Hu Xiaotian had heard Murong Feiyan mention that name before. Sumeru Heaven was reputed to be the greatest poison master under heaven, but he had never met them himself. He shook his head.
Meng Zizai had been watching Hu Xiaotian's expression all along. He concluded that Hu Xiaotian probably was not lying, but that only deepened his puzzlement.
"Mister Meng, you seem quite familiar with the wounded man," Hu Xiaotian said. He was probing indirectly, trying to uncover the relationship between Meng Zizai and Heavenly Wolf Mountain.
Meng Zizai chuckled. "I don't know the wounded man. I've heard Yan Boguang's name, but I've never met him. Little Jiao, however, saved my life. If she asks me to help save someone, naturally I won't ask why. I'll do everything in my power." The Little Jiao he spoke of was Yan Nujiao.
Only then did Hu Xiaotian learn of their past connection. If Yan Nujiao had saved Meng Zizai's life, everything now made sense. He reminded Meng Zizai, "Yan Nujiao and Yan Boguang are both children of Yan Kui, the chief of Heavenly Wolf Mountain. Yan Kui is a major fugitive wanted by the imperial court. Surely you know that, Mister Meng?"
"I have no dealings with Yan Kui," Meng Zizai said. "We Black Miao draw a clear line between gratitude and grudges. Lord Hu, you needn't worry that I'll help the horse bandits of Heavenly Wolf Mountain harm you. Nor should you expect me to help you arrest them. Blackstone Stockade treats everyone alike. We Black Miao don't care whether you're officials or bandits. Whoever treats us well is our friend. Whoever dares wrong us is our enemy." His words rang with iron certainty and imposing conviction.
Hearing that actually put Hu Xiaotian at ease. It was best for Blackstone Stockade