Vol. 2 - Ch. 23 - Sworn Brotherhood
“But let’s get one thing straight first!”
A rare seriousness appeared on Hua Xiyue’s face. “I’m just the messenger. Whatever happens afterward, I’m not getting involved.”
“I’ve got no interest in being framed out of nowhere and turned into some notorious villain.”
With Qiong Aohai’s experience still fresh in her mind, Hua Xiyue had no desire to follow the same tragic script.
Qiong Aohai hesitated for a moment, then hardened his resolve. He cupped his fists respectfully and said, “Then I thank you, Miss Xiyue.”
Hua Xiyue waved her hand with bold generosity. “No need for that!”
“We’re all children of the Jianghu.”
Imitating Sun Sheng and Qiong Aohai, she picked up a wine bowl, trying to down it in one go.
But remembering the intense burn from earlier, she quickly lowered the bowl and took only a small sip.
Even that small sip turned her cheeks red from the spice.
Hua Xiyue forced herself to maintain composure, though her heart groaned.
This wine tastes awful...
Sun Sheng looked over at Qiong Aohai. “Do you remember what the person who gave you that brocade slip looked like?”
“And what about the man in black you fought—any identifying traits?”
Qiong Aohai thought for a moment, then said, “The man who gave me the slip had only one eye. He wore an eyepatch over his left.”
“As for the man in black… his hands were strange. Not at all like those of a martial artist.”
“His hands were smooth as jade, long-fingered and pale. But I’m certain—he was definitely not a woman.”
Sun Sheng nodded, committing the details to memory.
“I have some connections. Maybe I can dig something up.”
“These next few days, why not stay here, Brother Qiong?”
“Even the Six Doors may not find this place. The waters of Lake Tai are dotted with docks, islets, and hidden paths—outsiders wouldn’t know where to start.”
Qiong Aohai thought it over and nodded. “Thank you, Shi—”
Before he could finish, Sun Sheng shot him a glare. “What did we agree on?”
Qiong Aohai grinned. “Brother Shun!”
“Good! Brother Qiong!”
Sun Sheng smiled and clinked bowls with him.
“Drink!”
“Eat!”
“Whatever tomorrow brings, let’s think about it then!”
“Hahahahahaha…”
The two of them laughed and drank into the night.