Chapter 073 – Ambush
Li Yuan hadn’t missed the hatred in the eyes of the the inner disciple Ren. He couldn’t afford to gamble on that not turning into action. True, with his master and senior sister stepping up for him—and with sect rules in place, Ren was unlikely to strike directly. But if he chose to take out his anger on someone close to Li Yuan, well, there were plenty of ways to do it.
Everyone in the inner district would know about Li Yuan’s connection to the proprietress of the Ginger Tavern if they cared to investigate. If Ren secretly harmed or killed her, would the Blood Blade Sect really punish him with severity? Probably not. He’d face, at worst, some token penalty, or they’d simply let the two parties settle it themselves.
Such an outcome was unthinkable to Li Yuan. He couldn’t bear the risk. One slip, and everything he cared about would be taken from him. Yet the idea of him openly killing Ren sounded laughable to most. He was officially a ninth rank disciple, after all. How could he possibly turn the tables on an eighth rank rival?
Nonetheless, Li Yuan knew exactly what had to be done.
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Late that night, a waning moon cast its weak, yellow glow across the land. Li Yuan quietly packed his usual trio—mask, cloak, and hidden sleeve-dagger—into a small box, then left the inner district in Xue Ning’s carriage.
She didn’t question him. As they rode, they simply chatted about future plans, discussing the intelligence network Li Yuan wanted to build and the trading channels he hoped to open. She was well aware that these goals would require resources, manpower, and the leverage Li Yuan was about to gain as Inspector.
Money, she could earn through her businesses. And if he wanted to gather information on happenings beyond the county, she could do so under the guise of expanding her taverns. By opening more branches, she could also legally hire extra guards and staff who might help Li Yuan with certain covert tasks.
About halfway, with no one else in sight, Li Yuan spoke softly. “Xue Ning, let me off here.”
She hesitated, then threw her arms around him, voice low and affectionate. “Please be careful. If you have nowhere to stay tonight, come find me at White Cloud Alley. I’ll leave orders for the maids.”