Vindicated After a Wrongful Death - Chapter 27

Man Qiuxia nearly stepped right on it. Once he realized what was on the ground, his face stiffened, and he turned an expressionless gaze toward Xiang Zhongjing.

Xiang Zhongjing silently bent down, scooped up the drunken Gu Congxu, and stuffed him into his sleeve as if nothing had happened.

The two men stood there, staring at each other.

After a long silence, Man Qiuxia finally spoke, his voice full of complex emotions. “You… are keeping a dragon in your sleeve?”

Xiang Zhongjing had expected Man Qiuxia to ask what was going on with the dragon, but he hadn’t anticipated that this would be the first thing he noticed. After a moment’s hesitation, he nodded. “Yes. Because of the seal from back then, he can’t go too far from me.”

Man Qiuxia recalled Xiang Zhongjing’s comment yesterday about “doing work” with the dragon that resulted in a collapsed bed, and his expression became even more complicated.

“Dragons are prideful by nature. You sealed him for all those years, and yet he doesn’t hate you?”

Xiang Zhongjing lightly brushed his fingers against Gu Congxu, who was back to coiling around his wrist inside the sleeve. He said plainly, “Who could bear to hate me?”

Man Qiuxia: “…”

Everyone in Jiuzhou could argue with that statement, except for Man Qiuxia.

Sixty years ago, when Xiang Zhongjing had reached his limit with the man’s pestering, he had burned down his building, kicked him into a river, and even sliced his most precious medicinal garden to pieces with a single sword stroke. Supposedly, that garden contained a thousand-year-old snow lotus that was only three days away from being ripe.

Even when Man Qiuxia was angry enough to kill, the moment he saw Xiang Zhongjing’s face, he would forgive him unconditionally and eagerly ask if his sword-hand was sore.

Man Qiuxia stared at Xiang Zhongjing’s sleeve, his brow furrowed. “Are you sure he won’t damage your face?”

Xiang Zhongjing: “…”

Xiang Zhongjing was completely defeated by Man Qiuxia’s logic. Choosing to ignore him, he walked quickly to the reception hall of the Wujin Building and kicked the door open, stepping inside with a face as cold as still water.

Aside from Xiang Zhongjing’s face, Man Qiuxia had no interest in anything else, so he didn’t follow. Instead, he turned back to continue preparing his drawing paper.

****

Yun Yanli had grown impatient waiting and was sitting with his legs crossed, drinking wine. Hearing the door being kicked open, he turned around fiercely.

Xiang Zhongjing had already put on his veil. He gave a polite nod and said, “Sorry to keep you waiting.”

Yun Yanli gave a “tch” and removed his mask, revealing a face that was remarkably similar to Xiang Zhongjing’s. “Is this how you people in Jiuzhou treat your guests?” he asked impatiently.

Xiang Zhongjing stepped forward and sat opposite Yun Yanli. “You’ve come for revenge only a few hours after we fought. Are your injuries healed already?”

Yun Yanli let out a cold laugh. “I could fight you another round right now, no problem.”

Although his features were almost identical to Xiang Zhongjing’s, his expression was entirely different. He was arrogant and haughty to the extreme; if he weren’t afraid of it being too tiring, he would probably tilt his head back and look at everyone through his chin.

Yun Yanli pointed at Xiang Zhongjing’s veil. “Why all the secrecy? I’ve taken off my mask, so the least you can do is show your true face.”

Xiang Zhongjing poured himself a cup of wine, acting distracted. “I won’t.”

Yun Yanli: “…”

Yun Yanli said coldly, “Give me a reason.”

Xiang Zhongjing gave him one: “I’m afraid that if you see how beautiful my face is, you’ll die of shame.”

Yun Yanli: “…”

Yun Yanli drew his sword, his tone lethal. “Let’s have a match right now and see who dies first.”

Xiang Zhongjing didn’t pay his sword the slightest attention. He took a sip of wine and said with a smile, “Is this how you people in the Cloud Province treat your guests?”

Yun Yanli was startled. “How did you know?”

Xiang Zhongjing gave him a wink. “Your surname is Yun, you call yourself ‘this Young Lord,’ and every other word out of your mouth is ‘you people in Jiuzhou.’ It’s a safe bet you’re from the Cloud Province, that legendary city of ascended beings.”

Yun Yanli’s expression changed completely.

“Of course, that was just a wild guess. I didn’t even believe it myself,” Xiang Zhongjing said, placing his jade cup on the small table with a crisp click. His smile was deep and inscrutable. “I was just testing you, but I didn’t expect you to admit it yourself.”

Yun Yanli: “…”

Yun Yanli sucked in a breath of cold air, his face screaming “cunning Jiuzhou person.” He couldn’t believe he had been tricked so easily into giving himself away.

Xiang Zhongjing rested his chin on his hand, asking with interest, “The Cloud Province separated from Jiuzhou long ago and considers itself its own world. Why would a big shot like you come down to Jiuzhou?”

He thought for a moment and added, “For the dragon bone?”

Terrified of saying too much again, Yun Yanli gave a cold laugh. “Why should I tell you?”

Xiang Zhongjing smiled. “Then why did you come looking for me? Was it really just for a rematch?”

Yun Yanli remained silent.

He hadn’t wanted to come to Jiuzhou in the first place and had no desire to interact with those lowly ants. The reason he had sought out Xiang Zhongjing was likely because, in all of Jiuzhou, this detestable man was the only one worth a second look.

As Yun Yanli hesitated, Xiang Zhongjing saw through his struggle and spoke up: “Are you in a difficult spot?”

Yun Yanli was too proud to hear such a thing. He snapped back, “How could I possibly be in a difficult spot?! I am the Lord of the Cloud Province!”

Xiang Zhongjing raised an eyebrow. This person was about the same age as him, yet he was already the Lord of the Cloud Province?

It seemed the Cloud Province was also in decline.

Just then, the little phoenix on Yun Yanli’s shoulder spoke in a childish voice, “Young Lord, the current Lord hasn’t passed away yet. It’s a bit early for you to be using that title.”

Yun Yanli immediately flicked the phoenix off his shoulder, saying arrogantly, “The title will be mine sooner or later anyway. What’s wrong with using it a bit early?”

Xiang Zhongjing: “…”

Little Phoenix: “…”

The little phoenix grabbed his hem with its beak, pleading with tearful eyes, “But if you find him in Jiuzhou, you won’t get to be the Lord anymore.”

A murderous glint appeared in Yun Yanli’s eyes, and he reached out to grab the phoenix to crush it. The little phoenix, likely having suffered under him for years, let out a “chirp” of terror and flew off to the side.

Xiang Zhongjing reached out to shield it in his arms, waving Yun Yanli’s hand away. “Stop bullying it.”

Yun Yanli: “That’s my phoenix! I’ll bully it however I want! Give it back!”

The little phoenix, shielded by Xiang Zhongjing, had shared its master’s disdain for anyone in Jiuzhou, but now it unexpectedly found this man’s embrace very comfortable. With a “cheep,” it burrowed even deeper into Xiang Zhongjing’s arms.

Yun Yanli was almost driven to laughter by this traitorous creature. He ground his teeth silently, planning to make a dish of braised phoenix as soon as they got back.

While stroking the shivering phoenix, Xiang Zhongjing asked as if casually, “Did you come to Jiuzhou to find someone?”

Seeing that the phoenix had already exposed his secrets, Yun Yanli didn’t bother hiding it anymore. After all, he wasn’t a man of deep schemes.

“Yeah.” Yun Yanli looked frustrated at the mention of it. “My father insisted I come look. He said that if I don’t find him, he won’t open the path of Luochuan for me to return to the Cloud Province.”

He had been wandering Jiuzhou for a month and hadn’t found a single clue about the person.

Xiang Zhongjing’s eyes grew even deeper.

So, to get from Jiuzhou to the Cloud Province, one had to open a path through Luochuan.

Given that Xiang Zhongjing had ended up in Luochuan as a child, the theory about his origins seemed more convincing now.

Looking at the privately brooding Yun Yanli, Xiang Zhongjing suddenly revealed a smile.

If Gu Congxu were awake, he would recognize it instantly—this was the expression Xiang Zhongjing wore every time he was plotting something.

“Finding someone, eh?” Xiang Zhongjing said cheerfully. “I’m quite good at that. If you give me a portrait, I can find them for you in less than half a month.”

Yun Yanli was taken aback, his eyes brightening. “Can you really… ahem.”

He realized his tone was too eager, which made it very easy for someone to spot his weakness and use it against him.

Yun Yanli wiped the joy from his face, asking with a frown, “Where would you get such a great ability?”

“My ability might not be great…” Xiang Zhongjing said with a half-smile, “but it’s certainly faster than trying to get famous through fighting so the person comes looking for you.”

Yun Yanli: “…”

For some reason, having been seen through, Yun Yanli’s cheeks flushed red. It was the first time in his life he had known what embarrassment felt like.

He hadn’t participated in the Beast Taming Grand Ceremony for the dragon bone; he just saw how many participants there were. He figured that if he won and removed his mask in front of the crowd, the person would see the clues in his face and come looking for him of their own accord.

He gave a dry cough and said arrogantly, “Fine, help me. I’ll give you more jade stones than you could ever spend.”

Xiang Zhongjing didn’t comment on the offer. Instead, he slowly summoned Qiong Eryi.

Qiong Eryi had returned to Shuangxian City behind Xiang Zhongjing’s back and was in the middle of a heated gambling session when he was suddenly summoned. Seeing Xiang Zhongjing, he immediately hid his tobacco pipe behind his back.

He still had half a piece of jade in his mouth. Wanting to beg for mercy, he quickly crunched and swallowed the jade as if it were a piece of dried fish.

Xiang Zhongjing used this practical demonstration to prove to Yun Yanli that he didn’t lack jade stones at all.

Yun Yanli: “…”

Yun Yanli asked in disbelief, “Then what do you want from me?”

Xiang Zhongjing said plainly, “Does everything for you people in the Cloud Province require a price?”

Hearing this, Yun Yanli thought Xiang Zhongjing was going to help him for free. He shook his head. “No, some things are done without a price.”

“Oh.” Xiang Zhongjing gave him a gentle smile. “We aren’t like that in Jiuzhou. If you want me to help you, there’s a price.”

Yun Yanli: “…”

Cunning Jiuzhou person, ahhhh!

Yun Yanli knew nothing about the ways of Jiuzhou. He didn’t even know how to ride the teleportation towers. He had been wandering around Wujin Road for a month; he wanted to ask for help but felt those lowly ants weren’t worthy of speaking to him. His arrogance was truly off the charts.

Yun Yanli hesitated for a long while before finally making up his mind. “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked, gritting his teeth.

Xiang Zhongjing rested his chin on his hand and said something that would shock anyone: “After the matter is finished, take me to the Cloud Province once.”

Yun Yanli was startled. “Impossible! Only ascended masters can enter the Cloud Province.”

Xiang Zhongjing said, “Alright then, keep looking on your own.”

Yun Yanli: “…”

Yun Yanli’s face turned green, and he ground his teeth. “Aren’t you just taking advantage of my situation? Are all you Jiuzhou people so despicable?”

Xiang Zhongjing said plainly, “If you misjudge the entire population of Jiuzhou based on one person, then can I do the same and assume everyone in the Cloud Province is a stup, arrogant person like you?”

Yun Yanli: “…”

Yun Yanli said expressionlessly, “You were going to say ‘idiot,’ weren’t you?”

Xiang Zhongjing didn’t even bat an eye. “No, you misheard.”

Yun Yanli glared at him, but needing help, he didn’t pursue the matter. He took a deep breath. “Let me think about it.”

Xiang Zhongjing said, “Fine, think fast. Otherwise, I’ll be leaving Wujin Road soon.”

Yun Yanli pressed, “When are you leaving?”

“In the next few days.”

Since Xiang Zhongjing had promised Gu Congxu he would help find the dragon bones, he wasn’t going to spend his time in Wujin Road enjoying himself. It was better to find them as soon as possible to increase his chances against those old fogies from the three Great Gates.

“Fine,” Yun Yanli said. “I’ll come find you again tomorrow.”

Xiang Zhongjing nodded.

Yun Yanli, his face dark, downed the wine on the table in one go and stood up to leave.

Knowing Yun Yanli would likely agree, Xiang Zhongjing stretched, went to find Man Qiuxia in a great mood, and let the man draw him to his heart’s content.

Gu Congxu was drunk from those three cups of wine until nightfall. By the time he groggily transformed into human form and rolled around a couple of times on the soft bed, he finally realized there was a faint sound of breathing nearby.

Gu Congxu was startled and immediately opened his eyes.

On the soft bed, behind the draped curtains and by the bright candlelight, Xiang Zhongjing was lying lazily on his side. Propped up by one arm, he was looking at him with a gentle gaze and a teasing smile, appearing as though he had been watching for a long time.

Gu Congxu’s entire body stiffened.

Had Xiang Zhongjing seen the stupid way he was rolling around after waking up?!

Gu Congxu was almost dead from embarrassment, wishing he could just crawl under the covers.

Just then, Xiang Zhongjing slowly leaned in. Startled, Gu Congxu immediately pushed off with his feet to retreat.

But no matter how big the bed was, there was only so much space. After only a couple of moves, Gu Congxu’s back hit the wall. He looked at Xiang Zhongjing in a panic, asking with difficulty, “W-What do you want?”

“Hmm?” Xiang Zhongjing chuckled low and leaned in closer. He reached out and lightly tapped Gu Congxu’s arm twice. Even that tiny touch made Gu Congxu’s entire body tremble as if facing a great enemy.

The candlelight from the small table was reflected in Xiang Zhongjing’s eyes, like a galaxy pouring into a shimmering river. Seeing Gu Congxu like this, he found it amusing, but he didn’t let it show.

He whispered, “What do I want? What kind of talk is that? Shouldn’t it be: what do you want?”

Gu Congxu: “W-What?”

Xiang Zhongjing pulled back the collar of his clothes, revealing a red mark on his collarbone and neck where Gu Congxu had rubbed against him while coiled around him. He spoke with a double meaning: “The Great Dragon Lord was so passionate while he was drunk just now. How can he wake up and refuse to take responsibility?”

Gu Congxu: “…”

Gu Congxu: “!!!”

Gu Congxu stared at the mark, sucking in a breath of shock.