Chapter 18: Shrouded in Shadows, Clues Severed

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Clutching his crude sword, Qin Anyu calmly faced the advancing man, his mind racing.

“Since we’re inside the city, if I don’t force him out or cause a big commotion, the city troops won’t intervene.”

“My internal organs have been reforged, and this time I’ve even gone through bone refinement—I should be able to handle a few moves from him.”

“He has a soul ring; I could take it and keep it for myself or give it to the girl.”

“He’s mid-stage Qi Refinement, so he should know about this organization. If I attack with soul force again, I must be careful not to kill him. I have to advance to Qi Refinement soon, or the soul-searching technique won’t work.”

“As long as I can get it from him…”

Lost in thought, he suddenly realized the man had turned and fled, leaping onto the roof of the rear building, laughing loudly: “Qin Anyu, I don’t want to fight you today. Don’t worry, you won’t escape being captured.”

So all his previous words were nonsense—not a single one true.

Snapping out of his shock, Qin Anyu shouted, “You’re a Qi Refinement stage, scared off by someone at the Qi Nourishing stage—can you be any more shameless?”

An exalted Immortal Emperor, being toyed with by a mere shrimp.

It was utterly shameless—the first time in history he'd encountered such brazen audacity.

Before, he wouldn’t have minded, but the original owner was furious... he was desperate to find clues about Qin Zhan and his wife, so he too became somewhat angry.

The man laughed again: “Good things are worth the wait. Sooner or later, you and your siblings will all be ours.”

Feeling a surge of blood heat, Qin Anyu silently vowed, “With me here, they won’t accomplish anything.”

He walked to the stone table, grabbed bowls and dishes, and hurled them with a swift whoosh.

The man laughed and leaped sideways, dodging the flying ceramics and wine jars.

Qin Anyu swung his sword at a pillar in the back room, splitting it halfway.

Then he kicked it, causing the pillar to break and shift out of place.

The misaligned pillar caused the roof to sag slightly, and tiles slipped down.

He picked up the falling tiles and threw them at the man.

The man’s face turned pale as he leapt toward the neighboring courtyard.

He fled.

Undoubtedly, it stung his pride.

A Qi Refinement stage man fleeing from a Qi Nourishing stage, and having his house torn apart—it was humiliating.

Watching him escape, Qin Anyu felt both anger and amusement.

After meeting countless cultivators, this was the first time he’d seen one act like this—very frustrating.

But with the man gone, the soul ring was lost, and the trail went cold.

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After gathering himself, Qin Anyu ordered the servants to reveal everything they knew and prepare to leave.

Before they could depart, a commotion of footsteps came from outside.

Soon, Wang Fuli arrived with about twenty city soldiers.

Seeing Qin Anyu there, Wang Fuli asked, “Young Master Qin, what are you doing here?”

Qin Anyu was equally surprised: “Why are you here?”

Wang Fuli replied, “Someone reported that bowls and tiles were flying out, damaging their houses.”

Qin Anyu smiled bitterly—how had he not thought of that?

He explained, “The owner of this courtyard is connected to the kidnapping of my parents. We just fought; he escaped.”

Wang Fuli was shocked: “Connected to the kidnapping of the city lord?”

Qin Anyu nodded.

Wang Fuli waved his hand: “Take them for questioning.”

Then he pulled Qin Anyu aside to the backyard: “How do you know this?”

“I’ve been investigating. They’re from the Dali Kingdom. They’ve already killed one in the Qin Mansion; this is the second. Captain Wang, is there any news about my parents in the city?”

Wang Fuli said, “Although the city has an Intelligence Division, it’s internal and limited to Tanzhou Prefecture…”

“Captain Wang, as far as I know, this group has been active in Tanzhou Prefecture for some time, even inside the city. Could you ask the Intelligence Division… Actually, never mind. Just tell me the captain’s name—I’ll look into it myself.”

“Alas, Guo Heng had an accident even before the city lord. Someone sent his belongings to his home as a warning. The city lord was furious and dispatched us all to investigate, but found nothing. And soon after, the city lord himself met his fate.”

Hearing that the Intelligence Division captain Guo Heng’s accident preceded Qin Zhan’s, Qin Anyu fell silent.

Things were becoming more complicated.

Could that organization really be so powerful?

After a pause, he asked, “May I review the Intelligence Division’s documents?”

Wang Fuli nodded, “Of course. You’re the eldest young master of the city lord and have been working hard on Guo Heng’s case.”

Hearing this, Qin Anyu quickly went to the city troops’ headquarters, found the current captain Guo Qi, and explained his purpose.

When Guo Qi heard he wanted to see documents related to Qin Zhan and Guo Heng’s accidents, he readily agreed, summoning a soldier to bring out hundreds of files piled before him.

“Young Master Qin, all are here. Let me know if you need anything.”

Qin Anyu was reading one document and thanked him, then smiled: “Captain Guo, are you related to Guo Heng?”

Guo Qi chuckled, “The names sound alike, but no, we’re from different clans.”

After some casual talk, Guo Qi asked soldier Song Yi to stay and assist, then left for other matters.

Qin Anyu watched Guo Qi’s back until he disappeared, then casually asked, “Brother Song, Captain Guo must be very powerful in combat, right?”

Song Yi replied, “He was just a bit weaker than Guo Heng before. Now, I don’t know.”

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Qin Anyu said no more, focusing on reading the documents.

After reviewing 116 files, he thanked Song Yi and asked him to convey his gratitude to Guo Qi, then left the Intelligence Division.

Walking alone through the busy streets, he headed quickly toward the city outskirts.

Suddenly, he sensed someone rushing toward him.

Turning, he saw Ji Yuan, a good friend from Linxia Sect—someone he often practiced sword techniques with, did squats, and occasionally drank with.

Ji Yuan smiled broadly and turned away.

“Qin Anyu, let’s go drink!”

Hearing the familiar invitation, Qin Anyu immediately agreed: “Alright.”

They found a small tavern and sat down casually.

Ji Yuan patted Qin Anyu’s shoulder in a familiar tone: “I heard about your parents. I hope you’re not too sad.”

Qin Anyu nodded and asked, “What are you doing now?”

Just then, the waiter brought two small wine jars; Ji Yuan grabbed one and handed it over.

After uncorking and sipping, he said, “I’m still cultivating. I refuse to believe that after leaving Linxia Sect I won’t make progress.”

He clinked his jar with Qin Anyu’s: “Are you still with the sect?”

He shook his head: “No.”

After another sip, he said, “I’ll be fourteen soon, but I haven’t reached the Sixth Realm yet. And now my family’s in trouble.”

“How many months until your fourteenth birthday?”

“Already applied; the sect approved immediately.”

“Heh, people like us are dispensable. It’s all about talent and realm. If it came to real combat, how many Sixth or Seventh Realm cultivators could beat us? But it’s all about realms and talent... What about you? Any plans?”

“Cultivate and find my parents.”

“If you need anything, just call.”

“I don’t even know where you are. How can I call?”

“You’re still so blunt. I’m at Mang Mountain, under a giant stone fifteen zhang tall, with a crooked pine on top.”

“Aren’t you afraid the stone will fall?”

“Get lost.”

“...”

They drank, always just a small jar each—roughly two jin of wine—then finished and left.

Qin Anyu wanted to follow Ji Yuan to see his cultivation spot, but he still had business in the city, so they parted ways.