Chapter 170: Expressing Surprise at Common Things

Chapter 170: Rare and Peculiar

Black Ya and Lou Yu Xue, one after the other, having probed the situation, also began to speak of matters related to this deal.

Though most of the information, Chen Yi had already learned from Liu Lang.

Or perhaps it was overheard from the covert watchers.

Among the other pieces of intelligence, the only two things that mattered to Chen Yi were these.

The first was the matter of another patron.

Though Black Ya spoke vaguely, from the few words he had let slip, it was not difficult to deduce that the man should be a native of Shu Zhou.

Most likely a person from a major family within a noble lineage.

This aligned with Chen Yi’s earlier suspicions, though now, with so little intelligence, he could not be certain which family the man belonged to.

For within Shu Zhou, there were numerous families allied with the Xiao clan, and even more in opposition.

Before that person revealed his identity, it was hard to infer his background from such scattered clues.

The second piece of information was about the several evil cultivators and villains involved in this affair.

Besides Liu Lang, there were four martial artists of the third tier.

It was said that two more were among the upper-tier martial masters.

Though Black Ya did not elaborate, nor did he reveal the identities of these individuals.

Another point worth noting was Lou Yu Xue, the She-Hornet.

During their conversation, Chen Yi’s thoughts were mostly fixed on her.

Not only because of her covert identity, but also to memorize the characteristics of the She-Hornet, so as to determine her true identity.

To be honest.

Up to this point, among all the covert watchers Chen Yi knew, the She-Hornet and the Luo Feng were the ones he understood the least.

He even did not know the purpose of their mission in Shu Zhou.

In any case, he was rather curious.

About the time it took to burn an incense stick, Black Ya and the She-Hornet rose and left.

“You may sit for a moment; once the others arrive, I shall summon you all to discuss the next steps.”

“Brother Liu, see you later~”

With those words, they left through a wall that had opened behind them, not the way they had come.

Once the wall in the silent chamber had restored to its original state, Liu Lang scratched his lip and said, “That Black Ya is truly cautious, making so many exits.”

He paused, glanced to the other side, and continued, “I suppose there’s another one there.”

Chen Yi glanced at him and said idly, “That side is the outer wall of Chun Yu Lou.”

“……”

Liu Lang thought for a moment, scratched his head, and muttered something under his breath.

Mostly expressing his annoyance at people like them who liked to think too much.

Chen Yi paid no heed, sitting quietly in his chair, contemplating the next steps.

Based on the information he had gathered earlier, the ones who had carried out the “Burning the Summer Grain of the Three Towns” should be members of the covert watchers hidden within the three towns.

That is, the covert watchers led by Ge Lao San.

The She-Hornet was responsible for contacting Black Ya, serving as the intermediary.

The Gray Wolf, Xiao Dongchen, operated from the shadows.

From their respective roles, it could be seen that although they all bore the banner of the Silver Flag, Xiao Dongchen bore a heavier burden.

The fact that Luo Feng, Xiao Dongchen, had once taken action on behalf of Xiao Dongchen, and framed Liu Jing for the Xiao family, also proved this point.

From this, it could be determined that the covert watchers’ aim was not only to disrupt the stability of Shu Zhou, but also to place greater emphasis on the Xiao family, the dominant force of Shu Zhou.

Or rather, as long as the Xiao family was in chaos, Shu Zhou would inevitably fall into turmoil.

Therefore, disrupting the Xiao family was a shortcut to achieving their objectives.

In comparison, his own “little bird” was of lesser importance.

However, the covert watchers were only one side of the “Burning the Summer Grain of the Three Towns,” and the side with the most information in Chen Yi’s possession.

At least for the moment, the importance of the three covert watchers in his hands could be set aside for now.

His primary task next was to clarify the identities of all the evil cultivators involved, as well as that of the “patron.”

Chen Yi, lost in thought, suddenly noticed Liu Lang gaze intently toward his right, the direction where Black Ya and the She-Hornet had come from.

“There’s a strong one here.”

“Hmm?”

When Chen Yi looked over, Liu Lang smiled and said, “A top-tier martial artist, though his energy is only average, his techniques should not be too high.”

Of course, he was comparing him to Xiao Jinghong and the Patriarch, the knife and ghost.

If it were him, naturally he could not defeat a top-tier martial artist.

Just as the words had barely settled, a dark, sibilant voice echoed from within the silent chamber:

“Who dares to speak my name with such arrogance, ‘Knife-Crazy’ Liu Lang?”

Following that voice, a torrent of energy descended into the silent chamber.

Yet this energy was somewhat peculiar, seemingly boundless, yet also somewhat scattered.

“External strength, internal weakness,” could describe it aptly.

Liu Lang sniffed disdainfully, “Your little victory fist, you old fool, don’t bother showing it off.”

As he spoke, a sudden surge of sharp, cutting knife energy erupted from his body.

The edge was fully revealed.

In an instant, it cleaved through the imposing aura in the silent chamber, splitting it in two.

Though Chen Yi did not speak, he too felt this pressure, slowly raising his hand to tap the table with his fingertips.

Thud.

A dull sound.

It seemed as though a mighty mountain had descended, pressing the split aura back down.

In the midst of it all, it felt as though a thunderous rumble echoed in the ears of everyone in the silent chamber.

“Hmm?”

“What is this…?”

“A mountain—punch art, great achievement!”

Even Liu Lang was taken aback, staring at Chen Yi with a face full of disbelief, “You—young master, your punch…”

Until now, he had always thought that Chen Yi specialized in the Way of Medicine, and even if he had practiced martial arts, it would not be particularly strong.

Where could he have obtained the Great Completion Karate?

My goodness, did that mysterious boss Chen cultivate this “medical dao” in his mother’s womb?

Medical dao, boxing dao— the former is a small accomplishment, the latter a great one.

Yet here they both are, manifested in a young man of similar age.

For one knows the “medical dao” is universally acknowledged as nearly unattainable, far rarer than martial arts.

Elsehow Black Tooth and Tiger She would not have so readily agreed upon learning Chen Yi was its master.

The murmurs around him, Chen Yi heard them all.

He merely lifted his head slightly, eyes fixed on the three-tiered master who had struck him, and coolly said:

“Uncommon to meet such a rare one.”

As he had said before when revealing his medical dao.

“You—!”

The three-tiered warrior, humiliated by the strike, bristled with anger, just as Black Tooth’s voice carried a hint of relief:

“Hold your blade, Brother Fang.”

“Brother Liu isn’t just a Great Completion Karate master, but also a medical dao saint— a guarantee for this deal.”

“If you strike him, and he’s wounded, don’t blame me for not warning you.”

Upon hearing this, the would-be attacker froze, as did the others, more stunned than before.

Even Tiger She of Mingyue Tower couldn’t help but marvel: “Liu Brother is truly impressive.”

“A mere small accomplishment in medical dao, yet he’s mastered boxing dao to Great Completion— I’m admiring, truly admiring…”

The rest, likely three-tiered martial artists, were weaker than Liu Rong, never mind Chen Yi, who combined both martial and medical dao.

In time, the surrounding quiet chambers fell silent.

After a moment of silence.

Chen Yi furrowed his brow, feigning impatience, and tapped the table: “Black Tooth, I’m pressed for time— let’s begin.”

Black Tooth wouldn’t refuse, his demeanor warmer than before.

“Brother Liu, take a seat— let’s get started.”

Soon, rustling and shuffling filled the air, as Black Tooth contacted all parties.

Chen Yi said no more.

Liu Rong, beside him, gave a thumbs-up: “Hmm… Brother Liu, truly formidable.”

“I thought you only mastered medical dao, never imagined you’d excel in boxing too.”

Chen Yi glanced at him, half-joking: “If not for your interference, would I need to intervene?”

Liu Rong’s smile faltered, his lips twitching.

Had the occasion permitted, he’d have tested Chen Yi’s martial prowess himself.

Yet he understood— Chen Yi’s strength only benefited their cause.

For he’d already boarded the Hundred Herbs Teahouse as a thief, bound for the end of the road.

Not long after.

A short, black-clad figure pushed open the door, bowed respectfully, placed two iron masks on the table, then departed.

Chen Yi arched an eyebrow: “Necessary?”

The earlier strikes and words had already revealed much— wearing masks now felt like plugging one’s eyes.

Still, more crucially, with masks on, he couldn’t discern the identities of those evil spirits.

Liu Rong nodded at him, took the masks, placing one on himself while handing the other to Chen Yi.

“The rule of Mingyue Tower— before a task, only the organizer knows each other’s identities.”

“Others guessing or recognizing them— that’s their own doing.”

Chen Yi nodded, donned the mask, then asked casually: “What about you?”

Fang Luo had already identified “Blade Demon” and exposed him publicly.

Clearly, Liu Rong couldn’t hide his identity anymore.

Liu Rong shrugged: “I won’t change my name or surname— what’s there to fear?”

In truth, his thought was simple: if he and Chen Boss interfered, this deal would never succeed.

And with Chen Boss around afterward, he wouldn’t draw the Xiao family’s wrath.

Whether hiding or not mattered not— if Black Tooth and others uncovered their meddling, he’d still face Mingyue Tower’s pursuit.

He merely wished Chen Boss stayed discreet.

Mingyue Tower’s pursuit wasn’t a game.

Chen Yi, unaware of Liu Rong’s bachelor musings, felt a flicker of admiration— for a man of integrity and honor in this world.

Perhaps someday, he’d repay Liu Rong’s kindness.

After all, he couldn’t let Liu Rong help him in vain.

Not long after.

Masked, Chen Yi and Liu Rong were led by a black-clad figure to the depths of Chunyu Tower.

By his sense of direction, this must be a hidden chamber behind the tower’s inner walls.

How Black Tooth and others managed to create such a spacious room unseen from outside remained a mystery.

When they arrived, several masked figures already sat inside— tall, short, plump, thin, men and women, all varied.

They eyed Chen Yi and Liu Rong, eventually fixing their gaze on Chen Yi— for Liu Rong’s long sword at his waist was unmistakable.

Chen Yi, too, scanned these people— Fang Luo, Tiger She, Black Tooth— forming judgments.

Yet after a quick glance, his expression remained unchanged, but within, a smile stirred.

After all, an unexpected familiar face remained.

(Chapter Complete)