Destined Marriage with Fragrance - Chapter SS2

Side Story: Yan Yu & Cang Su

Part 1

Outskirts of Xi City

On a hidden vacant place that took shape from the natural rocks, two black clothing men were sitting cross-legged in the middle, their palms were opposite each other, it seemed that they were practicing their inner powers. At the beginning, it was somewhat smooth, but one of the man’s expression was suddenly in pain. His face was sometimes dark and sometimes pale, his cold sweat was dripping from his chin. A strain of blood was overflowing from the man’s lips, the two people were forced to withdraw the powers from their palms.

The man who was injured, was gasping for air, while he sighed and said: “It still does not work.”

“We have already been practicing this seventh level (skill) for three years, but we are always at a standstill. If we continue like this, I am afraid that it will be somewhat difficult to succeed.” The other person seemed to look better, and did not appear to be injured at all.

But the two people were sinking into deep thinking, Master’s Ancestor studied and found the inner power skills method, it was exquisite and incomparable, and had many variations. Unfortunately, when Master was just started to pass on the seventh level (skills), Master’s Ancestor passed away. Master thought hard for ten years, but he could not find the method at the end. When he was approaching his end, he gave them this rare book and wished that they could be able to unravel the secrets, but they were still not able to have any progress at all after so many years.

This was… the sound of heavy and chaotic footsteps came through, Cang Su and Yan Yu looked one glance at each other, and coldly said: “Who is it?” These kind of footsteps were surely not coming from an expert, but he still could not feel relaxed and was on alert.

“It is me, senior brother.” The sound of a sweet but slightly gasping from a beautiful woman came through, and it made the corners of these icily arrogant men’s mouths unable to perk up helplessly.

A woman who had a couple of charming dimples came out from behind the natural rocks, her rosy face was brimming with smile, but when she saw the bloodstain from the corners of Yan Yu’s mouth, she was in a panic instantly. The woman angrily said: “You guys are injured again?! You guys should just forget learning this painful martial arts.” 

It was evident that this was not the first time that she complaint, so the two people did not pay any attention to her. Cang Su looked that there was another woman behind her, that was being supported by her, and she looked very young, so he asked: “Who is she?” 

It seemed that Mu Pin has just remembered that there was another person with her, so she supported her to sit down on the big rock at the side, and then she explained: “When I was half way up the mountain, I met this older sister whose foot was sprained heavily. Big senior brother, you help and take a look at her.”

Cang Su looked one glance at the woman who was sitting on the rock, she had a simple appearance, in between her eyebrows were wrinkled lightly, a thin sweat showed that she was enduring the pain. Feeling that she was being looked at (by him), the woman was still lightly smiling friendly. This one smile that was on her face, actually made her ordinary face seem as if it was lustrous and bright. 

Since she was still smiling, this injury was not that serious then, so Cang Su did not look at her again, and coldly answered: “I am not a doctor either.”

For Mu Pin, she was already used with his cold refusal, she had already seen their cold faces for more than ten years. Dealing with the two senior brothers’ stern faces, she had a method. Mu Pin walked forward, pulled Cang Su’s hand, and shook it up and down, then she said: “But you always cure the sprains from the younger brothers ah!”

Cang Su secretly sighed in his heart, Mu Pin’s stick it to his face (personality), was his and Yan Yu’s nemesis. If this was another person, it would be nothing, but looking at the woman’s silk and brocade dress, gentle and refined bearing, she would be an educated young lady. If he was to treat her sprained leg, it would be unavoidable to take off her shoe to examine it, and when he had to give her a medical treatment, he would have to touch her ankle, so she would be mind even more. If he had to treat a man today, even if a heroic Jiang Hu’s woman, he could save them, but he did not want to create any trouble to save this wealthy woman, even if she was desperate, so he continued to refuse: “She is a woman!”

“What is the difference?” She was also a woman ah, senior brother had never had this rule before.

Murong Shu Qing looked at Mu Pin who did not understand the difference between her and her own self, they were relatively different, so she could not help but shake her head and gently smiled. Her one smile made Mu Pin feel completely at a loss, so even Yan Yu who was injured, also turned his attention to the woman who did not say anything. 

She naturally understood Cang Su’s concern, but she did not really care about those so called Confucian code of ethics, they did not restrict or had any affect on her even more. Moreover, her foot was really painful, so adjusting her breathe softly, Murong Shu Qing said: “If Gongzi is willing to provide any treatment, I naturally am very grateful, since this is an emergency, I do not put any care about the secular Confucian code of ethics.” 

As it turned out, she understood what he meant. Her frankness made Cang Su’s impression of her a lot better.

Mu Pin finally understood what Senior brother meant a moment ago, she did not think that Senior brother would still take this into consideration. Hurting was really hurting, how could he care about this so much! Pulling Cang Su to Murong Shu Qing’s front, Mu Pin urgently and hurriedly said: “The person already said that she does not mind it, you quickly look at it!”

Cang Su hesitated for a moment, but he still half-squatted by Murong Shu Qing’s side, after he took off her shoe, her injured foot was already blue and it made Cang Su to be startled. Her ankle was already swollen, when he touched her joints, he discovered that it was seriously displaced. Looking that she was still tranquil a moment ago, he only thought that it was only a sprained, but some men would also unable to bear the condition of her injury. She looked so delicate like this, so how could she not say anything, and still smile at him, she was really a remarkable (woman). 

His heart rather admired her courage, so before he put his hands under her foot, Cang Su unprecedentedly said to her: “It will be painful, so bear with it.”

She actually only felt hurt, and did not think that her injury was already worsen like this, so Murong Shu Qing clenched both of her hands to prepare her mentally, and answered: “Alright!”

Even though she had already prepared (for the pain), but when Cang Su returned her dislocated joints, it still made Murong Shu Qing to cry out in pain: “Ah….” Both of her hands were clenched tightly until her skins were torn off. Fortunately, Cang Su’s skill was very quick and accurate, after one painful feeling, it actually did not let her to suffer anymore pain.

Not bad, she did not cry her heart’s out, Cang Su got up, and coldly said like before: “The bone has already been connected properly, apply some ointment when you go back, it will be completely healed within seven days.”

She was so strong, she did not even cry when her bone was connected. Mu Pin happily sat down beside Murong Shu Qing, and smilingly said: “My Senior brother is really good, you will be healed within seven days. So you can be at ease!”

“Many thanks.” Murong Shu Qing slightly moved around her ankle, it was still somewhat hurt, but it could be moved. Comparing to the pain a moment ago, it was really pale in comparison now. 

Murong Shu Qing picked up and wore her shoes and socks, but she saw that the man who was sitting and practicing his martial arts by the side, was suddenly coughing and sprouting some blood from his mouth.

Cang Su hurriedly hit his acupuncture points, and took out a small blue porcelain bottle from his chest, then he took a black pill and put it in Yan Yu’s mouth. Mu Pin was even more startled like a rabbit, and walked back to Yan Yu’s side.

With great difficulty, Yan Yu’s face was not deathly pale anymore, when he just opened his eyes a moment ago, he only saw Mu Pin was half-kneeling by his side. Her face was actually as deathly pale as his face, her face that should have a smile like sunshine, was filled with fear now. 

Mu Pin did not dare to touch Yan Yu, like she was afraid that she would hurt him by touching him. Containing the tears in her eyes, she was dazzlingly staring at him, and begging him: “I beg of you guys, not to practice this, alright, that is not some internal powers, it will only kill you guys. Father practiced this for a lifetime, and was dying of internal injury in the end, I do not want you guys to be like that.” 

Father was spitting blood like this, then left (died) her not too long after that, so she was afraid that they would be like her father one day. She really hated that secret book, and wished that she could burn it.

Knowing her inner fear and suffering, Yan Yu patted Mu Pin’s face, he said with a somewhat implausible smile: “Pin-er, this is Master’s wish, we have protected our hearts with the pills so we will be alright.”

“But…..” 

“Pin-er!” Mu Pin still wanted to say something, but Cang Su interrupted her words.

There was an outsider, so she could not continue to say anymore, moreover, Senior brother was injured and need to rest. Wiping the tears from the corners of her eyes, Mu Pin murmuringly answered: “Alright, I will not say anymore.”

From their sporadic sentences, Murong Shu Qing could roughly guess that there was a secret and legendary book about martial arts here. But she was not interested with the matters in Jiang Hu at all, moreover, her existence appeared to have hindered them from speaking. So Murong Shu Qing stood up by holding on to the rock carefully, and looked at the three people to say: “I am Murong Shu Qing, thank you for treating me, I will take my leave now.”

Mu Pin looked at the person who was standing exhaustingly, and she anxiously asked: “Older sister, can you walk ah!!” Her bone was just connected a moment ago, could she walk?!

She tried to walk two steps, even though she was still limping, but she could endure it, and was able to walk, so Murong Shu Qing faintly smiled and said: “It is already so much better, someone will come and find me in a moment, thank you to you all.”

After thanking them, Murong Shu Qing slowly and unhurriedly walked down the mountain.

She originally thought that this was only a small episode in her life, but…..

*****

Three months later, it was raining heavily at the Cheng Huang temple outside of Xi city, along with the loud sound of the thunder that were pouring down on the earth, it was also washing away all of the blood on the road. Each of the silver snake like lightenings looked like they were striking the ground, the dazzling white lights were shining brightly and darkly at the broken stone carving. The original solemn stone statue would also appear to make people feel startle and sinister.

Underneath the stone statue, there were two people’s figures, the thunder and lighting were shining on them, there were bloodstains on their faces and it appeared that their eyes were also filled with unwillingness and hatred. Even though their clothings were darker than the dark night, but the dark red blood was still dyed into a complete scarlet color. The sound of the blood that was dripping on the rock could actually be heard louder and clearer than the fierce rainstorm from outside the temple. 

Unable to move his body, but he still stubbornly wanted to stand up, but after trying for several times, he finally still fell on the ground powerlessly.

His one unexpected tear fell down from his eyes stubbornly, both of his hands were clenched in fists, they were filled with the fishy smell of the blood. Those hands were painfully hammering on the ground, but they could only shaking powerlessly also. A hoarse and gloomy sound, as if it was gathered with all his strength, was complaining regretfully, as a cold sound came out from his throat: “I am not willing.”

The other figure who already sank into unconsciousness, because of this sentence that he said, seemed to have a somewhat sympathetic response. His closed eyes suddenly opened up, his slightly trembling lips were moving but he could not spit out any words. But no one would be mistaken that those pair of eyes also had the same hatred and unwillingness in this life.

A spacious black carriage was going through the small paths under the lightening and thunders. Four dark horses were protecting around the carriage. Listening to the continuous booming sounds in her ears, made Lu Yi’s delicate and pretty face fill with fear. Murong Shu Qing felt that the heavy rain was scouring the roof of the carriage, she was afraid that this rain would not stop easily like this.

Leaning on the door of the carriage, Murong Shu Qing said loudly to the coachman: “The rain is bigger and bigger, look for a place somewhere so we can stop.” It would be alright if she was staying inside the carriage, but the people who were protecting her would be suffering under this kind of rain.

One could only hear a simple and agile answer from outside: “Yes.”

Mentioning these several bodyguards now, she was very satisfied, the former servants were lazy and irreverent, the Murong family’s manners would still need to be improved. She spent 5,000 liang for these several people, and they could help Shen Xiao Yun with her matters. Even though the price was high, but fortunately, their skills were out of the ordinary, and they had ‘professional and personal integrity.’

Very quickly, the carriage stopped, after she got off the carriage, she found a broken temple. Even though it was utterly broken, but it could still give shelter from the wind and rain. 

The broken temple was not big at all, and it was pitch-black, sometimes the lightning would light up the broken temple, but one still could not look at it clearly.

Lu Yi supported Murong Shu Qing to enter the broken temple, many of the dust was dispersed by the howling wind and torrential rain. The windows at the left and right had all been blowing away by the big wind, there was no staleness smell inside the broken temple. But there was an intense smell even more, so Lu Yi urgently said: “What is that smell?”

Reeking of blood smell! Murong Shu Qing was clear about this, the bodyguards who were behind her, were even clearer with this smell, so they encircled Murong Shu Qing quickly. One person took out the lighter to ignite a candlestick, even though it was not bright at all, but everybody could at least see the situation inside the broken temple clearly.

Lu Yi suddenly saw the two bloody people who were lying down on the stage, and she screamed out frighteningly: “Ah…..”

Murong Shu Qing slightly pursed her eyebrows, the so called bloody people were actually still alive, except all of their bodies were filled with bad wounds. The bloodstains on their bodies also dyed out the flagstones into red color. Pulling Lu Yi’s hand, she was just about to go to the side, but she found that one person who was lying face upward, looked somewhat familiar. But the bloodstain covered his face so she could not recognize him clearly. When she wanted to step forward one step to look closer, the bodyguards who were by her side, stoped her: “Master, be careful.”

The injured people from Jiang Hu were the most dangerous people, it was possible that when one came near them, and they would give the most fatal attack. 

Murong Shu Qing nodded her head, and said: “You go and take a look.”

The bodyguard went to take a look, and reported back: “They are not dead, but their injuries are very serious, it seems that they will be dead soon.” These two people could be regarded that their willpower were strong, otherwise looking at those injuries that were all over their bodies, also this large bloodstains on the ground, they should already be dead at an earlier time.

Murong Shu Qing stepped forward one step, she carefully looked for a moment, and suddenly remembered: “It is them?!” Three months ago, this person treated her leg injury. But why would they completely injure like this? Not thinking anymore, Murong Shu Qing asked: “Can they still be saved?”

The bodyguard did not dare to be certain and said: “I will protect the veins in their hearts first, maybe they can be saved.” Their injuries were too serious after all. 

If there was any hope to save them, they must try to save them. So Murong Shu Qing made a prompt decision: “Get them inside the carriage, let’s leave this courtyard.”

*****

Three days later, Murong Shu Qing was sitting inside the guest room, on a bamboo chair that was put in between two beds. The two people’s injuries were extremely serious, so the physicians provided the treatments at the same time. After going through three famous doctor’s consultations, and adding the two experts from Shen Xiao Yun who were collaborating together, they were able to save the two people’s lives. Hearing that the two people would wake up today, Murong Shu Qing was flipping through a book casually to wait for them to wake up.

The two people actually had a mutual understanding, and they almost woke up at the same time. Looking that they were trying to awaken with great difficulty, they appeared to be somewhat absent-minded and did not know where they were. Murong Shu Qing closed the book, she faintly smiled and said: “You guys woke up?”

The two people immediately took precautions and looked at her, until Cang Su eventually remembered the woman in front of them, whom he treated in the past, so his face was slightly relaxed. The two people looked one glance at each other’s bandages, and they understood that she saved them, so he cupped his hands somewhat difficultly, and Cang Su coldly said: “Many thanks.”

Finished speaking, but they did not wait for Murong Shu Qing’s response, they unanimously moved and appeared to want to get off the bed and leave. But they clearly overestimated their own abilities, as it was already a miracle that they could live from those injuries. No need to say going out now, they could not even climb out of the beds now. As expected, after trying for a long time, they could barely sit up with great difficulty. Murong Shu Qing did not obstruct them either, and smilingly said: “You are completely injured like this, it will be better if you rest properly, whatever thing that you need to do, you should wait until you are healed, it will not be too late.” It seemed that these two people did not treasure their lives at all!

Yan Yu was mocking at himself and coldly humphed: “You do not need to worry about our matters!” Even though she saved them, but he did not want to wait even for a moment for this hatred.

Facing their obvious disdains, Murong Shu Qing did not get angry either, she had never understood the matters within Jiang Hu, and also did not plan to worry about them. So Murong Shu Qing nodded and smilingly said: “Alright, then I will inform your junior sister to come over.” She could also see that adorable girl, as she did not thank her properly last time.

But the two people’s complexions became dark and gloomy in a split second after Murong Shu Qing’s words, their eyes slowly showed their sorrows and hatred. Their breathings clearly became chaotic. Their expressions and the facts that they were in a difficult situation when she saw them, made Murong Shu Qing suddenly realize that the matters were not as simple as she thought. 

“What happened to Mu Pin?” She was concerned about what was going on with that woman whose (personality) was as sunny as sunshine.

But the two people’s emotions were stirred up more and more, the blue veins appeared on both of their clenched fists. Their excessive stir up emotions made them relapse their internal injuries so they fainted again immediately.

Looking that they were lying softly on the bed again, with their frowned eyebrows, Murong Shu Qing felt uneasy in her heart. 

When Murong Shu Qing was still anxious, Shen Xiao Yun was leaning by the side of the door, and coldly said: “It will be very easy if you want to know what is going on, 100 liang for one information.” She negligently threw out 5,000 liang last time to get six of his competent subordinates. He did not believe that he could not make some profit this time.

Murong Shu Qing looked at him, and answered without any hesitation: “Very reasonable.” Just when Shen Xiao Yun was happy secretly, Murong Shu Qing suddenly changed the topic, and said: “Oh right, it will cost you 200 liang per day to stay at my place.”

“What?! You…” Shen Xiao Yun’s ruthless face became distorted in an instant. She thought that her place here was an Imperial palace!

“You do not have to stay here, it will be best not to stay at the Murong’s family.” Murong Shu Qing shrugged her shoulders, and gave him a casual look. Tang Xiao Xiao was at her place, unless Shen Xiao Yun would be able to let her go, or else, no matter he was so shrewd, he were doomed to lose her.

Murong Shu Qing did not pay any attention to Shen Xiao Yun’s glaring look, and seriously asked: “What is going on after all?”

Shen Xiao Yun threw out an envelope that was in his hand to Murong Shu Qing, and turned around to leave without even looking one glance at her. How could he have this unhealthy friend, that he would get angry when he came to look for her!

Because of the information that was in her hand, Murong Shu Qing’s face was difficult to understand more and more.

Side Story: Yan Yu & Cang Su

Part 2

Murong Shu Qing took the letter from Feng Yu Lou (“spy agency”) and put it on the table, she was still sitting on the wooden chair in between the two beds. But her mood at this time was as pleased as a moment ago. She did not even have any intention to look at the book that was in her hands. Looking at the two people whose bodies were wrapped up by the bandages, her mood also became very heavy. She could understand their moods, the hatred when their entire families were being exterminated, the pain when their close relatives died was the same as if their hearts were twisted and torn apart.

Comparing with the people who died, the people who were alive, had to bear the pain even more, the hatred and responsibility (to take a revenge). She only met once with that sunshine girl, and she was also sad for her, not to mention that they were always associated with her all the time so they would be even sadder.

Looking at the blazing redness outside the window, that was the last unbending sunshine. When the two people woke up again, it was already sunset. When they woke up this time, their vitality was so much better than in the morning. Looking that Murong Shu Qing was still sitting by the side of the bed, they were somewhat puzzled. They were neither relatives nor friends with her, but why were she willing to keep watch by their side?! 

Yan Yu and Cang Su looked one glance at each other, and they did not plan to investigate Murong Shu Qing’s intention at all. The two people secretly regulated their breathings for a moment, and wanted to get out of the bed to leave. They had more important things to do.

Even though it was difficult, but the two people were barely able to sit up, both of their legs had not reached the ground yet, but Murong Shu Qing who was always looking at the evening cloud in the sky, gently said: “If you guys want to take revenge, you have to get and keep your bodies well first, then you can go and find the person to take the revenge!”

Just like a soft feather bass (sound), the inner door was slowly opened, this made Yan Yu and Cang Su’s minds were startled. Yan Yu was staring at Murong Shu Qing, and coldly said: “How do you know that we want to take revenge?”

Murong Shu Qing did not answer at all, only looked at the letter that was on the table. The two people followed her line of sight, and could also see the dark yellow letter that was on the table. Underneath the right side of the letter was a faint reflection of several dark red color words. Yan Yu startlingly said: “Feng Yu Lou?!” The news from Feng Yu Lou was extremely quick and accurate, as long as one was willing to spend money, so one would know anything, everyone in Jiang Hu knew about this matter.

Murong Shu Qing gently sighed and said: “I can help you guys.”

Yan Yu and Cang Su looked one glance at each other first, originally they wanted to decline (the offer). But looking at their own bodies that were covered all over by bandages, and when they looked at the letter in the table, they changed their minds. Cang Su bit and clenched his teeth, and firmly said: “Alright, if you help us to take this revenge, we will promise you to do whatever you want us to do for you.”

They had to take revenge of this animosity, but it would be very hard to succeed if they were relying on their strengths. They did not care about dying, but if they died before they could take revenge for their junior sisters and more than ten junior brothers, then they could not even close their eyes even if they died. Moreover, Cang Su felt that this woman upfront, was not simply a simple woman from a rich and wealthy family, her whole body showed a gentle and calm (personality), not anybody could have this (personality).

Murong Shu Qing shook her head, and faintly said: “You do not need to promise me anything as I do not need any payback from you guys.” Could it be that she wanted to make them to help her to kill someone in the future, that would not do!

“Why?” Yan Yu’s face was filled with unbelievable (expression), what was the reason that she wanted to help them unconditionally.

Why?! Mu Pin’s catchy smiling face showed up in front of her, her anxious eyes, and that sweet voice, or maybe because of that sentence ‘elder sister, do you need my help?!’ that showed her concerns. Murong Shu Qing quietly said: “Just say it for Mu Pin!”

Mu Pin? It was because of junior sister, because she helped her once last time?!

Murong Shu Qing did not pay any attention at their suspicious expressions, she got up and lighted the candlesticks inside the room, and asked: “Tell me the whole sequence of the matter first.” The letter from Feng Yu Lou only said that Yan Yu and Cang Su’s sect, Mu (solemn) Xu (empty) Men (sect/school) was exterminated one night. The perpetrators were related to the government authorities and another Jiang Hu’s faction, Hong (large) Bang Bang (help), but there was no other details. She did not know if Shen Xiao Yun deliberately only gave her half the news or not! 

One did not know what Yan Yu and Cang Su remembered, but both of their eyes were burning with bloodthirsty radiance. Murong Shu Qing did not urge them at all, for a very long time, Cang Su was somewhat calm down and narrated the whole story. 

Mu Xu Men sect was established by Master’s ancestor, Mu Xu Zi, when it was just established, it was only a small faction in Jiang Hu. The Founder, Mu Xu Zi’s martial arts were extremely high, he created an inner strength skill. This inner strength skill was extremely unique, as one only had to learn this inner strength skill, but no other movements. But if one learned it successfully, one could use this inner strength skill to do whatever other movements, so one’s power was greatly increased. If one suffered an internal injury, one could also use this inner strength skill to harmonize one’s self breathing. Even though this skill was very magical, but because the Founder was very low-profile, and did not like to show off, so not too many people knew about this at all.

This inner strength skill that was created by the Founder, was extremely profound. Master only learned successfully to the seventh level, when the Founder passed away. This inner strength skill required two people who learned similar martial arts, identical minds, who would be studying together and dedicated themselves to some extend. After the founder passed away, no one was able to guide Master, and no one could study together with him either, so Master could only pass on this inner strength skill to them. But the three people had been studying for more than ten years, and they could only stop at the seventh level. Because Master was often learning this skill on his own, and because they could not get this skill yet, he was injured and died at the end.

After Master passed away, and because they wanted to accomplish Master’s wish, they still did not give up studying the inner strength skill, but as they practiced more and more, it was more and more difficult. Because of the powerful inner strength skill, the two people were often injured. 

One month ago, two of their junior brothers were captured by the authorities, the reason was that they were fighting with the authorities down the mountain when they (the authorities) disturbed the people. They repeatedly confronted the authorities, but the authorities always ignored them. During this distressed time, the Master of Hong Bang Bang’s faction, Chen Yan approached. Chen Yan and Master were old friends, but afterwards, not knowing any reason or why, their contacts were nonexistence anymore.

Chen Yan said that the reason that the authorities made things difficult for them was because they heard about Mu Xu Men faction’s inner strength skill. The Xi city’s head magistrate wanted to curry a favor with the most influential general in the Imperial court, so he offered to give the inner strength skill (to the general). If they did not hand over the inner strength skill, then the authorities would disturb the Jiang Hu’s faction by disturbing the people, and sending troops to harass them. Chen Yan stated that because of the friendship between him and Master, as long as they handed over the inner strength skill, they could socialize with the authorities, and release their two junior brothers, and they would not make things difficult for Mu Xu Men’s faction anymore. 

Although the people were not fighting with the authorities, but this inner strength skill was created by the Founder, so how could they just took it like this, moreover, they still had to curry a favor and bribe these Imperial thugs. At that time, they were proud and arrogant, so they sternly rejected Chen Yan. Who would have thought that on that evening, the authorities dispatched people to surround Mu Xu Men’s faction. In order to save junior brothers and junior sisters, they had already done their best efforts, but they still suffered extermination of their faction. If there was no thunderstorm that washed away the bloodstain and feeling of blood smell that evening, they would certainly and undoubtedly be dead also.

Yan Yu ferociously hammered the curtain, and said with a stern voice: “This kind of dangerous and shameless group of people, we will absolutely want his life.” He actually did not want to use any force with the authorities, after taking into consideration of the junior brothers and sisters, he decided that he wanted Liu Xu’s Head today.

After listening to Cang Su’s explanation, Murong Shu Qing was actually exceptionally calmed, and she asked: “At that time, Liu Xu asked you guys to give him the secret book?!”

Cang Su thought for a moment, and answered: “No, it was Chen Yan who spoke to us.” They basically had never seen Liu Xu’s face before.

Liu Xu was a corrupt official, so she understood it, but what did he want to do with that inner strength skill?! There were three dominant Generals in the Imperial courts, the country’s General, Xuanyuan Yi, Dong Hai’s General, Qi Yu, and the Ministry of War’s Minister, Feng Li. Even though she had not met with these three people, but she could somewhat understand (about them). Xuanyuan Yi’s martial arts were outstanding, he was proud and arrogant, and would not mix with the (people) in Jiang Hu. Qi Yu could be said to be her maternal uncle, the legend said that he was an upright and straightforward person, and his martial arts’ skills should be somewhat high. So he should never do this, moreover, he defended Dong Hai, and would not have any benefits being in a tangle with Liu Xu, and Liu Xu would not curry favor with him. The next one would be Feng Li, this person was a rough person, and attached importance to be a hero throughout his life, and he would not pay any attention to a corrupt official like Liu Xu.

As a result, the person who wanted the inner strength skill should be that Chen Yan. It seemed that there was a mutual collaboration in doing a shady business, with concerns in her heart, Murong Shu Qing asked: “Where is the inner strength skill (book) now?” If the inner strength skill was still in their possession, that Chen Yan would not give up at this point. But they had not made any movement these days, so she thought that he already got hold of it.

Agreeing with Murong Shu Qing’s anticipation, Yan Yu annoyingly said: “When the authorities surrounded us, we went to look for the inner strength skill (book) again, and it was already stolen.”

“Have you guys ever thought that since you guys were martial arts people, how could the authorities be able to exterminate your faction?!” It was already very doubtful on this point only.

Yan Yu and Cang Su muttered to themselves for a moment, and Yan Yu ferociously answered: “They used poisons and fire to attack (us), and there were a lot of archers outside who ambushed us.” At that time, they did not pay any attention to the officers and soldiers, but in the end, their poison gas along with the fire allowed them to come in. If there was no fire, junior brothers and Pin-er would not die either.

Murong Shu Qing continued to question them closely: “Looking at this clearly, those people were from the authorities?”

“They claimed to be, the head of the people was wearing a bailiff clothing. The other people were too dark, so we could not see them clearly.” There was no moon nor stars in the sky at that time, when the flame blazed, they were simple unable to see clearly.

Suddenly, Cang Su thought of something, both of his hands were completely in fists, and he said: “The archers…. were black clothing people!!” Why would there be black clothing people within the authorities!!

It seemed that they could finally see that the matter was not as simple as they thought at all, so Murong Shu Qing asked with a light smile: “Whom did you plan to look for revenge! Liu Xu?!”

“We must investigate this matter clearly.” After carefully thinking this over again, there was indeed many strange points, but now, they did not want to make any subjective decision anymore. But they would not let go off the people who had anything to do with this matter.

Finished speaking, the two people made their movements together to stand up, even though they were still staggering, but they walked over to the outside door stubbornly. Only this time, Murong Shu Qing did not let them do as they pleased like last time, with a soft voice but a firm tone, she said: “You guys can not go anywhere now!”

“Impossible.” These two people who had never been restricted before, would simply never listen to Murong Shu Qing’s words.

Already knowing that they would be like this earlier, Murong Shu Qing was not anxious either, and was still sitting on the bamboo chair, she faintly said: “Someone comes.” 

Four well-built and gray clothing men came from outside the door, Yan Yu and Cang Su took precautions and looked at Murong Shu Qing. Even if she wanted to do anything to them, they were powerless to resist either. They only saw that Murong Shu Qing slowly got up, and said: “You guys should be clear on what to do now. This kind of self-sacrifice spirit simply does not have any meaning. I have promised that I will help you guys, so I will naturally take care of it, and I will surely set a side the ultimate culprit for you guys.” 

Finished speaking, she walked out of the door, and Murong Shu Qing suddenly smiled and said to the four people: “Guard them, if their injuries are not well properly, do not let them get down for even one step from the bed.” 

“Yes.” 

Yan Yu and Cang Su did not have any alternative but to return to their beds, but there was another (type) of understanding in their eyes in regards to that women called Murong Shu Qing.

End of Yan Yu & Cang Su’s side story.