Chapter 243

Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/PazjBDkTmW

Shopkeeper Yu took a sip of tea and continued: “My daughter, Bihe, and Jinfeng’s younger sister, Yinfeng, encountered bandits from West Cui Mountain while on an autumn outing. They were taken by those brigands, but fortunately, the coachman managed to escape with his life and reported the incident to us. After we informed the authorities and gathered our family members to set out on a rescue mission, we thought we had arrived too late. However, to our surprise, the two of them had already been rescued by two lay disciples of Dalin Temple and had escaped their captivity before we even got there. But those two benefactors who saved their lives had already vanished without a trace.”

At this point, Shopkeeper Yu stole a glance at Zhang Xiaohua, but Zhang Xiaohua merely kept his eyes lowered, his expression calm, as if unmoved by the story.

Shopkeeper Yu continued: “Once our two families brought our daughters safely home without any harm, we were naturally deeply grateful to their rescuers. Unfortunately, we failed to recognize them in time and missed the chance to thank them properly. As parents, we regretted this greatly. So, a few days ago, our two families decided to visit the most renowned Shaolin Temple outside the city to offer incense and express our gratitude to the Buddhist disciples for their kindness.”

As he spoke, Shopkeeper Yu couldn’t help but glance at Zhang Xiaohua once more.

Zhang Xiaohu had naturally noticed all of this but did not point it out, merely listening patiently.

Shopkeeper Yu then said: “Shaolin Temple is quite a distance from Lu Town. When our two families arrived, we found its gates tightly shut. Only then did we learn that the temple had been struck by a band of thieves, and in the wake of the theft, the temple had closed its doors for internal reorganization. We waited outside for a whole day, but still, they did not reopen to receive worshippers. Nephew, you must know that my jade shop may only do business once a year, but when it does, it earns enough to last for three. The Li family’s tailor shop, however, is different. They were growing anxious to return. Coincidentally, I have some distant relatives living near Shaolin Temple whom I haven’t visited in a long time, so I decided to take this opportunity to pay them a visit. Thus, my family parted ways with the Li family. We stayed at our relatives’ home for a few days and only returned yesterday, only to hear of the great tragedy that had befallen the Li family.”

Upon hearing this, Zhang Xiaohua remained still, but a surge of killing intent rose in his heart.

Shopkeeper Yu closed his eyes in thought for a moment before continuing: “When I returned, I hadn’t even stepped through my door when I heard the terrible news—Li Family’s estate had been burned down, and the three members of the family had vanished without a trace. I rushed to the ruins of the Li residence and sent people to search, but there was no sign of them. It was only after listening to the accounts of the neighbors that I learned what had happened. Just the night before, several brigands had suddenly barged into the Li residence, demanding to know the whereabouts of two young women. Someone immediately reported the incident to the authorities, but when the constables arrived, the brigands brazenly declared that they were from West Cui Mountain and were conducting their business, warning outsiders not to interfere. Those cowardly officials didn’t dare utter a single word in opposition. The brigands carried off several large sacks before setting fire to the Li estate and leaving.”

At this, Zhang Xiaohua could no longer hold back. With a loud smack, he slammed his palm onto the nearby table, shattering it instantly. The sudden noise made Shopkeeper Yu tremble in fright.

Zhang Xiaohu sternly reprimanded: “Xiaohua, sit down! What’s done is done. Rushing there now won’t change anything. Listen to the whole story first.”

Shopkeeper Yu, still shaken, stammered: “Heroes, please quell your anger. I also heard from the gatekeeper at my home that on the very night the Li residence was attacked, a few men also broke into my house, rummaging through everything. When they couldn’t find who they were looking for, they left in frustration. I believe they must have been searching for my daughter as well. That’s why, just yesterday, I sent her to a safe place.”

Once Shopkeeper Yu finished speaking, Zhang Xiaohu asked: “Shopkeeper Yu, are you certain that it was the bandits from West Cui Mountain? And you’re sure no corpses were found in the ruins of the Li residence?”

Shopkeeper Yu nodded firmly. “It was them, without a doubt. The Li family has always been kind to others and is well respected in the Four Trees area—how could they have any grudges against anyone? Moreover, those men repeatedly claimed they were from West Cui Mountain, and they even searched my home. Comparing this to what happened ten days ago, the answer is obvious. Furthermore, I’ve personally searched the ruins of the Li residence no less than three times, and there were indeed no corpses. I suspect that the large sacks the brigands carried away didn’t just contain valuables but also people.”

Zhang Xiaohu pondered for a moment before asking: “One more thing, Shopkeeper Yu—how does one get from Lu Town to West Cui Mountain?”

At these words, Shopkeeper Yu hurriedly shook his head. “Heroes, I’ve heard that the bandits of West Cui Mountain number in the hundreds. If you charge in recklessly, you will surely suffer a loss. It would be wiser to make proper preparations, gather your fellow sect members, and go together. If you can join forces with the authorities and have soldiers dispatched, your chances will be much better.”

Zhang Xiaohu smiled and said: “Shopkeeper Yu, you’re overthinking. We were just curious and wanted to ask. Perhaps the bandits abandoned the Li family somewhere along the way. We’ll search along the route and try our luck.”

Shopkeeper Yu did not say more and carefully explained the route.

Only then did the Zhang brothers take their leave. As they were about to step outside, Zhang Xiaohua suddenly turned back and asked_ “Shopkeeper Yu, let me ask you something—why is this place called Four Trees?”

Shopkeeper Yu was taken aback. After a long pause, he finally responded: “It seems that long ago, before Lu Town even existed, there were four great trees here. At least, that’s what I’ve heard from others.”

Zhang Xiaohua burst into laughter. “Hmm, not bad. A good place, a good name.”

This only made Shopkeeper Yu more puzzled. How could this young man’s thoughts be so strange?

Little did he know, Zhang Xiaohua had already made up his mind.

Shopkeeper Yu personally escorted the two brothers out. Instead of leaving immediately, he led them to the ruins of the Li residence. As expected, it was nothing but a charred wasteland. The fire had been so intense that even some neighboring houses had been damaged.

Since Shopkeeper Yu had already searched the site thoroughly, Zhang Xiaohu and Zhang Xiaohua did not linger any longer. They bid farewell to Shopkeeper Yu, mounted their red jujube horses, and rode off into the distance.

Watching them leave, Shopkeeper Yu’s confidence grew firmer. He secretly thought to himself that perhaps Old Li’s family still had hope. Naturally, this also put his mind at ease—if the Li family returned, his own daughter could return home safely without living in fear.

Then, another thought struck him. His daughter, Bihe, and Li Jinfeng had grown up together like childhood sweethearts, so why couldn’t they become a pair as adults? Seeing that Li Jinfeng had such formidable friends, he wouldn’t be easily bullied in the future. Truly, an excellent candidate for a son-in-law! But then again, why did his daughter and Li Jinfeng seem completely indifferent to each other?

No wonder he was a jade shopkeeper—his mind worked in ways that truly weren’t ordinary!

The Zhang brothers rode out of Lu Town in silence. They had come eagerly to visit, yet not only had they spent no money, but their mood had also become considerably heavier.

Thinking of the tragedy that had befallen the Li family, Zhang Xiaohua couldn’t help but recall his relationship with Li Jinfeng. From their first meeting to their growing friendship, Li Jinfeng had always treated this countryside boy with genuine kindness—never looking down on him, never belittling him. Later, when he taught Zhang Xiaohua how to read and write, their relationship became one of both teacher and friend. Zhang Xiaohua had felt the warmth of true friendship. During the New Year, without even notifying Zhang Xiaohua in advance, Li Jinfeng had come to visit, placing him in the position of a true friend. Such actions deeply resonated with Zhang Xiaohua’s personality. Now, disaster had struck the Li family, and Li Jinfeng, still in Pingyang City, remained unaware. But even if he knew, what could a scholar with no martial skills do? Appeal to the authorities? Petition in Yu City? Seek help from the Piaomiao Sect?

Every path seemed blocked for Li Jinfeng!

As his friend, a strong sense of responsibility surged in Zhang Xiaohua’s heart. Since the Li family now needed his strength, and he had the ability to help, what reason did he have to hesitate?

With this thought, Zhang Xiaohua called out: “Second Brother.”

At the same time, Zhang Xiaohu also called out: “Xiaohua.”

Seeing this, Zhang Xiaohua said: “Second Brother, you speak first.”

Zhang Xiaohu pondered for a moment before saying: “Xiaohua, I think we have the same idea. Li Jinfeng is our friend. He has treated us well, unlike Yu Deyi and the others. Now that his family is in trouble, if we don’t help, not only would we be unworthy of being his friends, but all our martial arts training would have been in vain.”

Zhang Xiaohua nodded. “That’s exactly what I was thinking. Second Brother, in that case, let’s split up. You head home to report the news to our family, and I’ll rush to West Cui Mountain to assess the situation and see if I can rescue the three members of the Li family.”

“No!” Zhang Xiaohu immediately stopped him. “You have it backward. You should return to Guo Village to deliver the message, and I’ll go to West Cui Mountain.”

Zhang Xiaohua smiled. “Second Brother, I usually listen to you in most matters. But when it comes to rescuing people today, you’ll have to listen to me. Your internal energy has only just begun, and you’re no match for me. It’s more convenient for me to go.”

Zhang Xiaohua’s reasoning was sound. That morning at the plaza, although he hadn’t exchanged blows with Sun Yiding, the martial arts he had displayed were already far beyond Zhang Xiaohu’s reach. Even though Zhang Xiaohu knew that the [Piaomiao Divine Technique] he was cultivating was superior to the [Wild Ox Strength], he had only just started training. Distant water couldn’t quench immediate thirst. But if he simply let his younger brother go to West Cui Mountain, no matter how many reasons there were, he couldn’t feel at ease.

In his eyes, Zhang Xiaohua was still a child who needed his protection.

The two argued back and forth for a long time. Finally, Zhang Xiaohua snapped: “Second Brother, what are we doing here? Li Jinfeng’s parents and sister are still in an uncertain life-and-death situation. Time is precious! We should hurry to West Cui Mountain as soon as possible. Standing around bickering—does that do right by Li Jinfeng?”

Then, Zhang Xiaohua added: “If you don’t trust me to go alone, fine. But let’s be honest—your martial arts are still too weak. To be blunt, with your current skills, you wouldn’t even be able to climb West Cui Mountain. What’s the point of you going? Forget it—how about we go together? You can keep watch outside while I use my Qinggong to sneak in and investigate the situation.”

Zhang Xiaohu considered this for a moment before saying: “That’s our best option. In any case, Eldest Brother and Sister-in-law are at home, and we’ve left them enough silver to live comfortably for the rest of their lives. Besides, Eldest Brother now has a child, ensuring the Zhang family’s lineage continues. So, let’s go together and take on West Cui Mountain as brothers!”