Chapter 045 – Spirit-Release Technique, Spring-Autumn Blade
Morning light drifted in on a mild breeze.
Auntie Wang was bustling around the earthen stove, boiling water and cooking rice. Nearby, a wooden basin held a pile of laundry belonging to the master and madam; she planned to take it down to the nearby river to wash, and afterward, she’d do her own family’s clothes as well.
Outside in the shantytown, the willow trees had begun to sprout fresh buds. When children ran by, their laughter set the tender branches dancing in the wind, adding a spark of vitality to the place.
Unnoticed by all, the bitter winter was gone. Early spring had arrived. The people of Silver Creek’s shantytown felt a renewed sense of cheer.
Li Yuan, however, remained uneasy. Today was his last day of sick leave, and tomorrow he’d have to return to the black market. Yet he still knew next to nothing about the situation there. He wanted to extend his leave, but he wasn’t sure if it would be allowed.
He also knew for certain he couldn’t go to the central market now. And there was nowhere else to go. Venturing into the wilderness beyond the county was tantamount to suicide. So he was stuck in Silver Creek, waiting for the dust to settle, hoping he could stay hidden away until the truth came to light.
While he was lost in thought, a knock sounded at the door. Right on cue came Cai Ze’s voice calling from outside.
“Li Yuan? Li Yuan!”
Li Yuan rushed to answer it. As soon as he opened the door, Cai Ze beamed at him.
“You were right the other day. They finally found those missing people. Their bodies were at the bottom of the lake, so it’s definitely a murder case, not a simple disappearance. The sect’s taking this very seriously and plans to set a trap to lure out the culprit. You can relax now.”
Li Yuan felt a slight sense of relief. At least there was progress. Once the matter was thoroughly investigated, more details were sure to follow. But until things were fully resolved, his illness wouldn’t be getting any better.
Right on cue, he clutched at his chest and began to cough violently, as if he could hardly breathe.