Chapter 122: Shopkeeper Chen, Please

Chapter 122: Chen the Shopkeeper, Please Come In

Chen Yì stood tall, his gaze sweeping over the figure before him, employing a subtle breath-reading technique.

He was certain now.

It was Liu Lang.

Though his face bore a few days’ growth of stubble, his complexion had turned pale where once it had been rosy, his attire and demeanor altered, his waist weapon changed too.

Yet unmistakably, this was the “Blade Demon” Liu Lang, who had once raided Xiao Family’s medicinal herbs.

But now, Liu Lang lay grievously wounded.

The scar across his chest not only drained him of blood but also felled his internal organs and vital points, his Dantian and pelvic mound shattered.

Wang Ji watched him in silence, then leaned closer to the seemingly unaware Liu Lang and whispered, “Any issues?”

Not in the main chamber at the moment, he dared not address him as “Master.”

Chen Yì gave a slight nod, smiling as he spoke, “Wang the Boss has grown great in business and reputation; surely worthy of inviting a few skilled martial artists.”

Hearing this, Liu Lang turned his head, his eyes flicking past Wang Ji to settle on Chen Yì.

He recognized him—Xiao Jinghong’s husband, the man who had bested the general in a single move.

Yet, precisely because he knew Chen Yì, a wave of regret washed over him.

How tragic it was for a woman like Xiao Jinghong, choosing a man so clearly unworthy to be her husband for the sake of the Xiao family’s interests.

Lamentable. Regrettable.

In such thoughts, Liu Lang rose, bowing slightly, “Shopkeeper, is there any command?”

Wang Ji nodded, then introduced Chen Yì, “This brother Liu’s blade skills are formidable. During the afternoon trial, he struck down several guards at the entrance, claiming he feared not the evil cult from the Night Music Sect.”

Chen Yì murmured in acknowledgment, bowing to Liu Lang—though perhaps Liu Yun—“Jishi Pharmacy’s Chen Yi, Chen Qingzhou, long admired your brother’s renown.”

Liu Lang’s lips twitched twice, his heart thinking, *This one reeks of hypocrisy.*

He was merely a nameless warrior in the martial world, long admired by whom?

“You know me—the husband of General Xiao Jinghong?”

Chen Yì smiled, “Her reputation precedes mine; your recognition is not surprising.”

Liu Lang nodded, seeing no further business, and settled into a chair.

He had fallen to Xiao Jinghong, yet still bore the title of a fifth-rank blade master, his “Blade Demon” moniker earned. Pride warred within him.

A frail scholar, dismissed without a second glance.

Even as Xiao Family’s son-in-law, Xiao Jinghong’s husband, how formidable could he be?

Though Chen Yì sensed Liu Lang’s inner turmoil, he said little, then departed.

Wang Ji followed, his face sheepish, “He’s new, still learning proprieties. Do forgive him.”

Chen Yì lifted a hand, writing a few characters on Wang Ji’s back, then spoke, “Stay, Wang the Boss. The hour grows late; I’ll not trouble you further.”

Wang Ji, fighting the urge to glance back, nodded curtly, “Take care. Don’t follow.”

He never expected the martial figure summoned by his request to earn the Master’s attention, let alone be entrusted with such a task.

Reflecting, it was a good omen—he had found the right person.

If Chen Yì knew of Wang Ji’s thoughts, he’d laugh until his sides ached.

All the while, Chen Yì sought to uncover Liu Lang’s purpose in hiding at the Herb Hall, and the origin of his wounds.

After all, the Xiao Family’s stolen medicines bore some connection to Liu Lang.

“Though he likely wasn’t with the Liu family, for Shen Huaotang to return that night, they wouldn’t have crossed paths.”

Chen Yì mused thus, glancing at the darkened sky, quickening his pace toward the Xiao Family.

Time slipped by unnoticed at the Herb Hall, though he wondered if Diandie and the others had returned.

Passing a tavern, a shadowy alley nearby hummed with voices.

“Chen the Shopkeeper?”

Chen Yì paused, turning his head.

A middle-aged man in black robes grinned savagely, a gleaming dagger in hand.

Instantly, Chen Yì’s spine prickled with cold. His *Xuanwu Suppression Technique* stalled, his heart coiling in wary readiness.

“Who are you?”

“Chen the Shopkeeper, come with us—there’s someone to see you.”

Us?

The man before him, already surrounded, asked quietly, “Who wishes to see me? This entourage is rather alarming.”

No sooner spoken than a figure pushed forward, and Chen Yì stepped aside, guiding him into the alley.

“Leave him be—hurry along, no need for idle talk.”

Chen Yì feigned a stumble, rising to scan the area, already deducing their identities.

Three ninth-level cultivators, two eighth-level—manageable.

Yet he stood in the bustling street, only two paths before him.

Either reveal his martial prowess or follow these folk and see what they sought.

Deciding swiftly, Chen Yì withdrew a vial of *Immortal Intoxication* from his sleeve, “Lead the way.”

After all, observing whoever dared to blockade the street in broad daylight might prove instructive.

Confident in his resolve, he marched forward.

Four stout martial figures exchanged glances, sheathing their weapons.

The leader, a middle-aged man with a sly grin, nodded, “A wise choice.”

“Chen the Shopkeeper, please come along.”

Their words were polite, but they encircled him, shielding him from the street’s gaze.

Yet their haste seemed unnecessary.

Even in bustling Shuzhou, night’s alleys held little light.

Only when passing affluent homes did lanterns flicker, casting dim halos over a few feet.

In the shadows, Chen Yì walked calmly among them, noting routes, gauging directions.

It must have been about half a li.

From the western outskirts of the city to the northern gates, the distance to the Xiao family’s mansion was now no more than five li.

Chen Yi gazed at the grand courtyard before him, yet there were no plaques or inscriptions marking it as an official residence, and he furrowed his brow in silent contemplation.

Such audacity, truly.

How close he was to the Xiao family, yet he dared to act so boldly—was he not afraid of being discovered?

It was dark enough in the lamp-lit grounds.

At that moment, a middle-aged strongman knocked on the door and stepped aside, saying, “Please come in, Master Chen.”

Chen Yi glanced at him, withdrew the Xuanwu Subduing Breath Technique, and entered the courtyard, his internal energy slowly circulating.

The inner courtyard was a simple two-winged compound.

The front yard was somewhat modest, but the rear was brightly lit with lanterns, revealing a four-eaved wooden building in the distance.

“A imposing arrival, indeed.”

Who could it be?

Chen Yi paused to reflect, and three possibilities surfaced in his mind.

One, the people who had once plotted to force him into marriage.

Though possible, the odds were slim.

Those individuals, with their strange cultivation methods, would not send these wandering warriors.

Two, the Hidden Guard.

Again, the likelihood was low.

The Hidden Guard operated in shadows; their methods today—exposing their faces and whereabouts—did not align with their usual tactics.

Thus, only one possibility remained…

Just then, Chen Yi heard the breathing and murmuring from the tall wooden building.

One, two… five—five people.

He glanced back and saw the others trailing behind him, then smiled and asked, “Is the master inside?”

The middle-aged man saw him still smiling, and a grim smile touched his lips, “Even facing death, you remain calm. You’re no ordinary man.”

Death?

Chen Yi gestured to himself, “You want to kill me?”

“Whether to kill you or not, that’s not up to us. Come in!”

He was shoved aside, and after giving the man a sharp look, Chen Yi brushed off his clothes and entered the wooden building.

Inside the hall sat five people.

The eldest was a young man in fine robes, with a delicate face and clear eyes, yet his expression held a cold sharpness.

Among the remaining four, two were older men seated on either side, scrutinizing him with stern gazes.

The other two were clearly guards, standing behind the young man.

The door clicked shut.

Chen Yi noted that the guards who had brought him were stationed outside, and he bowed respectfully to the five.

“Chen Yi, Chen Qianzhou, I humbly greet you all.”

The young man scoffed, then laughed heartily, “Have you seen? He still maintains his manners even now.”

“What could have frightened him so? Hahaha…”

An elderly man stroked his beard and said, “My lord, though he is an unwanted son-in-law to the Xiao family, he was raised from childhood in the Chen family of Jiangnan Prefecture.”

“His learning is not low, and his customs and laws are also not lacking.”

The young man’s laughter ceased, and he studied Chen Yi carefully, nodding in agreement, “A scholar, as he should be.”

He rose to his feet and also bowed respectfully, “I am Liu Jingzhou of the Liu family, and Liu Huan. We greet you, Brother Chen.”

Chen Yi’s eyes glimmered with a faint light, “Longtime admiration for your reputation, Brothers Liu.”

Indeed, the Liu family of Jingzhou.

It seemed this visit would indeed bring both peril and fortune.

(The chapter ends)