–– “I’ve always heard that the malice in people’s hearts can surpass even that of snakes and scorpions. And today, I’ve encountered it firsthand.”
–– “But how could you predict all this? Are you some kind of worm living inside his stomach?”
As he spoke, a grin spread across his face, and his mood seemed to lighten. The earlier unpleasantness had completely dissipated for him, leaving only amusement.
Zhan Ri Fei shook his head gently, his eyes taking on an inexplicable melancholy.
–– “Though I’ve never met him, I recognize his sword. When you’ve spent enough time in the martial world, you come to see these things often.”
–– “Brother Huo, the power of Jiao Chao Gui’s Xing Yun Manor is formidable. If he hadn’t overestimated himself tonight and come with only Mu Xiu Quan to assist him, losing both his left and right-hand men, it wouldn’t have been so easy to drive him off. And that panic he showed when he left—it was likely an act.”
–– “Xing Yun Manor is full of skilled fighters and has Ma Chao Xian as their patron in court. This matter won’t end easily. Brother Huo, I fear your troubles will only multiply from here. Please take extra care in your travels.”
Huo Xiao Di froze. “What a cunning old fox!” Then, with a pout, he added, “He has a patron in court? So what? Do you think I don’t?”
His round face brimmed with defiance. “Who is Ma Chao Xian? Do you think his backing of Xing Yun Manor can compare to my patron?”
* * *
Zhan Ri Fei said, “Ma Chao Xian oversees the Four Treasuries. Though it’s an internal position, he’s the patron of both the Overlord Manor in Hang Zhou and Xing Yun Manor by Dong Ting Lake. His influence is evident. If you hadn’t offended the Xiang Yang Prince, there might still be room to maneuver, but—”
Huo Xiao Di cut him off with a sly smile. “You don’t need to worry about that. My patron isn’t Ling Long Manor’s patron. Don’t confuse the two.”
“Since that’s the case, I must have overthought it,” Zhan Ri Fei said as he slowly stood up from the chair. “Brother Huo, the constables have already withdrawn. Let us part ways here—until we meet again.”
“You’re leaving?” Huo Xiao Di asked hurriedly.
Zhan Ri Fei replied, “I’m in a rush to continue my journey and dare not impose on Brother Huo any longer. Since parting is inevitable, why not part now? However, though we’ve only met by chance, there’s something I’d like to say. I hope Brother Huo won’t take offense.”
Huo Xiao Di, grinning mischievously, said, “Go ahead, say it! Do you think I won’t listen if it’s something I shouldn’t hear?”
Zhan Ri Fei increasingly found this youth intriguing. Though clearly clever, he seemed ignorant of worldly ways; though naive and proud, he didn’t understand the dangers of human nature. That he and his conspicuous dog had traveled the martial world unscathed and emerged victorious from peril was truly remarkable.
Smiling faintly, Zhan said, “Brother Huo, the boy from Xing Yun Manor is the sole survivor of this incident. No matter who he is, both Tang Sect and Xing Yun Manor will inevitably suspect him, even if they don’t think you took the item. They’ll go to great lengths to force him to reveal where the item is hidden. For Xing Yun Manor to dare act against you, knowing Commander Shao of Xiang Yang is allied with Ling Long Manor, the item must be of extraordinary value. Brother Huo, you must be cautious.”
Huo Xiao Di’s eyes sparkled with curiosity, clearly intrigued by the mysterious object. But such thoughts, of course, couldn’t be voiced aloud to Zhan Ri Fei.
“You mean you’re not curious about what it is—the thing causing all this strife between Xing Yun Manor and Tang Sect?” he asked, wide-eyed.
The question was so naive that Zhan Ri Fei couldn’t help but smile bitterly.
“There are times when I’d rather know less.”
Hearing this, Huo Xiao Di began scrutinizing Zhan from head to toe. “You’re an interesting one. While others would go to any lengths to uncover secrets, you don’t seem to care. Yet somehow, you appear to know a great deal about both the court and the martial world. Among everyone I’ve met on this journey, you’re the only one who hasn’t tried to persuade me to return to Ling Long Manor to lie low.”
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