Chapter 316

Have you found any clues? Ying Wuji said.

Translation: "Have you found any clues?" Ying Wuji said.

We need to keep quotes? The Chinese includes 「」 which are quotation marks. We can keep as English quotes: "Have you found any clues?" Ying Wuji said.

Make sure it's one line.

At this point, Weng Mingshu chimed in: "Yeah, have you found any clues?"

Translation: At this moment, Weng Mingshu also echoed, "Yeah yeah, have you found any clues?"

But we need to keep natural English. Could be: At this moment, Weng Mingshu also chimed in, "Yeah, yeah, have you found any clues?" We'll keep.

"Daoist friend Weng, long time no see." Cang Li only then noticed Weng Mingshu, greeted her, and then told Yuan Yao and the others: "Let's find a quiet spot to sit down and chat."

Translation: "Daoist friend Weng, long time no see." Cang Li seemed to only then notice Weng Mingshu, greeted her, then said to Yuan Yao and the others, "Let's first find a quiet place to sit and talk."

We should use the glossary names: Cang Li, Weng Mingshu, and Yuan Yao. Also, the honorific "Daoist friend Weng" is how one would address someone surnamed Weng.

"Okay." Yuan Yao nodded.

Translation: "Good." Yuan Yao nodded.

Soon, they arrived at a pavilion with stone tables and benches, simple and elegant.

Translation: Soon after, they arrived at a pavilion, with stone tables and benches inside, simple and elegant.

Everyone took their seats and began sharing information, exchanging the clues they had found.

Translation: Everyone sat down in turn and began to exchange information, sharing the clues they had found.

Cang Li and Xue Jin also thought it impossible for Wang San to possess such a huge amount of spirit stones to buy poisonous cicada medicine.

Translation: Cang Li and Xue Jin also felt that Wang San could not possibly possess such a huge amount of spirit stones to buy the poisonous cicada medicine.

Cang Li raised two fingers and said: "There are only two possibilities now. Either Wang San willingly helped the mastermind behind the scenes poison someone, or he was forced to do so under duress. Before you arrived, we had also looked into Wang San."

Translation: Cang Li raised two fingers and said, "Now there are only two possibilities: either Wang San willingly helped the mastermind behind the scenes poison, or Wang San was coerced and had no choice but to poison. Before you arrived, we had also inquired about Wang San."

We should keep the translation "mastermind behind the scenes" for the term meaning the hidden orchestrator.

Wang San's parents died early; he had no wife or children, and was lonely and helpless. He usually kept to himself, and the disciples of the academy avoided him.

Translation: "Wang San's parents died early, he has no wife or child, lonely and helpless. He usually has a solitary temperament; the disciples of the academy all avoid him."

We should translate the term meaning 'inside the academy' as 'the academy'.

Weng Mingshu said:

Translation: Weng Mingshu analyzed, "In that case, Wang San is very likely to have had a conflict with someone inside the Water Mirror Immortal Academy, which is why he assisted the mastermind behind the scenes in poisoning all the water sources of the Water Mirror Immortal Academy!"

We need to use glossary: Water Mirror Immortal Academy.

Cang Li said, "I cannot rule out this possibility."

Translation: "This possibility cannot be ruled out." Cang Li said.

Yuan Yao looked at them and asked, "Have you found any abnormalities in the other three great immortal academies?"

Translation: Yuan Yao looked at them, "Have you found any abnormalities in the other three great immortal academies?"

We need to use Three Great Immortal Academies.

Cang Li's face darkened, and he said solemnly, "I suspect this matter is related to the half of the treasure map passed down from Dean Ao's ancestors. Half a month before the incident, the heads of the other three great immortal academies had met with Dean Ao, but Dean Ao fell out with them. Afterward, the Three Great Immortal Academies explicitly forbade their disciples from interacting with those of the Water Mirror Immortal Academy, presumably secretly suppressing the Water Mirror Immortal Academy and joining forces to oppress it."

Translation: Cang Li's face sank, he said solemnly, "I suspect this matter is related to the half of the treasure map passed down from Dean Ao's ancestors. Half a month before the incident, the heads of the other three great immortal academies had met with Dean Ao, but Dean Ao fell out with them. After that, the three great immortal academies explicitly forbade their disciples from interacting with those of the Water Mirror Immortal Academy; presumably they were secretly marginalizing the Water Mirror Immortal Academy and joining forces to suppress it."

We need to use Dean Ao, Three Great Immortal Academies, Water Mirror Immortal Academy, Treasure Map.

Weng Mingshu frowned tightly, then after a pause said, "What treasure map?"

Translation: "How can this be?!" Weng Mingshu furrowed her brows, then after a beat she said, "What treasure map?"

Yuan Yao explained, "It's the treasure map of the Eighth Continent."

Translation: "The treasure map of the Eighth Continent." Yuan Yao explained.

We need Eighth Continent, Treasure Map.

Weng Mingshu responded indifferently, showing no interest.

Translation: Weng Mingshu gave a bland response, obviously not interested.

The group brought the discussion back to the main topic.

Translation: The few of them brought the topic back to the main subject again.

Cang Li scanned their faces and asked, "Do you think the Three Great Immortal Academies would exterminate the Water Mirror Immortal Academy over the treasure map?"

Translation: Cang Li scanned their faces, "Do you think the Three Great Immortal Academies would exterminate the entire Water Mirror Immortal Academy over the treasure map?"

We need Three Great Immortal Academies, treasure map, Water Mirror Immortal Academy.

Yuan Yao said, "If it's truly for the treasure map, it certainly wouldn't be the disciples of the Three Great Immortal Academies; it's highly likely to be one of the three deans of the Three Great Immortal Academies or someone who knows the secret of the treasure map."

Translation: Yuan Yao said, "If it really is for the treasure map, then it definitely wouldn't be the disciples of the Three Great Immortal Academies who did it; thus it's very likely the three deans of the Three Great Immortal Academies or someone who knows this secret of the treasure map."

We need Three Great Immortal Academies, three deans, treasure map.

Weng Mingshu said, "Then this makes sense—some people from the Three Great Immortal Academies bribed Wang San to poison him!"

Translation: Weng Mingshu said, "Then this makes sense: some people from the Three Great Immortal Academies bribed Wang San to poison!"

We need Three Great Immortal Academies, Wang San.

Ying Wuji suddenly said, "Perhaps it's not that simple."

Translation: "Perhaps, it's not that simple." Ying Wuji suddenly spoke.

At the same time, Yuan Yao suddenly heard the system notification: 【Target person Ying Wuji, Awakening Value reached 37.】

Translation: At the same moment, Yuan Yao suddenly heard the system's notification: 【Target person Ying Wuji, Awakening Value reached 37.】

We need to keep the brackets and content. Use glossary: Ying Wuji, Awakening Value.

Just as she was somewhat doubtful, the 250 System began broadcasting news of others' Awakening Value increases.

Translation: Just as she was doubtful, the 250 System began broadcasting news of others' Awakening Value increases.

We need 250 System, Awakening Value.

Cang Li let out a light sigh and said, "I also think it's not that simple. Wang San is just a pawn; who exactly is controlling him?"

Translation: Cang Li let out a soft sigh: "I also think it's not that simple. Wang San is merely a pawn; who exactly is controlling him?"

We need Cang Li, Wang San.

Upon hearing that, Yuan Yao had a flash of thought.

Translation: Upon hearing this, Yuan Yao had a flash of something in her mind.

Her expression grew solemn.

Translation: Her expression grew solemn.

"Yao Yao?" Cang Li looked at Yuan Yao.

Translation: "Yao Yao?" Cang Li looked at Yuan Yao.

We need Cang Li, Yuan Yao, Yao Yao.

Yuan Yao suddenly stood up and said, "I need to confirm a few things."

Translation: Yuan Yao suddenly rose to her feet, "I need to confirm a few things."

Seeing her about to leave, Cang Li asked, "Where are you going?"

Translation: Seeing her about to leave, Cang Li asked, "Where are you going?"

Yuan Yao left four words: "The crime scene."

Translation: Yuan Yao left four words: "The crime scene."

Weng Mingshu blinked and said, "Isn't this the crime scene?"

Translation: "Isn't this the crime scene?" Weng Mingshu was bewildered.

Cang Li, Xue Jin, and Ying Wuji exchanged glances, then rose and followed.

Translation: Cang Li, Xue Jin, and Ying Wuji exchanged glances, then rose and followed after her.

We need Cang Li, Xue Jin, Ying Wuji.

Seeing this, Weng Mingshu placed her hands on the stone table and urgently said, "Wait for me."

Translation: Seeing this, Weng Mingshu braced her hands on the stone table and urgently said, "Wait for me."

Heavenly Cloud Sect disciples wanted to follow, but heard Weng Mingshu say, "You should also go gather some information; don't worry about me, they'll protect me!"

Translation: The Heavenly Cloud Sect disciples wanted to follow up, but upon hearing Weng Mingshu say, "You guys go gather some news too; don't worry about me, they'll protect me!"

We need Heavenly Cloud Sect, Weng Mingshu.

Before they could reply, Weng Mingshu lifted her skirt and quickly caught up with the few ahead.

Translation: Before they could reply, they saw Weng Mingshu lift her skirt and sprint after the few ahead.

…

Translation: … (ellipsis). We need to output the ellipsis as is? Probably just "…". Keep as is.

While Yuan Yao and the others were examining the crime scene, Song Yan and Xiao Lingwei brought back a message.

Translation: While Yuan Yao and the others were inspecting the crime scene, Song Yan and Xiao Lingwei brought back a piece of news.

We need Yuan Yao, Song Yan, Xiao Lingwei.

— Wang San drowned in the river of Academy City.

Translation: ——Wang San drowned in the river of Academy City.

We need Wang San, Academy City.

He had no external injuries; it seemed he committed suicide out of fear of guilt.

Translation: His body showed no external injuries; it seemed he committed suicide out of fear of guilt.

This news spread like wildfire among all the major factions.

Translation: This news instantly spread throughout the various factions' teams, causing an uproar.

The hard-won clue was just cut off.

Translation: The hard-won clue was thus cut off.

Yuan Yao and the others stayed at the Water Mirror Immortal Academy until evening; when they were about to leave and passed through the narrow corridor, they saw the boy Zhang Cheng again.

Translation: Yuan Yao and the others had stayed in the Water Mirror Immortal Academy until evening; when they were about to leave the academy and passed through that narrow corridor, they once again saw the young boy Zhang Cheng.

We need Yuan Yao, Water Mirror Immortal Academy, Zhang Cheng.

At that moment, beside Zhang Cheng was only a young disciple from the Earth Spirit Immortal Academy.

Translation: At that moment, beside Zhang Cheng was only a young disciple of the Earth Spirit Immortal Academy.

We need Earth Spirit Immortal Academy.

The young disciple blinked slightly upon seeing Yuan Yao and her group.

Translation: The youngster, upon seeing Yuan Yao's group, was slightly stunned.

Yuan Yao walked up to Zhang Cheng, crouched down, and gently said, "Zhang Cheng, are you hungry? Would you like sister to take you to eat?"

Translation: And Yuan Yao walked up to Zhang Cheng, crouched down, and gently said, "Zhang Cheng, are you hungry? Would you like sister to take you to eat?"

We need Yuan Yao, Zhang Cheng.

Zhang Cheng didn't even lift his eyelids.

Translation: Zhang Cheng didn't even lift his eyelids.

He remained immersed in his own world.

Translation: He remained immersed in his own world.

Until—

Translation: Until——

Yuan Yao reached out to try to take the puppet from his hand.

Translation: Yuan Yao reached out to try to snatch the wooden doll from his hand.

"Don't!" the boy beside him exclaimed, stopping her.

Translation: "Don't!" the boy beside him exclaimed in alarm, stopping her.

Zhang Cheng clenched the puppet tightly with both hands, struggling with Yuan Yao over it; he lifted his head and stared fixedly at her.

Translation: Zhang Cheng clenched the wooden doll tightly with both hands, struggling with Yuan Yao over it; he lifted his head and stared fixedly at her.

The boy's face was pale, his lips dry and cracked from lack of water, the area under his eyes dark, making him look extremely wan and pitiable.

Translation: The boy's face was pallid, his lips dry and cracked from lack of water, the area under his eyes bluish-black; he looked extremely wan and pitiable.

Yuan Yao smiled faintly and said, "What use is keeping a lifeless puppet?"

Translation: Yuan Yao smiled faintly and said, "What use is there in keeping a lifeless wooden doll?"

Upon hearing that, Zhang Cheng first froze, then his eyes flashed with ferocity; he snatched back his puppet, shoved Yuan Yao hard, and she fell flat on her buttocks.

Translation: Upon hearing that, Zhang Cheng first froze, then his eyes flashed with ferocity; he fiercely reclaimed his wooden doll, then shoved Yuan Yao hard, causing her to fall flat on her buttocks.

Immediately after, he ran off on his short legs.

Translation: Immediately afterward, he ran off on his short little legs.

The boy's face changed in shock; he hurried after him, shouting, "Zhang Cheng!"

Translation: The boy's face changed in shock; he hurried after him, shouting, "Zhang Cheng!"

Xue Jin stepped forward and helped Yuan Yao up.

Translation: Xue Jin stepped forward and helped Yuan Yao to her feet.

After Yuan Yao rose, she saw Weng Mingshu shocked and said, "This child... could he have gone mad?"

Translation: After Yuan Yao got up, she saw Weng Mingshu stare in shock and say, "This child… could he have gone mad?"

Yuan Yao and the others: "……"

Translation: Yuan Yao and the others: "……"

"Not crazy." Yuan Yao said.

"Then he..."

"Let's go back to Cloud Water Street first." Yuan Yao spoke; she still wanted to get to the bottom of something.

Upon hearing that, Weng Mingshu nodded in agreement.

After they left the Water Mirror Immortal Academy, they turned back to look at the unlit academy, and a feeling of gloom pervaded everywhere.

At that moment, Yuan Yao saw a small figure hiding behind a pillar outside the Water Mirror Immortal Academy.

It was Zhang Cheng.

Zhang Cheng crouched down, his hands tightly clasped around his own head, softly sobbing; in this quiet environment, it carried a hint of strangeness and terror.

At that moment, the anxious boy rushed to Zhang Cheng's side.

Zhang Cheng flung himself into the boy's arms, beginning to wail loudly, as if venting the pain and fear of these days.

The sobbing sounded heartbreaking.

The boy looked sympathetically at the boy in his arms, then, upon noticing the gazes of Yuan Yao and the others, he revealed a look of disgust and rejection.

"Let's go." Cang Li turned Yuan Yao's head toward the front.

Yuan Yao's group gradually drifted away.

And Zhang Cheng, who had been wailing loudly in the boy's arms, seemed to gradually calm down; he slightly tilted his head, gazing with his red, swollen eyes at the retreating backs of Yuan Yao and her companions.

Zhang Cheng lowered his eyes, his voice trembling with sobs, his small hand tightly gripping the boy's clothing.

"Why are they treating me like this?"

"Why..."