Chapter 246: Making Him Powerless to Reverse the Situation

Chapter 246: Leaving Him Powerless to Change the Tide

That being said.

But Chen Yi would never joke with his own life; his hand had already grasped a bottle of Immortal's Drunk.

Taking a step forward, he had already arrived upon the pleasure boat.

He tilted his head slightly, scanning Lyu Jiunan and Ge Muxiao with a contemptuous gaze, staring until the corners of their eyes twitched before he finally turned to enter the vessel.

As he walked, he muttered to himself, "The Tame Head sorcery of the Poshipo Kingdom has some tricks to it."

"Unfortunate that it is merely flash without substance."

Earlier in the Eastern Market, Chen Yi had discerned some clues about the sorcery from that evil cultivator of the Phantasmal Sound Sect.

Though seemingly bizarre, it was in truth merely an unorthodox and sinister cultivation method, unfit for the grand stage.

It generally involved using a certain secret technique to plant an "artifact" within another person's body, then using the oscillation of true essence to create fluctuations, achieving the purpose of remote control and assassination.

When cultivated to a profound realm, involving the spiritual mechanism of heaven and earth, its power would further increase.

To put it plainly.

Tame Head sorcery was similar to witchcraft and poison arts, but far less diverse and practical than witchcraft and poison.

Especially for a martial artist like Chen Yi, whose cultivation and techniques had reached a certain realm.

Once he was on his guard, wanting to kill him with sorcery again would be as difficult as ascending to heaven.

Seeing him act so completely as if no one else were around, Ge Muxiao clenched his fists tightly, his eyes wide, nearly spitting fire.

The bursting true essence within his body was eager to move.

Lyu Jiunan beside him looked relatively better, his aura unrevealed, showing no intention of making a move.

Only within those grey pupils was a sinister coldness, with an occasional trace of contemplation surfacing.

The clothes on this person seemed identical to those of the "Saber Madman" Liu Lang whom he had just seen?

Was he Liu Lang?

Or was he a traveler of the martial world possessing a perfected realm of spear arts and an accomplished realm of saber arts, impersonating Liu Lang?

Lyu Jiunan did not dare to be certain.

Even though he was a native of the Poshipo Kingdom and knew little of the Wei Dynasty's martial world affairs, he had still heard of some exceptionally gifted powerhouses.

For instance, Xiao Jinghong, who was only twenty years old but already possessed an upper-three-grade cultivation and a perfected sword path.

For instance, Shui Hetong of the Fengyue Tower—the closed-door disciple of the Great Immortal Bai, whose fist arts possessed the momentum of "a fist tilting a thousand miles of mountains and rivers."

For instance, Hua Huiyang of the Wudao Mountain, whose cultivation had already reached the second grade at a young age.

And like the martial artist before his eyes, to have cultivated the spear path to perfection at such a young age was rare throughout the ages.

If on top of that, he also possessed an accomplished realm of saber arts, it would be even rarer.

He could almost stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Xiao Jinghong, who was supreme in both spear and sword.

Therefore, after careful consideration, Lyu Jiunan only believed that this young traveler of the martial world happened to dress the same as Liu Lang.

Thinking of this, he suddenly spoke up, "Liu Lang."

Chen Yi paused in his tracks, turned his head, raised an eyebrow and asked, "Oh? You have met my brother Liu Lang?"

He was naturally aware of Lyu Jiunan's doubt.

But seeing that they did not make a move, he knew these two dared not confirm his identity.

They merely harbored suspicions.

Fortunately, his reaction just now had been swift, altering both his stature and techniques.

Otherwise, he would not even have had the chance to mediate tonight, leaving only two choices—to fight or to flee.

The sinister look on Lyu Jiunan's face forced out a smile, "This one has just met with the 'Saber Madman' moments ago, and our conversation was most pleasant."

Hearing this, Ge Muxiao's angry expression froze, and he turned his head to look at him, "Big brother, you... he..."

Lyu Jiunan raised a hand to interrupt him, "This one is Lyu Jiunan of the Poshipo Kingdom. May I ask your esteemed name, brother?"

Chen Yi glanced at him, tilted his head slightly, and said contemptuously, "Liu Wu."

Having said that, he stepped into the interior of the pleasure boat.

Seeing him walk away, Lyu Jiunan furrowed his brows, silently repeating the name Liu Wu.

This name was clearly a pseudonym.

But it did not stop him from asking around.

After all, a martial world traveler with a perfected spear path could not possibly be completely unknown.

Chen Yi was naturally unaware of Lyu Jiunan's thoughts. After entering the pleasure boat, he scanned the surroundings, his gaze falling upon the two young men.

One of them was handsome, dressed in black brocade robes, with silver threads embroidered on the cuffs and waistband, his bearing carrying a touch of nobility.

The second was dressed as a scholar, wearing a grayish-white long robe and a square scholar's hat; he was ordinary-looking, but his eyes were calm and steady.

After sizing them up, Chen Yi extended his hand, "Bring the silver."

Liu Taoyao, dressed in the black robe, sized him up in return. Seeing how straightforward he was, he raised his hand to signal the young man beside him, "Shichang."

The young man took out several silver notes from his sleeve and placed them silently into his hand.

After taking them, Liu Taoyao placed them directly into Chen Yi's hand, saying with a smile, "This one is Liu Taoyao."

"Brother Liu Wu, there were many misunderstandings tonight. I hope you can forgive us."

Chen Yi took the silver notes and counted them, "Fortunately, I have some strength. Had it been anyone else, they would have already died at the hands of those thieves from the Poshipo Kingdom just now."

Sensing that Lyu Jiunan and Ge Muxiao had already entered behind him, his palm pressed against the Five-Fold Spear on his forearm, and he continued:

"Liu Taoyao, was it? Take a word of advice from me: foreigners do not understand benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and trustworthiness. It is better to have less contact with them."

"You!?"

Before Ge Muxiao and Lyu Jiunan could speak, Liu Taoyao's gaze stopped the two of them, and he smiled at Chen Yi:

"This one has taken Brother Liu's teachings to heart."

Pausing for a moment, he said with a smile, "A chance encounter is better than a planned meeting. Why doesn't Brother Liu sit down and share a cup of wine with us?"

Chen Yi glanced at him, then nudged his chin toward Lyu Jiunan and Ge Muxiao:

"This one dislikes people from the Poshipo Kingdom, please excuse me."

Ge Muxiao naturally glared at him with rage.

Lyu Jiunan, however, only stared at him quietly.

Liu Taoyao exchanged a look with the young man beside him, both of their expressions turning somewhat complex and inscrutable.

But just as Chen Yi was about to leave, a crisp voice echoed from the edge of the Quchi Pond:

"Who was fighting here earlier?"

Chen Yi raised an eyebrow slightly, Fang Hongxiu?

Liu Tao-Yao quickly regained her composure and instructed the young man beside her: "They must be from the execution office. Ask them to leave." The young man nodded and stepped away from the boat.

Liu Tao-Yao then bowed politely to Chen Yi, smiling warmly: "It's said that one only recognizes others after a fight. Why should Brother Liu go so far to challenge me?"

"Besides, there are some ill-timed people outside the boat. It would be better for Brother Liu to take shelter here rather than be disturbed by them."

Not wanting to risk Chen Yi refusing again, she gestured toward the boat's exterior: "Moreover, with the gale and rain tonight, staying inside the boat is preferable to sleeping in the mud outside. What do you think?"

Chen Yi remained unmoved, replying calmly: "It was your people who disturbed me first."

Liu Tao-Yao's smile never wavered as she graciously accepted his words, then sent a meaningful glance toward Luo Jiu-Nan.

Luo Jiu-Nan understood and nodded slightly, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

"The little ones noticed something amiss and startled the younger fellow. We hope you'll forgive us."

Chen Yi glanced at him with a sharp eye, his gaze lingering beyond the boat, yet still shaking his head: "Different paths do not bode well for collaboration. I have the money; I can purchase wine myself."

Before anyone else could speak, Chen Yi turned and exited the boat, swiftly stepping onto the shore.

Upon seeing this, Liu Tao-Yao frowned, reluctantly signaling Luo Jiu-Nan and Ge Mu-Xiao to conceal themselves, then followed suit.

At that moment,

Fang Hong-Xie was questioning a young man named Zhao Shi-Chang when she spotted Chen Yi emerging. She quickly stepped in.

"Wait a moment."

Chen Yi adjusted his hat behind his head, glancing sideways at her: "Is there something else you need?"

He had already overheard Fang Hong-Xie and Zhao Shi-Chang discussing his recent activities. It was likely about his drunken display of martial prowess.

Fang Hong-Xie studied him for a moment, suddenly recognizing a hint of familiarity. Her tone turned cautious: "Who are you? Earlier, didn't you make your presence known at Qu Chi?"

Chen Yi slightly lowered his hat, revealing a sharply defined jawline, his voice low and sly: "I am Liu Wu."

"If the gunshot you mentioned was indeed my doing, then yes."

Fang Hong-Xie's eyes widened to their fullest: "You..."

Before she could finish, Chen Yi leaned closer, raising a finger to his lips in a shushing gesture, then turned his back toward the boat: "If there's no issue, I'll take my leave for now."

Yet as he spoke, he gave her two quick gestures, urging her to remain calm.

Fang Hong-Xie, now certain of his identity, glared at him briefly before bowing toward the boat on the lake: "If this was a misunderstanding, we shall not disturb Lord Liu's pleasure any further."

Liu Tao-Yao exchanged a glance with Zhao Shi-Chang, nodding politely: "Thank you for your efforts."

He did not forget to bow to Chen Yi: "Brother Liu, forgive the inconvenience. Perhaps we can share another drink on the same boat next time."

Chen Yi, hearing this, smiled and shook his head, then gave Fang Hong-Xie a dismissive gesture, walking away swiftly.

Fang Hong-Xie understood his gesture, hesitated briefly, then waved her group to depart.

The execution officers muttered as they walked away: "This man seems familiar..."

"I think so too. He resembles someone from before..."

Before they could finish, Fang Hong-Xie slapped them both on the shoulders, her voice sharp: "Stop wasting time. Go check the surroundings for any other activity."

"Yes, Lord Fang..."

Once everyone had left,

Liu Tao-Yao looked out at the dim, rain-soaked sky. His smile gradually faded, replaced by a growing darkness in his expression.

Meanwhile, Zhao Shi-Chang remained composed. After inspecting the area, he bowed respectfully: "My lord, should we proceed inside?"

Liu Tao-Yao nodded, stepping into the boat.

Soon, they found themselves face to face with Luo Jiu-Nan, who sat cross-legged at the table, radiating a chilling, icy aura. Ge Mu-Xiao stood watchful beside him.

Liu Tao-Yao hesitated slightly, then decided not to disturb Luo Jiu-Nan, turning to Ge Mu-Xiao: "Brother Luo, are you using secret techniques to track Liu Wu?"

Ge Mu-Xiao merely nodded, choosing not to speak, as if fearing it might disturb Luo Jiu-Nan.

Liu Tao-Yao's expression eased a bit, then asked: "What do you make of Liu Wu?"

Zhao Shi-Chang pondered for a moment: "He's peculiar."

"He was too close to the boat earlier."

"With his martial arts skill and technique, if he intended to eavesdrop, he should have been able to hear our conversation inside."

"Furthermore, his attitude toward Brothers Luo and Ge suggests he isn't with us."

Liu Tao-Yao nodded in agreement: "I see things the same way."

After a pause, he furrowed his brow: "If he overheard our conversation, he might..."

Zhao Shi-Chang naturally understood his implication, his gaze settling on Luo Jiu-Nan: "My lord, the key now is to confirm his identity."

"If he's just some wandering gambler, that's one thing. But I fear he might be in league with some people from Shu Zhou."

Liu Tao-Yao followed his line of sight: "At present, we can only rely on Brother Luo."

No sooner said than Luo Jiu-Nan suddenly opened his eyes, his face red with fury: "Liu Wu!"

Liu Tao-Yao paused: "Brother Luo, you..."

Luo Jiu-Nan let out a cold snort, his voice icy: "My techniques were discovered by him."

"He used some method unknown to me, able to detect the talisman I left on him, even..."

After a moment, he glanced beyond the boat, his expression wary: "Even he managed to dispel it with a single strike."

Liu Tao-Yao and Zhao Shi-Chang exchanged a glance, frowning as they pondered: "Brother Luo means he might come back?"

Luo Jiu-Nan shook his head: "I do not know."

"However, to avoid implicating you two, I must leave first."

Earlier, he had also hesitated about staying, fearing that confronting Chen Yi's strength might draw attention. If a fight erupted here, the consequences were uncertain. Liu Tao-Yao's connection to him would inevitably be exposed.

More deeply, he feared that their alliance with Liu Hong and Lan Du would be discovered.

Liu Tao-Yao's expression quickened: "Brother Luo, I have a special request."

I only hope you will investigate his identity on my behalf, Brother Lu.

You spoke with him just now, did you not mention the Saber Madman, Liu Lang? It might be wise to start there. Lu Jiunan said, changing into black night-gear alongside Ge Muxiao. That matter is best handled sooner rather than later. If the Bright Moon Tower proves unusable, I hope Young Master Liu has other recourses.

Liu Taoyao’s expression tightened slightly, and he replied in a low tone, Rest assured, Brother Lu. I shall discuss this with my father shortly.

Lu Jiunan nodded, offering no further words, and departed the pleasure boat directly with Ge Muxiao.

After they had gone.

Liu Taoyao waited a moment longer, and seeing that Chen Yi had not returned, a small sigh of relief escaped him.

Shichang, do you think that man’s arrival here tonight was mere coincidence?

Zhao Shichang pondered for a moment, his voice steady. It should be a coincidence. After all, before tonight, Lu Jiunan and Ge Muxiao had only shown their faces in public once.

The time at the Eastern Market? True, Lu Jiunan is cautious enough; had he been followed when rescuing Asutai, he would have noticed long ago.

Liu Taoyao paused, lifting his hand. Shichang, let us return to the manor. Father must be informed of this as soon as possible.

Meanwhile.

Chen Yi stood five li away from the Qu River, his true essence swirling around his hand, trapping a bug no larger than a needle point.

Hexcraft indeed shares the same principles as the ways of poison and shamanic sorcery.

Had he not possessed the Art of Qi Observation, he truly might not have discovered the hex Lu Jiunan had planted upon him.

Gazing at the insect in his palm, Chen Yi’s thoughts raced.

Lu Jiunan and Ge Muxiao came to Shu Province at the behest of Liu Hong, to rescue those barbarian slaves. Especially the son of the Barbarian Left King, who seems to be named Asutai. If I follow this thread, I will surely find evidence of Liu Hong’s collusion with the barbarians.

To him, killing a Liu Hong or a Liu Taoyao was simple, yet it would do nothing to alleviate the plight of the Xiao family. The best outcome would be for the Xiao family to take action themselves and eradicate Liu Hong. Only in this way would it serve to warn the others, allowing the Xiao family to rise again in Shu Province.

As for Lu Jiunan... A bandit of the Vashistha Kingdom, and a general under King Landu at that—what did it matter if he died sooner or later? For now, sparing him might yield the very evidence needed to bring Liu Hong down.

Though, I must still locate the hiding place where they keep those barbarian slaves.

At this thought, a faint smile graced Chen Yi’s face. It was good news, after all.

Just then, the sound of light footsteps drifted from the distance.

Chen Yi looked toward the sound and saw Fang Hongxiu approaching alone.

Lifting his bamboo hat, he greeted her with a smile: Commander Fang, you arrive quickly indeed.

Clad in a coir raincoat and a bamboo hat, Fang Hongxiu gripped the long saber at her waist and snorted, What trick are you playing at now? How did you end up entangled with Liu Taoyao?

She well knew that Chen Yi’s previous actions had all been to aid the Xiao family; seeing him now drinking with Liu Taoyao upon the pleasure boat naturally aroused her suspicion.

Chen Yi spread his hands. It was not by choice. Tonight I was investigating the arson at the Eastern Market granary, and who would have thought I would encounter Liu Taoyao here.

Fang Hongxiu’s countenance shifted slightly. Are you saying Liu Taoyao instigated the burning of the granary?

If I said it was him, would you dare investigate?

If it truly is him, I shall bring him to justice!

Chen Yi paused, then shook his head. Then I must disappoint you; he has nothing to do with that matter.

He knew clearly that with the strength of the Judicial Bureau, they were no match for Liu Hong and Liu Taoyao. Rather than telling Fang Hongxiu the truth, it was better to give her some clues to draw their attention. After all, he still needed time.

Fang Hongxiu glared at him in displeasure. Then why did you summon me here?

Naturally, to give you some clues.

Speak.

King Landu, you have heard of him?

Of course I know of him. He is the leader of the Peacock Bandits who roam our Great Wei border, commanding over ten thousand raiders, a formidable power.

Chen Yi nodded. I have discovered that the Vashistha hex-master who rescued the barbarian slaves is one of King Landu’s subordinates.

Hearing this, Fang Hongxiu’s brow furrowed tightly. Is this true?

Commander Fang, in this matter, our goals align. I would deceive anyone, but never you.

If that is so... then things have taken a turn for the worse...

Chen Yi raised an eyebrow, inquiring, With your status as a Commander of the Judicial Bureau, do you still fear King Landu?

Ignoring his mockery, Fang Hongxiu lowered her gaze in thought. You do not understand. King Landu may be a bandit, but he values rules above all. Since his rise, the merchants of the Ancient Tea-Horse Road have suffered no loss of life so long as they pay their dues. If his men have taken those barbarian slaves, I fear this matter will be dropped without resolution.

Chen Yi stroked his chin. So, we must thank King Landu for being a man of his word?

I need not consider such things, but the Judicial Bureau and the Prefect’s Yamen cannot ignore them.

Are you worried the officials within the Yamen will oppose your investigation? It seems I chose the wrong partner to collaborate with.

Fang Hongxiu cast him a sideways glance, revealing a rare flash of girlish vexation.

I shall report this matter separately to the Thousand-Commander. Whether he agrees or not, I will find that Vashistha man and the barbarian slaves.

It is enough to have those words from you.

With that, Chen Yi cupped his hands and took his leave.

I wish Commander Fang every success. I shall come looking for you again.

Fang Hongxiu watched him vanish into the curtain of rain, pondered for a moment, and then quickly departed.

Not long after.

Chen Yi quietly returned to his residence on Xi Street in the west, instructing Zhang Daobao to prepare brushes and ink.

Then he set to work without pause, painting portraits of Lü Jianan, Ge Muwei, and that young barbarian slave, Asutai.

To avoid any issues arising from the ink paintings, he took care to explicitly note their physical features.

Once Chen Yi had confirmed the portraits were accurate, he handed them to Zhang Daobao, saying, "Tomorrow, go search for them according to these."

Zhang Daobao took them, glanced over, and smiled, saying, "The young one will certainly find them for the master."

Up until then, he had struggled, but now with the portraits, it was different.

Those scum and brigands who roamed the streets—finding someone was no longer a problem.

Chen Yi nodded, cautioning, "Remember, once you find them, don’t act rashly or draw too close, lest they discover you."

After a pause, he added, "Go directly to the Bounty Office and inform Bao Hu Fang Hongxie."

"The Bounty Office?"

"Yes, do as I instructed."

"Understood..."

Chen Yi gave a few more reminders, then removed his disguise and returned to the Xiao family.

Only after changing his clothes did he relax his spirit, letting his mind settle.

This expedition tonight had yielded rich rewards.

Not only had he discovered the culprit who caused him to flee his wedding day, but also uncovered traces linking Liu Hong with the barbarians and the treacherous Pahuang Kingdom.

Compared to the former, the latter filled him with greater exhilaration.

Thinking of these matters, Chen Yi placed two stones upon the chessboard in his mind.

One was naturally Bao Hongxie, the other—Xiao Laotai.

Upon placing the second stone, the white pieces formed a corner formation on the board, surrounding several black ones.

Lost in the game, Chen Yi mused silently:

"No matter how cunning that old fox Liu Hong may be, this time he’ll find no way back."

Just then, a flash of light glimmered. Chen Yi glanced at the holographic display:

[Daily Intel: Secret Grade B: At the hour ofZi, Wei Luanhuo and Fengling are hiding at the night market tailor shop. A small amount of opportunity can be gained.]

Fengling, Cui Qingwu?

Chen Yi checked the time, glanced at the outside darkness, then sat cross-legged on his bed, practicing the Four Symbols Art.

With only one minute left before the hour ended, it was too late to go.

So he let it pass.

Not long after, he received a notification:

[Opportunity+8.]

[Comment: Cui Qingwu and Fengling part ways.]

[The opportunity arrived by chance, yet was not seized; a man of lazy disposition, indeed.]

……

Meanwhile, in Liu’s household in Shuzhou.

Amid the sound of rain, the mansion rang with the sharp crack of thunder.

The noise was rather loud.

Yet Liu Rong paid no heed to the clamor of rain, leaning against an eave, staring intently at the study at the rear of the mansion.

He had already fallen asleep.

But not long after the hour ofZi passed, he heard footsteps and the urgent conversation of two people, as if discussing something grave.

After listening, he confirmed the visitors were Liu Tao’an, Liu Hong’s eldest son.

"That old fox Liu Hong treats his sons differently."

"To the younger one, he scolds and beats at once; to this elder, he shows patience."

As he mused, the deep voice from the study drifted out:

"What then, how could you let him escape under such circumstances?!"

"Even if that man didn’t overhear your conversation with Lü Jianan, you should have found a way to keep him there."

Liu Tao’an spoke hesitantly, "Father, it’s not that the son doesn’t wish to."

"But that man’s strength is truly formidable. Lü Jianan and Ge Muwei together, they might not subdue him."

After a pause, seeing Liu Hong remained silent, he continued, "I’ve instructed Lü Jianan to investigate that man’s identity; he should be able to find out."

Liu Hong let out a cold sneer, "Investigate?!"

"That man, if he’s not foolish, won’t just sit and wait to die."

"For what it’s worth, you stood before Lü Jianan and their group, and let him report his own background—how careless you are!"

He slammed his tea cup against the table, breaking it. "Do you know how much trouble this will bring us, and the Liu family?!"

"I…"

Before Liu Tao’an could explain, Zhao Shichang spoke first, "My lord, this is not the time to reprimand the young master."

"Please enlighten us, how should we proceed?"

After a moment’s pause, Liu Hong seemed to steady himself, speaking in a low voice, "Tomorrow, send someone to inform Lü Jianan to leave Shuzhou as soon as possible."

"And those barbarian slaves..."

"Shichang, help Asutai find a substitute, and kill the other barbarian slaves together; send their bodies to the Bounty Office."

"Understood."

"Tao’an, remember, we have no escape routes left now. Don’t let even the smallest mistake happen."

"Yes..."

Hearing this, Liu Rong lifted an eyebrow. That old fox was indeed ruthless.

After thinking, he quietly hid himself, watching the rain outside.

"The boss should be keenly interested in this news..."

(Chapter End)