FRGNM -Chapter 237 A Conspiracy

“Rash? I don’t see anything special about them. Covered in stench, wearing strange masks—they’re clearly no good!” Li Lei thought angrily about the group that had barged into the Li residence and gone straight to bathe, acting as if the place belonged to them. Now, with the meals ready, they still refused to come out. Did they think they could push everyone around?

Madam Li stood up and said, “Lei’er, I’ve already asked you to temper your temper. This is a secret message from the city lord himself, asking us to treat them well. They’re only staying a few days—just bear with it!”

“I can’t! What does the city lord have to do with it? Why don’t they go to the city lord’s house and have to come here? I won’t be happy about it. Whatever!” Li Lei said coldly, turning to leave.

Before he could step out, four figures had already walked forward, chatting and laughing. But now, Ling Ruoxi, masked, had swapped for a new one, revealing her mouth. Another person was even more unusual—silver hair, only around twenty, definitely very young.

Li Yi quickly stood, cupping his hands. “You’ve arrived. Please, take your seats and eat.”

“Thank you, Lord Li, for your kindness. Sorry for the disturbance,” the blue-clad one said, bowing slightly. His gaze briefly landed on Li Lei, speaking softly: “But it seems Lord Li isn’t in the best of spirits. Are you unwell?”

“Seeing you is enough to make me unwell, hmph!” Li Lei snorted coldly and turned away.

Li Yi’s face went pale but he dared not scold his son. Bowing quickly, he said, “He doesn’t know any better—please don’t mind. Come, sit and eat.”

“Don’t worry, we won’t mind. By the way, do you know the Bamboo Sea around here?” Luo Mingyu asked once they were seated, smiling. Though his face was still hidden, his smile carried a charm that seemed to captivate all genders. The aura of purity around him made him seem even taller and more imposing.

Even Madam Li was momentarily stunned, clearing her throat awkwardly.

Li Yi nodded, pouring wine for Luo Mingyu. “Yes, yes. Everyone in Qingzhou knows the Bamboo Sea. It’s one of our city’s great sights, planted long ago, a vast expanse of beautiful bamboo. Are you planning to visit? Though recently… it hasn’t been very safe to enter.”

“Oh? Why has it become unsafe recently?” Silver Wolf asked, a glint in his eyes, smiling lightly.

Li Yi stiffened, setting down the wine jug, sighing. “Lately, I don’t know why, but the beasts in the mountains have become restless—it’s difficult to calm them. Visiting the Bamboo Sea may be unsafe. But if you insist, I can inform the city lord to send guards to protect you. Nothing must happen.”

“Restless beasts? They all seem to head that way anyway. Thank you, Lord Li, but we’ll go ourselves.” The blue-clad one smiled lightly, quickly pressing down on the wine in front of Ling Ruoxi.

Ling Ruoxi brushed the hand away, frowning. She wouldn’t touch the wine. Taking her food, she looked around, slightly startled to see Li Lei standing under a tree below, coldly watching them.

It seemed best not to disturb anyone here. Swallowing her food, Ling Ruoxi watched a figure walk outside. Someone was waiting outside for a handoff, but Li Lei looked flustered, took what was needed, and left with that person.

Li Lei seemed suspicious.

A gentle breeze rose, faint light flickered, and a spark of Dou Qi gathered around the ancient zither—but it was immediately scattered, untouchable.

Pouting, Ling Ruoxi looked at Luo Mingyu helplessly. “See? It’s impossible. Using Dou Qi doesn’t let me touch the zither; not using Dou Qi, I can’t make a sound. As for this ‘heart’ thing… I really don’t get it.”

“Take your time. This zither wasn’t meant to be easy. Think back—how did you play it before?” Luo Mingyu placed his hand on the dragon sinew strings, lightly plucking. No sound came out.

What ‘played’? She only felt it was strange. Why couldn’t their fingers make the strings sound? And at that time…

She pressed her fingers on the strings. Luo Mingyu’s slender hand lightly lifted a string. A flash of brilliance appeared in his eyes. His fingers plucked delicately, only wishing the other man wouldn’t underestimate him. If she could play it… how perfect that would be.

“Buzz!” The string trembled violently. The sound burst out again, but now harmless, without any backlash.

“Sounded?” Ling Ruoxi looked up, pressing all ten fingers on the strings, plucking sharply. A tremendous sound exploded. Luo Mingyu quickly covered his ears and stepped back. “Stop, stop, stop!”

“Ah!” Eyes wide, Ling Ruoxi stood up.

Rubbing his ears, Luo Mingyu shook his head, shocked. “Good heavens! Finally realized this can be lethal. Before touching this zither, you must first learn to play. Come, I’ll teach you.”

Otherwise, their ears could be in danger.

But Luo Mingyu had overestimated. When he tried to teach Ling Ruoxi, he realized what “incurable” meant. She had no musical sense at all. They started from scratch. By the end, the piece she played was horrendous—worse than slaughtering pigs a thousand times over.

To ease the pain, Luo Mingyu played alongside her. His music was magnificent, sometimes bold, sometimes hiding deadly intent. The ambush effect of ten hidden attackers could be felt in his playing, sending shivers down one’s spine.

Eventually, it was just Luo Mingyu playing, Ling Ruoxi listening—until she fell asleep.

“Forget it. Without innate talent, this poor Demon-Slaying Zither can’t be used properly.” Luo Mingyu sighed, storing it in his storage ring and rubbing his temples.

Over the past few days, aside from Luo Mingyu suffering, the servants also endured. The blue-clad one and Silver Wolf left the Li residence, avoiding the terrible zither music when they returned.

“Now, we head to the Bamboo Sea—but quietly. Don’t let anyone see.” Luo Mingyu smirked, leaving the room like a thief.

Ling Ruoxi could only follow, frowning. If they announced their visit, Li Yi would send guards, making the search for the Purple Bamboo Divine Needle much harder.

Scanning the surroundings, Ling Ruoxi suddenly pressed Luo Mingyu’s hand. “Look over there.”

“That’s Li Lei… why?” Luo Mingyu frowned.

The timid young man stood at the door with a small package, eyes alert. Seeing the girl exit the courtyard, he quickly handed her the package, whispering a few words.

Her expression changed slightly, she nodded, and went toward the kitchen.

Li Lei spat and quickly left.

“Return first; we’ll go out later.” Ling Ruoxi whispered.

Two white-clad figures returned to the room. Soon, a maid brought tea with a smile, placing cups on the table. “Two lords, please enjoy the tea.”

“Thank you.” Luo Mingyu sipped, impressed. “Good tea. Not like yesterday’s—it tastes wonderful.”

“Yes, very good.” Ling Ruoxi nodded.

The maid trembled, embarrassed. “It’s… no different. You’re imagining things. Since nothing else, I’ll take my leave.”

“Go ahead.” After she left, Ling Ruoxi and Luo Mingyu stepped out, smiling. But Li Lei approached quickly—unusual, since he normally avoided them. Clearly, he had a scheme.

“Hey, I heard you’re going to the Bamboo Sea. Want to go now?” Li Lei’s tone was still rough, but he watched them closely.

Luo Mingyu smiled lightly. “Yes, can we go now?”

“You can, but I must lead you—no guards allowed. Will you still go?” Li Lei whispered, scanning the surroundings. “I’m risking myself to take you. Bringing guards would expose me, so I have no reason to help.”

“Fine. Let’s go.” Luo Mingyu smiled, tightening his grip on Ling Ruoxi’s hand.

The Bamboo Sea stretched naturally, breathtaking. Gentle wind carried bamboo leaves, swaying like waves. The leaves brushed together with a soft rustle. The natural sea of bamboo was mesmerizing, and the zither’s sound echoed, intoxicating all who heard.

“Nice piece.” Luo Mingyu smiled faintly, plucking a bamboo leaf to taste.

Li Lei grew impatient. Seeing them stroll leisurely, he said anxiously, “Hurry up! You’re walking so slowly—not even royal.”

“Slow is good. Enjoy the scenery. Why so anxious, Lord Li? Something happened?” Luo Mingyu smiled, swiping the bamboo leaf ahead.

Whoosh! A green snake froze against a bamboo stalk—held in place by Luo Mingyu’s leaf.

Even a bamboo leaf could kill a snake? Killing must be so easy! Li Lei swallowed hard, silenced, and whispered, “O-of course not. Go ahead slowly. There’s a pavilion ahead to rest. I’ll go secure a spot first; you two take your time.”