Chapter 467: Chapter 304: Tang Feng Dies, Jingchun Captured, Flying Dragon City Gathers, Reunion with Nianjun!!

Ji Hui and Wang Long have followed their master to practice martial arts and learn the way since childhood. They know that Jing Chun Daoist has a calm and peaceful nature, rarely showing any killing intent. At this moment, the sudden killing aura and the words ’leave no one alive’ shocked and frightened them both, leaving them at a loss.

Wang Long is slightly older, while Ji Hui is the same age as Li Xian. Both are considered novices. Wang Long couldn’t help but ask, "Master, could it be a misjudgment?"

Ji Hui was enraged by verbal teasing, almost driven to kill. But the anger dissipated upon hearing ’leave no one alive,’ knowing any mistake would cost dozens of lives. In fear, she echoed, "Yes, I don’t think it’s quite right either."

Jing Chun Daoist lowered her eyes in contemplation. She was eighty percent sure of the matter, as the seven individuals were faintly forming an array, moving to encircle. Ji Hui, with limited experience, was unaware of the danger she was in. If Jing Chun Daoist had not intervened, Ji Hui would have been captured. By then, Ji Hui would be used as leverage against her, making it hard to manage the situation. Hence, she acted swiftly to bring her disciple back.

However, this involved dozens of lives, requiring utmost caution. Even with ninety percent certainty, further investigation was needed. She said, "You two are right. Long’Er, when night falls, go downstairs to investigate. From their appearance, they should be disguised as merchants. Observe whether they are truly merchants, as genuine trade involves a strict division of goods, horse beasts, personnel arrangements, and labor distribution, which cannot be faked."

"If they truly are disciples of the Flower Cage Sect, you might encounter women in distress. Our Jing Chun Mountain adheres to the chivalrous way, especially at this crucial moment for the Five Great Sword Alliances, we should promote the spirit of chivalry and save whom we can."

"Be extremely careful in your actions."

Wang Long said, "Master, rest assured. The Drizzle Gauze Step you’ve taught me has reached great success. These people are unlikely to detect my presence."

Jing Chun Daoist nodded. Ji Hui asked, "Master, what about me?" Jing Chun Daoist said, "Your lightweight skill is not as good as your senior brother’s, so it’s not suitable for you to show up. I need to practice my skills, so you stay nearby. If there’s anything unusual in sound or smell...inform me immediately."

Wang Long said, "Junior sister, protect the master." Ji Hui felt a bit disappointed but complied. Jing Chun Daoist, with her experience, knew the Flower Cage Sect had many tricks against women, and if Ji Hui went out, she might be captured. So, another reason was found to keep her nearby.

With this arrangement, Wang Long waited until late at night, eavesdropping on the inn’s movements. The night wind and snow howled relentlessly, very noisy. Laughter and quarrels resounded in the hall, lasting over half an hour, gradually quieting down, and Wang Long guessed they had all gone to sleep.

He immediately sneaked out of the room, using the Drizzle Gauze Step for light and silent movement. This lightweight skill was quite advanced, like March rain gently tapping silk draperies, landing like fine rain on gauze. At that moment, amidst flying snow, Wang Long seemed like fine rain within the snow, blending into the world, hard to detect.

The inn was large. The stables were far from the guest rooms, with the waiter tidying up the hall, cleaning dishes. Wang Long passed through a green corridor, seeing many snow-covered scenes, feeling a bit sentimental.

Upon reaching the stables, Wang Long counted a total of thirty-two horse beasts. Observing hoofs, horse backs, and other details, they bore signs of carrying heavy loads and traveling far. He employed the ’Wind-Sniffing Nose,’ closely examining the smell here.

This ’Wind-Sniffing Nose’ is a rare investigative martial art. Jing Chun Mountain has ties with the ’Yue Mountain Sword Sect,’ relevant to the current situation. The ’Wind-Sniffing Nose’ originates from Yue Mountain Sword Sect. It’s said that experts there can discern appearances and foresee fortune by just scenting the air.

Wang Long took a gentle sniff. Various strange scents, like sweat, musk, and alcohol, surged in, indicating what goods the horse beasts had carried: alcohol, honey, and more. He thought, "It seems the master is overly suspicious. This is just an ordinary merchant caravan, transporting alcohol and honey for sale. Although their teasing of Junior Sister Ji was indeed vile, considering her beauty, it’s no wonder I felt my heart race, let alone them. Thinking this way, it’s understandable."

Suddenly, footsteps were heard. Wang Long leaped onto the roof, landing lightly and silently, crouching to hide. He saw two guards holding long spears, positioned on either side, guarding the stables. After observing for a while, he quietly slipped away.

He was now eighty percent sure this group was indeed a long-distance merchant team. But thinking of the master’s command, he felt obligated to complete the task. He then located the warehouse storing trade goods for further investigation.

The room was filled with wooden boxes of various sizes, all locked. Sniffing with ’Wind-Sniffing Nose,’ he discerned the contents of the boxes. After making a round, his suspicions lessened, letting out a sigh of relief.

Suddenly, a wooden box attracted his attention, two bees frozen on top. Sniffing more closely, he detected a faint floral fragrance from inside, thinking, "Could it be filled with flowers? But if it were flowers, the scent should be stronger." Without lingering, he quickly left, stealthily returning to his room to report the situation.

Jing Chun Daoist uttered, "Oh?" thinking, "Could I have indeed misjudged? However, what I saw and heard in the hall earlier was very much in line with the Flower Cage Sect’s style. The Flower Cage Sect is not strong, but they excel in sophisticated arrays. Once the encirclement forms, it’s hard to escape. Yet, many sects specialize in arrays, like the Golden Body Sect, the Three-Saber Willow Destruction Sect...all skilled in arrays. To conclude it’s the Flower Cage Sect based merely on this would indeed be premature."

Her brows furrowed slightly, and despite comforting herself in various ways, she couldn’t fully dispel doubts. She questioned Wang Long about the details again. Wang Long recounted, and Jing Chun Daoist noted a point of suspicion, saying, "Floral scent?"