129: Chapter 129 Reencounter with Su Xin

Whose grain did they rob?

The White Lotus Sect minor leader shuddered, his body trembling violently. He wanted to shake his head but didn't dare. He wanted to speak but couldn't make a sound.

Chen Fan's gaze froze on him. An invisible pressure emanated from behind his mask.

“Speak,” Chen Fan’s voice was heavy.

The minor leader finally couldn't hold on any longer; he slumped to the ground like a puddle of mud.

“It’s... it’s the Huai Party’s grain...” his voice was as faint as a mosquito's buzz.

“What do you mean, Huai Party’s grain?” Chen Fan pressed.

A trace of doubt rose in his heart. The Huai Party was a faction composed of court officials.

Their grain would naturally be official grain. It was normal for the White Lotus Sect to rob official grain, but why was this minor leader so terrified?

“No... it’s not official grain... it’s... it’s private grain...” the minor leader answered haltingly.

“Private grain?” Chen Fan’s thoughts raced.

Prefect Zhao’s face instantly turned ashen. He took a sudden step forward, interrupting Chen Fan’s interrogation.

“Enough!” Prefect Zhao’s voice carried anger.

He stood beside Chen Fan, his body turning slightly to block the line of sight between Chen Fan and the minor leader.

“Master Luo, these lowlifes are just spouting nonsense. There is no need to ask further,” Prefect Zhao’s tone was firm.

Chen Fan’s heart sank. He sensed something was wrong; Prefect Zhao’s reaction was far too intense.

“Prefect, there might be more to what this man says,” Chen Fan did not back down.

He stepped around Prefect Zhao and looked at the minor leader again.

The minor leader’s body shook like a sieve. He felt two powerful pressures bearing down from different directions and didn't know what to do.

The muscles in Prefect Zhao’s cheeks twitched. He stepped forward again, directly blocking Chen Fan.

“Master Luo, I said, that is enough,” Prefect Zhao’s voice was low.

His body emitted an unquestionable authority; it was the Aura of a superior.

Chen Fan watched Prefect Zhao quietly. Behind the mask, his face showed no emotion.

He saw a trace of panic in the depths of Prefect Zhao’s eyes, along with a warning.

Chen Fan’s mind worked quickly. He could continue to press, but he knew Prefect Zhao wouldn't let him, and might even stop him at any cost.

Forcing the issue would only enrage Prefect Zhao, which wasn't the result he wanted.

He needed information; he suddenly wanted to know exactly what the Huai Party was up to.

Chen Fan slowly withdrew his gaze. He knew now was not the time to have an open falling out.

He looked at the minor leader, an ominous premonition rising in his heart. This White Lotus Sect minor leader wouldn't live much longer.

“Since the Prefect says so, then I shall follow your lead,” Chen Fan’s voice was calm.

He didn't spare the minor leader another glance. He turned and cupped his fists toward Prefect Zhao.

Prefect Zhao’s body relaxed slightly, and the ashen color on his face faded somewhat.

“Master Luo is truly sensible. I admire that,” Prefect Zhao’s tone softened.

He gestured to Staffer Wang behind him.

“Staffer Wang, take all these White Lotus Sect members and lock them in the dungeon,” Prefect Zhao ordered.

“Yes, My Lord,” Staffer Wang bowed and accepted the order.

He glanced at the minor leader slumped on the ground, then his gaze met Prefect Zhao’s. An indiscernible coldness flashed in the depths of Prefect Zhao’s eyes.

Staffer Wang understood perfectly.

Constable Li Hu led the bailiffs forward, binding the White Lotus Sect members one by one. They roughly dragged the minor leader up. He struggled in terror but couldn't make any sound.

“Master Luo, you have performed great service today,” Prefect Zhao turned and gave Chen Fan a smile.

His smile appeared somewhat stiff.

“I have prepared a modest banquet at the government office to welcome Master Luo and the other heroes,” Prefect Zhao invited.

Chen Fan didn't refuse. He needed more time to observe Prefect Zhao and understand the Huai Party.

“Thank you, Prefect,” Chen Fan nodded.

He glanced at Tu Xiao and the others behind him. These Jianghu travelers looked tired, but even more so, they were excited. They had completed the mission to wipe out the White Lotus Sect stronghold and felt they had achieved a great feat.

They didn't know they were merely tools being used.

Prefect Zhao led Chen Fan to the inner hall of the government office, where several tables had already been set for the banquet.

The food and wine were lavish, featuring roasted suckling pig, steamed sea bass, and all sorts of delicacies from the mountains and seas.

Chen Fan sat at the head of the table with Prefect Zhao beside him, while Tu Xiao and the other Jianghu travelers sat at the lower tables.

“Come, Master Luo, I toast to you!” Prefect Zhao raised his wine cup.

He drained it in one gulp.

Chen Fan also raised his cup, but only took a small sip.

Throughout the banquet, Prefect Zhao toasted frequently, constantly praising Chen Fan for his high martial arts and superior strategy.

Tu Xiao and the others joined in the clamor, shouting loudly and flattering one another.

Chen Fan just listened quietly, watching Prefect Zhao.

Prefect Zhao’s smile never left his face. His words were flawless; he seemed like a perfect official.

But Chen Fan knew this perfect official was hiding a massive secret.

After several rounds of drinks.

Prefect Zhao put down his wine cup, his face slightly flushed.

“Master Luo, you did very well today,” Prefect Zhao patted Chen Fan’s shoulder.

“Those White Lotus Sect heretics are exceptionally cunning. Their grain robbery might have just been a distraction,” Prefect Zhao lowered his voice.

“I will send men to investigate this matter thoroughly. You needn't trouble yourself further, Master Luo,” Prefect Zhao’s tone carried a hint of a command.

“You’ve worked hard suppressing bandits lately. Why not stay at the government office for a few days to rest properly? Allow me to fulfill my duties as a host,” Prefect Zhao invited.

“I thank the Prefect for his kind intentions,” Chen Fan’s voice was calm.

“I have important matters at the inn. It is inconvenient for me to disturb you for the time being,” Chen Fan declined.

Prefect Zhao’s face stiffened slightly.

“Since you are busy, I won't force you to stay,” Prefect Zhao’s smile was a bit strained.

He exchanged a few more pleasantries with Chen Fan.

Ultimately, Chen Fan left the government office with Tu Xiao and the others.

The night was deep, and the lights of Fuyang City looked exceptionally brilliant against the dark backdrop.

As Chen Fan walked back to the inn, his thoughts were like a tangled mess.

Prefect Zhao’s abnormality and the 'private grain' the White Lotus Sect robbed—there was bound to be a massive hidden story behind them.

He recalled Mr. Know-It-All’s words about the struggle between the Huai Party and the Imperial Observatory, and His Majesty’s pursuit of immortality.

Could this batch of 'private grain' be related to those things?

A sense of irritation rose in Chen Fan’s heart.

He returned to Juxian Restaurant; the inn’s main hall was brightly lit.

Tu Xiao and the others were still excitedly discussing today’s 'achievements,' feeling that by following the Jade-Faced Asura, making a name for themselves was just around the corner.

Chen Fan walked to the counter.

“Manager, put today’s food and wine on my tab,” Chen Fan ordered.

The manager bowed quickly. He knew this Jade-Faced Asura was an honored guest of the Prefect.

“Master Luo is too polite. This is only what I should do,” the manager said with a fawning smile.

Chen Fan didn't say much. He turned toward Tu Xiao and the others.

“You all worked hard today,” Chen Fan’s voice wasn't loud.

“Tomorrow morning, the bookkeeper will settle today’s rewards with you,” Chen Fan added.

Hearing about the rewards, Tu Xiao and the others looked ecstatic. They all cupped their fists toward Chen Fan.

“Thank you, Master Luo!”

“Master Luo is mighty!”

Chen Fan didn't linger; he slowly walked up the stairs.

A sense of vigilance rose in his heart.

He knew Prefect Zhao wouldn't let him off easily, and he knew even more that the White Lotus Sect wouldn't let the matter rest.

He reached his room door and took the key from his robe.

He slowly pushed open the door.

The room wasn't lit. Only the moonlight from outside the window spilled onto the floor.

He saw Hong Shao and Qing Luo lying quietly on the bed, their breathing steady.

They were asleep.

Chen Fan’s heart relaxed slightly.

He stepped into the room and closed the door behind him.

Just then, a dark shadow slowly rose from the corner of the room.

“Jade-Faced Asura, Luo Hengsheng. We meet again.”

A familiar voice rang out in the darkness.

Chen Fan’s body tensed instantly.

He turned around.

In the moonlight, a woman dressed in white was sitting by the table, wearing a pure white fox mask on her face.

Her figure was graceful, and her voice carried a hint of playfulness.

The White Lotus Sect Saintess, Su Xin.

When did she get in?

Why was she here?

Chen Fan’s heart constricted suddenly. He felt a cold killing intent emanating from Su Xin.

He looked at Hong Shao and Qing Luo on the bed. They were still sound asleep.

Su Xin slowly stood up. Her body drifted toward Chen Fan like a white ghost.

“You killed my followers and wiped out my stronghold,” Su Xin’s voice carried a hint of chill.

“How should we settle this debt?”

Chen Fan didn't speak. His right hand had already quietly gripped the hilt of the blade at his waist.