Chapter 131

Leaving Lin Fu, Xie Jinhuan first went to the banks of the Fengyi River, intending to give the 'Yin-Yang Oddity Pill' to the great heroine Mu Mu Yun Hong.

But the doors and windows of Suyun Zhai were tightly shut; he didn't know if she had run away out of shame to see people, or if she had gone to help him borrow the Sixty-Year Lotus.

If it were the latter, that would naturally be heartwarming, but if she had run away...

Xie Jinhuan wasn't worried either; at worst, he would post a missing person notice and let the entire Great Qian martial world know that he, this righteous young hero, had been seduced and abandoned by Mu Mu Yun Hong.

His fame was quite great now; he didn't believe that with rumors of romance swirling around Mu Mu Yun Hong, she wouldn't get anxious and come back to find him!

While lost in such wild speculation, Xie Jinhuan returned to the Wang Fu on Zheng'an Street.

Under the eaves of the vermilion-painted main gate, four Wu Zu in black armor stood; upon meeting him, they straightened their waists and backs and called out:

"Young Master Xie!"

Then they looked at him with strange eyes.

?

Xie Jinhuan felt somewhat puzzled; he looked down at his father-in-law's clothes, thinking he might have dressed too maturely, so he didn't pay much attention at the moment. He quickly entered the Wang Fu, only to find a group of maids huddled in the corridor whispering secretly. When they spotted him peeking out, they glanced at him strangely a few times before lowering their heads and running away.

??

What does that mean?

Xie Jinhuan pondered slightly, drew his sword to use as a mirror, and twisted his head left and right to check his cheeks. After confirming there were no rouge marks left by Wanyi, he continued walking toward the west residence. Just as he reached the corner, the sharp-nosed, monkey-cheeked Head Butler Hou jumped out holding a folding fan:

"Yo-ho~ Lady Guo is back?"

"Lady Guo..."

For some reason, Xie Jinhuan thought of a model worker and asked in confusion:

"Butler Hou, you are..."

Butler Hou, wearing a black gown, circled Xie Jinhuan while waving his fan:

"I was just saying, you kid, how you get so absorbed in solving cases and know a little bit of everything, even more impressive than old me; it turns out there is such a huge, unapproachable goddess behind you, secretly pushing the waves..."

Huh?

It's exposed, it's exposed...

Xie Jinhuan took a light breath, wanting to draw his sword to silence him, but since Butler Hou already knew, the matter had probably spread throughout the Wang Fu. He thought for a moment and pretended to be calm:

"What goddess? I don't understand what you mean?"

"Keep pretending. Now the whole of Jingcheng knows. You kid can't hide it; figure out a way to explain it to Princess Junzhu yourself."

After Butler Hou finished speaking, he left while waving his fan. Before departing, he glanced at Xie Jinhuan's body:

"Tsk tsk~..."

Xie Jinhuan's head was full of question marks. Just as he wanted to call out to his ghost wife to ask for advice, he saw the sweet and lovely Naiduo run out from behind the corridor, hugging his arm:

"Young Master Xie, is what they say outside true?"

Xie Jinhuan looked slightly puzzled:

"What are they saying outside?"

Duoduo's eyes were full of admiration, like a beautiful concubine supporting her master:

"They say you and Empress Dowager Guo are lovers. You studied hard and practiced diligently all to overthrow the entire Great Qian for Empress Dowager Guo..."

(; _)?

You are simply turning the world upside down!

Xie Jinhuan stopped in his tracks, his expression almost collapsing. Looking at Big Duoduo, he held back for a long time before saying:

"Duoduo, we have no grudge between us..."

Duoduo hugged his arm and pulled him inside: "Oh my~ It's just that everyone outside is spreading rumors. Quick, quick, quick, Princess Junzhu has been waiting for you for a long time..."

"Is that so?"

Shortly after, in Princess Junzhu's private chamber, on a soft couch by the window.

Outside the window, the fine rain rustled; inside the room, it was utterly silent, with only the soft sound of turning paper pages audible.

Rustle~... Rustle~...

Xie Jinhuan sat cross-legged with his back to the window, holding a few sheets of letter paper to read, his eyes filled with disbelief. Meiqiu, squatting at his thigh root, tilted her head.

Linghu Qingmo sat on the right side, her willow eyebrows slightly furrowed, her eyes very strange, occasionally glancing at the handsome brother beside her.

Princess Changning leaned against Qingmo, wearing a magnificent warm-yellow Hezi skirt. Holding a round fan in her hand, her gaze also moved back and forth over Xie Jinhuan, deep in thought.

Duoduo couldn't compete with Meiqiu for a spot, so she knelt behind them, pressing her elbow against her shoulder, curiously watching the content of the letter:

"I really didn't expect Empress Dowager Guo to be Young Master Xie's former lover. No wonder Young Master Xie isn't the least bit anxious in front of Princess Junzhu..."

Xie Jinhuan took a deep breath, flattening the back cushion behind him a bit, not knowing what to say.

After all, that Wang Ba who spread these yellow rumors really had some skill!

This letter clearly wrote out the time and process of how he met Empress Dowager Guo, relied on her, and fell in love.

It even explained why his whereabouts couldn't be found for these three years: Empress Dowager Guo feared the rumors would leak out, yet wanted him to return to attack the Great Qian from within, so she erased all traces, making him a person who never existed.

And it also explained why he reached Rank 3 in three years: Empress Dowager Guo taught him by precept and example, smashing the entire nation's power onto him, her little lover!

As for being absorbed in pursuing criminals and always discovering demons and evil spirits: he learned divination and the art of gazing at qi from the Divination School!

The whole thing was reasonable and well-founded, with logic tightly interlocked; apart from being fake, not a single flaw could be found!

After finishing reading the 'Secret History of Empress Dowager Guo', Xie Jinhuan finally understood what it felt like for the protagonist to personally read 'The Amorous History of Wei Wu Yi' and 'The Rogue Lu Wu Zhen'; it was simply not knowing how to complain.

Finding all three girls staring at him suspiciously, Xie Jinhuan put down the paper and asked:

"Do you believe these words of sowing discord? Do I look like someone who eats soft rice?"

Linghu Qingmo blinked her eyes:

"If you say you are an evil demon or an outsider, I definitely wouldn't believe it, but with Empress Dowager Guo..."

Princess Changning fanned herself with a round fan, carefully appraising Xie Jinhuan's beauty:

"Empress Dowager Guo is neither a demon nor an outsider. Your looks, demeanor, speech, learning, and talent are all impeccable. Your tricks to woo women are endless. If you truly wear her down with soft persistence, she won't be able to resist."

Xie Jinhuan shrugged slightly: "Does the imperial court think so too?"

Princess Changning leaned closer and put away the letter:

"Alright, just joking. Don't be nervous. If the imperial court were to suspect talented men over such things, its fate would already be sealed. Still, be careful. If Northern Zhou plays along and makes an issue of this, you might not fare well."

"What issue would Northern Zhou make?"

Princess Changning explained: "You are a talent of Great Qian with a boundless future. If they don't stir up trouble for you, Northern Zhou will have trouble!"

"Rumors are already spreading. Northern Zhou only needs to treat you as a secret agent. For instance, they could deliberately have a spy of Great Qian buried in Northern Zhou 'reveal' some unknown information, or frequently receive intelligence sent by 'you' to Northern Zhou..."

Linghu Qingmo chimed in: "The imperial court will keep receiving various 'evidence' every day. Over time, they will naturally grow suspicious. Although you are innocent and nothing can be found against you, being suspected will inevitably chill the heart..."

How could nothing be found against me!

Xie Jinhuan felt that this unknown Daoist spreading yellow rumors probably wanted to die, and asked:

"Is the Mingshen Sect slandering me?"

"Probably. Your brilliance is too sharp. The Mingshen Sect is under immense pressure. It's normal for them to smear you."

Princess Changning picked up a teacup and handed it to Xie Jinhuan:

"But don't worry about this. Those who achieve great things are initially suppressed by opposing forces. The imperial court has the insight to recognize talent and won't suspect you lightly."

"Besides, His Majesty appreciates you greatly. He said that once you find out who the Mingshen Sect's mole is, he will grant you a title. I was just discussing with Qingmo. What do you think of 'Danyangzi'?"

Danyangzi...

Xie Jinhuan was somewhat puzzled: "This is..."

Duoduo knelt behind him, helping to adjust his hair crown, and interjected:

"It means a Count enfeoffed in Danyang, a fifth-rank title, enjoying taxes from one hundred and fifty households, plus ten qing of fertile land..."

"Oh, I thought it was a Daoist title..."

Xie Jinhuan, having grown up in Jingcheng since childhood, knew that a Count title was a significant reward. This was evident from the fact that Ye Shirong, having blocked a shot for the Emperor, was only granted a Baron title.

However, the evil Daoists have cultivated in Great Qian for many years, even penetrating into the Emperor's former 'death soldiers'. Ye Shirong holds a post in the Yiluan Bureau; to put it simply, he is the Emperor's charioteer. If I were the Emperor, I would probably dare not trust anyone around me anymore. The urgency to purge them is understandable...

Even if Xie Jinhuan received nothing, he would still kill every one of those Mingshen Sect bastards clean to vent his anger!

Leaving aside his father's matter, he had just killed Ye Shirong yesterday. Today, these bastards are already spreading yellow rumors to pressure him. If he does not eliminate them quickly, how can he remain at peace in the future?

Yesterday, he found clues related to the Mingshen Sect such as 'Zui Gu Xiang', the mine, and Hongzhang County. Hongzhang County is on the edge of Jingzhao Prefecture; if he runs fast, he can be back tomorrow...

The Big Ice Block went to borrow the Jiazi Lotus; she might not return today. The delivery from Queyue Manor will also take a few days to arrive...

Thinking of this, Xie Jinhuan looked out the window:

"Since the imperial court appreciates me so much, I naturally cannot disappoint them. I found some clues yesterday and must go to Hongzhang County. How about I go and return quickly?"

Linghu Qingmo, always a workaholic, immediately perked up upon seeing this:

"I'll go with you!"

Princess Changning lightly waved her round fan, her eyes full of praise:

"It's raining heavily outside, yet three beauties are inside, and you still don't forget to go out to slay demons and monsters. No wonder you are being noticed by those with ulterior motives so quickly. Remember to bring more men, stay safe, and when you return, this Princess will reward you properly."

"Gugu~"

Meiqiu also lifted her wings, signaling she wouldn't see him off.

?

Xie Jinhuan was stunned, then raised his hand, caught the personal maid of 'Le Bu Si Huan', and hoisted her onto his shoulder...

——

Meanwhile, at Xiaoyao Cave.

Lin Wanyi, wearing a black cloak to shield herself from the rain, crossed the chaotic streets and arrived at the fur shop. Just as she went up to the second floor, she saw her junior uncle, Bu Hanying, organizing books and calligraphy.

"Junior Uncle Bu? You are..."

"Eh? Wanyi, you're here!"

Bu Hanying put the items down, first glanced downstairs, then looked around the window, her expression tense.

Lin Wanyi sat by the tea table. Seeing her cautious demeanor, she asked in confusion:

"I've been watching; no one is following..."

"Sigh~ It's not about you being followed."

Bu Hanying, still shaken, confirmed there were no suspicious figures before speaking in a low voice:

"This junior uncle seems to have been targeted!"

Lin Wanyi frowned: "By whom?"

"Assassins hired by the Blood Rain Tower, claiming to be Wei Kun. They suddenly snuck here last night, held a knife to my lower back, and questioned me. Fortunately, this junior uncle is cunning and deep, and managed to intimidate them. Otherwise, you wouldn't be seeing me today."

Lin Wanyi had come to deliver silver. Hearing this, she naturally dared not take it out:

"Why is the Blood Rain Tower targeting us? What did they ask?"

Bu Hanying sighed: "They were just asking about some secrets of the Gu Du Pai. This junior uncle has a tight mouth and originally wouldn't reveal a single word. However, seeing that the person didn't seem like a villain, I gave a slight hint..."

?

Lin Wanyi knew her junior uncle had revealed everything and asked nervously:

"Junior Uncle didn't reveal my identity, did you?"

"How could I reveal such things? Anyway, this place can no longer be lived in. I plan to move to Huaniao Street and contact you there in the future..."

After saying a few words, Bu Hanying added:

"The herbs you requested last time, the Sect Master has already sent someone to deliver them here. Additionally, the Sect Master said that the medicines you need are all for body tempering, but it seems one main ingredient is missing. He asked if you need the Jiazi Lotus?"

Lin Wanyi was not surprised that her master could figure this out. After all, her master was also a witch. Poison masters and medicine masters belong to different directions of the same profession. With the ingredient list submitted, one could infer the missing item just from the pharmacology.

Thinking of how her man insisted on the Sixty-Year Lotus, even at the cost of having his deposit withheld, Lin Wanyi hesitated, then asked:

"Can the Sect Master give it to me?"

Bu Hanying straightened up a bit: "Between master and disciple, accounts must be clear. How can such a precious treasure of the sect be given away casually? There are naturally withered old plants in the Chi Dragon Cave; the Sect Master can exchange them for other materials and treasures. If you want one, I can offer you a personal favor price."

Lin Wanyi blinked her eyes: "What price?"

"Hmm... The Sect Master is quite interested in the Daoist arts of Mount Zihui, such as the 'Slaying Immortal Array' and 'Seven Stars Nail'. If you can obtain these secret divine arts, the Sect Master can find a way for you."

"?"

Lin Wanyi fell silent for a moment, somewhat baffled:

"Does the Sect Master think the Gu Du Pai lacks frontal combat power, so cultivating martial arts is fine, but now seeking cultivation techniques of the Immortal Dao? She... does the Sect Master plan to become like Tai Shu Dan, serving three families..."

"It is mastering all three teachings!"

Bu Hanying corrected seriously: "Tai Shu Dan betrayed his master and ancestors, a traitor to his sect. The Sect Master remains steadfast in his stance, exploring other schools' divine arts through his own ability. If learning a few schools' divine arts made one a slave to several surnames, then Shang Lianbi would have long been drowned in spittle."

Lin Wanyi nodded slightly, but top-tier killing moves like the 'Slaying Immortal Array' and 'Seven Stars Nail' belong exclusively to the Sect Master and form the foundation of establishing a sect. Not to mention letting an enemy faction learn them; even if the Taiyin Palace or the Black Fox Observatory learned them, Mount Zihui would lose significant competitiveness. Outsiders could not possibly obtain them.

Fortunately, Xie Jinhuan is close to Linghu Qingmo, so learning them should not be difficult. Moreover, exchanging a cultivation technique for a single Sixty-Year Lotus is a no-cost transaction as long as the Sect Master of Mount Zihui has no objection, making it extremely profitable.

Thinking thus, Lin Wanyi felt she could discuss it with Xie Jinhuan, and immediately nodded:

"I will consider it upon my return and give my uncle a reply by tomorrow at the latest."

"Very well, I will also wait for the Sect Master's reply. Be careful on your way back; do not get targeted. These days are very strange..."

"Understood..."

(End of this chapter)