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Capítulo 32

The herbalist chuckled silently: "Why wouldn't I dare? But you! Aren't you afraid of being caught again? I guarantee that next time, you won't be able to escape so easily..."

Luo Qingcheng stopped arguing with him and pushed the moldy teacup in front of him: "Check if there's any poison in it?"

The herbalist's eyes suddenly blazed with anger. He glared fiercely at Luo Qingcheng and gestured for the boy to bring the spring tortoise. The little insect flew up lightly, pounced into the teacup, took a sip of water, and suddenly went berserk, darting left and right, flying around erratically for a moment before abruptly tumbling head over heels to the ground. It buzzed and struggled a few times before going still.

"□? How could you put so much in? It's all poison! You bastard! Come with me, Chun Guizi!" The pharmacist moved swiftly and pounced on Luo Qingcheng.

Luo Qingcheng floated up diagonally, dodging the pounce, and leaped onto the wall. He said coldly, "Don't think you've covered everything up perfectly! Shuai Ge and Yang Dui are your people, aren't they? You orchestrated everything in secret? You've been protecting us all along? Or rather, protecting Xiao Xiao? I don't care what your ultimate goal is, or what your relationship with Xiao Xiao was before. I just want to tell you! From now on, I will always be by her side to protect her. You don't need to beg and plead to follow her anymore!" With that, he twisted his waist, floated down from the wall, and disappeared without a trace.

The herbalist was furious and finally yelled, "You idiot! If it weren't for me protecting you, you would have been dead countless times already!"

Luo Qingcheng walked slowly down the road, his memories gradually being activated. That night, Yuan Peixin left the cup of tea with the tainted liquid on her bedside table. Suddenly feeling thirsty, she reached for the cup of tea Ye Xiao had brewed on the table in the darkness and drank it.

It turns out I didn't eat anything, so that night I was actually clear-headed, and all my actions came from my heart... which means...

He slowly raised his head, looked at the gloomy sky, and sighed softly. Yuan Ruxuan was right; he was a man in love. Perhaps not when he first arrived at Langjing Manor, but now he knew very well that he loved Xiaoxiao. He smiled, a mixture of worry and joy. Xiaoxiao… he wondered if someone like him could win her heart? And who exactly was that herbalist? Was he, as he feared,… one of Xiaoxiao's suitors?

As he walked along, utterly dejected, a bucket of cold water was suddenly poured down on him, soaking him from head to toe. He looked up, somewhat bewildered, and a middle-aged woman shouted from upstairs, "Oh dear! What bad luck! Even Pan Jinlian managed to drop something and hit a handsome man, but my bucket of foot-washing water only managed to drench an ugly duckling! So unlucky! So unlucky!"

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Ye Xiao sneaked into Xiao Xun's room, who seemed to be asleep. Thick curtains hung low, and a figure could be vaguely seen inside.

"Third brother," she whispered with a hint of pride, "I've discovered the secret of Shen Rujun's sixteen-character last words!" As she spoke, she excitedly lifted the curtain and reached for Xiao Xun. Just as she reached for a naked body inside, her hand was slapped.

Ye Xiao withdrew his hand, feeling somewhat aggrieved, and said, "Third brother... why did you hit me? Don't you want to solve this case anymore? Let's go back to Tianbao Inn right now! We'll leave quietly tonight, and don't tell Qingcheng..."

Suddenly, a cold voice was heard saying, "Why did you abandon me?"

"Qingcheng!" Ye Xiao was shocked. He reached out to lift the curtain again, and with a slap, he was slapped by Luo Qingcheng again. His hand immediately swelled up and became translucent in the light.

"Why are you getting serious!" Ye Xiao pouted, looking aggrieved.

"Why didn't you tell me?" Luo Qingcheng's voice was as cold as a block of ice in the dead of winter. His chest ached as if it were about to burst. He laughed... and actually wanted to get rid of him...

"Don't you... want to stay here and become the live-in son-in-law of Langjing Manor? I... am afraid of being heartbroken when we say goodbye..."

Luo Qingcheng's voice softened slightly, but it still carried a chilling aura: "Is that so? I feel like you're favoring the third brother? From beginning to end, you haven't treated us all equally... You're not being fair as the eldest brother..."

"Of course I'll treat you all the same..." Ye laughed, then suddenly looked at his round, puffy hand and felt a surge of resentment. "If... you were as obedient and well-behaved as the third brother..."

"You're just biased; you've always thought I was the murderer of Shen Rujun..."

"No... but why won't you tell us about your relationship with Shen Rujun? If you don't tell us, how can I not be suspicious?"

"But there are still doubts..."

"Then tell me first! Then I won't doubt it..."

Luo Qingcheng was silent for a moment, then said in a low voice, "Uncle Shen... is a close friend of mine... He raised me from a young age..."

How did he die?

“I don’t know… I want to figure it out too… We originally agreed to meet at Tianbao Inn, but when I got there, I found a lot of suspicious people there. I felt things had changed, so I didn’t go to find him as agreed and just wandered around the area, hoping to find a good opportunity. But I couldn’t find him… Soon after, I heard rumors… that he was gone… I rushed to the Shen residence, but I couldn’t find any clues. It was there that I first saw you and Lao San, and started paying attention to you… I’ve been following you ever since…” Despite his straightforward manner, Luo Qingcheng’s voice was still filled with deep sadness.

Ye Xiao sighed: "That Wan San... is he one of your people?"

“He used to be one of our men, and he knew I was going to meet Uncle Shen. So, after Uncle Shen died, he was the first person I suspected… but I didn’t make any moves, intending to follow the clues… but you beat me to it. To avoid things getting out of control and attracting the attention of someone behind him, I had no choice but to show myself and rescue him…”

"It really was you that day!" Ye Xiao exclaimed with delight. "I knew it... Did you know what betrayed you? The fishy smell on you!" He then came over again to lift the curtain, only to be chased away by Luo Qingcheng once more.

"You..." Ye Xiao felt extremely wronged.

"I'm not wearing any clothes," Luo Qingcheng said after hesitating for a long time.

Ye Xiao was taken aback: "You're naked... hiding on Lao San's bed, what are you planning to do?"

With a whoosh, Luo Qingcheng's handsome face beneath the mask blazed like a sea of fire: "You...you've got the wrong idea. I just got my clothes wet and wanted to change, and Shan'er happened to be sleeping in my bed."

"Your clothes are wet? It's not raining outside." Ye Xiao said incredulously.

As soon as the words were spoken, a pattering sound came from outside, and an autumn rain poured down, carrying with it the pent-up frustration of the heavens.

Ye Xiao looked at the sky in surprise, then at the shadow on the bed, and said enviously, "Even the heavens are on your side..."

"Help me?" Luo Qingcheng gave a bitter smile and changed the subject: "When are you planning to leave? I'll go with you."

"You...aren't you going to stay and marry the beautiful Yuan?"

“I…actually…I’m worried about the two of you. The third brother is kind-hearted, and your martial arts are poor…and things are so chaotic outside…and…” Luo Qingcheng carefully searched for words.

"Really! I'll go tell Lao San right away!" Ye Xiao seemed to care more about the result than the reason, and was overjoyed. He skipped out the door.

Luo Qingcheng sighed in annoyance. The spot where Ye Xiao had touched him felt tingly and numb, as if a piece of it was missing. But then he thought to himself, "How could I possibly abandon you now?"

The lake water remained a clear, deep blue, but the jade flowers on its surface had vanished. Yuan Peixin wept, while Luo Qingcheng stood to the side, gazing at the distant horizon where the water and sky met, remaining silent for a long time.

"Why? Is it because... I drugged you?"

Luo Qingcheng turned his head: "If I didn't have this face, would you still love me?"

“But… if you didn’t have this face, you wouldn’t be you…” Yuan Peixin argued.

"That night... I didn't drink the poison you gave me," Luo Qingcheng said softly, his eyes suddenly softening.

Yuan Peixin was taken aback, then suddenly realized: "You...like her?"

Luo Qingcheng turned and left, his voice carrying far away: "If I were to marry you, it would certainly be because of your immense wealth, enough to rival a nation. Would you be willing to marry me?"

Yuan Peixin watched his departing figure and sighed softly. Everything was lost. Perhaps from the very beginning, this unusual suitor had left a deep mark on her heart, though at the time, she thought it was disgust. Only after seeing his true face that day did she realize that this man with those captivating eyes had already been in her heart all along…

Yuan Ruxuan paced anxiously in the Biluo Pavilion. This year had truly been a turbulent one, with all sorts of unexpected events and countless twists and turns occurring in just two short months. Perhaps Luo Qingcheng was right; there is always cause and effect in this world, and this was his karma coming to an end? He gave a bitter smile. What should he do next? His identity and actions, concealed for over a decade, had finally been exposed. He had also offended the martial arts alliance, a major force in the martial world. It seemed as if overnight, there was no place for him left in the entire martial arts world.

"Master of the Manor," a voice called out.

“Steward Tu.” Yuan Ruxuan looked at his trusted confidant who had been with him for more than ten years and sighed.

"The master has been worrying too much lately. His hair has turned completely white."

"Yes. I was hoping to find someone to inherit my business, but unfortunately..."

“Perhaps… the Master should sell the vast Langjing Manor estate to someone else… and enjoy a peaceful retirement with the young lady,” said Butler Tu.

"That's true... After this incident, I really had the idea of retiring... But, as you said, how many people in the world can afford such a large family business?"

"My master wishes to see the master of the manor," Butler Tu said, his voice still respectful.

Yuan Ruxuan jumped up abruptly: "Your master? You... are also..."

Butler Tu gave a deep laugh and slowly lowered his head...

Volume Three: Autumn Rain

Target of public criticism

After leaving Langjing Manor, the group headed straight for Suzhou. Ye Xiao and Xiao Xun's smugness was written all over their faces. Xiao Xun kept drawing his Chasing Sun Sword, chuckling foolishly at the dragon's roar it emitted. While Ye Xiao wasn't foolish enough to wear silver notes on his head, he couldn't help but beam with joy whenever he touched a hidden silver note along the way.

The carefree joy of the two infected Luo Qingcheng, and a hint of a smile finally appeared in his eyes on his dull, wooden face, but it didn't last long and quickly faded away.

Ye Xiao felt extremely guilty for not fulfilling his promise to his brothers and was resentful that Luo Qingcheng hadn't become Langjing Manor's son-in-law. Seeing that he only received a small dagger, he comforted him, saying, "Second brother, don't be sad. It's not just Langjing Manor that's rich. Guyun Fortress is incredibly wealthy. We'll think of another way sometime and see if we can trick him into becoming Guyun Fortress's son-in-law."

Luo Qingcheng rolled his eyes angrily and refused to speak to Ye Xiao for several days, making Ye Xiao feel even more guilty.

The good times didn't last long. Just a few days after leaving Langjing Manor, a major blow came.

That day, the group stopped at a restaurant for a bite to eat. This small restaurant, conveniently located at the entrance to a busy main road, was thriving thanks to its advantageous location. Seeing the large, arrogant group, the waiter immediately rushed over to usher them into a private room upstairs. They didn't disappoint the waiter, ordering a huge spread of dishes.

Several people were chatting idly when they suddenly heard a loud voice from a guest downstairs: "What? A wanted notice from the Martial Arts Alliance? A bounty of four thousand taels of silver? Dead or alive?"

Upon hearing this, Ye Xiao's ears perked up immediately, and he quickly signaled for everyone to be quiet. In the ensuing silence, the man's loud voice rang out clearly: "Unfortunately, I wonder what these two look like? Luo Qingcheng? Ye Xiao? Are they male or female?"

Ye Xiao and Luo Qingcheng exchanged a shocked glance. Ye Xiao then gestured to Xiao Xun, who understood and immediately sprang into action, cheerfully joining the loudmouth. Soon, they brought more concrete news: "The Martial Alliance is issuing warrants for the arrest of the eldest and second eldest brothers. They are accused of colluding with Langjing Manor to murder several young masters from martial arts families."

"But," Ye Xiao said, somewhat puzzled, "the victim's family didn't hear it with their own ears. Was it Chun Shun, a member of the organization called Mi, who was instructed by his superiors to commit the crime?"

"According to the Martial Alliance, what is particularly appalling about this matter is that, in order to cover up their crimes, the eldest and second eldest brothers actually killed the families of the murdered young masters who went to Langjing Manor to handle the aftermath..."

"They're dead too!" Even with Ye Xiao's vast experience, he gasped, speechless. Luo Qingcheng, on the other hand, was only slightly startled, quickly calming down: "I see. I knew the Martial Alliance wouldn't let this go easily, so this is for the best. It saves us from constantly guessing what kind of scheme they're plotting."

"Would Master Yuan just stand by and do nothing?" Shen Wan wondered.

"I heard that Yuan Ruxuan sold off all the businesses under Langjing Manor, took his daughter, and retired from the martial world, disappearing without a trace..."

"Were they forced by the Martial Arts Alliance? This Martial Arts Alliance is going too far!" Shen Wan said indignantly. Luo Qingcheng's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly looked away.

"It's something to celebrate! We've finally become pariahs, all our efforts have come to naught..." Finding humor in his misery, Ye Xiao raised his teacup, "Let's drink tea instead of wine, let's raise a big toast!"

Suddenly hearing a commotion at the door, Luo Qingcheng quickly glanced around and frowned slightly: "Looks like a cat's come to catch mice. We'd better run away." Before he finished speaking, he grabbed Shen Wan and Shan'er and leaped out of the window.

Ye Xiao and Xiao Xun exchanged a painful glance. Looking at the table full of uneaten dishes, they barely managed to grab a few bites, stuffing their mouths full, before rushing out. Before leaving, they made sure to leave enough silver behind.

However, the Martial Alliance was clearly well-prepared this time, with many experts among them, and they pursued Ye Xiao and his group for a long time. Ye Xiao sighed, "It seems I have no choice but to use my trump card! Third brother, lend me your Sun-Chasing Sword!"

With a clang, the Chasing Sun Sword was drawn, and Ye Xiao swiftly sliced his exquisite silver wheel into pieces. "Boss! What are you doing?" Xiao Xun asked in surprise.

Ye Xiao answered his question with actions, throwing a pile of chopped silver into the pursuing crowd and shouting, "Silver is falling from the sky! Grab it!"

The silver offensive worked as expected, and the pursuers slowed down. Unfortunately, Luo Qingcheng, who was carrying two women who did not know martial arts, fell to the ground and could not jump up again for a long time.

"Second brother, what's wrong?" Ye Xiao turned around amidst his busy schedule, looking at Luo Qingcheng, who was leading the way, with surprise.

Luo Qingcheng's muffled voice came through: "You're laughing so hard you've lost your temper. This is a matter of life and death, Xiaoxiao, can't you be serious for once?"

...After finally shaking off their pursuers, the group had to disguise themselves to avoid further trouble, and their journey was indeed relatively peaceful.

Upon arriving in Suzhou, the three leaders of the Hulongmen (a martial arts sect) discussed their next move. Instead of going directly to Tianbao Inn, they first inquired with nearby residents. They learned that the innkeeper, Wan San, had inexplicably disappeared, causing the inn's business to plummet. Later, somehow, someone took over the shop, keeping the employees, but it seemed they no longer intended to run it as an inn. They planned to renovate it and turn it into a silk-refining workshop.

Luo Qingcheng said "Oh": "I'm afraid someone is eyeing what's inside and is digging three feet into the ground to search for it."

Ye Xiao was overjoyed: "Then we can solve two mysteries at once! One is to find what Shen Rujun left behind, and the other is to see who bought Tianbao Inn. By following the clues, we can find out who else is interested in this thing. This person is very likely related to the murderer."

Luo Qingcheng sighed: "I'm afraid they're just waiting there, wanting to know who we are. It's like fishing; that thing is definitely the bait. But who's the fisherman and who's the fish won't be known until the very last moment."

Xiao Xun turned around: "Boss, are you really able to find what Master Shen left behind?"

“Plum Blossoms by the River. Forget about it. Plum Blossoms by the River is the character for cedar, and forget about it is the character for heart. I guess that thing might be in the heart of a cedar tree... Third brother, do you remember if there are any cedar trees near Tianbao Inn?” Ye Xiao analyzed.

“Yes. There’s a cedar forest on the hill east of the inn, with about a hundred trees.” Before Xiao Xun could speak, Luo Qingcheng interjected, “Back then, because I was thinking of meeting Uncle Shen without anyone noticing, I carefully surveyed the terrain of Tianbao Inn.”

"A hundred or so? Then... which one is it?" Ye Xiao was somewhat dejected.