Chapter 601 - 332: Schemes and Stratagems
Chapter 601: Chapter 332: Schemes and Stratagems
The journey here was like a bolt of lightning, yet the return was anything but swift.
You Zong’s legs were broken, rendering his Lightweight Technique useless.
Liu Zhaohua was severely injured; although she possessed the Supreme Celestial Sound secret technique, after having been through numerous bloody battles, she could hardly sustain herself.
Now that her nerves relaxed, she felt pain all over her body.
Liu Qingyan, however, had nothing to say; she was in perfect condition, just here to watch the drama unfold.
But there were also three prisoners on the side.
The young general was still in relatively good shape, but Gongsun Zongheng was in a bad way.
One hand and one leg were pierced by an Iron Spear.
One eye was blinded by Chu Qing’s flick.
If not for the True Qi of the Immortal Will of Cangming, with such injuries, he would certainly have died.
Yet now, even if he wasn’t dead, he was barely hanging on.
Then there was Ning Wufang, who came out of nowhere...
This journey back was indeed crowded, and more than one was incapacitated.
So the speed could only slow down.
When they arrived at Huangchuan Crossing, Chu Qing bought two horse carriages to place those unable to move on them, and they all boarded a ferry together.
The waters were calm on board, and the weather was fair after getting off the boat.
If not for the impending major event at Celestial Sound Mansion, such a day would be quite suitable for a countryside outing.
Then they rode the horses at a gallop.
Chu Qing was still on the lookout for possible pursuers, and as it turned out, they met up with the people sent by Liu Zhaonian to assist them, and even traveled all the way to the Celestial Sound Mansion without encountering any pursuers.
Liu Zhaonian came personally to meet them, and Liu Zhaohua went up to discuss the situation with him while others took Ning Wufang, the young general of the Celestial Evil Cult, and Gongsun Zongheng away.
The process went smoothly, without distant arrows piercing anyone’s necks.
"When things stray from the norm... there’s likely something amiss."
You Zong leaned against the carriage, observing the tranquil Celestial Sound Mansion, and spoke to Chu Qing with a face full of gravity.
Chu Qing’s expression did not change at all, he simply said softly:
"Amiss... might already be among us."
"Ah?"
You Zong was taken aback:
"Me?"
"No..."
Chu Qing was at a loss for words:
"That Ning Wufang, over the past two days, have you noticed anything unusual about him?"
"... I didn’t detect anything abnormal, do you suspect him?"
"It’s more than just suspicion."
Chu Qing said plainly:
"This person definitely has issues... his timing was too coincidental, and his martial arts are far from as simple as they appear."
Chu Qing had a broad knowledge of martial arts, and although Ning Wufang hid it well, he ultimately crossed paths with Chu Qing.
In that instant, Chu Qing discerned the other party’s intent to play dumb.
Thus, pricking his acupoints and bringing him back to Celestial Sound Mansion was merely following the plan.
On the journey, placing You Zong, the young general, Gongsun Zongheng, and others together, was intended for You Zong to observe this person.
"But... throughout the journey, he didn’t make a move."
You Zong remained skeptical.
Chu Qing laughed and said:
"Then it indicates that his target is not the person from the Celestial Evil Cult but directly aims at the Celestial Sound Mansion."
If the fire signal of fireworks proved ineffective, the young general wouldn’t have ignited it rashly.
But the fire signal was set off, yet no one arrived... perhaps, it was not because no one came, but rather, they came, yet were unaware.
Ning Wufang, with highly concealed martial arts and suspicious behavior, didn’t appear innocent in any way.
Therefore, Chu Qing didn’t hesitate at all and directly tied him up and brought him back.
"So we need to keep a close eye on him?"
"We’ll assess the situation specifically... who says we must strictly adhere to the rules? Besides... even if there’s a misunderstanding, what’s the harm?"
"... Earlier you sent me to the Duan family’s territory; you didn’t expect to find that final letter, right?"
Upon hearing Chu Qing’s words, You Zong suddenly changed the topic.
Chu Qing raised an eyebrow:
"So, the letter is indeed genuine, isn’t it?"
"It’s real, it definitely is!"
You Zong hurriedly said:
"I felt you were truly unconventional, implying that even if nothing was found, I could make something up... in the end, it was found.
"Now, although you know Ning Wufang has significant issues, the best method is to watch and wait, yet you could have implemented severe punishment before he even revealed a fault.
"Not even worrying about potential misunderstandings...
"You’ve gone to some lengths to achieve your goals."
Chu Qing smiled:
"Opponents like the Three Emperors and Five Sovereigns are no ordinary characters; extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures..."
"Makes sense!"
You Zong nodded repeatedly:
"In this regard, you surpass that bastard Shang Qiuyu, who’s like an old pedant; I really wonder what Tong’Er’s mother saw in him?"
Chu Qing’s ears perked up, sensing a tinge of unspeakable bitterness in You Zong’s words.
This allowed Chu Qing to keenly detect the scent of gossip.
However, before Chu Qing could inquire further, Liu Zhaonian and the others had already arrived.
They invited Chu Qing and others to discuss matters at Five Tones Hall.
The attendees were few; besides Chu Qing, You Zong, and the siblings Liu Zhaonian and Liu Zhaohua, both Wu Qianhuan and Gentle were also invited.
Seeing Chu Qing return, they said nothing more, merely nodding.
The group seated according to rank, Chu Qing gave everyone present a sweep, and was the first to speak:
"Where is Han Yiren now?"
"He is currently accommodated within Celestial Sound Mansion."
Liu Zhaonian immediately replied.
"Has there been any reckless actions these days?"
"Not yet."
Hearing Liu Zhaonian’s words, Chu Qing nodded:
"I will go see him tonight... earlier that day, I arrived in a hurry and left hastily, some matters remain unclear."