Апрель

Глава 16

Then, the master smiled and changed his tone, saying: "However, no matter what the matter is, if it can be resolved by kneeling, then kneel down readily."

Kneel down readily... Yes, that's life.

Xiao Xiao smiled slightly, and as soon as she stood up, she saw Lian Zhao.

Seeing Xiaoxiao, Lian Zhao smiled and said, "Good morning."

Xiao Xiao immediately smiled and said, "Good morning."

"Have you packed everything?" Lian Zhao asked.

Xiao Xiao immediately remembered her plan from last night. Luckily, she had packed everything she needed when she left. "Okay. Let's go!"

Lian Zhao nodded and followed behind her, walking at a leisurely pace.

Xiao Xiao had just escaped Shi Le'er's room and was feeling relieved to finally be free from her misery when she saw a large crowd gathered at the entrance of Hero's Fortress, creating a great commotion.

From afar, someone could be heard shouting, "Everyone, please calm down. Until the murderer is found, please rest inside the fortress..."

Xiao Xiao immediately understood. So, after last night's commotion, Hero's Fortress was under martial law today. She sighed helplessly… why did she have to run into this again… sigh…

"It seems I can't leave..." she murmured to herself.

Lian Zhao looked at her dejected expression and smiled faintly. He reached out and gently nudged Xiao Xiao, "Let's go."

Xiao Xiao was a little confused, but she still took a step and walked towards the door.

Strangely, the disciples of Hero's Fortress, who had been trying to block the guests, spontaneously made way. Xiao Xiao continued walking, bewildered, while Lian Zhao followed behind her, his pace remaining unhurried. This situation reminded Xiao Xiao of the proverb "the fox borrows the tiger's power"...

The Lian family, known for their divine archery skills, are officials appointed by the imperial court. Even if Hero's Fortress wants to find the murderer, detaining the Lian family's son would likely bring them no benefit. She definitely made the right bet.

As she was about to step outside, Xiao Xiao was overjoyed. Suddenly, something rushed towards her, startling her before she could react. Lian Zhao reached out, put his arm around her waist, and shielded her from it.

Xiao Xiao finally came to her senses and looked closely. What was flying towards her were two corpses.

Someone in the crowd immediately exclaimed.

The corpses were still those of Hero's Fortress disciples, only now they were all missing limbs. The cruelty of the methods was astonishing. And the wounds, from which not a drop of blood was left, still testified that this was the work of a renowned soldier of the Qi clan.

Lian Zhao released his grip, stood in front of Xiao Xiao, and grasped the hilt of the short knife at his waist with his right hand.

Several disciples stepped forward to examine the body. Suddenly, one of them exclaimed, "Ghost... Ghost Master..."

Upon hearing this, Lian Zhao's composure vanished instantly. He crouched down and took a piece of paper from the corpse.

"The divine artifact has appeared, and the world is united." He murmured to himself, then glanced at the signature, "Ghost Master..."

"The Ghost Master?!" Xiao Xiao was astonished. She had heard of this "Ghost Master" since childhood. She'd heard he was a military advisor to General Yue Fei's Left Army. The title "Ghost Master" referred to his cunning and unparalleled wisdom in warfare. Not only that, he was also incredibly skilled in combat. Though a strategist, he possessed the ability to take the enemy general's head amidst the chaos of battle. Of course, if it were only these qualities, the "Ghost Master" wouldn't be so famous. Most importantly, according to rumors, this "Ghost Master" was the only one who knew the location of the Nine Emperor Divine Artifacts.

Back then, the story of the "Ghost Master" assisting General Yue Fei was considered a legend. Because of this, after General Yue died unjustly, the "Ghost Master" disappeared without a trace. For over a decade, no one had seen him. Unexpectedly, he has now appeared at Hero's Fortress, and moreover, he brought a corpse with him.

Mo Yun frowned slightly. Could it be that the wooden box in Mo Yun's hand really contained the Nine Emperors' Divine Artifacts? So, the "Ghost Master" had come to take the artifacts and rule the world? No way, was it that serious?

Xiao Xiao was still pondering when she looked up and saw Lian Zhao's complicated expression and strange emotions in his eyes.

"Master Lian, what's wrong?" Xiao Xiao asked.

Lian Zhao snapped out of his daze and looked at her. "Xiao Xiao... shall we leave a little later?" He looked at the paper in his hand. "I want to find the murderer."

The murderer? The Ghost Master? A slight surprise. Could this "Ghost Master" also have a connection with the Lian family, the Divine Archer? Of course, they were officials in the same court; it wouldn't be surprising if they knew each other. But why did Lian Zhao's gaze seem so strange?

As things grew increasingly complicated, the rapid sound of horses' hooves approached from afar. Xiao Xiao looked up and saw several riders. She recognized the three at the head: the famous Three Heroes of Heroic Fortress. The man in black robes, well past fifty, was Zhang Jiyuan of the Lieying Division; the one around forty, wielding a large sword, was Luo Wu of the Qiying Division; and beside him, a man of similar age with a slight beard and an elegant demeanor, was Jiang Ji of the Zhengying Division. All three approached with furrowed brows and a murderous aura. Xiao Xiao felt a sense of foreboding.

As soon as the three heroes dismounted, disciples immediately came forward to greet them.

"Lord Sanying, Madam and Hall Master Fang are already waiting in the hall," the disciple said, leading the horse.

San Ying stared gravely at the two corpses on the ground. Zhang Jiyuan sighed and was about to take a step when he noticed the note in Lian Zhao's hand.

"Young man," Zhang Jiyuan said.

Lian Zhao immediately understood and handed over the note.

“Ghost Master…” Zhang Jiyuan’s face immediately turned icy cold. The veins on his hand, which was holding the note, were faintly visible.

Xiao Xiao found it even stranger. This "ghost master" seemed to have made many enemies; everyone who saw him looked at him with gritted teeth.

“Brother, could it really be the work of the ‘Ghost Master’?” Luo Wu stepped forward and asked.

Zhang Jiyuan put away the note. "Without evidence, we shouldn't make wild guesses. Let's go inside..."

After speaking, Zhang Jiyuan led the other two men into the main hall. With the arrival of the three heroes, the guests who had originally intended to leave calmed down and dispersed in twos and threes.

Lian Zhao's expression remained solemn. He hesitated for a moment before saying, "Let's go to the main hall too."

Xiao Xiao was speechless. She turned to look at the disciples guarding the door. She knew that it was impossible for her to get out on her own. Helpless, she gave up the idea and followed Lian Zhao into the main hall.

...

A muddy pool

Xiao Xiao followed Lian Zhao into the hall, which was already packed with people. Murders had been frequent at the Hero's Fortress Fair, and now the entire fortress was under martial law, with entry and exit restricted. With the Three Heroes arriving, they naturally had to give everyone an explanation.

Xiao Xiao looked up at the hall. Wei Ying sat impatiently in her chair, her fingers tapping lightly on the back of the chair.

Seriously? That night, when the murder happened, Wei Ying, the third young master of Hero's Fortress, vanished without a trace. He finally showed up today, but why is he acting so nonchalant? He's supposed to be the next fortress master, isn't he? Is this even acceptable?

Xiao sighed slightly, vaguely understanding the reason why Shi Le'er was so determined to refuse the marriage.

Zhang Jiyuan looked around and said, "Fellow martial artists, the fact that the Strange Goods Association has experienced such an incident is truly the responsibility of Hero's Fortress. I am ashamed."

“Master Zhang, there’s no need to blame yourself…” It was Master Xi Yuan who spoke. “I’m just worried that if these things were really done by the ‘Ghost Master,’ how will Hero’s Fortress deal with them?”

Before Zhang Jiyuan could speak, Shi Le'er's voice, tinged with anger, said, "Master Qian, isn't it too hasty to conclude that the murderer is the 'Ghost Master' based solely on a note found at the door?"

Xi Yuan chuckled, "It's better to believe it exists than not. I don't need to elaborate on how powerful the 'Ghost Master' is, do I? Back then, countless martial artists fell victim to his evil deeds. If I remember correctly, he also stormed Taiping City, right? Moreover, he was the only person to have ever walked across the 'Martial Spirit Stele' while carrying a weapon."

Shi Le'er frowned deeply. "Master Qian, don't beat around the bush. We're talking about the murderer. The 'Ghost Master' has been hiding in the martial world for over a decade, and his sudden reappearance must be suspicious."

"Whatever the case. Xi Yuan isn't a江湖人 (jianghu person, a person of the martial arts world), he's just a businessman." Xi Yuan raised his eyes, looking at Madam Xi and Wei Ying, "I just hope that this time, it won't be a losing proposition."

“Your Highness is overthinking this,” Lady Xi said. “Even if he really is a ‘Ghost Master,’ we have hundreds of disciples in Hero’s Fortress, and with the Three Heroes in charge, we will certainly not let anyone suffer any mishaps.”

“That’s excellent,” Xi Yuan replied with a smile.

Shi Le'er's cheeks flushed red, but she remained displeased.

“What Lord Shi said makes sense,” Zhang Jiyuan said. “Whether ‘Ghost Master’ is alive or dead is still uncertain in the martial arts world. A single note cannot prove anything.”

Shi Le'er immediately chimed in, "That's right! A 'Ghost Master' would never do such a thing!"

Xiao Xiao listened to the arguing and couldn't help but sigh. What was the point of arguing like this at a time like this? However, judging from Shi Le'er's tone, it seemed that he knew the "Ghost Master." How strange. Logically speaking, the "Ghost Master" should have a grudge against them for breaking into Taiping City with weapons. How come Shi Le'er seemed to have a good relationship with the "Ghost Master"?

As she pondered, she looked up at Lian Zhao. Lian Zhao's expression was cold and stern, his eyes filled with complex emotions. It seemed that their relationship with the "Ghost Master" was far from good. Moreover, not only that, the three heroes and the slender master Xi Yuan also looked strange, which must be related to the "Ghost Master."

The divine artifact has appeared, and the world is united.

According to this statement, the "Ghost Master's" goal is the Nine Emperor Artifacts... The only thing in Hero's Fortress that might be related to the Nine Emperor Artifacts is the wooden box in the hands of the Second Young Master Mo Yun.

Just as Xiao Xiao was racking her brains, she heard Zhang Jiyuan speak, "Please rest assured, fellow martial artists, I will do my utmost to find the murderer as soon as possible. I'm sorry to trouble you all to stay in Hero's Fortress for the next few days."

People in the crowd echoed, saying nothing more than: Since the three heroes have spoken, let's wait.

Xiao Xiao sighed helplessly. This was a dangerous place, why couldn't she leave? At this moment, Shi Le'er hurriedly squeezed out of the crowd, followed by Yue Huaijiang and Xia Yun, who looked somewhat nervous.

Shi Le'er frowned and walked quickly past. She didn't make a move as she passed Xiao Xiao, which confused her. She had thought Shi Le'er would immediately question her about climbing the roof. However, Yue Huaijiang, with his sharp eyes, noticed Xiao Xiao's dazed expression and immediately pulled her up.

“Xiaoxiao, you’re here too. Le’er is angry, so don’t wander around outside, or she’ll take it out on you. Come on, let’s go back.” Yue Huaijiang’s words were perfectly reasonable, so Xiaoxiao had no choice but to nod.

“Xiaoxiao?” Lian Zhao looked at them and asked.

Xiao Xiao immediately smiled apologetically, "Hero Lian, since we have to postpone going home, I'll go back to the city lord first."

Lian Zhao nodded after hearing this.

Yue Huaijiang clasped his hands in a fist salute, "Young Master Lian, then I'll take her with me."

After saying that, he took the little boy's left hand and quickly left.

Just as they reached the corridor, Yue Huaijiang suddenly noticed something. He stopped, released his grip, and asked, "What happened to your left hand?"

Xiao Xiao paused for a moment, then laughed and said, "It's nothing. I was sleeping in a bad position and pressed on something, so it's a little numb."

Yue Huaijiang looked at her, "Really?"

"Hmm. What else could it be?" a small question arose.

Yue Huaijiang laughed after hearing this, "Luckily. When I held your wrist, I couldn't feel any pulse. I thought your left hand was useless."

She blinked slightly. Indeed, with those acupoints sealed, her left forearm was essentially useless. However, some things are better left unsaid.

"Xiao Jiang, don't scare me," Xiao Xiao complained.

Yue Huaijiang shook his head. "No. But it's strange, everyone's left hand seems to be malfunctioning lately."

Xiao frowned slightly. "Everyone?"

Yue Huaijiang nodded, "That's right. Last night, when Master Fang and I were chasing the man in black, his left hand was also injured."

Master Fang? Injured left hand? A little scratch on his hair, what a coincidence. Truly, bad luck is upon us.

However, in an instant, something else came to her mind. Yin Xiao had once said that one of the men in black that night had an injury to his left shoulder. Could it be…? Impossible, Hall Master Fang is a prominent figure in Hero's Fortress, how could he do such a thing?

She lowered her head and thought for a moment. Yin Xiao had also said that two of the men in black had been struck by his Refined Silver Light and would die in three days, thus revealing their identities. The two disciples at the gate today were missing their limbs. Their bodies were completely different from the ones from the night before. The purpose of this was probably to cover something up…

Xiao Xiao found it increasingly strange. Seeing her lost in thought, Yue Huaijiang smiled and asked, "What's wrong? Worried about your left hand?"

Xiao Xiao immediately shook her head, "No, no."

"Let's go then." Yue Huaijiang then pulled her up and walked towards Shi Le'er's room.

Before they even reached the door, they heard Shi Le'er's furious shout, "Outrageous! To actually pin this on the 'Ghost Master' is utterly absurd! Hero's Fortress is indeed getting worse with each generation! Humph!"

Xia Yun's voice was gentle, "Lord of the City, please keep your voice down, this is Hero's Fortress..."

"Hmph! What am I afraid of?! If they insist on framing the 'Ghost Master,' I'll let them know that I, Shi Le'er, the city lord of Taiping City, am not just a figurehead!" Shi Le'er became even angrier.

Yue Huaijiang and Xiaoxiao sighed in unison and pushed open the door to go inside.

When Shi Le'er saw them come in, she glared at Xiao Xiao fiercely and asked, "What were you doing last night?"

Xiao was startled, "I...I'm in my room..."

"I'm telling you, you'd better not wander around. Hero's Fortress is in complete chaos right now. Be careful you don't become a scapegoat and die without even knowing how!" Shi Le'er shouted irritably.