“Xiao You,” Wenren Qi said solemnly, “After your master was killed this time, there were rumors in the martial arts world that the long-lost ‘Blood Evil Manual’ was on him, but no one found it. Later, someone spread the rumor that your master gave you the ‘Blood Evil Manual’.”
"The Blood Evil Manual? What is that? It sounds really sinister." Qin Xiaoyou rested her chin on her hand, looking very curious.
"It was actually a chess manual. I don't know why it was passed down to become a peerless martial arts manual." Wenren Qi looked puzzled.
"How did you know it was a chess manual?" Qin Xiaoyou asked curiously. Zui Linglong nudged her waist with her elbow and said, "Have you forgotten who this rogue—no, wait, have you forgotten who Young Master Wenren is? There's nothing in this world that his establishment can't find out." Qin Xiaoyou nodded, looking at Wenren Qi with some admiration. Knowing so many secrets and still alive—truly impressive. "However," she thought for a moment and asked, "since you know it's a chess manual, why don't you say so? That way, you can avoid a bloodbath in the martial arts world over such a trivial matter."
Zui Linglong reached out and tapped Qin Xiaoyou on the head. "Hey, where did all your cleverness go? Isn't it obvious someone's trying to stir up trouble and cause a commotion? Besides, those people in the martial arts world are extremely suspicious. If they hadn't seen it with their own eyes, they would never believe that the 'Blood Evil Manual,' which they've been obsessed with for so many years, is just a chess manual. At this sensitive time when everyone is inquiring about the 'Blood Evil Manual,' if Chunfeng Yidu Tower were to come forward and say that there's no martial arts manual at all, just a chess manual, it would probably bring about their own demise. At that time, everyone might think that the 'Blood Evil Manual' is in Wenren Gongzi's hands, and waves of people would come to snatch it."
Wenren Qi nodded approvingly, a little surprised. He hadn't expected that Zui Linglong, who looked so gentle, weak, and innocent, could analyze problems so accurately. Having guessed Wenren Qi's thoughts, Zui Linglong proudly raised her chin. "That's right! Back in the day, my forte was reasoning and analysis. If my family hadn't forced me to study finance in college, I'd probably be an excellent criminal investigator by now."
After a moment of silence, Qin Xiaoyou asked a question that had been bothering her for a while: "I said it's just a chess manual, why give it such a strange name? It doesn't sound like a normal chess manual at all."
Wenren Qi said awkwardly, "For the sake of sounding good."
Upon hearing this, Qin Xiaoyou and Zui Linglong both gasped in shock, thinking to themselves, "Who is this person with such a twisted sense of humor? Is the martial arts world not chaotic enough already?"
Chapter 37, The Terrible Blood Evil Manual
After a pause, Wenren Qi added, "Also, for fun."
Qin Xiaoyou was curious. She thought it was amazing that they could even find out why the chess manual was named "Spring Breeze Pavilion." She wondered if they would dig up her and Zui Linglong's backgrounds and burn them as monsters. Thinking of this, Qin Xiaoyou glanced at Zui Linglong uneasily. Zui Linglong looked confused and muttered to herself, "There's no reason for that. How could they find out even this?"
Hearing Zui Linglong's self-talk, Wenren Qi said embarrassedly, "I know so much because my maternal grandfather gave me this name, and he also wrote the chess manual."
As soon as she finished speaking, Qin Xiaoyou and Zui Linglong gave her an "I see" look, but then Qin Xiaoyou asked, "Since this chess manual belongs to your maternal grandfather, why would someone say it's with my master?"
“This matter is actually quite simple,” Wenren said after taking a sip of tea. “Your master, Kongkongzi, is a chess fanatic, and the chess manuals that my grandfather made record all sorts of difficult endgames. Once, after your master saw the manuals, he begged and pleaded with my grandfather for a month to give them to him.”
Upon hearing this, Qin Xiaoyou really wanted to turn her face away and pretend she didn't know Kongkongzi. She suddenly felt so ashamed to have such a master. "However, there's something I find strange." Wenren Qi's change of topic successfully drew the attention of Zui Linglong and Qin Xiaoyou, who seemed lost in thought. "Besides me, my grandfather, and your master, no one else should know about the existence of the 'Blood Evil Manual.' How could it suddenly and inexplicably become a martial arts manual?"
“There is indeed a problem,” Qin Xiaoyou nodded, resting her chin on her hand.
Suddenly, Zui Linglong, who had been quiet for a long time, spoke up: "I'm saying you came all this way to the capital, probably not just to tell Xiaoyou that her master has passed away. You have plenty of people under you to deliver messages, you didn't need to come all the way here yourself."
Wenren Qi nodded: "Miss Linglong is indeed very perceptive. I didn't come here just to talk about this one thing. You remember what I said before, that no one found the 'Blood Evil Manual' on Kongkongzi, right?" Zui Linglong and Qin Xiaoyou nodded in unison, indicating that they remembered. Wenren Qi continued: "The trouble lies here, because the martial arts world who rushed there after hearing the news found nothing. At first, some people suspected that the 'Blood Evil Manual' had been embezzled by the people of Yucheng Manor, but they searched Yucheng Manor from top to bottom and still couldn't find it. Later, someone said that Kongkongzi probably passed the 'Blood Evil Manual' to his disciple. Now, the whole martial arts world is searching for your whereabouts."
After hearing this, Qin Xiaoyou took a step back in fear and asked, "Then wouldn't I be in great danger?"
Wenren Qi shook his head: "It's alright now. Although everyone in the martial arts world knows that Kongkongzi has a disciple, no one knows who his disciple is, not even whether he is tall or short, male or female, fat or thin."
"That's good, that's good, I can rest assured now." Qin Xiaoyou patted her chest and took a sip of tea to calm herself down.
Before she could even swallow her tea, Zui Linglong's words nearly choked Qin Xiaoyou to death. Zui Linglong said, "We can't relax yet. Since someone so confidently said that the 'Blood Evil Manual' is on you, that person must also be very confident in finding out your identity. So, you're still not completely safe."
Wenren Qi looked at Zui Linglong with a hint of admiration in his eyes. Zui Linglong blushed and coughed awkwardly twice. Qin Xiaoyou looked up at the sky speechlessly, "I said we're still discussing my life and death in my room right now. If you two want to flirt and exchange sweet nothings, wait until we get out of here."
Wenren Qi smiled and said, "Okay." Zui Linglong glared at him, "Who was flirting with that hooligan?" Qin Xiaoyou spread her hands, "Still saying no?" Zui Linglong was about to explain when Wenren Qi interrupted, "Let's get back to business. What Miss Linglong just said is exactly what I was worried about, but there's another possibility that I'm even more worried about."
"What's possible?" Qin Xiaoyou wondered to herself what she had done wrong that made her so unlucky. Not only did she fail to woo any handsome men, but she also inadvertently brought about her own demise.
Wenren Qi said with a serious expression, "I'm worried that the person who spread this rumor has already found out Xiao You's identity, so they deliberately spread the news that the Blood Evil Manual is on Kong Kongzi's disciple. This way, everyone will have to search everywhere for Xiao You's identity and whereabouts. After Xiao You hears that her master has been murdered, she will definitely go to Yucheng Manor for the funeral. In this way, that person can take advantage of the situation and secretly attack Xiao You on the way. Even if someone finds out Xiao You's identity later, they won't be able to find her. Then those people will still think that the Blood Evil Manual is on Xiao You, and no one will guess that it has actually been taken by someone else first."
"But I don't have any 'Blood Evil Manual'," Qin Xiaoyou said with a troubled expression.
“I know you don’t.” Wenren Qi’s words were quite surprising. Zui Linglong and Qin Xiaoyou looked at him in astonishment and asked, “How can you be so sure?”
Wenren Qi smiled mysteriously: "It was your master who told me."
"Wow, my master appeared in your dream? Master, you can rest in peace now. I will find the person who killed you and avenge you. If you have anything you want to tell me, just appear in Wenren Brother's dream. I'm timid, so please don't come looking for me." As she spoke, Qin Xiaoyou got up and bowed to all four directions.
Wenren Qi looked at Qin Xiaoyou speechlessly and said, "Your master isn't dead."
"What? He's not dead? But didn't you say you came to tell me about my master's death?" Qin Xiaoyou felt a little confused; what was going on here?
Wenren Qi looked up at the sky: "Uh, really? I didn't tell you? Ah, maybe I was too tired and forgot. Never mind, this matter can't be explained in a few words. Let your master explain it to you when we get to Yucheng Manor. I don't know the specifics either. By the way, you two should get some rest tonight. We'll set off early tomorrow morning. Miss Linglong, I'll have to trouble you to take good care of Xiaoyou."
Zui Linglong laughed and said, "Why are you being so polite to me? Xiao You is my only family in this world. I will take good care of her without you having to tell me."
Wenren Qi cupped his hands and said, "Thank you very much. I will go out now to arrange the carriages. We will set off before dawn tomorrow. Farewell."
Watching the two exchange questions and answers so smoothly, Qin Xiaoyou's cheeks ached from biting so hard. Wenren Qi was clearly doing this on purpose; he hadn't forgotten at all. Humph, what a petty man! It seems he's still holding a grudge against her for sneaking away earlier.
Seeing Wenren Qi leave, Zui Linglong turned to discuss with Qin Xiaoyou the credibility of Wenren Qi's words, only to find Qin Xiaoyou making faces at Wenren Qi's retreating figure. Zui Linglong asked curiously, "Xiaoyou, what are you doing?"
Qin Xiaoyou rubbed her face, sighing as she explained what had happened. In the end, Zui Linglong laughed until her stomach hurt, repeatedly saying, "I never thought that seemingly cold and aloof rogue could actually be so wicked."
Seeing that Zui Linglong not only didn't help her, but was also laughing so hard, Qin Xiaoyou grumbled unhappily, "As expected, like attracts like. You two even have such similar quirks. It's a pity you're not a good match."
Zui Linglong stopped laughing, straightened her expression, and said seriously, "Alright, Xiao You, let's get serious. How credible do you think his words are?"
Qin Xiaoyou stroked her chin and thought for a moment: "**It's probably very close."
Zui Linglong nodded: "I also think he doesn't seem like he's lying."
Qin Xiaoyou teased her: "Oh, you trust Brother Wenren so much. It's true that everything is good in the eyes of a lover."
Zui Linglong glanced at her helplessly: "When I was in college, I had a double degree in finance and psychology, and I also have a license to practice as a psychological counselor. While I wouldn't say I'm an expert in psychology, I can usually tell if someone is lying. If what he said before was all false, then I have no choice but to admit defeat. This proves that he is very cunning, and the two of us combined are no match for him. Even if we know he has ill intentions, we can only surrender."
"Really? You even study psychology? So, can you tell how much Wenren-gege likes you?" Zui Linglong went on and on, but Qin Xiaoyou's focus was entirely on this. Zui Linglong was a little annoyed and chased after her, saying she wanted to tickle her. Qin Xiaoyou quickly apologized and hid on the bed. They didn't fall asleep until well past midnight.
Chapter 38, Early Morning Departure
The next day, Qin Xiaoyou and Zui Linglong were woken up before dawn. Once in the carriage, Qin Xiaoyou realized she hadn't told Ren Dong she was going out. She struggled to get off, but Wenren Qi, who had caught up on horseback, quickly pushed her back into the carriage and casually said, "Ren Dong and Qin Wu, I have some other things to ask them to do. They'll meet us at Yucheng Manor." This successfully quieted Qin Xiaoyou down.
After the carriage had traveled for a while, Xiao Feng brought them breakfast. Two bowls of porridge and a few light side dishes looked quite appetizing. Qin Xiaoyou ate while teasing Zui Linglong with a smile, "Brother Wenren is quite attentive to you, he even knows what you like to eat." Although Zui Linglong didn't show it on her face, she was a little unhappy. She guessed that Wenren Qi had secretly investigated her, otherwise how could he know her tastes so clearly? Thinking about the powerful intelligence-gathering capabilities of Chunfeng Yidu Tower, Zui Linglong felt as if she had been stripped naked and displayed to others.
After dinner, it was still early, so Qin Xiaoyou lifted the curtains and looked outside. She was the type of person who wouldn't get up until late morning, so this was the first time she'd ever seen the sky so close to dawn. Taking a deep breath of fresh air, Qin Xiaoyou silently sighed, "The air in ancient times is so good!" She touched her face; even her skin looked so much better, so soft and supple—something she'd always dreamed of in her past life.
While gazing at the scenery, Qin Xiaoyou loudly shouted at the window, but Zui Linglong seemed lost in thought, completely ignoring the noisy Qin Xiaoyou. After looking at the scenery for a while, Qin Xiaoyou got tired of it and turned to bother Zui Linglong.
Qin Xiaoyou mysteriously approached Zui Linglong, nudged her waist, and asked with a gossipy look, "Sister Linglong, when did you and Wenren Qi meet?"
Zui Linglong glanced at her, thought for a moment, frowned and said, "I forgot, it's been a long time anyway."
"So how did you two meet?" Qin Xiaoyou chose a comfortable position to lie down, intending to listen to this story that she thought would be long and complicated. But Zui Linglong only uttered a few simple words: "Didn't I tell you last time? I was taking a bath by the lake, and he was passing by."
Pushing her jaw up slightly, which was about to drop in shock, Qin Xiaoyou asked with a doubtful look, "Is that all?" Zui Linglong nodded. Qin Xiaoyou clutched her chest and asked Zui Linglong with a mournful expression, "Sister Linglong, my exquisite and gossipy heart is shattered just like that. You have to make it up to me, you have to make it up to me."
Zui Linglong gave Qin Xiaoyou a look of disgust: "Alright, don't think I don't know what you're up to. You just want to match me up with Wenren Qi so that no one will compete with you for the white jade flute."
Qin Xiaoyou chuckled twice, showing no embarrassment at having her secret exposed. After thinking for a moment, she said to Zui Linglong with a serious expression, "It's not entirely for Bai Yuxiao. It's mainly because I think you two are a good match. You don't look out of place standing together at all."
Zui Linglong glanced at Qin Xiaoyou and asked, "How well-matched are we?"
Qin Xiaoyou feigned infatuation: "Even those who are a match made in heaven are not good enough for you!"
"Pfft," Zui Linglong was amused by Qin Xiaoyou and chuckled as she poked her forehead, "You!"
"Are you unhappy because Wenren Qi sent people to investigate you?" Seeing that Qin Xiaoyou had hit the nail on the head, Zui Linglong nodded in acknowledgment.
Qin Xiaoyou sighed and asked, "Is this your second meeting?"
Although she didn't understand why Qin Xiaoyou suddenly asked this question, Zui Linglong nodded in agreement. Qin Xiaoyou slapped the window frame and said, "That settles it!" But she slapped too hard and her hand turned bright red. Zui Linglong rubbed her hand while asking, "How does it settle it?" Qin Xiaoyou looked up at the sky and said, "Don't you think the timing of Wenren Qi's second meeting with you is a bit strange? It just so happens that my master was murdered, and there are rumors in the martial arts world that I have that chess manual. And then, coincidentally, you appeared beside me. So it's understandable that he investigated."
"That's true," Zui Linglong's expression softened considerably after hearing Qin Xiaoyou's words, "but if he wants to know, why doesn't he just ask me?"
"Um, I'm asking you?" Qin Xiaoyou glanced at Zui Linglong awkwardly. Zui Linglong asked her in confusion, "Yes, you're asking me. Is there a problem? I don't believe that someone as shrewd as him can't tell whether what I'm saying is true or false."
Qin Xiaoyou scratched her head awkwardly and said fearlessly, "The moment you two meet, you call him a 'hooligan' or a 'stinking hooligan,' without giving him a chance to speak properly. How is he supposed to ask you questions?"
"Xiao You is right!" The sudden voice from outside the carriage window startled them both. Qin Xiao You lifted the curtain and saw Wenren Qi riding a horse outside the window. She wondered how much of their conversation he had overheard. For a moment, Zui Linglong felt a little uncomfortable and stepped back, using Qin Xiao You as a shield to avoid looking directly at Wenren Qi.
Wenren Qi coughed lightly and explained, "I didn't mean to eavesdrop on your conversation. I just came to say that we'll be changing carriages in the woods ahead later."
"Change carriages? Why change carriages?" Qin Xiaoyou wondered. She was sitting comfortably, why bother changing carriages?
"Young Master Wenren, are you planning to create a diversion? Let a few empty carriages go first, and then we'll take another route. That way, even if someone follows us all the way, there will be far fewer people chasing our carriages, making it easier to deal with them," Zui Linglong said.
"You understand me best, Miss Linglong! You two should hurry up and get ready; the woods ahead aren't far." With that, Wenren Qi spurred his horse forward again.
Qin Xiaoyou turned around and asked with some uncertainty, "Am I hearing things? Did Wenren Qi flirt with you just now?"
Zui Linglong glared at Qin Xiaoyou with annoyance and muttered, "I told you he was a scoundrel, and he really can't change his scoundrel nature."
Qin Xiaoyou thought for a moment, then leaned closer to Zui Linglong and said, "Actually, Wenren Qi only acts like a hooligan towards you. In front of others, he is very polite, gentlemanly, and charming."
Zui Linglong's ears turned red instantly. She turned her back to Qin Xiaoyou, ignoring her, and began to tidy up their things.
Bored and finding nothing to do, Qin Xiaoyou started bothering Zui Linglong again. She poked Zui Linglong's back with her finger and asked, "Sister Linglong, do you think it's a bit too early for us to change carriages after not even having walked all this time?"
Zui Linglong turned around, her face also showing confusion: "I also find it strange. There's no reason for them to change so quickly. If they were changing so quickly, they might as well have sent several carriages out at the same time from the beginning."
"Ah! Oh no!" Qin Xiaoyou exclaimed in surprise. Zui Linglong asked anxiously, "What happened?" Qin Xiaoyou's face fell. "I think I forgot to leave a message for Su Lin saying I was leaving." Zui Linglong tapped Qin Xiaoyou playfully. "You scared me to death! I thought something terrible had happened. Don't worry, Su Xiao is cunning; he probably guessed it." "Really? He can guess that? Is he close to Qin Qin?" Qin Xiaoyou asked curiously. Zui Linglong gave her a helpless look. "I don't know the specifics either. You'll have to ask Qin Qin."
Ask Qin Qin? If she could ask Qin Qin, she'd probably be a spirit by now, drifting off somewhere. Seeing Zui Linglong busy, Qin Xiaoyou tactfully stepped aside, no longer wanting to bother her.
Chapter 39, Calm and Still
Before long, they arrived at the grove of trees Wenren Qi had mentioned earlier. Seeing the carriage stop, Qin Xiaoyou and Zui Linglong each jumped down, carrying their own bundles. Looking around, they saw three identical carriages lined up outside, in addition to the one they were in. Upon seeing the two, Wenren Qi pointed to the middle carriage, indicating for them to get in, and then he himself dismounted and boarded the carriage.
Seeing Wenren Qi squeeze into the carriage with them, Qin Xiaoyou tilted her head and asked curiously, "Brother Wenren, why aren't you riding a horse?"
Wenren Qi smiled faintly, "I'll have Xiaofeng impersonate me and ride a horse westward with a carriage. After all, time is of the essence, and it's always good to be cautious. I estimate we'll reach Bali Town before dark, where Xiaofeng will meet us."
"So that's how it is." Qin Xiaoyou nodded, exchanging a glance with Zui Linglong. They both unmistakably saw excitement in each other's eyes. The tension was no less than that of a thrilling police drama. At this moment, Qin Xiaoyou was even hoping for one or two bad guys to appear, adding a touch of real excitement. Unfortunately, she was disappointed. Along the way, until they reached Bali Town, nothing happened except for two raggedly dressed men who tried to rob them. Qin Xiaoyou, looking dejected, got off the carriage and followed Wenren Qi into the inn.
During dinner that evening, Wenren Qi finally noticed that something was wrong with Qin Xiaoyou. He put down his chopsticks and asked with concern, "Xiaoyou, what's wrong? Are you too tired from traveling?"
Qin Xiaoyou replied weakly, "Brother Wenren, why didn't anyone chase after us along the way?"
Wenren Qi was stunned for a moment, then glanced at Zui Linglong speechlessly. Zui Linglong gave him a look that seemed to say, "I wanted to ask that question too." Wenren Qi thought with a headache, "These two are both troublemakers. Isn't it good that no one's chasing after us? If someone really comes, things will probably get complicated."
"Master." The three of them looked up together. It turned out that Xiao Feng, who had taken the western route, had returned. Wenren Qi gestured for him to sit down and asked about the situation over there while eating. Xiao Feng frowned, looking very puzzled, and said, "It's really strange. None of our cars encountered anyone following us along the way."
Hearing Xiao Feng's words, Wenren Qi's expression also turned serious. Something was really wrong. How come no one was following any of the cars? There was no reason for the person behind it to be so calm. Could it be that he hadn't discovered Xiao You's identity yet?
Qin Xiaoyou glanced at the group and asked, somewhat puzzled, "Isn't it a good thing that no one is following us? Doesn't that prove that no one knows my identity yet?"
“Not good, not good at all.” Zui Linglong shook her head and said, “There are two possibilities for why no one is following us. One is, as you said, no one noticed. The other is that the person calculated which road we would take, so they didn’t follow us and are just waiting for us to walk into their trap.”
"Impossible! We split into four different routes. How could you guess that?" Qin Xiaoyou clearly didn't believe it.
"I hope we're just overthinking it." Wenren Qi sighed, losing his appetite. He told Qin Xiaoyou and Zui Linglong to be alert while sleeping at night and gave each of them a small sachet, saying that carrying it would protect them from sleeping smoke.
Qin Xiaoyou picked up the sachet and examined it. The workmanship was quite exquisite, but it looked strangely familiar. Where had she seen it before? Sigh, she couldn't remember. Qin Xiaoyou patted her head.