Chapter 368: A Bastard is Talking About You (Requesting Monthly Tickets)

Chapter 368 The Bastard Says You (Seeking Monthly Votes)

[Opportunity +35.]

[Letter from the head of White Tiger Guard, detailing the schedules of the stars, the phoenix, the swallow, the male tiger, and others. Reward: the score《Toward Chang’an》.]

[Arrival, voices heard, no scene yet to be seen…]

A flash of golden light passed by.

Chen Yì no longer hesitated, silently departing the manor.

The letter White Tiger Guard received that night contained numerous contents.

Some were clear.

Like Luo Yuxue departing north toward the capital, or the swallow and eagle, Ke Lao, keeping a tight watch on the movements of the three garrison troops of the frontier.

Others were not so clear.

Such as the death of the “road scholar,” Hua Huiyang.

White Tiger Guard’s messages, though swift, could not clarify the original circumstances in such a short time.

There were also matters concerning Cao Qingwu and the people from Cao’s family in Qinghe, equally unclear.

It seemed White Tiger Guard harbored suspicions about those from Cao’s family in Qinghe who had come to Shu.

Who was it?

Chen Yì’s heart stirred slightly.

Based on his earlier deductions, the strategy penned by Ma Shuhuan must have been a spur-of-the-moment decision, likely orchestrated by others behind him.

This point was also confirmed by Luo Yuxue—on the eve of the imperial examination, Ma Shuhuan had met a stranger on a painted boat in Quchi.

It was likely on that boat where he received the letter, leading him to act on the exam paper the next day.

And someone powerful enough to lead Ma Shuhuan and his family to their deaths was beyond his capacity to resist.

Earlier, Chen Yì had speculated it was the Jizhou Merchant Guild responsible.

Their aim was to stir chaos, influencing or altering the current emperor’s decision regarding the Shu region’s inclination—toward a southern campaign.

Looking back now, perhaps it wasn’t the Jizhou Merchant Guild, but rather a high-ranking figure in the court directing Ma Shuhuan.

Even Chen Yì deduced—when that person spoke these words, Ma Shuhuan must have still been imagining he could gain some benefit.

Upon careful thought, Ma Shuhuan, aside from his excitement over that exam paper, was otherwise calm.

Even when taken away by the censorate officials, he seemed to have anticipated it.

A heroic death?

Not quite.

More like someone with a sense of assurance.

Where could that be?

Qinghe Cao family.

As he pondered these things, the chessboard in Chen Yì’s mind shifted.

Among the pieces representing the Jizhou Merchant Guild, one had landed within the corner of the capital’s board.

There, inscribed in bold characters, was the surname “Cao.”

The “Cao” of Qinghe Cao family.

After a moment of deduction,

Chen Yì exhaled softly, “Eight or nine out of ten.”

The Qinghe Cao family had a long lineage, vast wealth, and immense power.

Even if they didn’t act directly, their branches or relatives controlled the Jizhou Merchant Guild.

Plus, the current head of the Cao family, Cao Mei, was the celestial minister of the Great Wei dynasty, a figure of high rank and influence.

With him as a patron, the Jizhou Merchant Guild naturally had solid footing.

“If Qinghe Cao family were the mastermind behind the Jizhou Merchant Guild, then White Tiger Guard’s years-long investigation would make sense in not uncovering the truth.”

“And the involvement of so many ancient noble houses would also be explained.”

Earlier, Chen Yì had assumed the Chen family of Jiangnan and the Qinghe Cao family were related by marriage, forming an alliance.

That is, regardless of whether the Chen family chose to solidify their hold in Shu or not, the Qinghe Cao family would support them.

Now, however, things seemed more complex than he had anticipated.

Or rather, these ancient noble houses that had long held sway over this land each had their own calculations.

“If Qinghe Cao family were connected to the Jizhou Merchant Guild, then…”

“Then this becomes interesting.”

“The Great Wei dynasty’s first noble house, yet standing opposed to the current emperor—their head enemy, the court… heh heh.”

Chen Yì’s face bore a faint, cold smile.

He believed the Chen family of Jiangnan had long coveted Shu and Xiao’s family, which is why they needed to send him and Chen Yunfan to Shu.

Otherwise, only one person would suffice.

After all, with the current emperor’s favor, neither he nor Chen Yunfan could afford to falter in Shu.

Thus, back then, the Chen and Cao families shared the same objective, and the Cao family needed not send anyone themselves.

But now, with Liu Hong and the Jizhou Merchant Guild defeated in Shu, the tide had turned, and the puppeteers behind them could no longer sit idle.

Ma Shuhuan was one.

The death of the “road scholar,” Hua Huiyang, was another.

The former stirred the realm and the scholars, the latter directly targeting the barbarian clans, thus allowing chaos to erupt in Shu’s world.

And there was a third…

Chen Yì surveyed the southern and western directions, “Either the barbarian tribes or the treacherous Suoyuan.”

“If either launched a major military campaign, it might completely alter the emperor’s plans.”

Seemingly complex, yet in truth, quite simple.

As long as war erupted on this side first, even if the emperor made a decision, he would be forced to mobilize troops southward.

He could not fight simultaneously in the north and south; one misstep would mean being caught off guard on all fronts.

This aligned with Liu Hong’s schemes.

However, this time, the methods used by the one replacing Liu Hong were evidently more ruthless.

The court, the scholars, the martial world, and now the southern barbarians or Suoyuan—all three forces moving in concert, perhaps they could truly reverse the situation in Shu.

Chen Yì himself did not wish to see such an outcome.

But...

Who was it from the Cui family?

Song Jinjian?

Chen Yi could not help but wonder. He still needed to investigate further.

And whether the Cui family of Qinghe was secretly plotting against Shu Zhou—he needed to confirm that as well.

As for the Zhuque Guard...

Shang Xingfang’s words were vague, and Chen Yi couldn’t fathom why the Baihu Guard was probing the Zhuque Guard.

Though it seemed that the “Patriarch” had some suspicions, hence the request for Shang Xing and Ge Lao San to investigate.

Chen Yi thought for a moment, glanced toward the judicial office on Nanzhong Street, and after a brief silence, turned southward.

He had intended to seek out Fang Hongxie earlier to inquire about the matter of “Li Sanyuan.”

But things had been delayed.

Last night had been Shuilo,

Tonight, it was Lou Yuxue.

Chen Yi thought of the ditzy woman from the Baihu Guard and instinctively glanced back.

In the distance, he thought he heard voices from the judicial office:

“The Baihu Guard has orders—tomorrow morning, escort the wanted criminals Ye Juxian and Zhu Lingchuan to the Prefecture of Jingdu!”

“Is that so...?”

Chen Yi could almost picture the cold, ethereal figure issuing the command with her dazzling gaze.

He felt a slight smile on his face. “Not quite as refined as the Empress, though.”

After a while...

Chen Yi went alone to a courtyard house near the southern city gate.

The night wind carried the full moon.

Trees swayed, rustling their leaves in all directions.

The sound of clashing blades echoed through the air.

Chen Yi pressed his ear to the door for a moment, then knew that inside were disciples of the Liu Rong and Tian Shan sects, along with Shuilo.

Though it was deep into the night, the courtyard was brightly lit.

Dozens of swordsmen practiced their forms, their movements loud and chaotic.

Fortunately, Chen Yi had anticipated that Tian Shan disciples would need a training ground, and had instructed Wang Ji earlier to find a spacious, secluded house.

Otherwise, the noise alone would have drawn complaints from the nearby villagers.

Chen Yi climbed in silently, moving toward the inner training hall.

Before he had reached it, he heard Liu Rong’s excited voice:

“Shuixiong, that last fist technique was truly monstrous—it nearly gave me a serious injury.”

“Nearly?”

“Rong, if Shuixiong’s disciple hadn’t held back, you’d already be lying on the ground.”

“It was just a spar, Shuixiong—how could I strike you so hard?”

“Shuixiong meant to let you win, didn’t he?”

“Then let’s spar again!”

“Rong, brother, it’s late—let’s leave it until tomorrow...”

“This time, I’ll make sure Shuixiong takes a step back!” Liu Rong’s voice boomed, his spirit undaunted, his condition not too bad.

But...

How could he possibly match Shuixiong?

Chen Yi knew this in his heart and glanced back, then stepped into the training hall.

Xue Duanyun spotted his arrival, blinked once, then bowed:

“Boss, you’re here.”

“Boss...”

“Chen Boss...”

Chen Yi nodded in acknowledgment, his gaze sweeping over the playful expressions of Shuixiong, then settling on the bruised face of Liu Rong.

After a quick assessment, he chuckled: “The ‘Blade Demon’?”

“After today, will you still be a demon?”

Liu Rong flushed, scratching his swollen face:

“Boss, you’re joking—I’ve already lost the heart to challenge after sparring with you.”

Recalling back, he remembered when he was in the Northern Desert, strutting freely.

Even when facing masters stronger than him in cultivation and technique, he’d wear them down until they submitted.

Who would’ve thought that when he arrived in Shu Zhou, he’d just toyed with Shen Huatang, and after several sparring sessions, each one ended worse than the last?

His clash with Xiao Jinghong left him gravely injured, barely standing.

And facing the “Boss”—well, needless to say.

If it weren’t for the Boss’s exceptional medical skills, he’d already be reporting to the King of Hell by now.

Finally, his encounter with Shuixiong...

Though he suffered no external wounds, he fought for the entire day without moving Shuixiong an inch.

Such a blow was heavier than any flesh wound.

Liu Rong’s heart and spirit were resilient, having fought and lost repeatedly, yet continued to fight.

For someone like Xue Duanyun and the other Tian Shan disciples, they’d probably already be tending to their injuries in a quiet corner by now.

Chen Yi understood Liu Rong’s nature well—he was one who craved challenges and rarely yielded easily, so he said no more.

After dismissing the Tian Shan disciples...

Chen Yi called Shuixiong over, and they sat beneath a pavilion, watching the Tian Shan disciples practice their swords, while whispering:

“There’s something I need your help with, brother.”

Shuixiong examined Chen Yi, who had changed his appearance again, and smiled:

“Should I address you as Liu Wu-xiong, or... Chen... Yu-xiong?”

Chen Yi smiled: “Just a title, brother—call me whatever you like.”

Shuixiong looked at him with a mixture of amusement and admiration in his eyes.

For he labored tirelessly on behalf of the Xiao family, and for his mastery of martial arts, literature, and medicine.

"What business has my esteemed Shu He to do? Let me hear."

Chen Yi gestured toward the mask on his face. "In a few days, the Duke of Qingyuan, Xiao Elder, will host a banquet for guests."

"I have a matter requiring my absence, and I pray you might grace me with a cup of wine in my stead."

Shu He chuckled, "You're leaving?"

He understood well enough that the excuse was merely for Liu Lang and the others; the true reason remained elsewhere. Yet, after hearing this, the faint admiration he had felt moments before dissolved into something else.

Chen Yi—strong as he was—was no stranger to the burdens of the world. Like a dragon coiled in the depths.

If his name rang across the lands as Chen Yi, what scene could that be?

Chen Yi smiled. "Shu He, I must confess some pressing matters."

Shu He waved dismissively. "Nonsense, I'll do it."

After a pause, he added, "But think carefully—do you intend to use the final task for this?"

Chen Yi glanced at Liu Lang watching from afar, met his gaze with a sharp eye, then nodded. "If you could attend, it would ease my burden greatly."

Xiao Jinghong had already begun to doubt him, testing his resolve. Should he fail to prepare, and if the elder uncovered his schemes, learned of his true strength, the path ahead would twist into the unknown.

How would Xiao Jinghong react? What of Xiao Elder and the Xiao clan?

Xiao Wanzhen...

In any case, Chen Yi wasn't ready to reveal his identity yet.

He'd planned to let Liu Lang handle it, but Liu's unreliability was nearly as reckless as Pei Yong. So he'd chosen Shu He instead. If both he and "Chen Yu" appeared at the banquet, surely the elder's suspicions would fade.

After that, Chen Yi gave a few instructions.

Shu He nodded, committing them to memory. "So we're to bind our fates, you and I. The Contract of the Wind and Rain Tavern, shall it span all of Shu and the Three Prefectures, reaching every herb hall across the land?"

Chen Yi hummed in agreement. "The others need not concern themselves. A cup of wine, then depart—that's all."

"I do intend to..."

Once Shu He grasped the plan, Chen Yi thought of one more thing. "Tell me, Shu He, how well does 'the Wayfinder' Hua Huanyang know of you?"

"Hua Huanyang?"

Shu He paused, then said, "I've visited Wudang Mountain and sparred with him once. He's attained the true teachings of a senior master."

"In cultivation and technique, he far surpasses his peers—though not quite your equal."

"Time will tell. By now, his cultivation rivals mine, and his techniques have long since reached the complete realm."

"A fine testament to his skill."

Chen Yi nodded thoughtfully. "Is that so?"

"In the second grade of the Wayfinder, his cultivation and techniques are complete, matching Shu He's strength. Those who could kill him would be even stronger."

"One grade? Or perhaps..."

"Not a master, then."

Earlier, the Sword Saint, Ye Gongyan, had said that beyond the ranks of Martial Duke, King, and General, those above the first grade were not permitted to act freely.

And what of the "Hidden Immortal" roaming the realm?

Shu He noticed his unease. "Have you met him?"

Chen Yi blinked, regaining his composure. "He's dead."

Shu He blinked in surprise. "Dead? Who died? Hua Huanyang?"

"How could he—?"

Chen Yi shook his head. "I don't know the details."

"They say he perished in the embrace of the Mountain Clan's 'Smiling Step Poison.'"

Shu He furrowed his brow. "The Mountain Clan's venom is potent, insidious."

"But a martial artist of the upper three grades, especially one whose techniques are complete, has the harmony of Heaven and Earth to guide him. Such a thing shouldn't happen."

After a moment's thought, he asked, "Does your brother know where his body lies? I'd like to see for myself."

Chen Yi recalled what Ling Xing had said—Hua Huanyang's body had been taken to the Execution Office. "It should be there."

"It's not too late. I'll go take a look."

They rose at once and headed out.

As they walked, Chen Yi called to Liu Lang. "For the coming days, continue training your disciples."

"In a month, or perhaps two, the herb halls in other towns of Shu will open. When that happens, they'll need to be stationed at various locations."

Liu Lang agreed. "What about me?"

"You?"

"You have other plans."

The Medical Academy was in Tonglin Town, beyond Chen Yi's reach. Before Yuan and Liu grew into their roles, he needed someone to hold the fort there.

Soon enough.

Chen Yi and Shu He arrived at the Execution Office, about to slip inside, when muffled mutterings drifted from the corner.

"Damn it, damn it, Liu Wu—you're a damn fool..."

"Knowing I'd be leaving Shu, and still not coming..."

"Don't let me see you again!"

Shu He glanced at Chen Yi, his expression odd. A smile tugged at his lips. "Brother Liu, he's looking for you."

Chen Yi fell silent, offering no explanation, and nodded for him to go first. He veered into a side alley.

Shu He watched him disappear, then sighed. "Ah, the wandering souls of the world."

Meanwhile, in the dim alley...

Chen Yi gazed at the silhouette turned away from him, listening to her ceaseless mutterings, and smiled as he asked:

“Who’s the damn fool?”

“The damn fool says you…”

(End of chapter)