Lin Xin made his way alone toward Tingjian Valley.
There were not many travelers on the road, occasionally encountering menial workers carrying water up the mountain for cooking.
As he passed through a lush bamboo forest, a tall man in yellow blocked Lin Xin's path on the mountain trail.
"Lin Xin?" the man asked coldly.
"Yes." Lin Xin stopped, somewhat puzzled. "Who are you?"
"Shu Ruoyun!" The man's square face remained expressionless. "I've come to ask how my cousin died."
"Shu Luoyi?" Lin Xin reacted instantly, surprised that the man had approached so swiftly—it was only his second day back. The news had indeed traveled fast.
"Luoyi's death is truly regrettable, but there are many complexities involved that can't be explained in just a few words." His heart raced as he adopted a look of regret and helplessness.
"No matter, come with me. Find a place to explain everything in detail, and my Shu Family will judge for ourselves," Shu Ruoyun said calmly.
