Chapter 31: No Way to Escape
In the city, at the Grand Commander's Manor's residence.
In the spacious main hall, Marshal Hong was seated on the grand wooden chair at the head of the room, his face full of joy as he held a piece of paper in his hand.
"Junior Brother, there's news. That Li Yan has finally left the Military Advisor's Mansion and entered the city today. I wonder what he's here for?"
In the shadow of one of the four thick hall pillars, a burly man in a dark robe, with a particularly stocky build, had his blurry silhouette flicker slightly. Yet even so, it remained difficult to notice his presence.
This time, he was hidden behind a different pillar than before. It seemed that each time, he casually chose a pillar to conceal himself behind. His deep and muffled voice reverberated through the hall.
"Senior Brother, judging by the timing, this person has stayed in the valley far longer than the previous disciple.
By our previous calculations, that disciple encountered problems after forty-nine days, seven times seven, which coincides with the Buddhist and Daoist teachings of the 36, 49, and 81 cycles of minor heavenly cycles used to establish the 'hearth'."
"Hmm, I thought the same. If that's the case, two things might be confirmed.
First, the cultivation technique practiced by Ji Wenhe must be a Daoist technique that allows one to establish a foundation through a forty-nine-day minor cycle. There's no doubt about that.
Second, this Li Yan may have already successfully completed the minor heavenly cycle."
"Senior Brother, if Li Yan has succeeded in cultivating the minor heavenly cycle, then does that mean Ji Wenhe truly intended to pass on his legacy to him? Or is it that Li Yan isn't suitable as a vessel for poison extraction?
Also, if Li Yan succeeded in cultivation, how do we explain the previous disciple's death? Could it be that their internal cultivation method is really that profound? Or does it require a special physique?"
After the deep voice finished speaking, the hall fell into silence. Only after a long while did Marshal Hong speak again.
"Junior Brother, I still think your earlier analysis made more sense. There's no such thing as an untrainable martial technique, only those who are more suited to train in it.
However, if the technique truly requires a unique cultivation method, then we must make full use of this Li Yan. We'll proceed slowly and carefully, and see if we can obtain the cultivation technique from him. And if Li Yan is really just being used as a vessel for poison, then we still have a chance to exploit that."
"Then what does Senior Brother think we should do for now?"
"Hmm… since he entered the city today, there will certainly be a next time, and a time after that…
We can't make contact immediately. That would be too reckless and might cause this young man to grow suspicious. It could also alert Ji Wenhe.
Have our people keep a close watch on him. See what he's here for this time, and then we'll make our next move."
"Yes, Senior Brother!"
The hall returned to silence. Shortly after, Hong Linying's figure flickered and vanished without a trace.
...
Outside the North City gate:
"Captain Liu, there's no need for such formality. Last time I entered the city, I was fortunate to receive your guidance. I haven't had the chance to thank you yet."
Li Yan quickly stepped forward and supported Liu Chengyong by the arm.
"No, no, I dare not. It was nothing, really. Just a few careless words."
Seeing Li Yan's sincere expression, Liu Chengyong was inwardly delighted. He had recently heard that the Strategist Ji had taken a new disciple, reportedly someone from Great Qing Mountain. At the time, he had suspected it might be the same young man Li Guoxin had shown him a travel pass for, but hadn't been sure.
Now seeing Li Yan accompanied by Chen An and Li Yin from the Military Advisor's Mansion, he immediately confirmed his guess.
Although he belonged to Marshal Hong's faction, who in the army didn't know the authority of Strategist Ji? To be on good terms with his disciple was clearly a great advantage.
Chen An and Li Yin couldn't help but sigh in relief, exchanging a glance full of resignation. The two of them hadn't had many chances lately to see this young master in a good mood. Today he finally seemed more approachable, and yet the bad luck of babysitting him still fell on their heads.
Liu Chengyong withdrew his clasped-hands salute and secretly looked at Li Yan again, feeling a sense of amazement.
The mountain village kid he once encountered was now an official of the imperial court with the rank of a eighth rank subordinate, it wasn't an exaggeration to say he had soared to success. That's the power of having backing in the court.
Li Yan, anxious about other matters, wanted to see Li Shan and Li Yu as soon as possible. Unsure what etiquette was appropriate at the moment, he simply cupped his hands in salute.
"Captain Liu, I have some things to handle in the city. Shall we catch up another time?"
"Oh… of course, of course! Then this subordinate respectfully sees you off, Lord Li."
Liu Chengyong stepped aside to make way, and the soldiers behind him pulled back their spears.
Li Yin stepped forward and handed the horse's reins to Li Yan.
"Young Master, please mount."
Li Yan gave an awkward smile and said, "Let's just tie the horses here for now. We'll walk into the city."
Li Yin froze, then immediately understood, Li Yan was likely worried that his riding skills were too poor, and if he lost control in the city streets, it could cause a serious incident.
Chen An burst into hearty laughter at this.
"Old Liu, we'll leave the horses here. Make arrangements for them, would you? If we're not back by the time your shift ends, could you let the next guard on duty know?"
Liu Chengyong, being a worldly man, naturally agreed with a nod and a smile.
After they left, aside from a few soldiers still inspecting those entering and exiting the city, the others gathered around Liu Chengyong.
"Captain Liu, is that really the guy we met a couple months ago? He's changed a lot since then."
Liu Chengyong glared.
"Watch your mouth, 'that guy'? 'this guy'? Show some respect!"
He then sighed. "That truly was Lord Li. Feels like just yesterday."
"Captain Liu, since you two have some past acquaintance, maybe he'll take care of you in the future."
One soldier said, who had also been on duty that day.
"Captain Liu, we didn't get to be on shift with you that day. That Lord Li must be the widely-rumored disciple of Lord Ji, right?"
A few other soldiers chimed in with questions.
After Liu Chengyong finished reminiscing, he was overwhelmed by the barrage of questions from his men. His subordinates were great when it came to battle, disciplined and fierce in the face of the enemy, but far too relaxed during peace time, and some of them even lacked proper respect for ranks. Waving them off, he said:
"Yes, I really did meet Lord Li once before. He's definitely Lord Ji's disciple!
Alright, alright, stop asking so many questions. You're on duty! You, you, and you, take these horses to the gatehouse and keep a close watch on them."
Meanwhile, Li Yan and the other two walked quickly through the streets. With urgency in his heart, he had Chen An and Li Yin lead the way toward "Tianran Wine House."
After about half a cup of tea's time, the three of them arrived at the tavern entrance. Li Yan spotted the same street-front room he had seen on his last visit and walked right in, with Chen An and Li Yin close behind.
Just as they entered, a sharp-eyed waiter approached them.
"Oh! Three honored officers! Will you be dining or drinking today?"
These tavern runners had incredibly sharp instincts, used to seeing all sorts of travelers. They were perceptive and clever to the extreme.
At a glance, he could tell that these three weren't here to lodge, they had no baggage, and the man in black robes led the way with two uniformed soldiers behind him. They were clearly here to eat or drink.
Li Yan stopped and looked around the interior. Ah, he had only observed from the outside before, but now he realized that the room they entered was just one storefront of the entire tavern.
Inside, the tavern extended sideways through seven or eight interconnected storefronts. Though it was past lunchtime, and many patrons had already finished eating, the sounds of laughter, shouting, and drinking games still filled the air, making it quite lively.
"Oh, I'm here to see Li Yu, who's apprenticing here. Could you please call him for me?"
Li Yan said politely.
The waiter froze for a moment and then examined the three of them more carefully, thinking to himself, "Could Xiao Yu have caused trouble outside? No, that doesn't sound right. That kid rarely goes out."
Seeing the waiter dazed, Li Yin stepped forward and gave him a firm pat on the shoulder.
"Our young master is speaking to you, are you deaf or dumb?"
The waiter was startled out of his daze, and seeing Li Yin's unfriendly expression, he immediately bowed and apologized repeatedly.
"Please calm your anger, esteemed official! I'll go fetch him right away!"
He didn't even notice Li Yan shooting him an apologetic glance as he hastily turned and hurried into the back hall.
Li Yan was never the type to throw his weight around for no reason. Back in the valley, he had only put on airs a few times, and only because he had no choice, he was acting tough in front of familiar people like Chen An, Li Yin, and a few women who already knew his personality.
But Chen An and Li Yin were truly domineering by nature, men used to killing day in and day out. They didn't have the patience for ordinary folk. Even their casual speech carried an air of menace.
Chen An noticed the apologetic look on Li Yan's face and, recalling how he'd acted toward Liu Chengyong at the city gates earlier, figured today's "Young Master" must be having a moment of clarity. Chuckling, he said,
"Young Master, these fools are still dawdling. Don't let them delay your important matters."
Seeing Chen An look at him in confusion, Li Yan felt a chill run through his heart. He realized that his behavior today had been a bit off. Right now, he was supposed to be someone with a cruel and domineering temperament. So, he shot the two a sideways glare.
"Do I need you to tell me how to handle my affairs? Enough. Stay away from me. I want to talk to my brother. Don't disturb my peace."
Chen An and Li Yin pulled bitter faces and exchanged looks.
"Great, this young master's acting up again. Why can't he understand plain talk…"
Soon, the waiter returned with Li Yu.
He had gone to the back hall to find him. Li Yu, a relative of the inn's manager and always diligent in his work, was well-liked. When asked if he'd been out recently or caused any trouble, Li Yu had been terrified and swore up and down that he hadn't even stepped into the front hall, let alone left the premises. This reassured the waiter.
At first, Li Yu was confused by the term "someone like a young master." Either he was one or he wasn't, right? But as he came to his senses, one person came to mind, and his heart soared with joy.
In recent months, many villagers had told him of Li Yan, how he'd joined the army and become the disciple of the renowned Strategist Ji.
People like Li Yan, himself, and Li Shan were all from poor mountain villages. No matter how fine the clothes, could that really make one a young master?
When Li Yan spotted Li Yu, his heart surged with emotion. He hadn't left the valley in months, and now, seeing a childhood friend, memories of home came flooding back, the Great Qing Mountain, the little village, his parents, and everything from the grass to the trees.
He took a few hurried steps forward to greet him.
Li Yu stepped into the front hall and saw a man in a black robe standing at the counter. His features were ordinary, but so familiar. Though the aura around him had changed, Li Yu recognized him at a glance.
Tears welled up instantly, and he ran over, sobbing. The inn waiter sighed beside him. This kid was great in every way, except that he cried too easily. Every time someone from the village came to see him, he'd cry like he's been mistreated here.
"Brother Yan! Brother Yan! Sob sob..."
Li Yu ran over, wiping his tears. His crying quickly drew the attention of nearby diners, who paused mid-bite to watch.
Li Yan was also overcome with emotion. His eyes reddened as he embraced the tearful Li Yu.
Seeing this, Chen An and Li Yin exchanged a glance. Chen An stepped up to the inn waiter.
"Waiter, do you have a private room where my young master can catch up with his old friend?"
They both understood this wasn't the place to talk, especially with a half-grown boy sobbing like this. Others might misunderstand.
The waiter quickly replied, "Yes, yes, we have rooms on both the first and second floors!"
Chen An glanced around at the noisy first floor.
"We'll take a room upstairs."
He then walked over to Li Yan, who was still comforting Li Yu.
"Young Master, it's too loud here. Let's move upstairs to talk."
Li Yan also found the place too chaotic for a proper conversation. Hearing Chen An's suggestion, he was delighted.
"This Chen An is truly capable and perspective."
They followed the waiter to a private room on the second floor. Once the tea was served, Li Yan dismissed the waiter.
He then tried to have Chen An and Li Yin wait outside the inn, but they refused outright, citing their duty to protect his safety. In the end, they were shut outside the private room while Li Yan stayed inside to talk with Li Yu alone.
Two cups of tea later, under Li Yu's reluctant gaze and the envious stares of others, Li Yan took his leave with Chen An and Li Yin and headed to the Ironware Pavilion to meet Li Shan.
That reunion too was full of joy. Li Yan left behind several dozen taels of silver, asking that it be brought to his parents in the village the next time someone traveled there.
He then wandered around the city, bought a new set of clothes, and left with Chen An and Li Yin. They retrieved their horses outside the city and returned to the Strategist's Mansion.
As soon as they entered the valley, Li Yan sensed a thread of divine sense sweep over him from the Strategist Ji's quarters. It scanned his body quickly, then lingered on the parcel containing his new clothes before vanishing.
Feigning ignorance, Li Yan even glanced deliberately toward the first stone room. Seeing its door tightly shut, he muttered something under his breath and headed toward his own room.
Once inside, he poured a cup of water and drank it. After resting for a bit, he got up and shut the door.
He paused again, sensing for divine sense. Finding none, his expression darkened.
Today's visit to the city had confirmed several things:
First, Chen An and Li Yin were clearly planted by the strategist to monitor him. Despite their respectful behavior and apparent fear, they never let him out of their sight. On the road, they flanked him tightly under the guise of "protection from enemy spies."
Even when he met Li Yu, the furthest they stood was just outside the private room door. Peeking through cracks in the door and window, Li Yan noticed one stood outside, while the other was positioned precisely below the room, directly across from it.
Even if he'd tried to slip out the window, they would've caught him instantly.
When he met Li Shan at the Ironware Pavilion, it was the same, they stayed just a few dozen steps away, watching his every move.
Second, the Strategist Ji had begun taking precautions against him. Today, Li Yan had deliberately bought a new set of clothes, and the moment he returned, the strategist's divine sense had swept over the new items. Clearly, he wanted everything under his control.
Thinking this far, Li Yan frowned deeply.
He was under house arrest.
Now the question was, how could he escape this deadly valley?
(Chapter End)