Chen Yi sized up the figure, even using his Qi Observation Skill.

He was sure.

It was Liu Lang.

He now sported a small mustache, and his complexion was pale, no longer ruddy as before. His clothes, appearance, and even the weapon at his waist were different.

But this was, without a doubt, the "Sword Madman" Liu Lang—the man who had plundered the Xiao Family’s medicinal herbs.

However, the Liu Lang of this moment was severely injured.

The gash on his chest had not only caused him to lose a great deal of blood, but it had also severely damaged his internal organs and the Sea of Qi at his Chest Acupoint.

Seeing Chen Yi’s silence, Wang Ji glanced at the seemingly oblivious Liu Lang and asked in a low voice:

"Is something wrong?"

Since they weren’t in a private room, he didn’t dare address him as "sir."

Chen Yi shook his head slightly and said with a smile, "Boss Wang, your business has certainly grown. It’s indeed time to hire a few skilled hands from the Jianghu."

Hearing the voice, Liu Lang turned his head. His gaze swept past Wang Ji and fell on Chen Yi, and he froze for a moment.

He recognized Chen Yi’s identity—the husband of Xiao Jinghong, the woman who had defeated him in a single move.

But it was precisely because he recognized Chen Yi that he couldn’t help but feel a pang of regret.

’For a remarkable woman like Xiao Jinghong to choose a man who is so clearly beneath her as a husband, all for the sake of the Xiao Family’s interests...’

’How pathetic. How lamentable. What a pity.’

With this in mind, Liu Lang rose and cupped his fist. "Shopkeeper, do you have any instructions for me?"

Wang Ji shook his head, then introduced him to Chen Yi. "This is Brother Liu Yun. His Saber Technique is very formidable."

"During the tryouts this afternoon, he defeated several of the men at the entrance with a single slash. He claims he isn’t afraid of the Evil Demons from the Illusory Sound Sect who came that night."

Chen Yi grunted in acknowledgment and greeted Liu Lang—or rather, Liu Yun:

"Chen Yi from Jishi Medicine Hall, courtesy name Qingzhou. I’ve long been an admirer of Brother Liu’s great name."

The corner of Liu Lang’s mouth twitched. ’This man is quite the hypocrite,’ he thought.

’I’m just a nameless nobody in the Jianghu right now. What’s there to admire?’

"I know you. General Jinghong’s husband, right?"

Chen Yi smiled. "My wife is a bit more famous than I am, so it’s not strange that Brother Liu would know of me."

Liu Lang nodded. Seeing that they had no further business with him, he sat back down in his chair.

He might have been defeated by Xiao Jinghong, but he was still a Fifth Grade Realm Swordman who had earned the title "Sword Madman." A certain amount of pride was inevitable.

A frail-looking scholar was hardly worth his notice.

’So what if he’s the Xiao Family’s live-in son-in-law, Xiao Jinghong’s husband?’

Though Chen Yi didn’t know his exact thoughts, he could guess the gist of them. He said no more and started walking toward the exit.

Wang Ji followed, an embarrassed look on his face. "He’s new and doesn’t quite understand the rules yet. Please... don’t take offense."

Chen Yi raised a hand, tracing a few words on Wang Ji’s back as he spoke:

"No need to see me out, Boss Wang. It’s getting late, so I won’t impose any further."

Sensing the message, Wang Ji resisted the urge to look back and nodded in understanding. "Take care. I won’t see you out."

He hadn’t expected the Wandering Martial Artist found by the brokerage to actually attract his lord’s attention, even earning instructions to be taken care of and watched closely.

’On second thought, this must be a good thing. It means I found the right man for the job.’

If Chen Yi knew what Wang Ji was thinking, he probably would have laughed until his sides ached.

He only wanted to find out why Liu Lang was disguised and hiding in Hundred Herbs Hall, and who was responsible for his injuries.

After all, the loss of the Xiao Family’s medicinal herbs that night was, in some way, connected to Liu Lang.

’But he’s probably not in league with the Liu Family. Otherwise, Shen Huatang would never have made it back that night.’

As Chen Yi pondered this, he glanced up at the completely dark sky and quickened his pace toward the Xiao estate.

He had spent more time at Hundred Herbs Hall than he’d realized. He wondered if Xiaodie and the others were back yet.

But just as he passed a tavern, a voice called out from a dark alley nearby.

"Shopkeeper Chen?"

Chen Yi’s steps faltered. He glanced to the side.

A middle-aged man in black was staring at him with a vicious grin, a gleaming dagger in his hand.

Instantly, the hair on the back of Chen Yi’s neck stood up. His Black Tortoise Concealment Technique faltered, and he was immediately on high alert.

"And you are?"

"Shopkeeper Chen, come with us. Someone wants to see you."

’Us?’

Chen Yi heard footsteps approaching from both the front and back. Realizing he was surrounded, he calmly asked:

"I wonder who it is that wants to see me? Putting on such a grand display... you’ve frightened me a little."

As soon as the words left his mouth, someone from behind gave him a hard shove. Chen Yi went with the force, stumbling into the alley.

"Just go where you’re told and cut the chatter."

Chen Yi feigned a few stumbles before straightening up and sweeping his gaze around. He instantly had a measure of the situation.

’Three at the Ninth Grade Realm, two at the Eighth Grade Realm... I can handle this.’

However, he was in a bustling part of the city, and he only had two choices.

Either he could reveal his Martial Arts Cultivation, or he could go with them and see what this was all about.

Chen Yi quickly made his decision. He felt for the Immortal Drunk in his sleeve and said, "Lead the way."

’Might as well go and see.’

’I’ll see who’s so bold as to send people to ambush me right on the street.’

’Are they so sure I won’t be able to resist?’

The burly Wandering Martial Artists exchanged a glance and sheathed their weapons.

The middle-aged man in the lead nodded, his smile not reaching his eyes. "A wise choice."

"Shopkeeper Chen, after you."

Though he said "after you," the five Wandering Martial Artists immediately formed a circle around Chen Yi, blocking him from the view of any passersby.

But their efforts were clearly unnecessary.

Even in the relatively prosperous Shu State Prefecture City, the alleys were poorly lit after nightfall.

Only when passing the occasional wealthy household would the lanterns hanging by the door cast enough light to illuminate a few feet of ground.

Walking calmly in their midst, shrouded in shadow, Chen Yi memorized the route and kept track of their direction.

They walked for about an hour.

They traveled from the west side of the city to North City, to a location that was, surprisingly, not more than two miles from the Xiao estate.

Chen Yi looked at the large, high-gated courtyard before him. There was no plaque identifying the residence. He raised an eyebrow.

’This person certainly is bold.’

’To be this close to the Xiao estate... aren’t they afraid of being discovered?’

’The darkest place is under the lamp, I suppose.’

Just then, the burly middle-aged man knocked on the gate. It opened, and he stepped aside. "Please, Shopkeeper Chen."

Chen Yi glanced at him, deactivated his Black Tortoise Concealment Technique, and stepped into the courtyard, his True Essence beginning to circulate slowly within him.

Inside was a two-courtyard compound.

The front courtyard was rather plain, but the rear courtyard was brightly lit, where he could faintly make out a four-story wooden building with flying eaves.

’Looks like they have a powerful backer.’

’Who could it be?’

Chen Yi thought for a moment, and three possibilities came to mind.

The first was the group that had previously forced him to flee his own wedding.

However, that was unlikely.

Given the strange Cultivation Techniques they used, they were unlikely to send a few common Wandering Martial Artists.

The second was the Hidden Guard.

This was also unlikely.

The Hidden Guard always operated in secret. Exposing their movements and faces as they had today was clearly inconsistent with their identity and methods.

That left only one last possibility...

Just then, Chen Yi’s ears picked up the sounds of breathing and conversation from the tall wooden building.

’One, two... five. Five people inside, too.’

Chen Yi glanced back and saw that his escorts were still behind him. He smiled and asked:

"Is your master inside?"

Seeing that Chen Yi could still smile, a vicious look appeared on the burly man’s face. "To be so calm when you’re about to die... you’re really something."

’Die?’

Chen Yi pointed to himself. "You’re going to kill me?"

"Whether you live or die isn’t for us to decide. Get in!"

Shoved again, Chen Yi shot the man a look, dusted off his clothes, and walked into the wooden building.

Inside the hall were five people.

At the head of the hall sat a young man in brocade robes. He had refined, handsome features, but his expression was somewhat sinister.

Among the other four,

two were seated on either side. They were both older and were scrutinizing him.

The remaining two were clearly guards, standing behind the young man.

SLAM.

The door closed behind him.

Chen Yi knew the guards who had brought him were now standing watch outside. He turned to the people in the hall and performed a formal bow.

"Chen Yi, courtesy name Qingzhou. My greetings to you all."

The young man scoffed, his laughter growing louder. "Did you all see that? He’s still so prim and proper, even now."

"He really doesn’t know the meaning of fear, haha..."

An old man beside him stroked his beard. "Young Master, although he is the Xiao Family’s live-in son-in-law, he was born and raised in the Chen Family of Jiangnan Prefecture."

"His scholarship is not lacking, nor is his grasp of etiquette."

Hearing this, the young man stopped laughing. He looked Chen Yi up and down and nodded as if in agreement.

"A man of letters should indeed conduct himself this way."

With that, he rose to his feet and returned the formal bow. "Liu Jing of Jing State, courtesy name Liu Huanzhi. My greetings, Brother Chen."

A glint flashed in Chen Yi’s eyes. "I’ve long admired Brother Liu’s great name."

’So, it really is the Liu Family of Jing State.’

’Looks like my chances today are indeed slim.’