Chapter 142: with translation of chapter title

Just as Pei Donglai was talking with Luo Shisan, someone lifted the curtain and entered—it was Jiang Xiaomu.

His steps were steady, his gaze sweeping over everyone present, finally settling on Luo Shisan, as he thought to himself:

Indeed, it's him.

Seeing Jiang Xiaomu enter, Pei Donglai hurriedly greeted him enthusiastically:

Mr. Jiang, you've come at just the right time!

This is Luo Shisan, the great hero Luo.

He is an assassin, and today he personally slew the notorious river bandit Zhang Biao.

Jiang Xiaomu clasped his hands in salute.

I have long admired your great name, Hero Luo.

His tone was calm, but his heart churned with waves.

Earlier at the tavern, he had noticed this blind man; at the time he only felt his demeanor was special, never expecting him to be an assassin.

Luo Shisan gave a slight nod, his empty eyes seeming to see through everything.

Mr. Jiang, a pleasure to meet you.

His hoarse voice sounded somewhat gloomy.

Pei Donglai excitedly embellished Luo Shisan's heroic deeds, retelling them with exaggeration, which made Jiang Xiaomu secretly frown.

He always felt something was off; Luo Shisan's appearance was too coincidental.

Hero Luo truly possesses extraordinary skill.

Jiang Xiaomu gave a faint compliment.

May I ask, Hero, how did you track down Zhang Biao?

Luo Shisan gave a light laugh.

Zhang Biao committed countless evils, his body heavy with killing intent; I naturally followed that killing intent here.

Jiang Xiaomu smirked inwardly; this explanation was too mystical.

He then asked:

Hero, have you ever personally witnessed Zhang Biao's wrongdoing?

Luo Shisan paused, then tapped his cane lightly on the ground, producing a dull thud.

Although I am blind, my heart holds a clear mirror.

Zhang Biao's crimes are heinous, offending both men and gods; I slew him to carry out heaven's will!

These words were righteous and solemn, yet they made Jiang Xiaomu even more suspicious.

Hero Luo, your righteousness is lofty.

Jiang Xiaomu responded without changing expression, while inwardly calculating how to probe further.

Pei Donglai completely failed to notice the undercurrents between the two, and he enthusiastically proposed:

Today Hero Luo has rid the people of a scourge, truly a cause for celebration! Why don't we go together to Mu Yu Lou to celebrate his achievement?

Luo Shisan readily agreed.

That would be excellent.

The three of them set off together for Mu Yu Lou.

At the banquet, Pei Donglai kept toasting Luo Shisan, praising his chivalrous deed.

Jiang Xiaomu, meanwhile, observed Luo Shisan without changing expression, trying to find a flaw in his words and actions.

After three rounds of drinks, Pei Donglai was already a bit drunk; he grabbed Luo Shisan's hand and slurred:

Hero Luo, you are truly my idol!

Luo Shisan's mouth curled into a strange smile.

Constable Captain Pei having such an aspiration is indeed a blessing for the people.

Jiang Xiaomu threw a few more questions, but Luo Shisan skillfully evaded them, his answers flawless.

Although his suspicions grew, there was nothing he could do.

Night fell, the lamps were lit, and the clamor inside Mu Yu Lou continued as before.

Pei Donglai was already stinking drunk, muttering indistinctly, 'Hero Luo, well done!'

Jiang Xiaomu helplessly shook his head, having to support this drunken Constable Captain as they stumbled step by step toward the office.

Luo Shisan walked alone, his cane tapping the blue stone pavement, producing a clear sound.

His figure merged into the night, and finally he stopped before a deserted manor.

The manor's gate was dilapidated, spiderwebs everywhere, exuding a gloomy atmosphere.

Luo Shisan raised his hand and lightly knocked three times on the gate, with an unusual rhythm.

After a moment, with a creak, the gate slowly opened, and a dark figure appeared in the doorway.

Mr. Luo, you have arrived.

The dark figure spoke in a low voice.

Luo Shisan stepped into the manor, and the gate quietly closed behind him.

The courtyard was pitch black, you couldn't see your hand in front of your face, only occasional cries of night owls broke the silence, adding to the terror.

Weeding through the overgrown courtyard, Luo Shisan arrived at the main hall.

Inside the hall, a dim oil lamp was lit, illuminating the scene within.

A stout figure sat in a chair, greedily gnawing on a chicken leg, his mouth slick with oil.

Mr. Luo, how did the matter go?

Seeing Luo Shisan, the stout man hastily rose and asked.

This person is actually Jin Buhuan, who had already been beheaded!

Luo Shisan took off his bamboo hat, revealing those hollow eyes, and the corner of his mouth curled into an eerie smile.

Everything went smoothly.

Jin Buhuan, upon hearing that, immediately relaxed, his chubby face breaking into a smile.

Good, good! This time I owe it to Master Luo; otherwise my little life would have been forfeit.

Luo Shisan, before Jin Buhuan's beheading, spent a lot of money to find a substitute for him.

Anyway, during the beheading the criminal wore a hood, so no one knew who died.

Boss Jin, you're too polite; we each took what we needed.

Luo Shisan said lightly, his words showing no emotion at all.

Master Luo, you handled this matter cleanly and neatly; the authorities haven't suspected me at all.

Jin Buhuan said with an obsequious smile, "After this succeeds, I won't short you a single cent of the promised reward."

Luo Shisan gave a slight nod, without responding.

He walked over to sit opposite Jin Buhuan, picked up the teapot on the table, and poured himself a cup of tea.

Master Luo, I've heard that the one called Jiang Xiaomu seems to suspect you somewhat.

Jin Buhuan said cautiously.

Jiang Xiaomu is just a wet-behind-the-ears brat, not worth fearing.

Luo Shisan took a light sip of tea.

I have my own way to deal with him.

He set down the teacup, a hint of malice flashing in his hollow eyes.

I didn't come to Wangjiang Cheng just to sightsee.

Jin Buhuan's plump body trembled as he asked cautiously:

Master Luo, could it be... for the matter concerning the Five Absolutes Sect Leader?

Luo Shisan didn't answer directly, merely giving a cold chuckle.

I swore brotherhood with my elder brother, our bond as close as brothers.

He died a miserable death at Jiang Xiaomu's hands; if this grudge is not avowed, I, Luo Shisan, swear I will not be human!

Jin Buhuan swallowed his saliva, knowing well Luo Shisan's ruthless methods, and dared not speak further.

That brat Jiang Xiaomu, relying on his little cleverness, dares to act tyrannically in Wangjiang Cheng.

Killing intent fully appeared on Luo Shisan's face.

I will surely make him pay the price, let him know what it means to wish for death over life!

Jin Buhuan hurriedly nodded and bowed.

Master Luo, your abilities are vast; that brat Jiang Xiaomu is certainly no match for you.

Luo Shisan stood up, put his bamboo hat back on, covering those chilling eyes.

Boss Jin, pleasant cooperation.

Pleasant cooperation, pleasant cooperation!

Jin Buhuan, smiling broadly, saw Luo Shisan to the door.

Luo Shisan's figure vanished into the night; only then did Jin Buhuan exhale long and wipe the cold sweat from his forehead.

……

Jiang Xiaomu supported the drunken Peng Donglai back to the government office, placed him in a room, then returned alone to his own lodgings.

He pushed open the door; the room was pitch black, only moonlight streamed through the window, casting mottled shadows on the floor.

Jiang Xiaomu lit the oil lamp; its yellowish glow illuminated the modest room.

He sat at the table, his mind constantly replaying his conversation with Luo Shisan and Luo Shisan's every move.

Luo Shisan, just who are you?

Jiang Xiaomu muttered to himself.