person trembled with rage, “You… you…” Zhong Chunji felt embarrassed, angry, and amused all at once. She had already experienced Chi Yun’s sharp tongue. No wonder the most upright and incorruptible “Iron Goose” Pu Zhongqu of Yanmen would be driven to such fury by him. She heard Chi Yun continue, “At your advanced age, if you have no self-control, speak less. I can see you’re trembling all over—your lower body foundation is too poor. In a fight, you’d probably fall with one hook.” That person was stunned. His hand techniques were excellent, but his martial arts were indeed weak in the lower body. Gripping his long sword tightly and facing Chi Yun on the gate, he couldn’t decide whether to attack or not, his face full of indignation.
“How long are you going to sit on that gate?” someone outside the gate said in a calm tone. “How can you speak like this to senior martial artists?” The people of Yanmen had been emotionally agitated, but suddenly hearing these words, they immediately felt this was the most pleasant voice in the world. These dozen or so words were all wise sayings, all the proper reasoning they wanted to say but hadn’t expressed! Chi Yun on the gate snorted, “Then how should I speak?” The person outside smiled, “Naturally you should be smiling, respectful and gentle. Acting like this, no wonder Yanmen expelled you and won’t invite you in for tea.” Jiang Feiyu was still grieving his son’s death. The blue-clothed young man released Jiang Feiyu and strode forward, opening the main gate. He saw a young man in plain clothes standing outside, holding an infant, with beautiful features and a smiling face. Though he considered himself well-traveled, he couldn’t recognize this young man’s background. He saw him smile slightly and say, “Chi Yun?” A gentle breeze rose behind the blue-clothed young man. Chi Yun had already floated down to the ground, patting dust off his body and saying sheepishly, “Fine, I’m afraid of you.” He pointed to the newcomer and said coldly, “This person’s surname is Tang, called Tang Lici.”
The blue-clothed young man stared speechlessly. Zhong Chunji quickly said, “This Master Tang is the adopted son of the current National Uncle.” Hearing he was imperial family, Jiang Feiyu felt troubled, “With your noble status, young master, how did you come to this place?” Tang Lici entered the gate carrying Fengfeng. Zhong Chunji introduced him, “This is ‘Clear Stream Gentleman’ Gu Xitan, this is Yanmen sect leader Jiang Feiyu, Uncle Jiang, and this is ‘Iron Goose’ Pu Zhongqu, Uncle Pu.” Tang Lici smiled, “Unable to bow properly to the senior masters—please forgive me.” Seeing him holding an infant, Pu Zhongqu thought privately that this person was neither fish nor fowl. Even if he really was imperial family, so what? People of the martial world should have less contact with such characters. So he snorted and didn’t respond. Gu Xitan asked, “Master Tang, with your noble status, personally visiting Yanmen—what important matter brings you here?” Tang Lici said, “I dare not presume. I left the capital for other business, but there’s one matter that must be made clear to Yanmen.” He glanced at Chi Yun and smiled slightly, “I originally didn’t plan to visit uninvited, but I thought that letting a certain someone come alone would surely cause chaos and unrest. Feeling uneasy about it, I still came to disturb you.” Chi Yun glared at him angrily. Tang Lici acted as if he didn’t see it, remaining as pleasant as spring breeze.
Pu Zhongqu said coldly, “A small place like Yanmen can’t accommodate a great Buddha like you, young master. What matter is it?” Tang Lici said, “Jiang Cheng discovered that Feng Chuanxiang’s death was related to Shi Tinghe. He went to Xiaoyan Lake to meet Miss Zhong. Who else in Yanmen knew about this?” Pu Zhongqu said coldly, “The sect leader and I both knew. Are you suggesting we two are involved with some poison?” Tang Lici smiled slightly, “Since Jiang Cheng died because of this matter, don’t you two think this is extremely serious? Since this matter involves Shi Tinghe, Chi Yun, and Miss Zhong—one a righteous young hero, one a supreme master of the dark path, and one representing the martial world expert Xue Xianzi—it shows the matter involves very broad content. If Yanmen can provide clues for this matter, it would be a blessing for the martial world.”
After these words, Pu Zhongqu was stunned, and Jiang Feiyu was alarmed, “Master Tang speaks truly.” He raised his head, “Jiang Cheng became involved because of his close friend’s death, but I don’t know how Young Master Chi… how you became involved in this matter?” Chi Yun was slightly shaken and glanced at Tang Lici. Tang Lici sighed slightly, “Senior, do you know about Miss Bai of the Bai family’s ‘Bright Moon Heavenly Garment’ running away from home?” Jiang Feiyu pondered, “I’ve heard of it, but…” Tang Lici said, “Bai Suche is Chi Yun’s unbetrothed wife. Chi Yun has done favors for the Bai family. Two years ago, Master Bai Yuming of the Bai mansion promised to marry Bai Suche to Chi Yun to repay his life-saving grace. But before the two had met more than a few times, Bai Suche left home for no reason. It’s been over a year now. Chi Yun has been investigating this matter. Bai Suche’s departure from home is probably also related to that poison.” Jiang Feiyu was moved, “In that case, today I’ll count my disciples and question them one by one to find out who leaked the information. If not for a traitor’s tip-off, my son would never have died under Shi Tinghe’s hand at Xiaoyan Lake!” Tang Lici nodded. Jiang Feiyu invited him inside to sit and had servants serve tea. Zhong Chunji was still thinking about how she had lied earlier to conceal being saved by Tang Lici, when she suddenly remembered Tang Lici saying earlier, “Naturally you should be smiling, respectful and gentle. Acting like this, no wonder Yanmen expelled you and won’t invite you in for tea.” She found it secretly amusing—this person indeed spoke respectfully and gently with a smile, and indeed Yanmen invited him for tea. Stealing a glance at Chi Yun, she saw him looking completely disdainful, following behind Tang Lici and reaching out to help him hold Fengfeng, while the Yanmen people behind them were all dumbfounded.
After several days, Wudang’s Master Qinghe arrived at Yanmen. Speaking of Shi Tinghe’s death, he was quite melancholy, adding that several sects in the martial world had discovered disciples taking strange poisons, spreading incurable epidemics—quite troublesome. Jiang Feiyu asked whether Martial Arts Alliance Leader Jiang Nanfeng knew of this matter. Master Qinghe said that since Jiangnan Manor was destroyed by Wei Beiyin, Jiang Nanfeng had taken his son into seclusion and since then lost contact. Their safety was worrying. Moreover, “Heavenly Eye” Yu Xiu, “White Hair” Rong Yin, Divine Doctor Qi Yang and several others, after Bai Nanzhu’s death, also had uncertain whereabouts. It was rumored they had gone to search for the long-missing Saint Fragrance Young Master, so they probably couldn’t contribute to this matter in the short term. Hearing this news, everyone sighed, all feeling that the events of previous years—battling Li Lingyan and besieging and killing Shang Xuan and Bai Nanzhu—seemed like dreams and illusions. Now that the heroic companions had scattered to the east and west, they feared they could never again recreate the victorious scenes of those days.
Famous martial artists gathered at Yanmen to discuss Shi Tinghe’s death, but Xue Xianzi’s whereabouts remained unseen. Zhong Chunji sighed secretly—her master probably treated the letter she had painstakingly sent as child’s play and completely ignored the matter. Chi Yun and Tang Lici lodged temporarily in Yanmen’s guest rooms, paying no attention to the various martial arts seniors’ discussions and opinions about Shi Tinghe’s matter.