Chapter 125: Why Is the Power So Massive?

Chapter 125: The Power of the Gruesome

The streets grew busier as the hour wore on.

Most of the passersby were merchants scraping by, servants and wives of those who shopped, and clerks and officials needing to file reports.

Even in this torrential downpour, they still ventured out.

Thus, as they traversed the street,

the onlookers all noticed the execution officers stationed outside the house on the corner.

Unable to resist curiosity, the city dwellers approached, asking those gathered in the rain.

“Hey, son, what’s happened in there? Looks like a total mess.”

“It’s a huge case. Heard the place is piled with corpses, necks stuffed against the ceiling beams.”

“Look at the faces of those execution officers—shocked and terrified.”

“The clues were scarce to begin with, but then a ghostly storm hit, and the killer left footprints in the mud, smeared by the rain.”

The Shuozhou dialect rattled on and off, making the words clear to the onlookers.

Each face showed fear.

In peaceful times, common folk rarely saw blood.

Only during festivals or when villains were beheaded by the prefect’s office could they glimpse it in the markets.

They might fear it then, but afterward, it would fade.

Yet with a life-or-death case, it was different.

Until the killer was caught, the surrounding folk stayed uneasy at night.

At that moment, a figure emerged from the grand courtyard.

It was Bai Hu, the execution commissioner of Shuozhou, sent to investigate the case.

She was strikingly beautiful, with porcelain skin, red lips, eyebrows and tail feathers slightly upturned, and delicate peach blossom eyes.

Her tall, graceful frame in the vivid red robes of an execution commissioner added a touch of vigor, a certain boldness.

Bai Hu stood beneath the eaves, scanning the gathered crowd.

She confirmed there were no suspicious individuals returning to the scene, her heart tinged with disappointment.

From her years of experience, only a fraction of killers would return to the crime scene.

Some sought to gauge the investigation’s progress, others took pride in their handiwork.

Especially this case.

The victim’s ghastly state, the obvious noble birth, the scene scrubbed clean as if by a broom—she deduced the killer was meticulous, seasoned.

Such people often left traces in overlooked places.

Bai Hu mused on this, straightened her posture, bowed slightly to the crowd, and called out:

“This case is critical. If you know any clues, report to the execution commissioner’s office anytime.

If your information helps, we’ll reward you with silver.”

No sooner had she finished speaking than several execution officers rushed over.

The tallest, a young man with a grave expression—or perhaps panic—approached.

He didn’t bow properly. “Sir, it happened. We’ve identified the person inside…”

Bai Hu raised her hand to halt him, leading them into the courtyard, signaling them to proceed.

“The deceased is Liu Jing, sixth son of the Liu family of Jingzhou, the former owner of Linglan Pavilion.”

“Are you certain?”

“Master Bai, for such matters, I dare not presume to speak.”

“Liu Jing…”

Bai Hu’s face darkened, her gaze drifting toward the distant Duke of Tongyan’s mansion.

“The Xiao family did this?”

Yet Liu’s family had already stepped back, and rumors said the Xiao family had ceased further action.

Bai Hu couldn’t fathom why the Xiao family would strike.

But her heart knew this case would spiral into chaos.

Soon, news of the incident near the Duke of Tongyan’s estate reached the Xiao family.

Not yet specifics, but the returning merchants and buyers muttered about it.

Within hours, the front, middle, and back courtyards buzzed with talk.

Ge Old Three woke early, oblivious, feeding his horse, fastening the reins.

Though busy with his tasks, his mind churned with thoughts.

His face flickered with unease now and then, clearly troubled.

He should’ve been with Wang Lixing, overseeing the apothecary shops, handling private matters.

But the household’s aunts insisted he drive out, claiming the master said he drove well and was easygoing.

Ge Old Three was stunned.

He’d never imagined that his casual chats with Xiao Nünü, his deliberate closeness, would have such effects.

Though Nünü’s reaction pleased him, he had bigger matters ahead.

How could he keep entertaining those girls?

Yet he had no choice.

Last night, Grandmother Mountain’s granddaughter had insisted he drive out today, urging him to prepare the carriage early.

What’s there to see in Shuozhou, anyway?

Ge Old Three muttered to himself, but moved swiftly, readying the carriage and mounting it from the stable, heading to the front courtyard.

There, he heard several household officials and scholars say:

“Heard Liu’s sixth son was found dead in the courtyard this morning, the scene terrifying.”

Ge Old Three’s heart quickened, his face smiling as usual, walking toward them.

“What’s this about? Heard someone died?”

“Old Three, guess what?”

“Guess your master, quickly tell me.”

The soldier whispered low, "Lord Liu of Jingzhou died last night."

Ge Lao San’s eyes flickered.

He knew Liu Jing’s background and motives better than most in the mansion, and could not help but ask, "How did he die?"

"Of course he was killed, wasn’t he?"

"They say he didn’t die alone. Not just his guards or aides—every single one of them was murdered."

The soldier gestured with his hand, mimicking a knife along his throat. Ge Lao San muttered under his breath.

It couldn’t have been the palace guards, could it? If it were the two elders of the mansion’s orders, chaos would erupt within the Xiao family.

Ge Lao San was well aware of the ambitions of Xiao Wang and Xiao Dongchen. Even a scheme to raze the granaries of the three cities had crossed their minds. It was no unheard-of thing for them to slay the rightful heir of Liu’s lineage.

As he pondered this, someone nearby spoke: "And the place where Lord Liu died? It’s not far from here—west of the street."

West?

Ge Lao San’s brow furrowed. He pressed further, "West of Nanmen Street?"

"Yes, just beyond five miles."

Ge Lao San glanced in the direction the soldier indicated. Beyond five miles, to the west—where Lord Liu had perished that night…

A strange image surfaced in his mind.

—Chun Niao.

Thinking of the peculiar scent he’d detected on Chen Yi’s body the previous evening, Ge Lao San found himself considering the possibility.

Yet after a moment’s hesitation, he faltered again.

After all, he knew Chen Yi’s martial cultivation was still young, his skills no more than a ninth-level martialist at best. Liu Jing’s guards, at their lowest, would be seventh-level. Could Chun Niao truly best them all?

Ge Lao San wrestled with these thoughts, his gaze drifting toward the courtyard. After a pause, he made a decision.

Regardless of whether Chun Niao was truly responsible, he had to test the waters.

After all, he couldn’t let Chun Niao appear in an unexpected situation.

At that moment, Ge Lao San noticed three figures passing through the corridor.

One bounced forward, jingling bells, the sound growing louder as they approached.

It was Pei Wenhui, Shen Huatan, and Xie Tingyun.

Even from a distance, he saw Pei Wenhui laughing and waving her hand. "Old San, old San—hurry, the horses are ready!"

"We’re going to the city outskirts today. Heard the Red River swelled after the rain—should be spectacular."

"Xie Tingyun, Shen Huatan—shall we?"

Xie Tingyun lifted her umbrella with indifference. "Yes, why not?"

"Two of you wait a moment—I’ll be right back."

Ge Lao San smiled on the surface, but internally he grumbled.

With these three women around, he couldn’t get any work done.

In the Spring Lotus Garden, Chen Yi had only managed a restless sleep until Pei Wenhui left. He finally rose, washed, and dressed.

Xiao Biao helped him adjust his sleeves, then asked, "Master, will you visit the Medicine Hall today?"

Chen Yi thought of last night’s schemes and shook his head. "Not going." Then he asked, "Have they left yet?"

Xiao Biao smiled. "They left after breakfast. Shen Huatan and Xie Tingyun went with them."

"Why didn’t you go?"

Xiao Biao’s smile faltered. "Master… I was worried you’d wander off again last night. I couldn’t let you go alone."

But then she hesitated, her expression shifting. "Master, there’s something else this morning."

"I heard from the auntie in the front courtyard…"

"Master, would that scare you? So, next time, don’t take the side streets, alright? What if…"

When he heard Liu Jing and his group had been discovered, Chen Yi wasn’t surprised. He patted Xiao Biao’s head. "No bad luck, then."

Xiao Biao ruffled his hair. "We just worry about your safety, Master."

Chen Yi understood her kindness, smiled, and reassured her before heading downstairs to eat with Xiao Wang.

During breakfast, he inquired about their outing the previous day.

Learning that Pei Wenhui had gone to the Western Market, and that Ge Lao San had accompanied her to carry goods, Chen Yi gave a silent nod of approval.

For now, he’d kept Ge Lao San occupied, preventing him from venturing out.

After all, he knew that compared to the Xiao and Liu families’ strife, burning the granaries of the three cities was a matter of utmost gravity.

Even if the three cities had garrisoned troops, the secret guard’s mysterious arts must have a way to accomplish it.

Still, the task was no simple one. Chen Yi, too, would need careful planning.

Beyond finding the right person to act and the right moment, the most crucial thing was ensuring no ties to himself.

Every detail required immense time and effort to orchestrate.

"After all, as long as Ge Lao San doesn’t leave, we’re safe."

After eating, Chen Yi had no immediate plans.

He decided to continue teaching Xiao Wang to play Go, and asked Xiao Biao to inquire if Sun Fu was available.

Since he’d resolved to become a teacher at Guayun College, he needed a plausible reason.

Thinking it over, only Sun Fu, with whom he shared a deep understanding, would do.

Others?

Xiao Wan’er would comply, though she’d likely chatter a bit.

She’d probably say her brother-in-law should have decided this long ago, that the manager of the Medicine Hall could handle it, no need to worry.

As for the old matriarch, her thoughts were fixed on the Xiao family, the Liu family, the Lingguan Army, and the neighboring cities.

It seemed he had been giving him only a perfunctory dismissal, offering no real suggestions.

Adding to that the connection between Old Master and Mr. Yue Ming... it's better not to go poking the bear.

For fear the old patriarch might start mourning the late Mrs. Master again.

To his surprise, before Chen Yi had even instructed little Butterfly to set out, a official in attendance came to report:

"Uncle Chen, someone has come to visit."

Chen Yi was taken aback, unable to guess who might be seeking him.

Liu Quan had only been back for a couple of days, and everything at the Jishi Pharmacy was running smoothly.

He had just been to Bai Caotang the day before, so Wang Ji surely wouldn't have come either.

"Who is it?"

"The participant of the Civil Affairs Office, Lord Li Huaiyu."

Chen Yi slightly raised an eyebrow, and after a moment's thought, ordered the man to usher him in.

He had just been thinking of drawing closer to Li Huaiyu the night before.

The man had come to him of his own accord.

Was it Mr. Yue Ming, waiting so impatiently, sending him as an intermediary?

It so happened that Li Huaiyu's arrival was right on time.

Clearly, he was a more suitable choice than Sun Elder.

Not long after,

Li Huaiyu, dressed in a light robe, entered with an umbrella, and upon seeing Chen Yi seated in the pavilion with a game of Go and cards before him, seemed to relax a little.

"Xingzhou Brother, I apologize for the intrusion—forgive my presumption."

"Fanggui Brother, please sit."

Li Huaiyu took his seat across from him, yet did not mention the Guiyun Academy, instead asking:

"I hear you've been in charge of the Jishi Pharmacy lately—do you know any renowned physicians in Shu Zhou?"

Chen Yi looked up at him with some surprise. "If my memory serves, Fanggui Brother, isn't your family also a lineage of medical practitioners?"

"Xingzhou Brother, you jest. My father's skills are limited to treating colds and minor ailments—hardly a medical dynasty."

"Then why did you come asking me about physicians... has someone fallen ill?"

Li Huaiyu nodded, a bitter smile on his lips: "Xingzhou Brother, perhaps you're still unaware—your elder brother, Chen Yunfan, he..."

"He's been ill for four or five days now."

"I had assumed he was pretending to be sick, but when I paid him a visit yesterday, I learned he was truly gravely unwell."

Chen Yi's face went pale with sudden understanding, and he could not help but ask: "What's the matter with him?"

Li Huaiyu let out a bitter laugh: "He's been sleeping soundly all the time, as if he'd had too much to drink."

"Visiting physicians have come and gone, yet none could discern any illness."

"Meanwhile, the summer harvest in Shu Zhou has already ended, and the Civil Affairs Office urgently needs to travel to various counties to inspect granaries and collect taxes. At this critical juncture..."

"With no other option, I've come to seek your aid, Xingzhou Brother, to see if we might find a divine healer."

"..."

Chen Yi immediately understood the cause of Chen Yunfan's illness.

Yet what he did not expect was the sheer power of the immortal's intoxication, which proved to be mighty indeed.

(Chapter Complete)