Chapter 973 Ten Sinners

Inside the pavilion, Chen Jiaxin's questioning was not yet over.

"You answered so readily, without any hesitation? You still have family down the mountain."

His face was expressionless, but he still nodded:

"Um."

Chen Jiaxin asked curiously, "Could you tell me the reason?"

Ouyang Rong stated frankly:

"First, Miss has treated me well, and I believe that even if something happens, she will treat my family down the mountain kindly."

"Secondly, I know a colleague in the dining hall named Wu Cui. I think she mentioned to Miss that she went into the water dungeon once to deliver food to the Five Goddesses. Not only was she unharmed, but she also received instruction from the Five Goddesses and was taught sword techniques. Even now, she still remembers this kindness and stays in the dining hall, working the night shift, waiting for an opportunity to go in again."

"Of course, she went in confused. Without a noble person like Miss to tell her the story, she didn't know the reason or the risks of the water dungeon... But since she's alright, I suppose I'm not so unlucky either."

"Besides that, there's a third one, but it's best not to mention it."

Chen Jiaxin pressed further: "Tell me, why won't you tell me?"

Ouyang Rong nodded and spoke frankly:

"Third, Miss just said that if I have any intention to back out, you will consider it, but you didn't say that you would definitely agree. Or rather, things have already come to this point, and the opportunity to go into the water dungeon is right in front of us. Miss will definitely not agree to let me leave. Anyway, we're already here, so let's just go in and be done with it. There's no need to think too much about it."

When Chen Jiaxin heard him mention the first two points, her eyes were indifferent and her pretty face showed a somewhat listless expression. But when she heard this last reason, her eyelids immediately lifted, and she looked at him seriously, unable to suppress the smile on her lips.

It seemed that in her eyes, a thousand reasons to express loyalty or praise were not as important as this last sentence.

"Hehe, Liu Aliang, aren't you afraid of making me angry by saying that? Although what you said is absolutely right, I will only consider it a little, but I won't really let you go."

Ouyang Rong shook his head: "I don't know if Miss will be angry, but I know Miss won't blame me, so you can speak with peace of mind."

Chen Jiaxin suddenly sneered: "Hmph, because we need you to go to the water dungeon, we need you to do things, and we need to use you?"

“No, because I am Miss’s person.” Wearing a mask and with an honest and simple demeanor, Ouyang Rong spoke each word to the heart of the arrogant young woman in front of him: “Because we are one of our own.”

Chen Jiaxin was overjoyed.

Judging from the happy expression on her face, it was clear that Ouyang Rong's words made her feel very comfortable and pleased.

"Sit down and eat with me. This is a reward for you, Liu Aliang."

Chen Jiaxin waved her little hand happily.

She, who despises stupidity, finds herself talking more when she meets a man who isn't stupid:

“The Chen family always says you’re dull and stupid, and don’t understand human relationships. But if you ask me, I think you’re the dull and stupid one. It’s a real shame you didn’t join the Bamboo Hall. What’s even more of a shame is that you’re not a woman. This sect isn’t suitable for you to develop. Otherwise, the Orchid Hall would be a great fit for you.”

She chuckled softly:

"So here, you can only be a cook, not as good as your other companions. That's fate. However, your fate is not bad because you met me. I will not treat you badly. As for why, it's very simple. You just said that it's because we are on the same side. I will never treat my own people badly, but I will never forgive traitors among my own people. Do you understand?"

Ouyang Rong nodded:

"Miss is a woman of true character."

“My grandfather said the same thing to me, but he said it’s not good. It’s easy to be taken advantage of by people with ulterior motives and to trust those around you too much. But I think that if you don’t even trust those around you, you can’t unite. If you’re suspicious of this and that, how can you do great things?”

Chen Jiaxin picked up a piece of food, chewed it, and then raised her chin with a touch of arrogance:

"Trust those you employ, and don't employ those you don't trust. Distribute the benefits fairly, and don't be bothered by trifles when doing big things! It's that simple. Ah Weng's approach might be right, but I, Chen Jiaxin, am not wrong either!"

The young woman's words were like a white sword blade, cutting through the mess, quick and sharp, full of vigor.

Even Ouyang Rong, who had maintained his composure and rationality beneath the bronze mask, couldn't help but raise his eyelids and take another look at her.

There's a reason why Chen Jiaxin has become the second most outstanding young lady among the younger generation of Yue women, second only to A Qing.

She and Aqing have completely different personalities and styles.

This is probably why the Sixth Lady took on the role of her sister in accepting disciples on behalf of her master.

For some reason, after hearing Chen Jiaxin's words, Ouyang Rong felt a slight unease, a mixture of guilt and embarrassment...

He really wanted to answer Chen Jiaxin and tell her that her grandfather was right, and that it was good to listen to the advice of elders to prevent being deceived by bad people other than him.

However, these words could not be said outright; they could only be swallowed back down silently.

He's not her grandfather or father, why is he being so nosy? Besides, it seems the latter two can't control the somewhat unruly Chen Jiaxin.

Immediately, at Chen Jiaxin's slight nod of her chin, Ouyang Rong sat down comfortably, and the two dined together facing each other.

Before long, the dishes on the table were almost finished, and the rice in their bowls was almost gone. Chen Jiaxin's appetite was no less than Ouyang Rong's. Perhaps it was Jianze's unique frugal custom, but like Aqing who always came home temporarily, she ate the food that Ouyang Rong had prepared with great relish and did not waste any.

Soon after the meal, the two started chatting again.

As Ouyang Rong opened the food box and began clearing the dishes, he asked casually:

"Miss, you said that the Five Goddesses do not allow Yu Tang Yue Nu, who has spiritual cultivation, to enter the water dungeon. Does that mean that those with spiritual cultivation will be in danger in the water dungeon? Only ordinary people like us who have not cultivated qi are allowed to enter?"

Upon hearing this, Chen Jiaxin thought for a moment and said:

“I don’t know that. Master has never mentioned the reason for this ban. However, your speculation is reasonable. But the senior sisters in the Jade Hall privately believe that the cells in the water dungeon hold extremely dangerous criminals, each one a vicious and wicked person. Even among the Qi cultivators on the mountains outside, they would be utterly wicked and guilty of heinous crimes… Master doesn’t want us to have contact with them, perhaps because of a tragedy that happened in the past…”

Ouyang Rong had been listening very attentively, but then Chen Jiaxin mentioned a rumor in a somewhat serious tone:

"I suspect it's about Seventh Uncle's matter."

Ouyang Rong subconsciously held his breath:

"Seven...Seven Goddesses?"

"Yes, it's Seventh Uncle. It seems even Seventh Uncle has fallen victim to this." Chen Jiaxin squinted and said, "I heard that Seventh Uncle used to love coming to our Qingliang Valley. At first, he would just read books in the library and improve his swordsmanship."

"But later on, Seventh Uncle started visiting the water dungeon more often to catch up with his uncle. After a while, it seems that one time, when Master was temporarily away, Seventh Uncle was bewitched by a prisoner and actually led that prisoner out of the water dungeon and down the mountain... When Eldest Uncle learned of this, he was furious and even blamed Master. Master was sullen when he returned... Especially later, I don't know if Eldest Uncle and the others went down the mountain to capture people, but Seventh Uncle returned to the mountain gate, only to be crippled..."

Chen Jiaxin paused here, glanced at Ouyang Rong, and then moved on from the topic:

"I heard it from my senior sisters. We weren't here yet, and we hadn't entered the Sword Swamp... Anyway, although Seventh Uncle was eventually brought back to the mountain by Eldest Uncle and the others, he was seriously injured. The prisoner was also put back into the water dungeon by Master... But this still made Eldest Uncle and Master very unhappy. Master also felt guilty, so he tightened the rules even more, not allowing any Yue woman to step into the water dungeon. There was no room for negotiation on this point, not even for me, his direct disciple. Only Master could enter and exit the water dungeon."

Chen Jiaxin paused here, then added, "Of course, in addition to you, the kitchen helpers who, in dire circumstances, enter to deliver vegetarian meals..."

Ouyang Rong initially thought Chen Jiaxin was talking about something top secret, but after listening and analyzing it carefully, he suddenly realized that what Chen Jiaxin was talking about was none other than his affair with the embroiderer.

It wasn't anything new that he didn't know about; it was all ancient history.

Back in Donglin Temple in Longcheng County, Xiu Niang, in order to save him from his initial "drowning" attempt, returned to Jianze and, taking advantage of her senior sister's inattention, secretly brought Sun Laodao out of the Qingliang Valley water dungeon, violating the rules of Jianze.

Later, Ouyang Rong intercepted the Dingjian [Craftsmanship] and fought a great battle with Qiu Shenji, after which he was seriously injured again. Xiu Niang went to ask Old Master Sun for help once more, and this time, although she saved him again, his clear eyes went blind...

Ouyang Rong subconsciously wanted to take a deep breath, but instantly realized that Chen Jiaxin was watching him, and tried his best to suppress his subtle expression.

"I see……"

Chen Jiaxin nodded: "So, the prisoners in this water dungeon are too dangerous. Apart from that divine doctor... that old Taoist priest in the crane cloak, they are all not easy to mess with. Liu Aliang, when you go in this time, remember not to provoke the other prisoners. Only look for that old Taoist priest in the crane cloak. Understand? Remember that."

"Uh-huh."

Ouyang Rong nodded subconsciously, then, as if thinking of something, glanced at Chen Jiaxin again and couldn't help but speak:

"Does the young lady know... who is the criminal who corrupted the Seven Goddesses and caused them to go blind?"

Chen Jiaxin shook her head: "How would I know? He's probably already dead. If I were the eldest grandmaster, I wouldn't spare this sinner either. Let alone the eldest grandmaster, my master alone could deal with him."

Ouyang Rong suppressed his urge to complain.

They spoke with such conviction that they didn't even know that the prisoner who "corrupted" Seventh Uncle was the old divine doctor in the crane-feather cloak. He kept getting close and away, fighting with both sides, didn't he?

However, in a sense, the "prisoner" that Chen Jiaxin understands doesn't include Old Daoist Sun; this person should actually refer to him...

Coming to his senses, Ouyang Rong noticed that Chen Jiaxin was staring intently at him.

His face remained calm, but the thought of "have I been exposed?" flashed through his mind subconsciously. However, Chen Jiaxin's words quickly dispelled Ouyang Rong's suspicion:

“You menial servants have no spiritual cultivation and can’t leave the Sword Swamp. You are powerless and the prisoners inside can’t sway you. Moreover, since you are menial servants, your Qi refining talent is mediocre. The promises of individual prisoners to impart their secret techniques are also useless to you… This can prevent many tragedies from happening.”

Chen Jiaxin calmly analyzed:

"This is probably why Master allowed you to go in and deliver the vegetarian meals, not because she thinks your lives are worthless. Master is still kind. Under normal circumstances, as long as you honestly deliver the vegetarian meals and stay near Master, which is within her reach to save people... and don't sneak into the prison, there shouldn't be any major problems..."

"However, Liu Aliang, if you want to help me find the old Taoist priest in the crane cloak, you will inevitably have to get a little close to those prisoners. There is still danger involved. After all, even a god-like figure like Seventh Uncle has fallen victim to it, let alone you..."

"That's why I'm willing to talk to you so much today, not because of the meal you cooked... Remember this, kid, never, ever believe what those prisoners in the water dungeon say. They are very dangerous, otherwise they wouldn't be locked up there. Of course, killing them completely is troublesome, and letting them go alive is also troublesome, so they can only be locked up."

Ouyang Rong nodded very sincerely:

"Understood, Miss. I will be careful."

Chen Jiaxin gazed at him for a moment, then nodded slightly:

"Not bad. After knowing you for so long, you've been reliable."

Seeing that Ouyang Rong had almost finished tidying up, Chen Jiaxin stood up, picked up her sword, twirled it, held it behind her back, walked out of the pavilion, and left with a remark:

"I'm leaving. Go back and wait."

Ouyang Rong snapped out of his daze, turned around, and was about to say goodbye when he saw Chen Jiaxin stop after taking a few steps, turn back, and say to him:

"I almost forgot to mention that."

She lowered her voice slightly, her small face becoming serious:

"Remember, inside the water dungeon, apart from the guardhouse near the entrance where Master cultivates and rests, there are roughly ten cells inside. I heard they are numbered A, B, C, D... E, F, G, H... R, G, K."

"The earlier the number appears, the more dangerous the prisoners are in the cell."

"I don't know which room the man in the crane-cloak is in, but you'd better start searching from the outermost part and work your way in. Don't go too deep in at once..."

Ouyang Rong silently memorized these secrets of the water dungeon, and at the same time, asked calmly:

"If we find the old Taoist priest in the crane-feather cloak, what should we do? What message should we send?"

Chen Jiaxin, however, said firmly:

"You can't do anything, and you can't do anything anyway. Just remember the cell number. Once you get out of the water dungeon, come find me as soon as possible... This is your biggest task right now, understand? Don't be too clever for your own good. This old Taoist priest in the crane cloak is not someone you can handle."

So how are you going to deal with him? What kind of deal are you going to make with him... Ouyang Rong thought to himself.

After thinking for a moment, he asked again:

"Miss, I have a question. Are all ten cells inside full?"

Chen Jiaxin rolled her eyes at him:

"How would I know? I've never been inside, that's why I came to you."

She curled her lip and snorted, "These are the things you're supposed to investigate..."

(End of this chapter)