Gathering of Sages Hall, Mist, Doubt

Hearing Jiang Chendong's words, Ling Tianhe and Lu Wencang's expressions grew even uglier.

If that were really the case.

The other party might be warning them.

"First, make arrangements for Song Yuan's family. Tomorrow, I'll go see Su Chen and probe his intentions."

Ling Tianhe commanded.

The next morning.

A light drizzle continued to fall from the sky, blanketing Qingcheng City like mist and dust.

However, news that Song Yuan, one of the eighteen stewards of the Golden Wind Fine Rain Tower, had been murdered in his courtyard quickly spread throughout the city.

Within the city, a tower-shaped building stood.

This tower had nine stories, making it the tallest structure in Qingcheng City.

Possessing such a prominent building indicated an extraordinary status within Qingcheng City.

This was the Gathering of Sages Hall, ranked second among Qingcheng City's five major powers.

At this moment, an old man in a yellow robe stood atop the tower, gazing at the misty rain outside.

Beside him stood a man in a green shirt.

"Zhenyuan, it's rare for Qingcheng City to have such a light drizzle. It's quite unusual!"

As the old man in the yellow robe spoke, he took a deep breath, as if absorbing the moisture from the fine rain.

The yellow-robed elder was Ximen Muye, the Grand Hall Master of the Gathering of Sages Hall. The man beside him was Qin Zhenyuan, one of the five hall masters of the Gathering of Sages Hall, known as the Thunderous Primordial Hand.

He was also the old man's eldest disciple.

"Indeed, it's rare. Our border region is naturally arid and rarely experiences such weather!"

"However, Master, while the fine rain is pleasant, Qingcheng City is currently in turmoil. I've received news that Song Yuan, a steward of the Golden Wind Fine Rain Tower, was killed by a master skilled in cold-attribute cultivation techniques."

"We originally thought we could take advantage of Su Mengbai's death to have our Gathering of Sages Hall seize control of the Golden Wind Fine Rain Tower and surpass the Lei Family's Lei Hall in one fell swoop."

"It seems now is not the time!"

Qin Zhenyuan said with resentment.

"Don't be impatient in anything you do. Opportunities come to those who wait."

"What do you think of the news about the Fifth-grade Lotus Platform circulating in the black market?"

Ximen Muye asked.

"Initially, I thought the news was fabricated. But with Song Yuan's death reported today, I suspect Su Mengbai's demise might indeed be related to the Fifth-grade Lotus Platform."

Qin Zhenyuan replied.

"Then analyze for me, among the Golden Wind Fine Rain Tower, who might know about this Fifth-grade Lotus Platform."

As he spoke.

Ximen Muye turned and entered the room.

Inside the room.

A beautiful woman with a graceful figure was quietly brewing tea.

A fragrant aroma of tea filled the room.

Seeing Ximen Muye enter, the woman brought a cup of freshly brewed tea to him.

"Zhenyuan, this is some excellent tea I just got from Jiangnan, Golden Wind Jade Dew Tea! You won't find this in Qingcheng City!"

"Get Zhenyuan a cup too!"

Ximen Muye said.

"Master, I'm not interested in tea. If there were wine, I'd enjoy that!"

"Master just asked me who might know the whereabouts of the Fifth-grade Lotus Platform. I believe Su Chen might know."

Qin Zhenyuan said.

"Explain. Why do you think he knows, rather than Su Mengbai's wife?"

Ximen Muye sat on a rosewood chair and looked at Qin Zhenyuan.

"Firstly, Su Chen returned to the Golden Wind Fine Rain Tower after Su Mengbai's death. The timing is a bit coincidental. Normally, upon receiving the news, he shouldn't have reached Qingcheng City yet!"

"So, Su Chen must have returned earlier. Perhaps Su Mengbai asked him to return."

"Su Chen's talent isn't high. He was just an ordinary disciple in the Mountain River Sect. The Fifth-grade Lotus Platform might have been something Su Mengbai prepared for Su Chen."

"Secondly, I've been observing Su Chen these past few days. Based on his demeanor, he shows no signs of nervousness or unease!"

"This is highly unreasonable. If he had the strength, it would be understandable. But to be so calm without strength implies he has something that makes him believe no one will dare to touch him!"

Qin Zhenyuan said earnestly.

"You have some valid points, but you've overlooked one thing."

"Since Su Chen lacks strength, any trump cards he might have are useless because this world respects strength above all else."

"Isn't it simple for them to kill Su Mengbai and capture Su Chen?"

Ximen Muye said softly.

Hearing Ximen Muye's words, Qin Zhenyuan's brow furrowed.

He had ignored the most crucial piece of information.

Su Chen was like an ant in his eyes, and he assumed others saw him the same way.

Ants can be crushed with a flick of the wrist.

Yet, they hadn't acted against the ant.

This was completely illogical.

"Master, are you saying someone is setting up a trap!"

A flash of insight crossed Qin Zhenyuan's mind.

"Most likely. You are only to investigate for now, do not get involved, lest you bring trouble to our Gathering of Sages Hall!"

Ximen Muye instructed.

"Your disciple understands!"

Qin Zhenyuan replied.

"You may go. Keep an eye on the Golden Wind Fine Rain Tower, don't miss any details!"

"As soon as an opportunity arises, we will still take down the Golden Wind Fine Rain Tower!"

Ximen Muye said.

"Then Master, your disciple will take his leave!"

After speaking, Qin Zhenyuan bowed and left the room.

"Who exactly is planning this? But the news about the Fifth-grade Lotus Platform should be real!"

"If it weren't real, it wouldn't attract such powerful individuals. But why did he kill Song Yuan?"

"Was it a warning or a threat to others?"

Ximen Muye took a sip of tea and said in a deep voice.

Meanwhile...

Su Chen woke up early, and Steward Fu was already waiting outside his room.

Seeing Su Chen emerge from the wing, Steward Fu stepped forward and said, "Young Master, Steward Song Yuan was killed. Deputy楼主 Ling and the others are waiting for you in the main hall!"

"What, Steward Song was killed!"

Su Chen feigned surprise.

"Yes, his body was examined last night. He died at the hands of an expert who cultivates ice-attribute techniques. The attacker's methods were brutal, directly freezing Steward Song's heart."

Steward Fu relayed the information he had gathered.

"Directly froze Steward Song's heart! Such strength?"

Su Chen was startled inwardly, his expression changing as he asked.

"Yes, the person who came is very powerful. Deputy楼主 Ling might not be a match for him."

"Young Master, let's go see Deputy Pavilion Master Ling first. He likely has more information!"

Steward Fu suggested.

A short while later.

Su Chen arrived outside the main hall.

Inside the hall, not only Ling Tianhe was present, but also seventeen other stewards. Upon hearing the news of Song Yuan's death, they had all followed Ling Tianhe to the Su Residence.

They were currently conversing, their words filled with worry.

As Su Chen stepped into the hall.

The chatter stopped, and everyone turned to bow slightly towards Su Chen.

"Greetings, Poster!"

"No need for formalities. I have already received the news about Song Yuan. This matter is extraordinary. Deputy楼主 Ling, Steward Song has always followed you, so I am entrusting the full investigation of this matter to you. I expect you to find some leads within three days!"

Su Chen preemptively put pressure on Ling Tianhe.

Song Yuan was promoted to steward by Ling Tianhe, making him essentially Ling Tianhe's man.

Now that Song Yuan was dead, it was only natural for Ling Tianhe to investigate.

Ling Tianhe had no way to shirk the responsibility.

Upon hearing Su Chen's words.

Ling Tianhe was a bit bewildered. He hadn't even spoken yet, and Su Chen was already ordering him to investigate this matter, even giving him three days.

"Don't worry, OP, I'll find out the results as soon as possible."

Ling Tianhe could only agree.

But his heart sank. Su Chen's behavior today made him wary.

It also sparked a suspicion.