TGCFNM -Chapter 165 Parting

Thick black smoke billowed upward, and the firelight inside the cave flickered faintly in and out of sight.

“The space down there isn’t big. It’ll probably burn out soon,” Bai Su said softly. “It was only meant to be a temporary refuge anyway. I didn’t expect Guo Tieyun to find it.”

Chu Ling turned her head and looked at the gathered martial artists. “I don’t know who found Guo Tieyun’s Gu-worm powder. I only want to say this to that person: that thing harms others and yourself alike. If you find it, destroy it immediately. Otherwise, if Guo Tieyun’s accomplices trace the scent to you, then you might as well wait for death.”

After saying this, Chu Ling left with the others.

Cao Tong and Yan Sheng stood together and glanced around the crowd. “Everyone present today has exchanged names—we can be considered acquainted. If anyone has secretly kept it, then that person is making an enemy of us all. So think carefully…”

Outside the gates of the Guo residence—

Wan Sanjin turned back and asked, “Someone found the Gu-worm powder?”

Chu Ling replied with certainty, “They definitely did. I’ve already explained the danger. If someone still insists on taking the risk, then they’ll truly become a public enemy of the martial world.”

“Since my lord has made it this clear, surely no one would dare hide it, right?” Wan Sanjin said hesitantly.

Fu Qingyu shook his head. “Not necessarily. Some people cling to luck.”

Wan Sanjin couldn’t help cursing, “Then they’re fools. Beyond saving.”

Chu Ling looked at them. “Let’s head back. There’s still work to do.”

They would have to remain in Changhe County for a few more days, turning all the poisonous insects and herbs into medicinal pills. After that, they could set out for Dongle City to find Bai Zhuoxing.

—

The next day,

Cao Tong, Yan Sheng, and the other martial artists took their leave and departed from Changhe County.

The following day,

The Guo residence was sealed.

Seven days later, Fu Qingyu’s acupuncture treatment concluded.

Early the next morning, the group parted ways outside Changhe County. Chu Ling and the others claimed they were returning to Sishui County, while Fu Qingyu was heading back to Linzhou.

After they waved their farewells and Fu Qingyu’s carriage disappeared into the distance, Chu Ling turned to Zhang Dong and said, “We’re going to Dongle City.”

Meanwhile, inside his carriage, Fu Qingyu leaned against the wall with his eyes closed, a faint smile curving his lips.

“Young Master, the magistrate and the others are quite good at deceiving people,” Qing Tong said.

Fu Qingyu gave a quiet hum. “An imperial official traveling about must be cautious… We’ll return to Linzhou first, then make a trip to Changzhou.”

“Yes, Young Master.”

—

Dongle City, as one of the major transportation hubs, saw merchants traveling from north and south in endless streams. Even the Wan family dared not claim a large share of the market there.

Dongle City was also exceptionally prosperous, known as the “Little Capital.” There were many prominent local clans, not to mention the newly risen nobles who had been supported into power. And within the Great Zhou, aside from the Imperial Academy in the capital, the largest academy stood here: Danbo Academy.

Yet in such a flourishing place, there also existed a chaotic district. Called a slum in name, in truth it was beyond anyone’s control. Even constables would detour around it during patrols.

In such a land of crime, whatever kind of monsters were bred there seemed almost normal.

…

A thick stench of blood drifted out from a house. Dark, dried bloodstains were clearly visible on the stone pavement. Countless people passed by without so much as a pause. Occasionally someone would peer curiously through a crack in the door—only to spit in disgust and walk away.

Such a house quickly drew the attention of the landlord. After spending a few dozen copper coins to have the corpse inside thrown into the mass grave, he ordered the place cleaned up and soon put it back up for rent.

Incidents like this happened every so often. They were just the bodies of the poor and lowly—worth nothing, noticed by no one.

For most people here, simply staying alive already took all their strength.

Still, sometimes they would daydream—imagining that in their next life they might be reborn into a wealthy household as a young master, eating from golden bowls, picking up dishes with golden chopsticks, drinking nothing but chicken soup, feasting on large chunks of fatty meat, living in carefree splendor.

But it was only ever a dream. Once awake, they still had to go to work as usual.

The very next day, the house was rented out.

The new tenant was quite generous, but demanded that the place be cleaned spotlessly. They also required brand-new bedding and furniture so that after finishing lunch, they could move in directly.

Faced with silver, the landlord had no complaints. He immediately arranged everything, and in front of a witness pressed his fingerprint and signed the contract. The house was officially rented.

This time, the new occupants aroused some curiosity. After all, people here had never seen such an impressive display.

Soft quilts were carried in inside bamboo baskets. The new tables and chairs gleamed with polish. Even the tea set bore delicate floral patterns.

All signs pointed to one thing—the people moving in were definitely not ordinary. Best to keep one’s distance.

Yes, the people here were experts at reading the room.

They knew clearly who could be bullied and robbed at will, who had relatives outside, and whose fists were the biggest in the area. Everyone understood these things. It was their rule of survival.

—

After lunch.

A carriage trotted slowly into the lane. Once it stopped outside the house, the young coachman set down a small stool and unlocked the door with a key.

The first to step down was a round-faced little girl with twin buns in her hair, slightly plump at the cheeks—clearly well-fed at home, fair and clean.

Next came a somewhat slender man with a frighteningly pallid, corpse-like face. He did not smile and carried a cloth bundle in his hand.

Just when everyone thought that was all, another young man emerged.

He wore a dark blue brocade robe and a jade crown on his head. A tasselled jade pendant hung at his waist, and even his shoes were embroidered with cloud patterns. He looked unmistakably wealthy.

Surely that must be everyone now, people thought.

But the man in brocade turned back and called, “My lord, this location isn’t bad. It’s fairly quiet on both sides.”

A voice answered from inside the carriage. The curtain lifted, and someone stepped out.

Everyone looked over at once.

A refined young gentleman appeared, dressed simply. Yet his eyes were bright and clear, making one feel an inexplicable fondness at first sight.

Chu Ling stepped down from the carriage and went inside to take a look. “This courtyard will do. We’re only staying temporarily anyway.”

Wan Sanjin agreed—it was already the best house in the area.

One by one, they entered. Zhang Dong led the horses inside as well, shutting the gate behind him to block the curious stares outside.

He took Zhuifeng and the little black horse to the stable and replaced their fodder with fresh grass.

Wan Sanjin inspected each room in turn. “Not bad. Cleaned thoroughly. They even burned incense.”

Su He complained, “Well, look at how much you paid.”

“Even if it’s temporary, we should sleep comfortably,” Wan Sanjin said as he sat down. “Fulai Inn is fully booked. I can’t possibly stay at some other inn—that would just be helping someone else’s business.”

“Aren’t you spending money either way?” Su He asked, puzzled.

Wan Sanjin shook his head. “That’s different. After all, I am the young master of the Wan family… Besides, the money for this rental came from what you won last time.”

Su He: “…”