Апрель

Глава 42

The one leading the group was naturally Wen Su. He had changed out of his original moon-white outer robe and into a crimson-purple one, which made him look more worldly. This was understandable; it was never appropriate to dress too plainly when celebrating someone's birthday.

Wen Su walked past him without looking to the side, and when he entered the hall, he clasped his hands in a salute.

"On the seventy-two islands of the East China Sea, congratulations to the old lady on her seventieth birthday," Wen Su said loudly.

The old lady in the hall was somewhat taken aback. "You're too kind, hero." She looked Wen Su up and down and said, "I've always heard that the seventy-two islands of the East Sea are full of talented people, and today's opinion proves that you truly live up to your reputation. If I'm not mistaken, you must be Wen Su, the hero known in the martial arts world as the 'Twin Blades of Yin'?"

Wen Su smiled and said, "Madam has a good eye."

The old lady nodded. "I was unaware of your esteemed presence and have failed to greet you properly. My son is currently unwell, and I apologize for any shortcomings in my hospitality."

"You flatter me, Madam." Wen Su's tone was gentle and polite, completely different from his usual coldness. "Our navy's warships are all made by your esteemed estate. How could I not come to offer my birthday wishes to Madam?"

"Hehe, that's so thoughtful." The old lady smiled happily.

"..." Wen Su paused for a moment, then said, "Madam, I heard on my way here that your manor was being harassed by Yin Xiao. Is that true?"

The old lady sighed and said, "I wonder what that great thief had his eye on..."

Wen Su nodded and said, "Madam, to be honest, our sect has a long-standing feud with Yin Xiao. I am willing to stay in the manor to do my part."

"If you, Hero Wen, are willing to lend a hand, I will be eternally grateful," the old lady said. "You gentlemen must be tired after your long journey. Please go to the side room to rest for a while, and I will prepare a banquet to welcome you all."

"Thank you, Madam." After saying this, Wen Su turned around and glanced at Xiao Xiao.

Xiao Xiao immediately understood and went upstairs, saying, "Let me take you to the side rooms. This way, please."

The group left the main hall and walked in silence to their room. Wen Su entered the room and dismissed his disciples, leaving Xiao Xiao alone.

"Uncle-Master..." Xiao Xiao asked timidly, "Why have you come?"

Wen Su sat down at the table, glanced at her, and said, "I don't want to alert them, but the situation has changed, so I'm just in case."

Has the situation changed? Just in case? ...Hiss, could it be referring to Silver Owl?

"Uh, Uncle-Master, you mean, Silver Owl?" Xiao Xiao asked.

Wen Su's eyes returned to their usual coldness. "This notorious bandit is highly skilled in martial arts and acts in secret. We must be wary. Besides, your feud with him is not yet settled, is it?"

"..." Xiao Xiao blinked, speechless.

“However, don’t worry. His martial arts skills are probably below mine, nothing to fear.” Wen Su frowned slightly. “What I’m worried about is something else…”

"What is it?" Xiao Xiao asked curiously.

Wen Su looked up at her. "Last night, a girl went missing in this town."

"Huh?" Xiao Xiao was a little surprised.

“I also had my disciples inquire around town about Lingyou’s matter. The disappearance of a young lady is not uncommon in this town. Especially…” Wen Su paused, “…Jiyu Manor.”

Xiao Xiao felt a chill run down her spine after hearing this. Indeed, Yue Huaixi had told her that it was common for maids to go missing in the manor. She hadn't expected it to actually be true!

“A young lady went missing last night, and today the Silver Owl’s feather was found in Jiyu Manor. It’s too much of a coincidence…” Wen Su sighed. “Your martial arts are not good. If you really encounter bad people, I’m afraid you won’t be able to protect yourself.”

As Xiao Xiao listened, she began to break out in a cold sweat. She didn't know why the girl had gone missing. However, she was the one who had stuck the silver owl's feather on it. These two things were completely unrelated… She hadn't expected that something she did could cause others to overthink things. If she told Wen Su now that he was completely wrong, she wondered if he would give her a hard time on the spot… Hmm… it was better not to say anything…

"What's wrong?" Wen Su asked, frowning as he saw her lost in thought.

"Huh?" Xiao Xiao came back to her senses and said, "Xiao Xiao is useless and has made Uncle Shi worry..."

Wen Su stood up, walked up to her, and said, "You know you don't want me to worry. What are your plans regarding the Lian family's young master? I heard from my disciple that he came in with you... It's completely unreasonable for a spoiled brat to condescend to be a servant."

She nodded slightly, without saying a word.

Seeing that she didn't answer, Wen Su, slightly annoyed, said, "What, am I wrong?"

She took a few timid steps back, still not answering.

"You..." Wen Su's tone was cold, "You...you've fallen for him?"

Startled, she quickly replied, "No, no!"

Wen Su said coldly, "It's best if he doesn't. You must remember that he is a lackey of the imperial court and is irreconcilably opposed to my Donghai. How could he possibly be sincere towards you? In any case, I will not agree to this marriage." He paused and then said, "You may leave now and think carefully about what your martial uncle said."

"Oh..." Xiao Xiao slunk out, closed the door, and then sighed.

Sigh, was it really necessary to be so fierce? It was just a momentary hesitation when answering. Hmm, even though he's my martial uncle, if I really followed him, I'm afraid I'd suffer a lot ahead. What's with all those seventy-two islands of the East China Sea? So many rules! Once I'm in, it'll be unbearable!

Who cares! Once the silver needles are removed, this so-called martial uncle will never find her again! Hmph, Zuo Xiaoxiao is determined to be a bad person, and betraying her master and ancestors is a bad thing. Besides, she's only betraying her martial uncle, what's there to be afraid of?!

Having made up her mind, Xiaoxiao nodded to herself. She smiled and walked away briskly.

Sigh, it's all her fault for attracting this troublesome martial uncle. But what a coincidence that Yin Xiao's matter and the girl's disappearance seem to be connected. Lost in thought, Xiao Xiao suddenly stopped... Yin Xiao, the girl is missing. Last night, when she was adorning herself with feathers, she saw a man in black carrying a burlap sack. Come to think of it... what was in that sack?

Xiao Xiao suddenly realized something and froze...

"No way...it's that dangerous?"

...

In the middle of the night

Just as Xiao Xiao had feared, things did indeed begin to develop in another direction.

Like Wen Su, a large group of martial arts practitioners, merchants, and officials in the manor reached the same conclusion. The appearance of Silver Owl's feathers in the manor, coupled with the recent disappearance of a young woman from town, suggested a connection. Clearly, Silver Owl's aim was not rare treasures, but rather to steal her.

Speaking of stealing fragrance and jade, the only one in the entire Jiyu Manor who fits this description is the eighteen-year-old eldest daughter of the manor, Shen Yuan.

Xiao Xiao had only met this young lady once. While not exceptionally beautiful, she was undeniably gentle and graceful. Born into a wealthy family, she was skilled in all the arts, including music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, and her name was known for miles around. Although many men had come to propose marriage, the old lady couldn't bear to part with her granddaughter and insisted on having her marry into a wealthy family; she remained unmarried to this day.

To Xiao Xiao's embarrassment, the manor erupted in excitement. The guards and servants were all full of energy, each vowing to defend their young lady's innocence to the death. The reasoning was simple: since Miss Shen was planning to marry into the family, protecting her at this crucial moment might just be the key to winning her heart.

So, when night fell, the servants and guards of the manor were full of fighting spirit, cherishing this opportunity to be a hero and save the damsel in distress.

Xiao Xiao was helpless and speechless. The idea that Yin Xiao was here to kidnap the young lady was just everyone's speculation; there was no way he would actually come! And...and...if he really did come, he'd be furious if he saw this situation. She'd be in deep trouble!

Thinking of this, Xiao Xiao couldn't help but shed tears. Why had her plans turned out this way? When exactly did it start that nothing she did went smoothly? She sat on the steps by the door, looking at the sky and sighing. Lost in thought, she suddenly saw a flash of silver.

Xiao Xiao suddenly stood up. No way, could it be...?

...

Lian Zhao and his servants patrolled the courtyard aimlessly. As they walked, the servants chatted idly.

"...What will we do if we really run into that Silver Owl?"

"Nonsense, of course they ran away. There are guards around during fights, aren't there? If we go up there, aren't we just throwing our lives away?"

"Oh, I heard that the old lady said in private that whoever can protect Miss's safety will become the son-in-law of Jiyu Manor!"

"Hehe, Miss is indeed kind. However, losing your life wouldn't be worth it. That Silver Owl is a notorious bandit, capable of any evil deed. What do you say, Li Zhao?"

It took Lian Zhao a while to realize they were calling him. He said, "That kind of villain harms the people. How can a real man let him commit such atrocities?"

"Hey, Li Zhao, you've got quite the nerve... You've fallen for our young lady, haven't you?" one of the servants teased. "And what about your betrothed?"

Lian Zhao frowned and said, "Don't joke about such things; it's an insult to a young lady's reputation."

"Hey, I was just saying, it's not that serious..."

The servant said a few words, but found it boring and stopped talking to Lian Zhao.

Lian Zhao walked slowly behind the group, frowning as he pondered his own affairs. Suddenly, a flash of silver streak appeared before his eyes. He whirled around and chased after the silver flash.

At that moment, a scream shattered the silence. A man dressed in silver clothes and wearing a feather mask leaped onto the roof, carrying the eldest daughter of the Shen family on his shoulder.

Lian Zhao stopped and immediately noticed that the guards who had been ordered to protect the young lady were all injured and unconscious. He bent down, picked up a knife, and chased after them onto the roof.

"Stop!" he shouted, brandishing his knife.

The man in silver stopped and looked at him.

"Silver Owl, put the young lady down!" Lian Zhao said.

How could that man obey? He carried Miss Shen and attacked Lian Zhao. Lian Zhao had fought Yin Xiao many times and was already familiar with his attacks. However, unexpectedly, this time, the man did not attack the throat first as before, but focused on the lower body.

Lian Zhao was somewhat puzzled. He blocked the man's attack with his sword and was about to retaliate when the man used the young lady of the Shen family as a shield. Lian Zhao had no choice but to sheathe his sword, fearing that innocent people might be harmed.

The young lady had never seen anything like this before. As the blades flashed past her eyes several times, she turned pale with fright and burst into tears.

Under these circumstances, Lian Zhao's moves became increasingly restrained. Meanwhile, the other man's attacks were sharp and relentless.

Lian Zhao quickly retreated a few steps, dodging the deadly attack. Then, he realized something. This person had been using fists and palms from beginning to end, while Yin Xiao was more likely to use a soft sword.

"Who are you, and why are you committing evil deeds under the name of Silver Owl?" Lian Zhao shouted.

Startled, the man abruptly threw the young lady he was holding towards Lian Zhao. Lian Zhao immediately discarded his knife and caught her. At that moment, the man leaped forward and threw a powerful punch. Lian Zhao, unsteady on his feet and now without his weapon, could only pull the young lady up and desperately dodge the attack.

At that moment, the man changed his move and swept his leg towards Lian Zhao's waist.

This move was extremely vicious; if Lian Zhao had dodged it, the kick would have been aimed directly at Miss Shen. He gritted his teeth, raised his hand to block, and took the blow head-on.

The man's kick was delivered with all his might. Lian Zhao felt a sharp pain in his arm, his body swayed, and he fell directly to the ground. The young lady of the Shen family, being a frail woman, naturally couldn't maintain her balance and also fell down.

At the critical moment, Lian Zhao barely managed to reach out and catch the young lady. He then became her human cushion, falling heavily to the ground.

The man pursued relentlessly, descending swiftly and striking the two with a palm strike.

Despite the excruciating pain, Lian Zhao suddenly found a knife at his side. Without hesitation, he threw it away.

The man couldn't dodge in time, and the blade instantly pierced his chest. He paused, his body tilted, and he fell to the side.

Lian Zhao had just breathed a sigh of relief when he saw the man stand up again and stagger over.

Upon seeing this, Miss Shen cried out in surprise.

Lian Zhao was also incredibly surprised. To be able to move after such injuries, there was only one possibility… “A walking corpse…” he uttered, his voice trembling slightly.

Just as the zombie was slowly approaching and about to reach the two of them, the guards and servants who heard the noise rushed in, carrying sticks, ready to attack.

At this moment, the zombie took a few steps back and leaped away.

As Lian Zhao relaxed, the pain became immediately acute. He frowned and gritted his teeth, his peripheral vision suddenly catching sight of someone. Wen Su was not far away, slowly strolling over. He loosely gripped a knife in his left hand, his expression calm and aloof, but a slight regret lingered in his eyes as he looked at Lian Zhao.

Lian Zhao instantly realized something, but he looked away, ignoring it. He looked up at the young lady, who was trembling with sobs, and said with a faint smile, "Miss, it's alright..."

The young lady cried and nodded repeatedly.

...

When Xiao Xiao arrived, she saw a scene of chaos. Several maids were helping their young mistress, who had collapsed, back to her room. As they passed Xiao Xiao, she heard their soft, coaxing voices. Then, Xiao Xiao saw Lian Zhao being supported by servants. Startled, she ran over to him.

She froze when she saw Lian Zhao. His face was ashen, and his forehead was covered in cold sweat. When he saw Xiao Xiao, he smiled and said, "Xiao Xiao."