Hua Lin Yu's expression was thoughtful hearing this exchange. Even though he had been pretty young back then, he had still been present when the trial of the demon-hunting sects had been held. Thus, he knew just how much prejudice there was in this world regarding people of mixed blood. He could understand why a person with the blood of the demon race would be afraid in this kind of situation and might rather run away than to confront the people in question.
Thinking about it now, that man had looked quite panicked. Maybe … he had indeed been locked up there and then that servant came. When the man tried to kill him, he managed to free himself somehow and had instead killed the servant. Not knowing what to do and afraid that he might be hunted down because of this even though he had just defended himself, he used his spiritual energy to masked his appearance and switch it for that of the servant and then ran away. It would make sense.
In fact, Hua Lin Yu was pretty sure that he had found out what was going on. There just was no other explanation. He wondered if he should tell the others but finally kept quiet. From what he knew, the dragon and the demon race didn't get along too well. And that Qiu Ling seemed to have been the one responsible for having that man locked up. It probably wouldn't be good if he knew that he was still alive.
Even though he trusted Xin Lan and his opinion that this was likely a good person, who knew if the conflict between their races would make this escalate? No, he didn't want to risk that. Since everybody believed that he was dead, it might be better if they continued to believe that. Anyway, these people obviously didn't miss him so it wasn't like he made anyone grieve needlessly.
Xin Lan noticed that Hua Lin Yu's expression was a little absentminded so he leaned over and brushed through his hair, trying to get his attention. "What's the matter, little beauty? Not happy?"
Hua Lin Yu was startled out of his thoughts and looked up at his lover, not quite sure how to react for a moment. "I …" He gave a smile and then snuggled up to Xin Lan, closing his eyes for a moment. "I'm glad to hear that there is such a story behind this. That's much better than somebody murdering him for their own benefit. It's not ideal but it's better than what we thought. And anyway, it doesn't sound like he'll be missed much."
Xin Lan reached out, grabbing Hua Lin Yu's chin and then tilted his head, giving him a kiss. "You're so cute."
Hua Lin Yu looked at him, not quite understanding what Xin Lan meant.
On the other side of the table, Qiu Ling furrowed his brows. "If the two of you just want to flirt, you can do so somewhere else, no need to do it in the house of my lover's family.
"Anyway, you really don't need to worry about him. I think it might actually be for the best like this. He definitely didn't have any good intentions. In fact, I am pretty sure he only married my lover's cousin to get close to us and gather some information. Sure, I can't prove it but that was my impression."
Xin Lan nodded at that and got up. "Then we won't disturb you any longer. If you do need help with this, just tell me. We might still be in town for a few days, right?" He turned to Hua Lin Yu, wanting to pull him up as well but his little beauty was currently shaking his head. "No?"
Hua Lin Yu smiled, looking a little embarrassed. "Well, I was curious what all of this was about but I guess we should still go to my family now. If we don't, we will never manage to get married."
Xin Lan gave a low hum, not quite sure why Hua Lin Yu had suddenly changed his mind but he definitely wasn't against it. It really was time that they got married. That way, he wouldn't have to worry about fulfilling his promise anymore. "Then let's go collect your senior martial brothers and then leave right away. What do you think?"
Hua Lin Yu nodded and got up as well, hugging Xin Lan's waist. "That's a good idea." He turned to Qiu Ling and Jing Yi and inclined his head. "It was nice to meet you. Maybe we'll see each other again in the future."
Jing Yi forced himself to nod while Qiu Ling only gave him a bland look, not thinking that it was very likely. Anyway, he knew Xin Lan. There was no way he was really interested in this guy. He just didn't believe it.
Xin Lan noticed Qiu Ling's stare but he wasn't about to justify his own love life against whatever this guy thought. Thus, he just urged Hua Lin Yu to leave, making Qiu Ling and Jing Yi remain alone in the room.
The two of them kept quiet for a moment until Jing Yi turned to look at Qiu Ling. "This matter with Xiao Li … What do you think really happened?"
Qiu Ling gave a hum, pondering it for a moment. "It's true that he is partly of the demon race. Even though that doesn't necessarily have to say anything, I still think that he was likely after something specific. Maybe he found what he was looking for so he left. That body … since we didn't see it, I can't say for sure but it might have just been some trick. Who knows if there is an actual body?"
"Then what about Ma Tao's disappearance?"
"Who knows? He looked like an unhappy guy nine out of ten days. Maybe he ran off with some woman."
Jing Yi thought back to the long face of that servant and finally nodded. He wasn't too sure if it was likely but it might very well be. Anyway, they couldn't do anything about it so there was no use in thinking about it. Life had to go on. It just was like that.