Volume One: A Youth Enters the World Chapter Sixty-One: Stillness of the Night

“It’s getting late, so I won’t trouble you further,” Fang Tian said, after conversing with Lin Shuang for half the day. Seeing that the hour had grown late, he took the initiative to depart.

“Very well, then I’ll see you off,” Lin Shuang replied with a smile, rising as Fang Tian made to leave.

Fang Tian did not refuse. The two walked together to the front entrance of the Spirit Artifact Pavilion. There, Fang Tian motioned for Lin Shuang to stop and continued alone toward Maple Residence.

After Fang Tian had gone, a young girl appeared behind Lin Shuang. Standing beside her, she asked, “Sister Lin, are you sure that man can protect us?”

Lin Shuang looked at Zhao Xue’er, her face brimming with confidence as she replied, “Don’t worry, Xue’er. I can’t guarantee much, but I do trust my own judgment when it comes to people.”

Zhao Xue’er felt a weight lifted from her heart at these words, though traces of concern lingered on her expression.

“Of course I trust you, Sister. But should we inform Lord Ying Tianwu, the city master?”

“No, we mustn’t.”

“Why not?”

“This matter is far more complicated than you think. Caution above all.”

“Ah, who would have thought those wishing us harm would be…” Zhao Xue’er’s voice trailed off as Lin Shuang shot her a look, signaling her not to continue. Clearly, the situation was entangled with powerful interests.

“Walls have ears, Xue’er. You must understand the gravity of this and never speak carelessly,” Lin Shuang said, her tone somber.

“I understand, Sister Lin.” Zhao Xue’er nodded, though the recent danger had left her unsettled. She could hardly accept that those close to her could be the ones plotting against her.

“Let’s go inside. We’ll make preparations these next few days, then return to the Imperial City.”

“Yes,” Zhao Xue’er responded.

With that, Lin Shuang and Zhao Xue’er entered the rear courtyard. Now, Lin Shuang clearly knew everything from the mouth of the man in black, and she needed to plan how to return safely to the Imperial City. Relying solely on Fang Tian was not enough; she must secure every possible safeguard.

Late at night, within the City Master’s mansion, Lord Ying Tianwu was instructing his subordinates on various matters when someone approached, knelt, and announced, “Lord City Master, Commander Qi Heng has arrived.”

“Let him in,” Ying Tianwu nodded.

A moment later, Qi Heng stood at the entrance of the grand hall, cupping his fists in salute. “Your subordinate Qi Heng, pays respects to Lord City Master.”

Ying Tianwu beckoned him closer. Qi Heng complied, standing respectfully to the side.

Looking up at him, Ying Tianwu asked, “Have you gotten to the bottom of your brother’s affair?”

Qi Heng’s expression was sorrowful as he sighed, “He has been murdered.”

“How could this be?” Ying Tianwu was taken aback, unable to fathom how such a thing could happen.

“My men report that my brother was killed in Redleaf Town by someone named Fang Tian.”

“Fang Tian? To have slain your brother, his cultivation must be formidable. How is it that I’ve never heard of him?”

“I find it puzzling as well, Lord. We keep detailed records of all powerful cultivators, but this young man seems to have appeared out of thin air. I questioned everyone in Redleaf Town, and none knew where he came from.”

“To think such a thing should happen… Tell me in detail about Redleaf Town’s situation.”

“It happened like this…” After Qi Heng recounted the events, Ying Tianwu fell into deep thought. After a moment, he said, “Since only the Zhou family remains in Redleaf Town, let’s not stir up further trouble. Your brother was at fault to begin with, daring to meddle in the town’s clan disputes. Even if he hadn’t died, I wouldn’t have spared him.”

“I understand, Lord. He brought it upon himself; there’s no one else to blame,” Qi Heng replied, though his brother’s death weighed heavily on his heart.

Ying Tianwu observed him, sensing the conflict between his words and feelings. After all, losing one’s own brother is not easily brushed aside.

“I understand your pain. The dead cannot return.”

“Forgive me for letting you see my grief, Lord.”

“Since we know who the culprit is, issue a bounty. After all, imperial officials cannot be killed with impunity.”

“When we capture this man, I’ll make him wish for death yet deny him even that,” Qi Heng snarled, hatred burning within him for Fang Tian, his brother’s killer.

“Enough. The reason I summoned you tonight is another matter. What’s the current situation with the Princess?”

In truth, Ying Tianwu cared little about Qi Heng’s brother. His greatest concern was the Spirit Artifact Pavilion. Qi Heng proceeded to report all recent happenings around the pavilion.

Upon hearing this, Ying Tianwu frowned deeply, lost in thought.

“You’re certain the Princess and her companions have only been sightseeing in the city these past two days? Nothing else?”

“Quite certain, Lord. My men have kept constant watch nearby, and nothing unusual has occurred,” Qi Heng replied, puzzled by the city master’s inquiry.

Just then, a thought struck Qi Heng and he spoke up, “But Lord, I did hear something interesting today.”

Ying Tianwu, feeling frustrated at the lack of useful information, perked up, hoping for something important.

“Speak.”

“At the Arena of Life and Death today, Wolf Qing faced off against Bai Yifan. Do you know what happened, Lord?”

“I thought you had something important to say. Must I be informed of such matters?” Ying Tianwu snapped, annoyed. “Duels happen every day in this city. Am I expected to keep track of them all?”

Seeing Ying Tianwu’s ire, Qi Heng hastily continued, “No, Lord. It’s just that today’s events were unprecedented—even I found it hard to believe when I heard.”

He then recounted how Fang Tian had defeated Bai Yifan. Ying Tianwu’s interest was piqued; of course, neither of them truly knew who Fang Tian was.

“Remarkable. This man managed to defeat Bai Yifan, who is at the sixth level of Spirit Gathering, while he himself is only at the third?” Ying Tianwu marveled.

“Yes, Lord. It’s rare enough to win against someone a level higher, but to cross so many levels suggests only one possibility: he possesses some kind of artifact that conceals his true strength,” Qi Heng mused.

“That seems the only plausible explanation. Do you know his name?”

“I investigated. He goes by Tian Yu, a wandering cultivator with no known origins. Nothing else is known.”

“A wandering cultivator implies a mysterious background. Keep an eye on him,” Ying Tianwu ordered, seeming to have devised a plan.

“Understood, Lord. If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave.” With a wave from Ying Tianwu, Qi Heng withdrew from the hall.

Meanwhile, in a private room of a city tavern, Bai Yifan was deep in conversation with another man. Their exchange was cheerful and relaxed.

“Brother Yifan, what brings you to invite me out today?”

“Brother Guo, what—can’t I invite you for no reason?”

“Everyone knows you don’t visit the Three Treasures Hall without purpose. Out with it—what do you need?”

“No fooling you, Brother Guo. There is indeed something I wish to ask.”

“Don’t beat around the bush. Tell me.”

Bai Yifan hesitated for a moment before speaking, “I’d like your help in killing someone.”

“Oh? Who might that be?”

After a while...

“So that’s it. No wonder I kept hearing rumors about you today.”

“If you can help me with this, ask for anything you wish.”

“From what you say, this man’s strength is impressive. Killing him won’t be easy. How about this: if you can procure a Blood Ice Herb, I’ll agree.”

“Deal. I happen to have one. Once the deed is done, it’s yours.” Bai Yifan winced inwardly; he had spent much effort to obtain the herb. Clearly, Guo knew he possessed it, otherwise he wouldn’t have asked so boldly. Everyone understood the great benefits Blood Ice Herb afforded cultivators.

“Well said! I’ll certainly help you, Brother. Once that young man steps out of the city, I’ll ensure he kneels before you, begging for mercy.”

“After he’s dealt with, Wolf Qing is next. Daring to offend me—no one can save them,” Bai Yifan said coldly.

“All up to you, Brother. I’m simply lending my strength. Now, let’s drink!”

The two exchanged smiles, their cups clinking together.