Chapter 337: Unrest in Wuxing, An Investigative Visit
As night fell.
Lin Tianlu and his group had returned to the inn to rest for a while.
As for gathering information, he would ask the innkeeper later. Having hosted many travelers recently, the innkeeper must have heard a lot.
However—
Lin Tianlu glanced down the corridor and saw a young man and woman, both carrying long swords, entering a guest room. Judging by their attire, they seemed to be martial artists from some sect?
Although he had occasionally seen martial artists along the way, their frequency seemed to have increased since entering Qingyang Province.
—Creak!
The door opposite their room suddenly opened.
Lin Tianlu looked over and saw a mature woman, seemingly in her twenties or thirties, emerge from the room.
He discreetly observed her attire. Her robe and skirt concealed her figure completely, but her figure beneath the loose clothing was voluptuous and graceful. Her hair was styled in a bun with a jade hairpin, and her clothes were adorned with jade ornaments and gold embroidery, clearly indicating a high status.
Although her face was fair and her skin delicate, as if she lived a pampered life, what was most striking was her steady breathing and the vigorous energy flowing through her, clearly possessing extraordinary martial arts skills.
Judging by her martial arts realm, she was probably above the Azure Spirit Realm.
Perhaps, a true martial arts grandmaster.
As their eyes met, the mature woman frowned slightly, seemingly noticing the figures inside the room, and cupped her hands politely: “Since you’re traveling with your wife, young man, it’s best to leave Wuxing City as soon as possible. This place is dangerous recently, you might get caught in the crossfire.”
Lin Tianlu was stunned, he hadn’t expected her to offer such advice.
His thoughts stirring, he quickly returned a humble and gentle smile, cupping his hands: “Thank you for the warning, Miss, I’ll keep it in mind.”
“Miss…?”
The mature woman was slightly surprised, thinking that this young man was as gentle and polite as he appeared, his words making one feel a sense of warmth.
The serious look on her face softened slightly, and she nodded, stepping out of the room and closing the door behind her, turning to leave.
“—This woman’s cultivation is quite impressive, among the strongest of mortals.”
Youluo leaned against the door, crossing her arms and chuckling: “Hearing her words, she clearly knows about the incidents in Wuxing City. Why don’t you go and ask her for more information?”
“That young lady kindly offered me some advice, it wouldn’t be appropriate for me to go and bother her again.”
Lin Tianlu glanced sideways at her and smiled faintly: “Why don’t you stay here tonight, Miss Youluo, and keep Ruoyu and the others company? I’ll go and investigate the situation in the city alone.”
“Are you trying to control my movements now, Master Lin?” Youluo narrowed her eyes and smiled faintly: “Perhaps I want to go out and join in the fun, to see what kind of unknown conflicts and tragedies are happening in this city.”
“Youluo.”
But Lin Tianlu said gently: “Rest for a night and recover. Ruoyu and Yishi also want to get to know you better.”
“…”
Youluo opened her mouth slightly, but the words caught in her throat.
She could only look away with a subtle expression, snorting softly: “Fine. Come back early. If you encounter any trouble, don’t get too involved. I’ll listen to you this time and stay here with your three little wives, lest they be caught up in some scheme.”
“Thank you, Miss Youluo.”
Lin Tianlu smiled, patted her shoulder, and left the room.
After watching him disappear around the corner, Youluo closed the door heavily, a wry smile in her heart.
“This scholar, he’s still worried about my injuries?”
He was being overly cautious.
But—
Looking back at Mao Ruoyu and Cheng Yishi, who were unpacking their luggage, she couldn’t help but chuckle softly.
These girls were all alike, always worrying about others.
“Since we have some free time, how about a cup of tea?”
A slender hand gently took hers, and Yun Yue gracefully led her to the table and sat down.
Youluo sighed softly and then smiled seductively, casually picking up a porcelain cup and turning it in her hand: “You’re quite relaxed, Miss Yun.”
“It’s a pleasure to have a chat with you, Miss Youluo.”
Yun Yue returned a gentle and tranquil smile, pouring tea for both of them.
…
Knock, knock
A soft knock on the wooden counter startled the middle-aged man, who was calculating the accounts. He looked up and saw the person who had come downstairs.
He quickly put on a warm smile: “What can I do for you, sir? Although it’s nighttime, we can still prepare some late-night snacks or dinner, but it probably won’t be as good as those restaurants.”
“I just want to have a chat with you, innkeeper.”
Lin Tianlu cupped his hands and chuckled: “I arrived in Wuxing City yesterday and happened to hear some rumors, so I wanted to ask a local about it.”
“I see.” The innkeeper chuckled: “There has indeed been a lot of unrest in the city recently, many outsiders like you, sir, are curious.”
He casually closed his account book, picked up an oil lamp, walked to a nearby wooden table, and sat down, gesturing generously: “Please join me, sir.”
“Will this… disturb your work, innkeeper?”
“I’ve almost finished calculating today’s accounts, and I have some free time. It would be a pleasure to chat with you, sir.”
The innkeeper skillfully took a pot of sake from the side and poured them each a cup.
Lin Tianlu hadn’t expected the innkeeper to be so hospitable, and he bowed politely before sitting down.
“What kind of rumors have you heard today, sir?”
“I heard that the prefect’s mansion was attacked, and many people were killed.”
Lin Tianlu held his wine cup and mused: “And while strolling through the streets today, I also heard some vendors mention some strange and bizarre murders, the culprits still haven’t been found, becoming unsolved cases.”
“Those rumors… are indeed true.”
The innkeeper’s expression turned serious: “One of the murders happened not far from here, in a residential house. That family had never offended anyone, they were all honest and law-abiding. But the man of the house suddenly screamed in the middle of the night, and when people went to check, they found him dead, seemingly stabbed through the heart.”
“The heart?”
“Yes, that’s why some people suspect that a martial artist is behind it, after all, it’s not easy for an ordinary person to pierce through the chest so easily.”
The innkeeper pondered for a moment and continued: “But among the recent murders, there have also been some strange and gruesome incidents. Someone was found drowned in a well, someone was found with their limbs broken, tortured to death, and even a family of three was found hanged… And with the incident at the prefect’s mansion, everyone in the city is on edge, no one dares to go out after dark.”
He couldn’t help but chuckle self-deprecatingly: “At least I don’t dare to accept guests at night in my inn. I close the doors early, even nailing planks over the windows and doors, in case any thieves sneak in.”
So it was true—
Lin Tianlu rested his chin on his hand, lost in thought.
When he had talked to the merchants in the city today, they had initially been wary and cautious, only relaxing after a bit of conversation. Now it seemed that it was because of these strange murders that had caused such unrest in the city, making people afraid to interact with strangers.
“I’m not trying to alarm you or scare you, sir.” The innkeeper leaned forward and said seriously: “If you have no urgent business, it’s best to leave Wuxing City with your wives as soon as possible. Although the New Year period is usually lively and bustling, the current situation… is just too dangerous. We have to wait for the prefect and the county magistrate to take action.”
“I understand.”
Lin Tianlu smiled and cupped his hands: “Many merchants along the way have given me the same warning, even the travelers I met just now.”
“Hahaha! That proves there are still many kind-hearted people in this world!”
The innkeeper slapped his thigh and laughed heartily, taking a large gulp of wine, and then clicking his tongue: “But as for the prefect and the county magistrate… sigh!”
Lin Tianlu’s heart stirred, and he quickly asked: “Do you know something, innkeeper?”
“Don’t tell anyone about this.”
After receiving his promise, the innkeeper lowered his voice and said: “I heard that the prefect and the county magistrate have a grudge against each other, a blood feud from many years ago. Now that so many people have died in the prefect’s mansion, it might be the county magistrate’s doing.”
A secret act of revenge?
Lin Tianlu was surprised: “If there’s a feud between the prefect and the county magistrate, then what about those innocent people who died tragically…?”
“They’ve attracted ‘evil spirits’!”
Although the innkeeper’s speech was slightly slurred from the alcohol, his tone turned serious: “Someone saw a dark shadow flying around at night in the city these past few days, it didn’t look like an ordinary martial artist… Only demons and ghosts could possess such abilities.”
“But I also heard that these murders are connected to the Zhengyang Prince’s Mansion, I wonder if you know anything about it, innkeeper…”
“Yes, yes, yes! That’s also quite suspicious.” The innkeeper slapped his thigh: “I don’t know where the rumors started, but they say that Hua Shuya, the granddaughter of the Zhengyang Prince who returned after a long absence, is a cruel and ruthless person who has cultivated evil techniques and greatly increased her martial arts skills, requiring human blood sacrifices for her cultivation. And several martial artists in the prefect’s mansion discovered this and were chased and killed, eventually leading the attackers to the prefect’s mansion.”
Lin Tianlu’s frown deepened.
This story…
…was clearly fabricated.
When had Shuya ever learned any demonic techniques? Although she had been taught some Moon Shadow Secret Techniques in Lunar Valley, those were for strengthening the body and refining the spirit, not requiring any blood sacrifices.
But if others heard this, they might believe it.
After all, Shuya’s martial arts skills had indeed improved drastically in the past six months. When they parted ways, her pure martial arts skills were already on par with those of grandmasters. For someone her age, it was indeed “unbelievable.”
Perhaps, he had to go to the prefect’s mansion tonight and investigate.
Lin Tianlu took a sip of sake, his gaze turning serious.
He had to clear Shuya’s name and prevent any further trouble.
…
The night was deep, and Wuxing City was silent.
Only a few watchmen could be seen patrolling the streets.
And in a small alley, Lin Tianlu’s figure quietly appeared.
He took out a wine-stained map from his sleeve, studied it for a moment, and confirmed that the mansion not far away was the prefect’s private residence.
Although there were no guards at the grand and imposing gate, Lin Tianlu glanced around and couldn’t help but smile with interest: “There are a few martial artists lurking in the shadows.”
It seemed that quite a few things had happened at the prefect’s mansion, even the guards were specially hired.
But if they were ordinary martial artists, if they truly encountered a powerful enemy—
“Hmm?”
Lin Tianlu suddenly exclaimed softly, looking curiously towards the end of the street.
A blurry and indistinct figure gradually appeared, looking strangely out of place on the quiet and deserted street.
“Dressed in white, not a watchman, and… with Yin energy.”
Hum—
As he wondered, the blurry figure flickered and moved swiftly, appearing in front of the prefect’s mansion in just a few breaths.
“Truly a demon or ghost!”
Lin Tianlu’s gaze narrowed as he glanced at where the martial artists were hiding.
If those martial artists noticed and attacked, they would surely be in danger!
“I have to act first, to avoid any unnecessary casualties.”
Lin Tianlu quickly gathered spiritual energy in his palm, about to intervene.
But at this moment, he suddenly stopped, a look of shock appearing on his face: “H-How…”
After the white-clothed demon appeared, the martial artists lurking nearby didn’t try to stop it at all. One of them even appeared, bowed respectfully, and slowly opened the gate of the prefect’s mansion, letting the demon enter without any hesitation.
There was no conflict between them at all.
After the gate was closed again, the martial artist quickly leaped onto the roof of the opposite house and hid.
“The prefect and this demon… are working together?”
Lin Tianlu narrowed his eyes and mused: “At least, those martial artists are acquainted with this demon.”
They hadn’t shown any emotional fluctuations, used any techniques, or even exchanged any words when they met, which proved that they already “knew” each other.
In that case, the murders in the prefect’s mansion…
…were quite suspicious.
“You, you’re that scholar from the inn!”
A surprised voice suddenly came from the alley behind him.
Lin Tianlu turned around and saw a woman dressed in black, seemingly for a night mission, jump down silently from the roof and quickly approach him: “Why are you here?!”
This woman, was she the female grandmaster he had met at the inn?
But dressed in this tight-fitting black outfit, she looked quite different from before.
“I—”
“Tsk! Don’t talk, let’s leave first!”
Before Lin Tianlu could speak, the woman grabbed his wrist and started running.
…
After running for a while, away from the prefect’s mansion, the mature woman finally released his hand and snorted softly: “This distance should be enough…
I thought you were a gentle and refined scholar, but it seems your identity is a bit suspicious.”
She placed a sheathed sword on his shoulder.
The mature woman’s action was clearly a threat, and she narrowed her eyes, saying in a deep voice: “Tell me, why were you sneaking around the prefect’s mansion?”
Her expression and tone were cold, and although her figure beneath the black clothes was curvaceous and alluring, this intimidating aura made her lose her mature charm.
Lin Tianlu forced a wry smile and cupped his hands: “I was just curious about the strange murders in the prefect’s mansion and couldn’t help but come and take a look. But I saw no one guarding the gate, so I just stood there and pondered for a while.”
“Curious?” The mature woman’s face showed a hint of displeasure, and she sheathed her sword, saying coldly: “This matter is dangerous and unpredictable, it’s incredibly risky for you to be here alone at night. Return to your inn quickly before the patrol notices you and don’t wander around carelessly!
If you lose your life because of your curiosity, what will your female companions do?”
Hearing this, Lin Tianlu sighed inwardly. Although this woman was a stranger and her personality a bit cold, she was kind-hearted.
Thinking of this, he quickly cupped his hands and explained: “Please rest assured, Miss, although I’m a scholar, I do know some self-defense techniques. And I came here specifically to investigate the truth, leaving now would be giving up halfway.”
“You… Fine!”
The mature woman’s expression darkened slightly, but she didn’t say anything more, turning to leave with her sword on her back.
But Lin Tianlu quickly continued: “Why did you suddenly appear here tonight, Miss? Is it related to the murders in the prefect’s mansion?”
“…So what if it is?”
“We have the same goal, perhaps we can exchange information and help each other.”
Lin Tianlu smiled and cupped his hands, saying calmly: “Do you know anything about the incident at the prefect’s mansion, Miss? I just saw a mysterious person enter, their behavior quite suspicious, but I don’t know their relationship with the prefect.”
“Someone entered?”
The mature woman’s gaze turned sharp, and she instantly disappeared.
Lin Tianlu was stunned, watching her nimbly leap onto the rooftops and run away, and he scratched his head awkwardly.
She didn’t even give him face, leaving so decisively.
“Forget it, I’ll just go inside and have a look myself.”
…
Candles flickered dimly in the luxurious and antique main hall, adorned with exquisite jade ornaments, calligraphy, and paintings. Velvet carpets covered the floor, and the rosewood tables and chairs gleamed, a scene of extravagance.
Several figures sat in the spacious hall, four middle-aged men and a white-bearded old man who seemed to be over sixty, all dressed in fine robes and cloaks, adorned with gold and jade accessories, clearly people of high status and wealth.
The weathered old man leading the way played with a few iron balls in his hand and suddenly broke the silence: “A year has passed, Niu Yunjun, have you completed the task we entrusted to you?”
“This—”
One of the middle-aged men sitting below wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, his expression humble and fearful as he cupped his hands: “Old Master Kong, we’re naturally working on the task you assigned. It was progressing smoothly, but some incidents occurred in the city recently, even attacks on the mansion, that’s why…”
“I have no interest in your excuses.”
The old man glanced at him coldly, an invisible pressure emanating from him: “Since you failed, you must pay the price. After all, it’s thanks to our protection that you’re sitting in the prefect’s seat, and now you can’t even complete a simple task, what use are you?”
“Old Master Kong, please spare my life!”
Niu Yunjun quickly knelt down and kowtowed: “But someone is deliberately interfering, we’re outmatched and can’t act freely, that’s why we’ve been constantly hindered!”
“Heh! You have quite a few excuses.”
The old man’s gaze turned even colder, his voice sinister: “But I’ll show mercy this time and let you keep your position as prefect for a while longer, I’ll even provide you with more manpower.
But you must make that meddler pay the price for defying the Luo Xing.”
Niu Yunjun’s face immediately lit up with joy, and he repeatedly expressed his gratitude.
“Thank you for your kindness, Old Master Kong!”
“Master Niu is truly trusted by Old Master Kong.”
Another man grinned, swirling the tea in his cup with interest: “Failing repeatedly, yet still managing to survive. I wonder if you can handle this matter.”
“Chen Jiyang, you have no right to speak here!” Niu Yunjun glared at him and shouted: “I’m the one trusted by Old Master Kong, I’m the one in charge of Wuxing City!”
“You’re right, Master Niu.”
Chen Jiyang drained his teacup and grinned: “However, the martial arts experts guarding the perimeter are all trained by me, and I’ve even invited a powerful expert to help us today. You better watch your words, Master Niu.”
As soon as he finished speaking, a pale figure suddenly appeared in the hall, a handsome man with white hair.
Just a slight release of his aura made the air in the hall turn cold, making even Niu Yunjun, who had just stood up, change his expression and take a few steps back hesitantly: “This is…”
“‘White Ghost of Mount E,’ Li Xintong.”
“I see, you do have some connections, boy.”
The old man sitting in the main seat exclaimed in admiration, cupping his hands towards Li Xintong: “I’ve also heard of the White Ghost of Mount E, I didn’t expect to meet you here.”
“Kong Jinwei of the Luo Xing, I’ve heard of your great name.”
The White Ghost of Mount E nodded indifferently: “I came here at my disciple’s request, hoping for our cooperation.”
“Naturally.”
Kong Jinwei spun the iron balls in his hand and said in a deep voice: “With the recent changes in Qingcheng, we, the Luo Xing, need your help, it will increase our chances of success.
But before we go to Qingcheng, we have to deal with the trouble here first, to prevent those insignificant villains from causing trouble in our territory.”
The White Ghost of Mount E said indifferently: “Is it that woman named Hua Shuya who is causing trouble in the county?”
“Please forgive me, Master, I haven’t explained it clearly to you yet.” Chen Jiyang stood up and smiled: “That Hua Shuya is the Zhengyang Prince’s granddaughter, her status isn’t low. And we can use her name to frame her and ruin her reputation, turning her into a pariah in Qingyang Province.”
“What’s the point of that?”
“Heh heh, these are orders from ‘above,’ we’re just following them. Besides, with a scapegoat, our actions will be much smoother.”
“Indeed.” Kong Jinwei said in a deep voice: “That Hua Shuya is already an ‘abandoned pawn,’ use her name as you see fit.”
The White Ghost of Mount E was about to speak again when his expression suddenly turned serious. He waved his sleeve, and a cup of tea flew towards the roof of the hall, transforming into a streak of light.
Discovered?
Lin Tianlu, who had been leaning against a beam on the roof, raised an eyebrow and turned his head slightly.
The fragile teacup pierced through the roof, shattering into pieces.
At the same time, a figure jumped down and landed in front of the main hall, drawing their sword, their aura surging, a sword stance forming.
“—Eh?”
Lin Tianlu looked at the figure and paused slightly.
Although this woman’s face was covered by a veil, her sword hadn’t changed, and he recognized her immediately.
So it wasn’t him who had been discovered, but this woman who had secretly snuck onto the roof?
However…
He vaguely sensed another aura appearing outside the courtyard.
Were there a bit too many people sneaking around tonight?
