Chapter 380: Leaving (1/2)
Chapter 380: Leaving
Translator: YHEditor: TYZ/KLKL
Ai Hui observed Silver Soldier - his position beside the Karakorum Savant, the way he talked leisurely with the Elders - and saw a man born destined for great things.
His mild sorrow began to fade and was soon replaced by a slight tinge of happiness.
Regardless of how the lines of fate intertwined, regardless of what Brother Li Wei had experienced during these tumultuous three years, being alive was a good reason to be happy.
Ah, I should find a time to visit Senior Mingxiu.
Ai Hui thought to himself.
After talking to the Elders, the two of them went back to see Madam Ye.
The Karakorum Savant respectfully addressed her, ”Aunt Ye.”
Silver Soldier bowed, ”Madam.”
Ai Hui noticed that they addressed Madam Ye differently. The way things looked, Heng Bingfeng appeared to be closely related to the Ye Residence. Ai Hui guessed that Heng Bingfeng must have been a core member of the Assembly of Patriarchs, just like the old prisoner. No wonder Madam Ye seemed to be closely related to the Assembly of Patriarchs as well.
Madam Ye beamed at the two of them and began to introduce Ai Hui, ”This is Mister Chu Zhaoyang. He has exceptional swordsmanship and previously saved Xiaobao and I. We’re all one big family and I’d like for the three of you to know each other better.”
Karakorum Savant said to Silver Soldier, ”Zhaoyang has excellent swordsmanship, and I hope that he can assist me in compiling a swordsmanship encyclopedia.”
Ai Hui humbly replied, ”My swordsmanship cannot be compared to that of Chief. My thanks to the two of you for saving my life in the nick of time.”
”Brother Chu, you are too humble. We’d have been in deep trouble if you hadn’t dealt such a heavy blow to the grass-lotus puppet,” replied Silver Soldier.
Madam Ye laughed, ”Alright, alright, all this modesty is making me tired. Give me a moment, we’ll speak again later.”
She turned towards Xiao Shuren and said, ”Madam Xiao, you must have been frightened. We still need you to cooperate with the Elders Guild in their investigation of the matter. I sincerely apologize.”
After hearing what Madam Ye said, Ai Hui couldn’t help but glance at Xiao Shuren. She had completely preempted Madam Ye’s actions.
Xiao Shuren did not look at Ai Hui, her eyes were fixed on Madam Ye instead. The corner of her mouth curved up in contempt as she spoke, ”Madam, are you burning bridges now? Didn’t you promise to ensure my safety when I disclosed the location of the treasures? Are you trying to go back on your words?”
All eyes were on Madam Ye. Suspicion filled the air.
Ai Hui mused that she was really cunning!
Xiao Shuren’s move was truly brilliant.
Madam Ye immediately stopped smiling and said in a serious manner, ”Madam Xiao, are you trying to mislead the public? Wrong move. Don’t forget that there’s still the Judgement Division, and you won’t be able to fool them. I urge that you think before you speak.”
Her rebuttal greatly reduced the number of suspicious looks from the crowd.
Surveillance, Judgement, and Dread were the ever mysterious three central divisions. The Surveillance Division was specialised in gathering intelligence, the Judgement Division gave unparalleled judgment, while the Dread Division was also known as the ”King of Warfare”.
Once the Judgement Division became involved in an investigation, attempting to falsify information would only end badly. The Surveillance Division had a myriad of methods at its disposal. It was practically impossible for any criminal to evade their inquisition.
Xiao Shuren became even more sarcastic. ”That’s true, why should a high and mighty person like you keep your promise to a small fry like me? You used me as bait, and even used me as Chu Zhaoyang’s shield. But a word of warning, Mr Chu Zhaoyang, even though you’ve saved their lives before, she has never truly considered you as one of them. Why else would she leave you alone in Ye Residence?”
Madam Ye furrowed her brows, ”What a load of nonsense!”
She felt an ominous premonition as she looked into the lucid eyes of this seemingly insane woman.
‘Spouting rubbish like that, isn’t she worried that I’ll just finish her off right now?’
Unless…
Madam Ye’s heart was beating wildly.
Ai Hui silently observed Xiao Shuren since he already knew what she was going to do. Xiao Shuren had not looked at Ai Hui the whole time, but Ai Hui knew that whatever she was doing was meant to remove all suspicions from him. After this, nobody would think that Ai Hui had the ancient treasure.
Even though he already knew that Xiao Shuren didn’t have long to live and was doing all these things for her son, Ai Hui invariably still felt sad about what was about to happen next.
”An ancient treasure that even Grandmaster Dai covets. It was first rumoured to be related to the swordsmanship, and shortly after it landed in the hands of Karakorum. Next thing you know, I was sent to the Ye Residence. Madam Ye, isn’t this too much of a coincidence? Since you’ve spent so much effort obtaining it, I hope you manage to utilize it well.”
Her words immediately made everyone else suspect Madam Ye again.
An eerie smile appeared on Xiao Shuren’s face.
Madam Ye suddenly shouted, ”Stop her, she’s going to commit suicide!”
Just as she finished her sentence, Xiao Shuren’s body began to crumble into a pool of sand. The upper half of her body lay in the sand, her beautiful face was like that of a lifeless doll.
”Transfigured elementalist!”
The crowd was stunned by this sudden turn of events.
Madam Ye stared blankly at the sand, recovering after a moment. She had a perplexed look on her face.
Her plan had gone perfectly, and the Ling Residence was finished. To think that this Xiao Shuren would give her a direct hit just as she was about to enjoy her sweet victory.
Madam Ye knew she was in big trouble.
It was going to be hard for her to maintain her innocence and prove that she didn’t know anything about the ancient treasure. What’s more, now that it was exposed, her relationship with Chu Zhaoyang was going to be equally difficult to explain.
Xiao Shuren’s last offensive was merciless.