413: Round

"Heard much about you?"

Xu Sanyan indicated that he himself had never even met him.

Although Li Wuxing had never heard of this Yunshan Taoist, he figured that anyone capable of teaching such a Disciple must certainly be a reclusive expert.

Seeing the atmosphere ease, Magistrate Yu Huaisheng felt slightly relieved and hurriedly said, "My Lord, you have been traveling for days and are weary from your toil. I shall arrange accommodations for you immediately."

"No need."

Li Wuxing interrupted, "There is no time to rest. The case is urgent; the commoners are disappearing one after another, and even the Associate Prefect's Young Master has gone missing. I know not what scoundrel is so brazen."

The Associate Prefect of Qian Province was none other than Magistrate Yu Huaisheng's father-in-law, and also his greatest backer.

The Associate Prefect was a fifth-rank official, ranking below Li Wuxing, so logically, it would be difficult to invite such a person to intervene.

But as it happened, Li Wuxing cared deeply for the commoners, and with the Associate Prefect's earnest request, he decided to investigate personally.

"My Lord, your concern for the commoners and your tireless dedication are truly an example for this humble official," Magistrate Yu Huaisheng seized the opportunity and immediately flattered him.

The two Golden Blade Envoys were full of resentment; a perfect opportunity had been snatched away by him.

Li Wuxing was already accustomed to this and simply ordered, "Take me to retrace the route where the Associate Prefect's Young Master went missing."

"Yes." Magistrate Yu Huaisheng dared not delay and immediately went ahead to lead the way.

At this moment, Xu Sanyan frowned and spoke, "Speaking of that..."

The four of them stopped in their tracks, and Li Wuxing turned his head to wait for what was to follow.

"On my way here, I seemed to see a cave. At the time, there was a foul, fishy stench coming from within, so I assumed it was the lair of some wild beast and did not examine it closely. Now, connecting it to this case, there might be secrets hidden there," Xu Sanyan said hesitantly, his gaze lingering mostly on Magistrate Yu Huaisheng.

Li Wuxing's calm eyes narrowed subconsciously, and he spoke slowly, "Why did you not mention this earlier?"

Although he was certain that this person was likely not a problem, he did not lower his guard and still harbored a measure of caution toward him, especially since he could not perceive the other's cultivation level, which proved that this person's cultivation might not be inferior to his own!

Xu Sanyan shrugged, "You didn't ask, and how was I supposed to know what you were doing?"

Li Wuxing looked at Magistrate Yu Huaisheng, "Did you not tell him?"

"Er..." Magistrate Yu Huaisheng's brain spun frantically, "This subordinate thought that since Junior Brother is not a person of the yamen and this matter has nothing to do with him—furthermore, Junior Brother only arrived yesterday and has been busy setting up a Formation outside the city all day today..."

Li Wuxing nodded; that made sense, so he cupped his hands and said, "Please, enlighten us."

"Hmph, you suspect me?"

Xu Sanyan furrowed his brow, looking thoroughly displeased, though in his heart he nodded in approval: This young man has some skills; your suspicion is correct.

Li Wuxing did not speak; he was not one for many words. Magistrate Yu Huaisheng hurriedly smoothed things over, "Junior Brother, since you know, just tell us. That scoundrel kidnaps commoners and commits all manner of evil; eradicating them quickly is also an act of Karma."

"Hmph, I will take you there." Xu Sanyan flicked his sleeve, not even glancing at Li Wuxing and the others, and strode outward.

The two Golden Blade Envoys looked at Li Wuxing, then at Xu Sanyan, and this time they wisely held their tongues. They could see that this person was straightforward and unconventional, and since the Junior Lord of Fate seemed to admire him, they would certainly not speak out of turn.

"Let's go."

The five of them sped through the night. Xu Sanyan traveled through the air, flying in the lead, dragging Magistrate Yu Huaisheng with one hand; his cultivation was too low and he would easily fall behind.

"Junior Brother, is the scoundrel on Zhangzhi Mountain?" Magistrate Yu Huaisheng recognized the route.

"Mm, on one of the mountains over there."

Xu Sanyan had long ago decided to sell out Chang Yulian; he had made this decision the moment he learned that people from the provincial government were coming.

Even without his betrayal, Chang Yulian would undoubtedly die. Because Zhangzhi Mountain was not far from Zhang Zhi City, Magistrate Yu Huaisheng had previously only sent people to search it roughly, perhaps not even entering the mountain. But after Li Wuxing arrived, he would certainly organize men to search thoroughly. Although the cave was hidden quite secretly, it would absolutely not escape a search. Once found, how could Chang Yulian have any hope of survival?

Since she was going to die anyway, it was better to make use of her, using Chang Yulian's head as a token of allegiance and a stepping stone for 'Liang Yongzhuo'.

It could be said she died for a worthy cause.

As for the subsequent task of collecting blood... A curve touched the corners of Xu Sanyan's mouth, hidden in the darkness, and his eyes glanced casually at Magistrate Yu Huaisheng. Isn't this a ready-made candidate right here?

It would be much more convenient for Magistrate Yu Huaisheng to do it than for Chang Yulian.

Zhangzhi Mountain was a small mountain range composed of over a dozen peaks. Although not as vast as Luan Yun Mountain, it was not exactly small either, and the terrain was steep and difficult for any Mortal to traverse.

But this could not stop them. Xu Sanyan stood in the air, frowning in thought as he gazed at the dozen or so peaks of varying sizes beneath his feet, seemingly recalling something.

Li Wuxing did not urge him; instead, he felt a bit more at ease.

This was logical. These peaks all looked quite similar; if he could distinguish them at a glance after having only seen them once, that would be what was suspicious.

"It should be over there. I remember those two mountains look just like two breasts, and the cave is located just a little bit below one of the nipples," Xu Sanyan said, pointing to a spot.

"..."

Li Wuxing felt somewhat uncomfortable. You look like an educated man, so why are the words coming out of your mouth so vulgar?

Moreover, given his status and position, who would not be careful with their wording in front of him? He hadn't heard anyone say those two words in many years, though he saw them often enough.

Li Wuxing looked in the direction he was pointing and raised an eyebrow slightly. Hey, you don't say, you really don't say! They are quite rounded.

The two Golden Blade Envoys exchanged a look and, without waiting for Li Wuxing to speak, each rushed toward a peak to search. One of them waved from afar, and when the group hurried over to look, there was indeed a cave.

"I will go in first; you all follow," Li Wuxing ordered.

Xu Sanyan's eyes narrowed slightly; he also had to go in. He needed to help Chang Yulian shut her mouth.

Although she was controlled by a Demonic Seed and it was highly likely Chang Yulian would not implicate him, to ensure there was no margin for error, he had better help her along.

The group of five filed in one after another. Li Wuxing walked in the lead, Xu Sanyan followed behind him, behind him was Magistrate Yu Huaisheng, and the two Golden Blade Envoys brought up the rear.

There were two in the Soul Refinement Realm among the five; with them deliberately masking their presence, it would be extremely difficult for Chang Yulian to detect them.

Upon reaching a fork in the path, Li Wuxing's nostrils twitched, and he stepped into the right side where the stench of blood was stronger.

At this moment, Xu Sanyan tugged lightly, using hand gestures to signal for the two to split up, while he took the two Golden Blade Envoys to the left.

Li Wuxing thought for a moment and nodded in agreement. With two Golden Blade Envoys by his side, he did not fear this person playing any tricks.

Xu Sanyan relaxed slightly; this would make it even more foolproof.

Everything was within his expectations. He had anticipated that Li Wuxing would certainly go to investigate the side with the stronger stench of blood first, and Chang Yulian happened to be on the other side.

Li Wuxing would surely prioritize capturing and interrogating, only resorting to killing if forced, whereas Xu Sanyan intended to kill with a single blow, so she would not be able to say a word.

"Hee hee, you rascal~ come and catch me~"

"If you catch me, I'll let you~"

"Hehehe~"

A woman's coquettish laughter drifted faintly from within the cave; she was having a great time playing.