Chapter 268: What Finely Honed Skills (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

Chapter 268: The Skills of a Handful of Talent (Please Vote for the Monthly Ticket)

[Daily Intelligence·Grade: Upper Tier on the Street Level: At three o’clock in the afternoon, Gong Zhi Bai sets up a stall in the East Market to read fortunes. Reward: Abundant opportunities.]

Chen Yi glanced at the notice, and his previously calm eyes flickered, the star-embroidered butterfly-step beneath his feet suddenly freezing mid-motion.

“Gong Zhi Bai?”

“The Great Immortal Bai?”

“Setting up a stall to read fortunes?”

“This… truly… I can’t even imagine…”

Even though Chen Yi had long known the Great Immortal Bai would come to Shu Zhou, he never expected him to stroll about like a common peddler.

Such a display was so unbecoming of the “Number One in the Way of Martial Arts,” this celestial being’s lofty demeanor.

It resembled… it resembled…

After a moment of consideration, Chen Yi spat out two words: “Immortal.”

Upon reflection, Gong Zhi Bai had always been so unceremonious.

Upon arriving in Shu Zhou, setting up a stall to read fortunes—this, for Bai the Great Immortal, was not overly outrageous.

Only…

Bai the Great Immortal’s “iron-fisted divination” was far more “treacherous” than his staggering martial prowess.

As Chen Yi pondered these things, he began to consider whether he should go take a look.

Reason told him he should not go.

Yet his eyes remained fixed on that [Grade: Lower Street Level] notice, drifting restlessly.

After seeing [Opportunity: 768], he made up his mind—he would go!

For that sum of opportunities, he must go.

“The last time the Fire that Devoured the Three Towns and Summer Provisions occurred, it was also a Grade: Lower Street Level intelligence, granting me four hundred opportunities.”

“And moreover, I had to plan for several days before such an opportunity could arise.”

“This time, the Great Immortal Bai’s appearance is likewise Grade: Lower Street Level.”

“Even if I merely observe him from a distance, I should still gain a substantial sum of opportunities.”

“Perhaps tomorrow I could gather enough to advance a complete cultivation.”

Though such was his thought.

Chen Yi, however, was clear-headed—the Great Immortal Bai’s purpose in coming to Shu Zhou was unknown.

He should proceed with caution.

For Bai the Great Immortal was too malevolent.

If he drew too near, and the Great Immortal set his gaze upon him, even if he were unlucky enough to receive a few of the Immortal’s judgmental pronouncements, it would be a loss he could ill afford.

He did not wish to gamble his own “opportunities and fortune” against the Great Immortal’s noxious smile.

Thus, this outing—he would merely observe from afar.

Upon thinking this, Chen Yi drew a long breath, steadied his spirit, and strode directly toward the residence outside the West Market’s Black Fish Alley.

At this point, it was deep into the night.

The stars and moon hung high, the streets silent and still.

Rarely did roosters crow or dogs bark.

Only the magistrates on duty for the night, due to the impending border invasion by King Lan Du, patrolled the important streets and alleys.

At this moment, it was time for shift change.

The magistrates of the first half of the night stretched their limbs, chatting and joking with those taking over the second half.

Mostly, they shared reports on the surrounding conditions.

For instance, which stall had encountered a bad customer, which household had erupted in loud arguments, or which individual seemed suspicious.

Though these reports were fragmented and of little use, they were meticulous nonetheless.

“Not sure if those reports are true. In theory, those bandits aren’t particularly strong, and wouldn’t dare invade our Wei Dynasty.”

“Other bandits might not be a threat, but King Lan Du is different.”

“His master is the imperial scholar who pacified the Wusuo Kingdom, and he himself comes from nobility. The men under his command, though called bandits, are more like soldiers.”

“Plus, they’ve long roamed the Tea Horse Road, and their horseback skills are excellent.”

“Ordinary foot soldiers and armored troops aren’t their match. Only our distant army’s ‘White Armor Riders’ can deal with them.”

“Alas, after the great battle five years ago, fewer than one in ten of the old White Armor Riders remain. The survivors haven’t yet formed a proper unit.”

“So, if King Lan Du attacks, no one can stand in his way?”

“If the Heroic Defender Hong dares to meet him, he’ll surely repel him with no return.”

The magistrates’ voices carried far.

This drew Chen Yi’s attention, and he turned his head with a slight smile.

“The Mistress is not in the capital, yet so many people are thinking of her.”

“Counting the days, she hasn’t replied in over a fortnight. I wonder how things are on her end.”

Chen Yi muttered to himself, shook his head, and pressed on through the West Market.

Upon reaching that residence, however, he found it already empty, the building deserted.

Chen Yi scanned the area, his gaze settling on the earthen mound in the courtyard.

A faint wisp of smoke rose from it.

He approached, kicked aside a chunk of earth, and examined the ashes within, his eyes flickering with thought.

According to his instructions to Liu Rong, this was the first granary hideout. If anyone discovered it, the grain should be moved elsewhere.

Clearly, Liu Rong and others had acted as ordered.

“Three days… still detected the traces…”

“The merchants of Ji Zhou have some skill.”

Chen Yi mused, then replaced the earth, covering the smoke to avoid drawing attention.

He then turned toward the East Market.

There lay the second place he had arranged for storing grain, prepared by Wang Ji.

Chen Yi traveled eastward, crossing through the offices of the Prefect, the Civil Affairs Commissioner, and the Censor in Shu Zhou, until he reached the outskirts of the East Market.

Once confirming no one had noticed, he turned down a narrow alley and headed south.

Not long after…

Chen Yi arrived at the courtyard enclosed by high walls and pressed his ear to the gate.

He could make out faint sounds coming from within.

“…Liu Laoshi, Qi Hua is dead.”

“Yes, after all that fuss, you can rest for the night—I’ll keep watch.”

“Don’t worry, I’m not tired…”

Chen Yi’s face twisted into something odd. Liu Laoshi?

How careless—he’d practically exposed his own identity!

Just then, Zhang Si Hu spoke from the other side: “I wonder where Liu Wu Laoshi is right now.”

Liu Laoshi lounged lazily: “He’s probably just lurking somewhere nearby, watching us.”

Before he could finish, he cleared his throat and muttered, “Bah—boss wouldn’t come here.”

“Laoshi said it, so we just moved in yesterday; the boss won’t find out until tomorrow.”

“Hope so…”

By then, Chen Yi realized Liu Laoshi had sold him out.

Damn “knife crazy”—always getting himself into this mess.

His eyelids twitched. *Next time I’ll crush his skull!*

Thinking this, he no longer hesitated and darted into the courtyard.

“Well, well—let you down, Liu Brother.”

Liu Laoshi blinked, then quickly bowed: “Boss, may you live in prosperity and longevity.”

“It’s late—why aren’t you resting?”

“You sent word—I must obey.”

“Boss,” he said again.

Just in time—Liu Laoshi nearly fled in embarrassment, so used to braving storms and rain.

Meanwhile, Xue Duanyun, Zhang San Hu, and Zhang Si Hu exchanged glances at Chen Yi, their expressions uncertain.

After all, Chen Yi still wore the face of “Liu Wu.”

But seeing Liu Laoshi bow three times in a row, they followed suit with a deep bow.

“You’re seen, Laoshi.”

Chen Yi scanned the room, thought for a moment, and didn’t burst into laughter. He waved them off: “Get up, all of you.”

Yet when Liu Laoshi met his gaze, he kept his head lowered.

“Boss, I didn’t mean it.”

Chen Yi shot him a glance, smirked: “Stay here for now—I’ll settle accounts later.”

Then he led the way to the main hall, gesturing for Xue Duanyun and the others to follow.

Xue Duanyun glanced back at the retreating figure, then at the embarrassed Liu Laoshi, and seemed to understand.

Before Zhang San Hu or Zhang Si Hu could speak, he tugged at their sleeves and followed inside.

Leaving Liu Laoshi alone outside.

“Boss, I’m sure you know I’m a well-known elder in the martial world—you see…”

“You think I’d punish you so easily?”

Though simple enough, Liu Laoshi sighed in relief.

At least it meant his earlier suspicions were right—the boss wouldn’t harm him now that his identity was exposed.

A silver lining in misfortune.

He knew Chen Yi’s prowess.

If he’d stayed silent, it would’ve been disastrous.

“Come on, let’s bow first…”

Chen Yi didn’t dwell on Liu Laoshi’s thoughts.

In the hall, he stood with hands clasped behind his back, surveying the packed burlap sacks:

“You’ve all worked hard.”

Xue Duanyun bowed: “Y-Your servant… You’re too kind.”

“We’re your junior brothers and disciples—you asked us to guard you, so of course we did what we could.”

Zhang San Hu chimed in: “Rest assured, we know our place—we won’t let anything slip.”

Zhang Si Hu nodded vaguely, smiling: “Laoshi told us earlier—he said you’re the notorious ‘Long Pao’ elder who’s been making waves in Shu Zhou recently.”

“If he said so, we’ll do whatever you tell us.”

“…”

Xue Duanyun and Zhang San Hu exchanged glances—they knew exactly what the other was thinking.

Zhang Si Hu, still clueless about human affairs, had said too much.

Elder brother, forgive my simple-minded brother—his words were just lucky guesses.

Chen Yi studied their little gestures and suddenly smiled, waving them off:

“Tell me what happened today.”

It seemed Liu Laoshi’s slip-up wasn’t so bad after all.

At least, with Xue Duanyun and the others from the Tian Shan sect, they still showed him respect.

After a brief chat, Chen Yi pieced together the events of the day. With a thoughtful nod, he asked:

“Do you know who possesses the Huabing Powder?”

Xue Duanyun thought a moment, then bowed respectfully: “The Huabing Powder is a venomous formula left from the previous dynasty, widely circulated in the martial world.”

“It’s often used by the three heresies and nine scum to erase traces of death. Even some noble families’ guards use it for protection.”

Chen Yi nodded, settling into a chair, and let the matter drop.

Earlier, he’d assumed the person would be from the Ji Zhou merchant guild.

But after hearing their accounts, he overturned that assumption.

It was quite clear.

If the people of the Ji Zhou Merchant Guild had discovered someone making a large-scale purchase of grain, they would not have dispatched only three individuals.

Nor would they have left those three men unattended for so long without sending anyone to investigate the residence in question.

The death-loyal members of the noble families…

In Chen Yì’s mind, Liu Hong’s figure surfaced, quietly thinking to himself: “Even if it isn’t his people, they must be somehow connected to him.”

He knew well that Liu Hong had been secretly spying on the Ji Zhou Merchant Guild through Zhu Lingchuan.

Perhaps the ones who came to investigate during the day were their agents.

Xiao Duanyun and the others were unaware of his thoughts.

Seeing him remain silent for so long, Xiao Duanyun hesitated slightly and asked, “By the way, what further orders do you have for us?”

Chen Yì blinked, gave it a moment’s thought, and said, “There are indeed some matters that require your attention, but—”

Before he could finish, he turned his gaze toward the courtyard outside and scolded with a smile, “What are you still doing out there? Come in.”

“Here I am.”

Liu Lang had been watching the house all along, and upon hearing his words, he darted forward in a flash.

“Boss, what are your orders?”

“I’ll spare no effort in attending to this matter.”

Chen Yì glared at him sharply, “This time, I’m letting you off the hook. If there’s a next time, I’ll deal with you properly.”

Fortunately, he had not yet revealed one layer of his identity.

Otherwise, within a short time, he would have heard Zhang Peiyun and Shen Huatang calling him “Liu Qianxian Senior” in the Spring Lotus Garden.

But never mind.

This incident had served as a warning to Chen Yì. From now on, unless absolutely necessary, he should let Liu Lang act alone.

Lest Liu Lang should cause trouble and sell him out.

Liu Lang noticed the change in his expression and realized he was not angry, so he grinned and nodded, “Rest assured, there won’t be a next time.”

Chen Yì shook his head and waved him away, “Get down to business.”

He then withdrew a stack of silver notes from his sleeve and handed them to Liu Lang, saying, “No matter what method you use, spend these silver notes by tomorrow.”

Liu Lang counted them, surprised, “These are all to buy grain?”

“Exactly.”

“Whether it’s coarse or refined grain, it can be purchased from the granary as well.”

“I recall there are many large estates outside the city. You can ask them if they’re willing to sell.”

Chen Yì was quite aware that the rising grain prices in the city would mainly affect ordinary people.

In the short term, the noble families would not be affected at all.

Just like the Xiao family.

In the countryside of Tonglin Town, the villagers there stored grain in their barns every year, so they had no shortage of food.

Other noble families also had varying degrees of grain reserves.

Even if only some of the noble families were willing to sell, they could certainly procure a large quantity of grain this way.

Upon hearing this, Liu Lang nodded and promised, “Rest assured, tomorrow I’ll go out and procure the grain for you, one way or another.”

Chen Yì nodded once, glanced at the sky outside the window, and decided not to linger here any longer.

As he rose to leave, he instructed, “The grain purchased tomorrow, I’ll have Wang Ji store it elsewhere.”

“The grain here—”

Chen Yì paused, scanned the area, and said, “The grain here should be temporarily stored for now.”

Once news of the purchase in Ashu Town spread, grain prices would skyrocket.

At that time, the grain in this residence, labeled as “relatively cheap,” would become his ace in the hole.

“Procure the grain tomorrow with due diligence.”

“But remember, do not use the identity of Bai Caotang, nor your own.”

Liu Lang nodded, understanding, and watched him leave the residence.

Silence fell for a moment.

He suddenly turned around, his face shedding its obsequious expression, and gazed at the three men from Xiao Duanyun.

“Tomorrow’s affairs will be settled tomorrow. Tonight, we shouldn’t rest, let’s have a drink…”

After all, the identity of a martial arts elder of his should not be discarded.

…

Chen Yì paid no heed to Liu Lang’s “damage control.” After departing, he quietly returned to the Xiao family.

Yet he was unaware—

As he passed through the East Market Gate, a lone figure had silently stationed himself beneath a eave, watching his back.

This person’s frame was slender, dressed in a tattered Daoist robe, with a youthful face beneath a gray-white beard.

At that moment, their eyes held a slight, probing gaze.

“This youngster has quite the handsome features.”

After a pause, he looked away, his gaze drifting to the night, his hands clasped behind his back.

“This land of Shu Zhou truly has its heroes and geniuses. Perhaps I can stay a few days here to examine things more closely…”

(The chapter ends here.)