In the end, Xie Shuci agreed.

Perhaps sensing Xie Shuci’s apprehensions, Xie An told him that he could go on his own.

Without any hesitation, Xie Shuci declined the idea. How could he possibly let the young blind lad face those cultivators alone? Wouldn’t that be like sending a lamb into a tiger’s den?

The four of them lodged at Manjiang Hall that night. The next morning, Chu Guiyi and Chu Wenfeng appeared outside their door.

“Sorry to disturb you.” Chu Guiyi said, nodding at the duo after entering the room.

Xie Shuci had the waiter bring in some food. As he yawned and stuffed buns into his mouth, Xie An sat quietly at the table, occasionally taking a sip of water.

Chu Wenfeng casually sat down, grabbed a bun, and began to eat. For some reason, Xie Shuci suddenly shoved a fist-sized bun into his mouth, swallowed it in two bites, and then teasingly flexed his fists at Chu Wenfeng.

“Childish,” Chu Wenfeng remarked, quickly finishing his own bun.

“You’re not as fast as me… cough, cough!”

Xie Shuci suddenly choked, covering his mouth and coughing until his face turned red, causing Chu Wenfeng to burst into laughter.

Hearing the commotion, Xie An paused for a moment and then pushed the half-filled cup of tea in his hand toward Xie Shuci.

Xie Shuci took the cup and drank a big gulp, sitting slumped in his chair as if relieved to have survived. Seeing Chu Wenfeng laughing uncontrollably, he didn’t have the energy to banter with him. Instead, he silently extended his middle finger across the table.

Although unsure of the gesture’s meaning, Chu Wenfeng had an intuitive feeling it wasn’t something positive. He imitated Xie Shuci’s movement and raised his middle finger in return.

“Xie An, I want more,” Xie Shuci didn’t bother engaging with him further, placing the tea cup in front of Xie An and making a direct request.

“Do you lack hands or eyesight? Ordering a blind man around?” Chu Wenfeng scoffed.

Xie Shuci responded, “He has a name. Don’t keep calling him ‘blind’.”

Chu Wenfeng shot back, “Didn’t you call him ‘little blind’ before?”

Xie An’s expression remained calm as if the term “blind person” they were using wasn’t referring to himself at all. He, who usually only wielded a sword to kill, picked up the teapot and filled Xie Shuci’s teacup to the brim.

“I have double standards. I can call him that, but you guys can’t,” Xie Shuci declared confidently. For him, it was just a convenient nickname. However, from someone else’s mouth, it felt derogatory.

“Double standards? What’s that? Why do you keep using terms I’ve never heard?” Chu Wenfeng asked in confusion.

Chu Guiyi’s eyes glanced at the teacup, marveling at how a blind person could pour tea so accurately.

“Shuci, even though we met by chance, I’ve come to truly appreciate you. Since you gifted me with such rare pills, I consider you a friend. If you face challenges, I can’t just stand by,” Chu Guiyi said warmly, his words were somewhat like testing the waters. “What is the relationship between Young Master Xie An and the Xiaoyao sect? Perhaps you could share it with me? I will do my best to assist.”

Chu Wenfeng had already told Chu Guiyi about the events of the previous night, making Chu Guiyi even more suspicious of Xie An’s background. He was not one to meddle, but seeing Xie Shuci’s naive nature that didn’t suit the treacherous world of cultivation, he felt compelled to help in any place he could, despite his current physical condition.

Regarding what Xie An had said yesterday, only Xie Shuci knew in detail. The other two could only make guesses based on Xie Shuci’s reactions. Nevertheless, this situation was inevitably linked to Xiao Xun.

Xie Shuci hesitated for a moment. Anything related to Xiao Xun wouldn’t be good. He didn’t want to involve others, so he said, “Brother Chu, this matter has nothing to do with you. It’s best if you stay out of this murky water.”

Chu Wenfeng also chimed in and said, “Yeah, Senior brother. Why should we get involved in others’ affairs? Since Xie Shuci said so, we shouldn’t interfere.”

For once, Xie Shuci didn’t object. “I trust Xie An. We are merely going to discuss finding the real murderer. Under the watchful eyes of many, what can they possibly do to Xie An and me? After all, they represent a reputable sect. They wouldn’t act so recklessly, would they?”

Xie An silently listened to the conversation among the three. When he heard Xie Shuci’s words, his eyelashes trembled lightly, his long lashes covering his eyes. A trace of mockery flashed in his eyes.

Reputable sect? Who truly qualifies as a reputable sect? Chu Guiyi shook his head and said, “Shuci, you’re oversimplifying things. Regardless of the truth, you two are alone with no powerful backing. If the Xiaoyao sect or the Helian family harbors any conspiracies, taking your lives would be easy. If your deaths would be without witnesses, then the truth can only be whatever they say.”

Xie Shuci was a man who couldn’t stand threats. Upon considering Chu Guiyi’s words, he found them to have merit. Sending Little Blind alone was like sending a lamb to a wolf’s den. But wouldn’t it be the same for both of them to go together? If something unexpected happened, or if it was a trap from the start, they might not even know how they died. Moreover, he was carrying a bunch of precious pills and elixirs. Wasn’t this like courting death? He immediately regretted agreeing to Helian Zhu.

Seeing Xie Shuci being hesitant, Chu Guiyi continued, “Although the reputation of the Chu family is not as great as before, we still hold a position among the major clans. Why don’t Chu Wenfeng and I accompany you two? If something happens on the way, you won’t be left without support.”

Xie Shuci frowned in dilemma, “Won’t that put you two in danger?”

Chu Wenfeng interrupted, “Didn’t Helian Zhu say? We’re just working with the Hehuan Sect to catch the culprit. What could possibly go wrong? I don’t want to get involved in your affairs, but I can’t stand the arrogance of Helian Zhu. He thinks he’s superior just because he’s a bit talented. If it weren’t for my Senior brother…”

Before he could finish, Chu Guiyi shot him a glance, causing Chu Wenfeng to quiet down. He lowered his head and murmured, “…He’s not even worth bragging about.”

“Don’t worry. Even if the Chu family has declined, they won’t easily offend us. If something happens to the two of us in Luofang City, the Helian Family will have to answer for it.” said Chu Guiyi.

Upon hearing this, Xie Shuci didn’t resist anymore. He thanked them and informed them about Xie An’s situation.

After listening, Chu Guiyi pondered for a long while. If things were as Xie Shuci described, it might explain Xie An’s occasional odd behaviors.

Chu Guiyi lifted his eyes to look at the young man beside Xie Shuci, unable to comprehend the strange feeling in his heart.

The young man seemed to sense Chu Guiyi’s probing gaze. He swiftly lifted his head, and their eyes met for a fleeting moment. But before Chu Guiyi could think more about it, the boy’s gaze shifted away.

“There’s someone outside,” Xie An clasped Xie Shuci’s wrist and moved his lips.

Xie An had a sharp hearing. Without hesitation, Xie Shuci signaled the other two to be quiet.

A moment of silence passed in the room before a knock sounded from the door.

After the previous conflict, all four were on high alert.

Chu Wenfeng immediately drew the whip from his waist, demanding in a deep voice, “Who is it?”

“It’s me, the proprietress of Manjiang Hall,” a confident female voice came from outside.

Xie Shuci and Chu Wenfeng exchanged glances, recognizing the voice as that of Miss Lu, who had clashed with Helian Jue at the Nongyu Hall.

Slowly opening the door, Xie Shuci saw a woman in blue, holding a tray.

She looked gentle and graceful, yet her eyes carried an undeniable spirit, exuding a heroic vibe.

Her gaze scanned the four in the room, finally resting on Xie Shuci. “So you’re the mysterious alchemist? Nice to meet you.”

Xie Shuci immediately felt some fondness for this woman and greeted her with a bow, “It’s an honor, I’m Xie Shuci.”

“Lu Jin.”

She then turned her gaze to Chu Wenfeng and said with a smile, “You must be a disciple of the Chu family from Yingzhou, right? Did you not inform the elders at home before coming? I heard from Helian Jue that the patriarch had received a letter from the Chu family not long ago, inquiring about your whereabouts.”

Chu Wenfeng’s expression stiffened, “They’ve come looking for us?”

Lu Jin shook her head, “Young Master can rest assured, even if they pursued here, they won’t be able to enter Luofang City for the time being. It won’t hinder what you guys plan to do.”

Then, her gaze fixed itself on Chu Guiyi. She chuckled, “As expected, Guiyi, you’ve come after all.”

After ushering Lu Jin into the room, Xie Shuci sat back next to Xie An, his curious eyes wandering between Lu Jin and Chu Guiyi.

Chu Wenfeng asked with a puzzled tone, “Senior brother, do you two know each other?”

Chu Guiyi pursed his lips and after a while, he sighed and nodded, “Miss Lu, it’s been a long time.”

“Your legs…” Lu Jin hesitated.

“It’s fine,” Chu Guiyi slightly turned his head away, seemingly reluctant to continue the topic.

Lu Jin didn’t say anything further, her gaze gradually shifting to Xie An.

Her eyes brightened suddenly, “Such a handsome young master! How old is he this year? Is he betrothed? Oh, if I had met you a few years earlier, how could I have fallen for that scoundrel Helian Jue? But it’s not too late. Young master, my name is Lu Jin. I own more than ten acres of land and have no children…”

“Stop, stop, stop!”

Seeing her intention to approach Xie An, Xie Shuci reflexively stepped between them, “Miss, miss, he’s still young…”

“It doesn’t matter. I can wait for him.”

Xie Shuci, protective as if shielding a calf, firmly stood in front of Xie An. He hurriedly said, “Don’t wait, please don’t wait, don’t wait for him. He, he’s not interested. Besides, don’t you already have a partner? In any case, he’s still young, you’re not allowed to lead him astray!”

Xie An, however, remained calm, taking the half-filled teacup from Xie Shuci, refilling it, and taking a sip with a subtle smile playing at the corners of his mouth.

“Dao companion? Helian Jue? I’m going to kick him away sooner or later,” she continued teasing,  “If the young master is willing, I can get rid of him right now.”

“He’s not willing!” Xie Shuci exclaimed anxiously, his ears turning red.

“How do you know he’s not willing?” Lu Jin raised an eyebrow, glancing behind him.

Xie Shuci turned to look back as well. Xie An took another sip of tea, his demeanor calm and collected.

“I said he’s not willing, so he’s not willing.” Xie Shuci huffed.

Lu Yan chuckled, “Alright, I won’t tease you anymore. If Helian Jue dies one day, I’ll definitely leave with someone else.”

Xie Shuci visibly relaxed but remained vigilant, purposefully positioning himself in front of Xie An, ensuring they had no opportunity to interact.

Curiously, he asked, “Even though he’s having an affair, you still want to stay with him?”

Chu Wenfeng laughed, “Is ‘having an affair’ even used that way?”

Xie Shuci shot him a glare, not bothering to argue.

Lu Jin shrugged and half-jokingly replied, “Isn’t it because I pity him? Besides me, which woman would even want him?”

As soon as she finished speaking, a deliberate cough was heard from outside the door, followed by an intentionally raised voice, “Just yesterday, Miss Wan’er from Nongyu Hall couldn’t stop praising me.”

Hearing this voice, Lu Jin’s face immediately darkened.

“The new female disciple the Sect Master took in is also good, younger, and prettier than you…”

“Helian Jue, you’re asking for it!” Lu Yan exclaimed through gritted teeth and immediately flung a tray at the door.

The door was split in half by the tray. The man behind it dodged skillfully, pointing at Lu Jin, and shouted, “You shrew, today I’ll teach you a lesson!”

“Come on, who’s afraid?!”

The two started bickering and soon were embroiled in a fight. Several waiters hurried over, their faces filled with resignation as if they were used to such scenes.

“Nice!”

“Beat him, heroine!”

Xie Shuci and Chu Wenfeng looked like typical bystanders enjoying the show. After pulling Xie An and Chu Guiyi away from the scene, they sat and watched with great interest.

“Crazy woman! Do you really intend to wreck this place?” Helian Jue, retreating continuously from the assault, looked around at the shattered surroundings, wincing as if each broken object hurt him.

Lu Jin sneered, “I have ten acres of land at home. Do you think I care about your little place here? Take this!”