Chapter 376: Black and White (Requesting Monthly Tickets)

Chapter 376 Black and White (Seeking Monthly Votes)

Chen Yi was unaware of the events unfolding within Xiao Jinghong and the Barbarian Clans.

Since returning from the Xiaping Garden, he had remained in the study, writing, painting, reading, and plucking the guqin.

Not to elevate his status, but to calm his heart and mind.

Playing the guqin late into the night was, admittedly, somewhat ill-timed.

Fortunately, Chen Yi’s mastery of the guqin had reached a refined level, and his gentle melodies helped the few people within the Spring Lotus Garden sleep peacefully.

As for others...

Chen Yi secretly hoped that someone might be disturbed by his music.

For this would indicate that person had been keeping watch over the goings-on within the Spring Lotus Garden.

While he engaged in these pursuits, his mind remained elsewhere, upon the chessboard in his thoughts.

Based on the information he had received from the White Tiger Guard, the number of pieces on the board had grown considerably.

The major clans of the world, officials and aristocrats, and the sects of the martial world—all had their representatives.

For instance, the Cui family of Qinghe.

Apart from the family head, Cui Mei, a Celestial Guardian, there were Cui Qingwu and Song Jinjian, among others.

For example, the officials of Shu Province.

The newly appointed deputy governor of Shu Province, Fan Yuanzhou, hailed from the Book Department and was a native of the capital prefecture.

There was also Zhao Wenjing, the incoming co-prefect of the Inspection Commission in Shu Province, who came from Ji Province.

Additionally, the merchants of Ji Province, the courier guilds, the horse guilds, the salt guilds, the Wind and Rain Tower, Wudang Mountain, the Bright Moon Tower, and the Mountain Clan...

Though numerous, their representatives were merely Black and White.

His chessboard had already become a world-spanning one, so he followed the way of Heaven and Earth—where all things embrace the yang while bearing the yin.

Black and White, that is yin and yang.

Yet Chen Yi was no sage.

He lacked the patience to discern who was loyal or treacherous, who was good or evil, so he simplified things instead.

Regardless of their identities or natures, anyone standing opposed to him and the Xiao family would be counted among the Black.

Even if evil bore a tender aspect, it was not for him, so why should he concern himself with such feelings?

Until deep into the night.

Finally, Chen Yi had tidied his desk and chessboard, risen from his seat, and stepped out of the study into the courtyard, gazing up at the night sky.

Above the mist and clouds, the bright moon hung high, studded with countless stars.

Looking out, the stars varied in brightness, near and far alike.

Such vastness inevitably made one feel small.

Chen Yi stood with hands clasped behind his back, letting the cool breeze brush against him.

The thin blue robe, his hair swaying slightly in the wind, made him appear all the more dignified.

His eyes were deep, reflecting the entire night sky.

Chen Yi rarely displayed such a demeanor; most often he appeared harmless and gentle.

Even within Feiyun Academy, he was the same.

Professors like Professor Yue Ming and Professor Zhuo Ying had often remarked that he should display the authority of a teacher.

Chen Yi, however, always turned a deaf ear, going about as he pleased.

Precisely speaking, he was naturally the type who would not interfere if others left him be, and he could not change that.

But well...

At present, he had not yet reached the time when he could act freely.

Especially now, with the Xiao family’s matter still unresolved.

Moreover, he also had to consider all of Shu Province.

"In the eyes of most people in Great Wei, the Xiao family is the true emperor of Shu Province."

"The crisis of Shu Province is the crisis of the Xiao family."

"Therefore..."

Chen Yi withdrew his gaze, silently thinking: "Considering only the Xiao family is insufficient; Shu Province must also be taken into account."

He turned and returned to his chambers, retrieved the portrait he had painted of himself, and gently unfurled it.

The subtle vital energy of the universe filled the canvas.

And there, stepping out of the painting, bowed respectfully to him, then lay himself upon the bed.

Chen Yi examined the "himself" in the painting, a slight smile touching his lips. "The art of painting is truly magical."

A figure from the painting, under the influence of the universe’s vital energy, looked identical to the real person whether viewed from afar or near.

Unless one reached out to touch it, even the top three-tier martial arts masters would find no flaw.

This was similar to the illusion of his chessboard, yet distinct in its own way.

Chen Yi thought, and so he donned a nightclothes, put on a human leather mask, and silently slipped out of the Xiao estate, heading south toward the city.

These days, he spent most of his time at the Hou residence, with external matters reported to him through minor scouts.

The rumors circulating in the city were difficult to verify.

So, taking advantage of the Xiao family’s current focus on their guests, he decided to venture out.

One, to investigate the situation.

Two, to report some matters to Shu, lest the Patriarch notice something amiss at tomorrow’s banquet.

Though it was deep into the night, the inns and taverns surrounding Nanan Street were brightly lit.

Many martial world practitioners were inside, reveling and cheering.

Some were playing Go, others sparring with swords and blades for amusement, most discussing recent events.

"Who would have thought that the 'Minor Lord' Hua Ruiyang, so powerful, would die in Shu Province? Who could have orchestrated it?"

"The Mountain Clan, perhaps."

"Except for the Mountain Clan in Shu Province, who else would dare challenge the people of Wudang Mountain?"

"Remember, the abbot of Wudang, Zhong Wu, is a terrestrial immortal, renowned for his divine cultivation and formidable skills. He has rarely encountered an equal in his name."

"A certain good person once said that Zhong Wu could stand shoulder to shoulder with Bai Daoxian, and even rumors claim they have privately sparred, with no distinction between them."

"Is he the second?"

"But I recall that the current second is the 'Sword Saint' Li Wei?"

"You old fool, that’s just your old calendar!"

Li Wushang's sword play was unmatched, yet he only cultivated one path; even if the sword technique was sharp and powerful, it could not defeat the great sage Bai and the monk Zhong.

In any case, whoever killed the 'Little Sage Lord' would not escape the palm of the monk Zhong of Mount Wudang.

Some old travelers who had walked thejianghu for many years, though their cultivation was humble, had remarkable insight.

Many things they had heard secondhand, they would describe with such vivid detail that it was hard to distinguish truth from fiction.

While chatting, thesejianghu people happened to mention that the great sage Bai and the Snow Sword Master had competed and sparred with each other.

Some envied them, others were angry and resentful, and some imagined themselves taking their place.

People who walked thejianghu always aspired to soar to the top.

Chen Yi, listening to those boisterous or whispering voices, remained calm in complexion.

After passing by severaljianghu folk who had reached the upper third rank in cultivation, he found himself outside the Flower Pavilion in the southern part of the city.

Just as he was about to look for water and rest, he heard footsteps approaching from behind.

About three miles away.

Soon, a familiar voice came from behind: "..."Go and guard the western market."

"Others go to the eastern market."

"The new imperial governor Fan Da ren has ordered you to quickly capture the true culprit who killed Ma Xuezhi and his family. You must continue to do your utmost."

"Yes..."

Chen Yunfan?

Chen Yi's heart stirred, and he quickly rushed toward that direction.

On approaching, he took a good look and saw that, besides Chen Yunfan, Li Huiguo and over a dozen investigators were also there.

"Who is it?"

Chen Yunfan seemed to have noticed him, turned his head, and saw his figure, and was momentarily stunned.

Almost blurted out, "Yi disciple."

Chen Yunfan was just about to, when a middle-aged investigator beside him sharply called out: "What kind of person dare to disrespect our investigation bureau so boldly?"

To his surprise, his colleagues beside him all looked at him in surprise.

Even Chen Yunfan, who had been about to say something, turned around and said with a slightly strange gaze:

"Lin Baihu, you first lead them to the eastern market. Say that I'll go with Li Huiguo as well."

That Lin family man heard him say so, was about to ask a few more questions, but was pulled away by the other investigators.

"Lin Baihu, you really don't know who that person is?"

"I don't know."

"Have you heard of 'Longhu'?"

"'Longhu'? Who is he?"

"Not really..."

Li Huiguo had heard of 'Longhu's' name, looked at Chen Yi, and after a quick glance, reported a few things to Chen Yunfan and followed those investigators in pursuit.

After Chen Yi walked away, he turned his head and said to Chen Yunfan: "Lord Chen, it's been a long time. Your reputation has grown."

Earlier, he had delivered a letter to Chen Yunfan on behalf of Bai Hu, and they had even formed a chance acquaintance.

Chen Yunfan, seeing his expression so naturally speaking falsehoods, couldn't help but think to himself, "What a pity he's not a stage actor."

In this way, Chen Yunfan would not expose him either. "The 'Longhu' lord is indeed one who shows his head but never his tail."

"Have you heard that the lord recently fought with someone?"

"His influence is remarkable, his fame spreads far and wide, more impressive than Chen me."

When he got to the end, his tone was inevitably somewhat strange, probably a bit envious.

For now, his name was known, but not a good reputation—people all called him the lowest-scoring winner of the imperial examinations in every generation.

Chen Yi pulled a faint smile on his face and said: "Lord Chen, you overstate it."

Chen Yunfan flicked his nose, too lazy to waste more words on him, and directly asked:

"Is the 'Longhu' lord coming here late at night to have something to say?"

"Ma Shuhan."

"Oh? The lord is also investigating the death of Lord Ma?"

Chen Yi shook his head: "Involving the mountain people, if we don't investigate thoroughly, it's easy to cause unrest in thejianghu of Shu Zhou."

Chen Yunfan didn't believe his words, and sneered: "No wonder the lord is still a righteous and chivalrous hero."

Earlier, he had guessed that the cause of Ma Shuhan's death was related to the imperial examination, and behind it there was a deeper layer of secrecy.

Now seeing Chen Yi so determined, he was more convinced of his suspicions.

"Ma Shuhan has left no traces anywhere except for the mountain people."

"However, the investigators found that he had gone out the night before the examination, but his whereabouts were unknown."

Still the same.

Chen Yi thought of Song Jin and then of the Cui family of Qinghe, and reminded Chen Yunfan:

"Ma Shuhan's death may be related to the examination."

Chen Yunfan raised an eyebrow slightly: "You know what?"

Chen Yi said with a hint of meaning: "Lord Chen believes that Ma Shuhan, as the academic official of Shu Zhou, could be influenced by someone whose identity should be very noble?"

"Identity..."

Chen Yunfan's heart moved slightly, raised a finger and pointed northward: "You mean... there..."

Chen Yi saw his reaction, and bowed: "This is my speculation. Whether to listen or not is up to Lord Chen."

After saying this, he quickly left.

Chen Yunfan had wanted to stop him to ask more questions, but seeing him leave so quickly, he had to chase after Li Huiguo and the others.

On the way, he muttered to himself: "Yi disciple is right."

"Ma Shuhan was an academic official of a prefecture, from the third rank. Who could make him act during the examination but not an ordinary person?"

"Probably..."

Chen Yunfan's steps stopped, and some scenes floated in his mind.

There was Ma Shuhan meeting someone, respectfully bowing and receiving instructions.

Also, the people from the capital and other prefectures whose status and identity exceeded Ma Shuhan, the noble families.

It was nothing more than the nine ministers of the court, the princes, the marquises, the marquesses, the noble families with a long heritage.

When Chen Yunfan thought of this, he muttered to himself: "The scope has become a bit too broad."

"But... it's still a direction."

Without mentioning Chen Yunfan’s unexpected arrival, Chen Yi deliberately took a detour and arrived at the dwelling in the southern city’s Flower and Fireworks Alley.

Shu Hesong was still guiding Liu Rong and the others.

Yet here, the number of people present was noticeably fewer than before.

For the expansion of the Bai Academy, Wang Ji had sent Xue Duanyun and a few junior disciples ahead to Guangyuan County, and after joining forces with Yan Hai, they would proceed together to the next county seat.

Liu Rong brushed the sweat from his forehead, his long saber raised to ask, “Boss, it’s been a while since you last came.”

The other disciples of the Tian Shan Sect all bowed respectfully.

Chen Yi slightly nodded in greeting, then turned to Shu Hesong, “Shu Brother, may I speak with you for a moment?”

Shu Hesong assented, then instructed Liu Rong to lead the other Tian Shan disciples to continue their cultivation.

Liu Rong watched the two walk away, side by side, and suddenly muttered under his breath, “Damn it, the boss’s cultivation must have broken through again.”

“Impossible…”

Liu Rong recalled that during their last sparring session, the boss’s cultivation had only just reached the fourth rank.

Now, after more than a month, how could his cultivation have ascended to the upper reaches of the fourth rank?

A month, and a breakthrough in the minor realm?

Nonsense!

On the other side, Shu Hesong had also noticed Chen Yi’s cultivation breakthrough. He let out a bitter smile and shook his head.

“Liu Brother, your talent is truly exceptional. In such a short time, breaking through successive barriers—I’m impressed.”

But upon deeper reflection, he quickly found peace.

A talent capable of practicing ten layers of the highest secrets, such rapid progress in cultivation was not surprising…

Not at all.

Chen Yi smiled and replied, “With your disposition and talent, Shu Brother, breaking through to the mortal immortal realm in the future is no small feat.”

“Mortal immortal?”

Shu Hesong’s handsome face bore a bitter smile. “Impossible, that easily?”

“Beyond one’s disposition and talent, there is also comprehension and destiny—all are indispensable.”

“When the Patriarch broke through, it happened during a time of chaos in the martial world. The elders needed rising talents to carry the banner, so they selected a few.”

“The Patriarch was among them.”

“Had it not been for that time, the Patriarch might have taken years, even decades, to reach the mortal immortal realm.”

Chen Yi nodded, saying no more about cultivation, and instead removed his disguise mask, handing it to Shu Hesong.

“Tomorrow, I entrust it to you.”

Shu Hesong took the mask, as thin as a cicada’s wing, and marveled, “Is this made by Zhang Da Bao?”

“His craftsmanship is not bad, is it?”

“Skillful work, indeed. With such subtle artistry in disguise, his future achievements will not be low.”

Wandering the martial world inevitably brings grudges and debts.

Thus, countless fugitives from society avoid detection. If they wish to travel, disguises and deception are essential.

“Liu Brother, might you hand over the Flower and Rain Tower to me?”

Chen Yi fell silent, then laughed softly, “Zhang Da Bao is no servant of the Bai Academy. If he agrees, he can leave at any time.”

Upon hearing this, Shu Hesong waved his hand dismissively. “Never mind. There are already several skilled practitioners of disguise within the Flower and Rain Tower. One more would not hurt.”

“It’s better if we discuss the matter tomorrow. Do you know, Xiao Hou, what I know?”

Chen Yi recounted, line by line, the details of their dealings, both public and private, every nuance and secret.

Shu Hesong listened and took notes, committing seven or eight points to memory.

Still, something about Chen Yi seemed overly cautious.

Or perhaps, too low-key.

How could someone so powerful not seek fame or fortune?

Chen Yi, unaware of Shu Hesong’s thoughts, was about to speak further, when two golden characters suddenly appeared before them:

[Daily Intel·Grade A: In Shu Prefecture, Far West, the famous thief “One Finger” intends to steal from Li Sanyuan…]

(The chapter ends here.)