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Hearing outsiders slander his father, Ye Xiao finally lost his usual good temper and retorted sarcastically, "I don't know who you are, but I know that your conflict with the Martial Alliance has a long history. Even without my father's instigation, you're already at loggerheads! Feng Tianwang, at such an advanced age, speaks illogically and is truly laughable. As for profiting, if you really fight, someone will always reap the benefits! Guyun Fortress is powerful and generous; it's truly your good fortune that they've taken a liking to your dilapidated manor deep in the mountains. Besides, your ruthlessness towards Wan San isn't much different from the Martial Alliance's methods. What kind of chivalrous justice is there in your dog-eat-dog fight!"

Luo Qingcheng coughed awkwardly, gently pulled Ye Xiao aside, and said to Feng Sihai, "King Feng, I do not agree to detain Xiaoxiao."

Feng Sihai stamped his foot and said, "Young Master! Think about your father, he was also bewitched by a woman..."

“Grandpa Feng,” Luo Qingcheng interrupted him, “It’s different. Xiaoxiao and I have been through thick and thin together. She’s different from others.”

Feng Sihai sneered, about to say something even harsher, but glancing at Luo Qingcheng's somewhat pale face, he finally couldn't bear it and turned around, saying, "Hmph! In any case, we still have to give the young master face. However, Miss Ye, you are not allowed to step out of this manor until the whole truth comes out!"

Ye Xiao glared at Feng Sihai resentfully, ignored him, and walked to Wan San's corpse to examine it carefully. Luo Qingcheng walked up to her: "Xiao Xiao... Grandpa Feng is impulsive and speaks frankly, don't be angry."

Ye Xiao smiled at him: "I'm not angry. As long as you believe in me, that's enough. Other people's opinions are completely irrelevant. Besides, this is for the best. At least this incident reminds us that this estate is not safe, isn't it?"

Even on a bright, sunny morning, the little house was poorly lit. A thin beam of sunlight streamed in from the roof, landing on Ye Xiao's hair and playing on her long braid. Luo Qingcheng gently reached out and touched her: "Xiao Xiao, why did you come to deliver midnight snacks yesterday?"

Ye Xiao sighed, "It's just someone carrying it. I saw Shen Wan come over to deliver food and I was curious who was in there... If I had known I would be wrongly accused because of this, I would have just asked you directly..."

Luo Qingcheng sighed: "Why didn't you just ask me?"

Ye Xiao nodded, then suddenly turned around: "You'll answer any question I ask? Fine, I'd like to ask about what happened before and after you took Wan San away from Tianbao Inn?"

Luo Qingcheng glanced at her: "Wan San is Feng Sihai's old subordinate. He's been with him for many years and is deeply trusted. For years, he's run the Tianbao Inn in Suzhou, collecting all sorts of information. After Uncle Shen got in touch with Feng Sihai, he stayed at the Tianbao Inn every time he went home, meeting Feng Sihai there without any problems. But the last time, Uncle Shen obtained the sacred object and asked me to meet him there, wanting to hand it over to me personally. Unexpectedly, the most crucial time went wrong. Wan San betrayed us, colluding with the martial arts alliance to kill Uncle Shen, and even tried to capture me. Fortunately, I was alert and suspected Wan San after investigation. After taking Wan San away, I was in a hurry to go to Langjing Manor, so I handed Wan San over to Feng Sihai. Unexpectedly, Feng Sihai was reckless. By the time I arrived here, Wan San had been tortured beyond recognition, but he still refused to confess. He still believes that I am an imposter and that Feng Sihai is plotting to usurp the throne. Heh, I can't produce any evidence to prove my identity; he can't even see the brand behind my ear."

Ye Xiao hummed in agreement, then asked, "Qingcheng, may I ask who you are? Which region's young master are you?"

Luo Qingcheng smiled faintly: "What Maha sect? You don't believe me? When have I ever lied to you?"

Ye Xiao's gaze suddenly became intense, and he looked at him meaningfully. After a long while, he said, "There has never been a name called Shi Mohe in the martial arts world."

Luo Qingcheng reached out and unconsciously fiddled with the beam of sunlight shining down from above: "Xiaoxiao, aren't you supposed to know everything? You don't even know such a famous organization?"

Ye Xiao took a deep breath, feeling somewhat annoyed. Watching his long, slender, white fingers constantly moving in the air, a sudden idea struck him. He bent down to examine Wan San's corpse closely, then suddenly exclaimed, "I understand!" He got up and went out the door.

Luo Qingcheng caught up with her and said softly, "Xiaoxiao... what do you understand?"

Ye Xiao made a face at him: "I know how he died. But I'm not telling you... who told you not to tell me the truth?"

Old ginger is spicier.

Ye Xiao went to the back of the hut, where ancient trees grew densely, lush and green, their long branches blocking out the sun and obscuring the roof. She leaped onto a large tree, squatted down to examine it, and then climbed onto the roof to stroll around. Luo Qingcheng followed quietly behind her, like a shadow.

"Just as I thought." Ye Xiao jumped off the roof and proudly showed off to Luo Qingcheng. Luo Qingcheng smiled faintly, gently brushed a dark brown beetle off her shoulder, but did not ask any more questions.

Ye Xiao hurried towards her residence, only to encounter Feng Sihai, with his flowing white hair, standing arrogantly under a tree. Feng Sihai glanced at Luo Qingcheng behind her and shouted at Ye Xiao, "You're lying! I just met Miss Shen Wan, and she said she didn't ask you to deliver the midnight snack."

Ye Xiao smiled nonchalantly: "I was just curious to see who was inside the hut. I lied to those guards and soldiers. So what? You wait, King Feng, I will definitely catch the murderer and show him to you!"

Ye Xiao called Xiao Xun and hid inside the house, deliberately leaving Luo Qingcheng outside.

"What is it?" Xiao Xun stared at her suspiciously.

“Wan San is dead,” Ye Xu said briefly.

"What?! Wan San is here? How did he die?" Xiao Xun's eyes widened. "Then no one knows the truth about Shen Rujun's death?"

"I had just found him and was trying to figure out how to get him to talk when he was poisoned. I suspect the people in this village aren't united and may be hiding enemy spies."

Xiao Xun glanced at her: "Boss, tell me, what do you want me to do?"

Ye Xiao looked at him approvingly, pulled a piece of paper from the table, and quickly scribbled something down: "Third brother, go to a nearby town, find a pharmacy, and get the medicine listed here. Hurry up! Your eldest brother is suspected of being the murderer; wait for this to come back and prove his innocence!"

Xiao Xun responded, put the paper away and hid it in his pocket, then asked with concern, "Then why didn't you let the second brother get the medicine for you?"

"He still treats us like outsiders... He won't even tell me his real identity, and ever since the King of Feng forbade me to leave the manor, he's been following me everywhere... If I wanted to escape, he couldn't stop me..." Ye Xiao's face finally fell, feeling a little disheartened. She had gone through so much trouble to escape from Guyun Fort and chased him here, only to get this result?

However, Luo Qingcheng spoiled the mood by following Ye Xiao all day, like a shadow. Ye Xiao was really annoyed, but she still couldn't bear to say anything harsh to him. She just subtly sent him away: "Second brother, I need to... take a shower... you should go back first."

Luo Qingcheng brushed a small bug off her shoulder again and chuckled, "Okay, I'll go out first. Call me when you're done washing."

"Luo Qingcheng! If you're really worried I'll run away, just tie me up! Why are you looking at me like I'm a thief!" Ye Xiao was extremely upset and couldn't hold back any longer, yelling at him and pushing him out the door, slamming the door shut. After a while, she peeked out through the crack in the door. Luo Qingcheng hadn't left; he was still standing at the door, looking rather forlorn.

Ye Xiao was both annoyed and heartbroken, so she turned around and actually fetched water to take a bath. After soaking in the bathtub for more than an hour, she changed her clothes and went out, only to find that Luo Qingcheng was still there.

"You..." Ye Xiao pointed at him, almost speechless. Luo Qingcheng gently squeezed her fingers and smiled faintly, "Xiao Xiao, how could I doubt you? I'm worried about your safety... Wan San actually lost his life right under our noses, and we don't even know what methods the murderer used... I can't figure out where the danger was, so I have no choice but to watch over you 24/7 to feel at ease..."

"Huh? Is that so... I misunderstood?" Ye Xiao paused for a moment, then lowered her head in shame. After a long while, she looked up at him with a smile: "I'm sorry, I thought you... Never mind, but don't worry, when Lao San comes back, I'll show you how Wan San was poisoned. Huh? The sun has already set, why hasn't Lao San come back yet? He's always been very obedient, he wouldn't run off to play halfway!"

Muyun Town. Xiao Xun quickly found a pharmacy, got the necessary medicine, glanced at the sun—it was already noon—and his stomach was rumbling with hunger. After inquiring at the pharmacy, he found the newly opened Xingyu Tower.

Xingyulou is a newly opened inn in town, quite large in scale, with a spacious dining hall on the ground floor. The food is said to be fresh and delicious, and they're offering special discounts for their opening. Sure enough, a large apricot grove stands in front of Xingyulou, but spring is already over, the blossoms have faded, and small, green apricots hang from the branches. Nevertheless, business is booming, with the place packed with diners.

Xiao Xun ordered a few side dishes and ate them with relish. The restaurant's hospitality was undoubtedly very warm. The waiter came over to refill his rice several times, seemingly treating this big guy like a glutton. Even the restaurant's owner, Mr. Zhou, with his goatee, came over to inquire about his well-being.

Having eaten and drunk his fill, Xiao Xun remembered his boss's words and hurried back. Leaving the bustling town, he entered a secluded mountain road. He heard someone softly calling his name from behind, and when he turned around, he was startled. A woman leaned softly against a carriage, looking at him with a smile. It was Mo Yinxue, whom he hadn't seen for a long time.

"Miss Mo, what are you doing here?" Xiao Xun was secretly surprised, but his voice remained calm.

Mo Yinxue smiled at him: "Big oaf...long time no see, missed you."

Xiao Xun possessed profound inner strength. With focused concentration, he sensed the presence of several people around him. Looking around, he saw overgrown weeds and shady trees in the mountains, yet he couldn't see a single person. He walked to Mo Yinxue's side, smiled gently at her, and suddenly struck with lightning speed, striking her pressure points. He then tossed her into the carriage, simultaneously leaping up and kicking the coachman off his seat. He released the reins, lashed out with the whip, and the startled horse dragged the carriage forward at breakneck speed.

Mo Yinxue smiled sweetly in the car: "Big dummy, where are you taking me?... Fine, whatever you want. As long as I can be by your side, I'm willing to go to the ends of the earth. That time at my home in the capital, how did you run away with that little thief Luo Qingcheng? You didn't even say goodbye... I was originally planning to introduce you to my parents..."

Xiao Xun sighed, "Miss, I need to hurry back and report... There are quite a few people around here, and I'm afraid I won't be able to escape alone. I'll have to trouble you to be a hostage. How did you find me? Does your father know?"

Mo Yinxue smiled again: "What do you think? Never mind, you're a big oaf anyway, you can't guess... Are you going back to Fallen Leaf Manor? It's not very peaceful there lately, you'd better not go back. Let's find a secluded paradise, listen to the wind and snow, appreciate the moon and discuss poetry, and spend the rest of our lives like that, okay?"

Xiao Xun's heart skipped a beat: "Why is Fallen Leaf Manor in such turmoil? Is your father planning to take action against Luo Qingcheng?"

Mo Yinxue said softly, "That's Father's business, I never interfere. But Father promised to let you go, so I came to find you. Otherwise, you would have been captured in Muyun Town..."

Xiao Xun shut his mouth and drove the carriage at full speed. The carriage turned a corner and continued forward. Suddenly, Xiao Xun cried out in surprise. There stood a peasant woman holding a baby in her arms on the mountain road. Perhaps because the tall trees around her blocked her view, she did not have time to dodge the sudden carriage and stood blankly in the middle of the road, completely stunned.

Xiao Xun gave a soft shout, reined in his horse, and swiftly leaped from the carriage like the wind. In a flash, he had already moved the peasant woman's body several feet to the side. Just as he was about to jump back onto the horse, with a soft thud, a cloud of pink mist exploded before his eyes, and his whole body suddenly went limp. With a thud, Xiao Xun watched as the "baby" in the peasant woman's arms fell to the ground. The swaddling clothes unfurled, revealing a plump little boy.

The peasant woman covered her nose, dodging the lingering sedative powder, and gave a malicious smirk. Watching Xiao Xun gradually collapse to the ground, she said to Mo Yinxue in the carriage, "Miss, that big oaf has fallen for it!" She then went over to release Mo Yinxue's pressure points and helped her down from the carriage. Mo Yinxue smiled at Xiao Xun, "Just as Father predicted. He said you are kind-hearted and would inevitably fall for his trick while trying to save someone."

Xiao Xun sighed softly, "The way she held the child was wrong. She was holding the child tightly in her arms. I knew something was wrong, but in the end, I thought that human life was of utmost importance and dared not gamble... but I still lost... However, Miss Mo, I absolutely cannot go with you. I have to go back and inform the boss and Qingcheng."

Mo Yinxue blushed and kissed him on the cheek, chuckling softly, "Silly boy... I'll do whatever you want, as long as you can escape..."

Night fell, and all was quiet. Ye Xiao looked up, her voice slightly hoarse: "What's wrong with Third Brother? Why isn't he back yet!" Luo Qingcheng frowned slightly, looking at Ye Xiao as if he wanted to say something but hesitated.

A servant dressed in tight-fitting clothes came to report: "Young master, there is a man at the gate who calls himself Yang Dui and says he wants to see Miss Ye."

Luo Qingcheng was slightly taken aback, then smiled and said, "It's Brother Yang Dui! Please come in quickly... I've troubled you so much, I must give him a proper welcome..." A figure flashed in front of him, and Ye Xiao, pale-faced, rushed out.

On the table sat a three-legged bronze incense burner with animal heads, wisps of smoke rising gently. Yang Dui stared intently at the smoke, which kept changing shapes. “Young Miss. The Lord of the Fortress said that there have been many strange movements in the martial world recently, a sign of impending chaos. He ordered me to come and bring you back to the fortress. Lonely Cloud Fortress has never interfered in the affairs of the martial world and rarely associates with martial artists. The Lord of the Fortress said that we must not break the rules under his watch.”

Ye Xiao lowered his head pitifully, and after a long while said, "Brother Yang Dui, I heard from Qingcheng that you are a Golden Armor Guard. I want to ask, how did you find me?"

Yang Dui smiled faintly: "What could possibly escape the Lord's notice? Back then, Langjing Manor was forced by the Martial Alliance to sell its property, leaving it nowhere to go. The Lord bought Langjing Manor's assets, giving us banknotes from our own bank, with serial numbers all recorded. Later, these banknotes suddenly flowed back into the bank in large quantities. The Lord investigated the origin of the banknotes and learned that Yuan Ruxuan had built a new manor here. The Lord sent people to investigate, but unexpectedly, they discovered that the true owner of the manor was Brother Luo. After you escaped, he immediately guessed that you would soon arrive here and ordered me to come. Sure enough, everything was as he predicted. Miss, you should go home. The Lord said that no matter what, you must not get involved in this mess..."

"No. I still have a lot of things to do. I'll go back when I'm done," Ye Xiao said firmly.

Yang Dui smiled gently: "The fortress lord said that this place is too dangerous."

"I will protect Xiaoxiao well and will never let anything happen to her." Luo Qingcheng finally spoke after being silent for a long time.

Yang Dui smiled faintly: "Brother Luo, your martial arts are indeed superb, and your word is as good as gold. But the world is dangerous, and people are treacherous. I can't trust Miss Luo to stay here. Do you know how many new inns, restaurants, and workshops have recently opened in Muyun Town, which is dozens of miles away? Haven't you thought about why so many people have opened shops in such a small town, which is neither a major transportation route nor an important commercial port? Are they just here to lose money?"

Luo Qingcheng gave a low "oh": "Fallen Leaf Manor is quite powerful, with a large force, so it's only natural that it has brought prosperity to several nearby mountain strongholds and towns. As for some of the charlatans among them, we've been prepared. Fallen Leaf Manor is built against the mountains and by the water, making it easy to defend and difficult to attack. Moreover, there are many skilled and knowledgeable people in the manor, so it's not an easy target. Even if the Martial Alliance wants to do something, they won't necessarily come out unscathed. To be honest, Brother Yang, we've recently discovered that the enemy is showing signs of some restlessness, so we've set up a Heaven-Destroying Earth-Shattering Formation here... just in case they don't take the bait."

Yang Dui gave a meaningful "oh," seemingly relieved slightly. He turned to look at Ye Xiao, hesitated for a moment, and said, "Miss, Yang Dui is a Golden Armor Guard. No matter what, I must obey the Lord's orders. Miss, you should finish your business here as soon as possible and come back with me. I will come again in a few days..." After saying that, he cupped his hands in farewell to the two of them.

"Oh no! From what you're saying, something must have happened to the third brother! You knew the manor was surrounded by powerful enemies, why didn't you tell me..." Ye Xie blamed Luo Qingcheng, his face flushed red.

Luo Qingcheng sighed, "I didn't know you sent Lao San to town on business, otherwise I would have definitely warned him. However, they're targeting my Fallen Leaf Manor. Lao San isn't deeply involved with the manor, and not many people know him. He shouldn't have been exposed so quickly. Xiaoxiao, don't worry, I've already sent someone to town to gather information. We should have a response soon..."

The Death of Wan San (Part 2)

"Did a big guy come over yesterday to get these medicines?" The next day, in Muyun Town, Ye Xiao and Luo Qingcheng walked into the third pharmacy and took out a piece of white paper with several medicine names written on it.

The shopkeeper glanced at it and nodded, saying, "Yes. There is a big guy here. I also find this prescription strange. Some of the herbs are for replenishing qi, some for promoting qi circulation, some for clearing heat, and some for warming the interior... Many of them have contraindications. I don't know what's wrong with him or who prescribed it. When I ask him, he can't explain it either. He's like an idiot."

"Around when did he leave your shop?"

"Around noon. It was lunchtime, and he asked me where to find good and cheap food. I recommended Xingyulou, which had just opened. It's a local custom that shops offer special discounts when they open."

Xingyu Tower was still packed with people. Ye Xiao stopped a waiter and asked if he had seen a tall man come in for lunch yesterday.

The waiter glanced at the two of them and said politely, "Are you looking for someone? Yes, we are, but he left after we finished eating. He's not a guest staying at our inn."

Ye chuckled and said, "Does Brother Er still remember what dishes he ordered?"

The waiter respectfully added, "Braised beef, salted mandarin fish, and a plate of stir-fried vegetables. These are all the restaurant's specialties."

"Oh?" Ye Xiao found a table and sat down. "I've heard that your restaurant's food is inexpensive and of good quality. I'd like to try it. I wonder how many of your signature dishes you have?"

The waiter's eyes lit up immediately: "Speaking of our shop's signature dishes, we have so many! Fried quail, pork belly, chicken soup with pickled bamboo shoots..."

Seemingly quite satisfied with the names of the dishes the waiter had listed, Ye Xiaoxiao smiled even more happily. After finishing their meal, the two reserved two superior rooms, making it clear they were planning to stay there permanently.

"Xiaoxiao, do you think there's something wrong with this shop?" Luo Qingcheng asked Ye Xiao after quickly surveying the room.

Ye smiled but remained silent.

"Because that waiter remembered the names of the dishes in too much detail?"

"The dishes that the third brother ordered were nothing special, and the restaurant has a wide variety of signature dishes. It's a bustling place with lots of customers, so he shouldn't remember them so clearly. This at least shows that he cares about the third brother a lot."

"Perhaps because the third son is too tall, and this place is located in the southwest, the locals are not very tall."

"Perhaps, but since we can't find any other clues for the time being, let's try our luck here. Actually, there's another reason why I suspect this place..."

“That waiter speaks with a Beijing accent, and Beijing is where the Martial Alliance headquarters is located,” Luo Qingcheng interjected with a slight smile.

Although they booked two rooms, Luo Qingcheng insisted on staying in Ye Xiao's room at night, ostensibly to protect her. However, whether out of excitement or nervousness, they both sat up all night, only managing to doze off a few times.

Around four in the morning, Luo Qingcheng heard some noises and went out to investigate. Ye Xiao also opened her sleepy eyes and followed him out. Once outside, the sounds from afar became clearer, coming from the direction of the apricot grove east of Xingyu Tower. It seemed to be the sound of fighting, but it quickly disappeared into the dim light of dawn.

The two carefully pricked up their ears, and after a short while, they heard the sound of a carriage starting in the distance. Luo Ye and his companion exchanged a glance and quickly left the inn, heading east.

The sky brightened a bit more. To the east of Xingyu Tower was actually a rather large garden, with an apricot grove occupying more than half of it. Dewdrops on the grass quickly soaked their shoes and socks, and the air was filled with a faint floral fragrance. The two quickly searched the entire apricot grove but found no one. "Here," Luo Qingcheng pointed to a few apricot trees not far away, where green apricots had fallen, branches broken, and leaves withered.

"There was a fight here just now." Ye Xiao quickly judged, and went closer to check. He didn't see any bloodstains or anything like that, but there was a long drag mark on the ground that stretched out of the woods.

The two quickly followed the tracks out of the woods and finally found a person lying next to a clump of night-blooming jasmine.

Luo Qingcheng quickly flipped the person over; to be precise, when he flipped the person over, he found that the person was already dead, and moreover, it was someone he knew.