Chapter 100: Killing Cheng Xi

Cheng Xi set down her bowl and chopsticks, her expression turning serious. She looked at Cheng Yunjian and said earnestly, "I need you to help me investigate the distribution of the Ji Family's hidden forces in Wanxing City. On the surface, the Ji Family has a high reputation and is well-regarded by the public, but I suspect they have some unspeakable dealings in the shadows."

Cheng Yunjian frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, and then nodded, "Alright, I will do my best to investigate. I am unfamiliar with Wanxing City, but I can start with some of the alleys and markets. Those places often have more reliable information and a mix of all kinds of people; I might be able to pick up some useful clues."

Jiang Weiran, listening from the side, looked conflicted, but still spoke up, "This sounds like trouble, and if the Ji Family finds out, we'll be in for a world of hurt."

Cheng Xi glanced at Jiang Weiran and sneered, "Do you think you can stay out of this now? The entire Academy is facing danger, and you cannot protect yourself alone. You must have heard the news about the Star Gate, right?"

Hearing Cheng Xi's tone, Jiang Weiran couldn't help but feel a chill in his heart and whispered, "Does the matter with the Star Gate have something to do with the Ji Family? Then wouldn't Cheng Fenglan be in great danger following Yan Qingli?"

Cheng Xi nodded, "Of course. Whether you are willing to help is up to you; I won't force you."

"I am willing, but I am only an Alchemist; I'm afraid I won't be of much help."

"Just don't hold us back."

These words were truly heart-piercing, yet Jiang Weiran could not refute them.

Strength is hard currency everywhere; since he couldn't beat Cheng Xi, he naturally had to listen to her.

Seeing that Jiang Weiran had agreed, Cheng Xi turned back to Cheng Yunjian and said, "You must be careful and cautious while investigating. The Ji Family has many eyes and ears; one slight mistake could lead to exposure. If you encounter danger, do not fight head-on; find a way to escape immediately."

Cheng Yunjian felt Cheng Xi's concern, and his heart warmed, "I understand. I will be careful and won't take risks lightly."

Jiang Weiran watched the two of them, feeling a bit sour inside. He felt like an outsider, forced by Cheng Xi to participate in this dangerous affair. He silently picked up a piece of meat and put it into his mouth, chewing it without tasting anything, praying silently that this matter wouldn't be too troublesome and that they could get through it safely.

At this moment, the restaurant began to fill up, and the noisy sounds filled their ears. Cheng Xi lowered her voice and said, "Also, besides investigating the Ji Family's force distribution, keep an eye out for any unusual recent activities, such as frequent gatherings or large-scale movements of supplies. These could all be signs of their conspiracy."

Cheng Yunjian listened intently, keeping every word Cheng Xi said in his heart.

Jiang Weiran also pricked up his ears to listen. Although he wasn't very happy about it, he knew the importance of this matter. He calculated in his mind whether he knew anyone at Danding Peak who could help inquire about information; perhaps he could even learn some secrets about the Ji Family from other Alchemists.

The three of them chatted in low voices for a while longer, confirming some specific investigation directions and contact methods. Afterward, Cheng Xi looked at the sky, felt that it was about time, and stood up to leave.

"Get settled in Wanxing City first, and notify me promptly if there is any news," Cheng Xi said to Cheng Yunjian.

Cheng Yunjian nodded in response, "Alright, Big Sister, you take care of yourself too."

Jiang Weiran also stood up and said, "Fine, you go ahead, we'll be in touch if anything comes up."

Cheng Xi walked out of the restaurant and blended into the bustling crowd.

……

She returned to the Academy before sunset, not expecting that enemies often cross paths, as she encountered Yan Qingli halfway up the mountain.

The afterglow of the sunset was like a thin veil, gently draped over the Academy's mountains and forests, cloaking this tranquil world in a warm orange coat.

A breeze brushed past, and the leaves rustled.

Yan Qingli wore a long purple dress, the hem fluttering in the wind. Her already beautiful face was now slightly distorted by anger. Her eyes stared fixedly at Cheng Xi, as if they were about to spit fire. Her complexion turned as gloomy as ink, her hands clenched into fists involuntarily, and her nails dug deeply into her palms, leaving crescent-shaped marks.

"Cheng Xi, I didn't expect to run into you here," Yan Qingli said through gritted teeth.

She remembered going to see Li Zhi'an yesterday, full of joy only to find him gone, and later learned that he had actually moved into Cheng Xi's courtyard.

This news was like a sharp blade, stabbing painfully into her heart, pushing her jealousy and anger to the limit.

She was absolutely furious.

When rivals in love meet, they are truly red-eyed with hatred.

Cheng Xi frowned slightly, a flash of annoyance in her eyes.

"Yan Qingli, I have no grudge against you. Why must you be so confrontational for no reason?"

"No grudge?" Yan Qingli laughed coldly as if she had heard a preposterous joke. She took a few steps forward, stood right in front of Cheng Xi, and crossed her arms, "Cheng Xi, stop playing the innocent! You knew I liked Li Zhi'an, yet you deliberately seduced him and even let him move into your courtyard. What exactly is your intention?"

Hearing this, Cheng Xi was silent for a moment, looked at Yan Qingli, and asked, "Are you betrothed to him?"

Yan Qingli:...

"Then are you two in love?"

Yan Qingli:...

"He and I are both betrothed and in love; we are a legitimate engaged couple. You know he has a fiancée, yet you still like him and try to seduce him—the word 'seduce' is truly tailor-made for you."

"Hmph, you still dare to quibble!" Yan Qingli's eyes widened in anger, and she violently flicked her sleeve; the surrounding air seemed to be ignited by her rage.

"I knew him earlier than you, and I liked him earlier than you. If it weren't for your vixen-like seduction, with Li Zhi'an's temperament, how could he have gotten engaged to you? You come from a lowly background, what right do you have to gain his favor?" Yan Qingli could not understand why Li Zhi'an would look at Cheng Xi differently.

"What right?"

Cheng Xi sneered. She couldn't stand people like Yan Qingli, who treated unrequited love as if everyone else had wronged them and committed a heinous crime.

"Because he fell in love with me at first sight, that's why." Cheng Xi began to act like a total 'green tea' bitch, "So what if you knew him earlier? So what if you like him? He still doesn't like you, he likes me."

Yan Qingli was already about to explode, and hearing this from Cheng Xi was simply unbearable.

"Enough!" Spiritual power surged around Yan Qingli, as if responding to its master's fury. She waved her hand violently, and the purple silk ribbon at her waist instantly flew out. The ribbon twisted and turned in the air like a nimble purple python, lunging toward Cheng Xi.

Wherever the ribbon passed, the surrounding air seemed to be torn apart, emitting a "hissing" sound, and the flowers, grass, and trees by the roadside were uprooted by this powerful force and swept into it.

She was determined to kill Cheng Xi today, so that Li Zhi'an would know who was truly worthy of him!