Chapter 168: Black Fang, Tigress

Chapter 168: Black Fang, Female Tiger

Why the Liu family of Jingzhou?

There were many reasons.

First, the Liu family had just suffered a death in Shu Zhou, a death that occurred after a clash with the Xiao family.

Second, Liu Jing had once collaborated with Black Fang.

—Once during the raid on the Xiao family’s medicinal herbs by the Phantom Melody Sect and Liu Lang, and another time when they struck the Bai Caotang.

Though both ended in failure, Black Fang had indeed earned a substantial sum from the Liu family.

It was precisely because of these prior setbacks that Chen Yi found this mission more favorable.

Thinking along these lines, Chen Yi prepared himself thoroughly, also retrieving the silver tickets hidden in the carriage, and slipped out of the Spring Lotus Garden unnoticed, trudging through the streets and alleys toward the residence in the Western Market.

By this time, it was already deep into the night.

Few pedestrians graced the roads, and the narrow lanes were nearly deserted.

Occasional encounters with drunkards or gamblers were the only company.

Yet none of these individuals noticed Chen Yi’s passage.

It all owed to his refined body technique.

Since his cultivation had advanced to the sixth grade, his internal energy flowed with newfound ease, and his skills had improved remarkably.

Most notably, after the “Divine Seat” awakened in his mind palace, his fists, body technique, and gun techniques were all imbued with spiritual resonance.

Like the Meteor Butterfly Step, which received the Wood Spirit’s blessing and gained the force of rushing waters; or the Dragon Soaring and Phoenix Flitting, which harnessed the dual blessings of Wood and Fire to unleash a torrential vortex force.

When he employed these techniques, not only did they reduce his energy expenditure, but also allowed him to subtly replenish the three great energy seas within his body.

Similarly, the Crashing Mountain Fist, the Hundred Flowers Palm, and the Falling Dragon Gun each saw varying degrees of enhancement.

How exactly they manifested would have to be tested further.

At that moment, the sky began to drizzle, a steady patter of rain accompanied by distant rumbling thunder.

Chen Yi slightly raised an eyebrow, quickening his pace.

Though such weather was more conducive to nighttime travelers than the classic “Moonlit night, high winds,” it also irked those accustomed to daylight.

Like the group of executioner officials from the Western Market at that time—Marshal Bai Hu and her entourage.

She glanced at the sky, then ordered her subordinates to don raincoats, lest the rain soak them through.

A young executioner officer beside her, fastening his raincoat and hood, muttered under his breath:

“Damn this ghostly weather, another downpour.”

The mere two words—“another downpour”—caused Marshal Bai Hu to frown deeply.

Since the last time she had been defeated by Chen Yi with a “Clear Wind Intoxication,” and insulted with words of “shame,” she had not a moment’s peace, constantly plotting to have him locked away in prison.

If not for other cases occupying the Bureau of Execution, she would have devoted all her attention to hunting that thief.

Even so, every nightfall, Bai Hu would venture into the Western Market, her senses alert.

She felt certain that the thief’s hideout lay somewhere in this district.

Once she uncovered even the smallest clue, she could trace it like a vine to its source.

“Stay on your guard. In this weather, those dark spirits are most ferocious.”

“Especially that scoundrel who caused us such disgrace. If we catch him this time, we must not let him escape!”

“Yes, Marshal!”

Several executioners exchanged glances, their faces etched with bitter smiles.

They shared her resolve to capture the man, yet feared how they might actually succeed.

Two prior failures—one a surprise attack, the other a poisoned assault.

What of the next attempt?

They harbored considerable doubts—if they were defeated once more, these officials might become notorious throughout Shu Zhou.

A disgrace fit for their grandmothers’ memories.

Far off, Chen Yi spotted their figures and heard their voices, and grimaced.

That marshal seemed driven mad by his repeated defeats.

Determined to hunt him down every night in the Western Market.

Would he not stop until he captured and surrendered him?

Chen Yi, though unable to fathom the reason, resolved not to engage in idle talk, lest it delay his purpose.

Once their group had departed, he bypassed the Bai Caotang and hurried to the residence.

By then, Zhang Da Bao had retired to rest, and upon seeing Chen Yi arrive so late, he promptly rose to greet him with a bow:

“Master.”

Chen Yi nodded, removing his hood and placing it on the table, signaling him to prepare for the transformation.

Though Zhang Da Bao did not understand why he had come so late, he obeyed, beginning to set up his tools.

After their previous few practice sessions without burning even a stick of incense, he had already transformed Chen Yi into “Chen Yu.”

As Zhang Da Bao was about to gather his implements, Chen Yi spoke: “On this basis, create another disguise.”

A brief hesitation, then Zhang Da Bao cautioned: “Master, two human skin masks are prone to flaws.”

“No matter. Just proceed.”

“Then, what are your requirements?”

Chen Yi thought a moment, then simply said, “Gloomy.”

The last time he had met Liu Wen, the most striking impression was that man’s sly, cruel demeanor.

His followers were likely of similar nature.

Fortunately, Zhang Da Bao’s craftsmanship was exceptional.

In just a moment’s incense-burning, he finished half a human skin mask, completing Chen Yi’s disguise.

The reason for only half was to prevent obvious flaws from being spotted.

A labor of love, albeit with care.

Under the oil lamp, Chen Yi adjusted his appearance in the brass mirror.

His facial contours had changed little, still retaining a handsome countenance.

He had eyes that were slightly elongated, lips thin and sharp, giving him a rather sly and catty appearance.

"Not bad."

Chen Yi nodded, his gaze shifting subtly.

It was as if he had become a different person, his very bearing darkening with the transformation.

Zhang Daobao blinked at his altered form.

Though skilled in disguise, Chen Yi’s changes often betrayed themselves in small details.

Yet now, after this latest metamorphosis, even he had come to believe Chen Yi was naturally born this way.

No—Chen Yi himself was, in truth, a man of inherently gloomy temperament.

Zhang Daobao raised his thumb in admiration. "Your Excellency, you truly are remarkable."

Chen Yi curved a lip and fixed him with a sideways glance, his tone dripping with condescension: "Just a few minor tricks, nothing more."

In manner and speech, he resembled Liu Wen to nearly six-tenths.

After a brief chat, the two fell into quiet conversation.

Soon, the night-clad Liu Lang arrived in a rush.

Upon seeing Chen Yi’s current guise, he paused, his voice a whispered murmur: "You, master?"

Chen Yi inclined his head lightly, his tone calm: "A true knife-obsessed one, indeed—faithful to the end."

Liu Lang scrutinized him from every angle, yet found no flaws. Unable to resist asking:

"Now, may I inquire what identity you intend to assume?"

Chen Yi glanced at him, then ordered Zhang Daobao to secure the doors and windows before stepping out of the courtyard:

"The Liu family of Jingzhou."

Liu Lang paused, then a smile spread across his face as he followed.

"Truly, the Liu kin are worth knowing. That Liu Jing once sought Black Fang to deal with the Xiao family—this time, with fire..."

Before he could finish, Chen Yi raised a hand to hush him.

Liu Lang nodded curtly, leading the way ahead.

Soon, the two moved stealthily southwestward, the night’s rain and darkness shielding them from harm.

Not long after, they reached a narrow alley nestled between dilapidated buildings.

A raspy voice echoed from the shadows: "Do I bow to the code of the dock? To the gods? To the demons?"

Chen Yi arched a brow—this must be a signal.

Before he could ponder further, Liu Lang stepped forward, exchanging a few hushed words with the shadowy figure.

Most of it was incomprehensible to outsiders—cryptic, guttural murmurs.

Yet they passed the first checkpoint without incident.

Next, they followed a short, dark-clad man to an alley in southern town, where fireworks bloomed in the night.

The sight of the grand "Chun Yu Lou" sign made Chen Yi think as Liu Lang had—Black Fang, hidden in plain sight, lodged within Chun Yu Lou.

Suddenly, Chen Yi recalled the Guarding Tigeress.

In many ways, she and Black Fang were kindred spirits.

Based on his earlier suspicions, the Tigeress must also be hiding in this very alley.

Soon, the dark-clad guide led them to a quiet room above Chun Yu Lou, where he locked the door and vanished.

They seated themselves.

Liu Lang gestured to the opposite wall, indicating where Black Fang would emerge.

But before his hand had lowered, a section of the adjacent wall swung inward, revealing two figures—one tall, one short—stepping through.

Silence fell.

Liu Lang sighed, setting his hand aside with irritation: "Black Fang, you’re still the sort to appear out of nowhere."

Yet his eyes remained fixed on the smaller figure.

Chen Yi studied her too, taking in her features.

Both wore black masks, so the taller one must be Black Fang.

As for the petite woman...

Before Chen Yi could theorize, the small figure covered her mouth and giggled softly: "The so-called 'Knife Mad' isn’t alone in coming, is he?"

"Black Fang, this doesn’t seem to align with your usual customs?"

Her voice carried a delicate, ethereal quality.

Chen Yi’s blood ran cold—he recognized her at once.

Guarding Tigeress?

She could stand here alongside Black Fang?

(Chapter Complete)