Chapter 400: Once Entering the Public Court, It's as Bitter as the Sea (Requesting Monthly Tickets)

Chapter 400: Entering the Court Is as Bitter as the Sea (Seeking Monthly Votes)

In the eyes of Chen Yitou,

Chen Yunfan’s breath carried no less vigor than that of the three-tier cultivator dressed as a wealthy young master moments before.

His cultivation had not only advanced but his sword techniques had also reached the stage of completion.

Chen Yitou cast a lingering glance, muttering to himself: “How peculiar… brother, why has he not concealed his cultivation again?”

He knew well that Chen Yunfan had also cultivated the *Xuanwu Quanxi Jue* and had achieved a high level of mastery; he could easily suppress his true strength.

Yet now he stood so brazenly exposed… such an aberration.

Could it be that after receiving the Emperor’s decree, he had undergone some transformation?

Chen Yitou pondered this, then patted Pan Yinfu’s shoulder, leading her toward Chen Yunfan’s location.

At that moment, Chen Yunfan stood proudly before the Governor’s Office, draped in a crimson official’s robe, hands resting on his jade belt, surveying the martial world with a haughty air.

As Chen Yitou had suspected, Chen Yunfan was indeed deliberately displaying his cultivation and techniques.

Not for any other reason.

He merely wished to test whether he could attract the attention of two Land Immortals, securing the right to observe the forthcoming battle.

If he could draw the notice of some of these celestial talents capable of attending, that would suffice.

“I loathe those stubborn old souls clinging to Chen’s old ways,” he muttered.

“As a senior, you still hoard your old implements… how despicable.”

Chen Yunfan did not wish to resort to such measures.

Yet those scoundrels’ exchanges were harder to approach than the imperial palace itself.

Without the endorsement of the two Land Immortals, no celestial talent could gain entry.

Land Immortals were no ordinary cultivators; they could be approached in any manner one chose.

Beneath the veil of Heaven and Earth, others standing nearby could not perceive a thing.

Had it not been for this, Chen Yunfan would not have resorted to such a tactic.

Beside him, Li Huizhou, unaware of his thoughts, whispered softly: “The Great Marshal’s envoy sent another dispatch yesterday, demanding we swiftly uncover the cause of Ma Xuezhi’s death and apprehend the killer of his kin.”

Chen Yunfan glanced around at the martial figures in the vicinity, dismissing it with a wave: “If he seeks answers, he can seek them himself. I have no interest in catering to him.”

“…Brother Yunfan, he is the Deputy Director of the Civil Affairs Office after all.”

“Deputy Director? I care not for such a post. What’s a Deputy Director to me?”

Li Huizhou sighed, his eyes weary: “I know your family’s stature, Master Fan respects you, but…”

Chen Yunfan raised a hand to halt him: “Don’t worry. I’ll ensure Ma Shuhuan’s killer meets justice.”

Li Huizhou’s face grew even more haggard, the lines around his handsome features deepening a decade or more.

He cleared his throat, hesitating, then ventured: “Subordinate dare ask, can Chen Zhupu devise a way to shield me from Master Fan’s wrath?”

“A way…”

Chen Yunfan’s eye caught sight of a familiar figure approaching, his head snapping upward.

“Ah, Yunfei, what brings you here today?”

“Why, aren’t you usually confined to your garden, never venturing out?”

As he spoke, he suppressed his energy.

Li Huizhou, following his gaze, bowed respectfully: “Lightboat Brother, Mistress Pei.”

Chen Yitou bowed in return, smiling: “Today, there are matters at the Pharmacy Hall needing arranging.”

He studied Chen Yunfan, then remarked: “Indeed, brother, your daily routines have surprised me these days.”

Upon hearing this, Chen Yunfan straightened his spine, resignedly saying: “It’s because Father has been dispatched to patrol the borders.”

“You need not be reminded—I know. My maid and Loyal Uncle have repeatedly urged me to stay put, lest Father scold me further.”

Chen Yitou understood this well. After a moment, he asked: “When did he depart for the borders?”

“Some time ago, he left the capital. Now he’s inspecting the water forces in Jinling. He’ll likely head to the Guang and Yue territories by month’s end.”

“Ah…”

Chen Yitou calculated the days. By the end of next month, Chen Yuanji would arrive in Shu Prefecture.

In all likelihood, it would be less than a fortnight.

Chen Yuanji…

One of the nine court officials…

Chen Yitou had long intended to pay him a visit.

Beyond his current status, he wished to probe this ninth court official’s capabilities.

Through him, he could roughly gauge the prowess of the current Grand Tutor, Cui Mei.

After all, the nine court officials were merely divided among different posts, their ranks equal; their abilities should not differ greatly.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries,

Chen Yunfan glanced at Chen Yitou and said: “Yunfei, today is the day of the White Grandmaster and the Snow Sword Ancestor. You…”

“Would you like to go observe?”

Chen Yitou arched an eyebrow, inquiring: “Brother, are you interested?”

“If I may go, I’d be delighted to see it.”

Chen Yunfan snorted: “Only the two old fogeys are so rigid. Without their blessing, one cannot even approach.”

He looked at Chen Yitou, thinking that with his abilities, he should be qualified to witness those two elders’ duel.

Alas, he could not reveal a scrap of this knowledge.

Otherwise, Chen Yitou would surely deduce he had learned of his identity.

Chen Yitou fell silent, then chuckled softly: “I thought you weren’t one for such martial affairs, brother.”

Chen Yunfan shook his head: “Not that I dislike it, but gathering for a bit of amusement isn’t unheard of.”

His reason for wanting to observe the battle was to study the *Snow Sword Ancestor* Ye Lu.

As a fellow swordsman, there were bound to be lessons to learn.

Even if he couldn’t attain enlightenment, picking up some minor techniques would suffice.

Ultimately, it was the pressure from Chen Yitou that drove him.

Though his cultivation had now surpassed the three-tier realm, and his sword path had successfully entered the stage of completion,

the shadow of Chen Yitou’s expectations loomed large.

Yet compared to Chen Yi, he still had no sure chance of victory. He could only seize every opportunity, hoping to soon catch up with or surpass Chen Yi. Chen Yunfan thought these things, and in a calm voice said, "If it's for the sake of our elder brother, I'll go watch the match and definitely take Yi Ti to see the world." Chen Yi smiled and nodded, "Then I'll wait for good news." They joked a few words. Chen Yi bid them farewell and led Pei Wanglu to the East Market. Li Huaiyu watched them go in the distance, not without envious admiration, saying, "Brother Qingzhou still lives so freely." "Not like us, who are always running about." Chen Yunfan shook his head, "Yi Ti may seem free and easy on the surface, but he's not really at ease." Li Huaiyu looked at him in surprise, "How so?" Chen Yunfan didn't explain further, letting out a breath, looking at the past travelers. Li Huaiyu didn't ask further, just said, "Yunfan, you still need to figure something out with Master Fan..." "I'll go to the Judicial Investigations Office and hope for progress with Judge Han." Chen Yunfan waved his hand, saying, "Go ahead then." After Li Huaiyu left, he was about to find a teahouse to sit in, when his ears perked up. He could faintly hear some people talking. "……Sister, if you take me along tonight, I promise I'll be good." "No way." "Although those who qualify can go with companions, those who are allowed to watch the match are exceptionally talented. If you go, you might make some people unhappy." "……Sister, you're saying I'm not talented enough?" "No, no…" Chen Yunfan suddenly had a bright idea, "Found it." He immediately mixed into the crowd and headed towards them. This time he had to check out those two old folks' fight. If he could learn a move or two, maybe he could catch up with Chen Yi sooner. But obviously, Chen Yunfan boldly approached them, and others wouldn't let him join. Chen Yunfan wasted his time and went back to the Ministry of Justice office. "That woman is truly unreasonable." "I'm also exceptionally talented. Why can't you take me along?" "After all…" Chen Yunfan thinking of that Baihuagou disciple's suspicious look, he was really annoyed. "I don't believe it, I…" This time, a voice with a hint of a smile came, "This gentleman, shall I have a look for you?" Chen Yunfan turned his head and saw a fortune-teller with a not particularly impressive appearance. He was about to refuse, but remembering Bai Da Xian's peculiar habit, he nodded. "Come, let me have a look for you." The fortune-teller, no, Bai Da Xian, with a relieved smile, extended his hand: "I only read one per day, the price is not low." Chen Yunfan immediately lost hope, asking listlessly, "How much?" "One tael." "Give it here." Bai Da Xian took the silver, smiling, "What would you like me to read for you?" Chen Yunfan casually said, "Read when I'll be free and easy." Bai Da Xian's eyelid twitched, examining him: "Looking at your clothes, you're a fourth-rank official, why want to be free?" "In the court, sorrow is like the sea, I really find it tedious." So that's it. Bai Da Xian stared deeply, his fingers counting, thinking: "Strange. This noble purple qi and noble rank has been altered. Who did this?" He secretly frowned, but said, "If you want to be free, just take off your official robes." Chen Yunfan smiled, "This old man is interesting, doesn't he know that?" "Go on, don't block me." Bai Da Xian looked at him, "You don't want to see tonight's match?" "Want to, I…" Chen Yunfan paused, turned to look, "You… you are…" "I'm Bai Da Xian, young master. If you're free, before the hour of Hai, go observe by the Xi Shui River in the west of the city." Bai Da Xian smiled and left, stepping out and disappearing. Chen Yunfan stared at where he had been, then slowly came to. "Damn these senior experts, always popping up out of nowhere. Though… they do have good eyes, haha…"…… Chen Yi didn't know about Chen Yunfan's situation or his real reason for wanting to watch the match. He led Pei Wanglu to the Jingyi Teahouse, not planning to stay long. But upon meeting Yuan Liu'er, he was a bit surprised. "That old man really said that?" Yuan Liu'er nodded, "Master, he really did say that." Chen Yi was at a loss. He could understand Bai Da Xian's intention to take Yuan Liu'er as a disciple, but saying he'd teach her to be bad was a bit excessive. "Yuan Liu'er saw him silent, slightly nervous: 'Master, did I say something wrong?'" Chen Yi waved his hand, "It's none of your concern." "Then… Master, did that senior figure go find you?" Seeing Yuan Liu'er's careful manner, Chen Yi's face showed some smiles.

"Pay him no mind."

"Though he did say one thing right—you really ought to go and join in the excitement tonight."

After a brief pause, he continued, "Go to the Baicao Hall before the hour of the Dog tonight and find Zhang Dabao. Have him disguise your face."

Hearing this, Yuan Liu'er nodded with practiced docility. "Liu'er will remember."

Chen Yi gave a soft grunt of assent, glanced left and right, and led Pei Guanli out of the Jishi Pharmacy.

By now, the rain had grown somewhat heavier.

Amid the driving wind and sudden downpour, the travelers upon the road were far fewer than before.

Consequently, there were no longer so many people pointing fingers at him.

Chen Yi enjoyed the peace, exchanging a few jests with Pei Guanli from time to time.

Pei Guanli, however, seemed rather despondent; no matter how he coaxed her, not a sliver of a smile graced her face.

After a long moment.

Only then did Pei Guanli pout and ask, "Brother-in-law, why won't you take me along?"

Chen Yi burst into a helpless laugh, pointing a finger at her as he smiled. "This attire of yours, and your aura, they are far too distinct. It would be difficult to avoid recognition."

He had considered bringing the fierce young girl along to witness the spectacle.

But upon reflection, it was truly inconvenient.

For one, her martial prowess was indeed modest, making any harvest unlikely.

For another, if she were to appear by his side out there, it could hardly be guaranteed that those with ulterior motives wouldn't notice.

Hearing this, Pei Guanli puckered her lips, but then her face blossomed once more into a smile as she said:

"Then when you return, Brother-in-law, you must remember to tell me all about it."

"Of course."

"And one more thing, about the ten-year pact I made with little Wu Ge this morning—you mustn't play favorites."

"Very well..."

The pattering of the rain drowned out their voices, striking with a steady rhythm.

Before long.

Having completed his disguise in a residence by the edge of the Quji Pond, Chen Yi and Pei Guanli sought out the encampment of the Mountain Clan.

Pei Qian had already been waiting there for a long time.

Upon seeing the two, Pei Qian’s countenance turned grave, showing no exception even toward Pei Guanli.

"Little Sister, take Yanni out for a stroll first. I have some matters I wish to discuss with Senior Liu Wu in private."

Pei Guanli looked at him, then glanced at Chen Yi.

Seeing Chen Yi nod, she finally smiled and found Lan Yanni, skipping merrily out of the residence.

Once the two had departed.

Pei Qian escorted Chen Yi into the inner hall, shutting the doors and windows behind him with immense caution.

Chen Yi had a fair inkling of what he intended to say, so he calmly seated himself upon a chair.

Only after ensuring everything was secure did Pei Qian turn his gaze toward him.

A silence fell for a moment.

Pei Qian asked in a low, heavy voice, "Grandmother said that you, Senior, know the identity of the murderer who slaughtered Magistrate Ma's family?"

Chen Yi was slightly surprised. "How did Granny Mountain come to know this?"

"A few days ago, five hundred li east of the city."

"Third Granduncle went there in person to investigate. Upon his return, he said that place... that place bore the aura of the Yan Sheng sorcery. I wonder, I wonder..."

Seeing Pei Qian’s expression—one of desperate curiosity mixed with dread—Chen Yi fell into a brief silence before finally nodding.

"I do indeed know his identity."

"I beg you to tell me the truth, Senior."

"Your suspicions are correct."

Pei Qian froze upon hearing this, and once the realization struck, he rose to his feet in agitation:

"My—my father and mother are clearly over in Beimang, how could they, how could he have returned?"

"Even if he truly returned, he should have come back to the clan. How could he possibly go and murder Ma Shuhan’s entire family, as well as Hua Huiyang of the Wudang Mountains?"

"There must be a misunderstanding in this!"

Chen Yi let out a sigh. "He is indeed Pei Yonglin."

"Impossible!"

"My father, my father..."

"If you wish to know the truth, follow me."

"But remember, this matter must be kept from Guanli for the time being."

"Understood..."

(End of Chapter)