Chapter 377: Fraught with Doubts (Requesting Monthly Tickets)

Chapter 377: A Web of Suspicion (Seeking Monthly Votes)

A finger?

Two fingers… Zhang Dabao’s master?

Chen Yì indeed knew this person, and upon hearing it, felt a strange twinge.

He recalled Zhang Dabao saying his master had long since retired, traveling the four seas.

How could he have returned?

And yet, mingling with the people from Ji Zhou Trading House?

Chen Yì pondered for a moment, then, in his mind, placed a black piece upon the chessboard.

—Black.

Though it pained him slightly to offend Zhang Dabao, given the circumstances, anyone allied with Ji Zhou Trading House was bound to be unscrupulous.

Even if it were “one finger”… it would likely be no exception.

“Strange.”

Chen Yì had always felt that recent events had shattered his understanding of Shu Zhou.

First, the mountain clans’ “smiling half-step epilepsy.”

Then, “one finger.”

There was also the arrival of Cui Family’s representative from Qinghe, Song Jinjian, and Li Sanyuan, the patrol officer of Ji Zhou Trading House.

Even though Chen Yì had pieced together some passes, the ultimate aims and methods of these individuals remained unclear, leaving him baffled.

After another moment of thought, Chen Yì formed a plan in his heart.

“They hide in the shadows, leaving no trace, naturally veiled by clouds and mist—but…”

“I, too, dwell in the shadows.”

Since their target was Li Sanyuan, he would use Li Sanyuan as bait.

Though the “Fishing God” title had long since faded from his lips, fishing for people was different from fishing for fish.

With a hook in hand, he did not doubt these people would take the bait.

The water and the situation had long since revealed his true nature.

“Brother Liu, is there something you need to settle?”

Chen Yì blinked, then smiled: “Tomorrow’s banquet at Xiao Family’s is of little consequence to us; it’s merely a show.”

“A show?”

Shui He shook his head. “Your mentioning it first implies someone at Xiao Family has already grown suspicious of you.”

“Shui Brother, you’re too sharp. The Patriarch has sensed something.”

“Xiao Hou?”

“Yes, though the old man is frail, he has stood on the battlefield for decades, his heart as clear as a mirror.”

Chen Yì did not conceal the truth: “If it were not yet time, the Patriarch would have already known. But now…”

Chen Yì paused, then asked: “Do you know where Song Jinjian, the ‘non-confrontational’ one, is now?”

Shui He’s heart lurched, yet met his gaze with a calm expression:

“These days I’ve stayed with Liu Lang and others, yet have not seen him again.”

Had he uncovered the true cause of “Little Path Lord” Hua Ruiyang’s death, and now suspected Song Jinjian?

Shui He did not know.

But his words were true.

These days, though he had been guiding Liu Lang and the disciples of Tianshan, he had also ventured out.

He sought to find Song Jinjian—to ask why he had slain the “Little Path Lord” Hua Ruiyang.

Was it the Cui Family’s intent, or Song Jinjian’s personal grudge?

Chen Yì saw no malice in his words, and after a casual chat, they returned to their residence.

Then Chen Yì sent for Zhang Dabao and Liu Lang.

Shui He noticed his intent, and sat quietly aside, curious to see what he would do.

“Boss, what needs to be done?”

After days apart, Liu Lang’s presence had grown stronger, likely nearing the completion of his sword technique.

His cultivation was also on the verge of breaking into the fourth rank.

But the one who progressed most was Zhang Dabao.

Though Zhang Dabao’s talents in martial arts were not exceptional, Shui He had employed some method, allowing his cultivation to surge in a short time.

His rank had reached the seventh, standing shoulder to shoulder with the other Tianshan disciples.

Chen Yì examined the two, then signaled Liu Lang to steady himself, and turned to Zhang Dabao:

“I recall you once said your master, ‘one finger,’ had left Shu Zhou?”

Zhang Dabao blinked, clearly unprepared for this question about his master’s “one finger.”

After a moment, he nodded: “After I departed, my master left Shu Zhou directly.”

Chen Yì continued: “Did he tell you his destination?”

Zhang Dabao recalled, speaking uncertainly: “Perhaps he said he’d head north to the provincial capitals.”

“My master said he’d always stayed in Shu Zhou; the farthest place he’d ever been was west of Wumen Mountain, near the barbarian lands.

He’d never been to the Capital Prefecture, Bei Zhou, or Meng Zhou, but wished to visit them.”

Chen Yì nodded slightly upon hearing this.

If “one finger” had not concealed the truth from Zhang Dabao, he must have encountered people and events on his journey northward, altering his course.

And the one who could sway “one finger,” an old hand like him, must have been either a longtime friend or someone who paid a high price, leaving him no choice but to comply.

Or perhaps “one finger” himself was already in the employ of Ji Zhou Trading House.

Zhang Dabao noticed his silence, and asked: “Sir, do you intend to have your master rise from retirement?”

Chen Yì shook his head, not answering, then continued: “Do you recall Li Sanyuan?”

Zhang Dabao blinked again, confused: “The sir had me impersonate him before.”

Chen Yì nodded: “I need you to impersonate him again.”

Zhang Dabao’s face brightened instantly: “What should I do? Please, sir, give the order.”

“Li Sanyuan is now imprisoned in Xiao Family’s torture chamber. Tomorrow, you… and Liu Lang, follow Shui He to Xiao Family…”

Upon hearing this, Zhang Dabao and Liu Lang exchanged a glance, both clearly puzzled by his reasoning.

Yet they knew Chen Yì never acted without purpose, and both nodded in agreement.

Only Shuǐhé Tóng had some bewildered questions: "Liu brother, is your plan to let Da Bao... to let me go take a look?" He pointed at himself, his face strange: "I only agreed to help you with three things beforehand." Chen Yi turned his head to look at him, smiled lightly: "Shuǐhé, the matters are all up to Liu Liang and Da Bao. You just stay here and watch." Watch? Shuǐhé Tóng felt a strange sense of being in over his head, like having jumped aboard a bandit's ship and unable to get off. Clearly, Chen Yi's arrangement was rather crude. Liu Liang was to take Li San Yuan away first, then Zhang Da Bao was to replace Li San Yuan, and the plan was very poorly thought out. Not to mention at the Xiao family's place, even within ordinary noble families, it would be hard to do this quietly under everyone's eyes. After all, someone needed to back him up or take over. Shuǐhé Tóng thought about these things, and with a slight sigh of resignation, he nodded: "Well, well, helping someone through to the end, sending the Buddha all the way to the West." "I've already agreed to help you visit the Xiao family, so I'll take responsibility for this matter." It wasn't that he looked down on Liu Liang or Zhang Da Bao, or held the Xiao family in high regard, but because he understood Chen Yi to some extent. The things that a person of such talent would value must have some risks. And the person who could reduce the risks of this matter to the lowest, besides him, there should be no one else. After all, Chen Yi would need to dispel Duke Ding Yuan's suspicions the next day, so he obviously couldn't act. But well... Shuǐhé Tóng was more helpless. To think that one of the owners of Fengyu Lou, a high disciple of Bai Da Sheng, would be directed by others. Fortunately, this person was an ally, which brought him some relief. Chen Yi's schemes had succeeded, though his face remained calm and light, reminding him with a smile, "Since that's the case, Da Bao's safety is in your hands, Shuǐhé Tóng." Shuǐhé Tóng nodded and said, "Just the thing is, I've been curious about what you're planning, so I'd like to see for myself." With his assurance, Zhang Da Bao immediately relaxed. Liu Liang was also a bit excited, his grip on his long blade tightening. However, he didn't talk as much as before. He had been with Chen Yi for a while, so he knew Chen Yi always acted after making plans. He just needed to follow the plan. Just like the night of the summer grain in the three cities being burned. Just like the eradication of the Five Poison Sect and the manipulation of grain prices by the Ji Zhou merchant guild. He believed this time would be no exception. Seeing that it was getting late, Chen Yi gave a few more instructions and then left. Zhang Da Bao, Liu Liang, and Shuǐhé Tóng watched him disappear, each wearing a slight smile. Shuǐhé Tóng looked at them and smiled, asking, "My time in Shu Zhou is still short, and many things are just hearsay. How about you two tell me tonight?" Liu Liang agreed, "What do you want to know?" "Let's start with your boss's matter first..."

Chen Yi left the mansion and didn't head straight back to the Xiao family's place, but went to the Spring Rain Pavilion. Although it was deep into the night, the Spring Rain Pavilion was still filled with revelry, with guests from all over seeking pleasure and enjoyment. Among them were noble lords from wealthy families who had wagered thousands of gold, as well as descendants of famous schools. However, most people in thejianghu looked down upon these noble lords. Even under the same roof, they each spoke their own minds. Those from noble families often boasted about their lineage, while discussing their views on the current situation of the Great Wei dynasty. For example, whether the current emperor's military campaign would be a southern expedition or a northern one. Meanwhile, people in thejianghu naturally talked about the battles between Bai Da Sheng and the 'Snow Sword Prince.'

Chen Yi quietly entered the quiet room on the second floor. After listening at the ear for a while, he heard nothing. He took a look around and noticed that this quiet room in the Spring Rain Pavilion had been made thicker. It was probably because of the many strong fighters in Shu Zhou lately, making the White Tiger Guard and the Bright Moon Pavilion a bit worried. Chen Yi looked around, about to leave, when he saw a man appear at the end of the corridor. He was wearing a bright red robe, his jet-black beautiful hair tied into a bun at the back, with heavy makeup on his face. Even so, it couldn't hide the somewhat rough face. "Are you seeking the gods, worshipping Buddha, or paying respects to ghosts?" The voice was familiar. Ge Lao San? Chen Yi stared at him blankly, almost rubbing his eyes, wanting to wipe away the filth he had just seen. But obviously, Ge Lao San was that kind of disgusting appearance.

Ge Lao San, however, was used to it, walking over with a seductive step. After seeing Chen Yi's appearance, he suddenly said, "Ah, it's Master Liu Wu! I'm sorry, my eyesight is poor." Chen Yi blinked, turned away, took a deep breath to calm the urge to punch him, "Aigei?" "Indeed." Ge Lao San, realizing and wiping the redness on his mouth, laughed and said, "Forgive me, forgive me. There are many people in the Spring Rain Pavilion, so I had to do it out of necessity." "This way, please, this way." Chen Yi shook his head and led him to a quiet room. If Ge Lao San were to find out later that he was Liu Wu, that Liu Wu was him, he wouldn't know what expression to make. Probably... he would be laughing heartily just as he is now... Ge Lao San, as if he were used to it, invited him to sit on a chair, respectfully saying, "The Chi Huo Da Ren and the Jiang Xing Da Ren have all instructed me to treat you as a friend if I meet you." He patted his chest, the sound of his chest thumping, "If you have any orders, just say it." Chen Yi glanced at him and casually asked, "Any progress on Ma Shu Han's matter?"

"Before, when I heard what the female tiger had said, Ma Shuhan had visited Quchi before his death. Do you know if they have discovered the identity of the person he met?"

Ge Lao San's face showed discomfort. "Not yet discovered."

"The white tiger's guards have been mobilizing many iron-flag officials lately, yet no trace of that person has been found. However..."

Ge Lao San paused, then said, "There have been some developments in the mountain clans."

Chen Yi raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Do tell."

"You should know that the 'Han Xiang Bie Dan' is a secret technique of the mountain clans, and few practitioners possess it."

"Besides the Mountain Mother, there are now only twelve people in the Wu Meng Mountains area who understand the method of cultivating and using Han Xiang Bie Dan."

When he came to that point, Ge Lao San's face, which was heavily powdered, showed a hint of seriousness.

"But on the day those people died, all of them were in the Wu Meng Mountains, none had descended from the mountains."

"Is the information certain?"

"Could they have quietly come to the mansion? Could they have slipped into the city?"

Ge Lao San shook his head. "This matter is absolutely true. It was reported to me by the iron-flag officers within the mountain clans after they personally investigated."

Chen Yi suddenly exclaimed, "In that case, there are people outside the mountain clans who can cultivate Han Xiang Bie Dan."

To his surprise, Ge Lao San nodded again, then shook his head. "Yes, but also no."

"You are not aware. There are others besides those in the Wu Meng Mountains who specialize in cultivating Han Xiang Bie Dan."

"For example, the son and daughter-in-law of Mountain Mother. The two of them left Shuzhou eighteen years ago, and their whereabouts are unknown."

Chen Yi furrowed his brow slightly, then smoothed it out. "You suspect them, then?"

I recall that Pei Wanglu mentioned that her parents had gone north when she was very young, and it had been a long time since they returned.

They are said to now be in the northern frontier, and I don't know what they are doing.

Could it be that they have returned?

Or perhaps they have passed on the mountain clans' necromancy and sorcery to others, and been exploited by them?

Ge Lao San leaned back in his chair. "Not only me, but also the Master of Stars has this suspicion."

"But for now, we have not found any traces of that person, so we cannot confirm their true identity."

He then hummed a tune,

"This time, the Sacred Emperor is furious. The Department of State Affairs and the magistrate's office have been in a frenzy, and even we have been questioned by your lordship."

"If we find that person, we will certainly dissect him from head to toe."

Chen Yi nodded thoughtfully, having a general understanding of the current situation.

After thinking it over, he then asked, "Have there been any issues with the people from Cui Family in Qinghe?"

Upon hearing this, Ge Lao San was taken aback. "You... you how... did you know... the Master of Stars told you?"

Chen Yi smiled but said nothing.

Ge Lao San immediately relaxed, looked around, and lowered his voice.

"Those people do have issues."

"Who? What issues?"

"Let me tell you about Song Jin Jian."

"After he arrived in Shuzhou, he only stayed at Ling Rain Pavilion for three days, then disappeared without a trace."

"And the others who accompanied him, though they were all helping the falun family sell grain, plain-sighted people could tell they were not skilled at it."

"The reverse was true for their martial skills..."

After all, Chen Yi listened to the whole thing, but only remembered one thing.

—Song Jin Jian must not be in the Shuzhou mansion anymore.

But if he's not here, where could he be?

To contact the Pudu Kingdom or the barbarian tribes?

If so, who is the one who ordered 'One Finger' to steal Li San Yuan tomorrow?