Human Skin Lantern 5

Xiao Congzhi, of course, could not stay to take care of Mo Huan, who only had a broken tongue. He left early the next morning, leaving Mo Huan to groan in bed.

Xiao Congzhi wasn't without a purpose. If there was a reason why Xu Tan suppressed the disappearance case, then the suspicion against the Martial Alliance could be reduced. In that case, the Diancang Sect, Kongtong Sect, and Qingcheng Sect, which had previously gone unnoticed, would be worth investigating thoroughly.

The previous night, Mo Huan had a conflict with the chief disciple of the Diancang Sect, so Xiao Congzhi paid a visit to the Diancang Sect first.

His attitude was not polite; he simply said he wanted to learn a thing or two from South China.

The sect disciples originally wanted to send Xiao Congzhi away, but Hua Nanzhou was in a bad mood. He had clearly won last night, but he hadn't received a kind look from Xu Shuyan, and he was still simmering with anger. Knowing that Xiao Congzhi had come for Mo Huan, he wanted to teach Xiao Congzhi a lesson to vent his anger.

According to Hua Nanzhou, Xiao Congzhi and Mo Huan were roughly the same kind of people, both being scoundrels with no real skills, so he accepted the challenge with his head held high.

At the Diancang Sect's martial arts arena, Xiao Congzhi remained expressionless and told Hua Nanzhou directly, "The Diancang Sect is famous for its swordsmanship, so you don't need to remove your blade."

Hua Nanzhou's swordsmanship is the strongest among the Diancang School's generation, so he didn't refuse and simply asked, "Then you should also draw your weapon."

When not facing Mo Huan, Xiao Congzhi spoke very little, and even when he heard something, he would not reply. He would simply raise his folding fan and fan himself.

Huananzhou chuckled contemptuously and said, "Ignorant brat!" before launching his attack.

The swordsmanship of the Diancang School is simple and unadorned, yet every move is fierce. Hua Nanzhou focused on the flaws in Xiao Congzhi's body and thought he had victory in his grasp.

In that split second, before the two even exchanged a single blow, Xiao Congzhi casually tapped the tip of his fan twice, then pushed it, and Hua Nanzhou flew out.

Before Hua Nanzhou, who was lying on the ground, could get up, Xiao Congzhi, who had rushed over, kicked him back down.

Xiao Congzhi's expression was indifferent, and his tone was also calm. He said, "Brother Mo is skilled in light footwork but not in hand-to-hand combat. If it weren't for the Alliance Leader's sincere invitation, he wouldn't have sparred with you. Yet you couldn't even stop when you've made a move. That's really going too far."

With that, he kicked hard, and Huananzhou flew off in another direction.

Other disciples of the sect: ...

A clever junior brother hurriedly ran off, and Xiao Congzhi knew he was going to invite the sect leader.

This was, of course, Xiao Congzhi's goal. It was rumored that Qian Lin, the leader of the Diancang Sect, lived a secluded life, and if Xiao Congzhi went to his door to ask for an audience, he would definitely not be able to see him.

But beating up Huananzhou would easily bring Qian Lin into the picture.

Of course, Xiao Congzhi would never admit that he beat Mo Huan so badly to vent his anger. Although Mo Huan was faking it, Xiao Congzhi still cared about the face that person had lost in front of everyone, not to mention that a broken tongue was still an injury.

Qian Lin didn't keep Xiao Congzhi waiting for long. He hurried over from the backyard, instructing his disciples to carry Hua Nanzhou away for treatment while smiling at Xiao Congzhi, without any hint of reproach in his eyes.

Qian Lin and Xu Tan are about the same age, but Qian Lin is a little chubby. He is smiling right now and looks very friendly.

Without saying a word, Xiao Congzhi attacked. He had fought the masked man before. Although it was too dark that night and the masked man was wearing a white mask and a loose robe, making it impossible to see his face and figure, Xiao Congzhi had a general idea of ​​his martial arts style.

Qian Lin hadn't expected Xiao Congzhi, a junior in the martial arts world, to be so difficult to talk to. He immediately deflected Xiao Congzhi's attack with a palm strike, and when Xiao Congzhi unleashed his Xuan Tie fan to attack his throat, Qian Lin drew his sword and blocked it with a "whoosh." The two men's internal forces clashed, and they remained locked in a stalemate.

Although the Diancang Sect is one of the nine major sects in the martial arts world, its leader, Qian Lin, is very low-key. Xiao Congzhi did not expect Qian Lin to have such strong internal strength, and he had some doubts for a moment.

Qian Lin naturally did not expect that a young martial arts practitioner who was not yet twenty years old could have such internal strength. He said, "The younger generation is formidable. On behalf of Nanzhou, I apologize. How about we each take a step back?"

This statement was too humble, so Xiao Congzhi had no choice but to accept it and say, "Thank you for your kind offer."

The two simultaneously withdrew their internal energy and each took three steps back to create distance.

Qian Lin wanted to invite Xiao Congzhi to stay for a casual meal, but Xiao Congzhi had already achieved his goal and did not wish to stay any longer. He casually said goodbye and left.

Although Qian Lin possessed great internal strength, he was not quite the same as the masked man from that night.

Xiao Congzhi, who had left the Diancang Sect, originally planned to return to the Martial Alliance. As for the Kongtong Sect and the Qingcheng Sect, he had no excuse to go there and had to wait until late at night. However, he encountered Shen Zhuo on the way.

Meanwhile, Mo Huan, who was lying in bed pretending to be relaxed, also had an uninvited guest.

After leaving her seat, Xu Shuyan thought it over and over. Her father was determined to arrange a marriage, and compared to Jiang Xu and Hua Nanzhou, she still thought Mo Huan was better, since she didn't care about her partner's martial arts skills.

Having made up her mind, Xu Shuyan got up early and went to the kitchen to urge the servants to prepare Mo Huan's medicine. Then she carried it to Mo Huan's room.

Mo Huan: ...

Mo Huan was now truly regretting provoking Xu Shuyan. He lay weakly on the bed and asked, "Why did Miss Xu come here?"

"I've come to bring you your medicine." Xu Shuyan smiled gently and sat down on the low stool next to Mo Huan's bed with the medicine bowl in her hand.

"Thank you." Mo Huan propped himself up and took the bowl of medicine.

Xu Shuyan originally wanted to take care of him, but ultimately men and women shouldn't touch each other, so she didn't dare.

"What happened last night was Huanan Prefecture's fault. I'll have him apologize to you later."

"No need." Mo Huan was forced to drink the bitter medicine, and his words were concise.

"My father also had his faults."

"Alliance Leader Xu is doing this for your own good."

"Young Master Mo, actually... it was my father who insisted on arranging a marriage for me on my coming-of-age ceremony, but I..."

Mo Huan quickly raised his hand to stop Xu Shuyan from continuing, saying, "Miss Xu, why don't you ask your father why he's in such a hurry?"

"this……"

"No parent in the world doesn't consider their children. It seems that Alliance Leader Xu has her reasons. Why not solve the problem at its root? What do you think, Miss Xu?"

Xu Shuyan was perceptive; she understood that Mo Huan's words were a polite way of refusing. Although she felt a pang of sadness, she didn't insist. Besides, Mo Huan's words made sense. Xu Shuyan thanked him and took her leave.

Mo Huan watched Xu Shuyan's departing figure and slowly shook his head. It was true that Xu Tan had his reasons, but there was probably no room for maneuver.

When Xiao Congzhi returned, he happened to see Xu Shuyan. After entering the house, he asked Mo Huan, "You look so disheveled, yet she still hasn't given up?"

Mo Huan was searching for something smelly to wash away the taste of medicine in his mouth when he was in the room. Without turning his head, he replied, "I guess they've given up now. What did you find out?"

Xiao Congzhi sat down next to Mo Huan and said, "I went to meet with Qian Lin."

"The leader of the Diancang Sect?"

"Yes, his style of doing things is a bit strange; he goes to great lengths to avoid conflict by keeping a low profile."

Mo Huan frowned.

Xiao Congzhi continued, "However, his martial arts style is different from the masked man that night. His internal strength is extremely powerful. He is holding back today, but if he were to use his full strength, he would probably be stronger than me."

"Qian Lin has never been a big name in the martial arts world. Although he is a senior, his internal strength is higher than yours... Why would he hide his abilities?"

Mo Huan had fought with Xiao Congzhi and knew that Xiao Congzhi's internal martial arts were extremely advanced. Although he was not yet twenty, there were few in the martial arts world who could rival him in terms of internal strength.

"Moreover, Qian Lin used a longsword, while the masked man used a scimitar that night."

Mo Huan shook his head and said, "If your internal martial arts skills are up to par, weapons are just external objects. You should understand that."

Xiao Congzhi agreed, nodding and saying, "Tonight I plan to try and infiltrate the Qingcheng Sect and the Kongtong Sect."

"That's not advisable. The Qingcheng Sect leader is a martial arts fanatic. Although his internal martial arts are not as good as yours, his external martial arts are unparalleled. If he doesn't hold back, it could be dangerous. The Kongtong Sect is known for its traps and mechanisms, and their residences are very difficult to enter."

"Alright, all these people will be at Xu Shuyan's coming-of-age ceremony, I'll check on her then."

"Hmm. Did you see anyone else just now?"

"Um?"

"Dealing with Huananzhou and Qian Lin shouldn't take that much time."

Xiao Congzhi pulled out a stack of papers from his pocket and said, "We ran into Shen Zhuo. They've been investigating something these past few days."

Mo Huan smiled, satisfied with Xiao Congzhi's answer, and picked up the stack of papers to read.

"It's not exactly new information," Mo Huan commented sharply.

"If I had known you had such comprehensive information, I would have saved them from having to investigate again."

Mo Huan had intended to chat for a bit, but suddenly frowned and became serious: "I wasn't concerned about the missing persons case before, and I didn't know as much as Shen Zhuo and the others had investigated in such detail."

"oh?"

"Neither the man nor the woman were married."

Xiao Congzhi was puzzled.

"If choosing someone without a background or family connections is to reduce the risk of getting into trouble, then being unmarried is very likely for the sake of having virgin boys and girls."

Xiao Congzhi understood and replied, "Young boys and girls might be involved in mysterious and mysterious matters."

"Indeed, from this perspective, skinning and gouging out eyes may also be a ritualistic act."

"Will it be related to Qilin blood again?"

Mo Huan lowered his head and thought for a moment, then said, "It's highly unlikely. No one has been to Qilin Village for a hundred years, but do you remember that Xing Feng used people's spiritual energy in that illusion?"

"If someone were to comprehend the method of using human spiritual energy..."

"Although it may seem like we're thinking a bit too far ahead, we might as well have this direction. Besides, the commonalities among these people can make one person stand out."

"Xu Shuyan..."

"Guo Shaoyu's case is separate, but what about Xu Shuyan's?"

"If this isn't a separate case, then Xu Shuyan is the mastermind behind the disappearance, and that's why..."

"Then the person behind this is related to Xu Shuyan or Xu Tan, and it is very likely that they have a grudge."

Xiao Congzhi had sorted out his thoughts and was about to go out to have Shen Zhuo investigate Xu Tan's interpersonal relationships again when Mo Huan had just turned around.

It was Yun Shaocheng who arrived late last night but managed to catch Mo Huan after he was knocked away.

This was also a dashing young man, tall and slender with delicate features. Dressed in a dark green outfit, he entered the house with light steps, greeted everyone with a smile, and then gracefully sat down on the low stool facing Mo Huan. His movements were fluid and elegant. If it weren't for his dark skin, Xu Shuyan would probably have already fallen for him; Mo Huan wouldn't even have a chance.

Mo Huan quickly lay back down on the bed, propped himself up, and asked with difficulty, "May I ask what brings Young Hero Yun here?"

Yun Shaocheng was adept at playing both sides, and upon hearing this, he simply said, "The Alliance Leader was concerned about Young Hero Mo's serious injury and asked me to come and check on him."

Thank you for your concern…

Xiao Congzhi interjected, "In that case, what does Alliance Leader Xu have to say?"

Mo Huan: ...

This didn't stump Yun Shaocheng. He turned to Xiao Congzhi and politely replied, "The Alliance Leader instructed us to fetch two century-old ginseng roots from the storeroom. I reckon someone will deliver them soon."

Xiao Congzhi smiled meaningfully and nodded, then asked, "Young Master Yun is indeed a young man of exceptional talent. How come I have never heard of Alliance Leader Xu having such a disciple?"

"I am not worthy of such praise. I am not a disciple of Alliance Leader Xu. I am merely a member of the Martial Alliance to make a living."

"Young Master Yun is too modest. I have indeed heard that the leader of the martial arts alliance loves to recruit talented people from all over the world. To be appreciated by the leader of the alliance is enough to show Young Master Yun's talent."

"Young Master Xiao, you flatter me."

"I just don't know how to gain Alliance Leader Xu's favor to join the Martial Alliance?"

"What does Young Master Xiao mean?"

“We are of the same generation, so there’s no need for such formalities. Just let me do as I say. I’m used to wandering the martial world and have no interest in the Martial Alliance. It’s just that my brother Mo Huan has been in love with Alliance Leader Xu’s only daughter for a long time and wants to join the Martial Alliance to ask for her hand in marriage.”

"Cough cough." Mo Huan coughed loudly in bed.

Looking closely at Yun Shaocheng, who was calmly smiling, one could see a pair of slightly widened eyes.

Yun Shaocheng was at a loss for words, so Xiao Congzhi pressed on: "You also know that the eldest disciple of the Diancang Sect is in love with Miss Xu. Last night he said he would stop when he was about to make a move, but he was ruthless. Brother Mo vomited three liters of blood last night and almost lost his life."

Yun Shaocheng found it difficult to maintain his polite smile and said dryly, "I never expected that Young Master Mo... Young Master Mo would be so deeply in love."

Xiao Congzhi covered his face and walked to Mo Huan's bedside, patting Mo Huan's back as he coughed incessantly, but actually covering Mo Huan's mouth to prevent him from causing trouble.

With his back to Yun Shaocheng, Xiao Congzhi continued, "That's right. Even after last night, Brother Mo still refused to give up. He was spitting blood just now and still wanted to go find Miss Xu."

Yun Shaocheng: ...

“Brother Xiao.” Yun Shaocheng stood up abruptly and said hurriedly, “I’m going to the storeroom to see how the ginseng is being obtained. I can’t delay Young Master Mo’s recovery.”

Xiao Congzhi turned half his face toward Yun Shaocheng, about to say something, when the hand covering Mo Huan's mouth and nose was forcibly pulled away. Mo Huan gasped for breath and shouted at Yun Shaocheng, "Stop!"

Aside from being a little out of breath, his voice was full of energy. Was he no longer pretending? Xiao Congzhi looked at Mo Huan in surprise.

"Xiao Congzhi, I had no idea you were so skilled in acting!"

Xiao Congzhi was taken aback for a moment upon hearing this, then laughed, his eyes narrowing into slits, clearly quite happy.

Mo Huan casually rubbed Xiao Congzhi's face, lifted his robe and stood up, walking to Yun Shaocheng's side, and asked coldly, "What are you doing here?"

Even Yun Shaocheng, who was known for his sharp mind, was stunned at this moment, staring at Mo Huan without saying a word.

Mo Huan pointed at Xiao Congzhi and said to Yun Shaocheng, "He was just testing you."

Yun Shaocheng blinked, finally realizing what was happening, and leaned close to Mo Huan's ear, whispering a few words in his ear.

Mo Huan frowned and said, "I understand. Let's keep everything as usual for now, and I'll think about it some more."

Yun Shaocheng: "Do you still want that century-old ginseng?"

"Bring it here if you have it." Mo Huan said impatiently.

"These are all my personal stashes; you have to buy them at market price."

Mo Huan kicked Yun Shaocheng in the butt, sending him flying out of the house, and said disdainfully, "Get out."

After Yun Shaocheng left, Xiao Congzhi asked, "What did he say?"

At that time, Xiao Congzhi was still sitting on the bed and hadn't gotten up. Mo Huan squinted and walked over, pressing down hard on Xiao Congzhi's shoulder.

Xiao Congzhi lay down naturally, looked calmly at the person in front of him, and asked, "Why do you seem so guilty?"

When did you figure it out?

“I had my suspicions when he caught you last night, and today he came alone again and confirmed it after a couple of probing questions.”

"He just caught me..."

“If you two weren’t acquainted, you would have flown in my direction last night.”

"..." Mo Huan had to admit that Xiao Congzhi was right. He sighed, got up from Xiao Congzhi, and sat down to the side.

Xiao Congzhi was a little tired and lay there too lazy to move, so he changed the question and asked, "What is Yun Shaocheng's status in the Martial Alliance?"

Mo Huan glanced at Xiao Congzhi and replied, "He's Xu Tan's right-hand man."

"No wonder you know so much even though you've only been in Xiacheng for a few days."

"Hmm. Over the years, Xu Tan has used the prestige of the Martial Arts Alliance to recruit heroes and talents everywhere. It's not difficult to place people around him."

Xiao Congzhi guessed: "Yun Shaocheng is highly skilled in martial arts, has good interpersonal relationships, and is also good-looking. It's only a matter of time before he is valued by Xu Tan. I overheard a few words today, saying that last night, Xu Tan introduced Yun Shaocheng to everyone in a very high-profile manner. From then on, Yun Shaocheng will have a place in the martial arts world."

Mo Huan opened his mouth, unsure what to say, but Xiao Congzhi continued, "In other words, you've planted a spy deep within the heart of the Central Plains martial arts world..."

"Xiao Congzhi, let's stop here, or we can have a proper chat about Ge Yun."

"What did he just say to you?" Xiao Congzhi asked indirectly, showing no fear.

"..." Mo Huan couldn't tell if this was another trap set by Xiao Congzhi, so he had no choice but to confess: "He just told me that the leader of the Emei Sect was assassinated on his way to Xiacheng."

"!!" Xiao Congzhi immediately sat up abruptly, saying incredulously, "The Emei Sect Leader, Liao Heyun, is one of the top ten masters of our time, her martial arts skills surpass even those of Xu Tan, the leader of the martial arts alliance. How could she..."

"Yun Shaocheng arrived late last night to inquire about this matter."

"Is this to gather information for Xu Tan, or...?"

"For me. News of Liao Heyun's death just reached Xiacheng today. Yun Shaocheng came to tell me that Xu Tan wants to hold Xu Shuyan's coming-of-age ceremony ahead of schedule."

"Even after the Emei sect leader died, he still wanted to hold a coming-of-age ceremony."

"After all, if we don't hold a ceremony, Xu Shuyan will die. Let's keep everything simple, no music or entertainment, just gather together, hold the ceremony, and get engaged."

"Xu Tan seems to want to settle the matter of coming of age as soon as possible, lest things get complicated. What is he afraid of?"

Mo Huan hesitated for a moment, then analyzed, "Not necessarily. The righteous sects of the martial arts world all seem respectable, but in reality, they are all very self-interested. Before, it was just a missing person case, and no one urged the martial arts alliance leader to find out the truth. Now that the Emei sect leader is in trouble, I'm afraid everyone will urge Xu Tan to give an explanation. Once Xu Shuyan's coming-of-age ceremony is over, Xu Tan can focus on giving the martial arts world an explanation."