A Twist of Fate

Chapter 45: A Turn for the Better

The next morning, Lu Li and Xiao Cha seized the opportunity of their martial arts practice to meet and discuss in hushed tones.

"How is Wan Qing?"

"She's doing well, very happy."

"That situation yesterday... was it normal?"

"Definitely not normal! Fire appearing out of nowhere is too bizarre. I've never heard of any realm being able to do that!"

After a brief exchange, Lu Li asked, "By the way, did you ask... what her beliefs are?"

"I didn't dare to ask," Xiao Cha replied in a low voice.

"It probably has something to do with the northern matters. She always gets strange whenever it's mentioned... Oh! She's coming out!"

At that moment, Wan Qing emerged from the house.

Her posture was graceful and slender. As she walked, she subconsciously used one arm to shield her chest, preventing any unsightly jiggling.

As she passed the two, she offered a gentle smile.

Seeing her head into the kitchen to prepare breakfast, Lu Li said, "As long as she's alright, that's all that matters. Everything else... isn't important."

Xiao Cha also let out a sigh of relief. "Breaking through a realm is ultimately a good thing."

Meanwhile, Wan Qing was methodically preparing ingredients in the kitchen.

After Entering Samadhi, her spiritual power extended outward, making her perception of the outside world even clearer and her daily life more convenient.

Everything was developing in a positive direction. Lu Li said, "Then, from now on, keep a close eye on Wang Siqi and try to find an opportunity as soon as possible."

"Don't worry, I'll make sure he's utterly annihilated!"

Xiao Cha's epaulets gleamed brighter.

~~~~~~~~~~~

The Wang Family was a prominent clan in Jinmen. For Xiao Cha, a newly appointed constable, investigating such a behemoth was quite risky.

However, everything hinges on fate. Qin Chuan, who had caused trouble at their door previously, unexpectedly provided a great deal of help!

He was assisting the Wang Family in searching for the "Spirit Child," believing he had hitched himself to a powerful patron and boasting about it everywhere.

Little did he know, this played right into Xiao Cha's hands!

With their conflict out in the open, it was only natural for Xiao Cha to investigate her opponent's background.

Thus, Xiao Cha openly obtained intelligence and brought it back to discuss with Lu Li.

"The elder who is about to die in the Wang Family recently is Wang Siqi's own father! This man served in the Prime Minister's Office, holding the fifth-rank position of Captain. He was involved in the signing of the Treaty of Shimonoseki."

As Xiao Cha spoke, her expression grew solemn. "The problem is that the Wang Family resides on Miyajima Street, which is within the Izumo Concession. It's not easy for us to get close. Moreover, many high-ranking officials and powerful experts live there!"

The situation was somewhat tricky. Lu Li pondered, "In that case, if we don't go to the Wang Family and only target Wang Siqi, is there an opportunity?"

This meant they wouldn't get the cultivation method, but they had to settle for the next best thing.

Xiao Cha thought for a moment, then replied with difficulty, "To show filial piety, Wang Siqi has to attend to his father at his bedside daily. He won't leave the mansion before his father dies. And his father himself has cultivation... he should be able to hold on until the end of the year."

"It's only mid-July now..." Lu Li frowned. "Then you continue to watch him and see if any opportunity arises."

Xiao Cha nodded. "We can only do that for now. Let him live a few more days."

The two made plans for a long-term strategy, but everything hinges on fate.

When fate arrives, it cannot be stopped!

~~~~~~~~~~~

At this very moment, Wang Siqi, whom both of them were thinking about, was attending to his dying father, Wang Wenzhen, at his bedside.

Wang Wenzhen was withered and frail, like a piece of sun-dried old wood. However, a faint clarity remained in his eyes, indicating his consciousness was still sharp.

He looked at his son and said sternly, "I told you to learn the Izumo Language. How is your progress?"

Wang Siqi respectfully replied, "Reporting to Father, your son has learned about eighty to ninety percent. Daily conversation is not a problem."

"Very good!" Wang Wenzhen managed a faint smile, then his expression turned serious. "The Emperor of Izumo is a man of great vision and ambition. He will unify the world sooner or later. It's beneficial for you to learn this in advance!"

Wang Siqi bowed slightly. "Thank you for your teachings, Father."

Looking at his son, who was as refined as jade, Wang Wenzhen was very pleased. He then asked, "Is the Spirit Child ready?"

"Everything's ready. There are six of them. And some precious treasures and ritual vessels are also prepared."

"The other things don't matter. The items related to cultivation need to be checked carefully. I'm taking those with me."

"Please don't worry, Father. There will be no mistakes."

The father and son conversed for a while. With no further concerns, Wang Wenzhen said:

"I don't have many days left. Let's pick a good date and go down soon. Call the people from the Jiu Shan Sect to send me off."

Wang Siqi paused and said, "Your command shall be obeyed, Father."

~~~~~~~~~~~~

The next day, the news of the Wang Family's funeral spread throughout Jinmen.

When Xiao Cha heard about it, she didn't have much of a reaction at first.

It was just a funeral for a high-ranking official; it would undoubtedly be a grand affair.

But then, Chief Constable Chen summoned her and arranged:

"Lord Wang Wenzhen has passed away. The funeral is set for the first day of the eighth month. Many people will come to pay their respects then. You will represent the Patrol Bureau and attend to maintain order."

Having patrol officers present during a funeral was a fitting honor for a high-ranking official's passing.

Xiao Cha's eyes lit up, and she shouted, "Your subordinate obeys!"

Chief Constable Chen nodded with satisfaction. "You're very enthusiastic. That's how young people should be. Go on, get to work."

Xiao Cha excitedly ran home. With a leap, she flipped into the courtyard and saw Lu Li.

"Things have changed! That Wang Wenzhen is having a funeral!"

"He's dead? So suddenly..."

"He's probably not dead," Xiao Cha explained. "Many high-ranking officials like to pick a good day to enter their tombs directly, saying it aids in reincarnation or something. Wang Wenzhen is likely in that situation."

This funeral custom left Lu Li somewhat speechless...

Xiao Cha continued, "What a coincidence! The bureau has assigned me to lead people to maintain order on the day of the funeral!"

Hearing this, Lu Li's expression shifted. "You mean..."

"Hehe~" Xiao Cha's pretty face flushed with excitement, and she lowered her voice. "We can not only enter openly, but the scene will be very chaotic then... I'll scout a good spot, and we'll seize the moment to give him a funeral befitting father and son!"

The girl excitedly bared her small tiger teeth and bit her cherry lips tightly!

Lu Li chuckled, "Captain Xiao, you're an officer of the law. Watch your image."

"Oh, I just find it so thrilling~ so exhilarating~" Xiao Cha's beautiful eyes sparkled as she said in a sweet voice, "Do you dare to go!"

"You truly are audacious~"

Lu Li beckoned, and a Children's Rifle appeared in his hand. "Of course, I... couldn't ask for anything more!"

"I knew you were a lawless scoundrel!"

Xiao Cha also went into the house to retrieve her two guns.

The two screwed silencers onto their gun barrels and began practicing, firing with "dong dong" sounds in the courtyard.

Lu Li also had an additional task: practicing "somersaults."

With his mind strengthened to its limit, he would improve his physical fitness as much as possible within the limited time he had!

Wan Qing stood by, smiling gently.

"That Lord Wang sold out his country for personal gain, revealing a lot of intelligence to the Chu Yun people when signing the treaty. Young Master Lu~ good luck!"