137: Nobleman

“I have completed the injury examination. Indeed, Han Yi has hidden injuries on his body. Since that is the case, let him rest for a few days before we reconsider!”

Vice Sect Leader Qu Jingxian waved his large hand, his tone calm, and made a decision.

“This…”

Li Chengfeng was unwilling and wanted to say something, but Vice Sect Leader Qu Jingxian’s gaze intimidated him.

“Do any of you have other thoughts about the arrangement to go to the Dark Affairs Hall?”

Then, Vice Sect Leader Qu Jingxian turned his gaze to Song Qing and the other nine.

“We, we have no objection…”

They exchanged glances, stepped forward, and responded respectfully.

“Good, then today’s morning meeting will end…”

“Oh, and Han Yi, stay behind.”

Vice Sect Leader Qu Jingxian said, sounding uninspired.

So, everyone left silently and orderly, and a strange atmosphere filled the hall.

‘Damn it, Han Yi really does have a connection with the Sect Master and the others!’

‘Could it be that regarding Iron Kill’s matter, Han Yi was truly bait thrown out by the Sect? Did I reveal some flaw?’

‘No, since the Sect hasn’t made things difficult for us yet, it means there’s still room for maneuver. But no matter what, it’s time to speed up the plan!’

Li Chengfeng’s expression was normal, and his steps were at their usual pace, but his heart was fluctuating. He constantly plotted in his mind; the scene in the hall just now made him make certain decisions.

“Han Yi.”

“Why did you feign injury and not wish to go to the Dark Affairs Hall?”

Vice Sect Leader Qu Jingxian, who had been silent for a long time, suddenly asked. An echo reverberated through the empty hall.

Han Yi, who had been holding himself rigid for a long time, also let out a sigh of relief. He hadn’t dared to breathe just now, and it had been truly uncomfortable.

“Reporting to the Sect Master, I only want to find a place to Cultivate properly right now and truly have no time to be distracted by other matters…”

“Furthermore, I only wish to study Martial Arts Cultivation Techniques and truly do not wish to compete or engage in fighting…”

Han Yi said with a bitter smile. Since his little trick had been seen through, there was no need to hide it anymore. It was better to speak the truth.

Moreover, looking at Vice Sect Leader Qu Jingxian’s performance just now, his relationship with Bai Sanren must be very good. Only for this reason would Vice Sect Leader Qu Jingxian help him out of a difficult situation.

Upon hearing this, Vice Sect Leader Qu Jingxian looked at him in surprise and laughed, “You truly are remarkably intelligent and meticulous, able to discern the positioning of Dark Affairs Hall Disciples at a glance…”

Just as Han Yi had guessed, Vice Sect Leader Qu Jingxian briefly explained the Dark Affairs Hall to Han Yi.

The Dark Affairs Hall is directly managed by the Sect Master. Ordinarily, there are no tasks; one only needs to focus on Cultivating. The benefits are generous. Most importantly, Dark Affairs Hall Disciples can freely observe the Entering Vigor Visualization Diagrams when Cultivating Entering Vigor Cultivation Techniques within the Sect, such as the Huoyuan Skill, according to their status!

Only by comprehending the specific operational path of Qi and blood transformation into Strength through the Cultivation Technique’s accompanying Visualization Diagram can one hope to clear the blocked Meridians within the body, thereby generating Strength.

Although the success of this process is related to each person’s Comprehension Ability, no matter what, observing it multiple times will always yield some gains. However, within the Crimson Flame Sect, observing the Entering Vigor Visualization Diagram is naturally not free.

The Crimson Flame Sect stipulates that if a Disciple’s Cultivation reaches the Peak of the Late Blood Refinement Stage, they can apply for one opportunity to comprehend the fundamental Visualization Diagram.

Apart from that, ordinary Disciples must exchange contribution points for this opportunity.

However, for Dark Affairs Hall Disciples, there are separate regulations. This rule was specifically set considering that the Dark Affairs Hall is usually on standby, making it difficult to acquire contribution points, meaning each Dark Affairs Hall Disciple can observe the Entering Vigor Visualization Diagram according to their status order.

In other words, if Han Yi were to enter the Dark Affairs Hall as a captain, it would probably not take more than a year and a half before it was his turn to observe the Huoyuan Skill’s Entering Vigor Visualization Diagram.

This was also the reason why Song Qing coveted the top spot in the minor competition. Although the Song Family’s inherited Cultivation Technique, the ‘Yinliu Skill,’ was also a Cultivation Technique with an Entering Vigor Visualization Diagram that could be Cultivated to the Tongmai Stage, its grade was extremely low, and the ‘Yinliu Strength’ Cultivated from it was severely suppressed by Blazing Fire Strength.

Therefore, Song Qing wanted to contend for the top spot, observe the Visualization Diagram as much as possible, and Breakthrough to the Tongmai Stage.

“What’s even more commendable is that you showed no fear when facing my Aura. Although your root bones are a bit lacking, your mind and Heart-Nature are truly extraordinary. It’s no wonder Senior Brother Bai, who enjoys a peaceful retirement, developed the desire to take you as a Disciple… His inherited sword technique has very high requirements for Comprehension Ability…”

Vice Sect Leader Qu Jingxian continued, it seemed Bai Sanren’s letter to him contained many details about Han Yi.

“The Sect Master overpraises me!”

Han Yi smiled slightly and said humbly. It seemed Bai Sanren and Vice Sect Leader Qu Jingxian had a good relationship, as even such secret matters were truthfully disclosed.

Then, Vice Sect Leader Qu Jingxian seemed to think of something and sighed, “This is also good. Although the Black Market’s rewards are meager, it is safe, and given Senior Brother Bai’s character, I don’t think he would let you lack Cultivation resources…”

“Since that’s the case, then you can stay in the Black Market with peace of mind…”

“Alright, go back. When you return, please give my regards to Senior Brother Bai!”

“Yes…”

“What, Han Yi, do you have anything else?”

Vice Sect Leader Qu Jingxian was perceptive and noticed that Han Yi seemed to want to say something.

“Nothing, Sect Master. I’ll take my leave first!”

Han Yi clasped his hands and bowed respectfully.

“Mm…”

Vice Sect Leader Qu Jingxian waved his hand. For someone as busy as him, not a moment could be spared for leisure.

‘It’s not time yet…’

Han Yi walked back, secretly pondering.

Just now, he had opened his mouth several times, wanting to mention the suspicious issues with Li Chengfeng, but Han Yi held back the words at the tip of his tongue.

“Although I have already revealed my intentions to Vice Sect Leader Qu Jingxian just now, it is ill-advised to speak too deeply with a shallow acquaintance.”

Moreover, Han Yi had no concrete evidence for many of the suspicious points about Li Chengfeng. He worried that if he brought it up to Vice Sect Leader Qu Jingxian without any proof, he would be seen as acting out of revenge, merely tattling.

Therefore, since Vice Sect Leader Qu Jingxian had not actively inquired about these matters, Han Yi decided it was best to keep something in reserve for now, so as not to overdo it, incur others’ dislike, and needlessly stir up trouble.

But no matter what, with Vice Sect Leader Qu Jingxian’s protection now, under the deterrent of this formidable influence, no one in An Yan City should dare to easily lay a hand on him…

His safety was thus greatly guaranteed!

Then, Han Yi quickened his steps and strode towards the Bai Family Courtyard.

Shan Zhong Ward, Li Residence, in a certain secret room

“The previous operation ends here. For now, stop all actions against Han Yi!”

“Uncle Li, but I’ve already arranged for people to enter the Black Market…”

Li Chengfeng angrily said, “What, you fool!”

“Didn’t I tell you to do it yourself? What if you leave a flaw?”

“It’s already confirmed that Han Yi is bait thrown out by the Sect Master and the others!”

Crackling sounds

He furiously smashed a valuable blue jade filigree enamel vase to the ground, clearly enraged.

“But, Uncle Li, didn’t they want a Martial Artist’s corpse? If that kid is missing, where will we find a replacement for that gap…”

The Black-Clothed Man said helplessly.

“Hmph, I have my own methods. You may withdraw for now…”

——————————————

The sky changed, daylight hours gradually shortened, and night hours lengthened. The weather gradually became cooler.

In the Bai Family Courtyard, the edges of the cold-resistant prickly ash leaves had already turned yellow, and small white wild chrysanthemums emerged from nooks and crannies with the season. It was now late autumn.

“Don’t forget to bring me a portion of assorted fine pastries!”

Qian Xue’s crisp, bell-like voice came from inside the house.

“Okay…”

Han Yi replied weakly.

“Also, buy them from ‘Old Ding Feng,’ their ones are delicious…”

Qian Xue’s voice faintly drifted on the wind again.

Two weeks quietly passed, and it was the end of the month again. This week was Han Yi’s rest day, and also the time to receive his monthly allowance.

Although he wasn’t too short on money now, a mosquito, no matter how small, is still meat. White silver shouldn’t be refused. Thirty-five taels of silver was at least enough to buy snacks for Qian Xue.

So, after finishing breakfast, Han Yi went directly to Liu’s Rice Shop in Changle Ward.

“Young Master Han, you’ve arrived. To collect your allowance, right? Please wait a moment, I’ll go call the Manager.”

In the back hall of Liu’s Rice Shop, a young man in green clothes bowed and saluted.

“Mm…”

Han Yi nodded slightly. He moved swiftly and found a corner to sit down.

‘I truly envy these Martial Artists. They don’t have to do anything and can receive dozens of taels of silver a month…’

The young man in green clothes walked quickly to the front hall, thinking enviously.

“Oh, you, you came, but why bring these things?”

“Last time, it was thanks to your help; otherwise, how could I have managed alone? I’m just here to see you!”

“Sister Yingying, please come in and sit, don’t stand…”

At this moment, three people entered the back hall one after another, talking as they walked in.

The one leading seemed to be Shopkeeper Liu’s wife. Han Yi had met her once before.

“Sister-in-Law Liu, actually, I came here specifically to thank you this time. My husband passed away not long ago, and you truly went to great lengths, running back and forth for me for half a day…”

The middle-aged woman, called Sister Yingying, had a kind face and spoke gently.

“Oh, what are you being so polite for? We’ve known each other for so many years, we’re old neighbors, it’s only right!”

Madam Liu smiled, a little moved.

A while ago, Feng Yingying’s husband died after catching a cold. As a prominent family in the neighborhood, she went to help out, but she didn’t expect to be remembered for it.

“Speaking of which, life is truly too fragile. My husband used to say he was stronger than an old ox, but who knew a small illness would take his life. When he died, I was so terribly sad, I truly wanted to smash my head against a wall and end it all…”

Feng Yingying’s eyes were red, with a hint of tears at the corners. She wiped away her tears with her hand.

“Oh, Sister Feng, don’t say that. As the saying goes, it’s better to live poorly than to die well. As long as a person is alive, it’s better than anything!”

Madam Liu quickly comforted her.

“Madam Liu, it’s alright. I no longer have those thoughts of wanting to die. Speaking of which, I owe a lot to a noble person I met who helped me find a spiritual anchor and overcome my inner turmoil.”

“Noble person?” Madam Liu said curiously, “What noble person?”