Saved by a mysterious young person of unknown origin?
Qingqin and the others were immediately intrigued.
They saw a hint of reminiscence in Chang Guoke's eyes as he said, "On that rainy night, I sought shelter from the rain and happened to come across a young man and a young woman. At the time, I thought that the youth in the green robe was a scion of some major clan, because he was truly peculiar. He was wandering in the desolate wilderness, accompanied not only by a stunning maid but also carrying a reclining rattan chair..."
Zhou Zhiyi chuckled and said, "This guy sure knows how to enjoy life."
Qingqin glared at him and said, "Don't interrupt."
Chang Guoke sighed, "Later events proved that I was mistaken. That youth, though seemingly only at the Qi Gathering realm, possessed incredible abilities and was unfathomable..."
As he spoke, he sighed with a hint of admiration and recounted the battle that took place that night.
After hearing this, Zheng Tianhe couldn't help but exclaim in awe, "Controlling thunder with a sword, killing enemies from a distance? Isn't that the technique of an immortal on land?"
Chang Guoke agreed, "If I hadn't witnessed it with my own eyes, I wouldn't have believed that such a young man could possess such extraordinary abilities."
At this moment, Zhou Zhiyi's expression turned dazed as he said, "This style... It's so similar to Young Master Su. He once wielded his sword in the Qingding Arena, slaughtering a group of heavily armored soldiers, appearing godlike and stunning the entire audience."
He grew increasingly excited as he continued, "Moreover, Young Master Su's cultivation was also at the Qi Gathering realm, and he often wore a green robe. Could it really be him?"
"Young Master Su?" Chang Guoke was taken aback.
Zhou Zhiyi then looked at Qingqin and asked, "Senior Uncle, what do you think?"
Qingqin, as if awakening from a dream, had an ever-changing expression on her face. She said, "It should... be him..."
Her voice carried a complex mix of surprise and a hint of resentment.
When Qingqin heard Chang Guoke describe the scene of the young man in the green robe annihilating Hua Lianxiu and the others, she immediately thought of Su Yi and was almost certain that the youth in the green robe was him.
However, Qingqin couldn't forget the slap Su Yi had given her back in Yunhe County during the Sand Washing Festival.
Therefore, her expression became complicated when Su Yi was mentioned.
Zhou Zhiyi's eyes lit up, and he said, "Senior Brother Chang, can you tell us what the appearance of that young man and woman was like?"
Chang Guoke pondered for a moment and then described them one by one.
Zhou Zhiyi slapped his thigh and laughed, "It must be Su Yi, Young Master Su! And the woman by his side should be... hmm, Miss Chajin."
Speaking of Chajin, his emotions also underwent subtle changes, somewhat bittersweet.
"Your Highness, who exactly is this Young Master Su you mentioned?"
Zheng Tianhe couldn't help but exclaim, feeling a surge of admiration in his heart. "Indeed, I am also curious about the origins of this lifesaving benefactor."
Chang Guoke was equally curious.
Zhou Zhiyi sighed and said, "He... is the most unique and mysterious person I have ever encountered, like a banished immortal, transcendent and ethereal. I still remember our first meeting..."
He went on to narrate how he encountered Su Yi on the floating boat and recounted some of their experiences in Yunhe County.
By the end of his story, Zhou Zhiyi was animated, his face filled with a sense of pride and admiration.
Chang Guoke and Zheng Tianhe couldn't help but gasp in astonishment. This young man truly possessed the demeanor of a banished immortal!
However, Qingqin's heart was filled with conflicting emotions.
She had rejected the suggestion of becoming Su Yi's maid, and she had also been slapped unceremoniously by him.
Originally, she had vowed in her heart to regain her lost face sooner or later.
But who would have thought that it was Su Yi who saved her senior brother on that rainy night in the wilderness...
This made it difficult for her to harbor any hatred towards Su Yi for the time being.
"Hahaha, Young Master Su not only saved Senior Brother Chang's life this time but also helped me eliminate three Martial Grandmaster-level attendants of my third brother! It's exhilarating, truly exhilarating!" Zhou Zhiyi clapped his hands and laughed heartily, feeling a great sense of relief.
Each Martial Grandmaster-level attendant held a significant role, and the deaths of Hua Lianxiu and the others would undoubtedly deal a heavy blow to his third brother, Zhou Zhiwu.
"Unfortunately, Young Master Su is not in Gunzhou City. Otherwise, I would definitely treat him as an honored guest and entertain him with my finest collection of wines," Zheng Tianhe sighed lightly.
"No, Young Master Su is in the city," Chang Guoke suddenly said, "I happened to run into him while waiting for Junior Sister Qingqin just now."
"What? Young Master Su is also in Gunzhou City?" Zhou Zhiyi exclaimed in surprise. "Senior Brother Chang, do you know where he is now?"
Chang Guoke smiled bitterly and shook his head. "Someone like him doesn't want to be too involved with me. I have no idea where he has gone."
"That's not a problem. The Zheng family still holds some influence in the city, and it won't be difficult to find out Young Master Su's whereabouts," Zheng Tianhe said with a chuckle.
Zhou Zhiyi quickly reminded, "Uncle, when searching for Young Master Su, be sure not to offend him in any way. He may seem indifferent, but he is extremely proud at his core. We must not be disrespectful."
Zheng Tianhe nodded earnestly and said, "Don't worry, I'll take care of this matter."
Seeing their interest in Su Yi, Qingqin couldn't help but speak up. "Your Highness, weren't you planning to go to the Moyun Tower for the appointment today? It's already almost noon."
Zhou Zhiyi was startled, and he immediately remembered Yu Baiting's invitation. He stood up and said, "Alright, let's go and meet Yu Baiting now. Oh, Uncle, please inform Lord Mu and ask him to join me."
"Senior Brother Chang, would you like to come along too?" he extended the invitation.
Chang Guoke nodded.
...
Shoushi Residence.
It covered an area of five acres, with lush bamboo and flowing water in the courtyard. Antique-style pavilions were scattered around, creating an elegant and tranquil atmosphere.
In the center of the courtyard, there was a small lake with lotus flowers planted, creating a serene and graceful environment.
"Brother Su, what do you think of this mansion?" Chen Jinlong asked cautiously as they walked along the winding corridor towards the main hall.
"Not bad," Su Yi nodded. "But later, you should dismiss all the servants living here."
Chen Jinlong was puzzled by the request but still nodded and said, "Then, do you think we need to add any other items?"
"No need," Su Yi shook his head.
Before long, seeing that Su Yi had lost interest in the conversation, Chen Jinlong tactfully took his leave.
On the second floor of a loft with flying eaves and arches, exuding an ancient atmosphere, Su Yi stood with his hands behind his back, gazing out of the window at the pink lotus flowers swaying in the lake. He nodded in approval.
Living here was indeed much more peaceful and serene compared to staying in an inn.
"You settle in first. Later, we'll have a meal together, stroll around Gunzhou City, get familiar with the surroundings, and visit the Jinshi Pavilion along the way," Su Yi instructed.
Tea Jinlian, who was preparing tea not far away, quickly nodded in response. She had also wanted to purchase some clothing and wear beautiful dresses.
...
Moyun Tower.
One of the top restaurants in Gunzhou City, towering a hundred feet high.
In the Woxing Hall.
When Zhou Zhiyi, Qingqin, Mu Zhongting, and Chang Guoke arrived, Yu Baiting, the head of the Yu family, had already been waiting there.
"Apologies for making Elder Yu wait."
As soon as they entered the hall, Zhou Zhiyi smiled and greeted respectfully.
Yu Baiting stood up and nodded lightly, saying calmly, "Prince Liu, please have a seat."
Seeing his indifferent attitude, Zhou Zhiyi's smile faded, and he sat across from Yu Baiting on his own.
Glancing at the exquisite and delicious dishes on the table, Zhou Zhiyi asked, "Elder Yu, did you invite me here today for a meal and drinks, or is there something else?"
Yu Baiting smiled calmly and said, "Prince, you're straightforward, so I'll be direct as well."
"Please go ahead," Zhou Zhiyi nodded.
Yu Baiting sat upright, emanating an invisible aura of authority, and said, "I was displeased with what happened last night, and I dare to propose a deal with you, Prince."
Zhou Zhiyi furrowed his brows and asked in confusion, "What happened last night?"
Yu Baiting sneered and replied, "Prince, there's no need to pretend at this point."
Zhou Zhiyi became even more puzzled and said, "Elder Yu, you seem to have misunderstood. I didn't do anything last night."
"With your distinguished status, Prince, it's naturally impossible for you to personally engage in such despicable acts."
Yu Baiting's gaze was indifferent, exuding an imposing air. "But, Prince, you surely haven't forgotten what that young man named Su Yi did last night, have you?"
His voice carried a hint of questioning.
This attitude made Zhou Zhiyi uncomfortable.
However, upon hearing the name Su Yi, he immediately froze and asked, "Is it related to Master Su?"
Qingqin, Chang Guoke, and Mu Zhongting were also taken aback. What was going on? Did Su Yi offend the Yu family?
Yu Baiting said, "Prince, I won't beat around the bush. I only have one question: Is this Su Yi your subordinate?"
"No," Zhou Zhiyi shook his head, "He is my friend, but I haven't seen him for quite some time..."
Before he could finish explaining, Yu Baiting waved his hand and interrupted, "Prince, there's no need for further explanation. By admitting your connection with Su Yi, that is sufficient."
Seeing Yu Baiting's impolite behavior, Zhou Zhiyi couldn't help but feel annoyed. He remained expressionless and said, "Did Elder Yu summon me today to confront me?"
The atmosphere in the hall became heavy and oppressive.
"No, even with all my courage, I wouldn't dare to have a falling out with you, Prince."
Yu Baiting's expression remained indifferent. "I simply wanted to make a deal with you. As long as you kill Su Yi, I guarantee that I will support the candidate you recommend at the tea gathering."
"Kill Su Yi?" Zhou Zhiyi was taken aback and replied angrily, "Elder Yu, setting aside the fact that Su Yi is not my subordinate, even if he were, I would never agree to such a thing!"
What a joke! Su Yi, a transcendent figure, was far beyond comparison with the grandmasters in this mundane world. Only a fool would consider such a foolish act!
Yu Baiting's face darkened, and he said, "Allow me to be frank. Last night, I already met with the Governor, Xiang Tianqiu. Are you willing to lose the support of my Yu family for the sake of one Su Yi?"
"I advise you to calm down and think twice, Prince. I certainly don't want any unpleasantness between us because of a young man."
His voice was indifferent and calm.
After speaking, Yu Baiting calmly drank a cup of wine.