Song Ya Was a Fake, the Blade Pointed Straight at Wu Gan, the Upside-Down Ghost Tower, Eighteen Layers Like Prison

After returning Song Ya, Li Xian knew that there were still some unclear points in the case, but the city was abuzz with discussion. If he were to investigate Song Ya forcefully, it would cause a lot of trouble. Although Li Xian had suspicions, he had no evidence, so he had no choice but to put it aside for the time being and conduct a covert investigation.

Back at Jujube-Pasture Residence.

Li Xian rested for a moment, sorting out the details of the case. Song Ya disappeared on the 24th and was found at noon today, the 30th. It took a total of six days. Li Xian surmised, "If the Seven Withered Flowers are real, why didn't they capture Song Ya...? Thinking about it carefully, the Seven Withered Flowers have no reason why they absolutely must capture Song Ya Song Ya. And given Song Ya's notorious reputation, capturing her would only increase their risk and bring them no benefit."

"Although the Spleen-Shaking Palm is powerful, it has a move that absorbs the energy of an enemy's liver and spleen to nourish oneself. Song Ya will receive this Fortune, but her internal organs are no different from an ordinary person's. Using Song Ya's spleen to temper the Spleen-Shaking Palm will not be as effective as using it on the two women, ' Lin Zha ' and ' Zhong Nian, ' which is why the two women were seriously injured, with severe damage to their livers and spleens, showing signs of being trained. As for Song Ya... perhaps it wasn't her turn yet."

There was a cellar in Jujube-Pasture Residence, where Li Xian brewed several jars of "Fragrant Jujube Wine" using "sweet jujubes" and "herbs". Lost in thought, Li Xian took out a jar of Fragrant Jujube Wine and poured it into a wine gourd.

This wine is very sweet and fragrant, reminiscent of the Drunken Flower Wine of Blue-Heavens Long Dream Tower, but of slightly lower quality, with a weaker intoxicating effect and mostly sweet aroma. Li Xian filled the wine gourd, rubbed his fingers together to create golden light, which turned into golden beads, and threw them into the gourd. Then he shook it, and the golden light bounced inside the gourd.

This enhances the aroma of the wine. When the gourd is unscrewed, golden light shines out, resembling a Golden Soup Jade Elixir, displaying an impressive appearance. It can be said that he has inherited some of the True Disciple of the "Wine Elder," who likes to add all sorts of amazing and strange things to the wine.

Li Xian sat cross-legged, slowly pondering. "If the Seven Withered Flowers really didn't capture Song Ya, yet Song Ya happened to appear in the prison. Excluding the possibility of accidents, it means that Song Ya deliberately appeared here so that I could find her and bring her back."

"If that's the case, then the traces of the Seven Withered Flowers Seven Withered Flowers in the room were fabricated to guide me in capturing them and rescuing Song Ya. In this way, the original owners would have been switched in a single exchange."

"This is quite possible. If so... going to such lengths and making such a commotion at such a crucial moment, just to change identities, their schemes must be aimed directly at Wu Gan. If this is the case, then Song Ya at this moment is actually an assassin, a death squad member, trying to prevent Wu Gan from transferring his Fortune, causing Fortune into the world?"

Li Xian pondered carefully, "This is quite possible. I've had my suspicions for a while, but I lack evidence. I've secretly observed that Song Ya Faceless wear a mask. If she's disguising herself, it must be with extremely sophisticated techniques. Only by using my Double Pupils can I see through the disguise. But such a person carries heavy responsibilities and must be quite powerful. If someone stares at her, she'll immediately notice. Even if I know her identity by spying on her like this, without evidence, what can I do? Given her special status, her clever arguments will only make things more difficult for her."

"And to be able to do this so discreetly, Song Ya must have someone helping her. It might even be Commandery Princess Anyang's group. My movements are probably being watched as well."

"Therefore... it would be better to investigate secretly. I will pretend to rest for half a day to lull them into a false sense of security. If I can secretly find Song Ya's true identity and bring the two of them to a standoff, this matter can be resolved safely. If I cannot find Song Ya's true identity, I will think of another way to try and expose this Song Ya."

"If my guess is true, this scheme will not only take Wu Gan's life, but if they succeed, they will also take my life. But the more this happens, the more calm we must remain. We must not let haste lead to greater chaos. We must think things through carefully before making a decision. And for now, it is merely my wild speculation."

He calmed his mind and practiced his martial arts in the courtyard. From mid-August, Li Xian took on various tasks, patrolling the Jiyin Academy and searching for Song Ya. Although he was very busy, he always managed to steal a moment to hone his martial arts skills, and his progress in various martial arts techniques steadily increased.

The Sole-Self Heart Technique " has been accumulated to [7132/30000 Major Accomplishment], and the Five Organs Purge-Turbidity Revive-Yang Scripture" has been accumulated to [1895/8000 Minor Accomplishment]. The Heavenly Pivot Saber Method," " Stone-Pushing Palm Method," "Suffering Body Scripture," " Flicked-Finger Golden Light," and "Demonic Sound Soul-Shaking Melody " have all been enhanced.

[Bone-Sculpting Embryo]

[Proficiency: 29/100]

Li Xian's "Essence Soup" has recently stabilized, and he frequently obtains "Essence Treasure." The "Consumption" of Heaven and Earth Essence Heaven and Earth Essence has enhanced his abilities, and the essence he obtains far surpasses that of others. His physique is extremely strong, with Perfect Aspect, Double-Pupil Aspect, and Pure-Yang Physique... His ability to digest essence is also unmatched by others.

The food and drink of this month, along with the fine meat that I have obtained several times, and the accumulation of the past seven months, have left the Heaven and Earth Essence in my body. As a result, I have made a small but significant progress[3], which is truly gratifying.

The proficiency of the skill [Consumption] [9912/10000] has reached its Peak Mastery. Li Xian can accumulate the proficiency of Consumption by drinking Essence Soup and Consumption Essence Treasure every day.

Li Xian drank wine, cooked food, hummed songs, and played the flute, thoroughly enjoying himself. The next morning, Li Xian solved a major case and asked for leave to rest. The case appeared clear, and Li Xian Xu Shaoqian immediately reclaimed control. Although Li Xian knew there were hidden complexities, his connections were too weak to explain, and Xu Shaoqian accused him of being power-hungry and deliberately delaying. To lull others into a false sense of security, Li Xian gathered many friends for drinking and merrymaking, as if the case were closed, indulging in unrestrained revelry. By evening, Li Xian was thoroughly drunk and returned to Jujube-Pasture Residence, bidding farewell to his friends Zhou Qingqing and Yao Yin.

As soon as she closed the door, she instantly became alert. Li Xian changed her clothes and was about to sneak out to continue investigating the case and find out more about its intricacies when she suddenly heard a loud banging on the door. Someone was lingering in front of the door, looking hesitant.

There was a strand of hair under the eaves. Li Xian focused his mind and sensed that the person who came was dressed in brocade robes and looked very wealthy. It was none other than the Song the Merchant.

Li Xian was immediately surprised, so he went to open the door and asked, "Ah! Brother Song! You've come to see me?"

The Song the Merchant looked around, then cupped his hands and smiled, "Gold Steward, may I come in and have a seat?" Li Xian replied, "Oh? Sure." He opened the door and let the Song the Merchant in.

Li Xian brewed tea to entertain him and asked, "Dream-Painting House quite a distance from Gold Ingot Ward? It's already night, Brother Song. You've traveled so far, enduring hardship and working day and night, to find me at my home. Is there something important?"

The Song the Merchant, with a strange expression, finished his tea and said, "Alas! Alas! I don't know whether I should say this or not." Li Xian called out, "What is it? Please speak."

After a moment's hesitation, the Song the Merchant said, "Let me make it clear beforehand that although I have been a Gold Steward for many years, I have not neglected my martial arts. I hone my skills daily and occasionally host family banquets to share Essence Treasure. However, I have indeed rarely sparred with others, which has caused me to lose the Blood Qi and fierce nature of a martial artist. I have absolutely no intention of belittling Gold Steward, nor do I think there is anything wrong with him. Li Gold Steward's name has recently become legendary. His reputation for Handsome Sideburns, Ugly Face is known to all. His ability to solve cases is legendary and is widely praised. He will surely be remembered for generations to come."

After some polite flattery, the Song the Merchant said, "But... but... alas! But Gold Steward, ever since my daughter came back, I've had this feeling that something's not quite right!"

Li Xian asked, "What's wrong?" The Song the Merchant replied, "I can't quite put my finger on it. The face is the same, but the person seems different. She knows her younger siblings' likes and dislikes, and upon closer inspection, she seems to have nothing unusual about Song Ya. But... this feeling lingers in my mind, I can't shake it off. It's been there since our first meeting. I've been thinking about it, and I'm going to ask Gold Steward about it."

Li Xian Intestine-Turning Narrow Passage, "Could it be that blood is thicker than water, and we have some kind of the Unseen connection?" He then said, "If that's the case, why didn't you say so yesterday?"

The Song the Merchant, said, "I was overjoyed to find my beloved daughter yesterday, and I didn't care about anything else. But after reflecting on it all day, I've gradually come to this feeling that she... she might not be my daughter!"

Li Xian narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing Song the Merchant, and said, "Oh? You can confirm this in just one day? Perhaps Song Ya was frightened and underwent a drastic change, causing a slight alteration in her temperament. At this time, she needs your care and love as her father even more, yet you turn around and doubt your daughter's identity. Isn't that a bit too hasty?" Song the Merchant said with embarrassment, "If it were any of my other children, I wouldn't doubt them if their temperaments changed slightly. But Song Ya... she's always been intelligent, and usually, she seems to be in charge, even I listen to her. So, to my shame, I'm truly a useless father. Noticing that Song Ya is different, I naturally can't act like an ordinary father and daughter..."

Li Xian said, "I see." He played with the teacup, gazing at the tea, and gently swirled it. The tea shimmered and rippled. He said, "So, Brother Song came all this way to find me, hoping I would continue searching for Song Ya? Or perhaps to test whether this Song Ya is real?"

The Song the Merchant said, "This matter is indeed very embarrassing. Although I am the biological father, it is difficult to determine whether the Song Ya in front of me is real or not. My child, Song Ya, may not be fake. This intuition of mine has no basis or evidence. Perhaps in the end, it will just be my paranoia. But I cannot rest easy if I do nothing. After thinking it over, I can only go and see Gold Steward."

Seeing that the Song the Merchant had finished his tea, Li Xian skillfully poured him another. The wealthy Song the Merchant lightly tapped his finger, picked up the teacup, and took a small sip. Song the Merchant said, "I went to Marquis Wu Station this morning and heard that Gold Steward Gold Steward was on leave. So I came to Jujube-Pasture Residence, hoping I hadn't disturbed him. If Gold Steward is willing to help, consider this a generous private offer. Please name Gold Steward price!"

Li Xian smiled and said, "I've heard that Brother Song owns shops on ' Silk Street,' ' Autumn Porcelain Street,' and ' Crimson-Theater Street ' in Dream-Painting House?" The Song the Merchant was taken aback and said, "If Gold Steward can truly find his beloved daughter and do his utmost to ensure her safety, then... then... these three shops are all at my disposal!" Li Xian shook his head and smiled, "I am by no means a greedy person. Even if Brother Song is generous and willing to give them up, someone of my status might not be able to accept them. However, it is clear that Brother Song is very sincere and deeply loves his daughter; it is truly touching. I have plenty of free time..." "I'll have a few days off, nothing to do, and plenty of free time, so I'll help you investigate. If there's truly a hidden story, Song Ya at home is an imposter, and I have indeed played an indispensable role, then we can discuss the matter of reward." The Song the Merchant, tears welling in his eyes, exclaimed joyfully, "Gold Steward is a man of chivalry and righteousness! It's a blessing for the people of Jade City to have him as their Jade City Gold Steward!" Li Xian bowed and said, "You flatter me, you flatter me." He then said seriously, "Next, I will ask you questions. You must answer truthfully, without hiding anything."

The Song the Merchant stood up and said, "Gold Steward, please ask. I will answer whatever I know." Li Xian said, "Think carefully, is there any difference in Song Ya's appearance? Her eyes, nose, ears, and the scars."

After a moment's thought, the Song the Merchant replied, "I live in the same house as Song Ya, and I see her every day. There has been absolutely no difference between before and after."

Li Xian thought, "If I'm not mistaken, this Song Ya must be an imposter, a fake, and her target must be Wu Gan. There may be two flowers or two people in this world who look exactly alike, but there's no such coincidence that there's an assassin or Song Ya squad member who looks exactly like Song Ya and can use her body to get close to Wu Gan. I've glimpsed Song Ya from afar, but it was just a fleeting glance, and very blurry. I've also seen a portrait of Song Ya, and it's exactly the same as the Song Ya who was found. But I'm not really familiar with Song Ya; even if there are differences in her nose, features, and eyes, I might not be able to tell them apart. Now, even the Song the Merchant says that there's absolutely no difference in appearance between the two Song Ya. If they are indeed not the same person, then some kind of method must have been used to make them look like the real thing." He continued to question her.

The Song the Merchant answered truthfully. Li Xian, having understood the basic situation, said, "Alright, when you return today, you must conceal your whereabouts and not mention seeing me. Keep a close watch on Song Ya; if she goes out, quietly inform me. If Song Ya wants to attend Wu Gan's Birthday Banquet, you must find a way to stop her and delay her." The Song the Merchant said, "Ah! This... this... if Song Ya's child is real, I'm just being overly suspicious, but this birthday banquet concerns her future... how can I stop her? Wouldn't that jeopardize Aya's future?" Li Xian said, "Based on my deduction, your guess is 70% true. Song Ya is very likely an imposter. Her scheme is likely to harm Wu Gan. If you let it go, Brother Song, can your entire family's lives be spared?"

The Song the Merchant was extremely anxious, stamping his feet and saying impatiently, "Oh dear, oh dear, Gold Steward, are you deliberately trying to scare me? Is this really, really that serious? What, what should we do?" Li Xian said, "Since Brother Song also suspects this matter, then I will be frank. I suspected Song Ya's identity long before you, but it was just a suspicion. After hearing your words, it has been confirmed. Don't you think about why it was Song Ya who disappeared? The biggest connection is Wu Gan."

The Song the Merchant lamented, "If only I had known this would happen, I... I shouldn't have let her study literature." His emotions were genuine, his sorrow profound, and his grief overwhelming, filled with helplessness and despair. Li Xian observed him calmly, without revealing a trace of emotion, yet the sincerity of his feelings was undeniable. However, his regret was perhaps too heavy-handed. Although today's misfortune stemmed from Song Ya's considerable literary talent, it was certainly not a fault of her initial choice to study literature. He should be even more furious at the cunning of the villains. The Song the Merchant said, "Ah! Gold Steward, since that's the case, why don't we quickly intensify our efforts to find my own daughter? First, we should get rid of this fake Song Ya detained?" Li Xian said, "If I were Lang General or Central Lang General, I would have already found a reason to detain the fake Song Ya. But I am just Gold Steward, with very little power and little influence. Moreover, the Gold-Seeking Guard is not a monolithic entity; there is open jealousy and hidden resentment, and undercurrents are surging. The moment Song Ya was found and returned, the good news spread throughout the city, and everyone was overjoyed. There are people secretly pushing things along behind the scenes. We have no evidence, so even if we suspect something, where can we begin? Furthermore, my case-handling authority has been relinquished, and my power has been greatly reduced. In addition, your daughter's identity is special; she is one of the Thirteen Sages of the Realm, which makes the situation extremely murky."

The Song the Merchant said, "I see. Then, what should we do next?"

Li Xian said, "The best course of action now is for me to secretly investigate first. If we can find your daughter, that will be evidence. If not, you and I will expose Song Ya and try to announce it to the public to prevent her from attending the birthday banquet and harming Wu Gan. Only in this way can we be completely safe."

After thinking it over, the Song the Merchant said, "That makes sense. Alas, Gold Steward has no help at all, isn't that..." Li Xian said, "Don't worry, I will act according to my ability."

Li Xian saw the Song the Merchant off, watching him disappear into the distance. He frowned in thought, "This undercurrent has inadvertently dragged me into this mess. I was the one who found Song Ya, and if she truly manages to retire successfully, the subsequent reckoning will inevitably involve me. It's never easy to be the first to stick your neck out. No wonder Xu Shaoqian has to keep his head down. Sigh, if Xu Shaoqian were truly capable and reliable, knowing this matter would be easy to resolve with his full assistance. But Xu Shaoqian is impatient and easily swayed by emotions, affecting his decision-making. He doesn't like me, so he could easily dismiss all my speculations. For now... I'll try to investigate alone. That way, I can travel light."

Li Xian changed his clothes and mask, donned a horizontal sword, Tiger-Python Token, and a silver ball, and quietly left Jujube-Pasture Residence. He surmised, "Although the situation is chaotic, it's not entirely without clues. Song Ya's perfect disguise must be aided by a very powerful figure. If I can find this person, I'll definitely have new leads." He had only been chasing thieves and murderers for two months. Although he had a great reputation, his foundation was shallow, and he hadn't cultivated any informants or undercover agents. His access to information in the underworld was limited. He guessed that those skilled in "disguise" mostly mingled in the gray and dark world.

Li Xian found Yao Yin and, while drinking and having fun today, secretly asked Yao Yin for help in finding information. They agreed to meet at night at the "Braised Meat Soup Shop" on the side of "Gutung Street" in Tongji Ward.

Yao Yin was dressed in Black Robe Black Robe a pale white silk shirt, a light yellow pleated skirt, and deerskin boots that fit her legs perfectly. She ordered a bowl of meat soup and waited in a corner.

Li Xian sat to the side, and they exchanged a glance. Yao Yin looked excited and found it quite amusing, so she handed him a roll of letter paper. Li Xian took the letter paper, chuckled softly, and said, "Thanks." After finishing his meat soup, he left.

Li Xian did not tell Yao Yin the inside story. He opened the letter, which contained a list of names, locations, identities, and other information about the "face-changing masters" of Jade City.

The roster reads:

Wang Tongyi is a master of facial alteration, skilled in using herbs and acupuncture to change appearances. However, he can only make minor adjustments, not major changes to one's face.

Li Long, a face-changing master, was skilled at violently pounding the face to shatter all the bones, then piecing them back together to alter one's appearance.

Face-changing masters are a very rare profession, using extraordinary techniques to alter one's appearance. However, the methods of face-changing are incredibly diverse, with varying effects. For example, Wang Tongyi uses herbs and acupuncture to change one's appearance, a relatively gentle approach, but the effect is short-lived, returning to the original appearance within a few months. Furthermore, those Proficiency in medicine can detect the alterations. Another example is Li Long. This man practices "fist techniques," controlling his fist power with exquisite precision, capable of shattering the face without causing injury. He can drastically change one's appearance, making it completely different. However, after being altered by him, one will inevitably become even uglier. Moreover, it requires a "face-washing method" to maintain the effect over a long period; otherwise, the face will be covered in blood, a truly horrifying sight.

Li Xian looked at them and found them quite eye-opening.

The face-changing master "Mo Qiuku" is skilled at using venomous snakes, scorpions, and ants to alter people's appearances. He cultivates special snakes, scorpions, and ants using a unique method. The venomous snake softens the skin and flesh, and the scorpion softens the bones. The two venomous creatures bite the face, and then Mo Qiuku uses his martial arts technique "Tendon-Moving Bone-Manipulating Hand" to knead and reshape the face. Finally, the ant bites off, and the three venoms counteract each other, gradually restoring the skin, flesh, bones, and tendons. In this way, one can meticulously change one's appearance.

Li Xian pondered, "This person might be able to change their appearance using this method. At first glance, and even upon closer inspection, there are no traces of alteration. However..." The letter noted that this method of changing one's appearance takes a month. Moreover, after changing one's appearance, it is easy to develop sores and facial diseases. Several women who wished to enhance their beauty were advised Mo Qiuku of changing their appearance.

Her appearance did indeed become more beautiful afterward, but a new sore appeared every three days, and a facial ailment every seven days. Countless methods were tried, but the problem remained unresolved. Her once beautiful face was now completely filled with sores; who could even see it anymore?

There's a saying among mask masters, "A beautiful face is a gift of nature, unattainable by ordinary hands. Seeking a mask master to change one's appearance and start a new life is acceptable. But to seek to alter one's appearance, to pursue beauty or handsomeness, is nothing but wishful thinking."

Therefore, whenever someone seeks out a face-changing master to alter their appearance, the master deliberately makes them look three times uglier and secretly leaves traces.

Li Xian was suddenly drawn to a name: Tang Meng'e. The register recorded that Tang Meng'e Dual-Gender Bodily Aspect, nicknamed "The Borrowed-Face Fellow." She could borrow faces without leaving a trace, but she had to return them within ten days, otherwise the faces would wither and decay.

Li Xian immediately thought, "Could it be... could it be this 'borrowing a face' method that allows the assassins and death squad members to wear Song Ya's face without any flaws?"

A thought suddenly occurred to him, and he immediately searched for the location of "Tang Meng'e". This Tang Meng'e was located in the "Ghost Market" of Jade City. The Ghost Market was a lawless place. Jade City had many unsolved cases, and criminals and thieves hid here because they could not escape and thus survived in the Black Market.

Jade City has something to say...

If the Blue-Heavens Long Dream Tower is the thirty-three heavens beyond heavens, then the eighteen levels of the Ghost Market are essentially eighteen levels of hell within hell. The Ghost Market is an upside-down "pavilion" facing deep underground.

Legend has it that a meteorite once struck the site, causing a depression in the ground. Generation after generation of criminals hid in the crater, gradually digging deeper and deeper, eventually creating this "completely opposite" pavilion.

Li Xian pondered, "The Ghost Market... I've heard of this place before, and it seems it's time to investigate. I have a strong feeling that a trip to the Ghost Market will clarify the situation. However, the two places are far apart, so I need to hurry. Tomorrow is the first day of the ninth month." The Ghost Market is located in the north, Jade City is vast, so the distance between them is quite far.

Li Xian rode his Binds the Wind, Jufeng, at full speed, and for the first time left the western part of the city. He looked around; the roads were wide, Binds the Wind was fast. Countless buildings and countless people flashed past his eyes. He was amazed; the vastness of Jade City was beyond words.

He was in a hurry to get on his way, so he had no time to appreciate the scenery. As the sky gradually cleared, Li Xian let out a long sigh, reined in his Binds the Wind, and looked into the distance.

The Ghost Market was already in sight. The shops stretched out in all directions, presenting a completely different scene from Jade City.

(P. S.: I wanted to write more, but it's already 3 AM. I'm so tired lately, I really want to go on vacation soon.)

My editor told me that my readers usually finish a book in one go, then "read it again" a few days later. Reading it again after a while is normal, but "following up on subscriptions" is a strict requirement. So I can only ask for more subscriptions. (If you want to both read the book and follow up on subscriptions, you can turn on "Subscribe as soon as it's updated"!)