Chapter 60: Six Villages

The paper was as thin as a cicada's wing, clearly no ordinary thing.

Ma Tianshou and Yan Lao both clearly felt that this thin sheet of paper contained an immensely powerful mysterious force!

The pen had been specially treated by a Craft Cultivator; when stored inside, it could mask this aura.

Yan Lao couldn't help saying: "This contract… even if signed by an Upper-Third-Rank, must be obeyed—death itself cannot break it!"

Ma Tianshou spread the contract on the table and lightly tapped its surface with his finger: "The biggest problem is this seal."

The contract was blank, but in one corner, a red personal seal had already been stamped.

Though merely a personal seal, it was famous—Ma Tianshou and Yan Lao saw the seal and knew instantly it belonged to that one from Beidu!

For a moment, neither dared speak.

They had been pulled into the "Tongtian" incident!

After a while, Ma Tianshou rolled up the contract and returned it to the pen shaft, then tightened the ivory pen cap.

"This matter must not be revealed to anyone!" Ma Tianshou warned solemnly.

Yan Lao immediately nodded: "Buried in my belly!"

Ma Tianshou said no more.

As for what Ma Tianshou truly thought inside, Yan Lao could not judge, nor did he wish to speculate.

In any case, Yan Lao himself had no intention of getting involved.

…

Xu Yuan treated himself with medicinal pills, and his injuries slowly healed.

Of the herbs collected from Wangxiang Village, Xu Yuan didn't recognize most, but the medicinal pills they formed were exceptionally effective.

Outside, the sun gradually sank westward; a Captain in the Purification Office's uniform stood guard at the door, his sleeve lacking cloud patterns—lowest rank.

"Looks like I won't be going home tonight," Xu Yuan thought silently.

After waiting a while longer, Xu Yuan heard footsteps outside.

The Captain at the door called out, "My lord," and opened the door for the newcomer.

Ma Tianshou entered, accompanied this time by Fu Jingyu.

Ma Tianshou had already spoken with his two students before coming to see Xu Yuan.

Xu Yuan rose immediately to greet him; Fu Jingyu introduced: "This is my teacher, Deputy Commander Ma Tianshou of the Purification Office's Southern Jiaozhi Branch."

"Greetings, Master Ma," Xu Yuan bowed with clasped fists.

Ma Tianshou sat down and waved his hand lightly: "Sit and speak."

Xu Yuan sat; Fu Jingyu strictly observed the student's duty, standing by to serve tea for both.

Ma Tianshou apologized: "You were attacked under our Purification Office's protection—we owe you for this."

"My lord, you speak too highly," Xu Yuan hurriedly replied.

"It's the truth," Ma Tianshou said. "But you surprised me—you killed two Seventh-Ranks entirely on your own."

Xu Yuan wanted to deny it, to repeat what he'd told Yan Lao, but as he opened his mouth, he saw the amusement lurking in Ma Tianshou's eyes… and closed it again.

This wasn't bluffing—this man had already made up his mind.

Xu Yuan's mind raced, and he suddenly understood: Careless—I forgot Yan the Elder cultivates the calculation method.

"Yan the Elder isn't being fair," Xu Yuan deliberately showed a hint of complaint.

Ma Tianshou laughed: "Old ginger is the spiciest."

Xu Yuan seized the opening: "You, Master, aren't also a spicy ginger, are you? I'm no match for you old masters…"

"Cough! Cough! Cough!" Fu Jingyu coughed loudly beside him, interrupting Xu Yuan.

He's my teacher.

Ma Tianshou laughed louder, waving his hand at his obedient student: "It's fine."

Fu Jingyu stopped coughing instantly, as if he'd swallowed a Dan Xiu pill.

Ma Tianshou continued to Xu Yuan: "I originally wanted to ask how you killed those two Seventh-Ranks, but since you've said this, I won't ask."

"Thank you, my lord, for your generosity!" Xu Yuan gushed: "I was just being presumptuous—my lord truly has the breadth of a chancellor, understanding and compassionate toward juniors, and exceptionally kind…"

"Enough, enough," Ma Tianshou cut him off, turning serious: "Now let's speak of real matters. You went to Wangjing Lane, then wisely returned and handed over all those items."

This time, Xu Yuan was truly "wise"—he no longer denied having gone to Wangjing Lane.

"Er…," he stammered twice, then said: "I overheard an elder saying he was looking for something, and mistakenly thought I had it."

Ma Tianshou: "The thing they're looking for is indeed among the items you handed over."

Xu Yuan's expression changed.

Ma Tianshou said calmly: "But since you handed them over voluntarily, this matter is now borne by our Purification Office."

This time, Xu Yuan genuinely raised his thumb: "My lord, you're truly magnanimous!"

"Now let's discuss your personal affairs," Ma Tianshou gestured to Fu Jingyu: "You may leave. Your service isn't needed here."

Fu Jingyu bowed and withdrew.

Xu Yuan was strangely puzzled—my personal affairs?

Ma Tianshou said: "I can have Yan Lao send you back immediately; from now on, you'll cultivate in secret in He Gong Alley. As long as you don't leave, I'm certain He Gong Alley can protect your safety."

In about three to five months, I'll resolve Chen Liangxuan's matter, and you'll be safe.

That is your first option."

Xu Yuan nodded, not rushing to respond.

Ma Tianshou's proposal meant the Purification Office would take full responsibility for what came next—Xu Yuan would simply hide at home for three or five months.

"Your second option: join us in investigating this case. You're capable, and as a firsthand witness, you hold great advantage in the inquiry."

And I know your He Gong Alley hides old secrets, so your family likely won't want you to get involved.

But in my view, you are precisely the one suited to "break the deadlock"—He Gong Alley has lingered in the past too long; it is time to move forward…

Xu Yuan couldn't help asking: "What exactly is this old matter?"

Ma Tianshou stroked his beard and said: "This is your family affair; it is not fitting for me to tell you through my own mouth. You should return and ask Lin Wanmo. But… you may deliver one message to Lin Wanmo on my behalf: Over a hundred years have passed; few in the court still remember the so-called 'Six Villages' Rebels' of that time."

Xu Yuan frowned. Rebels? Did my ancestors rebel back then?

Ma Tianshou continued: "Enough. Let us continue. You will work with Fu Jingyu and the others on this case. When it is resolved, rewards will be granted according to merit—I will grant you an official identity."

You may even use this opportunity to petition Your Majesty for a favor, to erase the past crimes of He Gong Alley."

The reason I came to Shanhe County is because I previously obtained some leads—I would never act without cause."

Qiao Ziaang's roots lie in Qihe Terrace Town; the key to this case lies precisely in Qihe Terrace and Ghost Wushan."

You are familiar with Ghost Wushan—you will surely assist Fu Jingyu."

After speaking, Ma Tianshou asked: "Two choices. Which one do you pick?"

Xu Yuan replied without hesitation: "I choose the first."

Requesting monthly votes!





(End of Chapter)