Chapter 132

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Chapter 132: Investigation

In the evening, Zhang Xiaohua finally enjoyed the rabbit meat he had been dreaming about, though it wasn’t braised. Although Zhang Xiaohua came from a poor family and had helped with the family chores since he was young, most of his work was in the fields. He was not very familiar with the finer points of cooking. The closest he had come to cooking was fetching spring water for the stove.

Thus, despite hoping for a braised dish, he ended up simply skinning the rabbit and, following his father’s method for preparing chicken, cleaned the wild rabbit and put it into the pot to boil. Once the water boiled and the meat was cooked, although he hadn’t added any seasonings, it smelled wonderfully fragrant, and Zhang Xiaohua couldn’t help but be eager to eat.

Then, with his eyes closed, Zhang Xiaohua silently repeated to himself, “I’m eating braised rabbit meat, I’m eating braised rabbit meat”. Not fearing the heat, he scooped out the whole rabbit from the pot and began to eat heartily, savoring every bite and enjoying the rich, greasy taste!

He ate until there was nothing left of the rabbit meat, even licking the bones clean with reluctance. He then casually tossed the skeleton into the nearby river, but in winter, the usually flowing river had already frozen over. With a “crunch”, the skeleton landed on the ice. The evidence of his carnivorous feast couldn’t be hidden, but he thought, they are fish, I wield the knife. Why should I fear? The way of nature dictates that the weak are prey for the strong. This rule still applies in the world of martial arts.

While Zhang Xiaohua, having satisfied his hunger, patted his round belly and relaxed, playing with a small stick and contemplating the essence of “suddenly looking back to see it at the lantern’s light”, the scene in the distant northern Piaomiao Sect’s meeting hall was quite different. Ou Peng summoned several sect brothers, trying to find the “skeleton” that had been discarded by someone.

In the Piaomiao Manor, it was not snowing, but it was overcast with dense clouds and the wind howled. Though thick curtains covered the meeting hall’s doors, they could not completely block the cold draft. However, at this moment, the atmosphere inside the hall was exceptionally stern and bone chilly, even colder than outside.

At the front of the meeting hall, the Sect Master Ou Peng, sat with a grim expression in his usual seat. The flickering light of the lamp cast shadows over his face, adding a touch of ferocity to his features. This was perhaps the moment when his authority as a sect master was most evident.

At this time, the hall was silent, with everyone afraid to make a sound. After a long while, Ou Peng coughed and gently asked: “Eldest Brother, how is Yan’er’s health?”

The usually inconspicuous First Elder Hu now had a serious expression as he said: “Yan’er’s health was already weak. During the night while traveling, she was caught in heavy rain and caught a cold. On top of that, she was affected by the palm wind of the old man in black, which injured her internal organs. The combined effect of the illness and injury is quite severe. According to Hall Master Qin, she had already fainted on the way. After waking, she sought out doctors for treatment along the journey. After Second Brother went to her aid, he also used his internal energy to heal Yan’er’s wounds. She has taken the sect’s wound medicine and has improved significantly. The sect’s doctors have examined her, and we also invited a doctor from Pingyang City for treatment. She is now in no immediate danger and, with some time to rest, she should make a full recovery.”

Hearing that Yan’er was recovering well, Ou Peng’s expression softened slightly. He said to First Elder Hu: “Eldest Brother, I’ve been quite busy lately. Please take extra care of Yan’er and look after things on that end.”

First Elder Hu nodded and said: “Yan’er is our treasure. Don’t worry, once she’s on our territory, I won’t let her suffer any more grievances.”

Ou Peng nodded and then asked Liu Yuzhou, the Hall Master of the Enforcement Hall: “How is the investigation into the people in black going?”

Liu Yuzhou hesitated for a moment before replying: “After receiving the sect master’s instructions, I personally led the investigation with my subordinates. Knowing that the Eldest Lady and her party’s return was crucial, and fearing that the delay might be too long, we preemptively went to meet Miss and her party on the way, despite the cold weather and the decaying state of the corpses of the men in black, I personally inspected the corpses and noted their features. The records and sketches were made by my subordinates. However, the face of the old man in black was destroyed, making it impossible to identify him. The others were of no particular note. Although sketches have been made and our disciples are keeping an eye out, finding the origins of these people among the vast crowd is quite challenging.”

Ou Peng said angrily: “Search, you must search. Difficulty does not mean impossibility. As long as there is even a slight chance, we must find out who was behind this.”

Liu Yuzhou quickly bowed and replied: “I will follow the sect master’s instructions.”

Ou Peng calmed himself and asked: “Are there any other clues?”

Liu Yuzhou shook his head and said, “The clothing and weapons of these men in black were very ordinary and common in the Jianghu, offering no valuable clues. Moreover, they carried nothing with them, leaving me with no useful information to find.”

Ou Peng snorted and then asked: “Is there really not a single lead?”

Liu Yuzhou said softly: “This subordinate is incompetent, I haven’t found any other clues at the moment.”

He then hesitated, as if he wanted to say something but wasn’t sure. Ou Peng couldn’t help but frown and said; “If you have something to say, just say it. You have a major responsibility now, we must find out who is behind this. Our Piaomiao Sect is not a minor sect that can be easily bullied.”

Liu Yuzhou quickly bowed and said: “I’ve gathered some information from the subordinates of the Huanxi Villa and the female disciples of the Ming Cui Hall about the situation at that time. However, I would like to get more details. Hall Master Qin and Shi Niu have been with the sect master these past few days, and I haven’t had the opportunity to speak with them. Could we have them describe the situation again today? Since the elders are present, it would be helpful for me to analyze it with them. What do you think?”

Ou Peng nodded and said: “That sounds good. I’ve heard some of the details and find them rather suspicious. Let them explain everything today, and the elders can help analyze it. Shi Niu, please describe the situation in full.”

Shi Niu touched his bald head and asked: “Sect Master, should I tell everything?”

Ou Peng glared at him and said: “Of course, tell everything.”

Shi Niu thought for a moment and began: “That day, I was driving the carriage, carrying Villa Master Ou and Hall Master Qin out of the Huanxi Villa… Later, feeling in good spirits, I couldn’t help but start singing a tune. At first, they praised me a lot, but as I sang, they seemed to lose interest. But, Sect Master, I swear, that’s the only tune I know. If you ask me to sing something else, I can’t.”

The crowd looked at each other in confusion, wondering what this had to do with anything. Liu Qingyang almost spat out the wine he was drinking, and soon everyone was suppressing their laughter, covering their mouths and trying not to laugh.

Ou Peng was both amused and frustrated. He waved his hand and said: “Shi Niu, stick to the important details.”

Shi Niu frowned and said: “Sect Master, didn’t you ask me to tell everything?”

Ou Peng spat ‘Bah’ and said: “You’re supposed to tell everything, but you also need to mention everything that happened before and after the Villa Master was attacked. When you first left in your carriage, the black-clad men weren’t even in sight, so what’s there to discuss? Also, what does your singing have to do with the attack?”

Shi Niu answered, feeling wronged: “How would I know what’s related to the black-clad men? Maybe it’s because I sing well and they’re jealous. Maybe the black-clad men knew about me driving in the carriage.”

Saying it casually, but with an attentive ear, Ou Peng’s eyes shifted, and he nodded: “That makes sense. Liu Yuzhou, do you understand now?”

Liu Yuzhou nodded: “I understand, sir.”

Shi Niu asked in surprise: “Hall Master Liu, what do you understand? I don’t get it.”

Ou Peng waved his hand: “It’s none of your business. Just keep talking.”

Shi Niu, not giving up, asked again: “So, do I still need to tell everything?”

Ou Peng thought for a moment and said: “Yes, you should still tell everything.”

Shi Niu pressed further: “Really everything?”

Ou Peng, irritated, said: “Just say it already, no more nonsense. Even if you’re going to the toilet, you should still say it.”

Shi Niu, his face turning red, hesitated: “Well, I don’t think I need to mention that.”

Ou Peng gritted his teeth, about to lose his temper.

Seeing this, Shi Niu quickly and honestly continued his account.

Despite Shi Niu’s rough and reckless nature, he spoke in detail about everything along the way, narrating everything as if it were a serious matter.

When he reached the part about a young man named Zhang Xiaohua from Huanxi VIlla, who would go out to practice martial arts every time they arrived at a location, Ou Peng couldn’t help but furrow his brows. He looked at Great Aunt Qin doubtfully and said: “Why does this young man named Zhang Xiaohua sound so familiar?”

Before Ou Peng finished speaking, Liu Yuzhou immediately stood up and said urgently: “Hall Master Qin, this young man goes out every day, haven’t you followed him to see where he goes? He could very well be an accomplice of the black-clad men. Where is he now? I need to capture and interrogate him thoroughly.”

Shi Niu, who was speaking enthusiastically, was interrupted by Ou Peng and naturally did not dare to say anything. However, upon hearing Liu Yuzhou’s comment, Shi Niu immediately protested angrily: “Why are you saying such things about Zhang Xiaohua? I can guarantee that Zhang Xiaohua is definitely not an accomplice of the black-clad men.”

Liu Yuzhou said: “Any accomplice would naturally be very well concealed, so how could you know? Shi Niu, you’re somewhat careless and wouldn’t notice, but don’t make guarantees based on personal feelings.”

At this moment, a voice, as melodious as an oriole’s call, rang out: “Hall Master Liu, I share Shi Niu’s opinion. I am willing to stake my life on the guarantee that Xiaohua is definitely not an accomplice.”

Liu Yuzhou, without turning around, knew it was Great Aunt Qin speaking. He frowned and said: “Hall Master Qin, this is not the time for emotions. We are searching for clues, and any possible lead must be investigated. It’s better to wrongfully accuse one than to let one slip away.”

Great Aunt Qin, somewhat agitated, said in one breath: “Fine, but listen to this: have you ever heard of an accomplice who, in the end, kills their own people? Or an accomplice who, in order to save someone, would kill others without regard for their own lack of martial skills, sacrificing their life to shield someone else?”

Liu Yuzhou was taken aback and said: “Hall Master Qin, there’s no need to be so agitated. Why are you talking so much about Zhang Xiaohua?”

Shi Niu interrupted from the side with a loud roar: “Zhang Xiaohua was the one who stood in front of Villa Master Ou and killed the black-clad old man.”

Liu Yuzhou was enlightened and apologized: “Hall Master Qin, please forgive me. I wasn’t aware of these details.”

Great Aunt Qin took a breath and smiled: “No harm done, no harm done. Hall Master Liu, I was just a bit anxious. Actually, when Zhang Xiaohua went out to practice his martial arts, I also sent people to observe him. He was indeed practicing some disorganized techniques, probably because he was afraid of being laughed at. I’ve also asked He Tianshu from the Medicine Hall about this.”

Ou Peng, hearing this, was also enlightened and smiled: “Ah, I remember now. Yan’er mentioned this name when she returned, saying that he saved her life. It seems he was injured by the black-clad men and fell into the water. I wonder if he has been found yet?”

First Elder Hu added: “He hasn’t been found yet. We’ve already sent people to contact relevant forces to help with the search.”

After a brief hesitation, he continued: “However, we’ve already searched dozens of miles downstream, and there’s been no sign of him, alive or dead. It’s been almost a month, so it’s unlikely we’ll find anything now. Most likely, he was killed on the spot by that black-clad old man, and his body has long sunk into the river, feeding the fish and turtles.”

Ou Peng nodded and said: “Hm, he did save Yan’er’s life, so we should make sure to honor him properly.”

First Elder Hu agreed: “It’s the New Year now, and with the whole sect busy, it’s not a good time to notify anyone. Besides, he has a brother who’s working as a porter at the Lotus Escort Agency and is currently out on a long escort mission. We’ll deal with this when he returns.”

Ou Peng nodded silently and then gestured for Shi Niu to continue.

Shi Niu understood, shot a resentful glance at Liu Yuzhou, and then resumed recounting the events along the way in full detail.

After Shi Niu finished, First Elder Hu spoke first: “The ambush we encountered was indeed consistent with our initial speculation. It was meant to probe our strength. Hall Master Qin is a well-known figure in the Jianghu, and her martial skills are certainly known to them. While Shi Niu is not as prominent in the martial world, he is familiar to the sects that know us, so they were probably not unfamiliar with him. This second ambush, compared to Shi Niu’s encounter on a rainy night, clearly represents two different situations. They likely didn’t anticipate that He Tianshu from the Medicine Hall, though not top-tier in skills, would be an obstacle, preventing them from maintaining a solid advantage over us, which is why they didn’t take real action during that ambush.”

Ou Peng continued: “So, they quickly sought out this highly skilled black-clad old man and made foolproof arrangements. They intended to have someone with comparable skills to Hall Master Qin’s hold back Shi Niu and the others, while the black-clad old man would capture or kill Yan’er. Hehe, it’s really a good strategy.”

First Elder Hu laughed and said: “But they didn’t expect our disciple to spot a clue and send reinforcements for rescue.”

Ou Peng also smiled: “Yes, this disciple named Lan Dong is quite impressive, sharp and meticulous. He should return to the sect with the convoy and hand over the information. We’ll select another disciple for his task and keep him in the sect for focused training. He should prove to be very useful.”

First Elder Hu agreed: “Indeed, it’s thanks to Lan Dong this time. Without his information, we would still be in the dark, and the second and fifth elders wouldn’t have arrived in time. He deserves a reward.”

At this point, Shi Niu spoke up: “Sect Master, I think the greatest contribution this time should be credited to Zhang Xiaohua. If he hadn’t killed that black-clad old man, not only would the Villa Master have been in danger, but even if Lan Dong and the others had arrived, it might have been…”

Hearing this, Ou Peng nodded and said: “That’s true. However, he’s already gone, so discussing his merits now is futile. Zhang Xiaohua wasn’t even from our Piaomiao Sect. How can we honor him? It’s better to provide some practical compensation.”

Shi Niu scratched his head and said: “As long as the sect master knows who deserves the credit, that’s enough for me. I have no objections.”

Liu Yuzhou spoke up again: “Sect Master, from Shi Niu’s description, I feel that this must be the work of a sect we’re familiar with or a well-known sect in the Jianghu. Their skills and personnel are well-known to us, so they couldn’t be used directly. They had to resort to shady characters from elsewhere to assist them, which resulted in insufficient manpower during the night attack. Otherwise, if it were only the black-clad people and their schemes, they might have relied directly on their martial prowess.”

Ou Peng smiled and said: “Hall Master Liu is right. This suggests that you must have some theories in mind. You’re responsible for investigating this matter and finding out the truth. I hope it gets resolved soon.”

Liu Yuzhou grimaced and said: “Alright, I’ll do my best.”

Then, Ou Peng looked at Shi Niu and Great Aunt Qin and said: “Hall Master Qin, Shi Niu, you both have worked hard, but there were issues with your analysis of the situation and planning along the way. You must be held accountable for these mistakes. What do you have to say for this?”

Great Aunt Qin smiled bitterly and said: “Sect Master, you’re right. This subordinate was careless. If I had paid more attention, we would have discovered the anomalies earlier and avoided the near-unrecoverable outcome. I’m willing to accept responsibility.”

Shi Niu, scratching his head, said: “Sect Master, I also realize my mistake and am willing to accept the punishment. However, whatever the punishment, please don’t make me stop drinking. Last time, when I was with the young lady, I dared not drink freely. If you don’t let me enjoy it now, I’ll be terribly frustrated.”

Everyone laughed, and the atmosphere in the conference hall lightened up.

Ou Peng laughed and said: “You two have accompanied us and endured hardships. Though you haven’t made any significant contributions, you have done your share of work. However, our Piaomiao Sect is known for its clear rewards and punishments. We can’t just give you equal credit and punishment. Go to the Law Enforcement Hall later to receive your punishment.”

Great Aunt Qin and Shi Niu quickly bowed and said: “Understood, Sect Master.”

Then Ou Peng waved his hand, signaling Liu Yuzhou, Great Aunt Qin, and Shi Niu to leave.

After they had left, Ou Peng turned to First Elder Hu and said: “Senior Brother, another year has passed in the blink of an eye, and it’s already the fifteenth day of the first month. We need to plan for all the upcoming matters.”

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