Chapter 35: Making a Move Ahead of Time

The deaths of Wang Bin and Hua Shiniang left Liang Yan and the others filled with sorrow. The three of them composed themselves, dug a large pit in a forest clearing, and buried the ill-fated couple.

Though the two could not share a bed in life, they would at least share a grave in death.

A large white-faced cat was currently perched on Tang Diexian's shoulder. Uncharacteristically, it was not dozing with squinted eyes, but was instead quietly gazing at the grave of its former masters.

Tang Diexian reached out to stroke the white fur on its back and asked softly, "Chu Ba, do you feel heartache for Sister Shiniang too?"

Chu Ba let out a meow and turned to lick her palm, seemingly in response.

Tang Diexian pulled it into her arms and said with an affectionate expression, "You'll follow me from now on. No one will dare bully you."

Standing to the side, Chen Zhuoan spent a moment mourning the two. He turned to Tang Diexian and said, "Previously, when Miss saved my life on the Luling River, I should not have kept things from my benefactor. However, the matter involves imperial secrets and the future of the common people; I had to be cautious. After all, if the truth were exposed, I would be guilty beyond any possible redemption, even if I died ten thousand times over."

Liang Yan smiled from the side and asked, "So, you want to tell us now?"

"Exactly!" Chen Zhuoan said. "Although I do not know why you two were following me, I can assure you that I am definitely not one of Li Hong's men. Otherwise, I would have simply killed you to take the map just now."

Liang Yan nodded inwardly. Chen Zhuoan was quite perceptive. The martial skills Tang Diexian had displayed were far superior to his own; if he truly belonged to Li Hong's faction, he would have simply killed them to seize the map. The fact that he was still alive proved that Tang Diexian and Liang Yan were not on Li Hong's side.

Chen Zhuoan took a deep breath and told Tang Diexian and Liang Yan the full truth regarding the purpose of the "Exterminating Treason Society" and the matter of the fake imperial decree. The details were exactly as Liang Yan had previously investigated, with some specifics being even clearer.

After listening to him finish, Liang Yan's expression remained unchanged. He simply asked indifferently, "You didn't tell us before, but now you choose to speak. What is your intention?"

Chen Zhuoan said solemnly, "I have observed that Miss Tang and young brother Liang act with the spirit of chivalry. Since this matter concerns the livelihood of the people and the stability of the nation, I would like to invite you both to join us in retrieving this fake decree, entering the capital to meet the Emperor, and cleansing the imperial court."

Liang Yan's heart stirred. After a brief moment of contemplation, he said, "It is not impossible for us to help you, but my Clan Master has ordered that during this journey down the mountain, we are not to associate with those in officialdom. How about this: the two of us will temporarily join your 'Exterminating Treason Society' until you have obtained the fake decree and safely left Yongle Town. As for anything beyond that, I'm afraid we cannot help."

The reason Liang Yan said this was not because his sense of chivalry was overflowing. Both he and Tang Diexian were cultivators; they had little interest in secular affairs and cared little about who sat on the throne. Their goal was simply to find the fake decree, which might lead them to Tang Tiannan and allow them to investigate the hidden cultivation forces lurking in the town.

Seeing his agreement, Chen Zhuoan was overjoyed. He nodded and said, "That works. As long as we successfully retrieve the fake decree and bring it safely out of Yongle Town, we will have our own ways to deliver it to the capital."

"Do you have a plan now?" Tang Diexian asked from the side.

After a moment of thought, Chen Zhuoan said, "I originally intended to act once all eight Hall Masters had gathered. But it seems Xiang Anran already knows everything about us and has even planted a mole among us. Our only course of action now is to strike early to seize the initiative!"

Liang Yan nodded silently and asked, "When do we move?"

Chen Zhuoan said in a heavy voice, "Tomorrow night, at the Hour of the Rat!"

***

That night, all was calm within the Laifu Inn. The disappearance of Hua Shiniang and the other two seemed to have caused not even a ripple.

Liang Yan and Tang Diexian also retired to their rooms early. Little did they know that several miles away, in the Kong residence, six dark shadows had gathered.

The six shadows were positioned in the six corners of the inner courtyard, each maintaining a significant distance from the others.

One of them suddenly spoke, "How is the progress?"

The courtyard fell silent. After a long pause, one person replied, "Progress has not been smooth. The Gengjin Spirit-Breaking Array is inconsistent. So far, we have only reached eighty zhang underground."

"Eighty zhang..."

The first person muttered, "Too slow. At this rate, it might take another six months..."

Another shadow interjected, "Counting the time elapsed, it has already been two years since we began the extermination of the Kong Xiang family. The Yixing Pavilion might already be suspicious; there is no guarantee they won't send disciples to investigate."

The first speaker snorted coldly. "Number Three, do you think I haven't considered that? I have been on guard against this. A mere branch of a spirit mine holds little attraction for a behemoth like the Yixing Pavilion. At most, they will send an outer disciple at the fourth or fifth level of Qi Refinement to scout. As long as you follow my instructions and monitor the suspicious individuals in your respective areas, it will be fine. Once a cultivator is spotted, leave a signal mark at the designated location in the city immediately."

The shadow called "Number Three" fell silent for a moment before saying, "You are Number Two, and you command the five of us. Since you have it under control, I will say no more. I only hope that caution is our best defense; after all, the Yixing Pavilion is not someone we can afford to provoke."

Another shadow spoke up, "Among us, only Number Five is proficient in formations. Relying solely on him to manage the Gengjin Spirit-Breaking Array is too slow. Should we apply to the President to send another formation expert to assist?"

"Number Two" replied, "That must be considered carefully. Everyone in the Society is currently occupied with vital tasks. Sending the six of us here was already a significant investment. Furthermore, if another person joins, we will have to split our rewards. Are you all truly willing to give up a portion of what we've worked for after waiting here for two years?"

At these words, the others fell into silence.

Seeing his goal achieved, "Number Two" spoke again, "Alright, don't overthink it. The treasures beneath the mine are extraordinary. The President places great importance on this mission. We are honored to be chosen by him for this great task; we must not disappoint him. If we successfully obtain the treasure, the President might be in a good mood and grant us rewards."

The shadows present all agreed: "We follow Number Two's orders!"

"Number Two" seemed quite satisfied. "I have divided Yongle Town into six zones, with each of us guarding one. You must fulfill your duties. If you spot any investigative disciples from the Yixing Pavilion, notify the others immediately with the signal and eliminate them at once. Remember, though the Yixing Pavilion is a great sect, an investigative disciple is but a lone individual. They stand no chance of survival against the six of us!"

He paused, then continued, "Moreover, there is the elusive 'Number One' in town. Although he does not participate in our secret meetings, he may assist us from the shadows at any time. So, rest easy; no waves will be stirred."

The others nodded in agreement. "Number Two" seemed to remember something else and added, "Also, Number Four, you must pay attention to the matter of the fake imperial decree. The President wants to support Li Hong; since Li Hong caused this mess, we must lend him a hand."

A voice chuckled from the darkness, "Hehe, don't you worry. I have already made arrangements at the Laifu Inn; everything is under my control. It's laughable that those mortals like Chen Zhuoan think they can make a difference. They don't realize that the moment they obtain the fake decree will be the day of their destruction."

The voice was old and slick. Had Liang Yan been there, he would have recognized it immediately: it was the same old man who had once read their fortunes.

"Number Two" nodded with satisfaction. "As long as you are mindful, do not be careless. Very well, that is all for today. Disperse."

With the discussion concluded, the shadows merged back into the darkness. In the blink of an eye, the large courtyard was empty and silent once more.

Liang Yan, far away at the Laifu Inn, was naturally unaware of this secret meeting. Had he known, he would have breathed a sigh of relief; fortunately, on the night he and Tang Diexian had scouted the Kong residence, these six men had not been meeting there. Otherwise, it would have been a battle of life and death.

After resting for the night, Liang Yan and Tang Diexian did not go out the next day. They remained in their room practicing their cultivation until the Hour of the Rat, when they finally finished. As they pushed open their door and walked down to the large courtyard, they saw four people already standing there: Chen Zhuoan, Min Rou, Chu Laosan, and Xu Fangke.

Seeing them arrive, Chen Zhuoan cupped his hands and smiled. "Miss Tang and Brother Liang have arrived. The group is complete. Let us go and retrieve that fake decree!"

(End of Chapter)