Chapter 68

Meng Qi slowly exhaled a few breaths, calming his emotions. Since he had anticipated this, he was not overly shocked, but he felt that the matter was becoming increasingly complicated. He couldn't tell who was telling the truth and who was lying, or which words were true and which were false.

This was not the right time to sort through the clues and statements. Meng Qi carefully observed his surroundings, ensuring there were no ambushes before opening the door and entering the room.

There were nine bodies inside, including the Cold Envoy, Wu Cheng, and two attendants, as well as four others who were dressed in tattered clothes, resembling dock laborers.

After carefully examining the wounds, Meng Qi discovered that all nine had been killed with a single strike, the wounds on their throats indicating a sword thrust. There were no signs of a struggle in the room.

The martial arts of the person who did this were truly terrifying!

Meng Qi suspected that the killer was the black shadow from last night. He was skilled with a sword, capable of breaking through Meng Qi's Golden Bell Cover defense, and had a unique ability to influence others' senses. Under the sudden attack, it was not difficult for him to achieve such an effect. If he hadn't lacked the confidence to kill Meng Qi with two or three strikes, and hadn't been concerned about the Plum Rain Needle, Meng Qi might have been assassinated as well.

However, this was just Meng Qi's guess; he couldn't confirm it was the black shadow.

He looked around and suddenly frowned, as he noticed that the expressions of the Cold Envoy and the others were quite strange. They did not show fear or surprise but rather had lowered eyes, appearing respectful and relieved.

"Could it be a high-ranking official from the Snow Palace? But why would he want to silence them?" Meng Qi wondered.

After confirming that the entire courtyard had no other significant traces except for the tunnel leading to the "North-South Passage" shop, Meng Qi quietly left the place. He changed directions multiple times, circling around before returning to the vicinity of You's residence. He observed the movements inside while pondering the entire matter.

Due to the numerous mysteries, anyone could be lying, and Meng Qi's thoughts kept changing, but he had no clear direction.

...

The challenge from the White-robed Sword God caused some chaos in the City Lord's residence. Since Cui Xu needed to seclude himself to "hone his sword," he entrusted all matters in the residence to his niece, Cui Jinxiu. As senior relatives, You Tongguang, Mu Shan, and Fei Zhengqing stayed to assist her in handling various affairs, gradually stabilizing the chaotic situation.

Because of this, You Tongguang returned to his own residence late at night, with dark clouds obscuring the moon, making it pitch black.

"Father, did the City Lord accept Luo Qing's challenge?" As soon as he entered, his third son, You Hongbo, came up to greet him.

You Tongguang nodded slightly: "Fifth Brother has long been looking forward to a grandmaster-level duel, hoping to use it to激发 his potential and approach the elusive boundary between man and god."

He spoke in detail because You Hongbo was the son he was most satisfied with—his eldest son, You Hongwen, was obsessed with poetry and literature, had weak martial arts skills, and lived in the capital, eager to inherit the family business but unwilling to engage in commerce. His second son, You Hongshi, was spoiled from a young age and was a spoiled and wicked person, still immature in his thirties.

Only his youngest son, You Hongbo, had inherited his martial arts skills and showed a talent for business. Therefore, he had already entrusted the management of the security company to him, and if he performed well, the family business would be his in the future.

You Tongguang never cared about the distinction between the eldest and the youngest, believing that in the martial world, the family business should be inherited by the most capable, or the entire family would have no place to rest.

"How many years has it been since there was a grandmaster-level duel..." You Hongbo sighed with longing.

You Tongguang chuckled: "Duels between grandmasters are not uncommon, but most are brief and not publicized. A formal duel like this is indeed rare, but I have confidence in Fifth Brother."

He paused and said: "Hongbo, how is the matter with the security cargo?"

You Hongbo dared not meet his father's eyes and said sheepishly: "I haven't found it yet. If I knew which traitor did this, I would tear him apart!"

"Hmph, You Third Master has quite a temper. Now is not the time to look for traitors; the cargo is the most important. If we can't find it, prepare another batch as soon as possible. If not, hmpf." You Tongguang's face darkened, scolding his son.

You Hongbo naturally dared not contradict his father, smiling to please him, and accompanied him with the steward and others into the inner courtyard, reaching the study.

You Tongguang habitually went to the study first, opened the copper lock, and pushed the door, which creaked open. But he suddenly stopped, his smile fading as he looked at the room with a serious expression.

"Father, what's wrong?" You Hongbo asked, puzzled.

You Tongguang said in a deep voice: "Someone has been in the study."

The steward, guards, and others were all panic-stricken, realizing their negligence!

You Hongbo knew his father's martial arts were special, allowing him to sense different auras, so he did not doubt it and rushed in to look around.

"There's a letter!" He pointed to a neatly folded white paper in front of the white jade Buddha statue.

"Bring it over." You Tongguang instructed the guard.

The guard stepped forward, tested the letter with a silver needle to ensure it was not poisoned, and then picked it up, respectfully presenting it to You Tongguang.

As You Tongguang unfolded the letter, You Hongbo curiously leaned in to read the contents:

"I have heard of your white jade Buddha statue, skillfully carved, a masterpiece of art. Today, I have seen it, and it is indeed as impressive as I had hoped."

"However, taking without permission is not the way of a guest. I leave this letter to inform you that in six days, I will come to take it under the moonlight. You are a refined and understanding person, and I am sure you will not let me return in vain."

"Respectfully, Shen Hou."

After reading the content, he was both shocked and angry, both afraid and frustrated, wishing he could tear Shen Hou apart but hoping that the Twelve Animal Gods would back down.

"Too much, too much!" You Tongguang's face was as dark as water, his teeth clenched, and he threw the letter to the ground.

"Father, we must give Shen Hou a lesson!" You Hongbo, thinking of his father's strength and the City Lord's martial arts, suppressed his fear and anger, shouting.

The steward and guards looked at each other, wondering when Shen Hou of the Twelve Animal Gods had become a refined thief.

"Tomorrow, invite your uncles over." You Tongguang's face showed no trace of a smile, and after a moment of thought, he said: "Your Uncle Cui is in seclusion to 'hone his sword,' so do not disturb him."

After saying this, he gradually controlled his emotions and said calmly: "By the way, spread the news."

...

Meng Qi observed You's residence for half the night, but after You Tongguang returned and discovered the letter, his initial rage was followed by a very calm response, and he did not take any suspicious actions, leaving Meng Qi with no new information and forcing him to return to the temple where he was staying.

The next day, after meditating, practicing martial arts, and strengthening his body, Meng Qi leisurely walked to the "Absolute Feast Tower" to enjoy lunch and gather information.

On the way, he bought a bamboo hat, a set of regular clothes, and a long-desired white monk's robe.

Entering the restaurant, Meng Qi had not even sat down when he heard conversations about Cui Xu and Luo Qing.

"A grandmaster-level duel, this is a once-in-a-century event!"

"Indeed, I never thought we would witness such a grand event."

"Unfortunately, only those invited can enter the City Lord's residence to see this historic duel."

"True, it's a great pity. But I heard Cao Manzi is setting up a betting ring to bet on the outcome of the duel. Do you think the City Lord has a better chance, or is the White-robed Sword God more powerful?"

This question sparked a flurry of discussions in the restaurant, with everyone analyzing the strengths of both sides.

"The City Lord has been famous for over twenty years and has been a grandmaster for ten. How can a newly minted grandmaster like Luo Qing match him? I bet on the City Lord!"

"Not necessarily, not necessarily. Luo Qing has challenged the world with his sword and has never met his match. No one can withstand his three strikes, and his momentum is strong. The City Lord has rarely acted in recent years and may have lost his edge."

"Three years ago, the City Lord broke the Seven Star Sword Formation of the Lou Mountain Sect with five moves, while the White-robed Sword God did it with just two."

"In three years, the City Lord might have discovered a new secret technique."

Opinions varied, and no one could convince the others, almost leading to a fight. Fortunately, the betting ring allowed them to channel their anger into bets.

Meng Qi enjoyed his meal, listening to the discussions and learning that City Lord Cui Xu had entered seclusion, and Cui Jinxiu was managing the city's affairs. He also learned that the White-robed Sword God had moved into the Great Compassion Temple, fasting and praying, preparing for the duel.

Is Young City Lord Cui Jinhua really not in Tian Ding City? This was what Meng Qi was most concerned about, as the information he currently had was unreliable, and he needed to find a way to "ask" another party, Cui Jinhua.

"By the way, did you know that Shen Hou appeared again last night?" Cao Manzi, after collecting the bets, began to share news.

"What happened? Did Shen Hou kill anyone?" Many of the guests in the restaurant were ordinary citizens, but many were also martial artists, so they were particularly interested in such news. Moreover, the City Lord of Tian Ding City was a contemporary grandmaster, so even the locals paid attention to martial world affairs.

Cao Manzi slowly shook his head and said in a showy manner: "Shen Hou did not kill anyone but sneaked into the home of the 'Living God of Wealth' and left a letter in the study."

"What kind of letter?" someone asked eagerly.

"The letter says, 'I have heard of your white jade Buddha statue...'" Cao Manzi had a good memory.

The crowd gasped, shocked and fascinated by this bold and daring act.

"The 'Living God of Wealth' is the first among those below the grandmaster level. Shen Hou is no match for him!"

"Indeed, he could have taken the statue secretly, but he left a letter as a challenge. Where does the 'Living God of Wealth' put his face? I bet he will fail in six days."

"Exactly, the 'Living God of Wealth' is skilled and has many friends. In six days, a dozen experts will surround the white jade Buddha statue. I don't see how Shen Hou can steal it."

"I heard that if not for the City Lord's duel, the 'Living God of Wealth' would have sent the white jade Buddha statue to the City Lord's residence. Hehe, then Shen Hou would have to admit defeat."

"Shen Hou is indeed cunning, choosing the perfect time to act, leaving the City Lord no time to help."

...

The guests in the restaurant were excitedly discussing the events, as it was rare for so many significant events to occur in the martial world.

Meng Qi was very satisfied with the discussions, as this was exactly what he wanted! With the White-robed Sword God and City Lord Cui Xu about to duel, if any of the Twelve Animal Gods were free, they would come to observe and gain insight. At this time, if he left a letter and created a big stir, the Twelve Animal Gods would naturally seek out Shen Hou, giving him a chance to complete his side mission.

Of course, this alone was not enough. After eating and drinking, Meng Qi put on the bamboo hat he had bought and quietly followed Cao Manzi, who was leaving.

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