Chapter 166: Rules of Black Fang

Chapter 166: The Rules of Black Tooth

Liu Rong blinked, startled: "You... you're going yourself?"

No wonder he was so surprised.

In most cases, a master of the medical path, deeply absorbed in his craft, rarely meddles in worldly affairs.

Even when some thoughts did intrude, they would only prompt a few close allies or disciples to act, not himself.

When truly forced to intervene, it was usually about medical matters or herbs.

It was clear that tonight, Black Tooth had summoned them all to discuss the matter at hand.

In such a situation, one might set aside whether Black Tooth would be displeased; the presence of demonic forces lurking on all sides would inevitably bring unpredictable risks.

Thinking this, Liu Rong could not help but urge: "Too dangerous."

"If you truly wish to learn the situation by tonight's end, just wait here. I'll report back immediately after meeting those people."

Chen Yi shook his head, smiling: "I've made up my mind. Just tell me—when Black Tooth and the others see me following you, what will their reaction be?"

This was no impulsive decision.

It was the result of deep consideration.

Black Tooth and his group had accepted the mysterious client's "deal," clearing the hidden agents within the Xiao family and even summoning, among others, Liu Rong and other demonic forces.

This indicated that in their assessment, the likelihood of this "deal" succeeding was quite high.

Even if the Xiao family had received advance warning, they still had a fair chance of pulling it off.

Chen Yi had come personally to uncover these very things.

Black Tooth's plans and strategies.

To determine whether the "She-Tiger" and "Eagle" of the Hidden Guard were involved.

And most importantly—to figure out why these people believed they could escape the Xiao family and Qingyuan army's retaliation after completing this deal.

None of these three points could be clearly conveyed by Liu Rong.

For outsiders, the Hidden Guard's members were impossible to fully comprehend.

Ultimately, because the Liu family had appeared today, Chen Yi lacked the time to dawdle with Black Tooth and his allies, needing to cut through the chaos swiftly.

Upon hearing Liu Rong's resolute demeanor, he mused internally: "Such grand deals, the initiator—Black Tooth—has certain requirements for all participants and those in the know."

"First, identity. This is undeniable; he couldn't possibly allow a stranger to show up."

"You must possess an identity token issued by Mingyue Tower."

"Second, strength or capability... though with your medical mastery, this need not be emphasized."

When he reached that point, Liu Rong paused, his expression serious as he reminded Chen Yi: "Most crucially, you may face unexpected circumstances."

Chen Yi nodded knowingly: "So I'm missing a token?"

To think that this matter of Mingyue Tower and Black Tooth's rules was stricter than he had imagined.

A token as proof of participation in the "deal."

As for danger, he had already anticipated it, with some measure of assurance.

The rest he would handle as they came.

Liu Rong nodded: "Without an identity token, appearing at that scene would likely cause Black Tooth to cancel tonight's meeting on the spot."

"You'd gain nothing, and might even face pursuit from Black Tooth and those demonic forces."

Chen Yi thought a moment, asking: "How does one obtain an identity token? Is it still possible now?"

"...Not possible."

"No other way?"

"There's... one other option."

Liu Rong hesitated: "Do you remember why I went to seek Black Tooth before?"

Chen Yi raised an eyebrow: "To have Black Tooth arrange a deal for burning the summer grain of three cities?"

"Exactly."

"If you went as a mysterious client, without an identity token, it would be permissible."

This was the most feasible option Liu Rong could think of.

After all, Black Tooth, as a long-term disciple of Mingyue Tower, conducted his affairs to earn silver.

In such a case, naturally, he wouldn't demand so much from a paying client.

"Though this way, there's still one issue..."

Before Liu Rong could finish, Chen Yi had already guessed: "I need to provide a reason for 'burning the three cities' summer grain.'"

"Exactly."

"If your reason holds water, Black Tooth won't demand so much from you, and might even let you participate."

Here, Liu Rong reminded him once more: "Even so, you may encounter some dangers."

In truth, doubts were arising in his mind one after another.

The greatest doubt was: what was this "saintly hand in medicine" doing with the Xiao family? Worth risking so much?

For Black Tooth and his people were no saints. If something went wrong, not only would Chen Yi be in danger, but Liu Rong himself would face mortal peril.

Even with his "Duel Madman" title, he might not escape.

Upon hearing Liu Rong's words, Chen Yi said nothing more, sitting quietly on the High Priest's chair, his right hand rhythmically tapping the chair's back.

Tap, tap, tap...

The sharp sound of his knuckles echoed with the raindrops drumming against the window, forming a certain rhythm.

Seeing this, Liu Rong didn't press further.

He had said what needed saying, and reminded what needed reminding.

The rest was up to this "Boss Chen" to weigh.

Silence fell for a moment.

Chen Yi's tapping ceased, a calm, handsome face now bearing a smile: "Be ready. I'll wait for you here until the hour of Ji Hai."

"..."

Liu Rong, seeing his smiling face, couldn't help but ask: "Would you like to say something first? So I have some idea?"

If not for Chen Yi's life-saving kindness, he'd have long since lost his patience.

Damn it.

A man pretending to want to "burn the summer provisions of the three towns," just what legitimate reason or standing did he have to convince Black Ya that he truly intended to carry out such a plan?

The truth was, Liu Rong could not fathom it.

Chen Yi shook his head, smiling as he said, "Rest assured, I won't gamble with my life like that."

After that, he didn't pursue the topic further but instead asked, "Are there any other things we should be cautious about?"

Liu Rong noticed his reluctance to disclose more, and though he could not force the matter, he could only choose to trust.

What was he thinking, all those years ago when he'd foolishly spoken of "thirty things"?

"There's nothing else for now. I'll do what I can to support you when the time comes."

As he spoke, Liu Rong's face inevitably bore a trace of lingering resentment: "You truly won't tell me anything beforehand?"

"If your reason cannot pass through Black Ya's scrutiny, it would be impossible to achieve your intended purpose anyway."

In that case, it would be better if he went himself.

Yet, to avoid seeming small-minded, Liu Rong swallowed that last remark.

When Chen Yi heard this, he seemed to guess his companion's thoughts, smiling and shaking his head: "At night, you'll find out."

After they'd settled the matter, they relaxed a little and began chatting casually.

Mostly, they inquired about Black Ya and Ming Yue Lou, along with various other matters concerning the world of martial arts.

For instance, which evil cultist had recently been spotted in Shu Zhou, or who among them was the strongest warrior of the martial way, their renown in the circles of the world, and so forth.

About half an hour later,

Liu Rong licked his slightly dry lips and said, "Something like that, I suppose."

"Shu Zhou is far from the Central Plains, and there are also those skilled in poisons and dark arts by the mountain clans. Few among the top three grades of martial artists ever walk these parts."

"Most are like the middle-third grade warriors, such as Jia Lao Mo of the Huan Yin Sect."

Chen Yi nodded after hearing this, smiling: "These suffice. Thank you for your assistance."

Liu Rong sighed in relief: "I'm glad to have been of help."

"I only hope our journey tonight proceeds smoothly; otherwise, we may both be dispatched there by Black Ya's wrath."

Chen Yi fell silent, then gave Liu Rong a gentle pat on the shoulder: "Enough. You'll know by nightfall."

With that, he allowed Liu Rong to leave first.

After waiting a moment, he confirmed that no one was nearby, then removed his disguise and changed back into his original clothes, stepping out of the courtyard.

At this hour, nearing dusk, the rain had slightly eased.

Only a few scattered drops fell.

The weather had caused a noticeable increase in the number of passersby in the West Market.

Even though they all carried umbrellas, none bothered to open them, instead strolling past the various stalls in pairs and small groups, chatting and laughing.

Chen Yi blended in perfectly, wandering about with an easy, unhurried pace, looking this way and that.

In the end, he only bought a few candied hawthorns.

Not half an hour passed before Chen Yi returned to the Xiao family.

As soon as he entered the Spring Lotus Garden, he noticed that the pavilion nearby was occupied by Xiao Wugou, who sat there with a sour expression.

Beside him was Xiao Wugou's old acquaintance, Sun Fu, who hadn't been seen in days, clearly instructing Xiao Wugou in some martial skill.

When Xiao Wugou saw him, he immediately rose to his feet and averted his gaze.

"Brother, you've finally returned—save us, save us—"