Recalling how lively, energetic, and vibrant Iris was in front of her, Hua Changle simply couldn't match her appearance with her age.
However, considering that Qiao Song A Piao was at least over a hundred years old, and recalling his youthful face, Iris couldn't quite accept it.
Let's put the age issue aside for now and get back to the main topic.
Based on the clues provided by Tao Zi, Hua Changle was surprised to find that the two locations, Liangwan Wharf and Ghost Street, given by the mule, were not fake!
Both locations are related to the black market trade of the eight major powers. The former is one of the places where Gold Inlaid Silver conducts the exchange of "goods", and the latter is one of the places where Eagle Hall handles "goods".
These two places are not Mule's own channels.
Thanks to Tao Zi, we had a very fruitful night.
Finally, Hua Changle brought up the matter of providing guidance and exchanging techniques again.
Tao Zi said, "I've discussed it with Qiu Quan. I'll also help you investigate things here, so this time I'll pretend to be the young master of the Jackal Gang—my sworn brother, Qiu Quan's adopted son's temporary assistant."
"It was precisely because I offended Zhang Bi that day that Qiu Quan used the excuse of not getting along with the Eagle Hall to claim that I had joined the Jackal Gang."
"That's fine too."
Seeing that they had been there for a long time, Hua Changle and Wei Liang got up to say goodbye.
When Hua Changle returned to the Cultural Relics Protection Bureau, Jiang Xuan had already returned, but there was still no news of Iris.
Hua Changle didn't fall asleep; he stayed in his room cultivating and waiting for the iris.
Around four in the morning, Iris returned, looking travel-worn. As soon as she entered, she smelled of blood.
"You fought? Are you alright?"
Iris tossed her hair: "How could that be? A bunch of sixth or seventh-tier brats! But there was an unexpected discovery."
Iris glanced at the seat, then sniffed her clothes, but didn't sit down.
Hua Changle knew she was worried about getting her blood on the seat, so he said, "Why don't you go take a shower first? I'll wait for you."
"No, finish quickly so you can rest." Iris crossed her arms in front of her.
"I've made a major breakthrough here. Go wash up first, and we'll talk about it slowly when you come out."
Iris thought for a moment and then didn't insist: "Okay, I'll go then, I'll be right back."
Iris came out of the shower five minutes later, and while drying her hair, she said:
"When I entered Ghost Street and got to the middle, I was ambushed. Xiao Si and I fought our way through and found them coming out of a repair shop."
I went straight into the store and asked around, and got some information from there.
Should we go into the store and ask?
Hua Changle glanced silently at the blood-stained clothes that Iris had placed to the side.
We now have an understanding of what she meant by "inquiring".
“That place is used by Eagle Hall to run shady businesses, which are related to what your brother is investigating, but it’s not what we’re looking for. Mule won’t do business with She Jiameng through Eagle Hall’s channels.”
"He's testing us, using the Eagle Hall to probe. He wants to see if we're just investigating or if we really want to get involved in those businesses."
Hua Changle listened and nodded, as Iris's feedback matched the information provided by Tao Zi.
She said, "It's the same on my end. Liangwan Wharf is one of the places where Jin Xiangyin used to transport special goods. The people chasing us are Jin Xiangyin's men."
"Gold inlaid with silver?"
Iris paused, her eyes darting around before she exclaimed in surprise, "It can't be what I'm thinking, can it? Gold inlaid with silver?"
Hua Changle told Tao Zi about her situation and the clues she provided.
Iris couldn't hide her shock: "So that's how it is! All thanks to little Tao!"
“But…” Iris leaned closer, staring at her with wide eyes, “You said you want her to come with you? Do you want to start your own business?”
Hua Changle paused for a moment, then asked in return, "If I want to start my own business, will District Nine agree?"
Iris was stunned.
Hua Changle gave her a half-smile: "I'm not so clueless as to have discovered nothing."
Hua Changle leaned back lazily: "You know Xue Wuwang, right?"
The iris nodded.
Hua Changle looked out the window, and the voice seemed to drift from afar:
"The first time I spoke with Ye Buqi, she told me that she existed to protect me. She is one of the leaders of the Dragon Sect in the Ninth District."
"The first time I met the crow from the Wolf Pack, he asked me, 'Do you want to go home?' I didn't understand at the time."
"Later I learned that I had lived in District 9."
“Someone told me that my status in District Nine is about the same as Ye Buqi’s.”
"Xue Wuwang comes from the Ninth District and is stronger than the average Ninth Rank, yet he treats me with respect. Moreover, his words indicate that we have a close relationship and a history of entanglement."
"The Wolf Lord of the Ninth District treated me kindly, and the Dragon Emperor Fu Guang's name..."
Hua Changle gently touched her chest, her eyes glazed over: "Every time I mention it, I feel a pang of heartache and bitterness."
“I have a clear connection with District Nine.”
“This bond even surpasses the emotional connection I have with the Hua family.”
Hua Changle turned her head, her deep gaze falling on Iris's trembling eyes:
“Iris, you must know about what’s going on between me and District Nine.”
Iris avoided her gaze in alarm.
"Don't be afraid." Hua Changle smiled gently. "I won't force you to say it. I'm saying this just to confirm one thing with you."
Iris looked at her with a puzzled expression.
Hua Changle slowly clenched her hands at her sides: "If one day I have nowhere to go, will District Nine be my final resting place?"
Iris was deeply moved; she suddenly stood up, then prepared to kneel on one knee.
Hua Changle swiftly extended his foot to block her slightly bent knee, his brow furrowing slightly: "Speak if you want to."
The iris did not kneel, nor did it sit down; instead, it bowed deeply, folding its hands in a gesture of respect, an ancient custom from the Middle-earth.
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