Chapter 34: The Pillow Delivered
When Li Yan heard Liu Chengyong offer him the weapon, he was momentarily tempted, but he quickly shook off the thought.
He returned the sword to its scabbard on the weapon rack and gave a calm smile.
"Captain Liu, you're too generous. I haven't learned any martial techniques yet, only focusing on cultivating internal arts for now, so I can't make use of this for the time being. But if I do start learning a technique and find something suitable among your collection, I'll definitely come ask for it then."
Liu Chengyong laughed heartily and nodded in agreement, though inwardly he assumed Li Yan simply hadn't taken a liking to his weapons. After all, what martial artist cultivates only inner energy without training in techniques? And with Grand Strategist Ji as his master, renowned for his martial prowess, how could Li Yan lack fine weaponry?
After laughing, Liu Chengyong glanced out the door, then turned back to Li Yan.
"Brother Li, a few days ago after a meeting in the military office, Marshal Hong mentioned something. He said that when you have time, you should go see him. It seems that some of the administrative procedures from when you joined the army weren't fully completed, your registration files aren't properly documented yet.
Since he's the commanding officer, and especially with you now holding a rank, these records need to be complete before they're submitted to the court for filing. So, it's best you go see him when you're able."
Li Yan's expression froze for a moment when he heard this. He'd been thinking about how to bring up some information to Liu Chengyong and have him pass it along to Marshal Hong but now the perfect opportunity was handed to him on a silver platter. Wasn't this exactly what people meant when they said, "Just when you're about to fall asleep, someone brings you a pillow"?
But with Elder Dong's earlier guidance, he quickly guessed the true meaning, this was likely the signal that Marshal Hong was ready to make his move.
As for this excuse about missing documentation? Laughable. With the military's capabilities, even if he'd only written down his name and hometown, they'd have traced his lineage back eighteen generations in no time.
And if his records were really incomplete, how was he still receiving stipends and household allowances? Was Marshal Hong personally covering the costs out of pocket with no official accounting?
Still, this meant he didn't need to push anything. He could simply go along with it and adapt as needed.
Feigning mild surprise, Li Yan looked to Liu Chengyong, paused in thought for a moment, then said:
"Oh? That makes sense. On that day in the training field, after my teacher took me in as a disciple, I didn't follow up on the rest of the procedures. This must be related to that."
Liu Chengyong had been watching Li Yan closely. He'd hesitated before bringing this up, unsure how Li Yan would respond. But hearing this, he realized that indeed some things had happened while he wasn't present on the training ground. Still, as a seasoned soldier, he couldn't help but suspect there was more to this summons than met the eye.
He didn't believe it was just a matter of paperwork. But how could he dare question it? As long as Li Yan accepted it, that was enough. Besides, he didn't believe Marshal Hong harbored any ill intentions toward Li Yan, not with him being the disciple of Strategist Ji.
"In that case, since we're both free today, why not-"
"Absolutely, of course. Military matters shouldn't be delayed!" Li Yan interjected. "Still, it's rare for me to visit the barracks. I haven't had a good look around. Why don't we take a quick walk through the camp first, then head to the Marshal's estate?"
"Naturally, that's no problem. Uh… just one thing, though…" Liu Chengyong hesitated. "When we go over like this, won't Chen An and Li Yin report back to the Grand Strategist, saying we've made a mess of things and even bothered the Marshal over something so small?"
Being one of Marshal Hong's long-time subordinates, Liu Chengyong understood the nuances, he'd picked up on the Marshal's unspoken instructions not to "alert" Strategist Ji.
"It's fine. Just be direct about it. It's not a big deal," Li Yan replied, waving it off.
Internally, he was thinking, Let's see how Marshal Hong handles this so-called aftermath. From this small matter, I'll judge whether he's a blunt martial head or a cunning strategist.
Liu Chengyong was momentarily speechless. Since Li Yan was this straightforward, he could only go along with it. Otherwise, Li Yan might just refuse to go altogether. Even so, he had a strong feeling that this would not end in a way that pleased Marshal Hong.
Afterward, Liu Chengyong took Li Yan on a brief tour of the camp, limited to the public areas, of course. Along the way, Liu Chengyong had the chance to show off in front of a few other squads again.
When Chen An and Li Yin learned that Li Yan planned to visit the Marshal's estate, they hesitated briefly, their expressions conflicted. But Li Yan didn't so much as glance at them, he just turned and walked off. The two men exchanged glances and could only follow.
No matter how daring they were, they wouldn't dare interfere with Marshal Hong's orders. If the Marshal truly wanted them removed from the army, even Strategist Ji might not be able to stop him.
From their reactions, Li Yan drew a clearer conclusion.
Looks like my teacher must've given them specific instructions to limit my contact with outsiders.
Before long, the group arrived at the Marshal's estate. Liu Chengyong stepped forward and explained their purpose to the gate guards.
Shortly after, a reply came: only Li Yan was to enter. Even Liu Chengyong was stopped at the gate and Chen An and Li Yin, of course, wouldn't dream of forcing their way in.
Passing through several winding corridors, Li Yan followed a soldier to the back hall of the residence. At the entrance to the main hall, the soldier halted, turned, and said:
"Lord Li, the Marshal is inside. Please proceed alone."
Without waiting for a response, the soldier gave a slight bow and turned to leave.
Li Yan glanced around. The entrance was unguarded, and the red lacquered doors stood wide open. He took a deep breath and stepped inside.
As he entered, the light dimmed slightly. Adjusting his vision, he looked around, the interior was broad and spacious.
Seated at the center of the hall was a man, gazing directly at him. Who else could it be but the bald-headed giant he'd met once before?
Li Yan walked forward a few steps and bowed deeply.
"Subordinate Li Yan greets Marshal Hong."
Hong Linying had been watching him from the moment he entered. He immediately noticed how much more refined and stable Li Yan's energy felt compared to two months ago.
"This can't be the aura of someone new to the martial path," he thought with a chill.
"Is this the inner cultivation of Ji Wenhe's sect? Only two months, and a common man's internal energy has grown this dense and steady?"
But the more astonished he felt, the more excited he became.
"No need for formalities. Sit."
He gestured to the row of chairs to the side.
Li Yan thanked him and took a seat.
"Vice Commander Li, it's been over two months since we last met on the parade ground. It seems your progress under the Military Strategist has been truly remarkable."
"You overpraise me, Marshal," Li Yan replied with a wry smile.
Noticing his expression, Hong Linying's gaze grew sharp.
"Oh? You mean I misjudged?"
Li Yan shook his head but didn't answer, as though choosing his words carefully.
Hong Linying leaned back in his chair, his large frame shifting with the motion.
"When I saw Fang Yu again after he joined the strategist's mansion, I realized he was the one I had misjudged."
Li Yan knew who he was talking about, his ill-fated senior disciple, Fang Yu. His expression tightened, and he hesitantly asked:
"What do you mean by that, Marshal?"
"Oh, nothing really. I simply noticed that although your inner energy has grown stronger, your aura seems… slightly restless, like it's itching to break free."
He watched Li Yan closely.
According to intelligence from within the Strategist's household, Li Yan's mood had been unstable lately. That was why he brought this up now.
Li Yan's face changed in shock.
"You can tell something's wrong with my inner energy?"
Hong Linying felt a thrill but kept his expression neutral.
"I can sense a little. Though I can't say what caused it, of course. Still, with someone like the Military Strategist teaching you, there's no way it's due to improper cultivation. Probably just me reading too much into it."
Li Yan's face turned stormy, then blank. Hong Linying calmly observed every shift in his expression.
After a long pause, Li Yan finally spoke:
"Marshal… do you know how one might resolve a situation where a martial artist is afflicted by a deadly poison?"
Hong Linying was taken aback.
"What are you asking this for? Ah, you're worried about the Military Strategist's condition, aren't you?
That's not something you need to concern yourself with. Even I can't help him, and your current skill level won't be of any use either. Still, your loyalty to your master is admirable. Sigh…"
He paused, then continued:
"There are a few methods:
First, the most straightforward, use the corresponding antidote. But that requires knowing exactly what poison was used.
Second, one can use internal energy to force the poison out. But this only works on certain poisons. Some are so insidious they penetrate the organs and bone marrow, those are nearly impossible to purge.
Third… there's a demonic technique used by some unorthodox sects. It requires finding someone with strong internal energy and transferring the poison into them as a host. Then, their pure internal energy is cycled into the poisoned person to repeatedly cleanse their organs…
But this method relies on a secret demonic art. Very few sects know of it nowadays."
As he spoke, he watched Li Yan closely and saw sweat begin to bead on his forehead.
After a moment, Li Yan asked in a dry voice:
"If someone is used as the poison conduit in this method… what happens to them?"
"Almost certain death," Hong Linying replied. "Unless they also know the demonic technique and can reverse the process but that's highly unlikely."
He paused and waved a hand.
"Let's not dwell on that. As for why I asked you here, I believe Captain Liu already informed you. Though now, it seems unnecessary.
This morning, our staff retrieved your full records from the Great Qing Mountain offices. I was just about to tell Liu Chengyong not to bother calling you, but it seems we just missed each other."
Li Yan remained stunned for some time before his expression slowly returned to normal. Still distracted, he stood and saluted.
"In that case, I'll take my leave."
"Very well. You may go."
Just as Li Yan reached the hall entrance, he heard Hong Linying's voice behind him:
"Vice Commander Li, don't worry too much about the Military Strategist. He's had that poison for quite some time, and as a master physician himself, I'm sure he has his own means."
Li Yan halted for a second… then left silently.
Moments later, a low, muffled voice echoed in the now-empty hall.
"Senior brother, the kid's beginning to suspect Ji Wenhe."
"Hehehe… Today confirms three things.
First, that sect's inner cultivation truly is extraordinary, just over two months and he's come this far. If he continues at this pace, it'll be frightening.
Second, he really is the poison conduit. Who would've thought Ji Wenhe actually knows such an unorthodox method?
And third, the good news, he's starting to realize he's being used."
"So what now, senior brother?"
"Now, we wait for him to come to us for help."
"Hahaha… he'll act soon enough. After all, who doesn't value their own life?"
Outside, as Li Yan left the Marshal's residence, his mind churned.
"This Marshal Hong is clearly obsessed with martial power and now he's planted the seed of doubt in me.
But now that I've confirmed his intentions, I can proceed with the next step. As for the other expert Dong Fuyi mentioned… I didn't sense anything today. Seems my current strength is still far too low to detect the experts hiding within the mundane world."
As he pondered this, he exited the gates and saw three figures standing under a tree a short distance away. They were talking but their eyes kept drifting toward him.
"Hong Linying really planned this well," Li Yan thought. "My visit lasted just the time it would take to verify my identity. Hard for anyone to suspect anything more."
(Chapter End)