Chapter 18

It turns out that during this period, Jia Yue had come into contact with several groups of people of high status, including people from the palace, the notorious bandit Xue Jiuzhi, underworld assassins, Du Ao from the Danxia Sect, and people from the Diancang Sect.

Mei’er believed that since Jia Yue had secretly colluded with Xue Jiuzhi, he was most likely the one who set up the Panlong Sword to have Xue Jiuzhi steal it. Moreover, on the night the sword was stolen, Jia Yue had someone add something to Li Lingyun’s wine, making him unable to hold his liquor, which ultimately led to the theft of the divine weapon.

As for why Jia Yue did this, she didn’t know. She guessed it was probably related to the people from the palace, because she vaguely heard Jia Yue mention a few key words to them, such as “weaken his strength first, lure him in step by step, and if he refuses to join, then kill him.”

After hearing the information provided by Mei’er, Qi Fei immediately understood the general idea.

The Diancang Sect must have really been set up. This trip down the mountain was a mistake, all for a mere thousand taels of silver… Li Lingyun and Gu Yinzhang haven’t been active in the martial arts world for many years, and they didn’t even realize they’d been tricked.

Qi Fei broke out in a cold sweat.

He said, “I understand, thank you for informing me, Madam.”

Mei’er looked at him with sparkling eyes and asked, “What do you plan to do next?”

Qi Fei said, “I’m going to turn that fat pig into a dead pig and pry information about your daughter out of his mouth.”

Touched, Mei’er leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek. His warm, pink lips, carrying a faint fragrance, almost made Qi Fei aroused.

Mei’er said, “Don’t underestimate him. His martial arts skills are definitely no less than your master’s!”

Upon hearing this, Qi Fei’s expression changed: “You mean to say that this bastard was faking it?”

Mei’er said, “Of course, otherwise how could he have established himself in the capital and have such a huge family business? I saw him break the iron chain with his bare hands.”

Qi Fei was shocked. So this fat pig was also a top expert who had reached the Innate Realm!

He doesn’t need anyone’s protection at all, and he doesn’t even have any enemies. No one wants to deal with him; he’s just scheming against the Diancang Sect.

It’s laughable that Gu Yinzhang and his group entered the tiger’s den without even realizing it. Qi Fei was glad he had learned about this beforehand, otherwise the consequences would have been unimaginable. Especially since that fat pig was also lusting after Gu Yinzhang and Li Yuyao’s beauty, he absolutely couldn’t let him succeed.

Qi Fei took a deep breath, embraced Mei’er with one arm, and was immediately enveloped in her warm and soft body. Her flesh beneath her wide robes was so full and tender, exuding the fragrance of a mature woman, which was exceptionally pleasant.

Qi Fei said, “For the sake of our Diancang Sect, and to make you my bitch, I’m going all out!”

His head only reached Mei’er’s chest. Mei’er looked down at him and said, “You’re so young, yet you already have the spirit of a man… You must be careful.”

The two returned to the clinic, just as Jia Yue came out. Seeing what Qi Fei was carrying, he exclaimed in surprise, “Oh, Young Master Qi went to buy groceries?”

Qi Fei nodded and said, “Yes. Although I bought some, I don’t know if it’s the kind of food that Boss Jia likes.”

Jia Yue laughed and said, “Actually, there’s no need to go to so much trouble. The housekeeper will have the dishes delivered to our door.”

Qi Fei said, “Oh, actually I mainly went to buy seasonings, because I was worried that the Jia family didn’t have any.”

“Hmm… alright then.” Jia Yue nodded. “Let’s head back home!”

The group then headed towards the Jia residence.

After returning to the Jia family mansion, Qi Fei cooked a sumptuous meal for everyone. After hesitating for a moment about whether to poison the food, Qi Fei finally gave up the idea. It was too risky; if he failed, everything would be lost.

With the strength of Qi Fei and Gu Yinzhang, they definitely couldn’t defeat a top expert at the Innate Realm.

After the meal, Qi Fei seized the opportunity to tell Gu Yinzhang the news. Gu Yinzhang was shocked upon hearing his account and said, “Actually, I also vaguely felt that something was wrong, but I just couldn’t figure out what it was. Now it seems that Boss Jia is most likely one of the Nine Thousand Years Old’s men. The Nine Thousand Years Old wants to recruit heroes of the martial arts world, including the Diancang Sect, using both soft and hard tactics. The theft of the Panlong Sword must have been instigated by the Nine Thousand Years Old. Jia Yue and Du Ao were most likely involved in this matter, and Xue Jiuzhi was just their accomplice.”

Qi Fei asked, “Master’s wife, what should we do?”

Gu Yinzhang decisively said, “It’s not advisable to act rashly now. We must find a way to reunite with your master first.”

Qi Fei nodded; this was the only way.

The two stepped out of the room and into the courtyard. At that moment, a servant reported that a female knight-errant named Li Huiyu had come to visit, looking for Gu Yinzhang.

Li Huiyu is Du Ao’s wife, Du Qingyuan’s biological mother, and a disciple of the Danxia Sect. She is a first-class swordsman in the martial arts world, and her strength is no less than that of Gu Yinzhang.

Gu Yinzhang hurriedly went to greet him.

Qi Fei stood at a distance, watching Gu Yinzhang and a woman slowly walk towards him. As the woman got closer, his eyes lit up, and he stared at her in a daze.

Entering with Gu Yinzhang was a woman with an oval face, about thirty years old, with a hairpin in her hair. She wore a light yellow gauze dress, had beautiful eyes, rosy lips, and a curvaceous figure, only slightly less attractive than Gu Yinzhang. She had long legs and wore black stockings. Her face was somewhat aloof, and she looked exceptionally beautiful, exuding the charm of a mature woman. Her allure was in no way inferior to Gu Yinzhang’s.

“Hey, isn’t this Lady Li from the Danxia Sect?” Short and stocky Jia Yue walked out of the living room.

Gu Yinzhang quickly replied, “That’s right, Mr. Jia recognizes my sister Li?”

Jia Yue laughed and said, “I know Du Ao, the leader of the Danxia Sect, and I’ve met Miss Li a few times. Don’t you agree, Miss Li?”

Li Huiyu smiled and said, “Indeed.” Her cold and beautiful face became even more charming with this smile, like snow melting in the spring sun.

Jia Yue asked, “Miss Li’s presence is an honor to my humble abode. Please come in! Someone, bring tea!”

“No need, Mr. Jia,” Li Huiyu said. “I’m here to see Sister Gu. I’ll just say a few words to her and then leave.”

Qi Fei noticed that Li Huiyu didn’t really like Jia Yue, and even seemed somewhat repulsed by him.

“Oh… then please make yourselves at home, don’t be shy, just make yourselves at home. Come on, someone, let’s go for a walk by the fish pond in the backyard—”

Immediately, guards surrounded him and accompanied him to the backyard, with Zhang Jian and Li Yuyao among them.

Qi Fei accompanied Gu Yinzhang and entered Gu Yinzhang’s bedroom with Li Huiyu.

“Fei’er, you stay outside and keep watch, don’t let anyone in.”

“oh!”

Qi Fei then closed the door and stood guard at the entrance.

Inside the room, Gu Yinzhang and Li Huiyu sat together, their hands clasped tightly. Gu Yinzhang said, “Sister Li, it’s been a long time. How have you been?”

Li Huiyu sighed and said, “It’s not a matter of good or bad. What about you?”

“My situation is not optimistic,” Gu Yinzhang said, and then recounted the difficulties that the Diancang Sect was currently facing.

The two were once inseparable best friends, like sisters, sharing everything. Gu Yinzhang believed that Li Huiyu had nothing to do with the Danxia Sect’s involvement in the scheme against the Diancang Sect.

As expected, Li Huiyu said directly, “I came here precisely for this matter. A few years ago, Du Ao joined the ranks of the Ninth Prince. No matter how I tried to persuade him, he refused to turn back. I could only tend to the flowers and plants at the mountain gate and not get involved. Imperial provisions are not so easy to obtain; sooner or later, there would be serious problems. Not long ago, I learned that Du Ao had received orders from the Ninth Prince to conspire with others to drag the Diancang Sect into the mess. I knew that you would definitely go to the capital, so I came here as well. Fortunately, you are safe now. Yesterday, Du Ao asked me to come here to find you and discuss the marriage between our two families. That’s why I was able to take this opportunity to tell you all this. You must quickly call on Headmaster Li and leave the capital as soon as possible, or it will be too late.”

Gu Yinzhang said, “But the Panlong Sword is still in their hands.”

Li Huiyu hurriedly said, “Sister, as long as we’re alive, we can always rebuild! We can talk about the Panlong Sword later. The Diancang Sect is weak and powerless, but they have absolute power in the capital. There’s no way you can defeat them!”

Hearing her analysis, Gu Yinzhang also felt it made sense, and stood up and said, “Alright, I’ll find a way to leave the Jia family and reunite with my senior brother. Sister, please take care!”

Li Huiyu said, “Don’t worry, I’m by Du Ao’s side, nothing should happen to me.”

The two chatted for a while longer before leaving the room.

Gu Yinzhang pointed at Qi Fei and said to Li Huiyu, “This is my most beloved disciple, Qi Fei.”

Li Huiyu immediately understood the meaning behind her words. She glanced at Qi Fei indifferently, nodded to him, and thought to herself, “His features are alright, but he’s a bit short.”

Qi Fei quickly said, “Greetings, Aunt Li!”

“Um.”

Li Huiyu responded and said to Gu Yinzhang, “Sister, I’m leaving now. Take care.”

After saying that, he turned and left.

Gu Yinzhang asked, “Are Yuyao and Zhang Jian with Jia Yue?”

“yes.”

Gu Yinzhang pondered for a moment and said, “Before Jia Yue becomes suspicious, let’s keep a calm and not show anything unusual. We’ll leave together tonight while they’re asleep.”

Qi Fei asked, “What about Master’s side…”

“Go see him tonight.”

“OK.”

…

After dinner, Jia Yue, contrary to his usual behavior, carried a large chair to the front yard, plopped down in the yard, and acted arrogantly, with several guards standing beside him.

He then called over Qi Fei, Gu Yinzhang, and others, and pointed to the moon in the sky, saying, “Look how big and round the moon is! Mid-Autumn Festival is just around the corner!”

Gu Yinzhang laughed and said, “Yes, Mr. Jia, you certainly have a refined taste. How long do you plan to enjoy the moon?”

Jia Yue laughed and said, “Dr. Liao prescribed a medicine for me today, and I believe my health problems will be cured in a few days. I am in a great mood tonight and plan to stay here all night to enjoy the moon!”

Gu Yinzhang’s expression changed slightly.

Jia Yue said, “Why don’t you join me in admiring the moon, Miss Gu? But don’t forget, you have to protect me!”

Gu Yinzhang said in a deep voice, “Mr. Jia, forgive my bluntness, but you keep saying that you are being targeted by a powerful enemy and are in danger at any time. However, in the past few days, whether we are in the mansion or following you out, we have never seen any assassins or attacked you. Are you playing us?”

Upon hearing this, Jia Yue was slightly taken aback, then laughed: “Miss Gu, what you say is true. I am a businessman, and the most important thing in business is ‘trust.’ How could I possibly lie to you? Besides, I’m paying you with real money. Do you think I have too much money? I believe no one in this world would complain about having too much money.”

Gu Yinzhang asked, “Then may I ask, where is your enemy, and what is his name?”

Jia Yue sighed and said seriously, “My nemesis is ‘Black Pupil’!”

Gu Yinzhang’s expression changed upon hearing this: “The number one assassin in the underworld, ‘Black Eyes’?”

“good!”

Why would he want to kill you? What did Boss Jia do to offend him?

“I don’t know either.”

Jia Yue shook his head and sighed, “You know, people in the underworld are always evil. They often kill someone for no reason. Maybe they like killing, maybe they don’t like me, or maybe they’re after my family’s wealth. Who knows…”

Gu Yinzhang said, “It is said that Hei Tong’s martial arts have reached the Innate Realm. I’m afraid we can’t handle him. We won’t take this business. Please ask Mr. Jia to find someone more capable!” With that, he was about to leave.

“Wait!”

Jia Yue hurriedly said, “Miss Gu, you don’t know this, but I already paid the one thousand taels of silver to Headmaster Li. Furthermore, we signed a contract. If your Diancang Sect unilaterally goes back on its word, you must compensate me ten times the loss… ten thousand taels!”

“You…” Gu Yinzhang’s expression changed, and he became slightly angry.

Jia Yue chuckled and said, “Miss Gu, there’s no need to be angry. Let’s make money together! Here’s what we’ll do: I see that Miss Gu is tired these past few days, so she needs to stay by my side at all times. Just send someone to accompany me when I go out to ensure my safety.”

Gu Yinzhang thought for a moment and said, “Alright.”

“Haha…that’s right!” Jia Yue laughed. “If Miss Gu is tired, she can rest early.”

After saying that, he stood up and went into the house.

Qi Fei and the others also returned to their rooms.

Qi Fei walked out of the room and knocked on Gu Yinzhang’s door. The door opened quickly, and Qi Fei entered to find Gu Yinzhang and Li Yuyao looking at him from inside.

Qi Fei asked, “Master’s wife, what should we do?”

Gu Yinzhang said, “That old fox has probably already figured something out. Sister Li came to see me during the day, so he must know about my relationship with her and guess that she tipped me off. We can’t act rashly. If we break off relations, we’re definitely no match for her in a fight.”

Qi Fei’s heart sank. The other party was prepared, and it would be difficult for them to leave. Perhaps there were already people lying in ambush around the Jia mansion, waiting for them.

Seeing Gu Yinzhang pacing back and forth in the room with her brows furrowed, Qi Fei’s eyes flashed, and he said, “Master’s wife, I’ll try to leave the Jia mansion tonight to inform Master and ask him to come tomorrow. What do you think?”

Gu Yinzhang shook his head and said, “No, it’s too dangerous. What if something happens to you…”

Qi Fei hurriedly said, “Master’s wife, believe me, I can protect myself, and I have a way to keep it from being discovered by others!”

Gu Yinzhang looked at him and saw his firm gaze, which radiated an inexplicable confidence. He felt a sense of relief for a reason, but still said, “This is too risky…”

Qi Fei said, “Master’s wife, junior sister, you two should get some rest tonight and wait for my good news!”

After saying that, Qi Fei hugged Gu Yinzhang, then hugged Li Yuyao, and then turned and left.

Watching his agile figure, the mother and daughter inexplicably felt a surge of confidence.

………

Lanterns stood every ten steps around the Jia mansion, casting a faint glow in the night, illuminating the darkness several meters away. Combined with the radiance of the Mid-Autumn Moon, they became even brighter. In such an environment, it would be difficult not to be spotted if one encountered someone on the road.

Qi Fei’s confidence stemmed from his trust in the miraculous skills imparted by the mysterious woman.

This divine skill is very unique, and it is extremely powerful at night, especially when there is a moon, its power increases dramatically!

Qi Fei concentrated his power, spreading his true energy throughout his body. In an instant, he felt refreshed, and his eyes became exceptionally bright, almost able to see through the darkness. He could see objects in the dark without any problem, and the surrounding darkness looked like daytime.

At the same time, his ears were exceptionally sensitive, and he could almost hear the sound of earthworms burrowing in the soil.

Using his keen eyesight and hearing, Qi Fei bypassed the guards inside the Jia mansion and arrived at the foot of a high wall. He pressed his body against the wall, listening to the sounds around him.

He had just avoided several sentries and guards who were hiding in some extremely secluded places, clearly lying in wait to prevent the Diancang Sect members from leaving.

Qi Fei “heard” that there were indeed people hiding on the other side of the high wall, with one person squatting there every few feet.

He moved his feet and came to a high wall where no one was guarding it. He gathered his inner energy, and with a light step, used the lightness skill of the Diancang School to gracefully leap over the ten-foot-high wall and land on the other side, already out of the Jia Mansion.

Seeing that no one had noticed, Qi Fei breathed a sigh of relief and quickly left.

The streets of the capital were spotless, pitch black, and deserted, like a ghost town, with the sound of the night watchman’s gong coming from afar.

“The weather is dry, be careful with fire…”

Qi Fei strode along the bluestone path and quickly ran towards a nearby pharmacy.

Gu Yinzhang had told him about several shops of the Diancang Sect in the capital and pointed out their approximate locations. He had to go to each shop to find out which one his master, Li Lingyun, was staying at.

They searched several shops, but Li Lingyun was nowhere to be found; more than an hour had already passed.

After a long time, he came to the entrance of a teahouse belonging to the Diancang Sect again and was surprised to find that candles were still lit inside.

He knocked on the door, and it was his fourth senior brother, Xu Yuan, who opened it. Upon seeing Qi Fei, he asked in surprise, “Junior Brother Qi, what brings you here?”

Is Master inside?

“Here I am.”

Qi Fei was overjoyed upon hearing this and hurriedly went inside, following Xu Yuan into the inner room, where he indeed saw Li Lingyun, who was just about to fall asleep.