A Misty Mystery

The Chun'an County yamen was shrouded in a thin mist on this early morning, the bluestone slabs still damp with dew from the night. When Ye Yun and Yan Xiao Liu arrived, over twenty Constables had already gathered in the courtyard, their expressions solemn. Several Six Doors experts stood guard around the perimeter, motionless like sculptures, yet exuding a palpable, heart-stopping pressure.

Zhuge Qing, dressed in a blue robe that fluttered slightly in the morning breeze, stood on the steps. His gaze, sharp as lightning, swept over everyone present, lingering on Ye Yun for a moment before he spoke:

"I've summoned you all today for two important matters." His voice was not loud, yet it carried clearly to every ear. "First, we received an urgent report last night: a group from Kyoto is inquiring about the survivors of the Ye Family from ten years ago."

Ye Yun's pupils contracted, but he quickly regained his composure. This was all within his expectations—ever since his identity was exposed, he knew this day would eventually come.

"Two individuals from the Wu family of the provincial capital accompanied them," Zhuge Qing continued, his tone growing grave. "However, they were ambushed the night they entered Chun'an County territory. Two Kyoto martial artists of the sixth rank were killed on the spot, while the two from the Wu family fled, severely wounded."

A collective gasp echoed through the courtyard. Sixth-rank martial artists! Those were experts capable of establishing a sect in a province, and they were killed so silently?

Ye Yun's brow furrowed. This was entirely unexpected—who would assassinate people inquiring about the Ye Family's affairs at this time? Friend or foe?

"According to the survivor's description, the killer's movements were extremely professional," Zhuge Qing's voice interrupted his thoughts. "A single strike to a vital point, clearly the work of a professional assassin. Even stranger, the assailant seemed to know their exact route and set up an ambush along the unavoidable path."

Yan Xiao Liu couldn't help but interject, "Sir, could it have been those bandits..."

"Unlikely," Zhuge Qing shook his head. "If there were such experts among the bandits, we might not have escaped Black Wind Ridge unscathed that day. Besides..." He paused, casting a meaningful glance at Ye Yun, "the killer seems to know a lot about the Ye Family's past, specifically targeting those who inquired about the matter."

Ye Yun's heart jolted. Could it be... people sent by his father to protect him? But this thought was quickly dismissed—if such a force existed, how could the Ye Family have suffered such a catastrophe ten years ago?

"The Wu family members have already returned to the provincial capital. I've sent a carrier pigeon to Kyoto, and a special team will investigate this matter," Zhuge Qing concluded the first topic, his tone suddenly sharpening. "The immediate priority is the second matter—those bandits have already escaped Chun'an County territory!"

The courtyard erupted in an uproar. The Constables exchanged bewildered glances, seeing disbelief in each other's eyes.

"How is that possible?" Chen Qingzhou couldn't help but exclaim. "All checkpoints were heavily guarded. How could they have slipped away so silently?"

Zhuge Qing's expression was grim. "We were all tricked. The bandits split into two groups. One group drew our attention, while the other, carrying important items, escaped via the waterway. By the time we realized it, they had already entered the provincial capital's jurisdiction."

Mufeng added, "According to the latest intelligence, there were indeed no formation masters among the bandits. The formation used by that effeminate man was learned on the spot. The true formation master likely escaped with the main force."

Ye Yun was inwardly astonished. What a meticulous plan! A feint to lure the enemy away, followed by a diversion, and finally, a clever escape... this was far beyond the capabilities of ordinary bandits!

"It's too late to discuss this now," Zhuge Qing waved his hand. "The urgent task is to escort the captured effeminate man to the provincial capital. This individual is of great importance, and we must ensure his safe delivery without fail."

His gaze swept over the crowd. "I've decided that Little Fatty will lead the escort, with two local Constables assisting. If the mission is completed successfully and they pass the Six Doors assessment in the provincial capital, they will officially become Six Doors members."

These words were like cold water dropped into a sizzling oil pan, causing an immediate sensation! Becoming an official Six Doors member was a dream opportunity for so many Constables! Not only were the benefits generous, but it also offered access to more profound cultivation techniques and a broader world!

But Zhuge Qing's next words doused their excitement. "First, you must be a ranked martial artist."

The courtyard fell silent. Among the Chun'an County Constables, ranked martial artists were few and far between. Chen Qingzhou was at the mid-stage of Ninth Rank, Ye Yun was outwardly Ninth Rank (though actually at the seventh rank), Yan Xiao Liu was at the early Ninth Rank, and there were two older Constables who were Ninth Rank but over forty years old.

Chen Qingzhou spoke first, "This subordinate is old, and my wife and children are in Chun'an. I won't compete for this opportunity." His words were truthful; the Six Doors assessment was extremely rigorous, something he couldn't endure at his age.

The other two older Constables also declined. In the end, only Ye Yun and Yan Xiao Liu met the requirements.

"Good, it will be the two of you," Zhuge Qing nodded. "Prepare yourselves immediately. We depart at noon. Little Fatty will brief you on the specific plan."

After the meeting, Yan Xiao Liu excitedly grabbed Ye Yun's arm. "Brother Ye! Our chance has arrived! If we pass the assessment, we can go to the provincial capital or even Kyoto!"

Ye Yun, however, was not as optimistic. This matter was filled with oddities: why did people inquiring about the Ye Family's affairs appear precisely at this time? Why were they assassinated? Why could the bandits escape so easily? And this escort mission... something felt off.

"Don't get too excited yet," Ye Yun said coolly. "This mission isn't that simple."

Yan Xiao Liu was dismissive. "With a Six Doors expert leading, what could possibly go wrong?"

Just then, Little Fatty walked over with a smile. "Gentlemen, please come over. I need to discuss the escort plan."

The three of them went to a side hall. Little Fatty spread out a map. "We'll take the official road, passing Black Wind Ridge and Qinglong Beach, finally arriving at the provincial capital. The journey will take about three days."

"This person is very important," Little Fatty's smile vanished, and he became unusually serious. "He knows many secrets of the Youming Sect. Our mission is to deliver him safely to the provincial capital."

Yan Xiao Liu patted his chest. "Don't worry! With us here, I guarantee..."

"You'll guarantee a terrible death," Little Fatty interrupted him, his tone stern. "Remember, if you encounter anyone trying to free the prisoner, don't engage in a direct fight. Send a signal for reinforcements. Six Doors has arrangements along the route. Just hold on until the reinforcements arrive."

He then gave some further instructions before concluding, "Go and prepare. We depart at noon."

Leaving the side hall, Yan Xiao Liu muttered, "Why is Little Fatty brother so serious today..."

Ye Yun didn't reply, his mind racing with potential dangers.

As noon approached, Ye Yun returned home for his final preparations. He retrieved several crucial items from a hidden compartment beneath his bed: the half jade pendant left by his father, the silk scroll containing the True Martial Secret Manual, and the Thought Spirit Pearl. After placing these items into his storage, he finally felt at ease.

"This journey is perilous; I must be fully prepared," Ye Yun murmured, tucking the Storage Bag close to his body. In the past few days, his spiritual power had advanced further through cultivation with the precious pearl, allowing him to vaguely sense the emotional fluctuations of others.

Finally, he took out the Flying Feather Knife manual. With the enhancement of his spiritual power, he could now control three Flying Knives simultaneously. Although he hadn't reached the realm of "controlling blades with spirit," it was still a significant aid.

At precisely noon, the escort team set off. The effeminate man was shackled and gagged. Little Fatty led the way, with Ye Yun and Yan Xiao Liu flanking him on either side.

Unexpectedly, Zhuge Qing personally came to see them off. "Remember, safety first. Don't be reckless when facing danger." As he spoke, his gaze subtly flickered towards Ye Yun.