Ch 145: Hidden Schemes

Great Eastern City...

Inside a dark chamber concealed beneath layers of powerful formations, Young Master Edrick sat cross-legged. Evil Qi radiated from his body, while several naked, shrivelled female corpses lay scattered around the chamber.

Suddenly, the communication token in his storage ring trembled. The moment he read the message, his brows furrowed and his expression darkened. He waved his hand, and instantly, all the corpses around him turned to ash, leaving the dark chamber completely empty.

Edrick stood up and walked out.

Outside, Swish Swiftmane, a man with a dark horse-like face and human legs, and another middle-aged man, Mo Guan, were kneeling on one knee.

Mo Guan spoke first, his voice calm but carrying a faint heaviness. "Young Master... their Soul Lamps have all gone out. Only Zhu Jia's remains lit. I've already sent people to investigate, and we should have news soon."

Edrick considered the matter for a moment before asking, "Were there any messages before their deaths? And are you able to contact Zhu Jia?"

Mo Guan thought for a moment before shaking his head. "There weren't any messages, and we're unable to contact Zhu Jia either. She's most likely been captured or is hiding somewhere. We have no way to locate her, so we can only wait for her to contact us."

A dangerous aura suddenly erupted from Edrick's body, causing the surrounding air to tremble. "Looks like it's the work of that so-called senior who leaked Mo Xuan's location in Moon City."

A cold glint flashed through his eyes. "If he can wipe out seven Peak Golden Core cultivators, he must be at least an Early Nascent Soul."

He paused briefly before continuing, his expression growing colder. "And if Zhu Jia has been captured, it's only a matter of time before she reveals everything. They already know I'm after Du Yue, which means they'll be even more careful about hiding themselves."

Edrick's face remained unreadable. "We don't need to take any action."

"What?" Mo Guan couldn't help but exclaim in surprise.

Edrick looked at the two of them. The moment they met his gaze, neither man dared to speak.

After a few seconds, Edrick took out an Early Grade 4 Spear and an Early Grade 4 Sword and tossed them towards the two men. "I know what you're feeling right now. Both Mo Kuan and Gush were your brothers and promising cultivators, but their fate has already ended."

He casually waved his hand. "Take these as compensation... and for now, don't think about revenge. We don't know the true background of the senior supporting them. Let others figure that out."

Swish and Mo Guan exchanged confused glances. "Young Master, you mean...?"

"Yes." Edrick's gaze sharpened slightly. "Spread everything we know about Du Yue, including her Yin Physique. Also, make sure the five families hear that their elders were killed by Du Yue."

A faint smile appeared on his face. "Then we just need to sit back and watch."

Swish and Mo Guan were bewildered. "But Young Master, what if someone else gets her before us? Wouldn't everything be a waste?"

Edrick snorted. "It's better if someone else gets her first, but I don't think that will happen."

The smile disappeared from Edrick's face. "Seven Peak Golden Core cultivators didn't just die for no reason. Whoever is supporting Du Yue is far more dangerous than we initially thought. It would be far easier for us to take Du Yue from someone else than to directly confront the force hiding behind her."

He fell silent for a moment before adding, "After all... it's the unknown that is truly dangerous."

Swish and Mo Guan nodded.

.

Morning sunlight bathed the snow-covered landscape in a warm golden glow, while the distant chirping of birds broke the tranquility of the morning. Su Wen walked side by side with Du Yue toward Greenstone City, Suzume perched on top of his head and dozing peacefully.

Du Yue clung tightly to his arm, while Su Wen's movements were stiff and awkward, as though every step required considerable effort. Every movement made his battered body ache. His bones were fractured, his muscles swollen and riddled with wounds, and beneath his robes, almost every inch of his body was tightly wrapped in white bandages.

Su Wen carefully took another step. 'Damn it, that goblin bastard really did a number on me. It's the same feeling after getting carried away at the gym, only to wake up the next morning like a dead corpse. I should've taken those healing pills.'

"Wife, can you not hold me so tightly? Every inch of my body hurts." Su Wen gritted his teeth as another wave of pain travelled through his body.

Du Yue instead pulled his arm even closer, pressing it against her softness as she rubbed her cheek against his shoulder. "Husband, can I give you a kiss? It won't hurt anymore."

Su Wen gave her a strange look. "Wife, you can kiss me, but we shouldn't use your divine powers for such minor issues. We should save them for emergencies."

He spoke with such seriousness that it almost sounded like he was revealing one of the truths of the world.

"Husband, y-you!" Du Yue's face immediately flushed with embarrassment. She lightly slapped his arm, only for Su Wen's entire face to twist in pain.

"Ah!" Su Wen winced.

Du Yue froze. "Sorry, Husband!"

Su Wen took a deep breath and forced himself to smile. "It's fine... just don't hit the injured man."

Du Yue pursed her lips and carefully held his arm again, this time much more gently. As the couple approached the city gates, they joined the queue waiting to enter.

Murmurs could be heard throughout the crowd as everyone talked about the elimination of the Hungry Bandits. Even the city guards had smiles on their faces, clearly relieved that the darkness over the city had finally been lifted.

Su Wen calmly took out the required spirit stones, paid the entry fee, and entered the city with Du Yue. One of the senior guards standing to the side watched their departing backs for a moment before quietly taking out a token and sending a message.

It was still some time before their flying boat departed for Great Eastern City, so the couple decided to walk around and purchase some supplies. However, after walking for a while, Su Wen suddenly felt several gazes following him. He turned around, but the street behind them was empty.

Su Wen frowned slightly.

As they continued walking towards the Skyfaring Pavilion, fewer and fewer people could be seen on the streets. By the time they reached the front of the pavilion, the entire area was devoid of people.

Su Wen stopped and cautiously surveyed the empty streets, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Wife, something feels wrong. Why does it seem like there are fewer and fewer people wherever we go?"

Du Yue glanced around before smiling cheerfully and leaning closer to him. "That's wonderful, Husband. It would be even better if everyone disappeared and left only the two of us in the entire world."

Su Wen's mouth twitched. "Wife... that's a rather frightening thing to say."

"So you're Du Yue? So young, yet rather impressive." A rough voice suddenly came from nearby.

Du Yue pouted slightly and wrapped herself around Su Wen's arm even more tightly. "I only want you, Husband, there's nothing wrong with that."

Su Wen's ears turned slightly red. "Wife... you've really become more mischievous lately, haven't you?"

He reached over and gently pinched her cheek, a helpless smile appearing on his face. "Even so, if the people suddenly vanished, where would we be? There would be no cities, no sects, and no one left to brew wine, cook food, or, more importantly, pave the path of cultivation."

Du Yue blinked.

Su Wen continued seriously, "And besides, there are plenty of interesting people in this world. Meeting different people and seeing how they live is part of what makes life interesting."

Du Yue's expression immediately changed. "Hmph."

She crossed her arms and turned her face away. "What's so interesting about other people? You should only look at me." She narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "Or are you saying there's someone more interesting than me?" Her dangerous gaze remained fixed on him. "Do you not want your eyes anymore, Husband?"

Su Wen's lips twitched. "Why does this suddenly sound like a completely different conversation?" He helplessly raised his trembling hand and gently flicked her forehead. "Stop thinking nonsense. Your mind flies from one place to another in the blink of an eye."

A helpless look crossed his face. "People are what give the world its colour. Without them, this world would become a very lonely and boring place." He lifted his chin slightly, trying to look mighty. "But if someone is a bad person who tries to harm us... then I don't mind if they disappear."

"So you're Du Yue, the one who killed the Hungry Bandit?" The same rough voice came again, this time heavier and tinged with anger.

"With you... it's not boring or lonely for me at all." Du Yue held his arm tightly, causing him to wince from the sudden pressure. "And bad people? With me here, they won't even be able to get close."

Su Wen chuckled and ruffled her hair. "I know, I know. I can only depend on you, my fierce wife."

"Impudent!" A terrifying roar finally exploded through the empty street. "You dare ignore this lord?! Are you courting death?"

Su Wen froze for a moment. "Hmm?"

Only then did he turn around.

Several dozen metres behind them stood a middle-aged man with a dark expression. His face was twisted with fury, while a terrifying aura erupted from his body and spread throughout the empty street, causing the surrounding air to tremble.

Su Wen stared at him for a moment, then blinked. "Who are you, old man?"

Du Yue glanced at him in annoyance, then turned to Su Wen with an innocent gaze. "Husband, look. See? That's why I want people to disappear. They keep interrupting us."

Su Wen was speechless.

.

The middle-aged man's face had turned purple, his body trembling slightly as he clenched his fists behind his back. His chest rose and fell heavily, and it took several deep breaths before he finally managed to suppress his fury. He had to use all of his cultivation just to maintain his composure.

When he spoke again, his voice had returned to a controlled, authoritative tone.

"I am the City Lord of Greenstone City, Si Dong. I have received news that the two of you were working with the Hungry Bandits. You kidnapped numerous young women and later betrayed the bandits, killing them and pretending to be heroes. Do you really think you can deceive everyone and walk away without consequence?"

"Huh?" Su Wen was stunned by the unexpected accusation, his eyebrows lifting slightly. He had expected trouble, but he hadn't expected the City Lord to simply fabricate an entirely different story.

Around them, dozens of city guards had already surrounded the area. Behind them, curious onlookers once again had begun gathering, whispering amongst themselves. The Skyfaring Pavilion stood directly behind Su Wen and Du Yue. Several attendants and travellers had also come out to watch the commotion, their gazes fixed on the confrontation.

Si Dong raised his voice, making sure everyone nearby could hear him. "You were in cahoots with the Hungry Bandits. You first took advantage of them, then betrayed them and killed them for their bounty. Yes, they were criminals and deserved their fate, but that doesn't wash your hands clean of their crimes."

His expression hardened. "You deserve punishment as well."

Deep inside, however, his thoughts were far darker. 'Once I capture you, I will wipe out your entire bloodline and then devour that Yin Physique as an offering to avenge my brother!'

A murmur spread through the crowd. The moment those words left Si Dong's mouth, the atmosphere became noticeably quieter. Su Wen stared at him for a moment before a faint smile appeared on his lips.

He finally understood what game Si Dong was playing. The City Lord wanted to turn the entire incident into a crime committed by them, using the Hungry Bandits' reputation to justify their capture. At the same time, he wanted to get his hands on Du Yue because of her Yin Physique.

Once they were arrested, their lives would be completely in his hands.

"Senior, you're saying we were colluding with the Hungry Bandits?" He calmly continued, "Then... do you have any evidence?"

Si Dong's expression remained calm. "Of course I do."

He raised his hand. "Bring them out."

Several guards immediately stepped forward, escorting a group of young women towards the centre of the street. Their clothes were torn and dirty, and their faces were pale and exhausted. Some had visible injuries on their arms and faces, while others looked terrified as they clung to one another.

The crowd immediately began whispering again.

"I heard the Guild's mercenaries found several women inside their hideout and rescued them."

"Could the City Lord really be telling the truth?"

Si Dong's confidence grew. "These women were among those kidnapped by the Hungry Bandits. They survived and can identify the people responsible."

He turned towards the women. "Tell everyone what happened."

One of the women lowered her head nervously before slowly pointing towards Su Wen and Du Yue. "They... they were the ones who kidnapped us."

Another woman quickly nodded.

"They brought us to the bandits..."

"They were with them..."

The murmurs from the crowd grew louder. Some people began to believe Si Dong's accusation. However, the citizens who knew the truth about the Hungry Bandits could only curse the City Lord in silence and pity the couple.

Su Wen remained completely calm. His aura didn't fluctuate in the slightest as he studied the women for a moment. Then he asked simply, "When did we kidnap you?"

The women exchanged glances. They had expected denial, anger, or fear. But they hadn't expected such a simple question.

"A... few days ago," one of them finally answered.

Another quickly nodded. "Yes... several days ago."

Su Wen stared at them for a few seconds. Then he suddenly laughed. "Hahaha!" His laughter echoed through the empty street. The women looked confused, while Si Dong's face darkened.

"Several days ago?" Su Wen turned towards the surrounding crowd and raised his voice. "Everyone, we arrived in Greenstone City only yesterday!"

His voice carried throughout the entire area. "Yesterday, we entered through the Skyfaring Pavilion and went directly towards the Guild village." He pointed towards the pavilion behind him. "You don't even need to take my word for it. Ask the attendants inside the pavilion."

Su Wen continued, "We arrived on their flying boat, so they should have records of when we entered the city." Then he fixed his gaze on Si Dong. "So tell me, City Lord... how exactly did we kidnap these women several days ago?"

Silence.

The crowd exchanged glances.

Some of those who were unaware of Si Dong's relationship with the Hungry Bandits glanced towards the Skyfaring Pavilion, then back at the City Lord.

"If they only arrived yesterday..." someone muttered.

"Then you mean...?" another person quietly added.

A few suppressed chuckles could be heard from the crowd. Si Dong's face turned red. For a moment, it felt as though countless invisible slaps were landing across his face. He had prepared the witnesses, the guards, and the accusation... yet he had overlooked the simplest detail.

Their arrival time.

Si Dong's face twisted with anger as he glared at Su Wen.

“Enough.” His voice was low and filled with suppressed anger. “This matter still requires a proper investigation. Whether your words are true or not can only be determined afterwards.”

He waved his hand. "Guards, arrest them."

The surrounding guards immediately stepped forward, though inwardly, many of them were also cursing their City Lord.

“Investigate?” Su Wen's expression hardened. He took a step forward, his voice booming across the street. "Everything is already clear, old man. What exactly is there left to investigate?"

He pointed at Si Dong. “Your brother and the Hungry Bandits terrorised this city for years, yet you did nothing. We finally dealt with them, and now you're trying to punish us for it?”

His voice grew heavier with every word. "Do you really think the position of City Lord is a joke? Your duty is to protect the people and uphold the law, not protect criminals simply because they're family."

Si Dong's face darkened.

Su Wen's voice thundered through the street. "Tell me, Senior... how are you any different from the bandits you claim to hate?"

The crowd remained silent. However, several people in the crowd were now looking at Si Dong differently.

Si Dong's gaze remained cold. "Whether you are guilty or innocent can only be decided after an investigation." He stepped forward, his voice carrying the authority of the City Lord. "Are you certain you want to openly defy my authority?"

Su Wen's expression relaxed. "We aren't defying your authority." He gestured towards the Skyfaring Pavilion behind them. "We simply have a boat to catch." A faint smile touched his lips. "If you want to investigate, then investigate. Gather whatever evidence you need and show it to us... when we return."

Si Dong's face twitched. “Hmph. As if I would allow two evildoers like you to leave this city.” He turned his head towards the Skyfaring Pavilion. "Brother Ping Feng!"

A white-robed man stood calmly on the deck of the Cloud Chaser, gazing down at the scene below.

Si Dong spoke politely. "Don't let them board the boat. At least give this City Lord some face."

The white-robed man remained expressionless. "The boat will depart at its scheduled time."

His tone was indifferent. "Whether they manage to enter the Skyfaring Pavilion before then is none of my concern."

He fell silent briefly before continuing. "But once they enter the pavilion, they become our responsibility."

Si Dong's gaze sharpened. The white-robed man's words sounded neutral, but everyone present understood what he meant.

He was giving the couple a way out.

If Su Wen and Du Yue could reach the Skyfaring Pavilion before the guards caught them, the City Lord would no longer have the authority to interfere once they were under the pavilion's protection.