Chapter 365: The Orchestration

Li Man also told Xiao Zongting that not long after the Old Shopkeeper died, Ruan Fengshan used a slow-acting poison to kill his own mother, the Madam.

Ruan Fengshan learned of his true parentage when he was sixteen years old.

That day, the Old Shopkeeper had gone out on an escort mission, and when he went to the Back Courtyard to find his mother, he accidentally caught her and her cousin in the act.

At that time, Ruan Fengshan had already learned some Martial Technique, and in a fit of rage, he drew his blade, intending to kill that scoundrel.

Although that man was dashing and had read some poetry and books, he knew no martial arts at all and was nearly killed by Ruan Fengshan; it was only because Ruan Fengshan's mother grabbed his leg that the man was able to escape.

Ruan Fengshan would not let it go, threatening that he would definitely kill the man and, once the Old Shopkeeper returned from his mission, expose his mother.

His mother had no choice but to reveal his true parentage.

Ruan Fengshan naturally refused to believe it, saying his mother was talking nonsense.

His mother had Li Man come over, and Li Man told Ruan Fengshan that she had been counting the days back then. When his mother gave birth to him, it was a full-term pregnancy, but Li Man had personally bribed the midwife and the physician, telling them to inform the Old Shopkeeper that it was a premature birth by one month. That was how they had covered it up.

Ruan Fengshan returned from his mother's place with a gloomy expression and immediately set out to track down the physician who had cared for his mother's pregnancy and the midwife who had delivered him.

Ruan Fengshan took action himself, and after some torture, he naturally extracted the truth!

He really was a bastard!

At sixteen, Ruan Fengshan felt not anger, but fear and disgust! From then on, his temperament changed completely! He also suffered from nightmares, dreaming that his father had hanged him and his mother from a withered blood-tree!

Hearing Li Man's words, the doubts that had been weighing on Xiao Zongting's heart for who knows how many years were shattered in an instant!

Only then did he understand why those people knew their movements like the back of their hand, allowing them to lie in wait and ambush them.

Although after more than ten years of investigation, many doubts had occasionally pointed toward Ruan Fengshan, and he had indeed been suspicious, those doubts had quickly dissipated.

How could a son kill his own father?!

But now, the matter was clear. The one who had orchestrated everything back then was Ruan Fengshan.

"Young Master, so it was you!"

Xiao Zongting immediately tied up Li Man, found a carriage, took her to a village outside the city, found an abandoned house, and tied her inside.

Then, in that village, Xiao Zongting found an honest villager, gave him one tael of silver, handed over his own tobacco pipe, and asked him to go to the county town to find Li Gu, the Escort Head of the Fifth Escort Team.

This Li Gu was also a veteran of the Escort Agency and had been personally trained by Xiao Zongting; furthermore, Li Gu's older brother, Li Yuan, had also been killed in the ambush that night. He had been hacked to pieces, a sight too gruesome to behold!

That afternoon, Li Gu arrived at the village and met Xiao Zongting.

Xiao Zongting brought Li Gu to see Li Man and recounted the entire sequence of events to him.

Li Gu's face flushed red, his eyes burning with rage; he had always thought his brother died during a robbery, but he never expected it was due to Ruan Fengshan's scheming. Remembering the sorrow of piecing together his brother's corpse in the wilderness that year, he was instantly overcome with fury.

Li Gu wanted to go find Ruan Fengshan for revenge immediately, but was stopped by Xiao Zongting.

Xiao Zongting told him that Ruan Fengshan was already the Manager of the Yuanshun Escort Agency, and since this was a matter from over a decade ago, they could not be reckless; they had to plan properly and act with caution.

Xiao Zongting had Li Gu find two trusted confidants to come and guard Li Man. The two of them would return to the Escort Agency to contact old subordinates.

Ruan Fengshan happened to be away from the Escort Agency for these few days; when he returned, that would be the time for them to strike.

Because Zhao Mu often visited the Xiaojia, when this matter unfolded, Xiao Zongting included him in the plans.

Three days later, just as Ruan Fengshan returned to the Escort Agency and was eating dinner in the Back Courtyard.

Xiao Zongting led a group of Escorts and surrounded the Back Courtyard of the Escort Agency.

These Escorts all had their long blades unsheathed and held torches, illuminating the entire Back Courtyard as bright as day.

Xiao Zongting dragged Li Man, limping as he walked out from the crowd, and pushed Li Man down in front of Ruan Fengshan.

Xiao Zongting's martial arts were completely crippled, and Ruan Fengshan held great power, so to exact his great revenge, he could only rely on the strength of the crowd.

Xiao Zongting wanted to have Li Man confront Ruan Fengshan in front of everyone, to bring the truth of the bloody feud from years ago to light!

The letter Xiao Zongting left for Xiao Yu only wrote that he intended to bring the matter to light in front of everyone, and then it cut off abruptly...

Before the operation that night, Xiao Zongting finished writing this letter and gave it to Zhu Xiaoqi, instructing her that if he died, she should find a way to deliver it to Xiao Yu.

Although the letter ended there, Xiao Yu could already imagine what happened next. Her father was undoubtedly killed by Ruan Fengshan that night.

Xiao Yu's face was already streaked with tears, her body trembling slightly, a mixture of anger and sorrow.

Standing beside her, Duan Rong was much calmer; Duan Rong looked at Yang Zhen and Zhu Xiaoqi and asked, "The night Xiao Lao mobilized the Escorts to confront Ruan Fengshan, what exactly happened?"

What Duan Rong asked was precisely the part not mentioned in the letter Xiao Zongting left for Xiao Yu.

Yang Zhen said, "The two sides clashed that night. Ruan Fengshan had been operating for many years, so he naturally had no shortage of confidants and subordinates."

"But more importantly..." Yang Zhen's voice suddenly paused at this point. "Not long after the clash began, many experts suddenly entered the Escort Agency."

"Many experts?" Duan Rong frowned deeply. "Who were those experts?"

Yang Zhen said, "Unclear! Those people were all wearing night-traveling clothes and had their faces covered."

Duan Rong had already vaguely guessed who those people were. Those experts were very likely people from the Filthy Blood Sect.

However, for them to arrive so soon after the clash began that night—that action was too swift! This was not logical! There must be some key to this.

While Duan Rong was still deep in thought, he saw Yang Zhen continue, "It wasn't just those masked black-clad experts. Furthermore, the yamen runners and Constables from the Ya Men arrived almost immediately and surrounded the entire Escort Agency tightly."

"That night, I was also among those conscripted. The order I received was not to let anyone leave the Escort Agency!"

"People from the Ya Men were also involved?" Duan Rong was shocked!

Yang Zhen said, "Correct!"

"It was then, at the alley entrance, that I met Zhu Xiaoqi. At the time, the four gates were locked and the whole city was under curfew; if she ran around, she would easily be caught. I knew you had a deep connection with the Xiaojia, so I brought her here and hid her."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yu looked at Yang Zhen with gratitude. Duan Rong had said this person was trustworthy; it seemed that was indeed true.

Zhu Xiaoqi, however, stared blankly at Duan Rong with her blinking eyes. Yang Zhen had told her earlier that he saved her for Duan Rong's sake.

Hearing Yang Zhen say this, Duan Rong suddenly realized that the cotton-padded jacket Zhu Xiaoqi was wearing was Xiao Zongting's old winter clothing. If not for Yang Zhen, if Zhu Xiaoqi had been caught, she likely would have faced execution.

Duan Rong looked at Yang Zhen and said, "The Xiaojia indeed did me a great favor. Yang Zhen, I owe you for this one."

"Don't!" Yang Zhen said, "Let's call it even this time!"

Duan Rong smiled slightly and said, "Whether I owe you or we're even, I wasn't planning on paying you back anyway."

Just as Yang Zhen was about to retort, Duan Rong suddenly looked at him seriously and asked, "Yang Zhen, why do you think the people from the Ya Men were involved in this? And why was their action so swift? They arrived at the scene not long after the clash started, as if..."

Duan Rong weighed his words and said, "It is as if there is some kind of secret connection between the Ya Men and Ruan Fengshan."

In truth, there was an even greater question in Duan Rong's heart that he had not asked.

If those masked experts were truly all from the Filthy Blood Sect, why did the people from the Filthy Blood Sect and the Ya Men come out to help Ruan Fengshan at the same time when Xiao Zongting incited the Escorts to revolt?

Furthermore, they were clearly coordinating with each other!

One side charged into the Escort Agency to directly assist Ruan Fengshan, while the other side surrounded the Escort Agency to ensure no fish slipped through the net.

No matter how Duan Rong pondered it, he could not yet guess the mystery behind it.

Yang Zhen remained silent for a long time regarding Duan Rong's question and did not speak. Because he was merely a small Constable in the Ya Men, how could he possibly know of such secrets?

Xiao Yu wiped the tear stains from her face, her eyes red, and said, "Duan Rong, let's go kill Ruan Fengshan and avenge Father!"

Duan Rong said, "Xiao Lao's revenge must be taken! But we have been away for three years and are completely in the dark; it is better to investigate clearly before making a move!"

Xiao Yu let out a cold snort and said, "You don't have to go! I can kill him all by myself!"

As Xiao Yu spoke, she actually turned to leave.

"Xiao Yu!" Duan Rong turned his head and shouted angrily, "Are you going to take revenge, or are you going to throw your life away?!"

Xiao Yu said coldly, "Ruan Fengshan is at most at the True Qi Realm First Stage; how would killing him be throwing my life away?"

Duan Rong said, "Then let me ask you! The night Xiao Lao incited the revolt against Ruan Fengshan, who were those experts who snuck into the Escort Agency? Why did the people in the Ya Men assist Ruan Fengshan that night? We are unclear about all these things, yet you would rush over there recklessly. Are you truly certain you can kill Ruan Fengshan?"

Duan Rong asked several questions in a row, leaving Xiao Yu with a face full of tear stains, standing there motionless.

Duan Rong looked at Xiao Yu's back, understanding what she was thinking. He walked over, put his arm around Xiao Yu's shoulder, and said, "It is not that I am unwilling to take risks. But the situation in Xiangu County is becoming increasingly treacherous, and the forces behind this are already looming. If we risk our lives and fail, who else will be left to avenge your father?"

Xiao Yu looked at Duan Rong and said, "Then, what do you suggest we do?"

Duan Rong said, "Investigate first, then act. Strike the snake at its seven inches, and strike true with one blow!"

In fact, it was not without reason that Xiao Yu was angry.

Duan Rong was already at the True Qi Realm Great Perfection, and they held the status of Outer Sect Disciples; holding the Taiyi Order, they naturally had the authority to kill in an emergency.

However, Duan Rong knew very clearly in his heart.

Behind Ruan Fengshan was the Filthy Blood Sect. Moreover, in the incident that night, even the government helped him, and they coordinated with the experts of the Filthy Blood Sect. The information vaguely revealed here made Duan Rong feel alarmed!

There was clearly a great deal more to this; if they acted rashly without figuring it out, they would likely be surrounded and attacked. And were there really no experts in the shadows?

The key was that Duan Rong felt it was not difficult for him to figure these things out. Xiao Yu might feel that it would take forever to clear up these tangled affairs.

But Duan Rong possessed the Divine Soul technique of Divine Sense Envelopment! And his Womb Treasury Sutra had already reached the eleventh layer; the range of his Divine Sense Envelopment was no longer what it used to be.

He believed that as long as he was given time, he could quickly investigate every twist and turn of this matter, as well as the looming forces behind it, clearly.

As the saying goes, one who does not plan for the whole is not enough to plan for a part.

Only by mastering the entire situation could he plan before acting!

Duan Rong immediately gave instructions for Yang Zhen to get him a few things.

Upon hearing of those strange items, Yang Zhen asked with slight surprise, "What do you need these things for?"

"Don't ask, I have a use for them," Duan Rong said with a firm tone.

Seeing Duan Rong's solemn expression, Yang Zhen finally understood he was not joking and said, "The Peach Gum might not be available until dawn when the shops open."

Duan Rong sighed and said, "It's fine, just get them as soon as possible."

When Yang Zhen left, it was estimated that it was only an hour or two until dawn.

Duan Rong, Xiao Yu, and Zhu Xiaoqi extinguished the lamp and huddled in the secret room underground, wanting to doze off for a while.

Xiao Yu and Duan Rong had been traveling continuously and had suffered great changes during the day; at this moment, once they curled up in the corner, they immediately became exhausted and quickly fell fast asleep.

Duan Rong leaned his back against the wall, half-lying there, with Xiao Yu resting on his shoulder, already fast asleep.

Zhu Xiaoqi had also fallen fast asleep nearby; perhaps because it was late at night and there was cold air underground, even though Zhu Xiaoqi was wearing Xiao Zongting's cotton coat, she still kept rubbing against Duan Rong.

Duan Rong was also very tired, so he let her lean against him as well and fell asleep.

In the darkness, Duan Rong could clearly feel the breathing of Xiao Yu and Zhu Xiaoqi, but while his hand was gently holding Xiao Yu's waist, he did not dare to move at all on Zhu Xiaoqi's side.

After sleeping for less than two hours, Duan Rong heard rustling sounds coming from over there. His mind stirred, and his Divine Sense swept over, seeing that it was Yang Zhen who had arrived.

Duan Rong stood up. As Duan Rong moved, he woke both Xiao Yu and Zhu Xiaoqi.

Duan Rong stood up, took out the Fire Folder, blew out a flame, and lit the oil lamp in the corner.

The dim light had just illuminated the secret room, and while Xiao Yu and Zhu Xiaoqi were still rubbing their eyes, Yang Zhen had already walked in, carrying a bulging bundle.

Duan Rong glanced at Yang Zhen and saw his eyelids were swollen and his eyes were bloodshot, clearly having not slept all night.

Duan Rong patted Yang Zhen on the shoulder and said gratefully, "Thank you for your hard work! After this matter is over, I will treat you to a drink."

Yang Zhen said, "As long as you are still alive."

Duan Rong said, "Are you cursing me? Can't you wish me something good?"

Yang Zhen rolled his eyes at him and said, "I am reminding you to be careful. Can't you tell the difference between good and bad words?"

Duan Rong took the bundle from Yang Zhen's hand, then walked near the oil lamp, untied the bundle, and spread it out on the floor by the wall.

Then, Duan Rong began to tinker with it.

Xiao Yu, Yang Zhen, and Zhu Xiaoqi were all curious about what Duan Rong was doing.

About the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, Duan Rong had already disguised himself as a disheveled beggar; there was a lot of grime on his face, and he even had a patch of scabs.

Duan Rong had used the Disguise Technique to dress himself as a beggar; this was the best identity he could think of to facilitate his investigation.

Duan Rong stood there and smiled at the three of them; the dim light hitting his face was truly somewhat creepy.

Yang Zhen suddenly frowned and said, "Aren't these ragged clothes of yours a bit small? No matter how I look at it, they don't fit."

Duan Rong chuckled and said, "Keep your eyes wide open! I'm going to perform a magic trick for you!"

As soon as Duan Rong finished speaking, his body joints made a series of cracking sounds, and then his figure shrank circle by circle, until he was half a head shorter than Zhu Xiaoqi.

Xiao Yu, Yang Zhen, and Zhu Xiaoqi were all so shocked by this scene that they could not speak for a long time.

The Bone Shrinking Technique, a strange martial arts skill, was rare to begin with and extremely difficult to master; Xiao Yu and Yang Zhen had only heard of it, and Zhu Xiaoqi had never even heard of it at all.

Duan Rong did not want to expose the fact that he possessed this strange technique unless it was necessary. However, he absolutely trusted the few people before him. Moreover, only by pairing the Bone Shrinking Technique with the Disguise Technique could he truly deceive everyone.

The current Duan Rong was truly nothing more than a small, thin beggar with pockmarks on his face.

(End of chapter)