CH 76

Fu Yan deliberated for a while before penning a letter. He wanted to send a message to several prominent sects which were on good terms with Qisha Stronghold. These were also the same sects that supported the stronghold against the Shensuan Sect when Stronghold Master Fang was murdered.

In his letter, Fu Yan expounded that the current person in charge of Qisha Stronghold, Fang Ping, had been ambushed by Shensuan Sect and was gravely wounded. He emphasised that in light of Stronghold Master Fang’s recent passing, it is of utmost urgency to deal with this matter as Shensuan Sect should not be allowed any longer to commit such despicable acts, hence the Qisha Stronghold shall take immediate action to seek justice. Fu Yan added that Sect Leader Jiang of Xuanqing Sect was aware of their intentions and was currently staying over as a guest in the stronghold.

Once the letter was complete, Fu Yan went to see Jiang Weiying. As Jiang Weiying and Xiao Qi had not fallen asleep yet, they quickly greeted Fu Yan upon seeing him enter the courtyard. When Fu Yan handed the letter to Jiang Weiying to let him peruse its contents, he told him that he will be notifying the other sects about the incident. As Jiang Weiying did not object to the letter, Fu Yan said that he shall ask his men to make a few copies and deliver them right away.

Jiang Weiying wanted to visit Fang Ping and ask him what happened. But, when Jiang Weiying asked Fu Yan whether Fang Ping had regained consciousness, Fu Yan hurriedly said, “I have arranged for men to take good care of him. If he wakes up, I will inform you at once, Sect Leader Jiang.”

Jiang Weiying nodded and said a brief thank you.

Before Fu Yan left, he courteously said a few words and reminded them to rest early as once the letter was delivered, it is likely that members from other sects will visit the next day. He also invited Sect Leader Jiang to discuss the matter after their arrival.

Jiang Weiying agreed, then Fu Yan left. Not long after, the candlelights in Jiang Weiying’s and Xiao Qi’s rooms were extinguished. Fu Yan hid by the corner, looking afar at their rooms to see if there was anything out of the ordinary. When there was none, he turned around and went back to his room.

At the same time, Jiang Weiying was also peeking through the doors, keeping an eye on where Fu Yan headed to. When he noticed the silhouette by the corner had disappeared, he let out a heavy sigh, “I had known Fu Yan ever since he first joined Qisha Stronghold, as Big Brother Fang had brought him over to pay me a visit at Xuanqing Sect. I did not expect things to unfold like this…”

“That man, Fu Yan, is truly cunning and intelligent. He made sure his lies and expression of shock were impeccable. If it were not for Miss Su’s teachings, I would probably be deceived by his pretence.” Xiao Qi said as he recalled Fu Yan’s facial expression when he first informed him of Fang Ping’s incident. Although he could see through his delusive, startled expression, he could not detect anything else. There were no other loopholes to be found.

Jiang Weiying said, “He intends to inform the other sects about the incident, to put on a show for us, and also to try and complicate the matter in order to ensure he would gain the upper hand amongst the chaos. Once he obtains more support, he will grow bolder.” Then, he asked Xiao Qi, “Did you find anything just now when you went out?”

“Fu Yan had asked Dingzi to see him for questioning. But he has not asked Ma’er to do the same.”

“Hm, seems like he has a spy around Fang Ping.”

“A few men put on night clothes and left by climbing over the walls. They were headed to the eastern side of town, likely going after the corpses.”

“Well then, let’s wait until the other sects come to pay their visits.”

That night, Fu Yan could not sleep at all. He was waiting to hear back from his men. Although he knew it would not be so soon for their tasks to be completed, anxiety had been eating away at him. He paced around his room and summoned his men to ask whether Fang Ping was awake twice, but his men told him not yet on both occasions.

As the sun was just beginning to rise over the horizon, Fu Yan sat by the table.

It is good that Fang Ping has not regained consciousness yet. Seems like his injuries are worse than I initially thought. Should I call a doctor over to tend to his injuries? Logically, I should. If the doctor believes he needed extra care and that the injuries were life-threatening, it would not be unnatural if he suddenly passed away due to the severity of his injuries, right? But, what if the doctor said that Fang Ping was going to be alright and that his injuries shall heal over time? Would I not be shooting myself in the foot? I do not know of any doctors who would do my bidding. It would not be ideal for me to bribe someone at this point either.

As Fu Yan could not think of a better solution, he decided to not think at all and began to write. In his notebook, he recorded every single event in detail. As he wrote, he knew that everything was going as planned, until that demoness appeared out of nowhere. When he thought of her, he slowed down the pace of his writing and recalled what Su Xiaopei had said. He analysed the rumours he had gathered regarding her and contemplated various information and instructions that were provided to him. Suddenly, he frowned. He quickly jotted down everything and stood up. He pulled the table away from the wall and placed the notebook in a secret compartment behind the table.

On the same night, Ran Feize and the others also stayed up. He spent the night discussing with Bai Yulang, Ji Jiawen, and a few others about their plan later that morning. Judging from what Fu Yan was planning to do, the next day was the most crucial for all of them. They must seize the opportunity to execute their plan before it is too late.

Su Xiaopei, on the other hand, was resting in the guestroom next door. She was extremely fatigued from the events of the previous day, to the point where she almost fell asleep on Ran Feize.

Bai Yulang laughed. “How would Big Sister achieve great things if she is this easily exhausted?”

But when he finished speaking, Ran Feize slapped the back of his head reproachfully and he immediately corrected himself. “With someone supporting Big Sister, exhaustion is no big deal for her.”

So, Su Xiaopei’s greatest supporter—none other than Ran Feize—persuaded her to go rest in the guestroom next door, while he continued to discuss the plan with the others, confirming the details of what they were going to do.

Everything had been decided earlier in the day. There would be a group of men waiting to escort those in charge of transporting the corpses, another group would keep an eye on members who entered or left the Qisha Stronghold, and some men were assigned to liaise with members from other sects, seeking further support. However, there was one task that had to be dealt with personally by Ran Feize and he felt anxious about leaving Su Xiaopei alone. So, he instructed Ji Jiawen, Bai Yulang, and Liu Xiang again to take good care of her.

Bai Yulang sighed. “What a pity. Since both Big Brother Liu and I work for the Magistrate’s Office, we could not get ourselves involved in illegal matters. Otherwise, we might be able to help Uncle Ran.” As he spoke, he shot a sideway glance at Ji Jiawen. “Unlike someone else here who could not be any more suitable for the role as he could worm his way out of being caught by saying he merely went the wrong way, trying to find his Master and Eldest Shixiong.”

Ji Jiawen’s face flushed bright red and mumbled. “I…I am a respectable man with a proper status too.”

What is so great about working for the Magistrate’s office anyway? Those officials are so annoying! Ji Jiawen thought, then he added, “I am a disciple of a prominent sect, so I cannot lower myself and commit such unscrupulous acts either.”

Bai Yulong let out another long sigh. “Young man, are you sure you are doing alright in Xuanqing Sect? How could your Master and Eldest Shixiong bear with you until now?”

How interesting. Both his Master and Eldest Shixiong were now deep in the lion’s den, but this young disciple dared to describe their actions as being ‘unscrupulous’, Bai Yulang thought as he grinned sarcastically at Ji Jiawen.

Ji Jiawen, who suddenly realised he had made a grave blunder, quickly lowered his flushed face in an attempt to hide his embarrassment.

Ran Feize said, “No need for him to do such a thing. If he goes ahead, he will probably have the words ‘I am a suspicious man here to steal things’ written on his face. Even if he says he was there to look for his Master and Eldest Shixiong, no one would believe him for sure.”

“That is true.” Bai Yulang said.

After that, all of them ignored Ji Jiawen and focused on the discussion at hand. Liu Xiang offered to help Ran Feize by executing the mission in his place, but Ran Feize refused as he would feel more assured if he did it himself. So, he reminded them to guard Su Xiaopei with their lives again and left before the first light of dawn broke through the horizon.

Fu Yan acted the moment dawn broke as well and he went out to visit Fang Ping. As he stepped foot outside his residence, one of his men rushed over and reported that Jiang Weiying and Xiao Qi had gone ahead to check on Fang Ping.

Fu Yan asked anxiously while he strode toward Fang Ping’s courtyard, “Is Uncle Fang awake?”

When Fu Yan entered Fang Ping’s room, he saw Jiang Weiying frowning as he was checking Fang Ping’s pulse.

Upon noticing Fu Yan, Jiang Weiying greeted him, “Great Swordsman Fu, you are here. Great Swordsman Fang’s injuries are worse than we thought. Although I have given him the best healing elixir from my sect, I am afraid it is not sufficient. I am truly sorry, but my medical skills are merely average. We need to find him a doctor for immediate treatment.”

Fu Yan was inwardly pleased to hear what Jiang Weiying said, but he maintained a cool composure, and bowed. “On behalf of Uncle Fang, I thank you for saving his life. That is exactly what I am here for. I was just about to check on his injuries and call for a doctor if his condition worsens.” Fu Yan took a few steps forward and peered at Fang Ping’s face. He also placed a hand on Fang Ping’s wrists to check his pulse.

His pulse is rather weak, almost undetectable, Fu Yan thought.

Fu Yan lowered his eyes and pursed his lips. Then, he said to Jiang Weiying, “Please excuse me, I shall call for a doctor to come.”

After Fu Yan left the house, he went to the adjacent courtyard and summoned Dingzi. Upon checking that no one was near them, he instructed, “I will distract Sect Leader Jiang and the others by asking them to have breakfast together and to discuss some matters. Drug Uncle Fang with the rest of what you have left. He is badly injured and will likely die under the effects of the drug without leaving any traces.”

When Dingzi hesitated, Fu Yan narrowed his eyes at him. “Have you forgotten what you have done?”

Dingzi hastily bowed to him. “Rest assured Sir, I will do my best.”

Fu Yan glowered at him for a while before adding, “After you are done, call a doctor to come. Best to call Doctor Lee as he is money-minded and is not familiar with Uncle Fang. Once he is here, ask someone to inform me.”

At the same time in Fang Ping’s room, Xiao Qi snuck to the side to speak with the man guarding the door once Fu Yan had left. Xiao Qi enquired who were the doctors that usually came to treat the wounded, how long will it take for them to come, and other trivial matters. While the guard was distracted by Xiao Qi, Jiang Weiying discreetly took out a pill from his sleeve and slipped it into Fang Ping’s mouth.

Soon after, Fu Yan returned, claiming that he had called for a doctor, and apologised for causing so much trouble to Jiang Weiying, Xiao Qi, and the others once again.  He told them that food had been prepared by the servants and offered them to dine together, as a token of gratitude.

Jiang Weiying and Xiao Qi agreed without hesitation and followed Fu Yan out of Fang Ping’s room. Before Fu Yan exited through the door, he reminded the guard by saying, “Do not disturb Uncle Fang. Just stay at your post by the door.”

The guard nodded, stepped over the door, and closed it after everyone had left. There was no one left in Fang Ping’s room. All was quiet.

After some time, Fang Ping’s fingers began to twitch. His eyelids moved slightly, and he slowly opened his eyes and peered around at the familiar interior of his own room, unsure of how he got there. As the memories of the incident flooded into his mind, a wave of melancholy washed over him. He squinted his eyes as if in pain, then sighed. As he was just about to sit up when there was no one around, he heard steady footsteps outside his room. Then, he heard Dingzi’s voice.

“Eldest Gongzi ordered me to find a doctor for Uncle Fang. I am here to check his injuries so I can better inform the doctor of his needs.”

The guard outside the door gave a brief response and Dingzi pushed open the door. Fang Ping hurriedly lied down and closed his eyes, pretending to be unconscious. He heard Dingzi approaching his bedside, but it was all silent for the next few moments. Fang Ping thought he was probably observing him, so he did not dare to move a single muscle. His heartbeat thundered within his chest as he waited.

After a while, he heard soft, shuffling sounds. Then, Dingzi spoke in a low, faint tone. “Uncle Fang, please do not blame me for this. I have no choice.”

Suddenly, Fang Ping sensed a pair of hands squeezing open his mouth. He instantly opened his eyes and grasped Dingzi’s hands that were clutching onto a small pill container.

Dingzi was taken aback and wanted to scream, but Fang Ping hit his pressure points, causing him to be unable to move. Dingzi looked at Fang Ping with his terror-filled eyes, cold sweat broke out on his forehead as Fang Ping’s hands tightened around his arm.

Fang Ping widened his eyes as realisation dawned upon him. He had been too naive. He assumed that it was that woman who killed the Stronghold Master, but to his surprise, Sect Leader Jiang had mentioned earlier that Fu Yan may be involved in it too.

As Fang Ping stared at Dingzi in shock, he recalled how Sect Leader Jiang had cautioned him when he wished to take immediate action.

I am afraid that before you could even seek justice on behalf of the late Stronghold Master, you would already be dead. Without a well-thought-out plan, how would they even dare to lay their hands on the late Stronghold Master? They could kill him in the blink of an eye, why would they care about your life as well?”

Although I knew Fu Yan may have someone else in cohorts with him, I never expected my personal aide and loyal servant to be one of his men too. Who else can I trust here in this stronghold? Fang Ping thought as disappointment and anger swirled violently within his mind. Before he could call out for someone, the side window was abruptly pushed open, revealing Ran Feize’s cheeky grin as he deftly leaped through the window and landed on the floor.

– – 

During breakfast, Jiang Weiying mentioned to Fu Yan that he wished to see the son of the late Stronghold Master, as the last time he had seen the young child was during his Full Moon celebration. Now that so much had happened in the stronghold, Jiang Weiying stated that he ought to visit this child.

Fu Yan was unable to refuse this request, so he called for someone to ask Lady Lee to bring her son to join them for breakfast.

The young child was merely three years old. Jiang Weiying and Xiao Qi spent some time playing with the adorable boy and also chatted with Lady Lee about her son. They were all enjoying the meal until a servant came knocking on the door, informing them that members from Luoyi Sect and Tiexiu Stronghold had come to visit.

Fu Yan turned to Jiang Weiying. “For them to arrive so soon, they must be very concerned after receiving the letter from last night”

Jiang Weiying responded, “I will join you and greet them personally.”

Fu Yan nodded. This is exactly what I want. As long as both Jiang Weiying and Xiao Qi do not leave my sight, I will feel more at ease.

As all the men gathered in the great hall, Fu Yan began to expound Fang Ping’s incident in front of everyone. Jiang Weiying also commented that he had rescued Fang Ping and arranged for men to transport the corpses to Wu Town, in order for his men to properly interrogate Shensuan Sect. Members from both Tiexiu Stronghold and Luoyi Sect jumped up in fury, cursing at Shensuan Sect for being so contemptible. When they proceeded to debate how they should deal with Shensuan Sect, another servant came in and reported that Riyue Stronghold and two other prominent sects have sent members over to visit as well.

Fu Yan glanced at Jiang Weiying dubiously, as these three sects were more amicable towards Xuanqing Sect instead of Qisha Stronghold.

Jiang Weiying cleared the air by explaining, “This is a grave matter, Great Swordsman Fu. I have sent my disciples to inform various sects to send someone over, to help us get to the bottom of the late Stronghold Master’s case.” As he spoke, men from the three other sects had already sauntered into the hall, causing Fu Yan to instantly feel more alarmed at the situation.

We were in the midst of talking about Fang Ping being ambushed here. Why did that old geezer, Jiang Weiying, bring up the Stronghold Master’s case? Was he insinuating that the attack had something to do with the Stronghold Master’s death and that the Shensuan Sect acted in revenge for Jiuling Taoist? Or…did he mean something else…? Fu Yan remained silent as he deliberated. He lowered his head and pretended to sip on his tea while shooting a discreet look at his servant, gesturing for him to go out.

After a few moments, Fu Yan’s servant appeared by the door, saying he had something to inform Fu Yan in private. Fu Yan used this chance to leave and went to a corner by the hall. He hurriedly instructed his men to strengthen their defenses and patrol the stronghold grounds. Fu Yan only managed to briefly order another one of his men to check on Fang Ping before Xiao Qi came out to look for him, requesting his presence back in the hall as they were discussing something important.

An ominous feeling engulfed Fu Yan, yet he had no other choice but to listen to Xiao Qi.

“Just do as I say,” Fu Yan ordered his men before following Xiao Qi back into the hall.

In the hall, Jiang Weiying was in the middle of explaining that the Shensuan Sect had attacked Fang Ping to take revenge against him for accusing the innocent Jiuling Taoist.

One of the members of the Tiexiu Stronghold smirked coldly. “Hard to say for sure whether he was truly innocent.”

Jiang Weiying remarked, “Everyone surely has their own reason and logic for claiming certain matters. But, if we embark on an endless verbal dispute, how would we be able to resolve this conflict? How do we convince Shensuan Sect that they were in the wrong as well? To put an end to this, once and for all, we must find out the truth behind the late Stronghold Master’s death.”

Fu Yan fixed his gaze on Jiang Weiying. “I have to disagree though. My stance regarding Jiuling Taoist as the murderer will remain unchanged as his crimes are clear as day. Unless, you could enlighten us with further proof, Sect Leader Jiang?”

Jiang Weiying calmly responded, enunciating each word slowly. “But, what if he was not the true murderer? If we do not look beyond this assumption, we would be letting the true killer get away with his crimes.”

Fu Yan fell silent, recalling what that man had taught him.

“The less you speak, the less likely it would be for someone to see through your act or your lies. At the most crucial moments, you must be able to control your emotions and stay composed.”

Fu Yan succeeded in hiding his true emotions while Jiang Weiying continued with his speech.

“Let us think from another perspective. If Jiuling Taoist was truly not the killer, then someone must have murdered the Stronghold Master and then framed him. This is definitely a premeditated and carefully plotted conspiracy. The Jiuling Taoist possesses a unique weapon, the Jiuling Cleaver. So, if someone were to frame him, they must be well-prepared with a suitable weapon to ensure no one discovers that the Stronghold Master’s wounds were caused by another weapon. Previously, Ran Feize insisted on examining different injuries caused by various weapons for this very reason. He only managed to find a weapon that would leave a similar mark after several days. Also, to succeed in framing Jiuling Taoist, the murderer must have a good degree of understanding of both Stronghold Master Fang and Jiuling Taoist. He must be well aware of the antagonism between them, the characteristics of the Jiuling Taoist’s unique weapon, and his whereabouts to plan for the murder.

Fu Yan lowered his head, his eyes downcast. As his heart raced, he felt that he was on the verge of losing control of his emotions.

Jiang Weiying added, “Apart from the murder weapon, there is another issue to consider. How did the killer make his move? Stronghold Master Fang is a rather cautious man with great martial arts skills. If it was not someone close to him, the murderer would have great difficulty in killing him with just one blow, as shown by the wound left on the body. If Stronghold Master Fang managed to defend himself, the wounds on the body would surely look different. Moreover, the murder occurred within the stronghold, so the killer must prevent the Stronghold Master from calling for help. Hence, I am sure all you respected swordsmen would understand how challenging this was for the murderer.”

Everyone nodded.

“Well, here comes the most important question. How did the murderer kill Stronghold Master Fang then? Poisoning him may be the most convenient method, I am afraid.”

Fu Yan felt his heart drop upon hearing his words.