Chapter Twenty-Two: I Have Waited for You for So Long

Huai Yin was filled with doubts, wanting to ask more, but Su He had already entered meditation. Left with no choice, he could only swallow back the words crowding his mind.

Having put away the silver wolf, he simply stayed by Yi Qingchen’s side, watching her intently.

It was strange—though she was gravely wounded, her state almost indistinguishable from death, she was the only one in the entire Shu Xing Pavilion not to have been killed by a single fatal sword strike.

Though she lay in a pool of blood, the blood was not from her throat.

Logically, the pavilion master’s cultivation should have far surpassed hers. Yet, while the master could not escape death, she had survived.

Was it simply luck? Or had the killer deliberately spared her?

Or was it something else…

To destroy Shu Xing Pavilion in a single night—what kind of power would that require?

As far as he knew, the Pavilion Master was half a step into the Divine Realm, and her subordinates were far from ordinary.

With such strength, even Yu Hai Tian would be shaken. Yet now, they had been wiped out without a sound, and all the evidence pointed to Su He as the culprit.

Yet he knew well, Bai Li Su He could not possibly be the real killer. How, then, had the murderer managed to leave wounds at the scene that matched Su He’s technique exactly?

This was a puzzle he could not unravel, no matter how he tried.

So, as he studied Yi Qingchen’s quiet face, he could not help but wonder: Young Master, just how much do you know?

Yi Qingchen’s eyes were closed, her expression as serene as if she slept. No matter how he watched her, she gave not the slightest response.

Thus, the cave fell into a long silence.

It was two hours before Su He awoke from meditation.

Huai Yin stood up. “How is it? Any better?”

“Much better. Thank you for watching over me, Brother Huai.”

“Don’t be so polite. Tell me—what’s the plan now?” He found a stone chair, sat down, flicked his robes over his leg, then smoothed them back down with a snap.

He cast a sidelong glance at Su He.

You must realize, by now Yu Hai Tian must be in an uproar. No doubt, everyone believes you, Bai Li Su He, slaughtered the entire Shu Xing Pavilion.

And with the young master taken, there are more than enough so-called righteous warriors eager to rid the world of your menace.

Su He moved to the square table and sat. “Originally, I planned to pass through the Xiao Tong region, then return to Wei Ye Valley via Mount Shiliang.

But now, that seems impossible.

Xiao Lao Si is still alive, and whoever backs him is bound to make another move. If we head straight for the Xiao Tong region, we’ll be walking straight into a trap.”

“So you mean to take a detour by the Lu Shui River or Mount Qian’nan?”

“Yes. But I worry that if those places are also watched, we’ll be in trouble. If we have to go through another territory to reach Wei Ye Valley, the journey will be too long and we’ll be too late, even if we do bring the young master there.” Su He nodded, concern visible between his brows.

Huai Yin fell silent at this. Suddenly, he barked, “Forget it! Let’s just try the Lu Shui River first. If that fails, Mount Qian’nan. And if nothing works, I’ll just force our way through the Xiao Tong region with you. What, are we living men to be choked to death by fear?”

Their eyes met. Huai Yin’s words were exactly what Su He hoped for; he had planned the same.

With a glance, Su He signaled, and Huai Yin promptly helped Yi Qingchen to sit, then carried her on his back.

They walked to the cave entrance, ensured there were no spies outside, then dispelled their barrier. They stepped lightly into the cool air, startling several white egrets as they ascended the cliff.

Once on the precipice, they concealed themselves in the void, heading quietly toward Lu Shui River. But from a distance, they saw that today’s ferry crossing was bustling—immortals and mortals alike sat in the tea stalls, chatting merrily.

“Damn it, those people are fast. Who sits at the ferry drinking tea in the middle of the night? Only they could think of that.”

“Let’s go—try Mount Qian’nan.”

“Mm.”

By the time they reached Mount Qian’nan, dawn was breaking. Even before they approached, they saw many immortals already guarding all paths up the mountain.

Clearly, this route was also blocked.

“What now? Do we really try to force our way through the Xiao Tong region?”

Su He was silent for a moment. “We must.”

“Well… if we’re going to force a way through, why not do it here at Mount Qian’nan?”

“No.”

“Why not?” Huai Yin was puzzled.

“Haven’t you noticed, Brother Huai? Our opponents have anticipated our every move, setting their people ahead of us at each route.”

“So what?”

“They’re forcing us back. And if they dare do this, they must be fully prepared. If we fight, we’ll fall here or be driven back to the Xiao Tong region. If we don’t fight, we’ll still end up at the Xiao Tong region.”

“Couldn’t we take a chance?”

“How much confidence do you have, Brother Huai?”

Huai Yin glanced at their opponents and his face turned green. Usually, you couldn’t get even one of these people to show up—now they were all here together.

“So we’re just supposed to do as they wish?” He found that hard to stomach.

Su He, however, seemed unconcerned, patting Huai Yin on the shoulder and turning back. “Their target is me. When the time comes, you and the young master must find a way to escape.”

“Easy for you to say. We’ve angered everyone, and we have to flee with the young master. That’s hardly simple.”

“Simple or not, we have to try. The young master’s life depends on this.” Su He glanced at the dew on the grass tips, unwillingness flickering in his heart.

“Fine.” For the young master’s sake, there was no other choice.

By the time they reached the Xiao Tong region, the sun was high, and travelers moved to and fro—everything appeared normal.

Huai Yin eyed the passersby, muttering under his breath, “You were right. The city gates are wide open, a perfect lure. Once we’re in, they’ll close the doors and trap us.”

As soon as he spoke, the gate behind them slammed shut.

Ripples shimmered in the air, and hundreds of immortals surrounded the three.

Xiao Lao Si parted the crowd and strolled to the center. “Everyone, this is the murderer—Bai Li Su He.”

An uproar broke out.

“I heard Bai Li Su He was already dead. How is he back?”

“Your news is out of date. The Division of Shadows has already announced: anyone who kills him will earn a year of cultivation in their halls, and anyone who provides information will receive a Near-God Pill.”

“A Near-God Pill? I’ll go right now—”

“Go where? Doesn’t everyone know Bai Li Su He wiped out the whole Shu Xing Pavilion? You’re too late.”

“Such a pity.”

“No pity needed—killing this scourge is a great deed, a blessing for all.”

“You’re right.”

Xiao Lao Si’s eyes flickered. He tapped his flute against his palm. “Bai Li Su He, hand over the young master’s body so we may bury him.

If you do, we’ll grant you the mercy of suicide.

Otherwise… do you think you’ll escape alive today?”

“Calm down—don’t fall for it,” Huai Yin whispered, edging closer to Su He.

Su He placed a reassuring hand on Huai Yin’s shoulder, signaling him to stay calm.

He stepped forward. “How generous. But… what if I refuse?”

“Very well. Then leave your life here.” Xiao Lao Si sneered, then spat, “Kill.”

At once, the immortals attacked, each blow meant to kill.

Little did they know, as the three were beset, Fu Qingfeng happened to arrive in the Xiao Tong region as well—just three to five miles away from Su He.

Fu Qingfeng had just exchanged for some prized herbs when he sensed something amiss, quickly stowing his medicines and turning to leave.

Just then, the immortal who had bartered with him suddenly collapsed at his feet, coughing blood.

Frowning, Fu Qingfeng bent to help, but before he could, a blade flashed from the side. The man was decapitated, sending the crowd fleeing in terror.

It all happened so fast, Fu Qingfeng was caught off guard.

Xian Ge Yue sheathed his sword and nudged the corpse with his foot. “Your method wouldn’t have worked. Mine is more thorough—this way, he’s truly saved.”

Fu Qingfeng was stunned, muttering to himself, then left without another word.

But Xian Ge Yue followed, blocking his path. “Hey, what’s with you? I helped you out of kindness, spared you the trouble, and you don’t even thank me?”

Don’t you know, it’s rare for me to help anyone?

“Move.”

“No—unless you thank me. I saved you, and you doubt me? I’m not happy.” Xian Ge Yue tossed a lock of hair over his shoulder, eyes suddenly turning cold.

“What’s it to me?” Fu Qingfeng vanished in a blink.

Xian Ge Yue stood dumbfounded for a moment, then said, “Ha! Think you can shake me off? Not a chance—you still owe me a thank you.”

With a slight shrug, he too disappeared.

By the time Fu Qingfeng reached the city gates, the two sides were already locked in fierce battle. He was about to step in when he slipped into a dark alley instead.

“Hey! My name is Xian Ge Yue. Weren’t you going to save someone? Why aren’t you helping?”

“Be quiet.”

Xian Ge Yue wanted to say more but was silenced by a glare from Fu Qingfeng.

He immediately shrank back: Fine, I won’t speak. Why so fierce? How am I supposed to collect my thank you now?

Fu Qingfeng ignored him, thinking he must be some wastrel from a wealthy clan.

He fixed his eyes on the battle. Soon, Lin Mao and Steward Zou appeared in his view.

Them?

People from Willow Heart Studio—why were they here?

“If I were you, I’d just go up there and kill them. Once they’re scared enough, they’ll tell you everything you want to know.”

“Be quiet.”

“…You’re overdoing it. I’ve tolerated you long enough.”

“You talk too much.”

…

Xian Ge Yue clutched his throat and tried to speak, but no sound came. He glared in fury—You tricked me?

Fu Qingfeng didn’t look back. Lin Mao’s voice rang out, halting the crowd: “Everyone, contain your anger a moment. Hand him over to me—how about that?”

“What nerve! Who do you think you are, from Willow Heart Studio? You don’t get to speak here.

Everyone, don’t listen to him. Kill Bai Li Su He, and justice will be done!” Xiao Lao Si snapped.

At this, Lin Mao covered his face with his sleeve, feigning sorrow. “If you all wish to restore justice, why not let me avenge my wife and daughter?

Know that I, Lin Mao, have been waiting for him for a long time.”

At these words, the crowd paused, surrounding Su He, Huai Yin, and Yi Qingchen.

Some onlookers mocked, “Your wife and daughter were killed? Isn’t that ridding the world of evil? If that’s so, we should at least leave him a whole corpse. That’s a good deed, after all. Don’t you all agree?”

“Haha, indeed.”

“Something to consider…”

But as Lin Mao wiped away his tears, his wide sleeve hid the malice on his face.

He spoke through clenched teeth, “It’s true, I am no saint. But what about the other women he harmed? Will you not let his crimes be known to all?”

“What do you mean?” Xiao Lao Si asked with interest.

“Not long ago, he approached Willow Heart Studio, claiming he and my son were in love and wished to marry into my family. I was moved by their affection and arranged a wedding. But before long, my living daughter was handed to him, and he pushed my son into the fire.

He hung my son from the rafters to bleed him dry. My wife discovered this and died a brutal death.

Steward Zou, am I right?”

Steward Zou raised his eyes, looking deeply pained. “Yes. Not only were my young lady and madam harmed, but recently, in the Xiao Tong region, many women have gone missing. You can inquire—these women did not vanish without reason, but became victims, just like my young lady.”

At this, the crowd drew sharp breaths, their gazes toward Su He changing again.

Damn, he was a ruthless one…