Chapter 246: He is powerless to recover

That being said.

But Chen Yi would never joke with his own life, and he already had a bottle of Divine Intoxication in his hand.

With one step, one is already on the painted boat.

He raised his head slightly, his eyes sweeping contemptuously over Lü Jiunan and Ge Muxiao, making their eyes twitch, before turning and entering the painted boat.

As he walked, he muttered to himself, "The black magic of Vaishsa Kingdom is quite sophisticated."

"Unfortunately, it looks good but is useless."

Earlier in the East Market, Chen Yi had already discerned some details about the sorcery from the demon of the Illusionary Sound Sect.

It may seem strange, but it is actually just a kind of evil and heretical technique that should not be respected.

It generally involves using some secret method to implant an "object" into another person's body, and then using true energy vibrations to create fluctuations, in order to achieve the purpose of remote control and killing.

When cultivation reaches a high level and involves the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, its power will be further enhanced.

To put it bluntly...

The practice of black magic is similar to witchcraft and poison, but it is far less widespread and practical than witchcraft and poison.

This is especially true for martial artists like Chen Yi, whose cultivation and skills have reached a certain level.

Once he is on guard, killing him with black magic will be as difficult as climbing to heaven.

Seeing his oblivious demeanor, Ge Muxiao clenched his fists, his eyes widened, and he looked as if he were about to spit fire.

The explosive true energy within his body was stirring restlessly.

Lu Jiunan, standing to the side, looked relatively better. His aura was not prominent, and he showed no intention of making a move.

Only his gray eyes held a sinister and cold quality, with a fleeting hint of contemplation occasionally appearing.

The clothes this person was wearing seemed to be the same as those of "Knife Maniac" Liu Lang, whom we had just met.

Is he Liu Lang?

Or is it a martial arts master with perfected spear and great sword skills impersonating Liu Lang?

Lu Jiunan was still unsure.

Even though he was from Vaishsa and didn't know much about the affairs of the Wei Dynasty, he had still heard of some exceptionally talented individuals.

For example, Xiao Jinghong, who at only twenty years old had already reached the upper third rank of cultivation and mastered the art of swordsmanship.

For example, Shui Hetong of Fengyuelou—a closed-door disciple of Bai Daxian—possesses a martial arts style that can "overturn mountains and rivers."

For example, Hua Huiyang of Wudao Mountain has already reached the second rank in cultivation at a young age.

Such a young martial artist, who has mastered the art of spear to perfection, is a rare sight throughout history.

If he also possesses a mastery of the sword technique at a high level, that would be extremely rare.

He was almost on par with Xiao Jinghong, who was skilled in both spear and sword.

Upon careful consideration, Lü Jiunan concluded that the young martial artist before him was dressed similarly to Liu Lang.

Thinking of this, he suddenly spoke up: "Liu Lang."

Chen Yi paused, turned around, raised an eyebrow, and asked, "Oh? You've met my brother Liu Lang before?"

He was well aware of Lü Jiunan's doubts.

But after seeing that they didn't make a move, he knew that the two of them were probably unsure of his identity.

There are only some doubts.

Fortunately, he reacted quickly, changing his posture and technique.

Otherwise, he wouldn't even have a chance to negotiate tonight, leaving him with only two choices—to take action or to flee.

Despite the sinister look on Lü Jiunan's face, he forced a smile: "I just met with 'Knife Maniac' and we had a very pleasant conversation."

Upon hearing this, Ge Muxiao's angry expression faltered, and he turned to look at him, "Elder brother, you... he..."

Lu Jiunan raised his hand to interrupt, saying, "I am Lu Jiunan from the Kingdom of Vaishsa. May I ask your esteemed name, brother?"

Chen Yi glanced at him, raised his head slightly, and said disdainfully, "Liu Wu."

After saying that, he went inside the painted boat.

As Lü Jiunan watched him walk away, he frowned and muttered the name Liu Wu to himself.

This name is clearly a pseudonym.

That doesn't stop him from asking around.

After all, a master of spear fighting cannot remain unknown.

Chen Yi was unaware of Lü Jiunan's thoughts. After entering the painted boat, he glanced around and his gaze fell on the two young men.

One of them was handsome, dressed in black brocade robes with silver thread embroidered on the cuffs and waist belt, and had a rather noble air about him.

The second person was dressed as a scholar, wearing a gray-white long gown and a square scarf on his head. He was not particularly handsome, except for his calm and composed eyes.

After looking him over, Chen Yi held out his hand. "Give me the silver."

Liu Taoyao, dressed in a black robe, also sized him up. Seeing his decisiveness, she raised her hand to the young man beside her and said, "Shichang."

The young man took out several silver notes from his sleeve and silently placed them in his hand.

After taking it, Liu Taoyao placed it directly in Chen Yi's hand and said with a smile, "My name is Liu Taoyao."

"Brother Liu Wu, there have been many misunderstandings tonight, please forgive me."

Chen Yi took the silver notes and counted them. "Fortunately, I still have some strength. If it were anyone else, they would have died at the hands of those traitors from Vaishya."

Upon noticing that Lü Jiunan and Ge Muxiao had entered behind him, he pressed his hand against the folding pistol on his forearm and continued:

"Liu Taoyao, is it? Take my advice: people from foreign lands don't understand benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and trustworthiness. It's best to avoid contact with them."

"you!?"

Before Ge Muxiao and Lü Jiunan could speak, Liu Taoyao stopped them with a look and smiled at Chen Yi:

"I have taken note of what Brother Liu has taught me."

He paused for a moment, then smiled and said, "It's better to meet by chance than by appointment. Brother Liu, why don't you sit down and have a drink with us?"

Chen Yi glanced at him, then turned his head and gestured towards Lü Jiunan and Ge Muxiao, saying:

“I dislike the people of Vaishsa, please forgive me.”

Ge Muxiao glared at him angrily.

Lu Jiunan simply stared at him quietly.

Liu Taoyao and the young man beside her exchanged a glance, their expressions both complex and unreadable.

But just as Chen Yi was about to leave, a clear voice came from the edge of the winding pool:

Who started this fight here?

Chen Yi raised an eyebrow. Fang Hongxiu?

Liu Taoyao reacted first and instructed the young man beside her, "They should be from the Criminal Investigation Department. Go and send them away."

The young man accepted the order and stepped out of the painted boat.

Liu Taoyao then cupped her hands in greeting to Chen Yi and said with a smile, "As the saying goes, 'No fight, no friendship,' Brother Liu, why do you keep us a thousand miles away?"

"Besides, a group of untimely people have arrived outside the pleasure boat. It would be better for Brother Liu to stay here and avoid being disturbed by them."

Perhaps worried that Chen Yi would refuse again, he pointed to the outside of the pleasure boat and said:

"Given the strong winds and heavy rain tonight, it's better to stay inside the pleasure boat than to sleep in the mud and water outside, don't you think?"

Chen Yi remained unmoved and said, "It was your people who disturbed me first."

Liu Taoyao smiled and apologized, then gave Lü Jiunan a wink.

Lu Jiunan nodded knowingly, forcing a smile onto his face.

"I noticed something amiss just now and startled you, young brother. Please forgive me."

Chen Yi glanced at him, his mind still focused on the pleasure boat, and shook his head again:

"Those who walk different paths cannot make plans together. Now that I have money, I can buy wine myself."

Before the others could speak again, Chen Yi stepped out of the painted boat and flew back to the shore in a flash.

Seeing this, Liu Taoyao frowned and could only signal Lü Jiunan and Ge Muxiao not to show themselves before stepping out of the painted boat.

At this time.

Fang Hongxiu was questioning the young man named Zhao Shichang when she saw Chen Yi come out, so she quickly stopped him.

"etc."

Chen Yi put the bamboo hat on his head and turned to look at her: "Is there anything else?"

He had already heard Fang Hongxiu and Zhao Shichang ask about what happened, and they said that he had shown off his skills while drinking.

Fang Hongxiu sized him up and suddenly felt he looked somewhat familiar. She asked him with a hint of suspicion:

"Who are you? Were you the one who attacked at Quchi earlier?"

Chen Yi lowered his straw hat slightly, revealing a section of his sharply defined jawline, and chuckled in a low voice, "My name is Liu Wu."

"If Commander Fang is referring to that spear intent, then it is indeed me."

Fang Hongxiu's eyes suddenly widened, "You..."

Before she could finish speaking, Chen Yi leaned closer, raised his hand to make a "shh" gesture, and said with his back to the pleasure boat:

"If there is nothing else, I will take my leave now."

But while speaking, he gave Fang Hongxiu two hand gestures, signaling her to calm down.

Fang Hongxiu recognized him immediately. After glaring at him, she looked at the painted boat on the winding pond, clasped her hands in greeting, and said:

"Since it's a misunderstanding, we won't disturb Lord Liu's enjoyment any longer."

After exchanging a glance with Zhao Shichang, Liu Taoyao replied, "Thank you all for your hard work."

He then cupped his hands in greeting to Chen Yi and said with a smile, "Brother Liu, please forgive me. It's inconvenient tonight. Let's drink together on the same boat again next time."

Upon hearing this, Chen Yi smiled and shook his head, then gestured to Fang Hongxiu before fleeing into the distance.

Fang Hongxiu understood his gesture, hesitated for a moment, then waved and led her people away.

As they walked, several forensic officers muttered to themselves, "This person looks somewhat familiar."

"I think so too, it's like before..."

Before he could finish speaking, Fang Hongxiu slapped him and scolded him in a coquettish voice, "Stop talking nonsense and hurry up and go check around to see if there is any other movement."

"Yes, lord of the centurion..."

Once everyone has gone far away.

As Liu Taoyao looked at the dim rain, the smile on her face gradually faded, replaced by a gloomy expression.

The young man named "Shichang" beside him was more composed. After surveying his surroundings, he bowed and said:

"Young master, let's go inside and talk."

Liu Taoyao hummed in agreement and turned to enter the painted boat.

Immediately, one could see that Lü Jiunan was sitting cross-legged at the table, exuding a chilling and sinister aura.

Ge Muxiao stood guard beside him.

Liu Taoyao was slightly moved, but after thinking for a moment, she decided not to disturb Lü Jiunan and looked at Ge Muxiao to ask:

"Brother Lü, are you using a secret technique to track down Liu Wu?"

Ge Muxiao simply nodded without speaking, seemingly worried about influencing Lü Jiunan.

Seeing this, Liu Taoyao's expression softened, and she turned her head to ask, "What do you think of Liu Wu?"

Zhao Shichang pondered for a moment and said, "Something's strange."

"His previous location was too close to the pleasure boat."

"Given his martial arts skills and technique, if he were to listen in, he should be able to hear the conversation inside the pleasure boat."

"Secondly, his attitude towards Brother Lü and Brother Ge Mu makes it easy to deduce that he is not one of us."

Liu Taoyao nodded slightly and said, "That's the same as my opinion."

He paused, then frowned: "If he overheard our conversation, I'm afraid..."

Zhao Shichang naturally understood his meaning, and his gaze fell on Lü Jiunan as he said:

"Young master, the key now is to confirm his identity."

"If he were just an ordinary martial arts practitioner, that would be fine, but what I'm afraid of is that he's on good terms with certain people in Shu Prefecture."

Liu Taoyao followed his gaze and said, "Now we can only rely on Brother Lü."

No sooner had he finished speaking than Lü Jiunan suddenly opened his eyes, his face contorted with rage, and roared, "Liu Wu!"

Liu Taoyao was stunned for a moment, "Brother Lü, what's going on..."

Lu Jiunan snorted coldly and said in an icy tone, "He discovered the secret technique I used."

"He somehow managed to detect the curse I left on him, and even..."

He paused, then looked out of the pleasure boat, his expression slightly wary: "He could even break through in one strike."

Liu Taoyao and Zhao Shichang exchanged a glance, then frowned and pondered, "Brother Lü, are you saying he'll come looking for us again?"

Lü Jiunan shook his head. "I don't know."

"However, to avoid implicating you two, I must take my leave first."

Previously, besides being wary of Chen Yi's strength, he was also concerned about Liu Taoyao and the others being around.

If a fight breaks out here, regardless of the outcome, Liu Taoyao's connection with him will inevitably be exposed.

A deeper concern is that the connection between Liu Hong and King Lando will be discovered.

Seeing this, Liu Taoyao quickened her pace and asked, "Brother Lü, I have a favor to ask."

"I hope Brother Lü will investigate his identity for me."

"Didn't you mention 'Knife Maniac' Liu Lang when you were talking to him just now? Why don't you start with Liu Lang?"

As Lü Jiunan changed into black clothes with Ge Muxiao, he said:

"That matter should be handled sooner rather than later. If Mingyue Tower is unusable, I hope Young Master Liu has other ideas."

Liu Taoyao's expression hardened slightly, and she said in a deep voice, "Brother Lü, rest assured, I will discuss this with my father later."

Lu Jiunan nodded, said no more, and left the painted boat with Ge Muxiao.

After they left.

Liu Taoyao waited a while longer, but Chen Yi didn't return, so he breathed a slight sigh of relief.

"Shichang, do you think it's a coincidence that that person came here tonight?"

After a moment's thought, Zhao Shichang said calmly, "It should be a coincidence."

"After all, before tonight, Lü Jiunan and Ge Muxiao had only shown their faces once."

"That time in Dongshi? Yes, Lü Jiunan was careful enough. If he had been followed when he rescued Asutai, he would have noticed it long ago."

Liu Taoyao paused, then raised her hand and said, "Shichang, let's go back to the manor."

"We need to let Father know about this as soon as possible."

...

On the other side.

Chen Yi stood five miles away from Quchi, his hand swirling with true energy, enveloping a tiny insect the size of a pinhead.

"The art of black magic is indeed similar to the arts of poison and witchcraft."

If he hadn't possessed the ability to see through qi, he wouldn't have been able to detect the "curse" that Lü Jiunan had placed on him.

Chen Yi looked at the insect in his hand, his mind racing.

"Lu Jiunan and Ge Muxiao came to Shuzhou at Liu Hong's request to rescue those barbarian slaves."

“Especially the son of that barbarian left king, whose name seems to be Asutai.”

"As long as we follow this line of investigation, we will surely find evidence of Liu Hong's collusion with the barbarians."

For him, killing Liu Hong or Liu Taoyao would be easy, but it wouldn't alleviate the siege of the Xiao family.

The best outcome would be for the Xiao family to eliminate Liu Hong.

Only in this way can we make an example of them and allow the Xiao family to regain power in Shuzhou.

As for Lü Jiunan...

What difference does it make whether I kill a bandit from Vaishsa or a general under King Randhu?

Let's keep him around for now; we might still be able to find evidence to bring down Liu Hong from him.

"But we need to find where they and those barbarian slaves are staying."

Thinking of this, a smile appeared on Chen Yi's face.

Overall, it's good news.

Just then, a light footstep came from afar.

Chen Yi looked in the direction of the sound and saw Fang Hongxiu walking over alone.

He raised his straw hat and greeted him with a smile: "Commander Fang, you've come quickly enough."

Fang Hongxiu, dressed in a straw raincoat and bamboo hat, gripped the long sword at her waist and snorted, "What exactly are you up to?"

"How did you get involved with Liu Taoyao?"

She knew that Chen Yi had helped the Xiao family several times before, so seeing him drinking with Liu Taoyao on the pleasure boat now, she couldn't help but feel suspicious.

Chen Yi spread his hands and said, "I don't want to either."

"Tonight I was investigating the burning of the East Market granary that day, who would have thought I would see Liu Taoyao here."

Fang Hongxiu's expression changed slightly. "You mean Liu Taoyao ordered people to burn down the East Market granary?"

"If I said it was him, would you dare to investigate?"

"If it really is him, I will bring him to justice!"

Chen Yi paused, shook his head and said, "Then you'll be disappointed, he has nothing to do with that matter."

He knew very well that the power of the Criminal Investigation Department was no match for Liu Hong and Liu Taoyao.

Rather than telling Fang Hongxiu the truth, it's better to let her know some clues in order to attract those people's attention.

After all, he still needs some time.

Fang Hongxiu glared at him unhappily, "Then why did you ask me to come here?"

"I have some clues to tell you."

"explain."

"King Lando, you've heard of him, haven't you?"

“Of course I know that he is the leader of the Peacock Bandits who roam the borders of my Wei Dynasty. He has more than 10,000 bandits under his command and is very powerful.”

Chen Yi nodded and said, "I found out that the sorcerer from Vaishsa who rescued the barbarian was a subordinate of King Lando."

Fang Hongxiu frowned upon hearing this, "Is this true?"

“Commander Fang, on this matter, we share the same goal. I would never lie to you, no matter who else I lie to.”

"If that's the case... then things are really bad..."

Chen Yi raised an eyebrow and asked, "With your status as a centurion in the Criminal Investigation Department, are you afraid of King Lando?"

Fang Hongxiu ignored his teasing and lowered her head to think, saying, "You don't understand."

"Although King Lando was a bandit, he valued rules very much."

"Since he rose to power, merchants on the Tea Horse Road have no fear of death as long as they pay money."

"If his men rescue those barbarian slaves, I'm afraid this matter will just be left unresolved."

Chen Yi stroked his chin. "So, we should thank King Lando for following the rules?"

“I don’t need to consider these things, but the Provincial Judicial Commissioner’s Office and the Prefectural Government Office cannot ignore them.”

Are you worried that the people in the government won't agree to your investigation?

"It seems I chose the wrong partner."

Fang Hongxiu rolled her eyes at him, revealing a rare girlish side.

“I will report this matter to Commander Qian alone. Whether he agrees or not, I will find the people of the Vaishsa Kingdom and the barbarian slaves.”

"I'm glad you said that."

After saying this, Chen Yi cupped his hands in farewell and left.

"I wish you great success, Commander Fang. I will come to see you again."

Fang Hongxiu watched him disappear into the rain, pondered for a moment, and then quickly left as well.

Not long after.

Chen Yi quietly returned to his house on Chuanxi Street and instructed Zhang Dabao to prepare writing materials for him.

Then he began to draw portraits of Lü Jiunan, Ge Muxiao, and the young barbarian slave Asutai without stopping.

To avoid being influenced by the ink painting, he also specifically wrote down the physical characteristics of those people.

After Chen Yi finished drawing and confirmed that everything was correct, he handed it to Zhang Dabao and said, "Tomorrow, use these to search."

Zhang Dabao took it, glanced at it, and said with a smile, "I will definitely find them for you, sir."

He wasn't sure before, but having the portrait changed everything.

Those thugs who hang out on the streets all year round may not know much else, but finding someone is easy for them.

Chen Yi nodded and instructed, "Remember, after you find them, don't make any rash moves, and don't get too close to them, lest you be discovered."

He paused for a moment, then continued, "Go directly to the Criminal Investigation Department and tell Commander Fang Hongxiu."

"The punishment department?"

"Okay, just do as I say."

"yes……"

Chen Yi gave a few more instructions, then dropped his disguise and returned to the Xiao family.

After changing his clothes, he finally breathed a sigh of relief and relaxed.

He gained a lot from tonight's trip.

Not only did they find the culprit who caused him to run away from his wedding, they also discovered clues about Liu Hong's collusion with the barbarians and the Vaishsa Kingdom.

In comparison, the latter was more exhilarating to him than the former.

As Chen Yi pondered these thoughts, he placed two pieces on the chessboard in his mind.

One of them is naturally Fang Hongxiu, and the other piece is—Old Master Xiao.

After the white pieces were placed, they gained influence in a corner of the board, surrounding several black pieces.

Chen Yi's mind was focused on the chessboard, and he thought to himself:

"No matter how cunning that old fox Liu Hong is, this time we will make sure he is powerless to turn the tide."

Just then, a golden light flashed, and Chen Yi glanced at the light screen:

[Daily Intelligence - Low-Grade Mystic: At 11:15 AM, the Hidden Guardian Luanfeng will meet with the Hidden Guardian General Xing at the tailor shop in the West Market. A small amount of luck may be obtained.]

Luanfeng, Cui Qingwu?

Chen Yi checked the time and the sky outside, then sat cross-legged on the bed to cultivate the Four Symbols Technique.

With only a quarter of an hour left, it was too late for him to go.

I simply ignored it.

I don't know how much time has passed.

[Chance +8.]

[Comment: Cui Qingwu and Jiang Xing parted on bad terms.]

[To refuse an opportunity presented before one has arrived, heard, or witnessed is the mark of a naturally lazy person.]

...

Meanwhile, in Shuzhou, where the Liu family lived.

The sound of raindrops and pattering echoed throughout the house.

It's a bit noisy.

But Liu Lang paid no attention to the sound of rain around him. He was perched on the eaves of a house, staring at the study in the back courtyard.

He had already gone to sleep.

But shortly after midnight, he heard two people coming to find him.

The footsteps and the conversation with Liu Hong sounded somewhat anxious, as if something serious had happened.

After listening for a while, Liu Lang finally confirmed that the visitor was Liu Hong's eldest son, Liu Taoyao.

"That old fox Liu Hong really treats his two sons differently."

"He would either beat or scold the second child, but he was patient with the eldest."

Just then, he heard Liu Hong's gloomy voice coming from the study:

"How could you let him leave under those circumstances?!"

“Even if that person didn’t hear your conversation with Lü Jiunan, you should still try to keep him here.”

Liu Taoyao said hesitantly, "Father, it's not that I don't want to."

"It's because that person is truly powerful; even if Lü Jiunan and Ge Muxiao joined forces, they probably wouldn't be able to defeat him."

After a pause, seeing that Liu Hong did not speak, he continued, "I have already asked Lü Jiunan to investigate that person's identity, and I think he should be able to find out."

Liu Hong snorted coldly, "Investigate?"

"If that person isn't stupid, he wouldn't just sit there and wait to die."

"Besides, you even introduced yourself in front of Lü Jiunan and the others. You, you're so foolish!"

“Just a few days ago, I told Fang’er to learn from you. Is this how you set an example?”

He smashed a teacup beside him and said, "Do you know how much trouble this will bring to me and the Liu family if word gets out?!"

"I……"

Before Liu Taoyao could explain, Zhao Shichang spoke first:

"Master, now is not the time to blame the young master."

"We hope you can enlighten us on what to do."

A brief pause.

Liu Hong seemed to have calmed down, and said in a low voice, "Tomorrow, send someone to inform Lü Jiunan to tell them to leave Shuzhou as soon as possible."

"And those barbarian slaves..."

"Shichang, find a substitute for Asutai, kill him along with the other barbarian slaves, and send the body to the Ministry of Justice."

"yes."

"Yao'er, remember this: neither of us has a way out now, and we cannot afford to be careless in the slightest."

"yes……"

Upon hearing this, Liu Lang couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. This old fox is truly ruthless.

After thinking for a moment, he quietly hid and watched the rain falling from the sky.

"The boss should be very interested in this news..."

(End of this chapter)