Chapter 42

This is the truth, and Tie Miaqing nodded in agreement, thinking that such a big event would surely spread throughout the ancient tomb wasteland.

Yu Qing had nothing to say either, agreeing that what Sun Ping said made sense, and could only wait for news.

He also felt relieved, as long as they were willing to give time to figure out the truth. After learning about the death of the Qixia old demon, they would know there was nowhere to claim rewards and would not make things difficult.

At the same time, he was very troubled, realizing he had dug himself into a hole.

If he had known the truth behind it earlier, he could have just said that Qixia was killed, and there would have been no need to go through the charade. Now, he dared not explain how he knew the words "safe or not," and had to tough it out and help find the damn fire cricket.

Since things were temporarily peaceful, Yu Qing picked up the metal tube containing the painting, and called Xu Fei and Chong'er to help find the half of the painting that Tie Miaqing had thrown away, not knowing where the wind had blown it.

The painting must be found. As long as they could leave this place, he had to do his best to complete the task given by Asheng.

Tie Miaqing did not stop him and said to Sun Ping, "I accidentally lost it, help me find it." At the same time, she gave Sun Ping a look, signaling him to keep an eye on things.

Sun Ping understood and went along.

They followed the direction the wind had blown the painting, searching around the mountain slope.

Taking advantage of the opportunity when the group had spread out a bit, Yu Qing quickly reached Xu Fei's side, glanced at Sun Ping a few yards away, and whispered, "Did you tell them about me killing the demon cultivator with my bow and arrow?" Referring to the killing of Heiyun Xiao.

Xu Fei whispered back, "No."

Yu Qing raised an eyebrow, "You didn't confess? You have such a strong backbone?"

This question was a bit insulting, and Xu Fei's tone became a bit urgent, "What should I confess? They didn't even ask. After confirming our identities as candidates, they just brought me back."

Yu Qing: "You didn't tell them how you got the spirit rice, right?"

Xu Fei sighed, "No, I already said, they didn't ask much. Don't scare yourself."

Yu Qing thought about it and agreed. When Xu Fei and Chong'er were taken away for questioning, the spirit rice on his body had not been exposed yet. However, he still warned, "Xu brother, you can't say anything about the spirit rice. If someone asks where it came from, just say you solved a riddle. Got it?"

Xu Fei: "Hey, do I need you to tell me that? How dare I leak information about deceiving the state governor? As long as you keep your mouth shut, I'll be grateful."

Yu Qing warned again, "You can't say anything about killing the demon cultivator either. Who knows if they have any connections with those demon cultivators? Don't make things worse." In fact, he was afraid of retaliation from the demon cultivators. It was clear that those demon cultivators were in groups, and the one he killed might have had companions.

Xu Fei nodded, indicating he understood, but was curious and tugged on Yu Qing's sleeve, "Asheng brother, can you really predict things?" He was deeply impressed by the scene where Yu Qing drew a talisman with his sword.

Yu Qing snorted, this had to be explained, as it would not be good for 'Asheng' if it spread. He countered, "Do you really believe that?"

Xu Fei became even more puzzled, "Then how did you know she had a husband, and that her husband was in trouble?" At that time, his direct statements had amazed him, and he remembered the reactions of Tie Miaqing and others, who were clearly shocked.

Yu Qing, with a curious look, asked him, "How old do you think she is?"

"Uh..." Xu Fei pondered the meaning of his question, glanced at Sun Ping who occasionally glanced their way, and whispered, "She looks young, but I think she's at least thirty."

Yu Qing, while searching for the painting, said, "Not completely blind, just read too much. Xu brother, the prettier the flower, the more likely it is to be picked. With her looks, it's hard for her to stay in seclusion. At her age, do you believe she's still a virgin, or that she's still unmarried?"

Xu Fei admitted, somewhat surprised, "I didn't expect Asheng brother to be so young and yet so knowledgeable about women!"

Yu Qing chuckled, it was all taught by his junior uncle, but he wouldn't reveal the truth.

Xu Fei still didn't understand, "What does this have to do with her husband being in trouble?"

Yu Qing looked at him as if he were an idiot, wondering what was in his head and how he passed the imperial examination.

He just wanted to tell him that if he hadn't reacted quickly, the three of them would have been dead. The four thousand taels he would give later would not be in vain.

He was already thinking that he couldn't keep the four thousand taels.

Xu Fei read the look in his eyes and smiled awkwardly, still not understanding the cause and effect.

Since he couldn't figure it out, Yu Qing didn't want to explain too much. Saying too much might not be a good thing. As long as he knew that 'Asheng' couldn't predict things, his goal was achieved.

"It's in the tree."

Suddenly, Chong'er's voice rang out. The two of them and the nearby Sun Ping all looked over. Chong'er pointed to a tree, indicating to them. The three quickly approached and looked up, indeed seeing the half of the painting hanging in the branches.

Yu Qing leaped up, grabbed the painting, and upon landing, unfolded it to check. It was fine, undamaged. The paper of the painting, once touched, was known to be special, with a silk-like texture that didn't leave creases and was not easily damaged unless deliberately done so.

He rolled up the painting and put it back into the metal tube, being quite cautious.

This thing couldn't be lost. It was used by Asheng to prove his identity, related to Asheng's future. When they parted, Asheng had repeatedly emphasized its importance and instructed not to lose it.

Previously, he had no choice because his life was in others' hands. He wasn't a pedantic person and wouldn't sacrifice his life for Asheng's painting. Without his life, he would lose the painting anyway, so he had to protect his life first.

With Sun Ping watching, the three of them couldn't run. After finding the painting, they could only obediently return.

Yu Qing didn't know what bad luck he was having. Previously, it was hard to encounter Xuan-level experts, but this time, he kept running into them.

As noon approached, Zhu Shangbiao and Cheng Shanping returned, flying up the mountain.

After landing, the two immediately scanned Yu Qing and the others sitting on the side, their expressions somewhat unusual. Without waiting for Sun Ping to ask, Zhu Shangbiao said in a low voice, "Madam, Lady Qixia has had an incident."

Tie Miaqing and Sun Ping exchanged glances, already sensing something.

Indeed, Zhu Shangbiao continued, "We went to the nearby demon lair, 'Linyuan Pavilion.' The pavilion master said he received news that the Earth Mother herself had killed Lady Qixia!" He glanced at Yu Qing and the others, speaking softly to avoid mentioning the name of the place.

Since he was being cautious, the three sitting in the corner, looking pitiful, naturally couldn't hear much.

However, Yu Qing, watching his lips move, muttered, "Linyuan Pavilion..."

He remembered this place, probably seen on a map. He could look it up later, and by combining it with nearby rivers, he could figure out his location and find the best way to escape.

However, the biggest problem was that he was in the hands of these people, with a huge power disparity. If they didn't let him go, it would be hard to escape.

But the news they brought back reassured him. At least he didn't have to worry about them breaking their word for the huge reward, and his life was not in immediate danger!

Cheng Shanping, frowning, nodded and added, "It happened just two or three days ago."

Tie Miaqing and Sun Ping didn't seem too surprised.

Wasn't this a big deal? Cheng Shanping and Zhu Shangbiao also noticed something was off.

Sun Ping whispered the truth, saying they already knew, and the two relaxed, looking at the three obediently sitting in the corner.

After a brief discussion, Tie Miaqing got to the point: "Did you find the incense?"

Zhu Shangbiao shook his head, "Linyuan Pavilion doesn't usually use this kind of incense, so they couldn't provide any. However, they gave us a piece of information. Today happens to be the day when the 'Mountain Carrier' goes to Linyuan Pavilion. A 'Mountain Carrier' who frequently visits there will come today, probably in the afternoon. They suggested we ask the 'Mountain Carrier' if they have the incense for sale."

Tie Miaqing thought for a moment, then stepped forward, standing over Yu Qing and asked, "Is the incense absolutely necessary?"

The three sitting on the ground looked up at her.

For safety and stability, Yu Qing couldn't go back on his word and could only nod.

"Let's go." Tie Miaqing waved her sleeve and turned.

The group set off, but they soon encountered a problem. Yu Qing was fine, but the issue was with Xu Fei and Chong'er, especially Chong'er. In this mountainous area, their speed was far behind, unable to keep up with the others who could fly and leap over complex terrain. If they followed Chong'er and Xu Fei's pace, they wouldn't have time for anything else, just traveling.

They had to stop before reaching the bottom of the mountain. Sun Ping suggested to Yu Qing, "Young Master, it would be better to leave your two companions in a cave on the mountain. We can leave them enough food, so they don't have to follow us and endure the hardships. We can come back for them after everything is settled."

This suggestion made Xu Fei highly nervous, looking at Yu Qing with pleading eyes.

Yu Qing almost immediately rejected it, "No, they have no ability to defend against any risks here. A small demon could be a threat. It's too dangerous to leave them alone. If we go, we take them with us. Otherwise, we part ways, and each goes our own path."

Chong'er, with big eyes, looked at him, knowing that Asheng was a true good person and would not abandon them easily.

Cheng Shanping immediately sneered, "Boy, you have no room to bargain here!"

Yu Qing immediately countered, "You better understand one thing. Your madam asked for my help, but you keep humiliating me. Given your attitude, you will surely betray me after the task. Since you have no sincerity in cooperation and I will die either way, there's no need to continue. If you want to kill me, do it now, I'm at your mercy!" Knowing the name of the nearby demon lair and that they knew about Lady Qixia's death, he spoke with more confidence.