Chapter 167: Chapter 114: Gui Water

Inside a room in the small courtyard of the Fishery.

Chen Qing sat cross-legged, a new issue of the Jianghu Anecdotes spread open in his hands.

Just as he expected, the disturbance in Qianchuan Marsh dominated the front-page headlines.

“Five Platforms and Profound Armor Join Forces, an Astral Force Battle in Qianchuan Marsh! Demon Sect Protector Zuo Feng Heavily Wounded in Escape!”

The report’s description largely matched Chen Qing’s own experience, heavily emphasizing the might of the three Astral Force experts—Hong Yuandong, Chu Jinyun, and Shi Zhenyue—and the victory of thwarting the Demon Sect’s plot.

As for Tu Gang’s death, it was mentioned only in passing, lost amidst the bigger news of Zuo Feng’s escape. No one was investigating the details, which was exactly what Chen Qing had hoped for.

Seeing this, Chen Qing thought to himself, ’This Mist Rain Tower… it must have intricate ties to the Four Great Sects! Or maybe, it’s a mouthpiece that the Four Great Sects jointly support, or even directly control!’

How long had it been since that ambush deep within Qianchuan Marsh?

They had barely made it back to the Sect in a wretched state. For the news to be reported up the chain of command, then laid out, printed, and distributed in the Jianghu Anecdotes… to organize such a complex event into a written article in such a short time was definitely not easy.

Furthermore, the writing was clearly biased in favor of the Four Great Sects. This was something no ordinary Jianghu tabloid could accomplish.

He continued reading, and a piece of news about Water Bandits caught his eye:

“Nine Waves Island has been making frequent moves in recent months, annexing dozens of large and small surrounding Water Stockades with lightning speed. Its power and prestige have soared, and it has grown too powerful to control. Its sphere of influence now covers several main waterways within the marsh, terrifying passing merchant ships, all of which must pay a hefty ’toll’ to pass.”

“Nine Waves Island…” Chen Qing read, falling into deep thought.

He had seen news about Nine Waves Island some time ago but hadn’t paid it much mind.

It wasn’t unusual for Water Bandits to grow stronger by annexing and consolidating others.

But to remain unharmed after multiple cleanup operations by the Government Army, and to even grow stronger, Chen Qing would never believe it if there wasn’t a powerful backer or some special support behind them.

’Could the Demon Sect be behind Nine Waves Island?’

A thought struck Chen Qing.

The Demon Sect needed money, provisions, strongholds, and a way to stir up chaos. The Water Bandits were undoubtedly one of the best fronts they could use.

Zhou Tai’s slightly rushed voice came from outside the door. “Steward Chen, I have an urgent matter to report!”

Finishing the Practice, Chen Qing pushed the door open and stepped out.

Zhou Tai had a solemn expression. Behind him were Old Zhao, who looked equally shocked and suspicious, and Liu He, who was peeking around curiously.

“Steward, I just received a document delivered by express horse from the Sect’s Affairs Department.”

Zhou Tai handed over a sealed letter with both hands. “Elder Zhao… has been transferred!”

Chen Qing raised an eyebrow slightly, taking the document and quickly scanning it.

Due to an internal affairs adjustment Within the Sect, Elder Zhao, who was originally in charge of Fishery personnel and inspections for the Affairs Department, had been reassigned. His replacement would be announced at a later date.

“Transferred?”

Old Zhao’s wrinkled face was filled with disbelief. He lowered his voice, speaking with the sharp insight of an old hand, “This… This is too sudden! The year-end inspection is just around the corner! Elder Zhao has been in this position for seven or eight years at least. He’s deeply entrenched. How could he be transferred just like that?”

Liu He also whispered, “That’s right. Just a few days ago, I heard Elder Zhao was preparing for the year-end inspection. When the new Elder arrives, I’m afraid all the rules might change, won’t they?”

As an Inner Courtyard Disciple, Zhou Tai thought a level deeper. “Steward Chen, do you think… this could be related to that incident with Wang Hai and Zhao Kang? And Qianchuan Marsh… After all, Elder Zhao was responsible for this area, and such a huge blunder occurred…”

The atmosphere in the Fishery’s small courtyard shifted slightly.

Wang Shuosheng and Sun Xiaomiao also heard the commotion and came over, a trace of curiosity on their faces.

Chen Qing handed the document back to Zhou Tai, his expression as calm as still water. “The Sect has its own arrangements. The transfer order has been issued, so further discussion is pointless. What happens to Elder Zhao is none of our business. As for who the new Elder is, we’ll find out when they arrive.”

His gaze swept over the group, his voice steady. “Just do your jobs. Keep the books clear, the catch normal, and the Treasure Fish safe. Then no matter who comes to inspect, they won’t be able to find any faults. Those who should be patrolling, patrol. Those who should be doing maintenance, do maintenance. Don’t fall into disarray.”

“Yes, Steward!”

Zhou Tai, Old Zhao, and the others quickly responded.

Just as Chen Qing was about to turn and go back inside, Lin Wei arrived.

“Junior Brother Chen.”

She greeted him with a smile. “Are you finished with your work? Junior Brother Wu is just starting to recover from his serious injuries. How about we go visit him together?”

Hearing this, Chen Qing nodded. “That’s thoughtful of you, Senior Sister Lin. Please wait a moment.”

He turned to Liu He, who was standing by respectfully. “Go to the ice cellar and fetch two of the best Three-Stripe Carp. Put them in a Jade Box.”

Chen Qing had already been planning to visit Wu Yuanhua in the next few days. After all, they had gone through the dangers of Qianchuan Marsh together and had formed a bit of a bond. Now that Lin Wei had invited him, it was the perfect opportunity to go together.

“Yes, Steward.” Liu He acknowledged and left.

Soon, Liu He returned, holding an exquisite Jade Box.

Chen Qing took the Jade Box and said to Lin Wei, “Senior Sister, please.”

“Please, Junior Brother,” Lin Wei said with a nod.

And so, the two of them headed to Wu Yuanhua’s residence together.

…

Nanzhe No. 8 Fishery, Wu Yuanhua’s residence.

Wu Yuanhua was propped up against the headboard, his face still a little pale, but he looked much better than when he had been unconscious from his grave injuries. The arrogance once in his eyes had settled, replaced by a more steady and reserved quality.

Beside the bed sat a woman of about twenty-three or twenty-four, dressed in the moon-white Martial Attire of the Gui Water Institute. She had above-average looks and an air that was both gentle and capable.

She was Su Qing, Wu Yuanhua’s senior sister.

“Junior Brother Wu, are you feeling any better?” Chen Qing asked as he walked in, clasping his hands in a polite greeting.

“Senior Brother Chen! Senior Sister Lin!”

Seeing the two of them arrive together, a flicker of genuine gratitude and complex emotion passed through Wu Yuanhua’s eyes. He struggled to sit up straighter. “Please, sit down. Thank you both for your concern. I managed to cheat death this time, thanks to Senior Brother Xiao and the others arriving just in time, and… and also thanks to our decision to split up that day.”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep