Instinctively alert, she scanned her surroundings.
Based on prior investigations, there were no signs of an ambush, which made the situation even more suspicious.
Upon glancing at the Universe Pouch in her hand, she realized there might be someone not just waiting for the item to be taken outside, but also watching to see who might turn a blind eye during inspections and allow it to be carried out.
The more she thought about it, the more a chill ran down her spine.
If not for Ba Yingshan's tip-off, she would have surely taken the item out herself.
Now, it felt like she was holding a scorching hot potato.
She quickly turned, shoved the Universe Pouch back into her brother's cold hands, surveyed the area one more time, and swiftly left.
Before long, Ba Yingshan arrived with dozens of people, rushing to the scene.
They investigated the area, the few corpses were self-evident, but their main focus was on exploring the collapsed mine.
They worked tirelessly until dawn, when Ba Yingshan and part of his group returned to Eternal Dawn City to report.
Later, in an open space within the inner city, a group of people assembled a dragon's bone, taken from the Universe Pouch, on the ground.
There were instructions to set up this dragon bone in a coiling dragon shape, which would then serve as a symbolic landmark for Eternal Dawn City.
From the corner of the highest pavilion, a man in a violet gauzy robe stood with his hands behind his back, gazing calmly at the bone dragon being constructed below.
Beside him was a robust man in blue, with an imposing aura and tiger-like majesty in his eyes— it was Du Huoguan, the Overseer of the Exile Lands’ prison.
Du Huoguan was clearly deferential, for the person next to him was the legendary master of the prison, known only by the name "Nie," referred to by everyone as "Warden."
The two of them silently watched as the bone dragon was assembled.
Meanwhile, Ba Yingshan led a few individuals to knock on the door of a guest room.
The door opened to reveal Qi Yueru, who appeared as though nothing had happened, even smiling.
"City Lord Ba, have you found my brother and the others?"
Ba Yingshan silently praised her composure, nodded gravely, and gestured invitingly.
"Lady Shen, please come with me."
Qi Yueru obliged with a smile and followed them.
After winding through several corridors, they stopped outside a room.
As they were about to enter, Ba Yingshan courteously stepped aside and solemnly said, "Lady Shen, please accept my condolences."
Upon hearing his words, Qi Yueru's expression changed drastically.
She rushed inside, and soon, sounds of her heart-wrenching wails echoed from the room.
Those who entered afterward saw her heartbroken, holding her son's lifeless body.
All sighed in lament, for what was supposed to be a visit had turned to mourning—a stark reminder of life's uncertainties.
After some time, Ba Yingshan addressed the others with him, "Parting in life or death is natural. Let her grieve in peace. You all may withdraw for now."
They complied and left.
Once they were alone, Ba Yingshan approached Qi Yueru, offering earnest comfort, "Please, try to stay strong in your sorrow."
Even though her son and brother had perished, Ba Yingshan felt somewhat relieved.
Whatever Qi Yueru dealt with last night had brought him no trouble; not only had they left the bodies of her son and brother behind, but the Universe Pouch and dragon bone remained at the scene as well.
Seeing all that on the ground, he had felt a chill, but was thankful she was sensible in the end.
Through her grief, Qi Yueru choked out, "Have you found anything? Any clues about the murderer?"
Ba Yingshan glanced at the lineup of corpses.
"The people buried in the mine were poisoned, but we are still sorting through them. As for your brother and those five, they were all decapitated. Given the circumstances, it isn't easy to pinpoint the murderer. However, upon careful examination, it's been concluded that their heads were likely severed by a blade. It seems plausible they were all killed by the same person, and the site shows there weren't many involved in the fight."
"A... blade?" Qi Yueru suddenly recalled something, lifting her head from her son's body.
"My son had a feud with someone who uses a blade in the Eastern Nine Plains."
Ba Yingshan sighed, "I know who you mean. Shortly after you brought in a large batch of supplies, a batch also coincidentally ended up in the Eastern Nine Plains. Your son's grudge with that local ruffian was something I looked into once you reached out to me."
He continued, "To be honest, it shouldn't be that guy. From the site analysis, at least two high-grade Immobilization Talismans were used against the assailant, to no avail—something beyond that ruffian's mere cultivation level. As for the deceased in the mine, it's not like you didn't have an idea who might have been involved. The Eastern Nine Plains crowd dispersed, and against your brother's force, tell me, how many would that ruffian have needed to go against them? Plus, after killing, those usually desperate folk left the valuables untouched. Does that make any sense to you?"
Qi Yueru found reason in his words and began pondering again.
Tears filled her eyes once more, she begged, "Help me find where they were at the time of our incident."
Ba Yingshan instinctively wanted to refuse, but seeing her tear-filled eyes and knowing her unstable emotional state, he reluctantly agreed, planning to only put on the appearance of an investigation.
Surprisingly, the findings came back remarkably smooth.
The people he secretly sent out that same afternoon returned with reliable information.
Unbeknownst to Ba Yingshan, it turned out Shen Youkun had left spies around the rival's lair, which his agents discovered, capturing one and getting a full confession that two remaining ruffians didn't leave their lair when the incident happened, reportedly practicing their cultivation inside.
Although the evidence should've put Qi Yueru at ease, she became even more suspicious.
Why, after gaining sufficient merit, hadn't they left the Exile Lands? Could there be no suspicion in two people remaining in such a desolate place to cultivate? Ba Yingshan nearly laughed at her conjectures but restrained himself given her recent loss and continued to persuade her earnestly, "Normally, it might be suspicious for others, but for that one, it's ordinary. You may not know, but he's got ambitions and aims big. Surprisingly, he's taken a fancy to Lan Qiaoyan's daughter, something many in the city find amusing."
He continued, "Lan Qiaoyan's daughter comes here every three months to check accounts, and he almost always comes to see her. Before leaving, he's probably hoping to see her once more. On the sixth, of every month usually, she arrives on that day, just the day after tomorrow. So, he should come into the city then."
Although his reasoning made perfect sense, Qi Yueru's suspicions remained.
To her, several factors were evident: the Eastern Nine Plains, the grudging foe of her son, and one who wields a blade.
There seemed to be no better match for a suspect.
Her son and brother had died—how could she easily let go of any potential lead pointing towards a suspect?
She had been wrestling with the conclusion that, regardless of whether or not they were involved, she would rather be wrong than let the perpetrator go unpunished! Especially if it was her son's old enemy.
So she instructed Ba Yingshan to keep a watchful eye, ensuring the culprits didn't escape.
Before she'd deal with that ruffian, she intended to question them.
And should it truly not be them, she resolved to find a way to unveil the real perpetrator!
Ba Yingshan internally cursed; in terms of status and might, he surpassed Qi Yueru, and it was not for her to command him.
Yet, fate had other ideas.
For some reason before his death, Qi Ziru had acquired some sort of leverage against Ba Yingshan regarding past favors extended to prisoners.
Due to blackmail, coercion, and bribery, his hands were tied, unable to outright refuse her demands.
With compromising material held over him, he dared not act rashly, so he grudgingly acquiesced to Qi Yueru's requests.
Because of her son's and brother's deaths, what was once a visit now turned into a reason for her to remain in the city temporarily.
She mapped out her course; if the ruffian were to leave the Exile Lands on the sixth, then so would she, facilitating her capture as they went, leaving no room for escape!
The sixth, a day of great fortune.
To some, it is a day of great luck.
Rising steeply like columns, rock mountains stood as the stronghold for the Eastern Nine Plains group.
The reason for choosing such terrain was its security, allowing distant sight to spot any approaching strangers, and making it hard for outsiders to climb or hide.
At that time, in a mountain cave, smoke rose early in the morning.
Inside, an enormous pestle traditionally used as a water vat was set up, with a fire blazing beneath, heating a large vat of water.
In the warm water, there lay a man, unclothed, limbs spread in comfort, resting his head with eyes closed in contentment—it was Shi Chun.
Wu Jinliang, holding a small knife, was trimming Shi Chun's beard, muttering all the while, "What a waste, a whole vat of water, gone just like that—all for nothing."
Water was precious there, usually retrieved from deep underground—no easy task.
Previously, stored water like this would not be squandered for bathing.
Occasionally freshening up was understandable, but bathing was almost impossible.
Then again, this time marked a departure from norms.
Once cleaned, they would no longer remain there—it was truly time to leave the Exile Lands.
So Wu Jinliang grumbled about it, but inwardly and on his face, he was elated.
Shi Chun mumbled, "Shave it clean..."
"Doesn't matter how clean or shaved you get," sighed Wu Jinliang.
"Shi Chun, you've always seemed like you don't care, but I know you're ambitious. There were things I didn't mention because I didn't want to hurt you, but now that we're leaving, I don't mind giving you a nudge."
"Shi Chun," he continued, "the gap between our status and theirs is like night and day. We're like ants compared to them, no way to compare. Miss Miao's politeness is out of her good manners—don't get any ideas. She would never be interested in us common folk. Don't think you can say whatever you wish just because we're about to leave. Watch your words around her; if you're too aggressive, you'll only embarrass yourself."
Wu Jinliang feared Shi Chun might do something irrational upon leaving.
Shi Chun opened one eye, glancing at him indifferently and asked, "Is that all? You think I haven't heard that enough before? You think that hurts me?"
Wu Jinliang stopped his work, growing concerned.
"No, Shi Chun, you usually so crafty, her politeness hints at boundaries. Can't you see that? Moreover, she's already said you two aren't suitable; why pursue it so stubbornly?"
Shi Chun casually splashed water on his neck, remaining calm.
"You think I enjoy making a fool of myself? No choice. We offended Shen Youkun back in the day; he's been waiting to settle the score, especially now with his current schemes. Outside, he might have people waiting to ambush us."
He explained further, "I've noticed Miss Miao's routine—each time accounts are settled, there's a shipment sent out. If we can hitch a ride with that convoy, Shen Youkun's people wouldn't dare touch the Bowang Pavilion's cargo entourage. Enduring embarrassment for years, just for a chance to leave safely today."
(End of the chapter)