County Governor's Mansion.
Study room.
"Sir, we have gathered some information about that young man. Please take a look."
The old servant in black clothes handed over a stack of secret scrolls.
At first glance, Qin Wenyuan sensed something unusual.
Su Yi, a former disciple expelled from Qinghe Sword Mansion, lost his cultivation a year ago, and married into the Wen family in Guangling City...
Such an identity was too shameful!
How could a young man like him not have the audacity to disregard the County Governor's Mansion?
Qin Wenyuan furrowed his brow and continued reading.
The information in these secret scrolls was incredibly detailed.
"On the 8th of the second month, Su Yi and Huang Qianjun arrived in Yunhe County by boat. They reached Yangliu Lane on the same day and met with the siblings Feng Xiaofeng and Feng Xiaoran..."
"That night, Su Yi broke into the stronghold of the Black Tiger Gang and killed twenty-nine members, rescuing Feng Xiaoran, the sister of Feng Xiaofeng..."
The scrolls also provided detailed information about the background and origins of Feng Xiaofeng and his sister, as well as some information about the Black Tiger Gang.
After reading this, Qin Wenyuan narrowed his eyes and realized that Su Yi, who had become a waste a year ago before coming to Yunhe County, had already regained his cultivation.
"Where did they go that night by carriage?"
Qin Wenyuan asked.
"We couldn't find out."
The old servant in black clothes explained in a low voice, "Yunhe County is vast, and at that time, the actions of Su Yi and Huang Qianjun had nothing special about them. Our spies searched through Yangliu Lane but couldn't find any information about it."
Qin Wenyuan nodded and said, "Continue the investigation. Don't miss any details."
He continued reading.
"On the 9th of the second month, Su Yi and the others moved to reside in Hululu Lane."
"On the night of the 11th of the second month, Su Yi and Huang Qianjun went to the Refining Pavilion and had a conflict with Young Master Qin Feng..."
After reading these, Qin Wenyuan furrowed his brow, sensing that something was amiss. He said, "Is this all?"
The old servant in black clothes quickly said, "Our people are still pursuing the investigation, but as you know, both Su Yi and Huang Qianjun have just arrived in Yunhe County, and there are very few people associated with them. It is indeed challenging to find out their recent movements."
After a pause, he added, "However, there are two things worth noting."
Qin Wenyuan said, "Speak."
"On the 11th of the second month, Lü Quan, who was assisted by the Black Tiger Gang, was killed. Over a hundred of his subordinates met a tragic end that day."
The old servant in black clothes said, "The one who took action was Wu Tianhao, the underworld boss of the southwest region. However, according to the information I gathered, there was no enmity between Lü Quan and him. In fact, Lü Quan even visited Wu Tianhao the day before he died."
"Wu Tianhao..."
Qin Wenyuan pondered. He had naturally heard of this underground figure.
He asked, "Do you suspect that Wu Tianhao's actions were unusual and need to be investigated for any connection to Su Yi?"
"Exactly," replied the old servant in black clothes.
"Good, handle this matter promptly. If Wu Tianhao dares to be dishonest, eliminate him and his forces directly. Consider it removing a scourge for the people of Yunhe County," Qin Wenyuan said coldly.
"What is the second matter?" Qin Wenyuan asked.
"Just now, news came that Su Yi and Huang Qianjun went to Fengyuan Hall together. Our spies are currently gathering information," the old servant in black clothes said.
"Fengyuan Hall?"
Qin Wenyuan raised an eyebrow. "Ordinary people can't enter such a place. What are they going there for? Investigate this matter thoroughly for me."
The old servant in black clothes nodded hastily in agreement.
"There is too little information, and it's all superficial. This young man's background cannot be so simple," Qin Wenyuan rubbed his temples, a coldness flashing in his eyes. "Continue the investigation. If necessary, we can take action against the people around him. We should be able to dig up many valuable clues."
The old servant in black clothes pondered for a moment and said, "Are you suggesting that we target Feng Xiaofeng and Feng Xiaoran?"
"Correct," Qin Wenyuan's expression was indifferent as he nodded. "However, this matter cannot be carried out by our own people. Find individuals unrelated to us to handle it, to avoid alerting the enemy. It would be best if we can make this pair of siblings cooperate willingly, so as not to arouse suspicions from Su Yi."
The old servant in black clothes nodded and said, "Rest assured, sir."
Qin Wenyuan waved his hand and said, "Go. Remember not to forget to gather information about what happened at Fengyuan Hall tonight."
The old servant in black clothes left to carry out the orders.
"There must be secrets on this young man," Qin Wenyuan sat in his chair, lost in thought.
How did he manage to restore his cultivation?
What is he planning to do in Yunhe County?
Why, after killing so many members of the Black Tiger Gang, did it only take two days for Wu Tianhao to eliminate the entire gang?
These doubts may seem ordinary, but Qin Wenyuan, who has experienced the trials of the world, sensed something unusual.
"Moreover, he was just a useless son-in-law who lost his cultivation. Yet now he can single-handedly kill six elite Qi Gathering Realm guards of my County Lord's Mansion. Who would believe that?"
"When things go awry, there must be a demon!"
Qin Wenyuan's eyes flickered. "But regardless of your trump cards, anyone targeted by me, Qin Wenyuan, will not have a good ending!"
...
Fengyuan Hall.
The night was as tranquil as water, and the lanterns were just beginning to light up.
As they ascended to the ninth floor, Nanying, Ni Hao, and the others couldn't help but show curiosity, even becoming more cautious in their movements.
In the hearts of these young individuals, those who could attend this banquet were all top figures with immense power in Yunhe County.
Only Zhou Huaiqiu remained indifferent.
But even he was contemplating who exactly had invited them to this banquet at Shanhe Hall.
Until they arrived outside Shanhe Hall.
Subconsciously, everyone steadied their minds.
"Please wait a moment. Let me inform the host of the banquet," Lady Cuiyun said as she pushed open the door slightly, allowing just enough space for a person to enter. Once inside, she promptly closed the door.
This made Zhou Huaiqiu and the others feel a sense of regret. They missed the opportunity to see who was sitting inside the hall.
"The audacity is truly great. Even Lady Cuiyun has to report personally. In our Qinghe Sword Mansion, perhaps only the Mansion Lord can enjoy such treatment," Nanying muttered.
Although she spoke like that, her anticipation grew even stronger. She had even planned how to seize the opportunity to demonstrate her abilities during the banquet.
If she could attract the favor of the banquet's host, it would be even better.
"You can't say that. If Senior Uncle Zhou were to come, he would surely receive such treatment as well," Ni Hao whispered.
Zhou Huaiqiu waved his hand self-mockingly and said, "On ordinary occasions, I wouldn't come to Fengyuan Hall. Of course, when there are distinguished guests to be entertained, relying on my old face, I can barely enter this ninth floor."
The more he said this, the more the hearts of the others surged. They were filled with anticipation and unease.
Before long, the door opened, and Lady Cuiyun walked out with a smile. She said, "Please come in, and I won't disturb you any longer."
After speaking, she hurriedly left.
This seemed a bit unusual, but the thoughts of the group were not on this matter. They were already filled with excitement, ready to attend the banquet and meet the mysterious figure.
Zhou Huaiqiu walked at the forefront.
He adjusted his clothes, pushed open the door, and instinctively raised his hands, assuming a gesture of salutation.
But in the next moment, he froze, his eyes widening in astonishment.
As he was facing away from the entrance, the others did not notice anything amiss and entered one after another, their hearts filled with nervousness, anticipation, and restraint.
However, when they saw the scene inside the hall, they too were stunned, their mouths agape, wearing expressions of disbelief.
There is nothing more unsettling than sudden silence in the air...
And at this moment, the Mountain and River Hall was eerily quiet.
Or perhaps not entirely, as the faint sound of chopsticks and the rustling of eating could be heard.
"Suyi, why is it you!?"
Ni Hao was the first to exclaim, his face filled with incredulity.
The others also snapped out of their daze, their expressions turning incredibly gloomy, their anticipation and excitement completely evaporated, replaced by a sense of shame for being deceived.
In the luxuriously spacious hall, brightly lit by numerous lamps, Suyi sat at the head of a lavish dining table, dressed in a cyan robe. He leisurely enjoyed his meal and wine, exuding an air of ease and composure.
Seated next to him was Huang Qianjun.
Seeing these two individuals sitting in such a sumptuous and expansive hall, Zhou Huaiqiu and the others couldn't help but feel a sense of unreality.
"Why couldn't it be me?"
Suyi placed the carved white jade chopsticks on the table and looked up at Zhou Huaiqiu and the others who had entered. He said, "I didn't expect Senior Uncle Zhou to be here as well. But this place is spacious enough, even a few more people would fit comfortably."
With that, he stood up and addressed Zhou Huaiqiu, "Please have a seat."
Regardless of their past, Zhou Huaiqiu had shown him considerable kindness during their time at the Qinghe Sword Sect, and that debt of gratitude could not be disregarded.
It was only then that Zhou Huaiqiu, as if awakening from a dream, awkwardly lowered his hands that were in the posture of salutation and chuckled, "I didn't expect that this grand banquet on the ninth floor of the Fengyuan Pavilion was organized by you."
He swept his gaze over Ni Hao and the others, each of them wearing different expressions, and said, "Take your seats, everyone."
With that, he took the lead and sat down.
Seeing this, the others temporarily set aside their internal turmoil and doubts, one by one taking their seats.
They looked at the sumptuous and tantalizing delicacies on the table, then glanced at the person sitting at the head, causing their hearts to churn once again.
This feeling was simply unbearable.
Initially, they all believed it was some powerful figure who had arranged the banquet and invited them, which filled them with excitement and anticipation, and even a sense of unease and restraint.
Who could have imagined...
That it would be Suyi, this renegade disciple of the sect!!
Among them, Nan Ying was the most affected. Her delicate and charming face constantly changed expressions, and her eyes were fixed on Suyi as if she wanted to see through him completely.
Because in the past, she was Suyi's lover. They had been together day and night, whispering secrets under the moonlight.
But she never expected that the worthless person she had kicked away back then not only recovered his cultivation, but also proudly sat on the ninth floor of the Fengyuan Pavilion!
In fact, it wasn't just Nan Ying, but everyone was filled with doubts.
Even Zhou Huaiqiu himself felt a sense of uncertainty in his heart.
Although he was not clear about why Suyi was able to host this banquet, he keenly noticed that the seven disciples of the Qinghe Sword Sect invited by Suyi had all had conflicts with him in the past.
This was not a good omen!